tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18512817675277278922024-03-08T07:46:23.984-05:00Our Bright IdeaThe trials, tribulations & triumps of being first time homeowners and newlyweds.Jenny Hewitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12946929623979773410noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851281767527727892.post-29721440618695753312013-08-27T13:57:00.001-04:002015-10-26T23:10:22.480-04:00New House, New Life, New Goals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This blog is no longer for keeping readers interested, etc. if you want to follow along all the better, if not no big deal as I'll be (maybe) doing it on my own time and more for tracking myself to see how far I've come. Lots has happened since my last post including the loss of my husband to cancer. Eventually I want to somewhat do a final post and pictures of how far we got with our goals for the first house but it's a hard place to go back to with all of our hopes and dreams centered there along with our life together. We made the decision together to sell it (& found and embark d upon the Reno of this new house) long before he truly got sick but not a day goes by that I don't miss him, our house and our life there.</div>
<br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851281767527727892.post-91072447441445987162013-08-08T13:50:00.003-04:002013-08-08T13:50:54.667-04:00LightingIt's been awhile (a long while) and no promises but I decided I needed to start recording these updates on a regular basis again. We'll see how that actually goes...<br />
<br />
I've done a few updates to the lighting since I last posted including getting a new fixture for the front entry and moving that fixture to the back entry which made a huge difference.<br />
<br />
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That being said there is still a long ways to go. I despise boob lights. Could there really not have been a better choice then these jokers?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Main Image" height="200" src="http://www.capitallightingfixture.com/product_images/5-2411VB.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.capitallightingfixture.com/products/profile.php?ID=114730&Category_ID=5&Collection_ID=0&Finish_ID=0&onsale=0&New_Items=&Keywords=&Item_Number=&Product_Name=&pageStart=40&limit=8">Capital Lighting</a></td></tr>
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They are builder grade and due to us having a very limited budget while building these lovelies were scattered throughout our house. Now that we are becoming a little more settled (still a LONG way from being comfortable though) I'm starting to become ready to switch them out for more up-to-date fixtures with a bit more character. Although this house started as a 5-7 year house for us, we're already at 4 years and have no plans to even being moving anytime soon....although I did recently list us on Zillow at a make-me-move price about $75,000 over the last estimate of our house. That's why it's classified as "Make Me Move" right?<br />
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Here are some updates I'd like to get to eventually. I keep lots of records on my <a href="http://pinterest.com/jcbright/boards/">Pinterest boards</a> now but that doesn't record where we've been & the path along the way :).<br />
<br />
KITCHEN:<br />
1. It's so dang dark in here, I want to put in some under cabinet lighting operated on a switch.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="126" src="http://www.buildinghomebar.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Under-Cabinet-Lighting-2013.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.buildinghomebar.com/kitchen-lighting-design-for-modern-look.html/kitchen-lighting-design-option">source</a><br /></td></tr>
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2. Again, speaking of the darkness, I'd like to add a semi-flush mount fixture in the center of the room. I loved this one but apparently Ballard doesn't carry it anymore.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="kitchen or upstairs" height="200" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/c8/ef/f5/c8eff580e81d03883de41a79fc552e01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/">source</a></td></tr>
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3. I really like the look of little pendants hanging down over the sink. I don't know if this would end up being too busy & I don't know about having to have pretty bulbs but I like this one.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Claudia 1-Light Pendant | Ballard Designs" height="200" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c5/a8/0a/c5a80a3d06cdb50e1d63818fb04074ac.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/claudia-1-light-pendant/lighting/pendant-lights/270864?defattrib=&defattribvalue=&listIndex=9">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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LAUNDRY ROOM:</div>
<div>
This just has your standard boob light which does a good enough job of lighting up the room but I'd like a little more character. Something along these lines but less expensive & smaller.</div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Benson 4 Lt Pendant | Ballard Designs" height="200" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/f5/f1/7d/f5f17d4afa9f90ba96efc3d2b2b202e3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/benson-4-light-pendant/lighting/pendant-lights/279389?defattrib=&defattribvalue=&listIndex=35">source</a></td></tr>
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STAIRS:</div>
<div>
The <a href="http://ourbrightidea.blogspot.com/search/label/Stairs">lights we currently have</a> are good enough but not really my style. I'd like something low-profile but with style, like this, but that emits a bit more than just a "warm glow."</div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Francis Sconce" height="179" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c1/41/9f/c1419fb1dcdca44ea99bc50c552720b5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/francis-sconce/?pkey=cbath-lighting&">source</a></td></tr>
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<br />TIM'S CLOSET:<div>
Poor guy has a straight-up florescent fixture, ugly as can be & awful colored lighting no matter the bulb. I'd like to get him something that gives better light for him & isn't ugly (for me).</div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Chase Semi Flush Mount - Tim's Closet?" height="200" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/42/e5/99/42e599397fa457a2e3ced380f7a48bb6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/chase-semi-flush-mount/lighting/ceiling-lights/10379?defattrib=&defattribvalue=&listIndex=22">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<div>
UPSTAIRS BEDROOMS, BONUS ROOM & MASTER BEDROOM:</div>
<div>
I know some people don't like ceiling fans but around here the mugginess just sits on you like a wet blanket and without the extra airflow from ceiling fans in the bedroom it just gets to be a bit stifling. That being said, I'd like to have ceiling fans that are attractive and add to the room rather than detract. The upstairs rooms & bonus room currently only have lights in them & we have an ugly ceiling fan with a light kit so I'd like to replace all four with something like this, but not $400 each, yikes!</div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hunter 52-in Palermo Brushed Bronze Ceiling Fan with Light Kit and Remote ENERGY STAR" height="200" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/28/a9/d5/28a9d5f1eb3d127b4248aa8c368e0a18.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_130115-79-21628_4294935502%2B4294868313%2B4294867585__?productId=3467791&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=Yes|Included">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
