tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66741636451339176012024-03-25T09:05:47.869-05:00[Frame Fanatic]"Art consists of limitation. The most beautiful part of every picture is the frame." ~Gilbert K. ChestertonJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13512809782871214689noreply@blogger.comBlogger212125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674163645133917601.post-87309977745799933782011-07-04T22:42:00.000-05:002011-07-04T22:42:07.062-05:00Happy 4th of July!!<div style="text-align: center;">This year our 4th of July was packed with lots of fun activities. So here is just a little recap of today's festivities:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwehVvMB-1NMGp4Luqz7YjXwuPxx_si2St5JUA-uarl_TJtdWzD6fEaqvifkyfc8Tk_TbQkeyGanrgQDB_LjmZWWhwiOuqYHxKIM5H-H0LNdU9BAJoM1R5gv-8QAVn3mdb_uE5r9FJ40/s1600/P1150009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwehVvMB-1NMGp4Luqz7YjXwuPxx_si2St5JUA-uarl_TJtdWzD6fEaqvifkyfc8Tk_TbQkeyGanrgQDB_LjmZWWhwiOuqYHxKIM5H-H0LNdU9BAJoM1R5gv-8QAVn3mdb_uE5r9FJ40/s320/P1150009.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[My 2-year old daughter and I decided we were going to make an American flag to celebrate the holiday. And I was very surprised how well she followed instructions and placed each piece of paper neatly where I told her to put it. I'm a proud mom!]</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiym0oDnxDqARd0ms6v_2X25KQmXC8LA_kHsT9FoJgp9Rxe2yNQulkMmEdgXgWb8wmHXTh3yZMCoXU2-GbDfkkSGvqg9AXFVx6jO4sp3NJL_tXDmqfBMyU1TBpcEtXU7CDiqvBHYwrv-f4/s1600/P1150014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiym0oDnxDqARd0ms6v_2X25KQmXC8LA_kHsT9FoJgp9Rxe2yNQulkMmEdgXgWb8wmHXTh3yZMCoXU2-GbDfkkSGvqg9AXFVx6jO4sp3NJL_tXDmqfBMyU1TBpcEtXU7CDiqvBHYwrv-f4/s320/P1150014.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[Then it was off to the kitchen to whip up these patriotic strawberries! Such fun and super easy to make!]</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GLowh7yJKvs8kJd9vjKeJj-Ikt72MkPsr3f59Kyvj9gcQZOdEINKvIYa-xmnf9nE74vhmXCx4o6JLY6iM3Gfgunlt8_LoAscFOBYnsRCWpxPBODcBXx8P1PTWc0-DqZUeC5XGmixOHY/s1600/P1150034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GLowh7yJKvs8kJd9vjKeJj-Ikt72MkPsr3f59Kyvj9gcQZOdEINKvIYa-xmnf9nE74vhmXCx4o6JLY6iM3Gfgunlt8_LoAscFOBYnsRCWpxPBODcBXx8P1PTWc0-DqZUeC5XGmixOHY/s320/P1150034.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[To cool off, we all decided it was about time to hop in the pool. My daughter was so excited to swim!]</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtr_Kr3GQGXcPkyYYRUSG-VAJT45JEd1pWth9WGmwdwA1X3Dx0ufFvEkYyaq5xFbK9LO9JGJxpDHg_sWi8WnCBZyQZp70TvWFRphRNukkIk6aj2TBzKyacykdhHqY0t_OS9oBRrxAk14/s1600/P1140988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtr_Kr3GQGXcPkyYYRUSG-VAJT45JEd1pWth9WGmwdwA1X3Dx0ufFvEkYyaq5xFbK9LO9JGJxpDHg_sWi8WnCBZyQZp70TvWFRphRNukkIk6aj2TBzKyacykdhHqY0t_OS9oBRrxAk14/s320/P1140988.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[Once it was dark enough outside, my husband set up the projector and screen to have a little movie night outside. I placed some blankets on the ground, brought some fruit to munch on, and we all enjoyed watching "Tangled". I love that movie!]</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">So that about sums up my Independence Day. How was your 4th of July?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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[Jen]Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13512809782871214689noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674163645133917601.post-6185998657618173082011-06-24T23:10:00.001-05:002011-06-24T23:28:32.586-05:00[Foodie Friday: Carrot Cake]Since part of my <a href="http://framefanatic.blogspot.com/2011/06/summer-to-do-list.html">Summer To-Do List</a> is to try 5 new recipes, I thought I start off by making a classic dessert: carrot cake. Now I think I may have made a version of carrot cake in the past, but I remember it not tasting very good. (which completely opposite from my delicious <a href="http://framefanatic.blogspot.com/2011/02/happy-national-carrot-cake-day.html">Carrot Cake Pancakes</a>) But after trying out this fool-proof Carrot Cake (technically called "<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/grandma-hiers-carrot-cake-recipe/index.html">Grandma Hiers' Carrot Cake</a>") recipe by Paula Deen, I will never go back to making any other carrot cake again! It is so moist and full of yummy flavors. Completely irresistable.<br />
<br />
When I saw this recipe was by Paula Deen, I knew it was going to be anything but lowfat. But it's always nice to splurge, right? So here's the recipe. Enjoy! :0)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7xzsyNS6bgGLvEHjU3m_ixSBFVknCQUIw3ut8AvleC2mgB153L__j8j53LNbceL44Ul2WHwXpRKd0FCCCFyh4_Sng5ntsREEIIak8aeZ7cnpDNUmMdxSmbky2BGECKQ-H2wAvEQvFmQ/s1600/P1140891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7xzsyNS6bgGLvEHjU3m_ixSBFVknCQUIw3ut8AvleC2mgB153L__j8j53LNbceL44Ul2WHwXpRKd0FCCCFyh4_Sng5ntsREEIIak8aeZ7cnpDNUmMdxSmbky2BGECKQ-H2wAvEQvFmQ/s320/P1140891.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><strong>Ingredients:</strong></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Butter, for pans </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pans </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>2 cups sugar </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>2 teaspoons baking soda </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>2 teaspoons ground cinnamon </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>1 teaspoon salt </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>4 eggs </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>1 1/2 cups vegetable oil </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>3 cups grated carrots </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, optional</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>Frosting: </strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>1 stick salted butter, room temperature </em><em><br />
</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>1 (16-ounce) box powdered sugar </em><em><br />
</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>1 teaspoon vanilla extract </em><em><br />
</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>1/2 cup chopped pecans, optional</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><strong>Directions:</strong></u></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 3 (9-inch) round pans; Line bottom of the pans with parchment paper.</em></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div style="text-align: center;"><em>In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Add eggs and vegetable oil. Using a hand mixer, blend until combined. Add carrots and pecans, if using. </em></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Pour into pans. Bake for approximately 40 minutes. Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes. Remove from pans, place on waxed paper and allow to cool completely before frosting. </em></div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>For the frosting: </strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em>Add all ingredients, except nuts, into a medium bowl and beat until fluffy using a hand mixer. Stir in the nuts, if desired. Spread frosting on top of each cake layer. Stack the cakes on a serving plate and serve.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Linking this recipe up to <a href="http://framefanatic.blogspot.com/2010/07/linky-parties.html">these</a> parties.<br />
[Jen]</div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13512809782871214689noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674163645133917601.post-35463657884175414792011-06-23T15:32:00.000-05:002011-06-23T15:32:22.816-05:00Summer To-Do List<div style="text-align: center;">Since summer has officially began, I thought I might compile a list of things I want to accomplish before the summer is over. I am sure I will continue to add more activities to this list, but here is a rough overview:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OSrytHmt49Rs7Yrweb1m7egQ-DLQuUgqnhzYZv8IdePj4wF53-87CgcbmyI4G9xCO7FVBF0jasSt1ageMCyRxLB95Kh-RYoTL2jc3VCJu95zBv1j3sMW-LIDmNnocjDVZf2W1wS_zI8/s1600/Summer+ToDo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OSrytHmt49Rs7Yrweb1m7egQ-DLQuUgqnhzYZv8IdePj4wF53-87CgcbmyI4G9xCO7FVBF0jasSt1ageMCyRxLB95Kh-RYoTL2jc3VCJu95zBv1j3sMW-LIDmNnocjDVZf2W1wS_zI8/s400/Summer+ToDo+1.jpg" width="343" /></a></div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Find 5 new healthy recipes to make (especially ones for my picky 2-year old!)</em></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Finish up projects around the house</em></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Go on a date with my hubby</em></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Take a 30 minute walk around the neighborhood every Saturday morning</em></div></li>
</ul><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTw6iRloHXrpVbMiA6RbndHsmWN4mQqBs4Qyv9r-XtiKcTH2bckufL9BazVJF1fQ-rX19IjL2UULQ4RZ_NS9gdeS69t1gCijOzv5g2cEUvbp6rmuJ_k898QaRlpFhYt76N2Q0DXxkXgiM/s1600/Summer+ToDo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTw6iRloHXrpVbMiA6RbndHsmWN4mQqBs4Qyv9r-XtiKcTH2bckufL9BazVJF1fQ-rX19IjL2UULQ4RZ_NS9gdeS69t1gCijOzv5g2cEUvbp6rmuJ_k898QaRlpFhYt76N2Q0DXxkXgiM/s400/Summer+ToDo+2.jpg" width="343" /></a></div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Schedule a family photo shoot</em></span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Pick peaches, berries, etc. at our local farm</em></span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Get involved in summer church events</em></span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Take a road trip to go visit my 87-year old grandfather</em></span></div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So what's on your Summer To-Do List?</div><br />
