tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84390964557637882982024-03-18T00:03:30.904-07:00It's the little things that make a house a home...Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12034882074673788286noreply@blogger.comBlogger339125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439096455763788298.post-90331225736617112312014-02-08T09:50:00.001-08:002014-02-08T09:54:14.912-08:00Oh, the difference a year (or three) makes...<br />
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The saying goes "time flies when you're having fun" and I couldn't agree more. When it comes to renovating, as fun as it is, there should really be an entirely separate saying for what time does!<br />
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The last time I was a dedicated blogger was back in December of 2010.</div>
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So why the huge gap of time, you ask?<br />
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Those years span the period of time when we were house hunting, then buying, then
packing, then moving, then dedicating the next two years to changing as much
as we possibly could about our "new to us" house.<br />
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Our "new" house (<i>the house you will see on the blog from here on out</i>) was built in 1989. It had no character to speak of, and by way of foil
wallpaper and English countryside borders, and maroon (<i>yes, maroon</i>) Formica, this house had its previous owner's name written all over it.
Every room we walked into and every time we turned the corner, it
screamed <i>"this is not home"</i>.<br />
It wasn't "us". Not even a little. So, the transformation was inevitable.<br />
Inevitable, not only because we wanted to make it truly ours,<br />
but because transforming things is what we do!<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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So little by little, project by project, we are well on our way to making this house completely "us". First up was wallpaper removal, then paint, then decor. The basics. Then a bathroom remodel (<i>goodbye maroon Formica!</i>), and giving our old, hollow core doors a big makeover, and a fireplace makeover much like our previous two from our old house. And the kids' rooms - 1, 2, and 3. And the backyard, moving a pond so that the yard is more useable, and a chicken coop (<i>yes, we finally got our chickens</i>). And adding trim to all of the windows on the front of the house. And tearing up carpet and painting the sub-floor because living with that old carpet was worse than living with the in-between phase until we figure out our flooring choice. And then a huge remodel of our tiny entryway, hallway, and stairwell - the single biggest change to this house that was so badly needed! And...</div>
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Of course, we have a wish list that still has plenty on it: kitchen remodel (<i>where green Formica is the star</i>), hardwood flooring throughout the main floor, french doors leading to the backyard from both the family room and the dining room, a deck that runs the length of the entire house, a wider opening between the kitchen and family room, a new master bathroom for us, a closet makeover, etc.</div>
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The list goes on, which is exciting (<i>really exciting!</i>) because for the first time, we're finally in a house that we plan on calling <i>home</i> for a very, very long time! We have time to dream and plan and turn those plans into reality.<br />
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Every single thing we've done to this house has been followed by Will saying, <i>"Are you taking pictures? You should be blogging this."</i> For him, it's a no brainer. Having a visual record of every change we've made is incredibly satisfying! Don't get me wrong, it is for me too. But I also consider all of the hours that blogging takes. It's a commitment. I just need to find a way to do it differently than I had before. A new way for me to document. I can't deny the value that it holds for us in capturing the memories and the progress. So, until I get back into the swing of things...</div>
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If you would like to see what we've been up to, it's all on my Instagram:</div>
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Username: <a href="http://instagram.com/karlaswoveland" target="_blank">karlaswoveland </a></div>
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And I still update my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Its-The-Little-Things-That-Make-A-House-A-Home/198365267137" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a>:</div>
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And there is always Pinterest:</div>
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Username: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/karlaswoveland/" target="_blank">karlaswoveland</a></div>
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For those of you that are new here, (<i>and by "new" I mean post-dedicated-blogging era</i>), welcome!<br />
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For those that never left, thanks for sticking around!<br />
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And to everyone that has sent comments and messages, thank you. Your words are inspiring! Oh, and Will thanks you too! I think he's more excited than anyone about my return to blogging! ;)<br />
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XO </div>
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Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12034882074673788286noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439096455763788298.post-88202341879688368262011-12-05T23:07:00.000-08:002011-12-05T23:07:15.844-08:009 Months Later...<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Christmastime is here!</span><br /><br />And I couldn't be more excited to enjoy all that December brings. Our family of five is busier than ever, and this month, <span style="font-style: italic;">just looking at the calendar</span> is enough to wear me out! But the holiday season is well under way at our house and I can't resist the urge to share it all with you.<br /><br />Nine months have passed since the last time I sat down to write a post...<br /><br />(<span style="font-style: italic;">9 months!! Sheesh!</span>)<br /><br />And while I don't feel that I <span style="font-style: italic;">have to</span> explain why I took a break from blogging, I do feel like I <span style="font-style: italic;">want to</span> explain. There have been a lot of changes for my family, and even some changes just for me!<br /><br />That post will have to wait though. There's so much <span style="font-style: italic;">holiday cheer</span> to focus on right now, and the business of it all (<span style="font-style: italic;">so very busy!</span>) means that it will, no doubt, fly by. 2012 will be here before we know it and there will be plenty of time to chat about my new ventures and what's been happening with us when the New Year rolls around.<br /><br />That being said, I have a new post to share! It's just...not <span style="font-style: italic;">all</span> here...on <span style="font-style: italic;">this</span> blog.<br /><br />It's over at <a href="http://girlpowerhour.com/its-the-little-things-tis-better-to-give/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Girl Power Hour</span></a>.<br /><br />Because I have been asked to be their new <span style="font-weight: bold;">Home</span> blogger!<br /><br />My first post went live this morning and I would love it if you would check it out. I'm sharing my three favorite "go-to" gifts to make for family and friends for Christmas.<br /><br />Here's a little peek to entice you:<br /><br />***********************************************<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You know how the saying goes…'tis better to give, than to receive. I grew up hearing this, and it’s now what I strive to instill in my children as they grow up. The beauty of it is that, it’s true! I have three, favorite “go-to” gifts that I make during the holidays to give to family, friends, neighbors, my children’s teachers…anyone that holds a special place in our hearts. Simply put, they are Hot Chocolate, Pecans, and Candles. But, like almost everything at Christmastime, these are all dressed up! </span><p style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The first, and most loved by my little ones: Peppermint Hot Chocolate.</p><p style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">It couldn’t be easier to make and it looks so pretty in a glass jar.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fvtvxn8fNUvzLgYEG8edheU9G0KmP_b08I5jhgb_EkncSbQiv6RTHdusxnnh8EfSK28jNtov_v7ucXmPCtI_NAGVphRldi6Dn9JtVPxUwjEbVKBOq8RaSH3Liz-65ZQ6545Mz4AsHXo/s1600/pepchoc.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 203px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fvtvxn8fNUvzLgYEG8edheU9G0KmP_b08I5jhgb_EkncSbQiv6RTHdusxnnh8EfSK28jNtov_v7ucXmPCtI_NAGVphRldi6Dn9JtVPxUwjEbVKBOq8RaSH3Liz-65ZQ6545Mz4AsHXo/s400/pepchoc.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682896441652701346" border="0" /></a><p style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Mix together the hot cocoa powder of your choice, mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed candy canes. Decorate the jar with pretty ribbon and the heating instructions, and you have a very sweet gift that will warm up your loved ones on a cold, wintry day!</p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">To see the complete Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe, </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://itsthelittlethingsthatmakeahouseahome.blogspot.com/2010/12/gift-of-peppermint-hot-chocolate.html">click here</a><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span></span><br /></div><br />To continue reading and see my two other <span style="font-style: italic;">favorite</span> gifts to make, <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://girlpowerhour.com/its-the-little-things-tis-better-to-give/">click here</a> and head over to <a href="http://girlpowerhour.com/its-the-little-things-tis-better-to-give/"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102); font-weight: bold;">GirlPowerHour.com</span></a>.<br /><br />************************************************<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">And one last thing</span>...<br /><br />to those of you who have been here from the start, those of you who showed up while I was gone, and everyone in between...<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">thanks for sticking around and waiting!</span><br /><br />It means the world to me.<br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br />*<span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Thank you</span></span> *<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr70/studiochicdesign/postsiggie.jpg" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" /><br /><br /></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12034882074673788286noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439096455763788298.post-13094351095781833712011-03-14T10:23:00.000-07:002011-03-14T10:23:29.218-07:00Green With Envy...<div style="text-align: center;"><br />I'm not sure if it's because St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner, or if it's the <span style="font-style: italic;">promise of spring</span> that is so close, I can feel it...<br /><br />but either way, I find lately that I am <span style="font-style: italic;">drawn to green</span> in a way that I have never quite been before.<br /><br />I have slowly, but steadily been adding the crisp color of apple green into my decor and I love the <span style="font-style: italic;">fresh feeling</span> that it brings to spaces that are starting to feel a little ho-hum and boring, and I'm wondering if maybe green should make it's way into our home as a stronger statement.<br /><br />For inspiration, I went to <a href="http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/302983/list/green">Houzz</a>, and this is what I found:<br /><br />Twenty photos that draw me in and make me crave green in a big, bad way.<br /><br />From light and bright, to bold and intense, green has the ability to be<span style="font-style: italic;"><br />calm and relaxing</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">bold and energetic</span>.<br /><br />I could <span style="font-style: italic;">happily</span> exist in any one of these spaces...<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">what about you?</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/114220/Living-Room-eclectic-living-room-"><img src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/114220_0_3-8075-eclectic-living-room.jpg" alt="Living Room eclectic living room" border="0" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/76171/Upper-East-Side-contemporary-bedroom-new-york"><img src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/76171_0_3-5107-contemporary-bedroom.jpg" alt="Upper East Side contemporary bedroom" border="0" height="320" width="266" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/21838/1---"><img src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/21838_0_3-4120--.jpg" alt="1 " border="0" height="320" width="302" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/68941/green-kitchen-eclectic-kitchen-"><img src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/68941_0_3-1700-eclectic-kitchen.jpg" alt="green kitchen eclectic kitchen" border="0" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/83424/Family-Room-accessories-eclectic-family-room-houston"><img src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/83424_0_3-6156-eclectic-family-room.jpg" alt="Family Room accessories eclectic family room" border="0" height="213" width="320" /></a><br /><br /></div> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/48394/Dreamy-Whites-eclectic-dining-room-"><img src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/48394_0_3-5015-eclectic-dining-room.jpg" alt="Dreamy Whites eclectic dining room" border="0" height="320" width="213" /></a></div><div style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); 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text-align: center;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(68, 68, 68);" href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/modern/bedroom"></a><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(68, 68, 68);" href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/4025/Niche-Interiors"><br /></a></small></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/107189/Lake-House-contemporary-exterior-other-metros"><img src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/107189_0_3-0463-contemporary-exterior.jpg" alt="Lake House contemporary exterior" border="0" height="212" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); text-align: center;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(68, 68, 68);" href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/exterior"></a><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(68, 68, 68);" href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/14024/Smith--Vansant-Architects-PC"><br /></a></small></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/83431/Alphabet-Teen-Boy-eclectic-kids-houston"><img src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/83431_0_3-9202-eclectic-kids.jpg" alt="Alphabet Teen Boy eclectic kids" border="0" height="320" width="213" /></a></div><div style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); text-align: center;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(68, 68, 68);" href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic/kids"></a><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(68, 68, 68);" href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/11169/Cristi-Holcombe"><br /></a></small></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/31532/Brentwood-Regency-State-eclectic-powder-room-los-angeles"><img src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/31532_0_3-7829-eclectic-powder-room.jpg" alt="Brentwood Regency State eclectic powder room" border="0" height="320" width="208" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/61247/Gerald-Tolomeo---Living-Room-eclectic-living-room-other-metros"><img src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/61247_0_3-8377-eclectic-living-room.jpg" alt="Gerald Tolomeo - Living Room eclectic living room" border="0" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/83313/Family-Room-contemporary-family-room-houston"><img src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/83313_0_3-1897-contemporary-family-room.jpg" alt="Family Room contemporary family room" border="0" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); text-align: center;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(68, 68, 68);" href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/family-room"></a><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(68, 68, 68);" href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/11169/Cristi-Holcombe"><br /></a></small></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/109844/Family-Living-Areas-contemporary-family-room-atlanta"><img src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/109844_0_3-9514-contemporary-family-room.jpg" alt="Family Living Areas contemporary family room" border="0" height="214" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/44025/Bold-dramatic-statements-eclectic-family-room-los-angeles"><img src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/44025_0_3-2370-eclectic-family-room.jpg" alt="Bold dramatic statements eclectic family room" border="0" height="320" width="248" /></a></div><div style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); text-align: center;"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(68, 68, 68);" href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic/family-room"></a><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(68, 68, 68);" href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/2253/Tracy-Murdock-Allied-ASID"><br /></a></small></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/90424/Living-Rooms-contemporary-living-room-"><img src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/90424_0_3-4069-contemporary-living-room.jpg" alt="Living Rooms contemporary living room" border="0" height="320" width="245" /></a></div><div style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68);"><small><a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(68, 68, 68);" href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/living-room"><br /></a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/55133/color-inspiration-eclectic-entry-"><img src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/55133_0_3-0935-eclectic-entry.jpg" alt="color inspiration eclectic entry" border="0" height="320" width="250" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">All of this inspiration prompted me to put together a green mantle just in time for St. Patrick's Day. It isn't a <span style="font-style: italic;">holiday mantel</span>, by any stretch of the imagination, but more of a subtle reminder.<br /><br />And, as it turns out, a great way to bring a little bit of that promise of spring to the inside of our home!<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr70/studiochicdesign/postsiggie.jpg" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /><br /><br /></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12034882074673788286noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439096455763788298.post-24214274203038322912011-02-15T14:41:00.000-08:002011-02-15T15:51:18.734-08:00L . O . V . E .<div style="text-align: center;"><br />Our Valentine's Day...in pictures...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievccBYUBoq3fDW1l3xFSJJG2Lvu_2FS8VQkfdTzNUyM3kS-6e8y_-hps_L7AglnGX4SeAATmIEBzVJDV-JmFjbA8CMKNzrQe6l6sTbTBO-tDwFkda8SBNgyVpBYFKZoEjTLXYWOYFikU/s1600/2011_02_14_IMG_9999_33.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievccBYUBoq3fDW1l3xFSJJG2Lvu_2FS8VQkfdTzNUyM3kS-6e8y_-hps_L7AglnGX4SeAATmIEBzVJDV-JmFjbA8CMKNzrQe6l6sTbTBO-tDwFkda8SBNgyVpBYFKZoEjTLXYWOYFikU/s400/2011_02_14_IMG_9999_33.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574061646764209730" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMor3icX86pc8JmIQJ8tc-pScz7QONeBC55i6nbNiJjQnBerjInnXj5eLa3cbaj4qTBnY_EOlCFSwXxDeNzxkjOn97IQTiH26OWu-CELmSbq-cU7OT8aR89jjv5Uds9ZgbvUwWkFKMITM/s1600/2011_02_14_IMG_9999_6.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMor3icX86pc8JmIQJ8tc-pScz7QONeBC55i6nbNiJjQnBerjInnXj5eLa3cbaj4qTBnY_EOlCFSwXxDeNzxkjOn97IQTiH26OWu-CELmSbq-cU7OT8aR89jjv5Uds9ZgbvUwWkFKMITM/s400/2011_02_14_IMG_9999_6.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574061849464983778" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXD8uqqoZsnxWJLr1yQ4b3uedliWj0_TWPDWni5_MYRhLKE4xob6xERL-Pr3qjZAdjGmGH9s1TRI-6z_dXd40LGe-mD1XwlXPwaBdyGI3PnfDi6iok-V2qbMJ48xuCns6QvmiZR-FdP0s/s1600/2011_01_23_IMG_9999_15.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wn_VtmyT_hltBJHr1cLZ8HBSmuE9Sa00TH4my3VxjSof89SomGgHeXJ9EkYU28QIonrn4JperjzzDPc8w5MiU2LWn4hM2N5piIbTwV35Sa9ISoX3nR1eI5x96Yrge0V5Il9TUplawjY/s400/2011_02_14_IMG_9999_14.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574061847442797074" border="0" /></a><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7bfofr8GDdb43hVuQoTUOC3suj5ZxKIBBZByjkhfBwbYIlkE3L8oPSNPpWqqB3XMfimOSFVdXlgiQ1JdBNb9rlMxDin4evt9Wdx44yHMNuhIzr2ukjq44KTXbXXanlVDLwad1OEXnvQ/s1600/2011_02_14_IMG_9999_15.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7bfofr8GDdb43hVuQoTUOC3suj5ZxKIBBZByjkhfBwbYIlkE3L8oPSNPpWqqB3XMfimOSFVdXlgiQ1JdBNb9rlMxDin4evt9Wdx44yHMNuhIzr2ukjq44KTXbXXanlVDLwad1OEXnvQ/s400/2011_02_14_IMG_9999_15.