FAMILY ROOM:</div>
<div>
We currently have 4 can lights & a fan in the den but although the plan was originally to add a light kit to the fan I think I'd rather just replace it. If I couldn't convince Tim to get rid of the fan altogether I'd likely just get the same as what is in the bedrooms but I think some negotiating with putting the fan in the bonus room just might let me get away with getting rid of that one. In that case I think I want a rustic looking chandelier which I haven't seen any of that really interest me just yet.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
HALLWAY:</div>
<div>
Our upstairs hallway just has can lighting (smart!) but our downstairs hallway still has a boob light. I think that I'd like to replace it with the flush-mount that matches all of our other pieces.</div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Main Image" height="200" src="http://www.capitallightingfixture.com/product_images/5-2015BB.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.capitallightingfixture.com/products/profile.php?ID=114575&Category_ID=5&Collection_ID=0&Finish_ID=0&onsale=0&New_Items=&Keywords=&Item_Number=&Product_Name=&pageStart=0&limit=8">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
HALF BATH & OFFICE:</div>
<div>
I can't remember if the half-bath has a vanity light fixture or if it has a ceiling mount. I could swear to you that it is a ceiling mount though. I have some big plans for this room (at least for now) which a large light would compete with too much so I think I want something pretty, but low-profile.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The office has the most basic flush-mount imaginable right now with no character at all but I'd like to replace it with this very simple flush-mount that does not look like a boob. (side-note: I'd also consider this for the Laundry Room & for the Hallway).</div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Portfolio 17.3-in W Aztec Painted Champagne Ceiling Flush Mount" height="200" src="http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/737995/737995381349lg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_320593-2120-38134_4294857049__?productId=3566976&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=#BVRRWidgetID">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
MASTER BATH & GUEST BATH:</div>
<div>
This is our current fixture in our master bathroom & I'm pretty sure its the same but with a different number of lights for the guest bathroom:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Main Image" height="200" src="http://www.capitallightingfixture.com/product_images/5-1014MBZ-130.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.capitallightingfixture.com/products/profile.php?ID=115931&Category_ID=0&Collection_ID=0&Finish_ID=0&onsale=0&New_Items=&Keywords=&Item_Number=&Product_Name=&pageStart=8&limit=8">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Nothing really bad about it, but nothing particularly interesting either. I also want to frame in our mirror & put a built-in cabinet between our sinks for more storage so we will need two separate fixtures for that to work. </div>
<div>
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<div>
For our master bath, I'd like something a little quirky & am willing to spend a bit more since I will be using it/seeing it multiple times each day. Something like this could be fun.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Rebecca 2 Light Vanity Sconce | Ballard Designs" height="200" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/bc/bf/0c/bcbf0c9212a203c3a37244b5ce595245.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/rebecca-2-light-vanity-sconce/vanity-lighting/all-vanity/271185?defattrib=&defattribvalue=&listIndex=3">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For the guest bathroom I think I'd end up waiting to see if our first child ends up being a little girl or a little boy because I love both of these (although they'd both be too small).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Little Girl:</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Claire Three-Light Vanity - upstairs bathroom?" height="200" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/95/96/bf/9596bf48c30a2c5e5babfbdc7f1b46a8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/claire-three-light-vanity/vanity-lighting/all-vanity/10299?defattrib=&defattribvalue=&listIndex=18">source</a><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Little Boy (in antique brass):</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Emma 3 Light Vanity Sconce - upstairs bathroom?" height="200" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/6e/06/a4/6e06a4c10ecefdfa1e01720e62db43a3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/emma-3-light-vanity-sconce/vanity-lighting/all-vanity/260696?defattrib=&defattribvalue=&listIndex=5">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ultimately I think we can all learn a lesson from this...boob lights are not a necessity and even builder basic could transition into something much more attractive such as this. :)</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Main Image" height="200" src="http://www.capitallightingfixture.com/product_images/5-2032OR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.capitallightingfixture.com/products/profile.php?ID=116526&Category_ID=5&Collection_ID=0&Finish_ID=0&onsale=0&New_Items=&Keywords=&Item_Number=&Product_Name=&pageStart=0&limit=8">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851281767527727892.post-30969163911086528612012-11-28T11:28:00.001-05:002012-11-28T11:28:14.044-05:00Updates (Downstairs) - pictures & details to follow!<b>Front Entry</b><br />
- Got a rug (HomeDecorators.com)<br />
- Got a new light (Ballard Designs)<br />
- Got a table (Craigslist - $35)<br />
- Got some art (by friends)<br />
- Made some curtains (I did it)<br />
<br />
<b>Dining Room</b><br />
- Got rid of the table & chairs (sold on Craigslist)<br />
- Got a hutch/china cabinet (Ballard Designs)<br />
<br />
<b>Hallway</b><br />
- Got rugs (West Elm)<br />
- Got art (frame gallery fm Target, others custom framed)<br />
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<b>Office</b><br />
- Painted (mixed a few random colors together)<br />
- Built desk & shelf (I did it)<br />
- Built in corkboard (I did it)<br />
<br />
<b>Back Entry</b><br />
- Replaced light (from front entry)<br />
- Got a vase... (that empty area was killing me - Neiman Marcus)<br />
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<b>Family Room</b><br />
- Got a TV (& surround sound - thanks lightning storm - Jeff Lynch)<br />
- Got some art (custom framed & donated by Grandma)<br />
- Got tables (Rug & Home)<br />
- Got couches (Hand me downs, sold the others on Craigslist)<br />
- Got lamp (local antique store)<br />
- Got pillows (Pottery Barn)<br />
<br />
<b>Kitchen</b><br />
- Curtains (shower curtain from Pottery Barn, spray painted rod from West Elm)<br />
- Art (spray painted EAT from Hobby Lobby, frames from Pottery Barn)<br />
- Under cabinet storage (Lowe's)<br />
- iPad mount (gift from brother & sister-in-law)<br />
- Barstools (hand-me-downs)<br />