[Jen]Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13512809782871214689noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674163645133917601.post-56211683131605862662011-06-22T15:26:00.000-05:002011-06-22T15:26:00.685-05:00Father's Day Recap: Envelope Surprise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxVYs0TV7zyNsGgr84K9pdaYlOkc_tydmKmsU3i5_u55HpQ0HAxztnZKpV8C4GVTbJ_bKlXnjUv91VB7BOmVuyP1mXaY1vpR-SotiG6mHwYlYSl_GXb3DEPywjd47oUR-rRIaAy9bZj8/s1600/P1140879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxVYs0TV7zyNsGgr84K9pdaYlOkc_tydmKmsU3i5_u55HpQ0HAxztnZKpV8C4GVTbJ_bKlXnjUv91VB7BOmVuyP1mXaY1vpR-SotiG6mHwYlYSl_GXb3DEPywjd47oUR-rRIaAy9bZj8/s320/P1140879.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hi everyone! Wow, a lot has been going on lately that haven't even had time to sit down at my computer to blog! I was planning on at least blogging on Monday, but little girl decided not to take a nap that day. No nap = no blogging for mama. :0</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyways, I just wanted to give you an update on last weekend. On Saturday, I hosted a 30th Birthday Party for my husband (more about that in later posts!). And on Father's Day, I officially became a Godmother to my 2 week old Goddaughter Scarlett! Isn't she adorable in her Baptism dress?!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SkyrCUMz7kicYYZQYULYW_E7w0HyZELSj1Gvr91c6GjBelNK-v7TqNUi3ikyezjAzIxj8cov72MmXx-cDFcd4zcV5Bsay420VfNDaBkz9ItLng3rN2Mz0G6jaiehmoNDj42bSSffbUE/s1600/264362_1846663439450_1026575272_31533914_2821872_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SkyrCUMz7kicYYZQYULYW_E7w0HyZELSj1Gvr91c6GjBelNK-v7TqNUi3ikyezjAzIxj8cov72MmXx-cDFcd4zcV5Bsay420VfNDaBkz9ItLng3rN2Mz0G6jaiehmoNDj42bSSffbUE/s320/264362_1846663439450_1026575272_31533914_2821872_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Also, to celebrate Father's Day, I did this little "Envelope Surprise" that I was first inspired to create from Oh Happy Day [<a href="http://go.tipjunkie.com/fd/233/jordanferney.blogspot.com/2011/04/envelope-surprise.html">here</a>]. Since my husband's birthday was the day before Father's Day, I didn't want to do anything to too big to overshadow that. So starting on Tuesday, June 14th I made an envelope for each day that had a little "surprise" waiting for him inside. So there were 6 days of surprises.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkzSOOi6b9Ki2xH-kkwGbIeoPvUOfc7YxrifxguMy6tVhyXQhMjTslKUq5W6IyQIJwF86SYFgIWRQu4IMzSgNvzmhRrrX8gjcJMLTBh9p4SqPLe_eOpO5NOGHOsSC0osP-oP34GBanSY/s1600/P1140876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkzSOOi6b9Ki2xH-kkwGbIeoPvUOfc7YxrifxguMy6tVhyXQhMjTslKUq5W6IyQIJwF86SYFgIWRQu4IMzSgNvzmhRrrX8gjcJMLTBh9p4SqPLe_eOpO5NOGHOsSC0osP-oP34GBanSY/s400/P1140876.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These envelopes were hung next to my husband's desk in his office. He was so excited to wake up every morning to open up his envelope for the day. It was so cute! And to make these, I just used some large envelopes that I have been hanging onto for years and covered just the portion you see with colored scrapbook paper. Then I used white foam number stickers to place on the envelopes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkdEVzgAF4ZuHITd65ex3Tvq9l1ifrtPgEe5LniGWQ9GG7kyhWCzYiYa4wVeUjjqnXgH9XmXKFpdT4b_FSR3kg1JZTBXqnngAklrZb9EkqjXG1b02ZR61rvggx0VanD6s5lPu-wnUdEg/s1600/P1140881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkdEVzgAF4ZuHITd65ex3Tvq9l1ifrtPgEe5LniGWQ9GG7kyhWCzYiYa4wVeUjjqnXgH9XmXKFpdT4b_FSR3kg1JZTBXqnngAklrZb9EkqjXG1b02ZR61rvggx0VanD6s5lPu-wnUdEg/s320/P1140881.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The 6th Day was of course Father's Day, so I put little stars next to that number. And inside that envelope was his Father's Day card that I ordered from Tiny Prints for FREE (such a steal!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOnAOhR3QhQHP5MVwlHRlTR4bfbNw4-9nCQhYDkQ_VblEeMYeUNVpVJqv1rMSXp5xfVj0kMreEZ5aIHjOOcGDB4IP1zWHbzDgxMJRnyVXeyW5aLiAL3rCJc-V4ujjEFRITHlEelJ5AQc/s1600/P1140883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOnAOhR3QhQHP5MVwlHRlTR4bfbNw4-9nCQhYDkQ_VblEeMYeUNVpVJqv1rMSXp5xfVj0kMreEZ5aIHjOOcGDB4IP1zWHbzDgxMJRnyVXeyW5aLiAL3rCJc-V4ujjEFRITHlEelJ5AQc/s320/P1140883.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJL4eGFTlz19Lny55yTboN1iVYsK6yICooVUtseQmgGCXS31WWVqwknho8slpOOC7hFOqp8Fp-sfpd8Y9m55Vf0QI8LCSUaJPnRWAICZW7Nh-F2zeh1vpaAcioA0IPUXp1ej3zbLhUbo/s1600/P1140884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJL4eGFTlz19Lny55yTboN1iVYsK6yICooVUtseQmgGCXS31WWVqwknho8slpOOC7hFOqp8Fp-sfpd8Y9m55Vf0QI8LCSUaJPnRWAICZW7Nh-F2zeh1vpaAcioA0IPUXp1ej3zbLhUbo/s320/P1140884.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The other envelopes had other little surprises such as a "free lunch", his favorite candy bar, and coffee that I made for him that morning. It's the little things that can do wonders to brighten his day. :0)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hope you all had a fabulous weekend! And stay tuned for posts about my husband's 30th Birthday Party! It was a "mustache theme" party! Here's a little preview:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9ytc5kvb5qUWWDLBraMRqFBLMnyRqFaiona_Jug5MgpmSo_1AH5FKF2Ks9oYrpu_CqrRhv3XjAFcJNyt5xeMH2HlGUC0nRvHASc56qL0UZQneN82wxzUGJNrqY3SQgu1Q-MKn0G7Rkk/s1600/Copy+of+P1140742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9ytc5kvb5qUWWDLBraMRqFBLMnyRqFaiona_Jug5MgpmSo_1AH5FKF2Ks9oYrpu_CqrRhv3XjAFcJNyt5xeMH2HlGUC0nRvHASc56qL0UZQneN82wxzUGJNrqY3SQgu1Q-MKn0G7Rkk/s400/Copy+of+P1140742.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Linking up to [<a href="http://framefanatic.blogspot.com/2010/07/linky-parties.html">these</a>] parties!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>[Jen]Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13512809782871214689noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674163645133917601.post-82920887710673196252011-06-09T07:43:00.002-05:002011-06-09T22:50:31.022-05:00[Transformation Thursday: 2nd Story Deck]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihAX7A7XA40udrtpN7j6FP87p5d-MfImB7iK0FW6fAGQnZqjCZX6yZRRaXlqpq89VwWlySaeOxtx8U5MQKTzNkeGliJCN6EszDDNd_EyUsq30Vw4VCqq5X52hbI7jq0xpvDYTyNhaOFKI/s1600/P1140765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihAX7A7XA40udrtpN7j6FP87p5d-MfImB7iK0FW6fAGQnZqjCZX6yZRRaXlqpq89VwWlySaeOxtx8U5MQKTzNkeGliJCN6EszDDNd_EyUsq30Vw4VCqq5X52hbI7jq0xpvDYTyNhaOFKI/s320/P1140765.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As promised, I am FINALLY revealing pictures of our 2nd story deck. Last year I discussed what type of style I wanted for the deck [<a href="http://framefanatic.blogspot.com/2010/08/motivational-monday-2nd-story-walk-out.html">here</a>]. And the way it turned out has totally surpassed my expectations! My hubby did an AWESOME job! :0)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Before:</span></strong></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWtUOv-gWIHO0Cca8er7tIGNtHg5G-CHjsjWowStwlmK5cF3adMpNqIqEqEtBP_vbBSp_gB57ofqp6V7jJptEcmqVBrAEcp0Pmq1s5sXO1nTXujV6SaQhe4V2yV7EG3qFssHGe1Jj5Vk/s1600/37655_1554822838362_1468923719_1441351_3819945_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWtUOv-gWIHO0Cca8er7tIGNtHg5G-CHjsjWowStwlmK5cF3adMpNqIqEqEtBP_vbBSp_gB57ofqp6V7jJptEcmqVBrAEcp0Pmq1s5sXO1nTXujV6SaQhe4V2yV7EG3qFssHGe1Jj5Vk/s320/37655_1554822838362_1468923719_1441351_3819945_n.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's what the game plan looked like, using <a href="http://sketchup.google.com/">Google SketchUp</a>. And those double doors you see used to be where our master bedroom windows were. Yep, that's right! Our own private "balcony"!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">After:</span></u></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfBS5ze5bviWZLzySJpme4O8mxw7ag0v0Yi2pSEf_DOmBz3AWh6ZYv1ymwmUdZpqiom8g9WOKJgPM3anVvYWYZVN_Q8b2D9yspYe7c3Md1tDYebwfiSorV4-Kc1OPquU96cDTJWM41Bo/s1600/P1140757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfBS5ze5bviWZLzySJpme4O8mxw7ag0v0Yi2pSEf_DOmBz3AWh6ZYv1ymwmUdZpqiom8g9WOKJgPM3anVvYWYZVN_Q8b2D9yspYe7c3Md1tDYebwfiSorV4-Kc1OPquU96cDTJWM41Bo/s320/P1140757.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here is the final product! In October 2010, my husband took off a week from work to built this deck board by board. He used pressure treated top-choice pine from Lowe's in 2x6's & 2x8's, and it has held up really well through treacherous weather conditions. Using that same type of wood in 4x4's, he also built the sectional and stained the wood with a dark walnut stain by Minwax to give it some contrast.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHm8HYMublKE-Zi6hkBZlqbHbkkDQRTe3DruVZs_-13O1ZSD4iRt5ZZ3x_vxnn8VvKHxhYS9rcl3Tb5MLzL89zJM1jkAFSxtofBUjgUHHY9jeSkYnLj-G5dhp1Vj6ZIIDySJVaMuHY94/s1600/P1140774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHm8HYMublKE-Zi6hkBZlqbHbkkDQRTe3DruVZs_-13O1ZSD4iRt5ZZ3x_vxnn8VvKHxhYS9rcl3Tb5MLzL89zJM1jkAFSxtofBUjgUHHY9jeSkYnLj-G5dhp1Vj6ZIIDySJVaMuHY94/s320/P1140774.JPG" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We bought our outdoor pillows from <a href="http://www.pillowsuperstore.com/decorative-throw-pillow-sets/red-decorative-throw-pillow-sets/20x20outdoortosspillow.cfm">Pillow Superstore</a> in a sienna color. They were $39.99 for a set of 2! So we bought 4 sets to have 8 pillows in all. They are weather resistant and very comfy. I might buy a few small accent pillows in a fun pattern to give it that something extra.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBB9BB3M9aHIq8Y6oYOG1Ao0L1huZGxhIDDJfGu2PDVpOgxJOvQqX_6MCCD85iRn50AFiqUkDHlN-Cd_cAvJP30EnZbZMzL6iNEVuQ7vSN8xsyZ3umGfa3tXQsG7HRDFtJsSNNzn_GyiM/s1600/P1140775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBB9BB3M9aHIq8Y6oYOG1Ao0L1huZGxhIDDJfGu2PDVpOgxJOvQqX_6MCCD85iRn50AFiqUkDHlN-Cd_cAvJP30EnZbZMzL6iNEVuQ7vSN8xsyZ3umGfa3tXQsG7HRDFtJsSNNzn_GyiM/s320/P1140775.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We bought these outdoor bench cushions from <a href="http://www.patioshoppers.com/products/Portola_Knife_Edge_Bench_and_Swing_Cushions-1750-0.html">Patio Shoppers</a> in a polyester grasscloth tan. We needed 3 cushions since the sectional is so long.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kKggkNqDnfdJobE7RwqkEI4zh_Sb407XXOyUEB9lGJmhXJNaiRI-9CHLd54ZNdxof-f3JMygALhprjEgxPjOcQBsQRvlLsdkzBuA789DdGRJnooLU4tPGbkjODGWy-WxH1B9Asdwg_w/s1600/P1140763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kKggkNqDnfdJobE7RwqkEI4zh_Sb407XXOyUEB9lGJmhXJNaiRI-9CHLd54ZNdxof-f3JMygALhprjEgxPjOcQBsQRvlLsdkzBuA789DdGRJnooLU4tPGbkjODGWy-WxH1B9Asdwg_w/s320/P1140763.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The moment we saw this firepit at Lowe's we fell in love. It fits perfectly on our deck next to our sectional. I love the mosaic tile and the copper inlay. To eliminate having that "campfire smell", we use propane. So the coal is basically just for looks. :0) There have and will be many more 'smore-making nights by this firepit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNL1VHVgvKUwYyTcX11TC4KRrpjHnIk6alq6ygvIQPtlKUVORkmGQ1r1EalXsSiEbHxw0_xLKQrmD1tc56U4rIyNm7C5OmV6exOI6I62w_m1lsjI8sVyz_G_FN-k5hYdxm9BcGoTkzQyg/s1600/P1140771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNL1VHVgvKUwYyTcX11TC4KRrpjHnIk6alq6ygvIQPtlKUVORkmGQ1r1EalXsSiEbHxw0_xLKQrmD1tc56U4rIyNm7C5OmV6exOI6I62w_m1lsjI8sVyz_G_FN-k5hYdxm9BcGoTkzQyg/s320/P1140771.JPG" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjx4nNtyCY89x2B_t8HRio0FyyaWf9nW9i8Lx-DIjMtuK1wjwL8DozpJOxBbmZGJTJ7rQXqLPqo9IDhr_6absJJgaX3mqYBUCy-CetrizVVe6VW1Ysc6HiLF9uI9W3MFxPn-8rv3Sz2Qs/s1600/P1140766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjx4nNtyCY89x2B_t8HRio0FyyaWf9nW9i8Lx-DIjMtuK1wjwL8DozpJOxBbmZGJTJ7rQXqLPqo9IDhr_6absJJgaX3mqYBUCy-CetrizVVe6VW1Ysc6HiLF9uI9W3MFxPn-8rv3Sz2Qs/s320/P1140766.JPG" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Across from the seating area is our little breakfast nook. This is the perfect place to share our morning breakfasts together or a enjoy sunset dinner. The off-set umbrella was purchased at Garden Ridge. We really like the fact that it can swivel from being over the breakfast nook to being over the seating area. Plus it adds a cozy atmosphere without covering up the beautiful sky too much.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQaYL-nXZvWH5i4qt2-CIAFpLNA5XX6z3bKql0A4jzPj5DBFNiEDgIzU2gkpVQjIswct3i5FFSI5cRHB02oW7epP3vmXxV5LZC5UNMHC9kNKsrq_ZEOc4GJXzf7S7i_FcltwYKQmphE4/s1600/P1140776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQaYL-nXZvWH5i4qt2-CIAFpLNA5XX6z3bKql0A4jzPj5DBFNiEDgIzU2gkpVQjIswct3i5FFSI5cRHB02oW7epP3vmXxV5LZC5UNMHC9kNKsrq_ZEOc4GJXzf7S7i_FcltwYKQmphE4/s320/P1140776.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The table and stools are also from Lowe's. The table is made entirely out of aluminum, so it's extra durable. The stools are made of the same material with a wicker seat. We like having 4 seats at the table for when we are entertaining. Also, the rope lights that you see under the ledge of the deck I bought at Walmart and look really nice at night. Its lights up the entire deck!