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574061847416286594" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh175aUbeOmEuW7-UyFC-qQXvvAWaUueTiSCv84wt2PHLauQ4Cz9M_ufoicwhBteU93A_pvs11B553f2nmacwtUJ15m16eNKL1YRV_UqxOUGGRXPiLMZoL_ZdFwWi_InKgy-qpeoJPMyDk/s1600/2011_02_14_IMG_9999_17.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh175aUbeOmEuW7-UyFC-qQXvvAWaUueTiSCv84wt2PHLauQ4Cz9M_ufoicwhBteU93A_pvs11B553f2nmacwtUJ15m16eNKL1YRV_UqxOUGGRXPiLMZoL_ZdFwWi_InKgy-qpeoJPMyDk/s400/2011_02_14_IMG_9999_17.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574061844079104834" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzXIVs610k8pghXq0ywOXnOuwR65pCFvq9LllL6FipODLVmfwPkGC7fsVQRuOxcL6a_OEFAkd5-ROKcvVZYyR57FfC3xWb39cjTP4O0jXv2ZpWxdoLaFn4WFVVHAFfkt4C-pEnG3FOeQ/s1600/2011_02_14_IMG_9999_26.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzXIVs610k8pghXq0ywOXnOuwR65pCFvq9LllL6FipODLVmfwPkGC7fsVQRuOxcL6a_OEFAkd5-ROKcvVZYyR57FfC3xWb39cjTP4O0jXv2ZpWxdoLaFn4WFVVHAFfkt4C-pEnG3FOeQ/s400/2011_02_14_IMG_9999_26.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574061647246223954" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37po26DriIXZWPPa4trQXsr3kGt3TM-I34Ml_aUX7uDBJ7DlmHvPreElFnYzInkbmyhvP8AzlCxTKhUIx5LV77B34KjHqgSc04gMaE-uHlgp3acFFKl7l-yvh_pBq9aKi-Sp1nH63-Z0/s1600/2011_02_14_IMG_9999_29.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37po26DriIXZWPPa4trQXsr3kGt3TM-I34Ml_aUX7uDBJ7DlmHvPreElFnYzInkbmyhvP8AzlCxTKhUIx5LV77B34KjHqgSc04gMaE-uHlgp3acFFKl7l-yvh_pBq9aKi-Sp1nH63-Z0/s400/2011_02_14_IMG_9999_29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574061646627136546" border="0" /></a><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZGBqzr-GxiJUGe-PWBSY4yTwxrzADooZbKCJyjfmQIKlK_I3j0UsZ4ePdE3WiISQjieNrfbRF31UBqQ9KBypw1LUYXxUFX8xgdI1b6PhlSTjUNqhUHlDjnWDtyVCRAwR1eBRaddC-Vs/s1600/2011_02_14_IMG_9999_40.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZGBqzr-GxiJUGe-PWBSY4yTwxrzADooZbKCJyjfmQIKlK_I3j0UsZ4ePdE3WiISQjieNrfbRF31UBqQ9KBypw1LUYXxUFX8xgdI1b6PhlSTjUNqhUHlDjnWDtyVCRAwR1eBRaddC-Vs/s400/2011_02_14_IMG_9999_40.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574061641590154130" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkjpjwlEsqA2E2LlC2rB6jC5ee3Y3mW_ZbeQ4pEIJEJpdoeXjfSMmFoVI3_80znc3VPESLWOTFwFS8tY4k3n03v51xcQcCX7_b0RBYYt6pBbdO0RAulV_WL00Ch-7rqp9C6f5zGddf24/s1600/2011_02_14_IMG_9999_42.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkjpjwlEsqA2E2LlC2rB6jC5ee3Y3mW_ZbeQ4pEIJEJpdoeXjfSMmFoVI3_80znc3VPESLWOTFwFS8tY4k3n03v51xcQcCX7_b0RBYYt6pBbdO0RAulV_WL00Ch-7rqp9C6f5zGddf24/s400/2011_02_14_IMG_9999_42.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574061634321375618" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXD8uqqoZsnxWJLr1yQ4b3uedliWj0_TWPDWni5_MYRhLKE4xob6xERL-Pr3qjZAdjGmGH9s1TRI-6z_dXd40LGe-mD1XwlXPwaBdyGI3PnfDi6iok-V2qbMJ48xuCns6QvmiZR-FdP0s/s1600/2011_01_23_IMG_9999_15.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXD8uqqoZsnxWJLr1yQ4b3uedliWj0_TWPDWni5_MYRhLKE4xob6xERL-Pr3qjZAdjGmGH9s1TRI-6z_dXd40LGe-mD1XwlXPwaBdyGI3PnfDi6iok-V2qbMJ48xuCns6QvmiZR-FdP0s/s400/2011_01_23_IMG_9999_15.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574061857696997906" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrVMxlbjh6srJaGOlv0_l382WKgwTADkY0k7cP4dqqvG5GZoDbXBh6djr0ysy4q0Bl7sMAL-z1FJweZg5USlbeOMPCUZr3JMnzLcSz-S5aUyGOmaqs4C-URYmkXvBbCXxG1LQP6Ew2zQ/s1600/2011_01_23_IMG_9999_10.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrVMxlbjh6srJaGOlv0_l382WKgwTADkY0k7cP4dqqvG5GZoDbXBh6djr0ysy4q0Bl7sMAL-z1FJweZg5USlbeOMPCUZr3JMnzLcSz-S5aUyGOmaqs4C-URYmkXvBbCXxG1LQP6Ew2zQ/s400/2011_01_23_IMG_9999_10.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574061931119134274" border="0" /></a><br />Before the kids got home from school, I put out fresh flowers in colors of red, pink and coral...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_O7nf-vzff8B5PN-YTaGkTCrI1cglxa5Fshf1NyElAmJOm_v9bSeULFjoXfEadvyNY9pW4qvO_yKKjiM0B78zUcrUPf82Jg6UKRMzflMtdXGN7wvQzOfRjX40oLJwsLssGnzqca3xcw/s1600/2011_02_14_IMG_9999_71.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_O7nf-vzff8B5PN-YTaGkTCrI1cglxa5Fshf1NyElAmJOm_v9bSeULFjoXfEadvyNY9pW4qvO_yKKjiM0B78zUcrUPf82Jg6UKRMzflMtdXGN7wvQzOfRjX40oLJwsLssGnzqca3xcw/s400/2011_02_14_IMG_9999_71.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574061334897957858" border="0" /></a><br />And baked and frosted the <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-size:130%;" >pinkest</span> cupcakes I could create!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3P35xIlNPIq7-wP9Q8GA_ySB4WF7sN-PACvQcAU2nDyqC7CxG39nPgu9fOkbiq9Hd2hZAoKLbFrvhhIgFAmSBur6Xip8ZBzVQNXIzFEAoz_Jxsvk67Adlw5hyVhV7H8konHG7vUnIw9I/s1600/2011_02_14_IMG_9999_84.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3P35xIlNPIq7-wP9Q8GA_ySB4WF7sN-PACvQcAU2nDyqC7CxG39nPgu9fOkbiq9Hd2hZAoKLbFrvhhIgFAmSBur6Xip8ZBzVQNXIzFEAoz_Jxsvk67Adlw5hyVhV7H8konHG7vUnIw9I/s400/2011_02_14_IMG_9999_84.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574061334354691522" border="0" /></a><br />As soon as they got home, they started going through all of their Valentine's from friends and classmates. <span style="font-style: italic;">So many</span> cards and treats...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEEC-oIZHV39wkRI7jh-rt76FoiaB6o2q0m3NgwIQAd2XUP7FssoKkPo0zIy7rToFYKXF8WY1wlPIimTSp1Q7WBfJiKK35c25TFWIQjAuOhvl0QSH7wODF6zXjzS1rMMdfR5SqC6hT3c/s1600/Valentine+2011+collage+-+1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEEC-oIZHV39wkRI7jh-rt76FoiaB6o2q0m3NgwIQAd2XUP7FssoKkPo0zIy7rToFYKXF8WY1wlPIimTSp1Q7WBfJiKK35c25TFWIQjAuOhvl0QSH7wODF6zXjzS1rMMdfR5SqC6hT3c/s400/Valentine+2011+collage+-+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574060769588953730" border="0" /></a><br />A present from Mom and Dad for our <span style="font-style: italic;">three little Valentine's</span>...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQT4RWxQRYffvfwCoYiWoF8gWazweuubFkM8wRupdSh1Osx0Yru2YBtgv86GHaDabvKSnHiz5vW28CF8p-KGcthOGSssXyNnI8uIz59cNCNfzHXT0DpKWAovMa5eJstAHHxSJm2DnEFKU/s1600/Valentine+2011+collage+-+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQT4RWxQRYffvfwCoYiWoF8gWazweuubFkM8wRupdSh1Osx0Yru2YBtgv86GHaDabvKSnHiz5vW28CF8p-KGcthOGSssXyNnI8uIz59cNCNfzHXT0DpKWAovMa5eJstAHHxSJm2DnEFKU/s400/Valentine+2011+collage+-+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574060763804281522" border="0" /></a><br />On the menu for dinner:<br /><br />Food that was pink, red, or heart shaped. Or a combination of them all!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJIM3maWNS5A6rTBVn8wPzkiNrWJBJHEUYkDvm27dPcugQhkPk7EvzNQjTNXEAYaCBqxnjInr58oqrpc9csobRoN0KZs0wqhBDY65Uu2oeKW9jmYBKB5YNka3bIdKP9uzc3J1U2mP5UM/s1600/2011_02_14_IMG_9999_105.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJIM3maWNS5A6rTBVn8wPzkiNrWJBJHEUYkDvm27dPcugQhkPk7EvzNQjTNXEAYaCBqxnjInr58oqrpc9csobRoN0KZs0wqhBDY65Uu2oeKW9jmYBKB5YNka3bIdKP9uzc3J1U2mP5UM/s400/2011_02_14_IMG_9999_105.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574061326850546690" border="0" /></a><br />Strawberry Hearts dipped in pink, Cherry yogurt...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsHwtX1jO23lg6jsyji_XO2P3zEXaAvIQSjnNL1lsFA4luXLo8OiVr-yf0t-MeIBHEgedkdoS4BJpmwvSYk4CemikRTE36sLSaimZgq8DRFtchsxz9rVz9DvHblriDhZmngjd-5PGBXo/s1600/valentines+2011+-+7.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsHwtX1jO23lg6jsyji_XO2P3zEXaAvIQSjnNL1lsFA4luXLo8OiVr-yf0t-MeIBHEgedkdoS4BJpmwvSYk4CemikRTE36sLSaimZgq8DRFtchsxz9rVz9DvHblriDhZmngjd-5PGBXo/s400/valentines+2011+-+7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574060763885126018" border="0" /></a><br />and Heart shaped pizza...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijti5LY9AkoYSQyhvOqv4fMgxbpWYRnyadM-XIxpdznBwCJESPW6-pvJFgl1fRBoRMWQ1dAr38Ul2OGIaguQ-1NaLCr1NaxKXU3bGZdpucqGXzRPwcy2QmG7_hSnfW_R0EubmZ-pT_gEc/s1600/2011_02_14_IMG_9999_96.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 312px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijti5LY9AkoYSQyhvOqv4fMgxbpWYRnyadM-XIxpdznBwCJESPW6-pvJFgl1fRBoRMWQ1dAr38Ul2OGIaguQ-1NaLCr1NaxKXU3bGZdpucqGXzRPwcy2QmG7_hSnfW_R0EubmZ-pT_gEc/s400/2011_02_14_IMG_9999_96.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574061330386130866" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qtkImWvpRJFE1mokzLjdj1ZD8PlaPPfUTCVDm49CFdScI4OYVVHiyhVtdeElna0HIENc9qorqjd4-W8f7UyUHZja0v6NGhO8pBvuHbStadX6hu1TnJfAiGeyFvG9FnTnT_t98c2xE4w/s1600/2011_02_14_IMG_9999_106.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qtkImWvpRJFE1mokzLjdj1ZD8PlaPPfUTCVDm49CFdScI4OYVVHiyhVtdeElna0HIENc9qorqjd4-W8f7UyUHZja0v6NGhO8pBvuHbStadX6hu1TnJfAiGeyFvG9FnTnT_t98c2xE4w/s400/2011_02_14_IMG_9999_106.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574061322269968594" border="0" /></a><br />We even drank pink milk...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0LQhD9q_NKcWPqle5lQ241M1l3_CxK7nhVmnHom5B9k92aWvlBnZidUycLOjqoEZujFDPwnW3wELsDCehwIgh61tF7byR9qKk9G8P6VAlDejS_Hx_NA9QKPApKxusvb_VLx9ciMn2fV8/s1600/2011_02_14_IMG_9999_108.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0LQhD9q_NKcWPqle5lQ241M1l3_CxK7nhVmnHom5B9k92aWvlBnZidUycLOjqoEZujFDPwnW3wELsDCehwIgh61tF7byR9qKk9G8P6VAlDejS_Hx_NA9QKPApKxusvb_VLx9ciMn2fV8/s400/2011_02_14_IMG_9999_108.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574060773104196738" border="0" /></a><br />The Hot Pink Cupcakes were the perfect Valentine's dessert...<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0no6Rphlm3u2T_TjFkzR2if3R2XITfmEGUIKZkNnTkUFTUrihkpF56YgAKbRXoMn898iqfHNvjxZhZBRMtUpf-RjBtCWAYGIGFj_2HhEvc0SV7OVVE9hJs8jExtfclQGMLlXKqITab_w/s1600/valentines+2011+-+8.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0no6Rphlm3u2T_TjFkzR2if3R2XITfmEGUIKZkNnTkUFTUrihkpF56YgAKbRXoMn898iqfHNvjxZhZBRMtUpf-RjBtCWAYGIGFj_2HhEvc0SV7OVVE9hJs8jExtfclQGMLlXKqITab_w/s400/valentines+2011+-+8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574060760301228210" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The kids and I had a great time together!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The only thing missing was Will</span>.<br /><br />But, being an airline family, we're used to having to celebrate holidays after the fact.<br /><br />We'll have our Valentine's Date Night this Saturday, and I can't wait!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I hope your Valentine's Day was just as fun, and more importantly, was filled with lots of</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" >L . O . V . E .</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr70/studiochicdesign/postsiggie.jpg" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12034882074673788286noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439096455763788298.post-51447822316316953012011-01-20T14:22:00.000-08:002011-01-20T14:25:17.322-08:00Cabin Fever...<div style="text-align: center;"><br />My poor, little girl has been sick the past week and I feel terrible for her - it's so sad when your kids are sick. But on the bright side, we've had lots and lots of snuggle time. She wants mama right by her, which I don't mind doing at all when she's so under the weather. She's definitely feeling better today and is finally on the mend.<br /><br />As a result, I have been in this house for <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">7 days straight</span></span> - with the exception of a 1 hour break yesterday to run to the store.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I have got a serious case of cabin fever</span>.<br /><br />The house is clean, laundry is done, dishes are washed, so...<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I'm painting!</span><br /><br />~WOOHOO~<br /><br />It's about darn time! It's been a while since I've picked up a paint brush and I've been wanting to tackle one wall in particular, so today was the day.<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />(Plus, I'm antsy and excited anyway...my niece is coming into this world tomorrow and it's pretty much all I can think about, so painting is a good distraction!</span>)<br /><br />The color is going from a little-too-vibrant-blue to a old favorite of mine that is cozy and warm and a beautiful backdrop color. But I'll fill you in on the details of that later.<br /><br />I wanted to let you know that my friend, Teri, is having a <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Half-Off Sale</span></span> in her Etsy Shop,<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" ><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TsETC">T's Etc.</a></span><br /><br />I've had my eye on her Pearl Dangle and Chain for quite a while, so I splurged and got the set for a whopping <span style="font-size:130%;">$8.50</span>!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Seriously</span>.<br /><br />And I couldn't resist the Bronze Beauty Necklace which only set me back <span style="font-size:130%;">$15.00</span>.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TsETC"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDv1SWG8SdWeKdGwYjEMWdSzj8PWclJkoz0lz0sCBcioArzp_Fog6o4qVEJOVw2Dw5fdn-3hJ6up41D1z8OtdtMO7B8h5fcsj5wgscUuEWSH15eyxszSFWYDmvqFW-QbezzzeFsFH_uLU/s400/ts+etc+collage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564386955123637106" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">So hurry on over!</span><br /><br />There aren't many pieces left and these prices can't last for long!<br /><br />Oh, and because she's <span style="font-style: italic;">super sweet</span>, she's giving you all <span style="font-size:130%;">FREE SHIPPING</span> on your orders.<br /><br />Yep. Her idea.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Told you she was sweet</span>.<br /><br />Just enter the code <span style="font-size:130%;">"It's The Little Things"</span> in your note at checkout and you won't have to pay a single cent for shipping.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" ><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TsETC">Click here</a> to be taken to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TsETC">T's Etc.</a></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Happy Thursday to you!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">And happy shopping!</span><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr70/studiochicdesign/postsiggie.jpg" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /><br /><br /></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12034882074673788286noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439096455763788298.post-56651448586112563382011-01-12T14:07:00.000-08:002011-01-14T21:34:29.577-08:00Our New (to us) Farmhouse Table...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRURthuer4eV2kcBLz5blhV7adrY2xtc2f1K38lEnHsIjUt1xzAI3nOXnrrIq108bp03pWb4tTsejLTMMkQqRQaG3L9j_z_FzuAf7UJrmAvaJajgWsIswyhegap0CCaEXxC5WwKQ9Kc4/s1600/2011_01_12_IMG_9999_34.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRURthuer4eV2kcBLz5blhV7adrY2xtc2f1K38lEnHsIjUt1xzAI3nOXnrrIq108bp03pWb4tTsejLTMMkQqRQaG3L9j_z_FzuAf7UJrmAvaJajgWsIswyhegap0CCaEXxC5WwKQ9Kc4/s400/2011_01_12_IMG_9999_34.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561405388585691218" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The <a href="http://itsthelittlethingsthatmakeahouseahome.blogspot.com/2011/01/what-were-up-to.html">table</a> is finished and I couldn't be happier!</span><br /><br />I have to say...my husband is <span style="font-style: italic;">the man!</span><br /><br />I ask for him to build for me, and he says "<span style="font-style: italic;">no</span>". Time passes and I ask again, and he says "<span style="font-style: italic;">no</span>". But, then...<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">then</span>...<br /><br />after a little while longer, I ask <span style="font-style: italic;">one more time</span>...<br /><br />and he always (<span style="font-style: italic;">eventually</span>) says "<span style="font-style: italic;">yes</span>"!<br /><br />;)<br /><br />It works every time, and I'm telling you, <span style="font-style: italic;">he delivers!</span><br /><br />I thought he would just glue together some 2 x 6's, clamp 'em up, rub on some stain and poly and call it good. <span style="font-style: italic;">How hard could building a plank style table top really be anyway?</span> For him, not hard at all.<br /><br />But he did <span style="font-style: italic;">so much more</span> than just glue together some boards, and it definitely shows in the final product.<br /><br />Here is where I left off on my last <a href="http://itsthelittlethingsthatmakeahouseahome.blogspot.com/2011/01/what-were-up-to.html">post</a>...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AwLCndAkEEUYZPB5u8P2kXlpS1YJXrgr-43lajtgqMLZQ6ba5YP48TnSajx2LBK9Ta43PqeZar-Peb7wrqYfgMzxJclkVeu7vJHkVj-KZFV5t9XjfVJ5ecq30EUpQl_4w_DxKbkhaBc/s1600/2011_01_06_IMG_9999_28.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AwLCndAkEEUYZPB5u8P2kXlpS1YJXrgr-43lajtgqMLZQ6ba5YP48TnSajx2LBK9Ta43PqeZar-Peb7wrqYfgMzxJclkVeu7vJHkVj-KZFV5t9XjfVJ5ecq30EUpQl_4w_DxKbkhaBc/s400/2011_01_06_IMG_9999_28.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561405075857492274" border="0" /></a>After milling up the 2 x 6's so that they fit together perfectly, then mitering just the right amount of "groove" between the boards, he clamped them together and I patiently (<span style="font-style: italic;">or maybe not so patiently</span>) waited over night for them to dry.<br /><br />The first thing that needed to happen the next day was sanding the top so that it would be smooth. We didn't want to end up with wobbly plates and glasses perched on the table top. Sanding is always a <span style="font-style: italic;">boring, but necessary</span> step for the girl that <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">cannot wait</span> to see how it's all going to turn out.<br /><br />Except, he <span style="font-style: italic;">didn't</span> sand it.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">He went old school</span>.<br /><br />He got out his grandfather's planer and smoothed the entire table top<span style="font-style: italic;"><br />by hand</span>...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SFXBFToZeaza3fS9YlSmCwvhPlYf77jbrGYLIB25lArPAkdNJwt2YH-g1yMUK_SyBDiRXScAsEJPxc_qVyHvW-Qx7Wq2lCS1P43IT7PT2gGeVeJTOZuUds1uyX1yny8ZpijDGFEq_SI/s1600/2011_01_07_IMG_9999_1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SFXBFToZeaza3fS9YlSmCwvhPlYf77jbrGYLIB25lArPAkdNJwt2YH-g1yMUK_SyBDiRXScAsEJPxc_qVyHvW-Qx7Wq2lCS1P43IT7PT2gGeVeJTOZuUds1uyX1yny8ZpijDGFEq_SI/s400/2011_01_07_IMG_9999_1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561405066986645602" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">M-hmm</span>. <span style="font-style: italic;">Told you he was the man</span>.<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />*love*</span></span><br /><br /><br />It took quite a bit longer than it would have with the palm sander, but it was <span style="font-style: italic;">so </span>worth the wait.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1u-gUovtA02Igsy7X8Jc8ObbAIr2dM-gXUSF1c9Em7V-MxMCwU3D8TOka7mq-O9ArU0oLIrJ3ewZeO8a6zQNT0M8WIL5oYGL65Kc87G6BKkYMYZvZiI7uvgHzMD0Lcuy0s1ULbmUca8/s1600/2011_01_07_IMG_9999.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1u-gUovtA02Igsy7X8Jc8ObbAIr2dM-gXUSF1c9Em7V-MxMCwU3D8TOka7mq-O9ArU0oLIrJ3ewZeO8a6zQNT0M8WIL5oYGL65Kc87G6BKkYMYZvZiI7uvgHzMD0Lcuy0s1ULbmUca8/s400/2011_01_07_IMG_9999.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561405070995393154" border="0" /></a>We decided to go with Kona Stain. Our old kitchen table top was always at odds with the color that our circa 1995 kitchen cabinets have become (<span style="font-style: italic;">think orange oak</span>), so we figured dark Kona was the best way to go...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fqqpdEUQkrmvl0mH-UolgDiFhMuI5qilCRTwCOoQqPhPaVLTHDCNhp-KZcbr5vWnJI9wJddwFNEZAzqESStUJ7W4_ZvIM5nonl7Qij7-TULQ0gQH9L5xds57I7-KaJWdNJXb0ScnNg8/s1600/2011_01_08_IMG_9999_1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fqqpdEUQkrmvl0mH-UolgDiFhMuI5qilCRTwCOoQqPhPaVLTHDCNhp-KZcbr5vWnJI9wJddwFNEZAzqESStUJ7W4_ZvIM5nonl7Qij7-TULQ0gQH9L5xds57I7-KaJWdNJXb0ScnNg8/s400/2011_01_08_IMG_9999_1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561405064692363074" border="0" /></a>It creates a perfect contrast between the stripes of the grain.<br /><br />But my <span style="font-style: italic;">favorite parts</span> are the spots where the hand planer skipped. They show up perfectly...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITbclRn6UkgCJjIFqo3X1iWD-YXCxCw8WRjHIx7RVWMIvaT4W-0c0O9U6pL1mJZ2lGLbmEpSQC1m21qEbVWuw4LSjhyphenhyphenPklYFonKh6F_-E8eAy_G2I8EmIX3GzvtlAKSottCfnl0wIYf0/s1600/2011_01_08_IMG_9999_2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITbclRn6UkgCJjIFqo3X1iWD-YXCxCw8WRjHIx7RVWMIvaT4W-0c0O9U6pL1mJZ2lGLbmEpSQC1m21qEbVWuw4LSjhyphenhyphenPklYFonKh6F_-E8eAy_G2I8EmIX3GzvtlAKSottCfnl0wIYf0/s400/2011_01_08_IMG_9999_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561405059590577634" border="0" /></a>Finally it was time to start in with the polyurethane to seal it all up...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZHArP4aqCkMXIYKERljGFDCheuKsheSg1DmKPOj0PuJZSDMSj4a_m8sxy5uYGxmGGWDGnmi1YBpOHa3GNJSoHEnUDl2JlJp_-ITWAX90XdnuSKeni9ccZbRJb2f2OUccJ6U7epsUQkU/s1600/2011_01_08_IMG_9999_5.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZHArP4aqCkMXIYKERljGFDCheuKsheSg1DmKPOj0PuJZSDMSj4a_m8sxy5uYGxmGGWDGnmi1YBpOHa3GNJSoHEnUDl2JlJp_-ITWAX90XdnuSKeni9ccZbRJb2f2OUccJ6U7epsUQkU/s400/2011_01_08_IMG_9999_5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561404750050020930" border="0" /></a>The weather here has been pretty darn cold, which has meant drying times that take <span style="font-style: italic;">way, way</span> longer than we are used to...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5m4CbAal6TIwGt7kZgBUYSq1kvqxDXWUWpxTrgRGbMmerUMZLkbZKDr1zlSpvKbXka1I9SE-TL-rdDXPDOmNFRhd2td7MrXbvZejNA1TU7BOr-1RQm2u9omhxMCkDcln7jG3Smehks8/s1600/2011_01_08_IMG_9999_6.