- Rug (Pottery Barn)<br />
- Trash Can (Bed, Bath & Beyond)<br />
- Added spice rack to lower cabinet (Lowe's)<br />
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<b>Pantry</b><br />
- New shelving configuration (I did it)<br />
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<b>Master Bedroom</b><br />
- Quilt (Pottery Barn)<br />
- New Dog Bed (I did it)<br />
- New buffet (Local antique store refinished by me)<br />
- Bedskirt (Pottery Barn)<br />
- Art (by me)<br />
- New TV (Best Buy Black Friday purchase)<br />
- Bedside lamps (Pottery Barn)<br />
<br />
<b>Master Bathroom</b><br />
- New rugs (Pottery Barn)<br />
- New towels (Belk)<br />
- Updated gallery wall (by me)<br />
- Reconfigured Tim's Closet (by me)<br />
- Reconfigured My Closet (by me)<br />
- New toilet plunger (ooh fancy... - Lowe's)<br />
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<b>Half (Guest) Bath</b><br />
- Storage Cabinet (Pottery Barn)<br />
<br />
<b>Laundry Room</b><br />
- Air Register (Lowe's)<br />
- Art (Ballard Designs)<br />
- Drying Rack (Ballard Designs)<br />
- Rug (Ballard Designs)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851281767527727892.post-88911803117264461242012-09-27T15:22:00.001-04:002012-09-27T15:22:17.256-04:00And It Begins...I've got the bug to tear out a room and start over, here goes nothing!<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QrRHcO2kDPk/UGSnZ_gNC1I/AAAAAAAAM6M/TA1kBWC1wu4/s640/blogger-image-59907945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QrRHcO2kDPk/UGSnZ_gNC1I/AAAAAAAAM6M/TA1kBWC1wu4/s640/blogger-image-59907945.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851281767527727892.post-8628842425971012082012-06-04T16:47:00.001-04:002012-06-04T16:47:20.721-04:00Updated HallwayAs promised, I'm back with some updates...<br />
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I've been desperate to get one room in our house finished. I never realized just how expensive & time consuming decorating a house would be. For us its been a combination of lack of funds & lack of time that have really kept our house from becoming what I want it to be. Thanks to my Uncle Sam savings plan (aka paying more into taxes than I should just so I can get a fat little check once a year - I know, not the best idea ever) I finally have (almost) finished up a room - all that is lacking now are the pictures & crown molding (moulding?).<br />
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So in case you've forgotten, <a href="http://ourbrightidea.blogspot.com/2010/07/hallwaywell-because-its-easy.html">here is what the hallway looked like originally</a> as well as what my plans were. A family gallery wall may be something we work on later but for now it's gotten the kibosh. Instead I decided to combine a few of my ideas from around the house into this area. I've been looking for a runner everywhere I go for this space but a 2.5'x14' runner is not an easy find (FYI- when building a house make sure you look at what size rugs will fit in each room & make sure standard sizes fit. Trust me on this one). I finally found one I liked at <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/chevron-knot-rug-r895/?pkey=crugs-flooring">West Elm</a>, unfortunately it was exactly half the length of what I needed.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7W19lhKaJk/T80VY9oFE8I/AAAAAAAAMj0/dd1jxTR0k44/s1600/chevron+knot+rug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7W19lhKaJk/T80VY9oFE8I/AAAAAAAAMj0/dd1jxTR0k44/s320/chevron+knot+rug.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lucky for me, inspiration hit. Why wouldn't this look just fine lying next to another with the patterns butting up against one another? I ordered 2 during their 20% off rug sale and waited for delivery. I rolled them out the second I got home & got lucky that my plan worked pretty well. Its been a few weeks and they are still settling a bit but so far rug pads seem to be holding them pretty steady although I think I may use some carpet seam tape to make sure they are really secure. They've also held up pretty well for being so close to the entrance and with a puppy and husband who come in the house with who knows what on their feet.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hMZGqLUswOo/T80Xa5FBDwI/AAAAAAAAMj8/5LW8zal1YKU/s1600/IMG_1152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hMZGqLUswOo/T80Xa5FBDwI/AAAAAAAAMj8/5LW8zal1YKU/s320/IMG_1152.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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That same weekend I went to an event called Artisphere where lots of local artists have tents and sell their creations. I found one painter whom I loved and he happened to have a framed painting he was selling of the area where Tim & I took our mini-honeymoon called the <a href="http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&q=cullsaja+gorge&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=1440&bih=626&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=bBjNT5WPOI-c8QT6kJWNAQ#um=1&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=cullasaja+gorge&oq=cullasaja+gorge&aq=f&aqi=g1g-S3&aql=&gs_l=img.3..0j0i24l3.19228.19228.0.19529.1.1.0.0.0.0.63.63.1.1.0...0.0.6vvkIVqQYk4&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=14a5eb78b29ae180&biw=1440&bih=626">Cullasaja Gorge</a>. It (obviously) holds a special place in my heart so although I walked away at first I came back and snatched it up. Lucky for me, it fit perfectly next to our office door.<br />
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I've also been obsessing about having a map with pins in it showing places Tim & I have visited together. For our anniversary I found a vintage map of the US and had it mounted to foam core then framed with a linen frame inset within a wooden one and opted to leave it without glass. I bought some gold-headed map pins off of Amazon and dipped them into wood glue before placing them on my map (look for the little sparkly dots on the map picture). That piece finished out the office door side of the hallway & it was time to dive into the big blank wall.<br />
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For the large blank wall I went with my <a href="http://ourbrightidea.blogspot.com/2010/08/update-hallwaywell-because-its-easy.html">second plan</a> of 16x20 photos of gates on the wall. Just bear with me for this one. I bought 5 <a href="http://www.target.com/p/Home-Gallery-Frame/-/A-11927235#?lnk=sc_qi_detailbutton">16x20 frames matted down to 11x14 pictures from Target</a> & went to work figuring out the spacing, then I threw all of that out. I found the middle of the wall, figured out the height of my middle piece and hung it. Then I went to the side of the wall with the light switch & hung that one. Based on how far away from the edge that was I hung my far left piece. From there I measured from nail to nail, split that number in half & placed the last two on those measurements. Clear as mud? Oh & I used a laser level to make sure they were all at the same height based upon the first center piece I hung. Basically it was a good deal of guesstimating & hoping which luckily worked out perfectly to give me this beauty.<br />
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Now I have to take the pictures that go in these, I have a few "for sures" so far but still trying to figure it out. I know I want the pictures to be of gates that have some significance to Tim & myself but still working on the finer points of that. Anyways, here is the final space with my lackluster camera skills.<br />