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1SHCQBbj3gyKeh71Xo5cNXFSCFFGqWAhY6fUw0zC8aOEOgSFB6rPe4qVhq0kUkJaQomO3ivBbNYMwZtsDSAL6Enu423pIQ42yTw43fb5ZJCcH-RltQbvAOrqVZEnEhj5w6qbzPbCVK9w/s1600/P1140762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1SHCQBbj3gyKeh71Xo5cNXFSCFFGqWAhY6fUw0zC8aOEOgSFB6rPe4qVhq0kUkJaQomO3ivBbNYMwZtsDSAL6Enu423pIQ42yTw43fb5ZJCcH-RltQbvAOrqVZEnEhj5w6qbzPbCVK9w/s320/P1140762.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I purchased these little black lanterns a while back and knew I just had to use them on our deck. I placed a little oil candle inside to help with the illumination. I am thinking of purchasing some large tall lanterns and placing them randomly on the deck floor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXzGkXQfErmScjKhJgivzAuNK30w3i87AZB6qsHDKf4i1cpUamjrJfys4G8EzF7DNlx2TIkieBT-jKNeTC-TRi-IMFCFRFY08Z3uvf7sbMF1sOukE_8phqW7137pmqxRbHLpqAwZMFiQ/s1600/P1140778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXzGkXQfErmScjKhJgivzAuNK30w3i87AZB6qsHDKf4i1cpUamjrJfys4G8EzF7DNlx2TIkieBT-jKNeTC-TRi-IMFCFRFY08Z3uvf7sbMF1sOukE_8phqW7137pmqxRbHLpqAwZMFiQ/s320/P1140778.JPG" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As soon as you leave/enter the deck, you will come through these white french doors. We bought them at Lowe's, and my husband & a close friend installed them. These doors lead directly into our master bedroom. I just love to fling the door open and breathe in that fresh morning air. The black wall lanterns were also purchased at Lowe's. They match our lantern downstairs on our back porch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgjhrsjgok_tUzygTYVS8Drvpgb4ArBzWO-zxrZCUtpZyeXsIDHQTWvWneVHRbzC2lgUJ2Z5uGpdI0DljkxA_8au95dqr01F_O67qhC_mjhlXYwFvuNcYjdE1B7MA3EJ0zoxc7DdnpLg/s1600/P1140767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgjhrsjgok_tUzygTYVS8Drvpgb4ArBzWO-zxrZCUtpZyeXsIDHQTWvWneVHRbzC2lgUJ2Z5uGpdI0DljkxA_8au95dqr01F_O67qhC_mjhlXYwFvuNcYjdE1B7MA3EJ0zoxc7DdnpLg/s320/P1140767.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So there you have it! That is our 2nd story deck transformation! We love it, and it has really brought in more value to our home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Glad you stopped by! :0)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Linking up to <a href="http://framefanatic.blogspot.com/2010/07/linky-parties.html">these</a> parties.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>[Jen]Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13512809782871214689noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674163645133917601.post-66609723698656654022011-06-06T09:55:00.000-05:002011-06-06T09:55:42.188-05:00[Motivational Monday: The Great Outdoors]<div align="center">Summertime always welcomes our home with outdoor entertaining & activities. We enjoy having our meals outside, hanging out with friends in our backyard, and roasting smores by the fire. Recently my husband built our 2nd story deck, and we couldn't be happier with it. But I will share with you the entire transformation later this week.<br />
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In the meantime, here are some inspirational outdoor decor to help revamp your own patio:</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qyTlbAgN_wUF5cyHjsnZQ0oNr0YnwRcz-DHfc5-WsPe8_5ceovp-vdbFgfTYfdTs_tWOBLmnOclNN8e9uocLrJgd7GQjYWy5Q07w3brypZVDuH5Ta4G02qWiwjSUJNkmvia7-9lffQc/s1600/Lanai%252520with%252520fireplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qyTlbAgN_wUF5cyHjsnZQ0oNr0YnwRcz-DHfc5-WsPe8_5ceovp-vdbFgfTYfdTs_tWOBLmnOclNN8e9uocLrJgd7GQjYWy5Q07w3brypZVDuH5Ta4G02qWiwjSUJNkmvia7-9lffQc/s320/Lanai%252520with%252520fireplace.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[I simply LOVE the idea of having a fireplace outside. It looks beautiful when lit up at night and can be used as warmth to let you enjoy the outdoors even throughout the colder months.]</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUW9oB3AQCkbV__bYBJNIyXM8ofuW6fHxHw6eq06t9YoTc0OsY1yeAUBO542K30TpApMTzll8Vf3YHRrvgmlOcQWgVRdv-SW8N6MteaoAF1p4R_eHhNb-gsYZQzBzqeWddqXF40HCS4Y/s1600/deck-wicker-outdoor-patio-furniture-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUW9oB3AQCkbV__bYBJNIyXM8ofuW6fHxHw6eq06t9YoTc0OsY1yeAUBO542K30TpApMTzll8Vf3YHRrvgmlOcQWgVRdv-SW8N6MteaoAF1p4R_eHhNb-gsYZQzBzqeWddqXF40HCS4Y/s320/deck-wicker-outdoor-patio-furniture-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[Outdoor sectionals are definitely a must when entertaining outside. It brings everyone together while setting a relaxed tone.]</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKnMPZM-2WYR1VXoNBGMqfYSzul4Acd02eZFzGOcJtzzEDKrUheo_Li37rUsy9R6hz9dVx-niFAZDji-rPmc2UztvxVeBTvOLmIsWGc6hpw1gx5ZOFe7Sk8jh2w07XlbGGtiRvoPhJfg/s1600/pergola_the_lodge_lrg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKnMPZM-2WYR1VXoNBGMqfYSzul4Acd02eZFzGOcJtzzEDKrUheo_Li37rUsy9R6hz9dVx-niFAZDji-rPmc2UztvxVeBTvOLmIsWGc6hpw1gx5ZOFe7Sk8jh2w07XlbGGtiRvoPhJfg/s320/pergola_the_lodge_lrg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[I gotta say, I love gazebos! It makes you feel like you are inside while you enjoy the fresh air of being outside. And to have it lit up at night with lights strung along the top is simply icing on the cake.]</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknX46QJ0Ze_l_F7ymfeupwFAiS0d2j0XmusDFoMY33XmjGTaf8MNvmKi3NzLZ8xmo3AyBNRG2Q6ncUkZtNtn7qcFMU27SnWSWf30AzEppF9mYi_yjBWvr4PpNE-Nothb_27Uw83uN5XY/s1600/roof-top-deck-home-design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknX46QJ0Ze_l_F7ymfeupwFAiS0d2j0XmusDFoMY33XmjGTaf8MNvmKi3NzLZ8xmo3AyBNRG2Q6ncUkZtNtn7qcFMU27SnWSWf30AzEppF9mYi_yjBWvr4PpNE-Nothb_27Uw83uN5XY/s320/roof-top-deck-home-design.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[A nice tall privacy fence lets you enjoy relaxing on your patio without feeling exposed to your neighbors. Adding some greenery on top of the fence brings life to the entire patio while giving you that extra inch of privacy.]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Are you ready for outdoor entertaining this summer?</div><br />
[Jen]Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13512809782871214689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674163645133917601.post-49145345528316238812011-06-04T21:04:00.000-05:002011-06-04T21:04:31.713-05:00[Scrapperday: Graduation Card]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBol5yqAxpSWjGgUjsMZgoANmQvFCge41CG145v0tsGVDFM4pc8fz_AcVQJAAfE3c_FiYbCjx8zwWOUNJ1Y0YqZYC4Qj1DFPDppgyb0qskAJ0Z3oJes0mtUZJ-70KNKmgd-AT6chVUqk/s1600/P1140752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBol5yqAxpSWjGgUjsMZgoANmQvFCge41CG145v0tsGVDFM4pc8fz_AcVQJAAfE3c_FiYbCjx8zwWOUNJ1Y0YqZYC4Qj1DFPDppgyb0qskAJ0Z3oJes0mtUZJ-70KNKmgd-AT6chVUqk/s320/P1140752.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tonight I just returned from a fun graduation party. It definitely brought back memories of graduating high school. The excitement of finally being done with high school, the anxiousness to start college, and the confidence (and fear!) of entering the "real world". Ahh to be young again...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyways, I just wanted to share a little card that I made for the honored graduate. She loved it and appreciated the effort, which is always nice. :0)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8jewDPbaWvcgsIh-LK_qSnAZdq6CXtXtbdVX41VCQHUs586EmZ6uV86DZ-VCOe1c0Pfkhhzl8kqU1aroR7oXXHZ8yJgU8dCmu8_ACs8XUFjWRZu3FGwklJIdhgkJ5tIJbDnMbPZaVRI/s1600/P1140749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8jewDPbaWvcgsIh-LK_qSnAZdq6CXtXtbdVX41VCQHUs586EmZ6uV86DZ-VCOe1c0Pfkhhzl8kqU1aroR7oXXHZ8yJgU8dCmu8_ACs8XUFjWRZu3FGwklJIdhgkJ5tIJbDnMbPZaVRI/s320/P1140749.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think the hardest part about making the card was hand-sketching the graduation cap. Trying to make the square part look 3D was quite the task. But in the end, it all turned out just how I wanted it. I used green behind the cap since it's their school color. The tassel was also hand-drawn, and cutting out the little ends of the tassel was probably the best part of the entire process. It sort of gives it that extra flair.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend! :0)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Linking this card up to <a href="http://framefanatic.blogspot.com/2010/07/linky-parties.html">these</a> parties.</div><div align="center"></div><br />
[Jen]Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13512809782871214689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674163645133917601.post-57545324265985799622011-05-27T07:09:00.001-05:002011-05-27T07:09:00.699-05:00[Foodie Friday: Patriotic Eye Candy]<div style="text-align: center;">It's been quite a while since I blogged (sorry about that!), but I am still here reading your blogs every spare chance I get in between party planning my husband's 30th birthday party (which is in less than a month! eek!) and of course chasing around my 2 1/2 year old daughter. But I just wanted to quickly share with you some beautiful eye candy to start off your weekend. :0)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Since Memorial Day is coming up for everyone here in the U.S., I thought it would be only appropriate to share with you some food ideas to help celebrate the occasion. Bonus: these ideas could also be used for 4th of July! After searching for some yummy ideas on <a href="http://pinterest.com/framefanatic/">Pinterest</a>, my latest obsession, I found some amazing and creative ideas to help even your desserts be a little patriotic.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwk83aJmVfepUr9S6Y1nm0Xl51Ecz0CifloE689PviEMbiOOKCLRiezBgi6dxMSzWbDFoqsT3yAzPFDL40pT5kktPM324AspviZ-vdmU_QIPCsMm-ewKFKk27NGDdNM7hgQs7A32_m20/s1600/4thofjuly.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwk83aJmVfepUr9S6Y1nm0Xl51Ecz0CifloE689PviEMbiOOKCLRiezBgi6dxMSzWbDFoqsT3yAzPFDL40pT5kktPM324AspviZ-vdmU_QIPCsMm-ewKFKk27NGDdNM7hgQs7A32_m20/s400/4thofjuly.png" t8="true" width="330" /></a></div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cupcake Flag - <a class="pinOriginBoard" href="http://gordongossip.blogspot.com/2010/06/crafty-patriot.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #aaaaaa;">gordongossip.blogspot.com</span></strong></a></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cheescake in a Jar - <a class="pinOriginBoard" href="http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/cheesecake-in-a-jar-recipe/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #aaaaaa;">mybakingaddiction.com</span></strong></a> </div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Red, White, & Blue Strawberries - <a class="pinOriginBoard" href="http://allrecipes.com/Cook/Photo.aspx?photoID=428300" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #aaaaaa;">allrecipes.com</span></strong></a> </div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3-tier Patriotic Cake - <a class="pinOriginBoard" href="http://www.hostessblog.com/2011/05/fabulous-4th-of-july-pinwheels-party/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #aaaaaa;">hostessblog.com</span></strong></a> </div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkbQUg1yk_OzIxnbav6B6wTNX_KmXM0UQoQ4IKwdsTII6T8Y8G6JmHwAOeAlZL11RDMPM6tNZaetryLgITFJQI0xsEwjdqm-yAIA9mB-_CDRLIqFo-pO1DLVhyphenhyphenN4Xt1kh1ddPYGTd-sU/s1600/JCP_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkbQUg1yk_OzIxnbav6B6wTNX_KmXM0UQoQ4IKwdsTII6T8Y8G6JmHwAOeAlZL11RDMPM6tNZaetryLgITFJQI0xsEwjdqm-yAIA9mB-_CDRLIqFo-pO1DLVhyphenhyphenN4Xt1kh1ddPYGTd-sU/s400/JCP_01.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To follow me on Pinterest, click [<a href="http://pinterest.com/framefanatic/">HERE</a>]! :0)</div><br />