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5m4CbAal6TIwGt7kZgBUYSq1kvqxDXWUWpxTrgRGbMmerUMZLkbZKDr1zlSpvKbXka1I9SE-TL-rdDXPDOmNFRhd2td7MrXbvZejNA1TU7BOr-1RQm2u9omhxMCkDcln7jG3Smehks8/s400/2011_01_08_IMG_9999_6.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561404744123475586" border="0" /></a>We put on a total of four coats of poly. We felt good at three, but figured a fourth coat certainly couldn't hurt...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyzFryXjpPtt-bl_M6LdnVTtBkY3t1NVkdf45STvpuAqKcyfxIQN1GqaAudxZxdSPKaZBEocVJBylMfPcmAXB3VxkOBJ78RfXIXL4BgYjHTs4QGgBTlB8EUBkOVmQZNN-c1g6tdpAhVY/s1600/2011_01_08_IMG_9999_8.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyzFryXjpPtt-bl_M6LdnVTtBkY3t1NVkdf45STvpuAqKcyfxIQN1GqaAudxZxdSPKaZBEocVJBylMfPcmAXB3VxkOBJ78RfXIXL4BgYjHTs4QGgBTlB8EUBkOVmQZNN-c1g6tdpAhVY/s400/2011_01_08_IMG_9999_8.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561404739610333298" border="0" /></a>The new table top was attached to the table base the exact same way that the old one had been attached. Just a few screws from underneath the table...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXuOWwJJWV14pJScuRflpl5D4XyPELdyJ2KJA3XpkVnL-pmT3lr74zElOKTDFiz4EUY3MgViiRnua-BHi0um_-lxd4KilVgcCsnIts1bXcrRAL53_FAymQJnDfTmT4XpZV06POan9Sqs/s1600/2011_01_12_IMG_9999_6.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXuOWwJJWV14pJScuRflpl5D4XyPELdyJ2KJA3XpkVnL-pmT3lr74zElOKTDFiz4EUY3MgViiRnua-BHi0um_-lxd4KilVgcCsnIts1bXcrRAL53_FAymQJnDfTmT4XpZV06POan9Sqs/s400/2011_01_12_IMG_9999_6.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561404732161859650" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">I am so happy with it!</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3wN2lBkhEQSi5uaSPysVz2_gfkc0F1fzlh5zKDOCwgFyBCdJKnPQ4BnZWmS7w_bFDETIHY8e_yUnqsXQRVr4FwKkaAaDFVdFmBWJqujs3U7Ct2Pf0GtJt2rARo9lWvuNZMWHxroY2UQ/s1600/2011_01_12_IMG_9999_71.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3wN2lBkhEQSi5uaSPysVz2_gfkc0F1fzlh5zKDOCwgFyBCdJKnPQ4BnZWmS7w_bFDETIHY8e_yUnqsXQRVr4FwKkaAaDFVdFmBWJqujs3U7Ct2Pf0GtJt2rARo9lWvuNZMWHxroY2UQ/s400/2011_01_12_IMG_9999_71.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561404734067964706" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Here's a little side-by-side comparison</span>...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1DweaL39yeiC1hkTbJOn0w3hsxwap0cjDlpo4v0tBAZ-3c7pDeYLkbcqtlQIKYmL33ZDYk4hsDT15epHe_sAAkrO326BRtQOVazJP57CNCsucrS28pIQG9YAhNpZAIdn9cPqShJEjSQ/s1600/before+and+after+table.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 368px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1DweaL39yeiC1hkTbJOn0w3hsxwap0cjDlpo4v0tBAZ-3c7pDeYLkbcqtlQIKYmL33ZDYk4hsDT15epHe_sAAkrO326BRtQOVazJP57CNCsucrS28pIQG9YAhNpZAIdn9cPqShJEjSQ/s400/before+and+after+table.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561416359604043906" border="0" /></a><br />I love a piece with some <span style="font-style: italic;">good ole' hand built character</span>,<br />and this table has got it!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3wN2lBkhEQSi5uaSPysVz2_gfkc0F1fzlh5zKDOCwgFyBCdJKnPQ4BnZWmS7w_bFDETIHY8e_yUnqsXQRVr4FwKkaAaDFVdFmBWJqujs3U7Ct2Pf0GtJt2rARo9lWvuNZMWHxroY2UQ/s1600/2011_01_12_IMG_9999_71.JPG"><br /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The only out of pocket cost for us was the purchase of eight 2 x 6's. The total was less than $40.00.<br /><br /><br />We also took liberties with the dimensions of the new table top. Starting from scratch meant that we got to do it our way. We made the overall dimensions larger than the original table had been - an inch wider on each side, and seven inches longer in length. It was a minor change that has made a big difference during dinner when we're all sitting down at the table together. A little more room for all of those plates, glasses and utensils to spread out.<br /><br /><br />So almost a year after finding <a href="http://littlebitsofbliss.blogspot.com/2010/03/farmhouse-table.html">my inspiration</a>, I finally have my Farmhouse Table.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Thanks to my rockstar carpenter!</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">XO</span><br /><br /><br />Now...to do something about that <span style="font-style: italic;">I'm-not-quite-sure-what's-going-on-back-there-but-it's-definitely-looking-forgotten-and-neglected</span> wall...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixr12YDgBeNcKXmb_S9eYZrjbAHt52gw7na_1x9Gy0q7McPbA7djRMkdmV3jETQwzlSdep18EmtabK0uv4Q8BPRy3RbWBerIOPnKT6qVTSPDpmsyvCLKAGwNG3czag2iwPzotbs4Yb25w/s1600/back+wall.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 311px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixr12YDgBeNcKXmb_S9eYZrjbAHt52gw7na_1x9Gy0q7McPbA7djRMkdmV3jETQwzlSdep18EmtabK0uv4Q8BPRy3RbWBerIOPnKT6qVTSPDpmsyvCLKAGwNG3czag2iwPzotbs4Yb25w/s400/back+wall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561420557754113298" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Off to shop the house for a new look!</span><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr70/studiochicdesign/postsiggie.jpg" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /><br /><br />P.S. I am linking this post to:<br /><br /><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2011/01/baseball-themed-bed-room-welcome-to.html">Between Naps On The Porch</a>, <a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/2011/01/diy-project-parade_09.html">The DIY Show Off</a>, <a href="http://thetrendytreehouse.blogspot.com/2011/01/creative-share-blog-hop-features-too.html">The Trendy Treehouse</a>, <a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/get-your-craft-on-32/">Today's Creative Blog</a>, <a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/2011/01/show-and-tell-with-colby-kettle-corn.html">Blue Cricket Design</a>, <a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2011/01/frugal-friday_13.html">The Shabby Nest</a>, <a href="http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2011/01/under-100-linky-party_12.html">Beyond The Picket Fence</a>, <a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/2011/01/strut-your-stuff-blog-link-party-with-e.html">Somewhat Simple</a>, <a href="http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/2011/01/show-off-your-stuff-party-57.html">Fireflies and Jellybeans</a>, <a href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/2011/01/creating-shabby-farmhouse-finish.html">The Shabby Chic Cottage</a>, <a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/2011/01/remodelaholics-anonymous-54-blog-link.html">Remodelaholic</a>, <a href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2011/01/weekend-wrap-up-party-and-see-kate-sew.html">Tatertots and Jello</a>, <a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2011/01/sns-64-brings-you-grain-sacks.html">Funky Junk Interiors</a>,<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.whisperwoodcottage.com/2011/01/2011-1st-project-of-year-partylink-up.html" target="_blank" title="WhisperWood Cottage"><img style="width: 78px; height: 78px;" alt="WhisperWood Cottage" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_o0tPBHHK4UU/TR_EzqlURiI/AAAAAAAAFzM/kYPt4sILErU/s800/1st-project-party.png" /></a><br /><br /></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12034882074673788286noreply@blogger.com57tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439096455763788298.post-57148691660460485282011-01-06T20:35:00.000-08:002011-01-06T20:35:49.945-08:00What We're Up To...<div style="text-align: center;"><br />I woke up this morning thinking that it was going to be a <span style="font-style: italic;">normal, routine day</span>.<br /><br />But lucky for me, it turned out to be the day that <span style="font-style: italic;">this</span>...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr50w1hWj1DecLUEDtteMVI8Y9RcGgI4b4NtB6ZTdUcQ5MggqT_9LYfzYKqO9cMDi_wKiIJlCOwgWaHkeYV7OPAP49eNqEBr_32m7qjyMGBPBcEFJoFdYT6GLC1hkr8X9n8T3V-S43COc/s1600/2011_01_06_IMG_9999_7.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr50w1hWj1DecLUEDtteMVI8Y9RcGgI4b4NtB6ZTdUcQ5MggqT_9LYfzYKqO9cMDi_wKiIJlCOwgWaHkeYV7OPAP49eNqEBr_32m7qjyMGBPBcEFJoFdYT6GLC1hkr8X9n8T3V-S43COc/s400/2011_01_06_IMG_9999_7.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559287477846849874" border="0" /></a>would become <span style="font-style: italic;">this</span>...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMPInGEmPjSmP9yVgDIdUqbbNHh1eAV4iPTl5hMlPtZ35qLKmyILK9tK9dDHmX8uIBTsPqHZJm-iRDZ46tE058aQD0_r5LGsxcPlkf9ATHpR9yWCzD8OcGrbQPIMBSrqIKkh-v_YdvZo/s1600/farmhouse+table.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMPInGEmPjSmP9yVgDIdUqbbNHh1eAV4iPTl5hMlPtZ35qLKmyILK9tK9dDHmX8uIBTsPqHZJm-iRDZ46tE058aQD0_r5LGsxcPlkf9ATHpR9yWCzD8OcGrbQPIMBSrqIKkh-v_YdvZo/s400/farmhouse+table.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559287470867864994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Isn't she a beauty?</span><br /><br />Way back in March of last year, <a href="http://littlebitsofbliss.blogspot.com/2010/03/farmhouse-table.html">Ali from Little Bits Of Bliss</a> posted pictures from her <span style="font-style: italic;">ugly-table-turned-farmhouse-table</span> project, and for me...<span style="font-style: italic;"></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />it was love at first sight!</span><br /><br />I immediately posted it to my <a href="http://karla-itsthelittlethings.tumblr.com/">Tumblr</a> and kept it in the back of my mind waiting for the perfect moment to propose the table makeover to Will.<br /><br />Luckily, he was totally game and on board with the idea!<br />(<span style="font-style: italic;">I needed him to build the top for me.</span>)<br /><br />We bought our kitchen table back in March of 1999, the same year that we got married. It has stood up to 5 moves and 3 kids (<span style="font-style: italic;">and all that they can dish out</span>) over the past 12 years, so it only seems right that she gets a makeover<span style="font-style: italic;">.<br /><br />She's definitely earned it!</span><br /><br /><br />Off came the top...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZWDSDfitIMDjndT0uoJ9e59uPP6opVlfHQYGwrQoThBrzrza_nKFccurKgFXWihP6NvNWAUSuZBUhjlH9cxbVmp394ElfdXZWy_lRmSHh4gg9klw3kVrnqIZzLjT6Y-TsKHHyqhvKTA/s1600/2011_01_06_IMG_9999_12.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZWDSDfitIMDjndT0uoJ9e59uPP6opVlfHQYGwrQoThBrzrza_nKFccurKgFXWihP6NvNWAUSuZBUhjlH9cxbVmp394ElfdXZWy_lRmSHh4gg9klw3kVrnqIZzLjT6Y-TsKHHyqhvKTA/s400/2011_01_06_IMG_9999_12.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559287479697447618" border="0" /></a>Then a quick sponge bath with TSP to remove all of the grease and grime<br />(<span style="font-style: italic;">thank you, children</span>)...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqzX8JVL6U-JvFwa4eg5mtdQahRbaOFeF8e_E3g-WbOTs_05_EGCMIo9Fj75M80QPV1cMfv_7sBiQ1IRMXVZkO0VQxqKiVytD4Zh415RkRjgvvjOTyjc7x8TY7ISKKaRyZaPEhSjpO1c/s1600/2011_01_06_IMG_9999_21.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqzX8JVL6U-JvFwa4eg5mtdQahRbaOFeF8e_E3g-WbOTs_05_EGCMIo9Fj75M80QPV1cMfv_7sBiQ1IRMXVZkO0VQxqKiVytD4Zh415RkRjgvvjOTyjc7x8TY7ISKKaRyZaPEhSjpO1c/s400/2011_01_06_IMG_9999_21.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559287484785963618" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Then bye-bye blue, hello crisp, clean white</span>.<br /><br />I used the same paint that the Board and Batten is painted in, which is the same as all of the trim throughout our house. I wanted the legs to be white anyway, <span style="font-style: italic;">but most of all</span>, I wanted to use what I already had and I have plenty of this sitting around...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6E07OicG15O4XwmT-kjzsBPbxlysaeprIyyLlNhEK0PInUsqNPuVvoE9CzoBQy9VonwJY5gUOmButsMYYGsaxtk0ykXgr_Z-Vmwazdy8cGTiFHnO152UHCzCem5tPUuJcXNj44mYXahA/s1600/2011_01_06_IMG_9999_23.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 278px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6E07OicG15O4XwmT-kjzsBPbxlysaeprIyyLlNhEK0PInUsqNPuVvoE9CzoBQy9VonwJY5gUOmButsMYYGsaxtk0ykXgr_Z-Vmwazdy8cGTiFHnO152UHCzCem5tPUuJcXNj44mYXahA/s400/2011_01_06_IMG_9999_23.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559289088379185122" border="0" /></a>I still need to put on a second (<span style="font-style: italic;">maybe even a third</span>) coat of paint, but with the top off, it's such an easy job...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Xrvm-e3VXJzNq2d1PbrwQWPzjZ-biemGdL5lqAmrTDQtDJIZqq-SzDk-IvDGVeRD8wV7AHp7eVoR2MErNWSuqrlj3wWlSx12D9agJqwrGrGXqW2cayz3Eea6RcxTV3y65RwW01jLFRQ/s1600/2011_01_06_IMG_9999_30.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Xrvm-e3VXJzNq2d1PbrwQWPzjZ-biemGdL5lqAmrTDQtDJIZqq-SzDk-IvDGVeRD8wV7AHp7eVoR2MErNWSuqrlj3wWlSx12D9agJqwrGrGXqW2cayz3Eea6RcxTV3y65RwW01jLFRQ/s400/2011_01_06_IMG_9999_30.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559288472445182034" border="0" /></a>The new farmhouse table top is currently out in the garage where it's all clamped up and the glue is drying...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWPg2ttWyNdNWg8TOUTFNteLGh26FR6lvxTET-A2Wk-h8chFmLUDt-Q26ern2EcBKV521j-b31FGqt7lmyF910ejJPLqDTOEja9LWU0Hh5EYeriBn16uoJtVlnbfx0rJ_059ErOdsvU4/s1600/2011_01_06_IMG_9999_28.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWPg2ttWyNdNWg8TOUTFNteLGh26FR6lvxTET-A2Wk-h8chFmLUDt-Q26ern2EcBKV521j-b31FGqt7lmyF910ejJPLqDTOEja9LWU0Hh5EYeriBn16uoJtVlnbfx0rJ_059ErOdsvU4/s400/2011_01_06_IMG_9999_28.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559289082126171314" border="0" /></a>Tomorrow we will put on a coat or two of stain, some poly to seal it up, and then once that is dry we can bring it in the house.<br /><br />I cannot wait to see our <span style="font-style: italic;">"new"</span> table!<br /><br /><br />So that's project #1 for 2011.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">So far, so good!</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img src="http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr70/studiochicdesign/postsiggie.jpg" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /><br /><br /></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12034882074673788286noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439096455763788298.post-47206543386346928862011-01-01T13:40:00.000-08:002011-01-01T13:40:36.363-08:00A Brand New Year...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1I4A9ewHDDq8O2BWSabE_B5XExgN3090HJUmW4hZ3ldhPL9rxFY4Hkyk2VC0DCYGUh1saeYoNR335erOFAlOVjL5nC1l-BuJ4G-SAUov3Lxs-qCYhvN3apVrceiBd3Jg0MK7xTy-_EU/s1600/1-1-11+Mt+Rainier.jpg"><br /></a>This is what we woke up to on this 1st day of 2011...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvZ65yKeRZ7BLNkv6ZRfD2jsI7_BqsXL81lDtUGLhiTQs7ZWT4dIb1BB1LOJALaeCjtgwk5vtSWvCNjHYBW0pJf5G9SudFvJQvrOEqoCRMwhKy4VHtufWp5aVn0V5rKy4X52hTujbeJw/s1600/1-1-11+Mt+Rainier.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvZ65yKeRZ7BLNkv6ZRfD2jsI7_BqsXL81lDtUGLhiTQs7ZWT4dIb1BB1LOJALaeCjtgwk5vtSWvCNjHYBW0pJf5G9SudFvJQvrOEqoCRMwhKy4VHtufWp5aVn0V5rKy4X52hTujbeJw/s400/1-1-11+Mt+Rainier.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557333021343684978" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">*absolutely breathtaking*</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >A gorgeous beginning to a brand new year!</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br />We're down to a day and a half of rest and relaxation before the kids are back in school and life returns to its daily grind.<br /><br />The only thing on our agenda:<span style="font-style: italic;"> to enjoy it.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Happy New Year, everyone!</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">~ Here's to a great 2011 ~</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr70/studiochicdesign/postsiggie.jpg" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /><br /><br /></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12034882074673788286noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439096455763788298.post-2563228597890591442010-12-22T21:10:00.000-08:002010-12-22T21:18:07.807-08:00Signing Off Until The New Year...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://karla-itsthelittlethings.tumblr.com/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiheEoda326Upx69fqRytCcaJpkOMoVj_-CsPxM8X04e65Dh_uTyh9nH1EKzyjYRWYKrPGo89qIm4j3TEkSoxYV6ImAmrmCPdFZ34l-pTlLrQvySGIPmp-WP266LouR0aoRFpsghoYH8v8/s400/colored+lights+in+snow.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553711122768071922" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >(This is one of my favorite Christmas photos - found via <a href="http://karla-itsthelittlethings.tumblr.com/">Tumblr</a>)</span><br /><br /><br />Our house is filled with the sounds of Christmas music, little voices, laughter, <span style="font-style: italic;">its fair share of chaos and arguing <span style="font-size:85%;">(from those same little voices)</span></span>, and through it all, <span style="font-style: italic;">I hear happiness and love</span>.<br /><br />My kids are on Winter Break, my heart is <span style="font-style: italic;">full</span>, and Christmas is almost here.<br /><br />These days, <span style="font-style: italic;">at any given moment</span>, our home looks like this...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_VZhPHxGUjM8GXrmUO6FE_tIvMXuLpuobtZ_pV9yXwACIbBzs3gJNLRTlF22u3Rmlxfh6_8eb0_s9CYTCZMVgSV14WSDrxEUHj6unW7SH5w46fvpGRw_9_XCfIN_F5y8x76n6LYyNlQ/s1600/2010_12_22_IMG_9999_17.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_VZhPHxGUjM8GXrmUO6FE_tIvMXuLpuobtZ_pV9yXwACIbBzs3gJNLRTlF22u3Rmlxfh6_8eb0_s9CYTCZMVgSV14WSDrxEUHj6unW7SH5w46fvpGRw_9_XCfIN_F5y8x76n6LYyNlQ/s400/2010_12_22_IMG_9999_17.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553709820865773458" border="0" /></a>...the coffee table pushed up against the couch to make room for sleeping bags and pillows, three kids and a dog in <span style="font-style: italic;">full</span> rest-and-relaxation mode, and an assortment of toys, remote controls and princess dresses scattered around the floor.<br /><br />On a daily basis we mix and sift and crack eggs and measure spices, and make a <span style="font-style: italic;">big, huge</span> mess in the kitchen. While the cookies bake and I clean up (<span style="font-style: italic;">in preparation for the next batch</span>), the kids take a break, and Classic Christmas movies play on the television. I can't help but think that <span style="font-style: italic;">these days</span>, and <span style="font-style: italic;">these memories</span> that we're making, are the kind that my kids will reminisce about when they are older. The same way that days <span style="font-style: italic;">just like these</span> became my memories when I was little...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzg3SG6nhdiBuD7qUrRaDTxvmvCVoWkbE5u-c4qEqNTW0zt6W4EGGiXW_GBk7cC3umL4x421qOOWLSNrjN5qS5z7heK1dkfVffpohv_daDGhk8LGkqU_NnN0_yi3-eFh76HLJzDcDL88I/s1600/2010_12_22_IMG_9999_22.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzg3SG6nhdiBuD7qUrRaDTxvmvCVoWkbE5u-c4qEqNTW0zt6W4EGGiXW_GBk7cC3umL4x421qOOWLSNrjN5qS5z7heK1dkfVffpohv_daDGhk8LGkqU_NnN0_yi3-eFh76HLJzDcDL88I/s400/2010_12_22_IMG_9999_22.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553709824467854594" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zGTAKEIs47TM7C_X-s-JDooqPgoT4JPcEAgWNb14VdIawWVd9HOMAPI0EcJd6lOlMPh3MCo5wtZ-ehdFD5-Wka2g6nnQ3TcWZK3lshlmBKA7Jgtnr-HmsRP28vlN9HribdQMeOEekbw/s1600/2010_12_22_IMG_9999_10.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zGTAKEIs47TM7C_X-s-JDooqPgoT4JPcEAgWNb14VdIawWVd9HOMAPI0EcJd6lOlMPh3MCo5wtZ-ehdFD5-Wka2g6nnQ3TcWZK3lshlmBKA7Jgtnr-HmsRP28vlN9HribdQMeOEekbw/s400/2010_12_22_IMG_9999_10.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553709818405215762" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">I want nothing more than to remember these moments with them, for the rest of my life.</span><br /><br />I am <span style="font-style: italic;">so thankful</span> that I get to call these little ones <span style="font-style: italic;">mine</span>.<span style="font-style: italic;"><br />And so very thankful for their Daddy</span>.<br /><br /><br />We've spent <span style="font-style: italic;">hours and hours</span> in the kitchen creating all kinds of Christmas treats...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTtriSj-q34U1gEKVwjiyCgWb_umAE9Txy3FQr9I9HPAxVvrX6dr7Xm0syvLMLB2sua6frCOaXBAc3zDE-GW5H5AdblA6FeoDCnNbTxhkBWTG9As_jz7Men1X7yF9vtSwC8f8TNTUIS8/s1600/Cookie+Baking+-+1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTtriSj-q34U1gEKVwjiyCgWb_umAE9Txy3FQr9I9HPAxVvrX6dr7Xm0syvLMLB2sua6frCOaXBAc3zDE-GW5H5AdblA6FeoDCnNbTxhkBWTG9As_jz7Men1X7yF9vtSwC8f8TNTUIS8/s400/Cookie+Baking+-+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553709826121993538" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsE8g8CKL32CMeESlT471DMtm05pMbZupaFNtzHzc6G4ONiFifTAncg5n9xPfNtAUiaZtutd0f4aWSgad-2nh6idVvgnngfdp3UrfAC-CTOX8QEHiW21GIeJ_AinFJCbAwU42ujgq7BOc/s1600/Cookie+Baking+-+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsE8g8CKL32CMeESlT471DMtm05pMbZupaFNtzHzc6G4ONiFifTAncg5n9xPfNtAUiaZtutd0f4aWSgad-2nh6idVvgnngfdp3UrfAC-CTOX8QEHiW21GIeJ_AinFJCbAwU42ujgq7BOc/s400/Cookie+Baking+-+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553709839731503346" border="0" /></a>Our annual Gingerbread House decorating has taken place and the kids are <span style="font-style: italic;">quite proud</span> of their work. We gave them <span style="font-style: italic;">carte blanche</span> - the gingerbread house was theirs to become whatever their little 9, 7 and 4 year old hearts desired...