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<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851281767527727892.post-30152968588434625742012-05-29T16:05:00.001-04:002012-05-29T16:05:45.577-04:00No ExcusesThere've been quite a few changes in my life recently not limited to a new job, raising almost $15,000 for cancer research, dealing with multiple different courses of treatment for Tim (and about to start a new one), trying to keep a house together, trying to keep my sanity & trying to keep up a social life, but honestly I just got bored of blogging for awhile (pbly bc I've been keeping up with <a href="http://storyoftim.blogspot.com/">Tim's blog</a> so much). Still probably won't be back full time but thought I'd catch everyone up on what I've been up to lately!<br />
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So here are a few posts you can look forward to reading sometime (hopefully soon):<br />
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A new dog bed - constructed by me (& my dad)<br />
My latest obsession - Accupuncture!<br />
Dehydrating Food - aka what not to do<br />
Refinishing a buffet - still can't believe I did it<br />
Some things I'm dreaming about right now<br />
Hanging a flatscreen/hiding the cables<br />
New kitchen rug, trash can (& soon curtains)<br />
New hallway runner(s) & art<br />
New bedroom art<br />
Restructuring the bathroom gallery wall<br />
Curtains for the front door<br />
New art for the den & new (to us) couches<br />
San Francisco Trip<br />
Refresh of the pantry<br />
Little landscaping refresh<br />
Garage Clean-out/Basement Organization<br />
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And here are some (hopefully) upcoming projects that will be happening at the hizzay sooner than later:<br />
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Cabinets in the laundry room<br />
Replace transom in the laundry room (seriously dad...lets finish this one! :))<br />
Staining/sealing the back deck (yep 2 1/2 years later we still haven't done this)<br />
More landscaping...<br />
Master Bedroom curtains<br />
Hallway Art Project<br />
Master Bedroom Art Project(s)<br />
Front/Back Hall Light Replacements (might as well do it at the same time)<br />
Front Hall Rug<br />
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....told you I've been busy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851281767527727892.post-69627980128750256182011-12-05T14:30:00.000-05:002011-12-05T14:24:27.692-05:00Laundry Room UpdateIt has been a LONG weekend thanks to our "buddies" over at Sears. First things first, in case you are just starting out with us, here is where our laundry room <a href="http://ourbrightidea.blogspot.com/2010/08/so-fresh-and-so-clean-clean.html">started</a> and here is where we were last time with the <a href="http://ourbrightidea.blogspot.com/2011/12/laundry-room-re-do.html">planning.</a><br />
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We <a href="http://ourbrightidea.blogspot.com/2011/12/why-of-cork.html">got the floors placed </a>last week and painted & installed the quarter round. Also repainted the entire room & all of the trim because apparently painting over 2 year old paint is kind of obvious...basically the room looked fantastic, just needed the washer & dryer in place to get started on our next steps.<br />
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Then the fun began...Sears came about 4:30 on Friday and delivered our new washer & dryer. They looked fantastic!<br />
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Unfortunately they didn't tighten up the intake hose as much as they should've & as we pulled out our first load of laundry we heard the unmistakable sound of dripping water. I climbed over the tops & saw a giant puddle of water on our brand new floors just sitting there. We immediately called the Sears store we purchased them from who sent us to the customer service number. Long story short it was 3 the next afternoon before anyone actually showed up to fix it. I've never experienced such terrible customer service in my life. Each entity was trying to push off the responsibility to the other so now we will get to deal with their insurance adjusters & so on. Let me tell you just how excited I am about this...oh & on top of everything else, they got scuff marks & dings all over my freshly painted walls & trim after climbing all over the new washer & dryer to try to tighten the hoses. They also dinged up the top of the washer & dryer with all of the gymnastics...ugh.<br />
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Water on the floor</div>
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Water dripping down the washer</div>
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Look at the hose on the top right compared to the one on the bottom right, </div>
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you can still see the threads on the Y joint.</div>
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Anyways, all is fixed (for now) and our next step will be installing crown molding this week as well as trying to see if we can trim down the old transition piece to reattach. I'm hoping to have the entire room completed by January, we'll see how it goes once we determine just how much is damaged! We really are counting our blessings that we discovered it that night rather than days or weeks later.<br />
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Check out my list below to see how far we've gotten, I will be so excited to get one room in this house completed after 2 years!<br />
<ol>
<li><strike>Order new floors</strike></li>
<li><strike>Get underlayment for floors</strike></li>
<li><strike>Remove shoe molding</strike></li>
<li><strike>Install new floors</strike></li>
<li><strike>Get a pipe collar to cover where the new flooring meets the dryer vent.</strike> - <span style="color: #660000;">canceled this, they don't make them...oh well!</span></li>
<li><strike>Install pipe collar</strike> - <span style="color: #660000;">see above</span> </li>
<li><strike>Get quarter round</strike></li>
<li><strike>Paint quarter round</strike></li>
<li><strike>Install quarter-round</strike></li>
<li><strike>Touch up baseboards & quarter round </strike> - <span style="color: #660000;">I actually ended up painting all of the trim</span></li>
<li><strike>Remove existing shelf</strike></li>
<li><strike>Touch up walls</strike> - <span style="color: #660000;">We unexpectedly ended up painting all of the walls too, oops</span></li>
<li><strike>Touch up trim around doors (see <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1851281767527727892#editor/target=post;postID=8215592707090224565">here</a> for the issue with it) </strike></li>
<li><strike>Trim transition piece</strike></li>
<li>Replace transition piece</li>
<li><strike>Get washer/dryer delivered</strike></li>
<li><strike>Order rug</strike></li>
<li><strike>Order new air register (ours was stark white & I found one in aged brass online for only $6)</strike></li>
<li>Place in new air register </li>
<li> <strike>Get hooks for ironing board</strike></li>
<li><strike>Install ironing board hooks</strike></li>
<li>Buy crown molding</li>
<li>Paint crown molding</li>
<li>Install crown molding</li>
<li>Buy cabinet materials</li>
<li>Buy new dog bowls (the ones she has now are a little gaudy for my taste) </li>
<li>Build cabinets</li>
<li>Paint cabinets & cabinet trim</li>
<li>Install cabinets</li>
<li>Install cabinet trim</li>
<li>Install cabinet knobs</li>