[Jen]Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13512809782871214689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674163645133917601.post-74059813349396849652011-05-20T10:51:00.000-05:002011-05-20T10:51:31.380-05:00[Frame Friday: Gallery Wall by Dream Book Design]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJyhKA2XX3gJ9wG8yooRX4g-HndD84H-5m46pfkDrK-pJq1QhTNRggLWQ6ay0rwGdxhfhIkFnn29DW2bNwLQSpGv_UBbq9DNOyjR8dCVC4RhscT_0DjwEFPkVqzb2JZw1unU3bCVOnss/s1600/13972178248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJyhKA2XX3gJ9wG8yooRX4g-HndD84H-5m46pfkDrK-pJq1QhTNRggLWQ6ay0rwGdxhfhIkFnn29DW2bNwLQSpGv_UBbq9DNOyjR8dCVC4RhscT_0DjwEFPkVqzb2JZw1unU3bCVOnss/s320/13972178248.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yesterday I stumbled on <a href="http://www.dreambookdesign.com/">Dream Book Design</a> blog (a DIY design blog that I suggest you go and visit!) and saw this amazing gallery wall. Absolutely stunning! I have been wanting to create a gallery wall in a hallway in my house, and this has definitely given me that much more motivation. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8o0XtpiDIpU2_IzMC7XYqoxCe4yi90OEWqpAsX6dpFaN3zrcGrY3gCaflB1QlQJHji-AwL0TbzUye3bNxQcLiSd2de4q-1x9UFvIrSvns4krAOLdWZz1ppM4Y-yk6RnCs7Lmf7wImlms/s1600/13972149638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8o0XtpiDIpU2_IzMC7XYqoxCe4yi90OEWqpAsX6dpFaN3zrcGrY3gCaflB1QlQJHji-AwL0TbzUye3bNxQcLiSd2de4q-1x9UFvIrSvns4krAOLdWZz1ppM4Y-yk6RnCs7Lmf7wImlms/s320/13972149638.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh how I love all those white frames! They look so clean and chic against that wall color. Those 3 frames inside the larger frame is simply fabulous. And that fish-eye mirror really adds character to the entire gallery wall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And you're not going to believe how much it cost her to put it all together...only about <strong>$50</strong>! What a steal!! Most of the frames were thrifty finds that she simply painted white. A technique that I plan on using in the near future. :0)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To view the original blog post on her gallery wall, click [<a href="http://www.dreambookdesign.com/2011/05/gallery-wall-reveal.html">HERE</a>].</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you so much Adri for letting me feature your project! You are such an inspiration! :0)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>[Jen]Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13512809782871214689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674163645133917601.post-89772399604725648192011-05-14T07:27:00.000-05:002011-05-14T07:27:00.621-05:00[Scrapperday: Another Birthday Card]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZlB-lLTejxlb247pHZlsKVglFGZpRpl1RjzON9_nGS9SgkLNqsrNKW6Y4ZmAEqsddd9MmrpgnH3EwVbWudgl0bg94odHzcidZNdrDNm3ogjflyyMMvYeVTh8qsf5OV-O1TPxT-nyDR0/s1600/P1140731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZlB-lLTejxlb247pHZlsKVglFGZpRpl1RjzON9_nGS9SgkLNqsrNKW6Y4ZmAEqsddd9MmrpgnH3EwVbWudgl0bg94odHzcidZNdrDNm3ogjflyyMMvYeVTh8qsf5OV-O1TPxT-nyDR0/s320/P1140731.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's yet another birthday card I recently created. There always seems to be so many birthdays around me this time of year. Anyways, just thought I'd quickly share this fun little card. I love it because it's so bright and colorful. Perfect for spring/summer birthdays!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As usual, I followed Kristina Werner's <a href="http://www.kwernerdesign.com/blog/?p=4909">video tutorial</a> and made some changes/personal touches of my own. I think my favorite part about this card are the little presents. So cute! And the "Happy Birthday" sentiment was actually hand-written with an embossing pen, sprinkled on some white embossing powder, and heat-embossed. So easy and it looks fabulous! :0)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'll be linking this card up to <a href="http://framefanatic.blogspot.com/2010/07/linky-parties.html">these</a> parties! Come join me!!</div><br />
[Jen]Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13512809782871214689noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674163645133917601.post-12209085316092334592011-05-13T07:50:00.001-05:002011-05-13T13:06:49.293-05:00[Frame Friday: Stencil Frame by In Between Laundry]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjtmL50DCzmWaiI2-gKd9cTV0HA2rDDVIX4ALxvaDkleNi_LgvLv8r9x7KYtfjvhtpLAOoBXCRKNsEwGIeoDL4eZLsBIPfhHD5DOKw9kF5wpblUaYS169yZI9eJPZX4hwCJEJ1e_x2_M/s1600/5678413864_a7fec35980_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjtmL50DCzmWaiI2-gKd9cTV0HA2rDDVIX4ALxvaDkleNi_LgvLv8r9x7KYtfjvhtpLAOoBXCRKNsEwGIeoDL4eZLsBIPfhHD5DOKw9kF5wpblUaYS169yZI9eJPZX4hwCJEJ1e_x2_M/s320/5678413864_a7fec35980_b.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am always looking around blogland for unique & creative ideas on using frames. This <a href="http://inbetweenlaundry.blogspot.com/2011/05/front-entry-makeover-with-stenciling.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+InBetweenLaundry+%28In+Between+Laundry%29">DIY stencil frame</a> by Erin over at <a href="http://inbetweenlaundry.blogspot.com/">In Between Laundry</a> definitely caught my eye. I love the whole look of a frame inside a "frame". It adds such depth and character!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvizKxu7LO2KAEesdRZ8-riPmybXalyoLS01XbBpfvVufGe8q5PkEGtFwi9VgnIGb0CVW9OQVvja3xTErKqnbkfwKoOC1eTI7sxVa27Gl_jg5FAZDH628LItoXHw8IeQnDN50HUsUDhqU/s1600/5678414944_03f6cbe643_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvizKxu7LO2KAEesdRZ8-riPmybXalyoLS01XbBpfvVufGe8q5PkEGtFwi9VgnIGb0CVW9OQVvja3xTErKqnbkfwKoOC1eTI7sxVa27Gl_jg5FAZDH628LItoXHw8IeQnDN50HUsUDhqU/s320/5678414944_03f6cbe643_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The stencil Erin used was created on her Silhouette machine, and I just love the pattern she chose. It's simple yet eye-catching! She simply painted around the stencil directly onto the wall with a small paintbrush.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCzHr1p0C6u3RzgLr81z2Vi-KOMOkKbluLP3tH6oqq5zaNXBH5hpdJEQIX5d_kOBZ6j8vBe2nq1qHGGL7ayPzlg3yaqfCzxL0t0vLyWfHwRwdrAH58nLQvXn8H8BBdhctHJ3V5VUBfgU/s1600/5678415886_121e86a00a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCzHr1p0C6u3RzgLr81z2Vi-KOMOkKbluLP3tH6oqq5zaNXBH5hpdJEQIX5d_kOBZ6j8vBe2nq1qHGGL7ayPzlg3yaqfCzxL0t0vLyWfHwRwdrAH58nLQvXn8H8BBdhctHJ3V5VUBfgU/s320/5678415886_121e86a00a_b.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She framed the stenciled section with molding to complete the look and added a distressed picture frame inside to give it that personal touch. Doesn't it look amazing?! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Great job, Erin! Thank you so much for letting me feature this fabulous project!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To view her full tutorial, please visit her blog [<a href="http://inbetweenlaundry.blogspot.com/2011/05/front-entry-makeover-with-stenciling.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+InBetweenLaundry+%28In+Between+Laundry%29">HERE</a>].</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>[Jen]Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13512809782871214689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674163645133917601.post-32949071120595397982011-05-08T11:52:00.000-05:002011-05-08T11:52:33.787-05:00Happy Mother's Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9pivcr67K1fqE84j1bwBVMBDnqr9iQL6J6ePaH_e4ZVyI2pBdik5fVLP1-10kkJpptKToJwZrms_-h6T_pzIFv0KbwcxbRgTdrZ0q8mIluPqe64VO9XexyK91ODjTlldVxDmW8yHFEQ/s1600/Graphic15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9pivcr67K1fqE84j1bwBVMBDnqr9iQL6J6ePaH_e4ZVyI2pBdik5fVLP1-10kkJpptKToJwZrms_-h6T_pzIFv0KbwcxbRgTdrZ0q8mIluPqe64VO9XexyK91ODjTlldVxDmW8yHFEQ/s320/Graphic15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Mother's Day to all the fabulous moms out there!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shouldn't every day be Mother's Day?? :0)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>[Jen]Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13512809782871214689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674163645133917601.post-3420320585494065852011-05-06T08:00:00.001-05:002011-05-06T08:00:12.737-05:00[Foodie Friday: Royal Wedding]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, I meant to post this last Friday but better late than never, right? If you're wondering, I did stay up to watch the wedding in the middle of the night, even though my husband thought I was crazy. I thought the Royal Wedding was a beautiful fairytale wedding. Everything went just perfectly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYn2Ym6LnxOuVM2-VnhzeaFhuf6bvPitBvp0v78daS_haAYoDmj5C5g3HqxMA3v7DM63lPSf0UKx-8g4Kr2MKdVr2UaKnzd4EsI1W8Pr2jko-Z8D6FkWFnw_JEHtl-wNWIMFYVj1Q5Lvs/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-04-29+at+9_21_03+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYn2Ym6LnxOuVM2-VnhzeaFhuf6bvPitBvp0v78daS_haAYoDmj5C5g3HqxMA3v7DM63lPSf0UKx-8g4Kr2MKdVr2UaKnzd4EsI1W8Pr2jko-Z8D6FkWFnw_JEHtl-wNWIMFYVj1Q5Lvs/s320/Screen+shot+2011-04-29+at+9_21_03+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[Such a gorgeous dress!]</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVh2xrX4DfpE-Gztfl1c2B40lY2SAt0hj5uCmcW9gm_ki17J6WTkhyehvXwUj85ngeGFfWBQXmPYRCmlZQjcnhONi_bqx3pb7EvyegfHDwsNfHKo4CIZSgrBUiM6MjD_E8BCgB7U55-s/s1600/ss-110429-wedding-ceremony-32_ss_full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVh2xrX4DfpE-Gztfl1c2B40lY2SAt0hj5uCmcW9gm_ki17J6WTkhyehvXwUj85ngeGFfWBQXmPYRCmlZQjcnhONi_bqx3pb7EvyegfHDwsNfHKo4CIZSgrBUiM6MjD_E8BCgB7U55-s/s320/ss-110429-wedding-ceremony-32_ss_full.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvjcyTutBfnKn_1OPm_lxWZFfRT7r-vKFRX8SzwKtbVHjpvbNY79PqDCW8fvfXiDsDqF8xvChxX6OZA-B_3xgZ2kJASL9Y9krn_0UKwOpd9QtyEL-iA5qPQ8znAczgI02GXHWA1Rm09Q/s1600/ss-110429-ceremony-28_ss_full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvjcyTutBfnKn_1OPm_lxWZFfRT7r-vKFRX8SzwKtbVHjpvbNY79PqDCW8fvfXiDsDqF8xvChxX6OZA-B_3xgZ2kJASL9Y9krn_0UKwOpd9QtyEL-iA5qPQ8znAczgI02GXHWA1Rm09Q/s320/ss-110429-ceremony-28_ss_full.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTRHLm70OOgO8IeyZDT1mcY4PNSU1TaCJJ47zyhgcLzZmSZ-O1pKOAvTpKc6kRS66NLfX3cs8awP_ZbZuVdg202k-pG5d1yUT4mpLqYWKUOG28jp0Gg70PNBv4Iijdkkn-yICw9y8OoQ/s1600/ss-110429-wedding-ceremony-35_ss_full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTRHLm70OOgO8IeyZDT1mcY4PNSU1TaCJJ47zyhgcLzZmSZ-O1pKOAvTpKc6kRS66NLfX3cs8awP_ZbZuVdg202k-pG5d1yUT4mpLqYWKUOG28jp0Gg70PNBv4Iijdkkn-yICw9y8OoQ/s320/ss-110429-wedding-ceremony-35_ss_full.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[The sweetest kiss ever! I love how the little bridesmaid is covering her ears. So adorable!]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyways, last Friday I decided to do something small to celebrate the royal wedding. My daughter and I celebrated by eating this for dessert:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn53VYxvNhgS3lW1KM8yy9uonno5z9Thvr0r8nRoVGoEuSD6zGbqrdxE84tLO4zzJazY8gyFe-4G-wTi50mCsosfaMbkRlQhXm3qVNw2VEdK0ZgKSlitXt0Gryy_neZIIIxFtNb7W5ARt_/s1600/P1140683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn53VYxvNhgS3lW1KM8yy9uonno5z9Thvr0r8nRoVGoEuSD6zGbqrdxE84tLO4zzJazY8gyFe-4G-wTi50mCsosfaMbkRlQhXm3qVNw2VEdK0ZgKSlitXt0Gryy_neZIIIxFtNb7W5ARt_/s320/P1140683.