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotrvyA7yGEFxOCA83pfHG_VbSUJMh6RKeDlVviLZtm9nJmmW6bSz9eSvGdUQpvzw4bEXe0A5osh7PTZDMB-UZkyry6fCn9nlvcYBMLKdq8r70CKDND67zzuZ9jETP4ZrPw9SR-0jR8SM/s1600/Cookie+Baking+-+3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotrvyA7yGEFxOCA83pfHG_VbSUJMh6RKeDlVviLZtm9nJmmW6bSz9eSvGdUQpvzw4bEXe0A5osh7PTZDMB-UZkyry6fCn9nlvcYBMLKdq8r70CKDND67zzuZ9jETP4ZrPw9SR-0jR8SM/s400/Cookie+Baking+-+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553710180692045698" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7jPy2jQLKtXRMdJcA81go5tTVua_yH6Ix-jxqJSKOtdt5xFYSr1BdOVMORXz2zcrKgANmAnY12iDZPEyhxJMbZphlIGiNKVIJuSztSl4XoGV3p-3yqrke7YZRKY561J_KtwAyViYAgY/s1600/Cookie+Baking+-+4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 336px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7jPy2jQLKtXRMdJcA81go5tTVua_yH6Ix-jxqJSKOtdt5xFYSr1BdOVMORXz2zcrKgANmAnY12iDZPEyhxJMbZphlIGiNKVIJuSztSl4XoGV3p-3yqrke7YZRKY561J_KtwAyViYAgY/s400/Cookie+Baking+-+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553710188184333938" border="0" /></a><br />Our family's holiday festivities begin the morning of Christmas Eve and carry through into the following week. It will be a busy, fun-filled stretch of days that are going to fly by...<br /><br />The goal this year:<span style="font-style: italic;"> to be <span style="font-weight: bold;">fully present</span> and enjoy the moments as they happen.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2f92m5lz1AsLViK2C_4pn76rOlL90L50aqJXThU0M0_QRmDcVNQPNpQmDWqtd6ADb_K2F2T3o1gagn4c9grau67etWgQt7GcuBeM91-z6l3gWoLuSYbjXylmcyRNHmA25w80JFU06YF0/s1600/Outdoor+Xmas+Decor+2010+-+1.jpg"><br /></a>After all, these kids of ours are growing up <span style="font-style: italic;">way too fast</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">And they're only little for so long</span>.<br /><br /><br />Which leads me to this - a post from <a href="http://memoriesoncloverlane.blogspot.com/2010/12/just-reminder-dont-miss-sparkly-eyes.html">Clover Lane</a> called:<br /><br /><a href="http://memoriesoncloverlane.blogspot.com/2010/12/just-reminder-dont-miss-sparkly-eyes.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Just A Reminder: Don't Miss The Sparkly Eyes</span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I'm going to make sure that I don't miss any of it.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><br /><br />And if you haven't seen this, it is <span style="font-style: italic;">definitely</span> worth reading:<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://thebloggess.com/2010/12/my-heart-grew-three-sizes-and-now-i-have-an-enlarged-heart-worth-it/">My Heart Grew Three Sizes And Now I Have An Enlarged Heart. WORTH IT.</a><br /><br />from <a href="http://thebloggess.com/2010/12/my-heart-grew-three-sizes-and-now-i-have-an-enlarged-heart-worth-it/">The Bloggess</a><br /><br />An <span style="font-style: italic;">incredible</span> act of kindness that resulted in strangers helping strangers.<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />All I can say is, the tears were flowing! And that people are <span style="font-weight: bold;">good</span>.</span><br /><br />...............................................................<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2f92m5lz1AsLViK2C_4pn76rOlL90L50aqJXThU0M0_QRmDcVNQPNpQmDWqtd6ADb_K2F2T3o1gagn4c9grau67etWgQt7GcuBeM91-z6l3gWoLuSYbjXylmcyRNHmA25w80JFU06YF0/s1600/Outdoor+Xmas+Decor+2010+-+1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2f92m5lz1AsLViK2C_4pn76rOlL90L50aqJXThU0M0_QRmDcVNQPNpQmDWqtd6ADb_K2F2T3o1gagn4c9grau67etWgQt7GcuBeM91-z6l3gWoLuSYbjXylmcyRNHmA25w80JFU06YF0/s400/Outdoor+Xmas+Decor+2010+-+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553710189224373458" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >This holiday season,</span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /><br />from our home to yours,</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />we wish you a very Merry Christmas</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />and a Happy New Year!</span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">~ See you in 2011 ~</span><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr70/studiochicdesign/postsiggie.jpg" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /><br /><br /></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12034882074673788286noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439096455763788298.post-82963112745349197292010-12-21T18:30:00.000-08:002010-12-21T21:20:45.509-08:00A Gift Exchange For The Little Ones...<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvScybMkO1XFSkPyp0GsNpWjVLDVfR74huj2KWJ8SQLJfaxz7uuanVtXjR84KDA6hjEEbWJ62nJycdrpCg1rL27JvWUoJCl-asGlsmwWdFvJqGO7nWrAV6DUmB4xNY4wHK8738k7BgYE/s1600/2010_12_21_IMG_9999_24.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 283px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvScybMkO1XFSkPyp0GsNpWjVLDVfR74huj2KWJ8SQLJfaxz7uuanVtXjR84KDA6hjEEbWJ62nJycdrpCg1rL27JvWUoJCl-asGlsmwWdFvJqGO7nWrAV6DUmB4xNY4wHK8738k7BgYE/s400/2010_12_21_IMG_9999_24.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553316816381113378" border="0" /></a>December 22nd is Ellison's last day of preschool before Christmas, and all of the kids in her class are bringing in presents to have their own little gift exchange.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Cute, right!</span><br /><br />The guidelines for us parents were simple:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">One small gift for each of the other 17 children in the class - cookies, a candy cane, a little something from the dollar store...</span><br /><br />Just nothing expensive, and most importantly (<span style="font-style: italic;">and emphasized</span>), something <span style="font-style: italic;">small</span>.<br /><br />So, off to the Target Dollar Bins we went,<br /><br />and found <span style="font-style: italic;">these</span>...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIbX6vOjUhuoAPm6i67m-SEAYf745496G-qkAihp-sAItfJM7G3KbKsA22mdk-t18PTfkGgHbdr6OlZsrm8bBkiXrst8fTkted78zWV0dj2cBVNudaCjogDv_4RX5WRIbQl6tPghNdwE/s1600/2010_12_21_IMG_9999_15.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 283px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIbX6vOjUhuoAPm6i67m-SEAYf745496G-qkAihp-sAItfJM7G3KbKsA22mdk-t18PTfkGgHbdr6OlZsrm8bBkiXrst8fTkted78zWV0dj2cBVNudaCjogDv_4RX5WRIbQl6tPghNdwE/s400/2010_12_21_IMG_9999_15.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553316828429717410" border="0" /></a>Little stocking caps in turquoise and lime green.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Love them</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">And for only $1.00 a piece.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Love them even more!</span><br /><br />Yes, the tag says "<span style="font-style: italic;">boy hat</span>", but to that I say "<span style="font-style: italic;">whatever</span>".<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFUyq8ydMNrgsIo6vK3_Oqbxb2CrZxPTb0oSNASEj8s8BKSSaqKwf4NhD1uQPOaMTAQfCKTV78HxuJk068N0tobl_boIlOwKqH3o4GtpxT-vVHHRhOnKGKGTtL8OwmyOx_wd5l-Xw4PM/s1600/2010_12_21_IMG_9999_18.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 371px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFUyq8ydMNrgsIo6vK3_Oqbxb2CrZxPTb0oSNASEj8s8BKSSaqKwf4NhD1uQPOaMTAQfCKTV78HxuJk068N0tobl_boIlOwKqH3o4GtpxT-vVHHRhOnKGKGTtL8OwmyOx_wd5l-Xw4PM/s400/2010_12_21_IMG_9999_18.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553316825298754946" border="0" /></a>For boys or for girls, I think they're super cute. I love the color combo and, in my opinion, stripes are always adorable on kids!<br /><br />Luckily, they had more than enough of them, so I grabbed our 17 hats and we high-tailed it out of there (<span style="font-style: italic;">it's crazy at Target right now</span>).<br /><br />When we got home, I dug through my stash of Christmas and birthday gift wrap supplies and had just enough bags and ribbon to make it work without having to spend anymore money...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPHCHCkQUw-M5azjwQwK32x2n2nqC4KZHR-2RjxBAYgaX2vQ1-_nQm82d4NsNzA5Mwo66CjG8XI39aGX39VWQqI9FjeHhtskt_3AX-hQ0Gus8zhei6dLy7xtfKsj9vCywsS8uRawMuss/s1600/2010_12_21_IMG_9999.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPHCHCkQUw-M5azjwQwK32x2n2nqC4KZHR-2RjxBAYgaX2vQ1-_nQm82d4NsNzA5Mwo66CjG8XI39aGX39VWQqI9FjeHhtskt_3AX-hQ0Gus8zhei6dLy7xtfKsj9vCywsS8uRawMuss/s400/2010_12_21_IMG_9999.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553317923598803730" border="0" /></a>I used self-adhesive labels that I was able to customize online and print here at home, then attached them to blank 2" x 4" gift tags. Since the gift inside is a stocking cap, I decided to have the tags say "<span style="font-style: italic;">Baby, it's cold outside!</span>" on one side, and "<span style="font-style: italic;">Hoping you stay warm and cozy this winter</span>" on the other side...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVJplZckjYsdNK2BscZm4ariTCodFQl1vt7vQzZHCBhCAH60ZvKNYeERWT4iN6SGpLediLwoHC0xdbDeXQt9c1W_WuKYEwncBz7pXcaO4uc-otGdNiSsXLXu5r4Rp8ejRQ61iIERBbQM/s1600/2010_12_21_IMG_9999_11.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVJplZckjYsdNK2BscZm4ariTCodFQl1vt7vQzZHCBhCAH60ZvKNYeERWT4iN6SGpLediLwoHC0xdbDeXQt9c1W_WuKYEwncBz7pXcaO4uc-otGdNiSsXLXu5r4Rp8ejRQ61iIERBbQM/s400/2010_12_21_IMG_9999_11.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553316829945060162" border="0" /></a>I tied the tag on with red and white ribbon...<br />(<span style="font-style: italic;">I love turquoise and red together, so any excuse to marry the two, works for me!</span>)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMidS5_rUFyWmgj5Plf6bVkXp1ppuoeuhAlqfTec36T7usOK0QEpVSucBO46wZbxhFAXAeaCgdO2ksaSKmWq_CXuq5X7B8_SsQpM_3ni2onfTI3DJ1TwhG6HhpPZoQ-UrVp-W3ofGS3A/s1600/2010_12_21_IMG_9999_9.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 263px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMidS5_rUFyWmgj5Plf6bVkXp1ppuoeuhAlqfTec36T7usOK0QEpVSucBO46wZbxhFAXAeaCgdO2ksaSKmWq_CXuq5X7B8_SsQpM_3ni2onfTI3DJ1TwhG6HhpPZoQ-UrVp-W3ofGS3A/s400/2010_12_21_IMG_9999_9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553317918577964914" border="0" /></a>...and 17 bags later, <span style="font-style: italic;">called it a day!</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidt8jnDW79be26no6bPoxwFry2oewmmWxOrB-yMxR0SS84FW_UxuET4M27FlurKFs312ij68fito3vwOjC402PkSqTJry_1J9ySOQUYXpkPvH3VgDMoRevymSozmOdbdPHYYfm-sKUZ5g/s1600/2010_12_21_IMG_9999_19.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidt8jnDW79be26no6bPoxwFry2oewmmWxOrB-yMxR0SS84FW_UxuET4M27FlurKFs312ij68fito3vwOjC402PkSqTJry_1J9ySOQUYXpkPvH3VgDMoRevymSozmOdbdPHYYfm-sKUZ5g/s400/2010_12_21_IMG_9999_19.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553316818920404994" border="0" /></a>I'm hoping the parents will appreciate the practically of a stocking cap (<span style="font-style: italic;">and its lack of sugar content</span>), and I'm <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> hoping that the kids will get a kick out of seeing themselves all wearing the same hat!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />:)<br /><br /><br />And it only cost me $17.00, plus a little tax.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Perfect for this Preschool Gift Exchange!</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img src="http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr70/studiochicdesign/postsiggie.jpg" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /><br /><br />P.S. I am posting this at:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2010/12/just-something-i-whipped-up_20.html">The Girl Creative</a>, <a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/2010/12/show-and-tell-with-thanksgiving-point.html">Blue Cricket Design</a>, <a href="http://www.thethriftyhome.com/2010/12/65th-penny-pinching-party.html">The Thrifty Home</a>,<br /><br /></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12034882074673788286noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439096455763788298.post-49125250972182918412010-12-18T19:17:00.000-08:002010-12-18T19:17:51.443-08:00Cookie Monster...<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0PTgDkpqwacC3_QIBBnBKMVYyguGwF0Rr546ny03XjhgKXYHeeYmNvMf29mr7bmWeuGOCXZIebjm80asy5sPwmWf8zyOBWqtsJ2XIIk5w63apBcX838Gpvc9PKTbAlq07vVdXmY-g30/s1600/cookie+monster+E+collage.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0PTgDkpqwacC3_QIBBnBKMVYyguGwF0Rr546ny03XjhgKXYHeeYmNvMf29mr7bmWeuGOCXZIebjm80asy5sPwmWf8zyOBWqtsJ2XIIk5w63apBcX838Gpvc9PKTbAlq07vVdXmY-g30/s400/cookie+monster+E+collage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552224309948996770" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chocolate-Crinkles-II/Detail.aspx">Chocolate Crinkles</a></span>...<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">check</span>!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/jif-peanut-butter-blossoms/Detail.aspx">Peanut Butter Blossoms</a></span>...<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">check!</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.thejoykitchen.com/recipe.lasso?recipe=1197&menu=one">Pecan Puffs</a></span>...<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">check!</span><br /><br /><br /><br />The kids are officially on Winter Break and Christmas is a mere 7 days away!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Are you ready?</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr70/studiochicdesign/postsiggie.jpg" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /><br /><br /></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12034882074673788286noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439096455763788298.post-44946571476155733032010-12-17T07:22:00.000-08:002012-12-06T18:28:28.305-08:00The Gift Of Peppermint Hot Chocolate...<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKB_mCvtvIGQ5h22gP0eqbV2wqHfVeVGImT_wvTF3mIwTm5G4hPc3vkErvc9W9HoMzMu6mVTakdWy3lPwa4NkTy3w-9HOkq9FVFhR4NyFQ_sLJwThKMCukV0NkaWN1ufc3kSwzs44tGs/s1600/2010_12_14_IMG_9999_23.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_h1dH-qbv-rWUTjjZCn3XZXyJAMOkjpbT_6cfP_aXYmCqjdTB-PDb8r0rCuhLHaalzuTxppYbO7KhvlaLvLIN0ID42Nh_KdR730ASKLnIrIqkTW-6r-HkanXupCFZlZxSH8JsAF2Idys/s1600/2010_12_15_IMG_9999_35.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551664297012641906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_h1dH-qbv-rWUTjjZCn3XZXyJAMOkjpbT_6cfP_aXYmCqjdTB-PDb8r0rCuhLHaalzuTxppYbO7KhvlaLvLIN0ID42Nh_KdR730ASKLnIrIqkTW-6r-HkanXupCFZlZxSH8JsAF2Idys/s400/2010_12_15_IMG_9999_35.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Every October when it starts to get cold outside, I make our family a big batch of <span style="font-style: italic;">"homemade"</span> Peppermint Hot Chocolate. Or maybe I should call it, <span style="font-style: italic;">semi-homemade</span>, because all of the ingredients are readily available and take minimal effort to put together. But combined, they create a cup of <span style="font-style: italic;">yummy, warm, chocolatey deliciousness!</span><br />
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I simply combine regular and mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and peppermints (<span style="font-style: italic;">or candy canes</span>) that I unwrap, put into a big zip-lock bag and crush with the flat side of our metal meat tenderizer. Unwrapping all of the peppermints is the most time consuming step of this whole process, so if you have time for that, then you're good to go!<br />
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There isn't much of a recipe to follow here. You just want to make sure that you have enough peppermint and chocolate chips in there that you get a good amount in every scoop...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKB_mCvtvIGQ5h22gP0eqbV2wqHfVeVGImT_wvTF3mIwTm5G4hPc3vkErvc9W9HoMzMu6mVTakdWy3lPwa4NkTy3w-9HOkq9FVFhR4NyFQ_sLJwThKMCukV0NkaWN1ufc3kSwzs44tGs/s1600/2010_12_14_IMG_9999_23.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551664941993159570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKB_mCvtvIGQ5h22gP0eqbV2wqHfVeVGImT_wvTF3mIwTm5G4hPc3vkErvc9W9HoMzMu6mVTakdWy3lPwa4NkTy3w-9HOkq9FVFhR4NyFQ_sLJwThKMCukV0NkaWN1ufc3kSwzs44tGs/s400/2010_12_14_IMG_9999_23.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 305px;" /></a>I put it all in the jar and then add powdered hot chocolate mix. Nothing fancy or gourmet necessary. When you mix it all with hot water or warm milk, the chocolate chips and marshmallows melt to make a rich taste, and the peppermint adds the perfect hit of flavor...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYST4K7H4Zo6_PF8YaVqK7d0Ep0L17ptNwvv3qpFN1eNZmdABmj6qaEb1Ha4LDhKtIEfgjVb3r20VYUXsL_76BluxDiXeAbDN9_d94arKhkkeE6puGhwyf_cUcZl_xUGG_ge-ANQUMjxM/s1600/2010_12_14_IMG_9999_34.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551664934817682594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYST4K7H4Zo6_PF8YaVqK7d0Ep0L17ptNwvv3qpFN1eNZmdABmj6qaEb1Ha4LDhKtIEfgjVb3r20VYUXsL_76BluxDiXeAbDN9_d94arKhkkeE6puGhwyf_cUcZl_xUGG_ge-ANQUMjxM/s400/2010_12_14_IMG_9999_34.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 292px;" /></a>When it's all mixed and ready to enjoy, just make it the same way that you make instant hot cocoa. Fill the mug up 1/4 to 1/2 way with the mix (<span style="font-style: italic;">depending on what your sweet tooth prefers</span>) and then fill the mug with boiling water or warm milk. Stir until all of the marshmallows and chocolate chips are melted. When you get to the bottom of the mug, you'll be left with some chunks of melting peppermint - <span style="font-style: italic;">my kids' favorite part!</span><br />
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I made a big jar for my best friend and her family this year, tied it with a bright red ribbon and hung a few jingle bells on it...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTemgbGHQ1RMbCBna4i67-TdFCLObYGbHO9iW9f5y4pWTuIVNJ31UFroRj771amPuMbjpbo5VaRkq9Gn_dSFAnQUo91J9luUFx2IPISWpi3cEDS6GRvKlWJ0LYbo0BH7h9KhpyAC4OiE/s1600/2010_12_14_IMG_9999_39.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551664938305756434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTemgbGHQ1RMbCBna4i67-TdFCLObYGbHO9iW9f5y4pWTuIVNJ31UFroRj771amPuMbjpbo5VaRkq9Gn_dSFAnQUo91J9luUFx2IPISWpi3cEDS6GRvKlWJ0LYbo0BH7h9KhpyAC4OiE/s400/2010_12_14_IMG_9999_39.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a><br />
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And this year, the kids and I decided that this would make the perfect gift for our teacher's and their families over Winter Break and all season long...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFO9iPTGkxVHqjYjWFvJJoq-kBZ8FvMgCZbesQQjPonjC0CIgfOrX-RQz1rcUZ2GL7v9yk1_ELLjUR42SmA6Rtik1BOXQtZ-86ZPnW6KoT3hFWkPUh4zVJVHSxOm7CcGvvPCQR6gF1zs/s1600/2010_12_15_IMG_9999_8.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551664313885585090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFO9iPTGkxVHqjYjWFvJJoq-kBZ8FvMgCZbesQQjPonjC0CIgfOrX-RQz1rcUZ2GL7v9yk1_ELLjUR42SmA6Rtik1BOXQtZ-86ZPnW6KoT3hFWkPUh4zVJVHSxOm7CcGvvPCQR6gF1zs/s400/2010_12_15_IMG_9999_8.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 305px;" /></a><br />
For a prettier presentation, I added more crushed peppermint and chocolate chips on top...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkzPY5TRSdDPu9fAQg6HwFhiLW8JEIITjUiz0jss-lJT-EyN2G4m4zSQAMmsTXPJbBhg-WodR4oMfjYtE1yz3-EutJAZBSxRETW2XC_ne4JFGg9E0lrUmFc35M90sP0hBwAdeEM5TECs/s1600/2010_12_15_IMG_9999_27.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551664299938749730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkzPY5TRSdDPu9fAQg6HwFhiLW8JEIITjUiz0jss-lJT-EyN2G4m4zSQAMmsTXPJbBhg-WodR4oMfjYtE1yz3-EutJAZBSxRETW2XC_ne4JFGg9E0lrUmFc35M90sP0hBwAdeEM5TECs/s400/2010_12_15_IMG_9999_27.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">I love how it looks when you open the jar!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6fcjAUMhfVnEzL8_E3FoVUV_jA0Z_6mBDhnrlYSnkJzLRgWQGSx9l9AjoJQh8UuWCzE0EEq7wCj2aVWvIEZwCkJQTE5JnNQSl5jQktRik15p5Lzvy1JNJypdBdvYWcUqP3FJRgbOlOg/s1600/2010_12_15_IMG_9999_43.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551664290405667058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6fcjAUMhfVnEzL8_E3FoVUV_jA0Z_6mBDhnrlYSnkJzLRgWQGSx9l9AjoJQh8UuWCzE0EEq7wCj2aVWvIEZwCkJQTE5JnNQSl5jQktRik15p5Lzvy1JNJypdBdvYWcUqP3FJRgbOlOg/s400/2010_12_15_IMG_9999_43.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a><br />
My kids are obsessed with this hot chocolate, and if I am being totally honest,<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">so am I!</span><br />
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp46UAW14gVYpXT9wJJADHcSgIJuXYWWgG4tz4liuQcvWkldbdpnuIGoebaOrKfrRY71vzs2HmjlU6kMb0NNonhfckPggMiM6ILkb7QQPEXPvD7J1zfi8repqhBmSGBFM5OduwpGbFN8k/s1600/2010_12_15_IMG_9999_59.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551664286510115490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp46UAW14gVYpXT9wJJADHcSgIJuXYWWgG4tz4liuQcvWkldbdpnuIGoebaOrKfrRY71vzs2HmjlU6kMb0NNonhfckPggMiM6ILkb7QQPEXPvD7J1zfi8repqhBmSGBFM5OduwpGbFN8k/s400/2010_12_15_IMG_9999_59.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">*For the adults, a dash of Amaretto is really yummy, and Peppermint Schnapps does the trick as well!*</span><br />
<br />
<br />
The kids delivered the gifts to their teacher's yesterday and I am told that they received rave reviews. Hopefully, along with their families, they enjoyed a cup last night!<br />
<br />
<br />
This also makes a wonderful gift for friends and neighbors, as a hostess gift, and even as a gift from your child to their friends.<br />
<br />
Easy, inexpensive, and <span style="font-style: italic;">so, so yummy!</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-style: italic;">~ Enjoy ~</span><br />
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<br />
<img src="http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr70/studiochicdesign/postsiggie.jpg" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /><br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;">P.S. I bought the jars at Fred Meyer, but I know that Target sells them as well. I was able to buy them for $5 a piece, on sale. Not bad, if you ask me!</span><br />
<br />
:)<br />
<br />
P.S.S. I am posting this at:<br />