<li>Buy hanging bar</li>
<li>Install hanging bar</li>
<li><strike>Replace light bulbs to be the swirly efficient kind (see why the peeps at Lowe's love me?) </strike></li>
</ol>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851281767527727892.post-86225748387957979562011-12-05T13:31:00.001-05:002011-12-05T13:59:49.653-05:00Why of Cork!I know, its a lame title but I couldn't resist, the dork in me had to come out. As I discussed in my <a href="http://ourbrightidea.blogspot.com/2011/12/laundry-room-re-do.html">master plan</a>, we purchased Cork Flooring from Lumber Liquidators to put down in our laundry room. My<a href="http://ourbrightidea.blogspot.com/2010/08/so-fresh-and-so-clean-clean.html"> first post</a> about our laundry room had a glimpse of what the previous linoleum looked like but I'll give you a better idea in just a few. This project was actually pretty simple (thanks to all of the help from my dad) and its made the room look really incredible!<br />
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So here is our former flooring in all of its glory. It wasn't that it was bad or looked terrible, we just wanted a higher quality floor for resale value.<br />
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Luckily we were able to leave it & just start adding everything else to the top since we picked out a floating floor (yet another reason we chose cork over tile). First we pulled all of the flooring out of the boxes & laid it around the den to "acclimate to our environment" for about 48 hours.<br />
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Next we laid down a moisture barrier, I'm still not sure that we really needed it but figured it was better to be safe than sorry!<br />
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We actually determined later that we started on the wrong end of the room but we made it work anyways. Lets just say that our lives would've been much easier had we been able to slide a full piece under the door jam rather than piecing it together. :)<br />
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We really only had 2 obstacles to our rectangle, the air vent & the dryer vent on opposite corners of the room. First up was the air vent, my dad used a combo of a drill & a jigsaw to make that cut. It was really close to the edge of the board so we accidentally broke one before getting the hang of everything. After getting it cut out it was a matter of quick measurements & cuts and banging the boards together until we got to the dryer vent in the other corner of the room. Then it was a guesstimation of a cut & trial & error until it fit. We thought we could just buy a PVC collar to cover it but apparently they don't make those. Oh well, it will be hidden anyways!<br />
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Our 32 square foot room took about two hours to do from start to finish. Here it is in all of its glory (without the quarter round to cover the edges).<br />
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Finally it was just a matter of trimming off the edges of the underlayment & placing the quarter-round back in, sealing up the edges & touching up the paint on the baseboards (Sherwin Williams Dover White in glossy) & the walls (Sherwin Williams Dapper Tan in flat - btw its not that funky yellow color you see below, the more accurate color is in the photos above)!<br />
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<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851281767527727892.post-50303947433186307222011-12-01T14:23:00.001-05:002011-12-01T15:57:47.393-05:00Laundry Room Re-do<br />
Ok, so I've been pretty slack around here lately. Lots to catch up on but for now it's really just a teaser. Here is a link to my original post about our <a href="http://ourbrightidea.blogspot.com/2010/08/so-fresh-and-so-clean-clean.html">laundry room</a>. Well, we're FINALLY getting around to fixing it up. The in-laws are generously gifting us with a new front-load washer & dryer & the pedestals as our Christmas gift this year. They got an AMAZING deal on a fully-loaded Samsung <a href="http://www.searsoutlet.com/4-3-cu-ft-High-Efficiency-Front-Load-Steam-Steam-White-Model-WF520ABW-/d/product_details.jsp?md=ct_md&cid=524&pn=1&ps=12&pid=60401&mode=buyUsedOnly">washer</a> & <a href="http://www.searsoutlet.com/7-4-cu-ft-Electric-Steam-Dryer-Model-DV431AE-/d/product_details.jsp?md=ct_md&cid=581&pn=1&ps=12&pid=78817&mode=buyUsedOnly">dryer</a> set (not sure if that is the exact one but they look really similar) from our local Sears Outlet on Black Friday & they will deliver tomorrow.<br />
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Well since those giants are huge & extremely heavy so we knew that if we were ever wanting to re-do the floors that now was the time. I first read about cork floors over at <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/">Young House Love</a> through their kitchen remodel & became interested. We first looked into slate but with the laundry room being right next to our bedroom I wanted something that would be a little quieter...not to mention warmer on the feet. We found the last 3 boxes of our style & color (pictures coming soon) at Lumber Liquidators for about $3 a square foot & started the install Tuesday night. I have to say that it was pretty easy & actually went really quickly once we got the prep work out of the way & got the hang of it all.<br />
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All of that will come to you soon enough but for now I wanted to share my plans with you for our future laundry room space as well as my checklist to both keep me in line & you in the know!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L-mNGL56rpQ/TtfXms4VgTI/AAAAAAAAJrM/lh7uUnR9sgQ/s1600/Laundry+Room+-+from+ceiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L-mNGL56rpQ/TtfXms4VgTI/AAAAAAAAJrM/lh7uUnR9sgQ/s640/Laundry+Room+-+from+ceiling.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
Here is a view from the ceiling. Feeling a little cramped? The room is just 4.5' x 6.5' so we need to use every imaginable space available to us. You can see the washer & dryer peeking out just a big under the blue cabinets (still haven't committed to that color but its my initial idea) & there are some other cabinets on the other side we'll get into in a minute. That thing on the back of the door would be the ironing board that I'm going to get some brackets to install & hang it there.<br />
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The green square on the floor is the <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/le-poeme-indoor-2foutdoor-rug/rugs/all-rugs/13282?categoryId=10278&fromCart=true">Le Poeme</a> rug from Ballard in Sage that is only $50 for a 2'x3' rug...sold!<br />
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The gold on the left wall is actually these <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/set-of-3-safety-pin-plaques/wall-plaques/iron-wall-plaques/15131">safety pin</a> plaques from Ballard as well that my sister & her husband bought us as part of a wedding gift. I have a big crush on them.<br />
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Here is a better view of the room as you walk in the door. We will be keeping the same wall color, just touching it up a bit.<br />
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Now turning to the right you'll find the washer & dryer with cabinets. Not really sure what the extra strip of white is at the top, it was just supposed to be crown molding.<br />