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just blueberries & strawberries arranged on top of whipped cream. It was supposed to look like the Union flag... Didn't quite turn out how I envisioned.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really wanted to do this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZNoq84vYqAoPJjav3BKzSPl9nAwj8wDOPHq-ANjwfgdi3_YxeC0v-BFctLiK50v4yAuc4j6TOnzuD4-yGq-5vUl6MukrLiFhYlxBD1TwwgAo2CjO4ixc_MmrLw0MAA3n3FQVSlimRWPg/s1600/5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZNoq84vYqAoPJjav3BKzSPl9nAwj8wDOPHq-ANjwfgdi3_YxeC0v-BFctLiK50v4yAuc4j6TOnzuD4-yGq-5vUl6MukrLiFhYlxBD1TwwgAo2CjO4ixc_MmrLw0MAA3n3FQVSlimRWPg/s320/5.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[via <a href="http://www.birthdaygirlblog.com/2011/04/last-minute-party-inspiration-british.html">Birthday Girl</a>]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{sigh} Maybe I make this some other time. I mean, Harry gotta get married sometime, right? :0)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtQS-xQygm0U5hvBQPz_mtsaGrhZebR7Gk6jDyjnj-V77aU_81sYWciEE4BqvL40O8TcpNVeUfIraVa5Uf1691-B9UZwNFBBoL1HMXbdoiGLOOm0hfKBHTpYKZw8PI5D71nKyYFdDECPY/s1600/P1140095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtQS-xQygm0U5hvBQPz_mtsaGrhZebR7Gk6jDyjnj-V77aU_81sYWciEE4BqvL40O8TcpNVeUfIraVa5Uf1691-B9UZwNFBBoL1HMXbdoiGLOOm0hfKBHTpYKZw8PI5D71nKyYFdDECPY/s320/P1140095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And of course, while we had dessert, we had a little tea party. It was such a lovely day. :0)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>[Jen]Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13512809782871214689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674163645133917601.post-47925545143613389792011-05-03T18:31:00.000-05:002011-05-03T18:31:02.385-05:00[Tuesday Top 10: Spring Fashion Trends Under $100]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are so many fun Spring fashion trends going on this season that I just had to share a few of them. And the best part about these trends? It's all about comfort!! Finally, I can keep up with the trends without feeling out of place and uncomfortable!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Shoes:</span></em></strong></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz93PVojyAbyUFEjPjXQCnoTNdt62neqJ3D3hc5MunWW1PguSWg_MU22chF_9QpprhLX__U1JutyrWL9R9GWSpI_UZNfARBRvq_We8R9JHTBnyU1_L05pPgNPaEmWicx4QMtOmIpeoiyLg/s1600/0418soludos-espadrille_fa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz93PVojyAbyUFEjPjXQCnoTNdt62neqJ3D3hc5MunWW1PguSWg_MU22chF_9QpprhLX__U1JutyrWL9R9GWSpI_UZNfARBRvq_We8R9JHTBnyU1_L05pPgNPaEmWicx4QMtOmIpeoiyLg/s320/0418soludos-espadrille_fa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[<a href="http://www.soludos.com/shop/shoes/playa-blue-blue-seersucker-sear">Soludos</a>; $28]</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdhV5-bK3nDkfiF0Z9Uz6QaYXL6wc_IzNhimt2cqmZXP4dcVRxWBuGWy6lkC32VmNpNtnZ-FCeqpeZbh4RmR4O-mNNwiT29B7ZZ_GhAz7xUrqkr10pjfEYOXDKh01pN2sDrrOVmmxA2La/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-04-23+at+2_00_03+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdhV5-bK3nDkfiF0Z9Uz6QaYXL6wc_IzNhimt2cqmZXP4dcVRxWBuGWy6lkC32VmNpNtnZ-FCeqpeZbh4RmR4O-mNNwiT29B7ZZ_GhAz7xUrqkr10pjfEYOXDKh01pN2sDrrOVmmxA2La/s320/Screen+shot+2011-04-23+at+2_00_03+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[Toms; <a href="http://www.toms.com/womens/silver-glitters-shoes">$54</a>]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0R7jijcIl8olUflJ9G8Qq301JJJEYzltJT-qc0gNdtrVCXYkvB4yNR6ldo0uzpemEGF_zD1pV8EYxqU-p4CTt0GQF2n81LL99Fb2kqz4lrBVPkgs2m_gW5o_K1r3VGylnvWjoeuTLvkp/s1600/pl853837-02qlv01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0R7jijcIl8olUflJ9G8Qq301JJJEYzltJT-qc0gNdtrVCXYkvB4yNR6ldo0uzpemEGF_zD1pV8EYxqU-p4CTt0GQF2n81LL99Fb2kqz4lrBVPkgs2m_gW5o_K1r3VGylnvWjoeuTLvkp/s1600/pl853837-02qlv01.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[<a href="http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=37370&vid=1&pid=853837&scid=853837022">Piperlime</a>; $99.50]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Espadrilles and wedges are very much in style this season. And for once, style does not compromise with comfort.While walking around the mall the other day, I couldn't help but notice how many people were wearing espadrilles/Tom shoes. P.S. I am loving the silver Toms shoes! So fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><em><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Maxis:</span></strong></em></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0EWFxVuypbt_cbMV5k1Ucw4bfaj6m_G3Ww5Jmg2BFXKYEVkrzHoCfkDkYA2THK_JacUlngafjBZmwo1eq82MZwd-Wgu0uU9h7SGCxS6zNhrAgl6l-PO05_GEh6ntQZtPN18bz1tj2RbEC/s1600/pl861034-00qlv01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0EWFxVuypbt_cbMV5k1Ucw4bfaj6m_G3Ww5Jmg2BFXKYEVkrzHoCfkDkYA2THK_JacUlngafjBZmwo1eq82MZwd-Wgu0uU9h7SGCxS6zNhrAgl6l-PO05_GEh6ntQZtPN18bz1tj2RbEC/s1600/pl861034-00qlv01.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[<a href="http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=61415&vid=1&pid=861034&scid=861034002">Piperlime</a>; $69]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZtkLF8WFgO20PLIlxHTBs9dmseSJHyJHISAzym85YmDcvZ-b6o4F2e03_EmO1y_QNNq3wjwOe1QU1nXmoxB3qkNGzSSDpatC_KOnx2_fkCRoJSiMppWPnkVhe_fywWHrHYzl65PbbpRv/s1600/gp836614-00vliv01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZtkLF8WFgO20PLIlxHTBs9dmseSJHyJHISAzym85YmDcvZ-b6o4F2e03_EmO1y_QNNq3wjwOe1QU1nXmoxB3qkNGzSSDpatC_KOnx2_fkCRoJSiMppWPnkVhe_fywWHrHYzl65PbbpRv/s320/gp836614-00vliv01.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[<a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=836614">Gap</a>; $89.95]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Maxi dresses were super hot last year and are making an encore appearance this season. I think what people like most about them is that they are super comfy and hide all of the things you would rather not show off (i.e. belly, butt, etc.). Plus, they are easy to put on and would work for both wearing day & night.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><em><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Jewelry:</span></strong></em></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7fABiTpLomPdqO0jlywtM7c2VXICngnw5wDpHkXsNCoFNwPnCz-wiOU_SmYG7rhA7vTvqx4VqWE4R2gYBa24om_DvfK2WdRi9aJzvuxGpM95eIAMAE02kmeWyK5Yg_t4jQkZLRREs9O9W/s1600/pCHIC1-9459729v275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7fABiTpLomPdqO0jlywtM7c2VXICngnw5wDpHkXsNCoFNwPnCz-wiOU_SmYG7rhA7vTvqx4VqWE4R2gYBa24om_DvfK2WdRi9aJzvuxGpM95eIAMAE02kmeWyK5Yg_t4jQkZLRREs9O9W/s320/pCHIC1-9459729v275.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[<a href="http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11163978&cp=4241184.4192366.4241198">Charlotte Russe</a>; $4]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6FwmoDj6bQ1YIT2z4OSt3P4iBONxE7YOYt8hEzSLK1_5IMStNgRWBBGFfNSvWt3Um7pWfBSHMGPyx-6NQWIC4VMd2TJcnr30B9wj-WfrLgxsxp12F5WjpP-gClMPbFr8kW_zGVMdr7Hw/s1600/pCHIC1-9611280t242x313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6FwmoDj6bQ1YIT2z4OSt3P4iBONxE7YOYt8hEzSLK1_5IMStNgRWBBGFfNSvWt3Um7pWfBSHMGPyx-6NQWIC4VMd2TJcnr30B9wj-WfrLgxsxp12F5WjpP-gClMPbFr8kW_zGVMdr7Hw/s1600/pCHIC1-9611280t242x313.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[<a href="http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11248147&cp=4241184.4192366">Charlotte Russe</a>; $4]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKncM4EGY0ZHgTBpZNlNt5_DppZeF4KzRCpUnYr5-Z26LHuXcZzI2S4guhFgspP6TZonP6XGjgK7O9p9OxI_vGzrS4mQ_K3G158IJ6AmZPZA2Akjk4z2F-FjnbeHOgq6sDJZtRf9UEBq0m/s1600/570022469_930_normal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKncM4EGY0ZHgTBpZNlNt5_DppZeF4KzRCpUnYr5-Z26LHuXcZzI2S4guhFgspP6TZonP6XGjgK7O9p9OxI_vGzrS4mQ_K3G158IJ6AmZPZA2Akjk4z2F-FjnbeHOgq6sDJZtRf9UEBq0m/s320/570022469_930_normal.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[<a href="http://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/browse/product.jsp?maxRec=198&pageId=1&productId=570022469&viewAll=true&prd=Silvertone+Torsade+Necklace&subCatId=&color=&fromSearch=&inSeam=&posId=131&catId=cat210005&cat=Jewelry+Accessories&onSale=&colorFamily=&maxPg=1&size=">White House Black House</a>; $64]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FvKhN2Qb_F1j26mmso8jfBF_gJTvegrwwpz41FiQ5ZxyQ-nwvzl2BBJ5HzEtRiGOidezG78ViFJvZ_pFXbK1jS1kD-rRADMT9XBUwSmJdIoLPx99GaG7q7rooYZneK7ONfc-jKiQRZPB/s1600/860649446_125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FvKhN2Qb_F1j26mmso8jfBF_gJTvegrwwpz41FiQ5ZxyQ-nwvzl2BBJ5HzEtRiGOidezG78ViFJvZ_pFXbK1jS1kD-rRADMT9XBUwSmJdIoLPx99GaG7q7rooYZneK7ONfc-jKiQRZPB/s1600/860649446_125.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[<a href="http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?DeptID=73483&CatID=73483&Grptyp=PRD&ItemId=1afeded&cm_mmc=ShoppingFeed-_-PriceGrabber-_-Handbags%20%20%20Accessories-_-Decree%20Ivory%20Coil%20Bracelet&srccode=cii_5784816&cpncode=00-9918664-2">JCPenney</a>; $10]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the fall/winter months, we are layering up on coats and jackets that we never really get to show off our jewelry. So this season, jewelry has become more of a conversation piece. Coil bracelets and necklaces with a mixture of layers & texture can help make any outfit interesting. I have those 2 rings pictured above from Charlotte Russe and have been complimented multiple times on both of them (especially the double snake ring!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Scarves:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaj5xpqi6WcrHSquheisgxOMFVJ-eFMZxEQI6jkEHCQzarvyXC-pY48JZuseuxPTtTRv4jum2n5ptRA_9B0AtPRIHHHcKY3AUJow5ykDSFQVAJrlO6_yfXHKqCtYxaiOTOuN8Lh92LOWHK/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-05-01+at+8_46_22+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaj5xpqi6WcrHSquheisgxOMFVJ-eFMZxEQI6jkEHCQzarvyXC-pY48JZuseuxPTtTRv4jum2n5ptRA_9B0AtPRIHHHcKY3AUJow5ykDSFQVAJrlO6_yfXHKqCtYxaiOTOuN8Lh92LOWHK/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-05-01+at+8_46_22+AM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[<a href="http://www.target.com/b/ref=in_se_pagelist_btm_next?ie=UTF8&node=370226011&searchSize=30&searchView=grid3&searchPage=2&rh=&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&searchRank=salesrank">Target</a>; $20, but currently out of stock]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Scarves in the spring? Well, it's not just for the colder months. Lightweight scarves are very trendy this season. They're the perfect way to dress up a white t-shirt and jeans! :0)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">[Jen]</div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13512809782871214689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674163645133917601.post-61608263621063882122011-04-30T07:21:00.001-05:002011-04-30T07:21:00.603-05:00[Scrapperday: Mother's Day Card]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpt3YvBDKmIjyXOVWtE3rXIEbAYmZp_e8_5siox30BSdFTet7l0iFx-jAwTGhbBROsJwnMTD5WR1RQiUdqVBy4noQznA-D0LQShvWaBq3LMncaSF2PbOqzNdqWtCR_BsYEZBRrwUZK1mP/s1600/P1140285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpt3YvBDKmIjyXOVWtE3rXIEbAYmZp_e8_5siox30BSdFTet7l0iFx-jAwTGhbBROsJwnMTD5WR1RQiUdqVBy4noQznA-D0LQShvWaBq3LMncaSF2PbOqzNdqWtCR_BsYEZBRrwUZK1mP/s320/P1140285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have you checked your calendars? Yes, that's right, Mother's Day is a week away! So to prepare for the occasion, I decided to whip up a fun little card. :0)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I got the idea around Valentine's Day after I saw one of Kristina Werner's videos from her blog, <a href="http://www.kwernerdesign.com/blog/?p=4892">KWerner Designs</a> (adding my own flair as always!). I thought it would be the perfect, non-traditional "Happy Mother's Day" card for any mom. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7_2fyYKKPZpwVGOlFe68tcZ-hEYUSd9wDgEXZq6NQM5MhUG3IHAyX2wdpKAfJuRvWYHx9kw8186ofY3gk2x6X_wAz8VikdrKVaBbKOzUWiummt0fRF_-WN0MBXLcRh6GYAfjQddcDa2-/s1600/P1140286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7_2fyYKKPZpwVGOlFe68tcZ-hEYUSd9wDgEXZq6NQM5MhUG3IHAyX2wdpKAfJuRvWYHx9kw8186ofY3gk2x6X_wAz8VikdrKVaBbKOzUWiummt0fRF_-WN0MBXLcRh6GYAfjQddcDa2-/s320/P1140286.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I especially love the little cut-out heart as the "o". And it was super easy to make! (seriously, it only took about 10 minutes to make) Bonus: who doesn't love a handmade card?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Scrapperday! :0)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Linking up to these <a href="http://framefanatic.blogspot.com/2010/07/linky-parties.html">parties</a>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>[Jen]Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13512809782871214689noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674163645133917601.post-73843274458596311502011-04-27T23:19:00.000-05:002011-04-27T23:19:37.183-05:00Easter Wrap-Up<div style="text-align: center;">Hi everyone! Sorry I've been M.I.A. for the past week. Guess I got wrapped up in Easter, Earth Day shopping, etc. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyways, how was everyone's Easter? Mine was fun filled with the Easter Bunny coming to visit for the first time this year (my daughter is 2, so we were sort of introducing her to the whole concept), dying Easter eggs for the first time (and we didn't even make a mess!), and visiting family. Here are a few highlights:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9O7jhgdfc-dAsMduTv4AntQ1HH7_e4S-g_HTovMLlmfr-EUcv4fou4FQMqKz5L4s53i1iCznrVpJhAvZv4hd8C2dazyQt6mDVX2p5r5Y8uy-kWkMHK3D5GEwxP6DyahT4UkG3IzH_NBAS/s1600/Picture+761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9O7jhgdfc-dAsMduTv4AntQ1HH7_e4S-g_HTovMLlmfr-EUcv4fou4FQMqKz5L4s53i1iCznrVpJhAvZv4hd8C2dazyQt6mDVX2p5r5Y8uy-kWkMHK3D5GEwxP6DyahT4UkG3IzH_NBAS/s320/Picture+761.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[Elizabeth was so excited after she woke up that the Easter Bunny came and wrote her a special note on our <a href="http://framefanatic.blogspot.com/2010/12/how-to-tuesday-chalkboard-table.html">chalkboard table</a>! Even more excited that there were Easter eggs filled with M&M's (her fave!).]</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0TxYgqqFFM1BGPAXBSYqgZ93hZeohOtturYfSUDB0fhCR0KcejxnWqQ8qIS3cIuC_5FBE0J1bm4IPmxdX4mc9CujEbsSBN5hgAEkh40sL8SJNPFt293J6YCle-M7mXuxSTuVC-GxVn7Y/s1600/Picture+780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0TxYgqqFFM1BGPAXBSYqgZ93hZeohOtturYfSUDB0fhCR0KcejxnWqQ8qIS3cIuC_5FBE0J1bm4IPmxdX4mc9CujEbsSBN5hgAEkh40sL8SJNPFt293J6YCle-M7mXuxSTuVC-GxVn7Y/s320/Picture+780.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[Dying colorful Easter eggs...]</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcUGIkdwAf80IPvCaaPPFrOStysQYIGpqPCVMiDTZO5Qh628r_t7u1m37WsCwUijt7QBnu1WhAB0mxSiC_2AcCgk9FqFpC9Cbmz4TS58_HbCAkBCBkVbo76sLWeISkWiXrLA2JX41wDyb/s1600/Picture+799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcUGIkdwAf80IPvCaaPPFrOStysQYIGpqPCVMiDTZO5Qh628r_t7u1m37WsCwUijt7QBnu1WhAB0mxSiC_2AcCgk9FqFpC9Cbmz4TS58_HbCAkBCBkVbo76sLWeISkWiXrLA2JX41wDyb/s320/Picture+799.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[A little Easter tea party is such a treat! And there's a side of yummy monkey bread to have for dessert!]</div>[Jen]Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13512809782871214689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674163645133917601.post-12237189272765493912011-04-24T00:13:00.000-05:002011-04-24T00:13:39.274-05:00Happy Easter!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiImygjb0FtA_NMURTqvYbMaRkvMH4QmLOcyfR9krfMQtgZreRAV3mUW0OP6hiZ78YQ5hvfgib22VeCe4uWTMA5juUg9pNRedLnVlYKEao5Q9I5VSi8b0PQzakybjo8OOPsgAetM4BKM5EY/s1600/happy-easter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiImygjb0FtA_NMURTqvYbMaRkvMH4QmLOcyfR9krfMQtgZreRAV3mUW0OP6hiZ78YQ5hvfgib22VeCe4uWTMA5juUg9pNRedLnVlYKEao5Q9I5VSi8b0PQzakybjo8OOPsgAetM4BKM5EY/s320/happy-easter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Wishing you all a happy and safe Easter! :0)</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>[Jen]Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13512809782871214689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674163645133917601.post-22596819506114289812011-04-18T20:36:00.000-05:002011-04-18T20:36:34.777-05:00[Motivational Monday: Easter Brunch Ideas]<div align="center">With Easter weekend coming up, I thought I might look around for some Easter brunch ideas. I would love to host a brunch someday, but with busy schedules this year it just won't happen. It's still nice to have lots of great ideas to keep on file, so be inspired!</div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7PJ3nkaLa45XmgIf1gLnGx1qNRQ5ylmkA2iaU61YDTr-oYb4N-4Q1hLsJ7O1Tx1dbUGsokNtmQ65gx4YC4v6GA_KhyKxwla2OLzVVBhPmFd7yO8gs_vfIlPqI2JyMG9EQIik7dtiSOWk/s1600/pink-easter-brunch-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7PJ3nkaLa45XmgIf1gLnGx1qNRQ5ylmkA2iaU61YDTr-oYb4N-4Q1hLsJ7O1Tx1dbUGsokNtmQ65gx4YC4v6GA_KhyKxwla2OLzVVBhPmFd7yO8gs_vfIlPqI2JyMG9EQIik7dtiSOWk/s400/pink-easter-brunch-small.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[via <a href="http://www.thepartydress.net/2010/03/easter-brunch-a-pretty-pink-party/">The Party Dress</a>]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAexah_umWdHOqFU-JrThfXhwolvOZDbzVHbT3ZE9nmEkpNiz_860JxdYSllSppE8qNETIxwL8dTzgyRniJ8RWx6H4CJIYKBI_ZvWe8DaQi_5sFXmcOJSV0QPPeU_a3wK_kKHI8ymp6k9b/s1600/easterparty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAexah_umWdHOqFU-JrThfXhwolvOZDbzVHbT3ZE9nmEkpNiz_860JxdYSllSppE8qNETIxwL8dTzgyRniJ8RWx6H4CJIYKBI_ZvWe8DaQi_5sFXmcOJSV0QPPeU_a3wK_kKHI8ymp6k9b/s400/easterparty.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[via <a href="http://blog.tinyprints.com/Cards/easter-party-invitations/">Tiny Prints</a>]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54OGmMkh7nAkAz775xdWQoSqAVUQCDyYOZ6BEUkcTtgyvxqld-llY-ws1VGf0jT0_nUcV-U-cQf4LY56ecX_4yZuYQgBB5kqQh3Yn0-hvc0BzTFSmFIQ_Lw1TtKYXP5ep08qUGOAT8I6H/s1600/daisy-garden-easter-printable-collection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54OGmMkh7nAkAz775xdWQoSqAVUQCDyYOZ6BEUkcTtgyvxqld-llY-ws1VGf0jT0_nUcV-U-cQf4LY56ecX_4yZuYQgBB5kqQh3Yn0-hvc0BzTFSmFIQ_Lw1TtKYXP5ep08qUGOAT8I6H/s400/daisy-garden-easter-printable-collection.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[via <a href="http://www.thetomkatstudio.com/hgtv-charming-yellow-blue-easter-brunch/">The TomKat Studio</a>]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0_ithZ8B4sHp-tTlN3jThi3aAsYzywxIn8_M_QELx7-P_xK3R6Jh0qScLYXmmxLK_kEq7AE0oACzt16iaF0SW9b_1oV1jHE_miMCIUwevllnxQi3nkd9Qd93fA1AziLyxmPyCbVx7RsE/s1600/easterparty2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0_ithZ8B4sHp-tTlN3jThi3aAsYzywxIn8_M_QELx7-P_xK3R6Jh0qScLYXmmxLK_kEq7AE0oACzt16iaF0SW9b_1oV1jHE_miMCIUwevllnxQi3nkd9Qd93fA1AziLyxmPyCbVx7RsE/s400/easterparty2.jpg" width="297" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[via <a href="http://blog.tinyprints.com/Cards/easter-party-invitations/">Tiny Prints</a>]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What are your plans for Easter?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>[Jen]Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13512809782871214689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674163645133917601.post-5296651670903457442011-04-13T06:19:00.002-05:002011-04-13T08:02:55.420-05:00Race for the Cure 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhda9ddXNkem663sDs-oiKcfJ6yRIY3Yg_PV9MAMPIsfCUx-Z2EtSI_ltTYpZyk-TIcFnTi1hbrST8r7L9hi7i_Cw3y_-IqiHWbDvH6Fnf7T8TD8p7L5h3UFkhdX-7-UlUi20DWbwnny1Fj/s1600/komen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhda9ddXNkem663sDs-oiKcfJ6yRIY3Yg_PV9MAMPIsfCUx-Z2EtSI_ltTYpZyk-TIcFnTi1hbrST8r7L9hi7i_Cw3y_-IqiHWbDvH6Fnf7T8TD8p7L5h3UFkhdX-7-UlUi20DWbwnny1Fj/s320/komen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>This past weekend I attended my first Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. It was a 5K race, but I do hope to someday participate in the 3-Day. I have always wanted to go since my grandmother died of breast cancer and it runs in my family. Plus I wanted to support such a great cause. But this year was special. It marked the 5-year anniversary of my mother-in-law being cancer-FREE! And what better way to celebrate than to have my husband's entire family walk right along with the cancer survivor in the Race for the Cure!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiba7C6mYxrwrt9nj96xce1Mj9r6IZdZJbucp4cl7a6Rjox3N-Le18uooS1utMJkpJ5ZDTAM3MmkRdVP06tWTCaah3EGacQUnhfBfWqeK2qR7Lb65w4aiULjUYf2woReKjZ-xvUcSQLB1en/s1600/P1140453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiba7C6mYxrwrt9nj96xce1Mj9r6IZdZJbucp4cl7a6Rjox3N-Le18uooS1utMJkpJ5ZDTAM3MmkRdVP06tWTCaah3EGacQUnhfBfWqeK2qR7Lb65w4aiULjUYf2woReKjZ-xvUcSQLB1en/s320/P1140453.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[My daughter is all decked out in pink ready to race (with chip in hand). And a pink feather boa also decorated the stroller.]</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMRb6u5qSlXtomX9pJz5lRTkQXNBa6hLV1YQGO9FZAqY9mQJn3Cfoi-1qxDT_PbsGb9JEi4m9IBGMKjzq2aMS0m1WTiRgzxwR5NNGeFCpNoLU1rl9tN262I_QK4CaJjeLsw6Z06uexBHT/s1600/Picture+679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMRb6u5qSlXtomX9pJz5lRTkQXNBa6hLV1YQGO9FZAqY9mQJn3Cfoi-1qxDT_PbsGb9JEi4m9IBGMKjzq2aMS0m1WTiRgzxwR5NNGeFCpNoLU1rl9tN262I_QK4CaJjeLsw6Z06uexBHT/s320/Picture+679.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[I even painted my nails to get all geared up for the race. :0) Just a little fun with some pink nail polish.]</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGucm3pPB1N9c0mONU5py7Ku18FOCJgDagOxuhkxoPoR3WFfu94bXWnnsUoPh5PQLjx1SFK5XIpyqgsFKub_4PmZDCikLRAlONBCOCKgDbwdiWjMBDJBRQ38l5iTBacaDeyW0PT_Lc0OnN/s1600/0410_race_metro_ART_G6318KQU1_1%252BRace_for_the_Cure_7_standalone_prod_affiliate_58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGucm3pPB1N9c0mONU5py7Ku18FOCJgDagOxuhkxoPoR3WFfu94bXWnnsUoPh5PQLjx1SFK5XIpyqgsFKub_4PmZDCikLRAlONBCOCKgDbwdiWjMBDJBRQ38l5iTBacaDeyW0PT_Lc0OnN/s320/0410_race_metro_ART_G6318KQU1_1%252BRace_for_the_Cure_7_standalone_prod_affiliate_58.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[And...they're off!]</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLMWLt_bAYzjWL5hGHrEXhfv0_umyKVasN96W0QZv1PeTt0DpzSZ5vDkvR2pZ9QcbG4MxskpfdeCXuBmukUyHlB-cTU-S6TuThs43_Lt116dyTG4xJNO2WDTI0LrZvn-uh8eTsXQXww96/s1600/Picture+690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLMWLt_bAYzjWL5hGHrEXhfv0_umyKVasN96W0QZv1PeTt0DpzSZ5vDkvR2pZ9QcbG4MxskpfdeCXuBmukUyHlB-cTU-S6TuThs43_Lt116dyTG4xJNO2WDTI0LrZvn-uh8eTsXQXww96/s320/Picture+690.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[A sea of people.] </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGPrGtVeO5vFczqtK_SzlotZbXOOKpaxoqluxAXswGYa6d7ajOaMbkeE6-raN6DEentnMWFYtfM6R0gQIVA_jQSitlqB8U1gyEIrmuNnv62eJ0hFt3tXTJuzPvN2vYt1kzUO5yi_sd2Fm/s1600/0410_race_metro_ART_G6318KQU1_1%252BRace_for_the_Cure_6_standalone_prod_affiliate_58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGPrGtVeO5vFczqtK_SzlotZbXOOKpaxoqluxAXswGYa6d7ajOaMbkeE6-raN6DEentnMWFYtfM6R0gQIVA_jQSitlqB8U1gyEIrmuNnv62eJ0hFt3tXTJuzPvN2vYt1kzUO5yi_sd2Fm/s320/0410_race_metro_ART_G6318KQU1_1%252BRace_for_the_Cure_6_standalone_prod_affiliate_58.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was such an amazing experience that I will remember forever. The determination and strength of the survivors and those who are still battling breast cancer is so inspirational. And I am very proud of my mother-in-law for never giving up and continuing to live life to the fullest.</div><br />