<a href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2010/12/homemade-gift-ideas-linky-party.html">Tatertots and Jello</a>, <a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/2010/12/remodelaholics-anonymous-50-blog-link.html">Remodelaholic</a>, <a href="http://decormamma.blogspot.com/2010/12/frugalicious-friday.html">Finding Fabulous</a>, <a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2010/12/frugal-friday_16.html">The Shabby Nest</a>, <a href="http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2010/12/under-100-linky-party_15.html">Beyond The Picket Fence</a>, <a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/12/sns-61-brings-you-christmas-full-home.html">Funky Junk Interiors</a>, <a href="http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/2010/12/show-and-tell-saturday-121810.html">Be Different...Act Normal</a>, <a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2010/12/just-something-i-whipped-up_20.html">The Girl Creative</a>, <a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/2010/12/show-and-tell-with-thanksgiving-point.html">Blue Cricket Design</a>, <a href="http://www.thethriftyhome.com/2010/12/65th-penny-pinching-party.html">The Thrifty Home</a>,<br />
<br /></div>
Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12034882074673788286noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439096455763788298.post-44754614530804082312010-12-06T16:25:00.000-08:002010-12-06T16:34:43.192-08:00Christmas Cookies...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBpBygHSECa6HadPB0SdkDjbq0BMcSJ0O_aZLCL1RVmi4XJbU5YMM6R2f6tEiPlbkI_LbNBo76Atwgrcdk5P6AAeyDEtKdVIp3FzGFGiFz8VFYI24vipxSdN9Zj8sTI9FXBTCwNYNpjg/s1600/TOH+-+choc+dipped+spritz.jpg"><br /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">I cannot wait to start making Christmas Cookies!</span><br /><br />Which is kind of odd, because as I have said before, I <span style="font-style: italic;">am not</span> the baker in the family.<br /><br />But how can a girl <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">resist</span> when there are <span style="font-style: italic;">so many</span> great recipes and beautiful cookies to be made!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Holiday---Celebration-Recipes/Holiday-Cookie-Recipes"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoeb44QUBCA8KoNyORK3ULBJHJAr56fprHvZlATkRFm81A4_xQjP3BweNia5PSvrRrjYZvrqEo3ZVg5ykRRrdje-_-ti7vZ1seidUKsvTl0mN0NYK3uUR_5YsVEhlqi5chqfQFTae1Z98/s400/TOH+-+choc+dipped+spritz.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547725322244607906" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Holiday---Celebration-Recipes/Holiday-Cookie-Recipes"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrtatyvh-uFtBbfhU1ZUC8BU8flOshaItfD2iOoIquxI_imtjyiqbS8GForJeU8hoV_vaRHC_MGeRGgRhA6_v74gdRu6FW1zQZ57bZCJaaX6Os8i5vOphE60cRvYofHlno4nek6uwSOQ/s400/TOH+-+snowflake+cookies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547725159658508370" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Holiday---Celebration-Recipes/Holiday-Cookie-Recipes"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeGVHWa7sq1vnS08ueUzchHLmevXReJxyWznSQW97ZANPcGFtq51PBoz5yPH11neGP53tt8gLXPOPUHFIr1ZWdT3g1fDzASQ1k7OThziNXgaQVoaiNyWvJdkogW_nQ9LYp5ncQ-ziKa4/s400/TOH+-+candy+cane+cookie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547725321895657570" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Holiday---Celebration-Recipes/Holiday-Cookie-Recipes"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbIBngJRX4G_fz-RkFOdcng_gVLC1jMp7SuyWV3DOs6nRog7a0IfWBRrFFCDS_pH25xBELcphrv5Kx3sKiXagGMOaqOv4_lNTVLwX0FY9_tMNDV3eRan3AzDCcnYGdG63MNnPLjjmDJo/s400/TOH+-+cookies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547725312272533010" border="0" /></a><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Holiday---Celebration-Recipes/Holiday-Cookie-Recipes"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAK2QlrSrZyFbFBZH6jIPlQvmhY1eZcVlbGSgLo4HoKsgwevKT6o9Qnrx7IG2IKTcS9d4LUFjmArnPnSmNi7bmlM4dxSVMCqSYE701Lg85f64s23_qj_dynld2UBZUuE84MW7zSoD2n-8/s400/TOH+-+pinwheels.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547725165505617458" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrtatyvh-uFtBbfhU1ZUC8BU8flOshaItfD2iOoIquxI_imtjyiqbS8GForJeU8hoV_vaRHC_MGeRGgRhA6_v74gdRu6FW1zQZ57bZCJaaX6Os8i5vOphE60cRvYofHlno4nek6uwSOQ/s1600/TOH+-+snowflake+cookies.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Holiday---Celebration-Recipes/Holiday-Cookie-Recipes"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeMseYVO0b_VqFPs_0qnpkg5gPgEr77O_s7i36-vYuYYVQn1a9Ydz0re-0PkWNVi9SwLleJ80w4TeZKkikQWBpQizjATXHmdPvoYGg5gdNOrk4WGWpnf9E90Q5CZsu_7jpT9fp8yIx30/s400/TOH+-+spritz.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547725154182080658" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Holiday---Celebration-Recipes/Holiday-Cookie-Recipes"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazRlamxuNYVd3yT2Kms_c8YxFP-G1akpE9Z03WbOGRmiD05HsYJbpdEx-ogmF_ndGDddXbEnzmvyzxhlaW0MElz6jYtJQy4-rG_czv_8UMUDrORegoIVw8s0dNAAR36-aWfe8itGAi4U/s400/TOH+-+truffles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547725151540520018" border="0" /></a><br />All of these came from <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Holiday---Celebration-Recipes/Holiday-Cookie-Recipes">Taste Of Home</a> and I want to try my hand at <span style="font-style: italic;">all of them!</span><br /><br /><br />And even though this recipe isn't for a cookie, or require baking (<span style="font-style: italic;">score!</span>), I want to try this one too...<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">Frozen Hot Chocolate</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6pmcWNWPnudeug_6-sl1lv-g_t0cgo-1Vv8W7CwyhLZmsALOThLz6ZXE59y_cFiwiNjKz3TsbcFENMg81bP0jY6qqbKXluEXMdcCpeBq1wC5iX9YxCb1lBeDJzAHJGeH8Aet1DFxAyo/s1600/TOH+-+frozen+hot+chocolate.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6pmcWNWPnudeug_6-sl1lv-g_t0cgo-1Vv8W7CwyhLZmsALOThLz6ZXE59y_cFiwiNjKz3TsbcFENMg81bP0jY6qqbKXluEXMdcCpeBq1wC5iX9YxCb1lBeDJzAHJGeH8Aet1DFxAyo/s400/TOH+-+frozen+hot+chocolate.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547725166395782146" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Yum!</span></span><br /><br />I have promised myself (<span style="font-style: italic;">and Will</span>) that I won't start any new projects (<span style="font-style: italic;">baking is definitely a project for me and the kitchen bears the brunt of it</span>) until I am finished decorating for Christmas and all of the empty bins are out of the garage (<span style="font-style: italic;">ie: the workshop</span>) and back under the house.<br /><br />I am <span style="font-style: italic;">thiiiiis close</span> to being done, and then the baking is <span style="font-style: italic;">on!</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Have you started your Christmas Cookie baking yet?</span><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr70/studiochicdesign/postsiggie.jpg" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /><br /><br /></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12034882074673788286noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439096455763788298.post-5203398467737262332010-11-30T14:22:00.000-08:002010-12-06T18:46:45.195-08:00Our Living Room Mantel - Christmas 2010...<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA36r8ZzZfVO-meL3CaNE-8yoA8_CeesbQkeZdxa11JJiX6GyQmCBetdUke0HYIJ-GrYRFIDQU1pf6fAHQQ4z_h92vvy5jl50k4nFX5LiUl39rAQ5xDcHNcKqJ8qxEp42CnCc80xxfmLI/s1600/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_84.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA36r8ZzZfVO-meL3CaNE-8yoA8_CeesbQkeZdxa11JJiX6GyQmCBetdUke0HYIJ-GrYRFIDQU1pf6fAHQQ4z_h92vvy5jl50k4nFX5LiUl39rAQ5xDcHNcKqJ8qxEp42CnCc80xxfmLI/s400/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_84.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545459319836142994" border="0" /></a><br />I had only <span style="font-style: italic;">one objective</span> for this years Living Room Christmas Mantel...<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">keep</span> the grapevine garland that I used for my <a href="http://itsthelittlethingsthatmakeahouseahome.blogspot.com/2010/11/our-give-thanks-mantel-thankful-garland.html">Thanksgiving Mantel</a> up on the fireplace, and incorporate it into the design.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">That's it</span>.<br /><br />For one, <span style="font-style: italic;">I like it there</span>. I like that it gives a whole new dimension to the fireplace, on top of being natural and rustic. But my other reason (<span style="font-style: italic;">which is probably the <span style="font-weight: bold;">real</span> reason</span>) is that it was such a <span style="font-style: italic;">pain</span> to get up there in the first place that I need to keep it up <span style="font-style: italic;">as long as I can</span> and make all of the effort that Owen and I put into getting it to stay in place, <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">worth it</span>!</span><br /><br />Luckily, it was easy to incorporate, and I think it worked out wonderfully...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBqgX8P1qDUIfEDpkadKDL8BfdAD7FKsFr_CprSJNP9o9MUO694_xgJUU7C8S61ACul-ekIbaHawqR4imrOpg_uZNQnqVX9b3KCDvI2rYgXRv0oUCSrFf_FuexdkTKxK-820OZr_qKA0/s1600/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_161.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBqgX8P1qDUIfEDpkadKDL8BfdAD7FKsFr_CprSJNP9o9MUO694_xgJUU7C8S61ACul-ekIbaHawqR4imrOpg_uZNQnqVX9b3KCDvI2rYgXRv0oUCSrFf_FuexdkTKxK-820OZr_qKA0/s400/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_161.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545458231184712370" border="0" /></a>The grapevine garland was the perfect (<span style="font-style: italic;">and obvious</span>) place to hang Christmas balls - in red and silver to match our Christmas tree on the other side of the room...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQ4nf_b8vD43FUqUtHJO7hTJnxP-8HG6twiQjKgukO582woWB9NKaQsdg_TGl4t6lm0ZUo0Vxb7EHNU-PTpcq3i3XoiOm36fVEK-64S47UU2ulZ6cBvOoYR-ecCcjQYKW-w0T3QDmvNY/s1600/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_138.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQ4nf_b8vD43FUqUtHJO7hTJnxP-8HG6twiQjKgukO582woWB9NKaQsdg_TGl4t6lm0ZUo0Vxb7EHNU-PTpcq3i3XoiOm36fVEK-64S47UU2ulZ6cBvOoYR-ecCcjQYKW-w0T3QDmvNY/s400/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_138.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545458272173702914" border="0" /></a><br />The rest of the mantle came together easily, using just a few simple items:<br /><br /><br />a recycled glass bowl to hold red glass balls and pinecones...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOPgdMNqTd2EMnIEKyR9MWYYbKAA65-GspLZmRLma2bJKmrLqZYZZCrH9xQxkMadBtZbaECrNzcZRfC_OlyZELC2U9n-ly0732WQwvcbNFIXn6ZC3ujhyphenhyphenmQAyh5C3ki3_ZgVV3VHSZFk/s1600/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_36.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOPgdMNqTd2EMnIEKyR9MWYYbKAA65-GspLZmRLma2bJKmrLqZYZZCrH9xQxkMadBtZbaECrNzcZRfC_OlyZELC2U9n-ly0732WQwvcbNFIXn6ZC3ujhyphenhyphenmQAyh5C3ki3_ZgVV3VHSZFk/s400/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_36.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545459843107130866" border="0" /></a>large lanterns to hold red candles and a bit of <span style="font-style: italic;">faux snow</span>...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmh2pSTVOxC9eL8Da8LIe9IDcXBfRxAlOIZvxtU1JAdeKBCk3iqkHXi7S_nsIg3HHc4v0dk-3_sIYJxVdjfZCfdG_LiOt5Yq93lRRsHtJ4PW6gjKz17bxsBWDfuRkfNdZnJ3V7IFIo9Q/s1600/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_42.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmh2pSTVOxC9eL8Da8LIe9IDcXBfRxAlOIZvxtU1JAdeKBCk3iqkHXi7S_nsIg3HHc4v0dk-3_sIYJxVdjfZCfdG_LiOt5Yq93lRRsHtJ4PW6gjKz17bxsBWDfuRkfNdZnJ3V7IFIo9Q/s400/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_42.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545459834311560498" border="0" /></a>(<span style="font-style: italic;">the best faux snow I have found, in fact!</span>)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoeLmyqTHhj6d7yRpiZYBAyVFg2KUpG0SDhynCvvBoZTB6JtRt67SwjTw3MHa_8ofV5LwWUq-qz6FC4A9kByp2aSit53SGwgma6K70AskYRI6zHMi1UKlXQfcpkdPwwozU8xiehnYmFk/s1600/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_125.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoeLmyqTHhj6d7yRpiZYBAyVFg2KUpG0SDhynCvvBoZTB6JtRt67SwjTw3MHa_8ofV5LwWUq-qz6FC4A9kByp2aSit53SGwgma6K70AskYRI6zHMi1UKlXQfcpkdPwwozU8xiehnYmFk/s400/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_125.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545458275700630066" border="0" /></a>another swag of cedar garland (<span style="font-style: italic;">see, <a href="http://itsthelittlethingsthatmakeahouseahome.blogspot.com/2010/11/our-family-room-mantel-christmas-2010.html">I told you</a> I couldn't resist!</span>) and some twinkling lights...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOlTtApCHxufS1fpBPDYKD8-MEgsR3wY8v0S3_AdeLBe8PqyNSNvpJyS6AD-IJjsoKxhK-g4eK_m2Lb_1xnFiVRPcIiPhkxJj0rYwcgssf_tyx2QBDsdTVbfVbIHOgmQ4dtnh7yGG7Mw/s1600/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_65.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOlTtApCHxufS1fpBPDYKD8-MEgsR3wY8v0S3_AdeLBe8PqyNSNvpJyS6AD-IJjsoKxhK-g4eK_m2Lb_1xnFiVRPcIiPhkxJj0rYwcgssf_tyx2QBDsdTVbfVbIHOgmQ4dtnh7yGG7Mw/s400/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_65.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545459789838695650" border="0" /></a>a basket of cozy blankets, which are a <span style="font-style: italic;">must</span> in our house...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTF8qH03BobYTkERZUAnyXaFoM91b4YihskZdZCyZSZwmOLtQVRs0drPny_GkxejHQSgdusIKcGcXoOanPcvrGr8x0db1SVrYhiNsnROcJMkDMCsgGGmgDk5f73e6SmS3eXiPqxSIQi4/s1600/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_69.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTF8qH03BobYTkERZUAnyXaFoM91b4YihskZdZCyZSZwmOLtQVRs0drPny_GkxejHQSgdusIKcGcXoOanPcvrGr8x0db1SVrYhiNsnROcJMkDMCsgGGmgDk5f73e6SmS3eXiPqxSIQi4/s400/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_69.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545459778920720610" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDS4WNNwA1e9ET-vs-M0sxsshJEZplxTH_xn_5ZyaSDWQvSKKnBvArewgGUA5VxPUiDnoUnSHmNeCYdkAJdgl4D4G70E5s-0cqekxvLdH3NCHpIFZtLGBU_nX-GoKPgePm6NYzKhyVWFI/s1600/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_157.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDS4WNNwA1e9ET-vs-M0sxsshJEZplxTH_xn_5ZyaSDWQvSKKnBvArewgGUA5VxPUiDnoUnSHmNeCYdkAJdgl4D4G70E5s-0cqekxvLdH3NCHpIFZtLGBU_nX-GoKPgePm6NYzKhyVWFI/s400/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_157.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545458242159780962" border="0" /></a>my birch logs...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgiiPr6DmcRUMRXLEfGHPIpxL1OukShwwCTkrUHDqH0XEaY2cWXatGa1i-7V9lH0iJSpbHlSdE58auboNIpiofA1cj4M0UtpF3S9RxcPpc4QydqiE6BcPDh_qZIMZZe8-wsJnzJ-2sPE/s1600/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_28.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgiiPr6DmcRUMRXLEfGHPIpxL1OukShwwCTkrUHDqH0XEaY2cWXatGa1i-7V9lH0iJSpbHlSdE58auboNIpiofA1cj4M0UtpF3S9RxcPpc4QydqiE6BcPDh_qZIMZZe8-wsJnzJ-2sPE/s400/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_28.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545460017570678658" border="0" /></a>an inexpensive cedar wreath (<span style="font-style: italic;">just $8 - seriously!</span>) hung with some sturdy indoor/outdoor ribbon...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqEzcjqSry9dY8vfcYcqKG0TCfhA9IQZTepVZyuf0wn1Kk69P75Zj7Bsy6-THlaVrTxanjA1Oo0hc2msGAN05U2Ya3QX-lxXvCmTNRG0hHkn8vmifgpPqg7ZQIAfIVvgicYXzx7eactM/s1600/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_76.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqEzcjqSry9dY8vfcYcqKG0TCfhA9IQZTepVZyuf0wn1Kk69P75Zj7Bsy6-THlaVrTxanjA1Oo0hc2msGAN05U2Ya3QX-lxXvCmTNRG0hHkn8vmifgpPqg7ZQIAfIVvgicYXzx7eactM/s400/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_76.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545459361195625954" border="0" /></a>and the "<span style="font-style: italic;">Christmas</span>" sign that I made a few years back...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQMmlqwN_tUR18NQqSJrJMlYLaDyOqwsSgLO9UUUwQgjKIi9YkMzvjPs-F4d7LNjt5DawIa-XuSfhtWWPkrr3LHy-WZ1iItVsh0C6Sp6-UzNNamE8hRqorwRtDcQ6bHzcKg1mQYT1_eM/s1600/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_92.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQMmlqwN_tUR18NQqSJrJMlYLaDyOqwsSgLO9UUUwQgjKIi9YkMzvjPs-F4d7LNjt5DawIa-XuSfhtWWPkrr3LHy-WZ1iItVsh0C6Sp6-UzNNamE8hRqorwRtDcQ6bHzcKg1mQYT1_eM/s400/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_92.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545459306113240754" border="0" /></a>...was all it took to create this Christmas mantel.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhsqa8Dau7xupjlMVvlqsVrrLHh2i-zS7xea3m1I-5F6u6nyUuzjPTtUUeK32ah9Cuc3pBD89q1Q9eB9HuFNo24JN9IOoZBvCLD0ANLnsnqRiZmvT3xEyqGKLxsfwN58L7ZKCHlydeQQ/s1600/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_83.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhsqa8Dau7xupjlMVvlqsVrrLHh2i-zS7xea3m1I-5F6u6nyUuzjPTtUUeK32ah9Cuc3pBD89q1Q9eB9HuFNo24JN9IOoZBvCLD0ANLnsnqRiZmvT3xEyqGKLxsfwN58L7ZKCHlydeQQ/s400/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_83.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545459328167122066" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNZg43fqh4y3UeKGFu4LCruO85P8K8UZUW3dXWNDYRhO2NeOCb58yqE3_O0iIFZSed2aW4oCTaJhXFiTHWX-4aJAcmFFVYznCOWnvF_4_RECj7JmwjreElI_9_sVxRS7SmCVBpwV2RQw/s1600/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_89.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNZg43fqh4y3UeKGFu4LCruO85P8K8UZUW3dXWNDYRhO2NeOCb58yqE3_O0iIFZSed2aW4oCTaJhXFiTHWX-4aJAcmFFVYznCOWnvF_4_RECj7JmwjreElI_9_sVxRS7SmCVBpwV2RQw/s400/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_89.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545459314024747682" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0DGf9hUDwkAa9lZMDQ_cGnc47mJVye04LhmxGeDf_DyKpvCfFOJPJAcJh-yIyqwfP8kSUbvIgdkvHhOnzmxfxRaOd9wn3De9-trT2TZX0csRWlMiYP0mRMHYWaHi37wxOWE5cMOrebI/s1600/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_100.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0DGf9hUDwkAa9lZMDQ_cGnc47mJVye04LhmxGeDf_DyKpvCfFOJPJAcJh-yIyqwfP8kSUbvIgdkvHhOnzmxfxRaOd9wn3De9-trT2TZX0csRWlMiYP0mRMHYWaHi37wxOWE5cMOrebI/s400/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_100.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545458278791647698" border="0" /></a><br />The ottoman sitting in front of the fireplace came with our sectional that we purchased for the Family Room this past summer, but I'm not big on "<span style="font-style: italic;">sets</span>" and like to break them up as much as I can. So the ottoman sits here. Unfortunately, we don't ever use this fireplace - it has a glass front that gets <span style="font-style: italic;">really, <span style="font-weight: bold;">really</span></span> hot and with three kids and a puppy running around, I'd rather not take the chance at someone brushing against it and getting burned.<br /><br />But this way actually works out quite well. The ottoman gets used in the Living Room, <span style="font-style: italic;">in that spot</span>, way more than I thought it would, which is <span style="font-style: italic;">great</span>...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4C2msUUX36MIJhyirtpRtl6s0hnr-IPy3TUIlfugxiVpFenkywdc7a_iuXgt5IIZnaj7ff0tT8scJtRVemocAwiSRtacospK40BeqX4yXa-I_T0PaxS-jRpcNhNFfR1kDBLtA0_YDy8/s1600/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_11.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 257px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4C2msUUX36MIJhyirtpRtl6s0hnr-IPy3TUIlfugxiVpFenkywdc7a_iuXgt5IIZnaj7ff0tT8scJtRVemocAwiSRtacospK40BeqX4yXa-I_T0PaxS-jRpcNhNFfR1kDBLtA0_YDy8/s400/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_11.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545460022029383186" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">...but I'm thinking this just might be the perfect perch for the kids...<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">it's time to snap some Christmas pictures!</span><br /><br />:)<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">Happy Holidays!</span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr70/studiochicdesign/postsiggie.jpg" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /><br /><br />P.S. I am posting this at:<a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/holiday-home-linky-party-our-christmas-mantel"><br /><br /></a><a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/holiday-home-linky-party-our-christmas-mantel"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jk0DbmStjzAJJAb3W1kxIlanXJH1lmmHSYuqJjz1WV-9lWhujn6tWNHvup495RWjHkIPtd8CfH0gL1ZQA_CQv2s-HlsQcciVcNgLgEKvG0QaxLv_05AIJX2gbrO6ss-AIhNou2UCjl8/s400/Holiday_Home_Button_Layla.