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Cabinets on the sides will have doors (see reference idea below) & yes we have an old birdseed bucket that is used for a multitude of things but came with the ubiquitous name of "puke bucket" thanks to what it was called in my childhood. Mom & Dad kept it classy folks. The silver bar will be for keeping extra hangers around & most likely will inevitably be used to dry my bras...the class is embedded in the DNA. I haven't done a lot of measuring so my idea of how this will all pan out may not be accurate but this is the rough idea. I'm loving <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=22214720&parentid=BAYNOTE">these knobs</a> from Anthro but will pbly see what Hobby Lobby has before diving in.<br />
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Next up, the left side of the room.<br />
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Hidden behind the door will be a rack for our OXO Floor Sweeper & my newest friend in the cleaning game, my Shark Steam Mop. On the right side will be a much thinner cabinet.<br />
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I'd like to put a tilt-out drying rack up top to dry larger pieces of clothing so they aren't scattered throughout our downstairs, similar to this old piece from Ballard.<br />
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Below that I'd like a shelf for perhaps some carpet cleaner, stain remover, etc & a taller shelf for the things you need but don't really want to see like the plunger & toilet brush. Finally below that I'd like a built-in area for our dog's bowls since that is typically where we keep them but it would be nice to have them look a little more professional.<br />
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I think that's about it! So here is our ever-growing to-do list. I still have to run everything past the husband & the master builder (my dad).<br />
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<li><strike>Order new floors</strike></li>
<li><strike>Get underlayment for floors</strike></li>
<li><strike>Remove shoe molding</strike></li>
<li><strike>Install new floors</strike></li>
<li><strike>Get a pipe collar to cover where the new flooring meets the dryer vent.</strike> - <span style="color: #660000;">canceled this, they don't make them...oh well!</span></li>
<li><strike>Install pipe collar</strike> - <span style="color: #660000;">see above</span> </li>
<li><strike>Get quarter round</strike></li>
<li><strike>Paint quarter round</strike></li>
<li>Install quarter-round</li>
<li>Touch up baseboards & quarter round</li>
<li>Remove existing shelf</li>
<li>Touch up walls</li>
<li>Touch up trim around doors (see <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1851281767527727892#editor/target=post;postID=8215592707090224565">here</a> for the issue with it) </li>
<li><strike>Trim transition piece</strike></li>
<li>Replace transition piece</li>
<li>Get washer/dryer delivered</li>
<li><strike>Order rug</strike></li>
<li><strike>Order new air register (ours was stark white & I found one in aged brass online for only $6)</strike></li>
<li>Place in new air register </li>
<li> Get hooks for ironing board</li>
<li>Install ironing board hooks</li>
<li>Buy crown molding</li>
<li>Paint crown molding</li>
<li>Install crown molding</li>
<li>Buy cabinet materials</li>
<li>Buy new dog bowls (the ones she has now are a little gaudy for my taste) </li>
<li>Build cabinets</li>
<li>Paint cabinets & cabinet trim</li>
<li>Install cabinets</li>
<li>Install cabinet trim</li>
<li>Install cabinet knobs</li>
<li>Buy hanging bar</li>
<li>Install hanging bar</li>
<li>Replace light bulbs to be the swirly efficient kind (see why the peeps at Lowe's love me?) </li>
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We've still got a LONG ways to go with this project but I'm really excited to see progress & will share how far we get after the weekend!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851281767527727892.post-87345980246959115602011-10-13T11:33:00.000-04:002013-08-08T12:38:31.091-04:00Cheesy Chicken Pot PieSince we have become people that rarely eat red meat, Tim doesn't really like fish & I seem to forget that pork outside of bacon actually exists, we eat a LOT of chicken. Just about every night that we eat meat, it is chicken. Making sure there is some variety is imperative to keeping our tastebuds from rising against us in revolt. <br />
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As it has begun to get colder I decided it was about time for some chicken pot pie. First I boiled 3 chicken breasts with bay leaves.<br />
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851281767527727892.post-78491080588336379162011-10-10T14:21:00.001-04:002011-10-11T10:46:59.355-04:00Wreath RenewalThe wreath on our front door has seen better days. It used to be a pretty green color but has now faded away into more of a light Smurf blue. <br />
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Since structurally it's still pretty solid I decided I would just spray paint it to give it new life. <br />
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I started out by laying it on the ground of the lot next door so I didn't end up with a funky colored lawn or driveway and used a yellow for the base. I didn't want it to be solid as I still wanted a hint of the greenish/blue peeking through. <br />
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Here is how it looked after the first coat.<br />
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Next up, a deep red/burgundy color. I layered it in so the yellow and blue/green still also showed.<br />
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Here are the results of that quick spray.<br />
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tzuoRoOGpzY/TpM5wq3KBwI/AAAAAAAAJpY/WXf7xc5kU6g/s640/blogger-image--46155021.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tzuoRoOGpzY/TpM5wq3KBwI/AAAAAAAAJpY/WXf7xc5kU6g/s640/blogger-image--46155021.jpg" /></a><br />
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Next up, an orange. I wanted more of a deep orange but settled as it wasn't available. I sprayed it on and again let all of the other colors peek back through.<br />
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Here is the result of that quick spray.<br />
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<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tSYwoqnKKeo/TpRVTOmsG-I/AAAAAAAAJqQ/8DWSQWlknyE/s640/blogger-image-983393079.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tSYwoqnKKeo/TpRVTOmsG-I/AAAAAAAAJqQ/8DWSQWlknyE/s640/blogger-image-983393079.jpg" /></a><br />
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Finally, I wanted something just to take the brightness of the colors down a bit so I sprayed a quick coat of a beige I already had.<br />
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-k3ELPpZyfVQ/TpRVLnZnMNI/AAAAAAAAJpg/vr2Z26gghhc/s640/blogger-image--1841306182.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-k3ELPpZyfVQ/TpRVLnZnMNI/AAAAAAAAJpg/vr2Z26gghhc/s640/blogger-image--1841306182.jpg" /></a><br />
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Here she is in all of her glory.<br />
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I let it dry for about 10 minutes, threaded the ribbon back through and placed it back on the door as good as new!<br />