[Jen]Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13512809782871214689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674163645133917601.post-44377116960601974912011-04-12T15:11:00.000-05:002011-04-12T15:11:34.401-05:00[How-to Tuesday: Cleaning Micro-Suade Seat Cushions]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My dining room chair cushions are micro-suade and seem to stain very easily. To prevent them from staining, I SHOULD have covered them with Scotch Guard, but I didn't. Blame it on being lazy. I even bought the stuff, so there's no excuse! Anyways, now that my 2-year old can sit in a normal chair while she eats, things get dropped right on the seat. (Of course I am blaming it all on her, but I am just as guilty for being a messy eater!) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So here is a photo of my dining set to give you an idea of what the seat cushions look like:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(and if you're wondering on how I made this chalkboard table, click <a href="http://framefanatic.blogspot.com/2010/12/how-to-tuesday-chalkboard-table.html">HERE</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Q9fpvCJjLMgj5EWmKylTZH_cu0siJMT9inCre8e5PMD4rWI8hZma4jukQliDoF9VyLneTnAis5zUW5m9yrhUD4SGl29YvfSa406aq038v0Q1sQ3rBSlKjFu0fXZECfbYxW2aFS-Xsgu_/s1600/P1130787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Q9fpvCJjLMgj5EWmKylTZH_cu0siJMT9inCre8e5PMD4rWI8hZma4jukQliDoF9VyLneTnAis5zUW5m9yrhUD4SGl29YvfSa406aq038v0Q1sQ3rBSlKjFu0fXZECfbYxW2aFS-Xsgu_/s320/P1130787.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, those seats were all stained at the time of this photo. I just had them cleverly hidden. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So now, I finally attacked the seats and cleaned them. Take a look at the before & after pics. But I must warn you, the "before" photos are pretty yucky!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><u>Before:</u></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgxWDzeZ_htIWtxtaVn_7spauBzr1l_fdiQR80rTJvK-I994eBd_nVg1vm-NrM2LLqkFQ4lNaGM_KczLdtD4nuPnm4KnVe2t76A876kpsIXdI4sWCm5T4j0OWHM8uemJjWlNH_A_3nzJ1/s1600/P1140503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgxWDzeZ_htIWtxtaVn_7spauBzr1l_fdiQR80rTJvK-I994eBd_nVg1vm-NrM2LLqkFQ4lNaGM_KczLdtD4nuPnm4KnVe2t76A876kpsIXdI4sWCm5T4j0OWHM8uemJjWlNH_A_3nzJ1/s320/P1140503.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><strong><span style="font-size: large;">After:</span></strong></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcu2Gz5oK3nyBA6FmJElyFw_NGbpvWPa9NQzs1375R196aYUHhbeRtzSOLLC7TwjhFKUhPDuTHb2fJkjSVeXOLtNIBeeTx-VNuHB_XOFlTthce6ZKFZh0tq5pvnGsC3YHUuanpY7aBRX0-/s1600/P1140626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcu2Gz5oK3nyBA6FmJElyFw_NGbpvWPa9NQzs1375R196aYUHhbeRtzSOLLC7TwjhFKUhPDuTHb2fJkjSVeXOLtNIBeeTx-VNuHB_XOFlTthce6ZKFZh0tq5pvnGsC3YHUuanpY7aBRX0-/s320/P1140626.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Before:</span></u></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2cF5SbkjDe_E2vbhW6be-KMHDDuQsnhRsYMH5-6M5mleBFl-aAZS0-YkAcEJb2idr0oTta5qZR1InnOSNtHW9qIjrB8D7hqzibFt7y8vlCe9rqkoav0gkB8lRP5Bng-M_DxXjbtdi-Io/s1600/P1140505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2cF5SbkjDe_E2vbhW6be-KMHDDuQsnhRsYMH5-6M5mleBFl-aAZS0-YkAcEJb2idr0oTta5qZR1InnOSNtHW9qIjrB8D7hqzibFt7y8vlCe9rqkoav0gkB8lRP5Bng-M_DxXjbtdi-Io/s320/P1140505.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><strong><span style="font-size: large;">After:</span></strong></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSO3vjypJdYfe0JsuN-rPbXZjT6-45z22cbdkt9wmdsXuhVgYTSZIuW8d69L7_w1QpXrBSlKqhcG174Mt6Dvsm_K6P_97rZqanKMIQxU3toEYJAvPCGtfsf6ytcvDUngKy6fBjXMZmo-Op/s1600/P1140627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSO3vjypJdYfe0JsuN-rPbXZjT6-45z22cbdkt9wmdsXuhVgYTSZIuW8d69L7_w1QpXrBSlKqhcG174Mt6Dvsm_K6P_97rZqanKMIQxU3toEYJAvPCGtfsf6ytcvDUngKy6fBjXMZmo-Op/s320/P1140627.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How did I do it, you ask?? By using this handy dandy product:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZXDGH-kWuti5Js3CSi8l6mOralXLNE7Y5mhPs0mj-NQf6h6LR0I0vzWAb82mGbmQvRQRw8kDco7XCaFR4sPXMio6ifdeU6B2jaWHHWKFi_0P8ZJ1BxKodjpyC4fwt_C6CyQKJSLmuG8o/s1600/P1140506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZXDGH-kWuti5Js3CSi8l6mOralXLNE7Y5mhPs0mj-NQf6h6LR0I0vzWAb82mGbmQvRQRw8kDco7XCaFR4sPXMio6ifdeU6B2jaWHHWKFi_0P8ZJ1BxKodjpyC4fwt_C6CyQKJSLmuG8o/s320/P1140506.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover. I just sprayed the entire seat (of course you don't have to if you just have one small stain), agitated it with my fingers, and dabbed it with a paper towel. It's like magic! We bought ours at Home Depot and have used it many times over the years on carpet and other upholstery. And it hasn't failed me yet! :0)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;">[Note: No compensation was received for posting about Folex. Just wanted to share a useful cleaning tip!]</span></div><br />
[Jen]Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13512809782871214689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674163645133917601.post-81570474113129403962011-04-11T09:32:00.000-05:002011-04-11T09:32:41.795-05:00[Motivational Monday: Window Curtains]<div align="center">I have a confession: I know nothing about window treatments. I try to add drapery to the windows, but I just don't feel like I am doing a good job at all. Let's just say I don't feel like the windows are living up to their "full potential". Plus, it doesn't help that I've been bit by the home-decorator bug and want to completely redecorate/paint everything! So basically I need lots and lots of inspiration to get me started to recreate the look that I want.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJoDZfOELGY8X3O4Pso3kDvf0QkCggv0zFXPC2D_28OJY-LhGmu2-lbpPS4hhXv8T8eggwjIrts8imRlGV8WZ9YviNelnQZW6myznEpHKVmjgUiDsY6ByFCzbRpFdr7iD2_-SCF5bAKYeu/s1600/BellaPorteCitrineCrtnPnlsS11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJoDZfOELGY8X3O4Pso3kDvf0QkCggv0zFXPC2D_28OJY-LhGmu2-lbpPS4hhXv8T8eggwjIrts8imRlGV8WZ9YviNelnQZW6myznEpHKVmjgUiDsY6ByFCzbRpFdr7iD2_-SCF5bAKYeu/s320/BellaPorteCitrineCrtnPnlsS11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://crateandbarrel.com/">crate & barrel</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[Another confession: I am terrified of adding patterns to large pieces. Little pillows, a throw, of course! But never anything that I wouldn't easily (and inexpensively) change out. But I must say, I LOVE these curtain panels! The color is so bright and cheery, and even the pattern adds an eclectic charm. Something to consider...]</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuP2r3NFM6GbytRX082jcBU3itBn4NF1hGx8OBJl2SZPu7ClEZkFz9Bo3buux1INMUZjeMxTjDTod3BdIiof4hRIh3dQzg2IvvUyyoJHJeFwovDN9Jp5mIOWXXVGsBEfjCTYzr8XJ1srI/s1600/img24m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuP2r3NFM6GbytRX082jcBU3itBn4NF1hGx8OBJl2SZPu7ClEZkFz9Bo3buux1INMUZjeMxTjDTod3BdIiof4hRIh3dQzg2IvvUyyoJHJeFwovDN9Jp5mIOWXXVGsBEfjCTYzr8XJ1srI/s320/img24m.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://potterybarn.com/">pottery barn</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[Ahh, neutral curtains. *swoon* So clean yet not at all understated. Love. And I really like the grommet paneling. So chic!]</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXSGTdrVB9wIPhjTv4rn8Tt71XM2leiyY3oyVLXcqRqSgy-2cloDU7CTRqoieC2_VOG2itfT3VLFEJdymLyD_YPS8GummBB6nL3lUJpFab6jpPl_mqBTXAudnGNx7OTnBJqpzXkdNV2sg/s1600/img36m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXSGTdrVB9wIPhjTv4rn8Tt71XM2leiyY3oyVLXcqRqSgy-2cloDU7CTRqoieC2_VOG2itfT3VLFEJdymLyD_YPS8GummBB6nL3lUJpFab6jpPl_mqBTXAudnGNx7OTnBJqpzXkdNV2sg/s320/img36m.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://westelm.com/">west elm</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[I just adore this Pewter Gray color on these panels. And I have been trying to add a little more gray in my home decor, like I discussing in last week's post. And the dark curtain rod adds a nice contrast.]</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPb4Eiq7gyZBWlaU4VIBdYztsfWixqASVj1UppHn1OYiK404G8mgDiNI9KRwJfigJUvZuf2kcFamlypnpZhENq2z54SkgFsYRIl5iU99TlF5agFv67i09qlU8q2_3k64sof9twFelOeVKY/s1600/img91m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPb4Eiq7gyZBWlaU4VIBdYztsfWixqASVj1UppHn1OYiK404G8mgDiNI9KRwJfigJUvZuf2kcFamlypnpZhENq2z54SkgFsYRIl5iU99TlF5agFv67i09qlU8q2_3k64sof9twFelOeVKY/s320/img91m.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://westelm.com/">west elm</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[Yet another pattern that I simply love! The carved circles on this one is so subtle that it almost blends in with the ivory curtain. I can totally see this in my home.]</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwwPRJIb39GeA6WQI0hgiQpxfzXYANXmeKamyaGtOcG-neB7Xbs22uLZfJeqR7RVPWYER039nKY5rcRfO9tFI9XZ6VNlwW0NpT0Wrb9Ujam6CGjZF_FktTcBS0s56rkppe7gLHRWt7vr0/s1600/prod70035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwwPRJIb39GeA6WQI0hgiQpxfzXYANXmeKamyaGtOcG-neB7Xbs22uLZfJeqR7RVPWYER039nKY5rcRfO9tFI9XZ6VNlwW0NpT0Wrb9Ujam6CGjZF_FktTcBS0s56rkppe7gLHRWt7vr0/s320/prod70035.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://restorationhardware.com/">restoration hardware</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[Even though I can't physically touch the fabric through the computer screen, I am assuming the texture is very soft and earthy. This is another neutral curtain panel that is definitely not understated. And the rope tie-backs make the entire look.]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay, I must warn you these next few photos are not inspiring or motivational. Here is what my windows look like now:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmCtACXcdkaQO398TZOh6ax64wVOtYStmQFhzrtmKCZ9-yIkkzAWCIW3RkVeOOw_WgfxBt0ht7x4gBNq-JvCvz1CCaWMDvzETJwZ3rcLpjNRRAAbrtDC3kg__LBlXJNxGDck2vrz0DwQR/s1600/P1140492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmCtACXcdkaQO398TZOh6ax64wVOtYStmQFhzrtmKCZ9-yIkkzAWCIW3RkVeOOw_WgfxBt0ht7x4gBNq-JvCvz1CCaWMDvzETJwZ3rcLpjNRRAAbrtDC3kg__LBlXJNxGDck2vrz0DwQR/s320/P1140492.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As you can see, there are actually 4 panels up to make the 2 windows seem like one large window. And since I don't sew, I never joined to 2 panels on either side together to make one thick panel. So I am constant having to rearrange them to keep them from gaping.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUenLKGK1X8BsAjTWdqRtCgUJqeauDHl8YYO1KSlFYmOc9o_juZe2WsAIsT9nhzv9Osl39GmNz94P6zrUeqfsqRIn8oZK6kjhS6Fhj7BJHXqChLjFU7-_n4F6qup_QRo7fdNwoLB35Kj-0/s1600/P1140491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUenLKGK1X8BsAjTWdqRtCgUJqeauDHl8YYO1KSlFYmOc9o_juZe2WsAIsT9nhzv9Osl39GmNz94P6zrUeqfsqRIn8oZK6kjhS6Fhj7BJHXqChLjFU7-_n4F6qup_QRo7fdNwoLB35Kj-0/s320/P1140491.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There. That's better. Well, sort of.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhva5YBQ5P_pvKPG9pE6OJbXHl3Iu2W3iby0Kfooe6dju3opYyBlPzgNfwo0PH_XoIF-iNNE6RYpnO6f52iKbSkQTv9niNCDxprn5OoEJlCbb8ZjKlyZTi24wjow8S0WP1XyBkx6yX1LMF8/s1600/P1140501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhva5YBQ5P_pvKPG9pE6OJbXHl3Iu2W3iby0Kfooe6dju3opYyBlPzgNfwo0PH_XoIF-iNNE6RYpnO6f52iKbSkQTv9niNCDxprn5OoEJlCbb8ZjKlyZTi24wjow8S0WP1XyBkx6yX1LMF8/s320/P1140501.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also have a single window with the same window treatment. One wall is painted yellow and another adjacent wall is painted green (it was already like that when we moved into the house). I decided to go with red curtains to give it a Starbucks look. But now I want to paint the walls a more neutral color and will need window curtains to go along with the transformation. And I think buying longer panels and raising the curtain rod to the ceiling will elongate the walls.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What do you think? </div><br />