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545472547677499234" border="0" /></a><a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/holiday-home-linky-party-our-christmas-mantel">Layla's Holiday Home Mantel Party</a>, <a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/get-your-craft-on-31/">Today's Creative Blog</a>, <a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/2010/11/super-easy-diy-feather-wreath-christmas.html">The DIY Show Off</a>, <a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/2010/11/show-and-tell-with-toy-box-tee.html">Blue Cricket Design</a>, <a href="http://www.mybackyardeden.com/2010/11/make-it-yours-day-44.html">My Backyard Eden</a>, <a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/2010/12/sys-blog-link-party-with-homepro-by.html">Somewhat Simple</a>, <a href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/2010/12/ruffled-curtains-tutorial.html">The Shabby Chic Cottage</a>, <a href="http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2010/12/12-days-of-christmas-ideas-day-6-and.html">Beyond The Picket Fence</a>, <a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/12/sns-59-brings-you-your-favorite-things.html">Funky Junk Interiors</a>, <a href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2010/12/weekend-wrap-up-party-and-baby-blvd.html">Tatertots and Jello</a>, <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2010/12/flaunt-it-friday-35.html">Chic On A Shoestring Decorating</a>, <a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2010/12/frugal-friday.html">The Shabby Nest</a>, <a href="http://decormamma.blogspot.com/2010/12/frugalicious-friday-giveawayscotchblue.html">Finding Fabulous</a>, <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/12/before-and-after-party-festive-outdoors.html">Thrifty Decor Chick</a>,<br /><br /></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12034882074673788286noreply@blogger.com57tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439096455763788298.post-71379498877289331892010-11-30T11:09:00.000-08:002010-12-06T18:49:12.998-08:00Our Family Room Mantel - Christmas 2010...<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCu0UEElWlx_03XI0o29GIJvh-XP5M3DbmvjMcuAWdUYihlVnwR8nZZ6tVsNMHxOyrP9bB5M8iuJNQ378S1Bd864RyLY9iVvR6ZLRNM67JWnyde6Rzg2gieWJlYB6Jo4QGeZhQBsgfASI/s1600/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_40.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCu0UEElWlx_03XI0o29GIJvh-XP5M3DbmvjMcuAWdUYihlVnwR8nZZ6tVsNMHxOyrP9bB5M8iuJNQ378S1Bd864RyLY9iVvR6ZLRNM67JWnyde6Rzg2gieWJlYB6Jo4QGeZhQBsgfASI/s400/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_40.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545407477408593138" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />The goal this year was:</span></span><br /><br />1. Use what I have (<span style="font-style: italic;">as much as possible</span>).<br /><br />2. Keep it <span style="font-style: italic;">fun</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">colorful</span>, and <span style="font-style: italic;">whimsical</span> for the kids.<br /><br />3. Make it <span style="font-style: italic;">glow</span>.<br /><br />4. Bring the outdoors <span style="font-style: italic;">in</span>.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eaIS61zrjsu35h15Wm8bk-gCeLYiD51Wy6cvBzOlrcbWPl33nodhpYUSsP5NnZCUzZpfN3Vlp2x8pGcLrgBYOJbeICCtP6PlBl-3cC3lGaq4SBQc6YW2Mq9nP9GdJwIluljY5P2xlts/s1600/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_42.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eaIS61zrjsu35h15Wm8bk-gCeLYiD51Wy6cvBzOlrcbWPl33nodhpYUSsP5NnZCUzZpfN3Vlp2x8pGcLrgBYOJbeICCtP6PlBl-3cC3lGaq4SBQc6YW2Mq9nP9GdJwIluljY5P2xlts/s400/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_42.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545405378462143202" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Did I achieve all of my goals?</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOGjqQGWL9CM4xYTsYs0tXDeaGWsFlVjMeIyO5-tfGho_sCkNs0dprBwgCf8Xpdf2cXJ7R9CpofyuyhhrfMoj855UgkRxeCxn6sgGqNGAMJWBvx5VZ1akdlqsN11ZxqhyeXn8gU_z-1o/s1600/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_9.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOGjqQGWL9CM4xYTsYs0tXDeaGWsFlVjMeIyO5-tfGho_sCkNs0dprBwgCf8Xpdf2cXJ7R9CpofyuyhhrfMoj855UgkRxeCxn6sgGqNGAMJWBvx5VZ1akdlqsN11ZxqhyeXn8gU_z-1o/s400/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_9.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545407981447414178" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />I think so! And I love it.</span><br /><br />And so do the kids, which is what <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> makes me happy!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbchyk_IHdE6Xz9Z7qAwgOBINbl_ClH3PbatLmgwtAu_i9CUfvX6hYCFO1I3haesRKwICdbALIWDiFpmEzhEvuVHXcBEc-TcyA5Q6UJ-0VPVIfVBsKcXYwFn4JXzlCjDRtndbTREW1F1M/s1600/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_63.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbchyk_IHdE6Xz9Z7qAwgOBINbl_ClH3PbatLmgwtAu_i9CUfvX6hYCFO1I3haesRKwICdbALIWDiFpmEzhEvuVHXcBEc-TcyA5Q6UJ-0VPVIfVBsKcXYwFn4JXzlCjDRtndbTREW1F1M/s400/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_63.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545409939238176162" border="0" /></a><br />I started with cedar garland. I <span style="font-style: italic;">cannot resist</span> cedar at Christmas time. <span style="font-style: italic;">Cannot</span>. It makes its way into our home every holiday season. I love how it looks, how it smells and how it ages over the month of December.<br />(<span style="font-style: italic;">Live greenery can be such a mess, but in my opinion, cedar is one of the least messy of all the evergreens!</span>)<br /><br />I buy it at Costco or at Fred Meyer, which sells 15' lengths for $14.99.<br /><br />(<span style="font-style: italic;">This was my <span style="font-weight: bold;">one</span> purchase for this mantel. A must-have at a darn good price, if you ask me!</span>)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKW81GKsHyQv5xiq3L-HBkHSuSPCE2uHfSIm12Zaf_qhi06gD4EEZss2YdCfiTXxnYETFD7B-Pw_pkrWcwlup-XwAVIBGgkjYomBkmv1tBOtxq__H4MyLq6fsSUpxbeRyn07b8sZSgto/s1600/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_36.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKW81GKsHyQv5xiq3L-HBkHSuSPCE2uHfSIm12Zaf_qhi06gD4EEZss2YdCfiTXxnYETFD7B-Pw_pkrWcwlup-XwAVIBGgkjYomBkmv1tBOtxq__H4MyLq6fsSUpxbeRyn07b8sZSgto/s400/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_36.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545407503590008082" border="0" /></a><br />Then I added a single strand of C-7 Christmas lights.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Want your mantel to glow?</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Use C-7's</span>. <span style="font-style: italic;">You will not be disappointed!</span><br /><br />Then I added some bead garland to add more pops of red into the overall look...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZwFzNmBGioPi2mmnwrwLc4IcX7LHys7MXH4rvUgdP7RkNGc47KW65JgpN3kiAveEU1QZY6c8uFnzGxVwklV6UcvdiTPv56T4nt1t4WEL4peE8YXVwOa7oUrD2ce_vDVxW55uNvRHxIo/s1600/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_38.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZwFzNmBGioPi2mmnwrwLc4IcX7LHys7MXH4rvUgdP7RkNGc47KW65JgpN3kiAveEU1QZY6c8uFnzGxVwklV6UcvdiTPv56T4nt1t4WEL4peE8YXVwOa7oUrD2ce_vDVxW55uNvRHxIo/s400/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_38.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545407493234023122" border="0" /></a><br />I bought this Advent Calendar last year at one of our local Holiday Bazaar's. It is made to stand on a table, but I wanted it to stay out of reach from <span style="font-style: italic;">little hands</span>, so I added a sawtooth hanger on the back and hung it up here...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHHHDMzPHd73fhXiI8tYTLianGrwj8MLMBW-Ht9sQeY7cuwBlf-STPw8xWl0M8nmwvL0DxaRZp15CiFS5WG5ofVgk80ZIcber49MGjbOGH6D0bGTF6_J2cH1woogbvhyphenhyphenl-zW_6GQd4X0/s1600/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_25.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 281px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHHHDMzPHd73fhXiI8tYTLianGrwj8MLMBW-Ht9sQeY7cuwBlf-STPw8xWl0M8nmwvL0DxaRZp15CiFS5WG5ofVgk80ZIcber49MGjbOGH6D0bGTF6_J2cH1woogbvhyphenhyphenl-zW_6GQd4X0/s400/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_25.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545407045760900082" border="0" /></a><br />Next...<span style="font-style: italic;">the hanging ornaments</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">My <span style="font-size:130%;">absolute</span> favorite part!</span><br /><br />I just used thin gift wrapping ribbon, looped through the top of each ornament. Then I used small, white thumbtacks to secure the ribbon to the ceiling...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBDKHFOvgzfAO3TfIVOyCoHyhBpNiiuqLBDAEiHjIphT9hshTbhvS6l7joYZ5Rynvpl4r-KAm38PLNfqFCKT4XFZpk4XngpnZiZs03K0xb4_piBMjtL2tMcoDZXK9N8kwrCo5oyLcYU0/s1600/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_33.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBDKHFOvgzfAO3TfIVOyCoHyhBpNiiuqLBDAEiHjIphT9hshTbhvS6l7joYZ5Rynvpl4r-KAm38PLNfqFCKT4XFZpk4XngpnZiZs03K0xb4_piBMjtL2tMcoDZXK9N8kwrCo5oyLcYU0/s400/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_33.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545407034566292642" border="0" /></a><br />The ornaments are shatterproof (<span style="font-style: italic;">ie: plastic</span>), so if something should happen and they were to fall, I don't have to worry about broken glass across the hearth and wood floor...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnIQAz-sSOq5a3i9QHnwCSrSvdhsMe2-IgfvQbucCgnwR7-PWvu62lIjyeuGwzG6Hrex3MBN7FnQrGmPUzJlWx5I3btkdR7hO4mnI_Ft5GuumbL-hgShfcELjJ10hieOgqfn4z9WvkyE/s1600/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_60.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 342px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnIQAz-sSOq5a3i9QHnwCSrSvdhsMe2-IgfvQbucCgnwR7-PWvu62lIjyeuGwzG6Hrex3MBN7FnQrGmPUzJlWx5I3btkdR7hO4mnI_Ft5GuumbL-hgShfcELjJ10hieOgqfn4z9WvkyE/s400/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_60.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545405372725232786" border="0" /></a><br />I finished it off with my <a href="http://itsthelittlethingsthatmakeahouseahome.blogspot.com/2010/11/thats-wrap.html">ribbon wrapped candles</a>, and the <a href="http://itsthelittlethingsthatmakeahouseahome.blogspot.com/2009/12/joy.html">J O Y sign</a> that I made last year, to sneak in a little bit of that fresh lime green color...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and last, <span style="font-style: italic;">but certainly not least</span>, our spot for the kids to put their letters to Santa...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ECoOxGGc_ytk-DuhO3UTbT8Tk5NOk56i_xpSv3XNcuAgM6DGaQtItq66CAwcca8SXztSYtnGSQchfGajv1HkeXOjX7m5Qcm3Gx0auvRRMyx0aUGE6tZHT1PbdApjKAL9hUfUPfhNKQ8/s1600/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_13.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 315px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ECoOxGGc_ytk-DuhO3UTbT8Tk5NOk56i_xpSv3XNcuAgM6DGaQtItq66CAwcca8SXztSYtnGSQchfGajv1HkeXOjX7m5Qcm3Gx0auvRRMyx0aUGE6tZHT1PbdApjKAL9hUfUPfhNKQ8/s400/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_13.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545407974593403778" border="0" /></a><br />My mother-in-law made our stockings for us year's ago, and as we added kids, she made more stockings. They are the perfect colors and fit in beautifully every Christmas...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYOpHGufS2iqjMjHZmm0RfnmbZSgUEneNDzOWWXs6yHjfsrfw_aBnsrjByILR6ZEGTv_lVrqPlnsB9nSuC0JBqplt064sEJSOQ5Xn_KyZmkatgijqv02YKA-C_VfnNigXMmtHTKYGZmE/s1600/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_41.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYOpHGufS2iqjMjHZmm0RfnmbZSgUEneNDzOWWXs6yHjfsrfw_aBnsrjByILR6ZEGTv_lVrqPlnsB9nSuC0JBqplt064sEJSOQ5Xn_KyZmkatgijqv02YKA-C_VfnNigXMmtHTKYGZmE/s400/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_41.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545405383247067106" border="0" /></a>The kids were in charge of the tree in the Family Room this year, and I love how it all looks together...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3OmW4OrQj5onMWl4uU_38cTJA2ktlO1R9r8SKk-Y8ncWltdMDgXDAuiDH5aHjRloQ4IWH-HsL5fxF4Sn69t61F4LfT891ipy_Y_0DulJMJl75Yh-J3SKRScCABOQfIhn6glp6ChtL74/s1600/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_7.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3OmW4OrQj5onMWl4uU_38cTJA2ktlO1R9r8SKk-Y8ncWltdMDgXDAuiDH5aHjRloQ4IWH-HsL5fxF4Sn69t61F4LfT891ipy_Y_0DulJMJl75Yh-J3SKRScCABOQfIhn6glp6ChtL74/s400/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_7.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545407989254607906" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">And there you have it...</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8AtTIO397W2jVOOagSe08IdpkaIhz18Ux6DDT_sKNmYvELwqVDhsdyRTX8qNeR37G7bSwTAGZTgOPQBSyy9x6JvxU4G_R6BEMFnJhbpE-pgEgLnklPehCKvBO_hqOnF2h5sCkXPzrMaw/s1600/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_65.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8AtTIO397W2jVOOagSe08IdpkaIhz18Ux6DDT_sKNmYvELwqVDhsdyRTX8qNeR37G7bSwTAGZTgOPQBSyy9x6JvxU4G_R6BEMFnJhbpE-pgEgLnklPehCKvBO_hqOnF2h5sCkXPzrMaw/s400/2010_11_30_IMG_9999_65.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545405355472059666" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Our inexpensive-use-what-you've-got-colorful-whimsical-glowing-cedar-loving-Christmas mantel</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Whew!</span></span><br /><br /><br />Now...time to sit down on our cozy couch with a mug of hot chocolate and a magazine, and enjoy it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">Happy Holidays!</span></span><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr70/studiochicdesign/postsiggie.jpg" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /><br /><br />P.S. I am posting this at:<br /><br /><a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/holiday-home-linky-party-our-christmas-mantel"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEi67JAxJheeFQLn9AFN-RPTikgb43gbi0yVXPnDfy0jHZUra_fToxfLZAePYfDGugJBLvsH19luL2Rsm32UXelQFldoLyhFNLrvNHOdvsO71HU_pus0UkmPaulvMuhrG9jA66SBYjWQ/s400/Holiday_Home_Button_Layla.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545424991896824482" border="0" /></a><a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/holiday-home-linky-party-our-christmas-mantel">Layla's Holiday Home Mantel Party</a>, <a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/get-your-craft-on-31/">Today's Creative Blog</a>, <a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/2010/11/super-easy-diy-feather-wreath-christmas.html">The DIY Show Off</a>, <a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/2010/11/show-and-tell-with-toy-box-tee.html">Blue Cricket Design</a>, <a href="http://www.mybackyardeden.com/2010/11/make-it-yours-day-44.html">My Backyard Eden</a>, <a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/2010/12/sys-blog-link-party-with-homepro-by.html">Somewhat Simple</a>, <a href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/2010/12/ruffled-curtains-tutorial.html">The Shabby Chic Cottage</a>, <a href="http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2010/12/12-days-of-christmas-ideas-day-6-and.html">Beyond The Picket Fence</a>, <a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/12/sns-59-brings-you-your-favorite-things.html">Funky Junk Interiors</a>, <a href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2010/12/weekend-wrap-up-party-and-baby-blvd.html">Tatertots and Jello</a>, <a href="http://itsthelittlethingsthatmakeahouseahome.blogspot.com/2010/11/our-family-room-mantel-christmas-2010.html">Chic On A Shoestring Decorating</a>, <a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2010/12/frugal-friday.html">The Shabby Nest</a>, <a href="http://decormamma.blogspot.com/2010/12/frugalicious-friday-giveawayscotchblue.html">Finding Fabulous</a>, <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/12/before-and-after-party-festive-outdoors.html">Thrifty Decor Chick</a>,<br /><br /></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12034882074673788286noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439096455763788298.post-78988430113990950802010-11-29T13:32:00.000-08:002010-11-29T20:24:11.755-08:00That's A Wrap...<div style="text-align: center;"><br />I've been working on my mantels for the past few days - putting a <span style="font-style: italic;">holiday twist</span> on the main focal points of our family room and living room. For the most part, I am using what I have and, <span style="font-style: italic;">patiently</span>, going with the flow. I didn't have a plan or direction that I was aiming in, <span style="font-style: italic;">at all</span>. I just knew that I wanted it to be...<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">festive, colorful and whimsical</span></span>.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">So far, so good!</span><br /><br />But my plain Jane white candles just weren't cutting it for me.<br /><br /><br />Luckily, all it took was a little of this...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5f7TP3wmnFdgee2BV0vsNKeki87lXeXMBmcjenegEhTpstOdwAwdDDdsjd0l4rRqww_ymhaEzxpn3xA93XiDd8Qqxef3UZNG_VRiPPtIUXMl2O3DHlOh1dbwzKyyiV_p2ejEsVo_umw/s1600/2010_11_28_IMG_9999_54.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5f7TP3wmnFdgee2BV0vsNKeki87lXeXMBmcjenegEhTpstOdwAwdDDdsjd0l4rRqww_ymhaEzxpn3xA93XiDd8Qqxef3UZNG_VRiPPtIUXMl2O3DHlOh1dbwzKyyiV_p2ejEsVo_umw/s400/2010_11_28_IMG_9999_54.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544994388502192498" border="0" /></a>Inexpensive sheer, wired ribbon and some of that indoor/outdoor ribbon that you can get, well...<span style="font-style: italic;">everywhere</span> right now. I had both sitting in a bin from last Christmas and it turned out to be just what I needed for my candles this year.<br /><br />A little wrap, and they take on a whole new custom look that fits perfectly with my Christmas decor this year...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6QsACrvdN1Zy6KoKzMUbm541sQho3DWdeNK09SLs_IiIhHVZ9_l3lesTtw64erIhp19x8s7l7nAnkocpiUERcpB5CQrgbnVMSN2W30tCTEgORkwlLhyphenhyphenlAyeX6fgFbJz34LxtW531-9M/s1600/2010_11_28_IMG_9999_15.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6QsACrvdN1Zy6KoKzMUbm541sQho3DWdeNK09SLs_IiIhHVZ9_l3lesTtw64erIhp19x8s7l7nAnkocpiUERcpB5CQrgbnVMSN2W30tCTEgORkwlLhyphenhyphenlAyeX6fgFbJz34LxtW531-9M/s400/2010_11_28_IMG_9999_15.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544994385888578434" border="0" /></a><br />So easy.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Too easy, really!</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />Which is just how I like it!</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><img src="http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr70/studiochicdesign/postsiggie.jpg" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /><br /><br />P.S. I am posting this at:<br /><br /><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2010/11/hunt-themed-christmas-mantel-welcome-to.html">Between Naps On The Porch</a>, <a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.blogspot.com/2010/11/making-world-cuter-monday_29.html">Making The World Cuter</a>, <a href="http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/2010/11/market-yourself-monday-pearl-tulle.html">Sumo's Sweet Stuff</a>, <a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2010/11/just-something-i-whipped-up-holiday.html">The Girl Creative</a>, <a href="http://craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/2010/11/motivate-me-monday-46.html">Keeping It Simple</a>, <a href="http://cottageinstincts.blogspot.com/2010/11/make-it-4-monday_28.html">Cottage Instincts</a>,<br /><br /></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12034882074673788286noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439096455763788298.post-21694611648354552232010-11-27T13:01:00.000-08:002010-11-27T13:02:23.470-08:00Feeling Inspired...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLoNBOO7f4xq-O-x-C8nAsotMSa6FYkkPjw5D4eqJxiSB406jRB3Aq3QX-8rfcSiiEuiQl0yap__0TRLff174gBg1GjUA4w3DB5K4AbACpUqAIDLC-sJ8-TBsf9X3MF0Tyxz9N4Hv0GY/s1600/Xmas+Inspiration+-+1.jpg"><br /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Christmas time is here...</span></span><br /><br />and with it comes an endless amount of shared inspiration!<br /><br /><br />These are just a few of my favorites over the past few days:<br /><br /><br />from <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><a href="http://blog.alicelanehome.com/uncategorized/lovely-thoughts-an-alice-lane-christmas/">Alice Lane Home</a></span>, a <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">gorgeous</span> Holiday mantel...<br /><br /><a href="http://blog.alicelanehome.com/uncategorized/lovely-thoughts-an-alice-lane-christmas/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1YjsTPqMxtMI6CJNdpby5EuivvB_TdwDqo9T9QoWgAqOtopOSWJulnrqkG_cnBtrLKVuMJ34RXKNVfklMwQ3N_9GmFR4nq7-nqxrjrPSvo8WfgIHeF7GASe0Qi5YQ9oDrsfGLyeMccc/s400/Xmas+Inspiration+-+6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544311734376153650" border="0" /></a><br /><br />From <span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://roomremixblog.blogspot.com/2010/11/christmas-decorating-with-ornaments.html">PK at Room Remix</a></span>, an entire post dedicated to decorating with Christmas ornaments...<br /><br />(<span style="font-style: italic;">lots of great ideas and beautiful pictures!</span>)<br /><br /><a href="http://roomremixblog.blogspot.com/2010/11/christmas-decorating-with-ornaments.html"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 313px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmt2GmIAWraCCesDSTTMyRBPJnDC4JhwQsXHlBFjILgwDi4cQ0Ud7Iix10EcDaAx97WuA9t6KCHkhC_SfZm8ShyphenhyphenrT23QpsPWCV3VyxZhGpSrHQy9PrZN0MpzgNC_qoiCJrco99-VRYSXU/s400/Xmas+Inspiration+-+5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544311735889025378" border="0" /></a><br /><br />From <span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.modpodgerocksblog.com/2010/11/diy-big-box-advent-calendar.html">Mod Podge Rocks</a></span>, an awesome DIY big, box Advent Calendar...<br /><br />(<span style="font-style: italic;">my kids would <span style="font-weight: bold;">flip out</span> if this was what they had to look forward to for 25 days in December!