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851281767527727892.post-73559178888971294022011-10-07T23:16:00.000-04:002013-08-08T12:37:11.114-04:00Fast & Easy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Each year our HOA has an annual meeting to discuss everything from the previous year, express concerns & vote in the Advisory Board for the next year. This year Tim's yearly colonoscopy (it was clean!) landed on the same day which allowed for me to be home taking care of him most of the day. He was back to his normal self by dinnertime which was also the same time as the meeting. I thought it would be nice to go a little early & take dinner with us, a little picnic if you will. I ran a little short on time so I don't have pictures of the final food but you can use your imagination right? :)<br />
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First up was Broccoli Salad, one of my favorites! First I mixed a cup of mayonnaise, 5 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar & a tablespoon of sugar.<br />
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I then added in some cooked bacon (about 1/2 a cup but you can add as little/much as you want) along with some finely shredded cheddar (again, about 1/2 a cup but you can add as little/much as you want).<br />
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Next up I chopped a head of broccoli & half of a purple onion to add in.</div>
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Everything was stirred together & placed in the fridge for a minimum of an hour.<br />
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Next up, Ham Delights. I found these poppy seed rolls at Trader Joe's & thought they would be perfect (although traditionally I've always made them with Hawaiian Sweet Rolls).<br />
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I mixed up 1/2 a cup of butter with a few tablespoons of mustard (to taste), some Worchestershire (to taste) and about a tablespoon and a half of poppy seeds.<br />
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I then spread the mixture onto both sides of the cut rolls.<br />
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Piled on the ham & cheese (whatever kinds you like) & baked in a 350 oven for about 10-15 minutes. Basically until the cheese melts & the mixture on the buns does too.<br />
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Finally I made some homemade Fresca. This was incredibly easy & I have no idea where I got the idea. First I zested an orange, a lemon & a lime.<br />
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Next I boiled one cup of sugar into one cup of water in order to make a simple syrup. I added the zests after all of the sugar had dissolved.<br />
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Finally I took the zested fruit, added in another orange & lemon & juiced all into the cooled simple syrup. Finally added in some ice & Ginger Ale & it was good to go!<br />
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At this point we were no longer going to be early so I threw everything into a bag & we rushed to the meeting but got to enjoy our fantastic supper during it!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851281767527727892.post-33946355464157546282011-10-06T10:23:00.000-04:002013-08-08T12:40:41.006-04:00Failure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is by far the worst meal I have ever created. I don't know what my problem was but I was completely off this night. </div>
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Here it is in all of its glory, what's that your asking? What is that sauce? Well funny story...those are actually mashed potatoes. See where we're starting to go with this?</div>
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Everything started out normally, I just got a fry basket for our cookware & decided to use it. I quartered some red potatoes & started boiling them.</div>
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Once they were fork-tender I put them into the blender.</div>
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I added in some frozen garlic cubes. Trader Joe's sells them & they are fabulous.</div>
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I also added in salt, pepper, sour cream & milk (way too much milk) which left me with soup. I tried to thicken it up with cornstarch but that gave it more of the consistency of glue. The flavor was good but I couldn't get past the consistency.</div>
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Onto failure number 2. Next up, oversteamed green beans. Whenever I steam vegetables I always use this fabulous little silicone insert & typically have great results.</div>
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This time not so much, wilted & oversteamed vegetables are pretty disgusting & don't do a lot for you nutritionally as most of the nutrients have been cooked out.</div>
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Next up, a semi-success. Tim doesn't eat fish, he's convinced that he won't like it so I decided to work on changing his opinion. I spoke with the guys behind the counter at Whole Foods that suggested Dover Sole Fillets as they are a mild fish. </div>
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I started out by mixing Panko crumbs with grated parmesan cheese, salt, pepper & paprika. </div>
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I also mixed up 3 eggs with some milk added in salt & pepper again. </div>
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I dipped the fillets into the egg mixture then covered them with the panko mixture followed by placing them into a hot cast iron skillet with some olive oil until they were nice & brown.</div>
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Throughout this entire post you may be asking yourself what is the burnt hockey puck looking thing on the plate? Well, that was the biggest failure of them all. There were extra panko crumbs which had become a bit like a dough with the egg mixture.<br />
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I had the brilliant idea of frying them up as well. I really can't tell you just how terrible they really were. Tim told me they were pretty good with ketchup but I have the feeling he may have been stretching the truth a bit.</div>
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So there you have it, my biggest failure in cooking thus far. I'm sure I'll have many more in the years to come but hopefully none will taste this bad again!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851281767527727892.post-79077989054586634792011-10-05T11:25:00.000-04:002011-10-05T11:25:00.816-04:00Shower Upgrade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is a little "upgrade" I did awhile ago for us. When Tim is on chemo he can't get his injection site wet so having a handheld sprayer is a must but I'm not a huge fan of them, no particular reason why, I'm just not a fan...</div>
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We had some money leftover on a Bed, Bath & Beyond gift card where I found this little beauty. It was the perfect compromise for both his needs & my wants, the best part is how easy it was to install.</div>
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Here are all of the parts all laid out in their glory.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AjQdCHgI0mg/ToaFaDb7HpI/AAAAAAAAJn8/NqB3CJcr1lY/s1600/IMG00038-20101106-2008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AjQdCHgI0mg/ToaFaDb7HpI/AAAAAAAAJn8/NqB3CJcr1lY/s320/IMG00038-20101106-2008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the old leaky showerhead<br />