[Jen]Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13512809782871214689noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674163645133917601.post-38649923815127022042011-04-09T14:21:00.000-05:002011-04-09T14:21:25.938-05:00[Scrapperday: Big Shoes to Fill]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjm4ZT39kr1qMoodnrpzA6EHpXVcFqjGIatfrcrp5Xm2Kj4LH152YyAOlJuvR8xvR-LM31H7rQA0eZK3xWQx8Ua3Cl_XqcJxD7SYq7oDa9hUDOwwdDsIKwFPPD56T-BuiNB1nE93LHOemb/s1600/P1140274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjm4ZT39kr1qMoodnrpzA6EHpXVcFqjGIatfrcrp5Xm2Kj4LH152YyAOlJuvR8xvR-LM31H7rQA0eZK3xWQx8Ua3Cl_XqcJxD7SYq7oDa9hUDOwwdDsIKwFPPD56T-BuiNB1nE93LHOemb/s320/P1140274.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just realized I haven't shared any scrapbook pages I've created in a while. It's been all about Spring lately, so I thought I would show you a page that totally captures my daughter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Every morning while I'm getting ready for the day, she has a mission to try on all of mine and my husbands shoes. So funny! And what's more hilarious is when she attempts to actually walk around in these gigantic shoes! So of course, I just knew I had to document this daily event. :0)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasufFD7ZEzAwNrwhx66xrFryYPCSVKePhZdBobBbl1zCUX04qPKd3WZK-3fAb17nEslmgmPaqF0vF9NuhBjGkGUxtwaeOq05PAjutGwhPDGbWFh09ilPkMgC5c039Ff5doUmFy1FXhuXX/s1600/P1140276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasufFD7ZEzAwNrwhx66xrFryYPCSVKePhZdBobBbl1zCUX04qPKd3WZK-3fAb17nEslmgmPaqF0vF9NuhBjGkGUxtwaeOq05PAjutGwhPDGbWFh09ilPkMgC5c039Ff5doUmFy1FXhuXX/s320/P1140276.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She certainly has "big shoes to fill"! I created this title with various letter stickers/rub-ons from different collections. The tag is simply made out of cardboard backing (from those packs of cardstock paper) and some blue stitched ribbon. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUAHnRzipb4H0Sj43K5_Kz3ehvBkNl4ZYpsqyk81u5f66vQLsRzIpjk6kh29whE2MoahgL-bDG03UwoaK6OvZQOjmDur0wk4U4xVECWJ8P37uXibvQ2fk0KWnMM-21VRDkSEvCZUTmS-3/s1600/P1140273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUAHnRzipb4H0Sj43K5_Kz3ehvBkNl4ZYpsqyk81u5f66vQLsRzIpjk6kh29whE2MoahgL-bDG03UwoaK6OvZQOjmDur0wk4U4xVECWJ8P37uXibvQ2fk0KWnMM-21VRDkSEvCZUTmS-3/s320/P1140273.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The paper collection I used was from the All Occasion Page Kit by <a href="http://www.makingmemories.com/">Making Memories</a>. I am really pleased with how it turned out. Very simple yet totally showcases the two photos. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Linking up to these <a href="http://framefanatic.blogspot.com/2010/07/linky-parties.html">parties</a>! :0)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>[Jen]Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13512809782871214689noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674163645133917601.post-61013882694797897312011-04-08T06:55:00.001-05:002011-04-08T06:55:01.067-05:00[Frame Friday: Double Frame Art by Forever Decorating]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNooyacQiUVCZiA2_ywSfKnfKQ3BhzRGyP7swX-8ryjQF8_xAHKoP9rfGL4K1hV-2V-Jq9lbnZ8GspYSe4W_Iqa4zfRRkF9m1ULJ4A5HvVfVyhMlimBlrolH98yrm0YGoNfcKNcIZ_Fc8w/s1600/DoubleFrame4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNooyacQiUVCZiA2_ywSfKnfKQ3BhzRGyP7swX-8ryjQF8_xAHKoP9rfGL4K1hV-2V-Jq9lbnZ8GspYSe4W_Iqa4zfRRkF9m1ULJ4A5HvVfVyhMlimBlrolH98yrm0YGoNfcKNcIZ_Fc8w/s320/DoubleFrame4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">LOVE this Double Frame Art idea that Terry created over at Forever Decorating! So much more interesting to look at than just a single frame. Perfect solution for all of those mismatched frames that I've somehow collected. :0)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wondering how the smaller frame is attached to the bigger frame??</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZi4bGYtjk4XYRMhUNkseQKiUyT_PlEM9vxtdcFV6SJMbRvLf-_BQlmzB4oB8ZkiIoXjqdDIZ8d59YY0lGGjzwmsQZHyRonuA0lNTqjNDPitvUbiXH8bFT-L4-0sfO7I70SCn-hqXhWJoK/s1600/DoubleFrame2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZi4bGYtjk4XYRMhUNkseQKiUyT_PlEM9vxtdcFV6SJMbRvLf-_BQlmzB4oB8ZkiIoXjqdDIZ8d59YY0lGGjzwmsQZHyRonuA0lNTqjNDPitvUbiXH8bFT-L4-0sfO7I70SCn-hqXhWJoK/s320/DoubleFrame2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Command Velcro strips! So it's easy to customize and change out whenever you want. Genius! And she made this entire work of art for under $10!! Definitely going to try making this!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To check out her full tutorial on how to create this art project, click <a href="http://foreverdecorating.blogspot.com/2011/03/double-frame-wall-art.html?showComment=1301867950872#c4935870978753879848">HERE</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And a BIG thanks to Terry for letting me feature her project! Thanks Terry! :0)</div>[Jen]Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13512809782871214689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674163645133917601.post-15769580422677307922011-04-05T07:37:00.002-05:002011-04-05T07:37:00.435-05:00[How-to Tuesday: $2 DT Hurricanes]<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">About a year ago, I was inspired by L<span class="author vcard fn">eanneja over at </span><a href="http://organizeyourstuffnow.com/wordpress/">Organize and Decorate Everything</a> on her thrifty candle holders (view her post <a href="http://organizeyourstuffnow.com/wordpress/?p=4600">HERE</a>). And so I thought to myself, "hey, I could do that!" So I did. :0)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMMM4Q3OplHQj99W7K854m6grJoBBEQXfXFJOihlsCUhwXdOLWHuxdKe9_H26wQ-EzPQU6YiFSEw0D9IyOofOwUgCZsmvLbYkvJFztdF-zDwKiEQkmJWIFnVF97S0z6kD1AewiferWUBdM/s1600/P1140442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMMM4Q3OplHQj99W7K854m6grJoBBEQXfXFJOihlsCUhwXdOLWHuxdKe9_H26wQ-EzPQU6YiFSEw0D9IyOofOwUgCZsmvLbYkvJFztdF-zDwKiEQkmJWIFnVF97S0z6kD1AewiferWUBdM/s320/P1140442.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">[I first went out and bought some supplies: tall cylinder vases & candle holders from the Dollar Tree, and E6000 glue from Hobby Lobby.]</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQCah-mfZE1Oy3cJVoFuGCFS8XoRvu85Eed0oiex74C5RecFwA4reGAitBsWmuUjk9YCkQ2MUtkJMzzC8BUNo9_UF-YyKrYc8drty9ZpIJMZAmPAjbRwYOtmjObcu7-bnkIxRUPBe33aE/s1600/P1140443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQCah-mfZE1Oy3cJVoFuGCFS8XoRvu85Eed0oiex74C5RecFwA4reGAitBsWmuUjk9YCkQ2MUtkJMzzC8BUNo9_UF-YyKrYc8drty9ZpIJMZAmPAjbRwYOtmjObcu7-bnkIxRUPBe33aE/s320/P1140443.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">[After researching the Internet, I found that this glue works best on glass. Plus you can still use it on basically anything, except Styrofoam.]</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NKz6vxYU7VFpNBVfa2gtiZe5z1oyUf1ou00wtwyYRV8DKqR43znz38783jkobG1tuLYI76fG22oCZ4RqW6ne-nSbI7v8vShIKCTgn_cTAW2FfddjgwnNeLlKJS2PoUDyofA0a8ihZOey/s1600/P1140447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NKz6vxYU7VFpNBVfa2gtiZe5z1oyUf1ou00wtwyYRV8DKqR43znz38783jkobG1tuLYI76fG22oCZ4RqW6ne-nSbI7v8vShIKCTgn_cTAW2FfddjgwnNeLlKJS2PoUDyofA0a8ihZOey/s320/P1140447.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[After putting the E6000 on the glass to adhere the candle holders to the vases, I had to wait at least 24 hours for it to dry. This is an extremely important step!]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-lYvVv6CI-z8yme6PfkN7iJ-JOBGe9BNIjisbqvVKrT5SH0OS_-z11LqmzSLJ0mV2LeSF6Xn9y8VKi5CNuk15gCroqfKxBHnFpUPRvvDM7uarVUq_waH6a1Wo2vC0KFA4eMDXcBfZR47/s1600/P1140424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-lYvVv6CI-z8yme6PfkN7iJ-JOBGe9BNIjisbqvVKrT5SH0OS_-z11LqmzSLJ0mV2LeSF6Xn9y8VKi5CNuk15gCroqfKxBHnFpUPRvvDM7uarVUq_waH6a1Wo2vC0KFA4eMDXcBfZR47/s320/P1140424.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">[And voila! As you can see here, I put eggs and flowers inside and wrapping a colorful ribbon around it to decorate for my <a href="http://framefanatic.blogspot.com/2011/04/spring-mantel.html">Spring Mantel</a>. But I am sure as the seasons change, I will put an actual candle inside.]</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Not bad for $2! And it was so easy to make! I'll be linking this project up to <a href="http://framefanatic.blogspot.com/2010/07/linky-parties.html">these</a> parties! Hope to see you there! :0)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">[Jen]</div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13512809782871214689noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674163645133917601.post-12920738806798837232011-04-04T08:11:00.000-05:002011-04-04T08:11:52.257-05:00[GIVEAWAY: $50 Credit to Simply Klassic Blog Design over at Gwenny Penny]<div align="center">Does your blog need a makeover? Or just a little facelift?</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Lucky for you, Gwen over at <a href="http://www.gwennypenny.com/">Gwenny Penny</a> is hosting a fabulous giveaway on her blog:</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">$50 </span>credit toward design services at <a href="http://simplyklassicdesigns.blogspot.com/">Simply Klassic Custom Blog Design</a></strong></span></div><br />
<div align="center"><a border="0" href="http://simplyklassicdesign.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/SKNewButton.png" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Click <a href="http://www.gwennypenny.com/2011/04/giveaway-and-blogging-tips-with-simply.html">HERE</a> to enter your chance to win this giveaway! Giveaway ends Monday, April 11th at 7:00am (EST).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Good Luck! :0) </div><div align="center"></div>[Jen]Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13512809782871214689noreply@blogger.com0