</span>)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.modpodgerocksblog.com/2010/11/diy-big-box-advent-calendar.html"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 324px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthNvPgMmyOBEV4c6bZ6L9CZhVZFSi19-BNY0AaL1hX3EgHtf3DSfoU_JNqpUWkl0icWjxQWC3Jxp6bZmoJMUXzM9utVsQJjP2BTjW4a8_CGGWo9CjYkWMmrYA1WP1KGZuMl51tuwAwDg/s400/Xmas+Inspiration+-+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544311742072487298" border="0" /></a><br /><br />From <span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/2010/11/christmas-subway-art-banner.html">Eighteen25</a></span>, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">super cute</span> Christmas Subway Art (<span style="font-style: italic;">which I have already printed and put up in a frame!</span>) along with an adorable Christmas banner...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/2010/11/christmas-subway-art-banner.html"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 274px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9DXXXfh0uBYt-SoNJGvyj198d83cE2AJIWh8560GZoERWnxDa-jdXfi3Ti27OP1TBNIbwz-4hzdRL4NIulgQGYmWURUfVxeYoalpr8_l7RSzzo-OCFTn6lKjg1jXHw-zFWOxD2XdVTw/s400/Xmas+Inspiration+-+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544311755780562082" border="0" /></a><br /><br />From <span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.marthastewart.com/article/mulling-sachets">Martha Stewart</a></span>, Mulling Sachets...<br /><br />(<span style="font-style: italic;">These are definitely on my T0-Do list!</span>)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.marthastewart.com/article/mulling-sachets"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUqrIb50YzQu1SWGRMvP-Fg8l3ALOQfNW1iIM1BOnD68KDNKbxGTxfJ5QC0CYXdRHWjYF98hmolC779H90WGZ4HqscvIsdfXAchLx0bgOggOE2u8YWOFFJ7ZcdWIuFYqMTYJiPs3s4dE/s400/Xmas+Inspiration+-+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544311746324636002" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And from <span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://mysweetsavannah.blogspot.com/2010/11/diy-christmas-ornaments.html">My Sweet Savannah</a></span>, DIY ornaments using Scrabble letters...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mysweetsavannah.blogspot.com/2010/11/diy-christmas-ornaments.html"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLoNBOO7f4xq-O-x-C8nAsotMSa6FYkkPjw5D4eqJxiSB406jRB3Aq3QX-8rfcSiiEuiQl0yap__0TRLff174gBg1GjUA4w3DB5K4AbACpUqAIDLC-sJ8-TBsf9X3MF0Tyxz9N4Hv0GY/s400/Xmas+Inspiration+-+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544311857900356354" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...........................................................................................<br /><br /><br /><br />The kids and I are in full decorating mode, with plenty of Christmas music and hot chocolate to keep us going strong.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">How is your Christmas home coming along?</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img src="http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr70/studiochicdesign/postsiggie.jpg" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12034882074673788286noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439096455763788298.post-72281438853641399832010-11-25T07:55:00.000-08:002010-11-25T07:55:23.761-08:00Giving Thanks...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://craftily-ever-after.blogspot.com/2010/11/faux-burlap-thanksgiving-printable.html"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObb53flo5vaWN9CTidkhEfFaWqk1BY5cVjLtwa9tEZzQlDX54C5DaTbWYHl2-q0qUpobOspLpc2HPXhHrf5RTtwOMFH7R3Ir_yrmYIpTL8_Mt2mztv3RGP27hbYnMn-Dcv6Vr3VQ_2iM/s400/craftily+ever+after+-+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543511250429511010" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Thanksgiving Day is here and I couldn't be happier!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Why?</span><br /><br />Because Will is home.<br /><br />The five of us get to be together today, and for that I am <span style="font-style: italic;">so very grateful</span>. Being married to an airline pilot, I'm lucky to have him home for any of the holidays, but for the big one's, like <span style="font-style: italic;">Thanksgiving and Christmas</span>, I am especially grateful when we get to share them with him.<br /><br />Our day will start with our traditional Thanksgiving breakfast, the Macy's Day parade, lots of cooking and baking, then heading over to my parents house to spend the day with them. We'll finish off the evening with Will's family, then come back home for some fun and games.<br /><br />And to top off the excitement and anticipation...<span style="font-style: italic;">it snowed while we were sleeping</span>. So we have a fresh coat of white covering the landscape. It couldn't be more beautiful outside of our windows.<br /><br /><br />Whatever your day may hold, I hope that you enjoy yourself. And remember...<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have."</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 102, 0);"><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">~ Frederick Koenig</span></span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!</span><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr70/studiochicdesign/postsiggie.jpg" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >image courtesy of <a href="http://craftily-ever-after.blogspot.com/2010/11/faux-burlap-thanksgiving-printable.html">Craftily Ever After</a></span><br /><br /></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12034882074673788286noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439096455763788298.post-51486700909130437782010-11-23T19:40:00.000-08:002010-11-27T10:03:57.176-08:00DIY - Flurries In A Hurry Garland...<div style="text-align: center;"><br />Yesterday, the latest <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/">Land Of Nod</a> catalog came in the mail. <span style="font-style: italic;">I love The Land Of Nod</span>. But this time of year, my kids are <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">all about it!</span><br /><br />When the catalog comes, I have to quickly flip through it before they get their little hands on it, never to be seen again.<br /><br />As I was flipping, this page caught my attention...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.landofnod.com/family.aspx?c=10575&f=7411"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 336px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIs69g4iUIxlUDyBrS1GBWTxLvcC35jevmziBUUlewMcvTptIq_opYprsMgJvzGWEP1YRfroCHgKkFxji2xN9aXk9SfruznnhhjAxm6T2_5ifPMy8xHADlh3SB564k2muRxRDjh7lmuU/s400/2010_11_23_IMG_9999_8.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542949140087113538" border="0" /></a>More specifically, the <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/family.aspx?c=10575&f=7411">snowflake garland</a>.<br /><br /><br />In our house, paper snowflakes are created from the first frost until the first signs of Spring. We must make hundreds of them (<span style="font-style: italic;">seriously!</span>) from Fall through Winter.<br /><br />I am happy to make them and I got lucky enough to have a child that, quite possibly, likes making them even more than I do. <span style="font-style: italic;">That's my Owen!</span><br /><br />The colorful snowflake garland from The Land Of Nod, called "<a href="http://www.landofnod.com/family.aspx?c=10575&f=7411">Flurries In A Hurry</a>" (<span style="font-style: italic;">cute, right?</span>) is made of felt...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.landofnod.com/family.aspx?c=10575&f=7411"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0-L47NGEZZHXncGSpWwLaJgueeMvWFfXmj4-Rgaw7xIzN6mMZofYXbTPwJ8rPFv-PnChjOlSfcHbl6aSgR-USVyHbBS2MNU8TkUZ_KDkI_v6T9mwYIPaBE97o5PoFGplB-_AJ9kOQPM/s400/snowflakegarland.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542943831129193842" border="0" /></a>...but who needs felt when you have construction paper? On hand. Ready to use.<br /><br />Since today was a Snow Day and the kids were home from school, Owen and I got to work right away...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDtfKLgGjV3ffC32NisfABCzwhTNIB46F2eaXp0WV7_hynMgJc4q2pPlr80459mJw2DL5fww0dyvWxSPEWPGIumLZB1Y-aBXExzYWH5Yyl5FivItKBuvqRQZ-LgLzxdAK7ojNlHZUPF8/s1600/2010_11_23_IMG_9999.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDtfKLgGjV3ffC32NisfABCzwhTNIB46F2eaXp0WV7_hynMgJc4q2pPlr80459mJw2DL5fww0dyvWxSPEWPGIumLZB1Y-aBXExzYWH5Yyl5FivItKBuvqRQZ-LgLzxdAK7ojNlHZUPF8/s400/2010_11_23_IMG_9999.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542949136550525490" border="0" /></a><br />19 snowflakes later, we had our own festive garland!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">And I love it!</span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJ68aK41Erb3A5w0UuA6TohwZmIuACFoL6pQBGi_eUQOpK1aC1nbLJSACmk0CGVJoGLEO6tKRjxmrp9TrabUfBF3R5dWpUXwh8USTjnwG-9Y4j6wYKfZjnjsrwp6dEHiNddEWajla7Gs/s1600/2010_11_23_IMG_9999_19+-+2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJ68aK41Erb3A5w0UuA6TohwZmIuACFoL6pQBGi_eUQOpK1aC1nbLJSACmk0CGVJoGLEO6tKRjxmrp9TrabUfBF3R5dWpUXwh8USTjnwG-9Y4j6wYKfZjnjsrwp6dEHiNddEWajla7Gs/s400/2010_11_23_IMG_9999_19+-+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542949132607889794" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcD818Jiz2cQuVjO_U9BOtgVy4qz7JX_dgAYUKv_xEGkiefJFrDbGhRK1UulX7OZyQYXUyX-el-OyW50HuVokas6rO8LuaAEztsTF9ouk2Cz5bifiA2_lXje1x5EwKLdGcqJiT37d9z_Q/s1600/2010_11_23_IMG_9999_19.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcD818Jiz2cQuVjO_U9BOtgVy4qz7JX_dgAYUKv_xEGkiefJFrDbGhRK1UulX7OZyQYXUyX-el-OyW50HuVokas6rO8LuaAEztsTF9ouk2Cz5bifiA2_lXje1x5EwKLdGcqJiT37d9z_Q/s400/2010_11_23_IMG_9999_19.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542948722058319042" border="0" /></a>I used regular string and thumb tacks to attach it to the ceiling - one on each end of the string, and one in the middle...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchqVMqnuAcCec5FtqpA8xBxsLEfqfQr_Gcir7Rlnuoqu7v2sMXJ1eyIDsvkel1DxsGam8hkBYCtrttm4eODq9WWajuG8aaQjITurjiXkDE-A1r5pwjudrCGCzgSX0o60LfEc1YjAiHOs/s1600/2010_11_23_IMG_9999_40.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 292px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchqVMqnuAcCec5FtqpA8xBxsLEfqfQr_Gcir7Rlnuoqu7v2sMXJ1eyIDsvkel1DxsGam8hkBYCtrttm4eODq9WWajuG8aaQjITurjiXkDE-A1r5pwjudrCGCzgSX0o60LfEc1YjAiHOs/s400/2010_11_23_IMG_9999_40.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542948711347206962" border="0" /></a><br />Every year, we always do white snowflakes, but with these,<span style="font-style: italic;"><br />it feels like a party in here!</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4IkwCoM6gUvvVFy9SK1ADCc0qw8uLndLv9cyROLXli750G9lqnePFZMUlinw9rLWEyKb7kMuJ8wVp-o38Ki-bi-Uk5ZMkiETW-3diF4KcFhGm_yLCua2X2KP98px-Fp7rFZ-hJhGD4U/s1600/2010_11_23_IMG_9999_53.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4IkwCoM6gUvvVFy9SK1ADCc0qw8uLndLv9cyROLXli750G9lqnePFZMUlinw9rLWEyKb7kMuJ8wVp-o38Ki-bi-Uk5ZMkiETW-3diF4KcFhGm_yLCua2X2KP98px-Fp7rFZ-hJhGD4U/s400/2010_11_23_IMG_9999_53.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542948709511078706" border="0" /></a><br />So, not only is that more than $30.00 saved, but we didn't have to wait for it to be delivered, and...<br /><br />the best part was listening to Owen point out all of his creations tonight during dinner, as we dined under a canopy of colorful snowflakes...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8spvbvtX3X_yVxal8eoZw001YlLlKE50nkhcqMWcNNxoGbCPSRSwcyAuHEn6YRTwAQiTM1mNpqzwRJ7UBr_OHHz0NHl5kmOi1z8y3vXukgkTv7KRlmO_Wi9Zbw4WgbKtYOp-M0NIsg10/s1600/2010_11_23_IMG_9999_64.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8spvbvtX3X_yVxal8eoZw001YlLlKE50nkhcqMWcNNxoGbCPSRSwcyAuHEn6YRTwAQiTM1mNpqzwRJ7UBr_OHHz0NHl5kmOi1z8y3vXukgkTv7KRlmO_Wi9Zbw4WgbKtYOp-M0NIsg10/s400/2010_11_23_IMG_9999_64.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542948698132478770" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Happy Holidays!</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img src="http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr70/studiochicdesign/postsiggie.jpg" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /><br /><br />P.S. I am linking to:<br /><br /><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2010/11/pottery-barn-ornament-pine-garland-hack.html">Between Naps On The Porch</a>, <a href="http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/2010/11/market-yourself-monday-ruffle-pants.html">Sumo's Sweet Stuff</a>, <a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2010/11/just-something-i-whipped-up_21.html">The Girl Creative</a>, <a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/get-your-craft-on-30/">Today's Creative Blog</a>, <a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/2010/11/show-and-tell-with-eco-natural-soap.html">Blue Cricket Design</a>, <a href="http://www.thethriftyhome.com/2010/11/61st-penny-pinching-party-winner.html">The Thrifty Home</a>, <a href="http://www.mybackyardeden.com/2010/11/make-it-yours-day-43.html">My Backyard Eden</a>, <a href="http://thetrendytreehouse.blogspot.com/2010/11/creative-share-blog-hop_23.html">The Trendy Treehouse</a>, <a href="http://beckieandbrad.blogspot.com/2010/11/letting-creative-juices-flowlinky-party_22.html">These Creative Juices</a>, <a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/2010/11/whatever-goes-wednesday-41.html">Someday Crafts</a>, <a href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/2010/11/my-own-little-spa.html">The Shabby Chic Cottage</a>, <a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2010/11/frugal-friday_25.html">The Shabby Nest</a>, <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2010/11/flaunt-it-friday-34.html">Chic On A Shoestring Decorating</a>, <a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/11/sns-58-brings-you-collections.html">Funky Junk Interiors</a>, <a href="http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/2010/11/show-and-tell-saturday-112710.html">Be Different...Act Normal</a>,<br /><br /></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12034882074673788286noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439096455763788298.post-19817231104617006922010-11-22T13:34:00.000-08:002010-11-27T10:05:12.008-08:00A Perfect Day For Sugared Pecans...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KR379Kcionzxbx2_kned5H_JwbrCHGZc-uVK6hdH2HdoMzBiOZ7Xeg3wb2yrtj8IHEjLsqawno6_S_MUafB85zD2JZQ3Z6DydpJm11E4LbRtiYH36fAmJx_k2ls2qqHUS5QlMawqy6U/s1600/pecans.JPG"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Today we woke up to snow</span>...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbGmFAmP8tK-jCCyimBfPvRUFlWhlBtE14CqIFBU6OOv6A8jLoL9_qVBRUysIz4IFAjB1KitKAdSoLvuKTedBThi2sll3PeibfOfSpdpa-YQMkvyCaxIiLeI2GYNmaVoBCpbjzEr8AkQ/s1600/2010_11_22_IMG_9999_102.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbGmFAmP8tK-jCCyimBfPvRUFlWhlBtE14CqIFBU6OOv6A8jLoL9_qVBRUysIz4IFAjB1KitKAdSoLvuKTedBThi2sll3PeibfOfSpdpa-YQMkvyCaxIiLeI2GYNmaVoBCpbjzEr8AkQ/s400/2010_11_22_IMG_9999_102.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542467660068504370" border="0" /></a>It actually started snowing yesterday, but it wasn't until this morning that it started accumulating. <span style="font-style: italic;">Shockingly</span>, school wasn't cancelled, or even delayed. But I have to be honest...<span style="font-style: italic;">I wish it had been</span>. We so rarely get snow and I can only imagine how anxious the boys must be, sitting patiently in their classrooms at school, to get home so they can get out there and start making snowballs and sleding down the hills.<br /><br /><br /><br />With or without her brothers, Ellison is having a blast out there!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9-wPwDTj7DJBenVyEVbDJM-khNllrU3IlEsFKcuoPj9Com8aX5ksXjA1_zgxuOXA3EQ99cbzC4MIXbrVBSZ4ilUhQoxCwqQxZcHPCMlJCF8h5heUUeGLxb8nX5GQJwwHzhJhhdXs7Ic/s1600/2010_11_22_IMG_9999_64.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 253px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9-wPwDTj7DJBenVyEVbDJM-khNllrU3IlEsFKcuoPj9Com8aX5ksXjA1_zgxuOXA3EQ99cbzC4MIXbrVBSZ4ilUhQoxCwqQxZcHPCMlJCF8h5heUUeGLxb8nX5GQJwwHzhJhhdXs7Ic/s400/2010_11_22_IMG_9999_64.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542467662188336370" border="0" /></a><br />She goes out until she's too cold to stand it anymore, then comes inside to warm up. As soon as she's warm and her coat, hat and gloves are dry, she's back out again!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">You've got to take advantage of it while you've got it, around here!</span><br /><br />:)<br /><br /><br />For me, a snow day is the perfect excuse to be in the kitchen making something yummy. And this time of year, it's all about the Sugared Pecans...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KR379Kcionzxbx2_kned5H_JwbrCHGZc-uVK6hdH2HdoMzBiOZ7Xeg3wb2yrtj8IHEjLsqawno6_S_MUafB85zD2JZQ3Z6DydpJm11E4LbRtiYH36fAmJx_k2ls2qqHUS5QlMawqy6U/s1600/pecans.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 281px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KR379Kcionzxbx2_kned5H_JwbrCHGZc-uVK6hdH2HdoMzBiOZ7Xeg3wb2yrtj8IHEjLsqawno6_S_MUafB85zD2JZQ3Z6DydpJm11E4LbRtiYH36fAmJx_k2ls2qqHUS5QlMawqy6U/s400/pecans.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542467669188713234" border="0" /></a>I got the recipe years ago from a good friend in Arizona, and I always make them for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Wrapped up in a pretty bag, they make a great gift for friends and neighbors.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">Sugared Pecans</span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">....................................................................<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Ingredients:</span><br /><br />1/4 cup butter<br />2 egg whites<br />1 lb. of pecans<br />1 cup brown sugar<br />1 teaspoon vanilla<br />1/4 teaspoon salt<br />1 teaspoon cinnamon<br /><br />....................................................................<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Directions:</span><br /><br />Melt butter and spread in a jelly roll pan (<span style="font-style: italic;">or cookie sheet</span>). Mix all other ingredients together in a large bowl, then spread in the pan making sure that the pecans are spread out flat. Bake at 250 degrees for one hour or until dry. Stir the pecans every 10 minutes during cooking so that the sugar mixture coats the pecans well. Be sure not to overcook them or they will taste burned. As soon as they look dry, remove from oven. Cool and store in an air tight container.<br /><br />....................................................................<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Enjoy!</span><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr70/studiochicdesign/postsiggie.jpg" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /><br /><br />P.S. I am linking this post to:<br /><br /><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/2010/11/whatever-goes-wednesday-41.html">Someday Crafts</a>, <a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/2010/11/show-and-tell-with-eco-natural-soap.html">Blue Cricket Design</a>, <a href="http://www.thethriftyhome.com/2010/11/61st-penny-pinching-party-winner.html">The Thrifty Home</a>, <a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/11/sns-58-brings-you-collections.html">Funky Junk Interiors</a>, <a href="http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/2010/11/show-and-tell-saturday-112710.html">Be Different...Act Normal</a>,<br /><br /></div></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12034882074673788286noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439096455763788298.post-58155984183868446642010-11-16T10:21:00.000-08:002010-11-16T10:25:07.228-08:00Windstorms, and Power Outages, and Earthquakes! Oh My!<div style="text-align: center;"><br />We've had it <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">all</span> over the past 18 hours!<br /><br />The wind was absolutely unreal last night and caused power outages all over Western Washington...<br /><br /><object height="288" width="470"><param name="movie" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" value="http://www.king5.com/v/?i=108299434"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="AllowFullScreen" value="true"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.king5.com/v/?i=108299434" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" wmode="transparent" height="288" width="470"></embed></object><br /><br />Luckily, we were spared from that, but other parts of Tacoma were not, and as a result our school district made the decision for a 2 hour late start.<br /><br />So the boys are still at home with me, having a <span style="font-style: italic;">super fun and <span style="font-weight: bold;">totally out of the ordinary</span></span>, Tuesday morning.<br /><br />Currently they are singing their hearts out playing Rock Band - Bon Jovi being the artist of choice this morning.<br /><br />:)<br /><br /><br />And then, as if the <span style="font-style: italic;">crazy storm</span> wasn't enough, we had an earthquake.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Seriously</span>.<br /><br />It was short and sweet for us, with the epicenter being down in Mossyrock, WA...<br /><br /><object height="288" width="470"><param name="movie" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" value="http://www.king5.com/v/?i=108436129"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="AllowFullScreen" value="true"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.king5.com/v/?i=108436129" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" wmode="transparent" height="288" width="470"></embed></object><br /><br />But for me, <span style="font-style: italic;">an earthquake is an earthquake</span>. Unnerving, at best.<br /><br /><br />So, needless to say, my morning is not turning out as planned. My To-Do list will have to wait.<br /><br />But it's ok. I'll take it.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">It's more fun to hang out and play with the kids anyway.</span><br /><br />...............................................<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I hope that <span style="font-weight: bold;">you</span> are having a wonderful Tuesday!</span><br /><br /><img src="http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr70/studiochicdesign/postsiggie.jpg" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /><br /><br /></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12034882074673788286noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439096455763788298.post-40850434090088577522010-11-15T04:00:00.000-08:002010-11-15T04:00:09.600-08:00For The Locals - Holiday Boutique...<div style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving is just 9 days away, which means that Craft Fairs and Holiday Bazaar's are in full swing.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This coming weekend is no exception!</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGqUCEGMj7eTvac9Z7V_NXsk-6emZj5EJuWYzWwGW-Y0Kg2VE1L0xrwYCM6Ob3M0pMBTKPMjwLclVWzUcQ11BfwqsLAF4ZUBXHtgNF5X-c8PpeVJFO9ApSj2L4ecs4gjG_ukx5saPo_k/s1600/holiday+boutique.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 386px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGqUCEGMj7eTvac9Z7V_NXsk-6emZj5EJuWYzWwGW-Y0Kg2VE1L0xrwYCM6Ob3M0pMBTKPMjwLclVWzUcQ11BfwqsLAF4ZUBXHtgNF5X-c8PpeVJFO9ApSj2L4ecs4gjG_ukx5saPo_k/s400/holiday+boutique.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539631653398910706" border="0" /></a><br />One of my best friends from high school, <a style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" href="http://mamathompson.blogspot.com/">Teri</a>, has come out to visit and is throwing her own<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Holiday Boutique</span></span><br /><br />along with her mom, sisters and some very talented friends.<br /><br />Items will include necklaces, bracelets, earrings, watches, handbags, wallets, women's and children's hair accessories, children's dress up clothes and costumes, holiday home decor and gifts, like wreaths, table runners, countdown blocks, and gifts for teacher's and neighbors.<br /><br />They are also hosting a bake sale and all of the proceeds will go to benefit the "Clean and Sober House".<br />(<a href="http://cleanandfreehousing.org/"><span style="font-style: italic;">CleanAndFreeHousing.org</span></a>)<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >If you would like to attend, details are as follows:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Address:</span><br />4137 SW 321st St, Federal Way, WA 98023<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Hours:</span><br />Thursday & Friday, Nov. 18th & 19th, from 12pm to 8pm<br />Saturday, Nov. 20th, from 10am to 7pm<br /><br /><br />Here is a <span style="font-style: italic;">tiny sneak peek</span> at some of the goods...<br /><br />From Teri at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TsETC">T's Etc</a>...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TsETC"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRu9dDHLc-Az34DqA7TAueSeG9V_K4cGwE_Z6IUlrQSsKKWSPkjrqnJfULSC20kTqro65YorLBs7Xw50zCRu4_Dl_hLUqzlSaWO6H5k9oKIK7Nwz9FBxDrJm0wCw2HVqxgcJWiBKDiWM/s400/ts+etc+collage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539625147234870498" border="0" /></a><br /><br />From Analisa at <a href="http://hairblingzandcutethings.blogspot.com/">Hair Blingz And Cute Things</a>...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://hairblingzandcutethings.blogspot.com/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 103px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVNt3s8pUs7sZ6NoTJDK1lK1czVkdHFQzhmUQUMqYif1UM2Ay4pVItiJy-QJs0JsFqSmVy4yHxJatgVm8L9FXxR2FlSSByxld6A_yfNq-8JfG0O-fZJWLQpTVOEadoNHx1b0JtWJfcqs/s400/hairblingz+collage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539625154757312674" border="0" /></a><br />and...<br /><br />From Mandy at <a href="http://www.agirlsmusthaves.com/Handbags.php">A Girl's Must Haves</a>...<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.agirlsmusthaves.com/Handbags.php"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 103px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGHiPbu4zz8TRqePauHd2qfiqZ8lvmod9XvSaoVGtq3Xd9QALjVOaLzWkJefbmtBBGE6VcHgxkS1oI7m2rasd3cIhAEs1SBwb_UG4PPS6qyyA5IKl-MQMXZGuNQJZ4Qduk5kosFec6z8/s400/handbag+collage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539625152429465714" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I'll be there for sure, checking everything out and seeing what I can get crossed off of my Christmas shopping list.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Maybe I'll see you there!</span><br /><br />:)<br /><br />The best part is that this fits hand-in-hand with my <a href="http://itsthelittlethingsthatmakeahouseahome.blogspot.com/2010/11/holiday-shopping-guide-calling-all.html">promise to buy handmade</a> this year.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Speaking of which</span>, have you checked out all of the links that have been added to our...<br /><br /><a href="http://itsthelittlethingsthatmakeahouseahome.blogspot.com/2010/11/holiday-shopping-guide-calling-all.html"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 175px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxeVPgqbGemjcXBt4Oia10gaWMNGUYGUGS1r_IjTBb2nLR6cJopl8ftVri4XxSLPq6n_vS8ttWKNd8Ap07jiJMeK5SLgh5VQJaX8cbBsH9Ajx_3Fk4YBC4_lTlFGcwTswfnSVxt_hFTE/s400/Handmade+Holiday+Shopping+Guide+Button+-+175.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539633352863505010" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Lots of good stuff!</span><br /><br />Be sure to check it out, and if you sell your own handmade items, feel free to add your link.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://itsthelittlethingsthatmakeahouseahome.blogspot.com/2010/11/holiday-shopping-guide-calling-all.html">Click here</a></span> for all of the details.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Happy Shopping!</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img src="http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr70/studiochicdesign/postsiggie.jpg" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /><br /><br /></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12034882074673788286noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439096455763788298.post-62791997366228093742010-11-13T10:01:00.000-08:002010-11-13T10:01:37.776-08:00Grown-Up Grilled Cheese...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02ZCdsnX67-8kIhrVSxfbB8IqjZFepO_xoI91AwxQBBqp7I43P9NeMOnorhAHGy4MKmdqLPBTbSBPXHHfaqDjSQitFTlX3m_mE43CZbg_-xBcGljFNu37kuHWqQLDhKQ3yjBIP-AW8To/s1600/MS+Grilled+Cheese+-+1.jpg"><br /></a>I'll admit, I'm not a huge fan of Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Actually, I'm not a fan at all</span>.<br /><br />Bread, butter and cheddar cheese all put together is <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> what I crave. <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Ever</span>.<br /><br /><br />But when I saw this story in a recent issue of <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/grown-up-grilled-cheese-sandwiches">Martha Stewart</a> magazine, I was definitely tempted. I could do Grown-Up Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, <span style="font-style: italic;">for sure</span>.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">They are, as follows:</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Gruyere, Prosciutto, Arugula, and Tomato on White</span>...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/grown-up-grilled-cheese-sandwiches"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02ZCdsnX67-8kIhrVSxfbB8IqjZFepO_xoI91AwxQBBqp7I43P9NeMOnorhAHGy4MKmdqLPBTbSBPXHHfaqDjSQitFTlX3m_mE43CZbg_-xBcGljFNu37kuHWqQLDhKQ3yjBIP-AW8To/s400/MS+Grilled+Cheese+-+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539088886165574402" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">*Yum!*</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Fontina, Harissa, and Pear on Rye</span>...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/grown-up-grilled-cheese-sandwiches"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9P6tkoLJk_DleVw5xIYJGPEjpLnUYT5j51j13mkaomJo2sAEYV95ZOrg1vKuJBz7-b0at5cCq3K50UFkU12E2rG7i3mqORKZUgy8ntoGn7-PdRRFjVTSgDUI9vHEsJcc0Aayy0vpfzic/s400/MS+Grilled+Cheese+-+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539088879045928162" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Gruyere, Apple, and Sage on Rye</span>...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/grown-up-grilled-cheese-sandwiches"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMox5_mHkr_6S7_quQK1g3lrLJzy5ag2UZec4pnWkfuaMjEHanX4YxPEUqkjGinWGCX5e05-A0I9gx4KPu8LXznSeCn4ZbQDXf53Mr4b11dykG1UdR_PfGx3HTO7WslALzMh6_t_ekn8/s400/MS+Grilled+Cheese+-+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539088874360060370" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Cheddar, Dijon Mustard, Bacon, Tomatoes, Avocado, and Pepper on Sourdough</span>...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/grown-up-grilled-cheese-sandwiches"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-jWobz5fof0oN-fNScxNIH7ktbXiGDOcP2mTxlI1qpU4iXxIEPbGOhnlpQrBW8CVkj9xP1cyBCxcCnzFLAkIlOC2vF1OhylXfZiQhbjtfAmmGeWvVdZDsjjMbwIMmFRsXZmq33SVmqs/s400/MS+Grilled+Cheese+-+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539088868484974818" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Gruyere, Red Onion, Prosciutto, and Pepper on Rye</span>...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/grown-up-grilled-cheese-sandwiches"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YlKg5s7BOPjhOD89UtO6M1CWqFdhghMbLB_uVXwq1TuftpLtwNUu5IxjUdGzRtrHHxn52XbyZLgefDVcwMB9Vm-Zo-KXlqzE8L6LbSggUvQk1P0aDEmHRYKR65gUWFqdce3yeyabDXA/s400/MS+Grilled+Cheese+-+5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539088859638302258" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Cheddar, Jalapeno, and Cilantro on White</span>...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/grown-up-grilled-cheese-sandwiches"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvjEwup3tUUsdx8tZIt0I5AWryhuxYXPg5kwLXWjFgU991XpgCltnRXFC4UHqWZ3DzYuAG91RgLU7Z8L78MbrkziZU_tpIFJAnbriN1MsW-mzhrlH984vYDzV_Td0qkhkObG51dRGc_s/s400/MS+Grilled+Cheese+-+6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539088606818413234" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Gruyere, Oil-Packed Sardines, Peppadew Peppers, and Arugula on Rye</span>...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/grown-up-grilled-cheese-sandwiches"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ii26WD_QGJWia-QAUB5rs5tzGI9fICkDA-03MJEERU6wI1KJXNQ50JQqhYipn8YfBqk43CdphVArWcVzumZAsX27osBS07tUVsIMvSgmsC5CzamTFpWLK2Y_cA-wYoZjAVEchsYCjI0/s400/MS+Grilled+Cheese+-+7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539088605757230834" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Cheddar, Cherry Preserves, and Basil on White</span>...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/grown-up-grilled-cheese-sandwiches"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKV3npyArrQz0yFkJmdkugfP0Zjkf02W9G4UIleAXz7VE72G4T4HfN5uHOUk1KTLB0Sah3k_JqlKkVwS0nBfz5NRVnvLTkfm67fk5vw14s0Vf14IZAvSTMHdGyGd6PzjPNd5GeljnoIdI/s400/MS+Grilled+Cheese+-+8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539088592249553890" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Fontina, Oil-Packed Tuna, and Relish on White</span>...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/grown-up-grilled-cheese-sandwiches"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHs6DVRkOx4qs9GOVJIP37ELB_jjowWzjZWeGuZj5ussq8Yd7I1zTZQENMZXWvrGp31mLnoTo1A2q4PkjX4cYEGx_47mbOK66-CgaWvO7soCipmX1HYhvRI12lcYm8lMvpFSFBuWWIl0/s400/MS+Grilled+Cheese+-+9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539088592954481282" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Cheddar, Bacon, and Pickles on Sourdough</span>...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/grown-up-grilled-cheese-sandwiches"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3giC459HH8r9sZsJSkVkTVMU62Z5VpFojIiJufDYtu6fPAr9eba9o8qiyqNBKjV1-U98W11cJ0q6xI-Z9dCmvhy6BgCjt_-lqRfQw_dJNxhSI2BLrM8eZqlT-SkbqexaTTCGKbTXtsmQ/s400/MS+Grilled+Cheese+-+10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539088589479385634" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Mmmmm</span>...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br />It all sounds (<span style="font-style: italic;">and looks</span>) like really, yummy comfort food. And it's cold and rainy here today, which makes it a perfect day for a steaming cup of hot soup and a tasty, melted sandwich.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The only problem is...how to choose which sandwich to make first!</span><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr70/studiochicdesign/postsiggie.jpg" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /><br /><br /></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12034882074673788286noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439096455763788298.post-12889833936453230772010-11-11T09:00:00.000-08:002010-11-11T09:03:45.564-08:00On This Day, We Honor Our Veterans...<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">From the five of us, to all that have served</span>...<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">THANK YOU</span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxuu7JT0R7NS52wL0pdHrcwdCgHbSP5A3OX19BLvQQotlO-CldLT_jsjvw912mzS58D1L9jm0HcZBuYqnnR_kUyNsHlP0NOVkBj5SYG_RmPPr1PtfnFD-mQU66Mh40NfFMfcKyJXl6Tk/s1600/Veterans-day.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxuu7JT0R7NS52wL0pdHrcwdCgHbSP5A3OX19BLvQQotlO-CldLT_jsjvw912mzS58D1L9jm0HcZBuYqnnR_kUyNsHlP0NOVkBj5SYG_RmPPr1PtfnFD-mQU66Mh40NfFMfcKyJXl6Tk/s400/Veterans-day.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538157216571854658" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">We owe you our Freedom and our way of life, and for that, we are eternally grateful!</span><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr70/studiochicdesign/postsiggie.jpg" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /><br /><br /></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12034882074673788286noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439096455763788298.post-13885730188942015612010-11-10T23:04:00.000-08:002010-11-11T10:40:55.505-08:00Handmade Holiday Shopping Guide - Calling All Handmade Sellers...<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OgA0I837_CNJ83P9Y_ucVvJQ-mdZe_xfAcqlFU5V_BvOyBCNbXAnL7LMWkm6g2ib74vKVUBIxHFPEw5gD3jVVW3tYXrElufGUfWEEThGq1PpBSm_Q-3mbLDwoYMKhi0XfqKhH3oezP0/s1600/Handmade+Holiday+Shopping+Guide+Button.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OgA0I837_CNJ83P9Y_ucVvJQ-mdZe_xfAcqlFU5V_BvOyBCNbXAnL7LMWkm6g2ib74vKVUBIxHFPEw5gD3jVVW3tYXrElufGUfWEEThGq1PpBSm_Q-3mbLDwoYMKhi0XfqKhH3oezP0/s400/Handmade+Holiday+Shopping+Guide+Button.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538351987855676386" border="0" /></a><br />I don't know where this year has gone, or how it managed to fly by <span style="font-style: italic;">so darn fast</span>, but December 25th is right around the corner and will be here before we know it.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?)</span><br /></div><br />This Christmas I am making it my personal goal to buy gifts for my friends and family that are <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">handmade</span></span>, in hopes of cutting out the big-box stores as much as I can.<br /><br />Don't get me wrong...<span style="font-style: italic;">I </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><span>love</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Target</span> just as much as the next girl! But when it comes to giving gifts, I would much rather be inspired browsing <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">Etsy</a>, than strolling through crowded aisles of mass produced products.<br /><br /><br />You may or may not know that Will and I are <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Handmade</span> sellers ourselves. We have an <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HomeRestyle">Etsy Shop</a> where we sell Custom Built Reproduction Antique Riddling Racks...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HomeRestyle"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqn2xak8Ty_pwTJx9N_tjjO-yxfDq79mtY-KLywEzCOJZIGW8mYwy4OfUz33E1s1mB0bJeAQs8buH0CtSIqC9yerIOhkwOKPJyLaxcgVAnChnWuLPtX-H4FK5nBauOLM8nZQTi96mXhA/s400/Riddling+Rack+-+1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538173015175713714" border="0" /></a><br />They come in three finishes:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HomeRestyle"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5Dp0IwYRGopGJ16Ogwqm0HKvR44Ptv9hpLQSukJDbkLLQSyyRvZ4cyQlPG8_BgJnCL1IEnEf03-ufDUyRCgzlKwFLFDsnAq5My9stYyYu24iwx2OSQrCpBRGIJdfwNWPQTL6PRxd4QI/s400/Riddling+Rack+collage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538172317977716786" border="0" /></a><br />and each one is handmade, board by board.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HomeRestyle"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8ET3Ur1Sijr8SHMwexqePJgcbtDa1FoIzRMCGfGt41ZCwq6lKWELOqZvYstKs8GRfXRC12RrFe5P864QFvQOcBZFfAI0c8SkHQWwwh5JGlODe4yhSW8IziM6D9qT2IiqHKTo3NvAGm4/s400/Riddling+Rack+-+10.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538173011321610178" border="0" /></a><br />It is a tedious process, but it's a labor of love and we're proud of every one that we ship off! And we're certain that all of the other <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Handmade</span> sellers out there feel the same way about their own products.<br /><br />So in an effort to make this years shopping easier on myself (<span style="font-style: italic;">and any of you that would like to go the handmade route this year, too</span>), I am hoping that you will help me assemble a...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OgA0I837_CNJ83P9Y_ucVvJQ-mdZe_xfAcqlFU5V_BvOyBCNbXAnL7LMWkm6g2ib74vKVUBIxHFPEw5gD3jVVW3tYXrElufGUfWEEThGq1PpBSm_Q-3mbLDwoYMKhi0XfqKhH3oezP0/s1600/Handmade+Holiday+Shopping+Guide+Button.jpg"><br /></a><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Handmade Holiday Shopping Guide</span></span><br /><br />I am counting on you to make this a success. Feel free to add the link to your Etsy Shop or website and give a brief description of what people can expect to find when they visit your site.<br /><br />I will keep the list open through Christmas Eve, so start spreading the word!<br /><br />Let your friends and family know that this is a chance for a little free advertising!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Because everyone likes free.</span><br /><br />:)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">**I reserve the right to delete any link that does not sell handmade items. I will also delete any links that I consider inappropriate and not in line with the content that I post on my blog. This is a family blog...let's keep it clean!**</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">So what are you waiting for?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Start linking up!</span><br /><br />And if you are participating, please feel free to spread the word and take a button to place on your blog or website. The more the merrier!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://itsthelittlethingsthatmakeahouseahome.blogspot.com/2010/11/holiday-shopping-guide-calling-all.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/ItsTheLittleThingsBlog/HandmadeHolidayShoppingGuideButton-1.jpg" alt="Handmade Holiday Shopping Guide from It’s The Little Things…" border="0" /></a></center><br /><br /><center><textarea rows="4" cols="13" name="Handmade Holiday Shopping Guide from It’s The Little Things…" readonly="readonly"><center><a href=" http://itsthelittlethingsthatmakeahouseahome.blogspot.com/2010/11/holiday-shopping-guide-calling-all.html " target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" Handmade Holiday Shopping Guide from It’s The Little Things…" src="http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/ItsTheLittleThingsBlog/HandmadeHolidayShoppingGuideButton-1.jpg" /></a></center></textarea></center><br /><br />I cannot wait to see what you have to show us!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-wirqgkwkaZ73_inUZ5yO3T4ZvMgnjPcVkk4zr8gEMD3NaxV71Hvt0JikS2-ri0Wiif3RLHqIhVG-UJUT5KSjrUxX4uIhd1sXO4RlUXJcAPFhqPdd5I-BqplSAM0aJ_rbYBHEFmXiNY/s1600/Handmade+Holiday+Shopping+Guide+Button+-+1.jpg"><br /></a><br />...................................................................................................................<br /><br /><script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=23462"></script><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuh5KyQqd5Ouk9GZs-R_1lG9LDEth2hdIyyXx0XkxrS_IJKEuRYAICdianiDWF_dj2B5ZCtUxZKc1K1mdHOTI9vyJVZ5GBcI6fbAXBLMdTcPRQGdNg59nlaqSnoldnLT-_cbCZPgF8R2o/s1600/Riddling+Rack+-+Kona+Brown+-+3.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinD5bIB_XpU-SvSH3_AeTj_XGn_wlmgJWoGkAzTSOaa67LpMDevovnfYpetUKtwKj7_05bQFI7G73oAKMFWiqZbZflN4XjUztRPR5QAvLZuV4_J7SIjGl5KO9ntNAz9pyx-ZK6vnNRD7Q/s1600/Riddling+Rack+-+Oak+-+1_picnik.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5B3q681BSGTLSmh7FJVL_cLQ35cRCHUQLITAihCBHqBtQFnq-EAD_ZwYAe9ESGqNitfhgzS83JtO_utmksMGFHwTdn_i4jb75SRBBzBcmvX5hJgyJmA_avM_TQM7rAaxMznt9h6lSx-A/s1600/Riddling+Rack+-+Walnut+-+5_picnik.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5Dp0IwYRGopGJ16Ogwqm0HKvR44Ptv9hpLQSukJDbkLLQSyyRvZ4cyQlPG8_BgJnCL1IEnEf03-ufDUyRCgzlKwFLFDsnAq5My9stYyYu24iwx2OSQrCpBRGIJdfwNWPQTL6PRxd4QI/s1600/Riddling+Rack+collage.jpg"><br /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><img src="http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr70/studiochicdesign/postsiggie.jpg" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /></div>Karlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12034882074673788286noreply@blogger.com14