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First I removed it & saw the tape was good to go so I didn't have to wrap anymore which is great because I am terrible at that task.<br />
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I then screwed on the base portion<br />
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Next I screwed on the hose, then figured out I screwed it onto the wrong part so I unscrewed it & moved it to the correct position.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ek5OHQ3MX8Y/ToaFdsa6QhI/AAAAAAAAJoM/ZuBa2FhnZaA/s1600/IMG00042-20101106-2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ek5OHQ3MX8Y/ToaFdsa6QhI/AAAAAAAAJoM/ZuBa2FhnZaA/s320/IMG00042-20101106-2017.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Finally I screwed both showerheads on & they were good to go!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IbrxWODNKqs/ToaFe1nF63I/AAAAAAAAJoQ/IRdjtffbCK8/s1600/IMG00043-20101106-2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IbrxWODNKqs/ToaFe1nF63I/AAAAAAAAJoQ/IRdjtffbCK8/s320/IMG00043-20101106-2020.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851281767527727892.post-45431643254446689042011-10-04T14:30:00.000-04:002013-08-08T12:39:27.575-04:00Chipotle Night, Part 2Continuing on from yesterday, time for all of the sides...<br />
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First up, the Corn Salsa. This was incredible easy, all I had to do was take a bag of Trader Joe's frozen corn, squeeze a lime on it and mix it with a jalapeno pepper (we aren't big fans of hot so I didn't use much) before letting it sit overnight & it was ready to go the next night. It could have been much better had I remembered to put the red onion in it.<br />
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Next up, the Cilantro Lime Rice. I pulled this <a href="http://chefinyou.com/2009/11/cilantro-lime-rice-recipe/">recipe</a> from Pinterest as well. First I rinsed off the rice and let it soak for about ten minutes.<br />
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While it soaked I heated up a teaspoon of olive oil with a teaspoon of sugar.<br />
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Once it was all nice & toasty I added in the drained rice and made sure it was all coated with the oil before squeezing the juice of a lime onto it.<br />
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I then added water and some salt, covered the pan and let it cook for about 15 minutes before adding some chopped cilantro. <br />
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Next up I set out the pork, rice, corn salsa, regular tomato salsa, the sauce leftover from the pork, tortillas, cheese, sour cream & the pickled onions I spoke about <a href="http://ourbrightidea.blogspot.com/2011/08/in-pickle.html">here</a> before we all got to work on that feast. Needless to say there were not any leftovers that night!<br />
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<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851281767527727892.post-59592079812482756592011-10-03T19:36:00.000-04:002013-08-08T12:39:08.569-04:00Chipotle Night, Part 1Everyone has their personal favorite whether it is Moe's, Qdoba, Salsarita's or Chipotle. For me, Chipotle is the hands-down winner. All of their food just tastes so fresh & delicious. A few weeks ago we had a friend over for dinner & I made all of the fixings for a Chipotle night (thank you Pinterest).<br />
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Before I left for work I followed this <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2010/07/no-waste-tacos-de-carnitas-with-salsa-verde-recipe.html">recipe</a> except for deciding to put it in a crock-pot so everything could be good to go when I got home. I placed a 3 lb pork butt into the crock-pot & sprinkled it with salt.<br />
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I then quartered an orange and squeezed it over the pork & placed those quarters into the crock-pot, I also quartered and onion & placed that in as well with 4 cloves of garlic, a few bay leaves & a cinnamon stick. I turned the crock-pot to High and headed to work for the next 8 hours.<br />
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When I came home, this is what I found.<br />
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I pulled out the meat, strained out the juice and pulled out the orange slices, bay leaves and cinnamon stick leaving only the onions & garlic cloves.<br />
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I then pureed the onions and garlic with a little bit of the liquid, combined that back with the rest of the liquid and brought it up to a boil.<br />
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I cooked this down to be about half the original amount and put it off to the side.<br />
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I then shredded the meat, after cooking it so slowly it just fell apart on me.<br />
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Next up, the side items....<br />
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851281767527727892.post-18638292574209003952011-09-30T08:30:00.000-04:002013-08-08T12:38:13.308-04:00Caramel FrappacinoTim & I both love starting each summer day with a Starbucks Caramel Frappacino. Unfortunately the bill for 10 Frappacinos a week is incredibly steep. I decided to start trying to make our own at the house after my sister gifted me with a Magic Bullet for my birthday this year. I'll be the first to admit that it is not exactly the same but at least with these I know exactly what is going into them & that they are a lot healthier than the Starbucks version.<br />
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First I add some sugar into the bottom of the cup.<br />
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Then I added in some caramel syrup I purchased at Whole Foods, probably about a tablespoon.<br />
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You can either add in some espresso or I like to use coffee I freeze into ice cubes and throw those in there. If you are using the espresso you will need to add ice. I just choose to skip that step which also keeps it from getting watered down.<br />
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Next, add in about 1/2 a cup of cream or milk. Check out all of these layers of flavors.<br />
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Then all you have to do is blend that sucker up until it looks like this.<br />
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But wait, there's more....check out this gorgeous contraption from Trader Joe's. It has two types of sugar crystals, chocolate bits & coffee beans & grinds it into your drink, on top of your cupcake, into your mouth....not that I've done that or anything...<br />
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Here is the goodness in the cup & ready to go. Have a great morning!<br />
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<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851281767527727892.post-31632408143530604182011-09-29T21:48:00.002-04:002011-09-29T21:48:32.226-04:00She-WomanSo a LONG time ago you may remember that I won my choice of fabric from <a href="http://www.tonicliving.com/index.asp">Tonic Living</a> from a contest held by Aubrey & Lindsey from <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.com/">Aubrey & Lindsay's Little House Blog</a>. Well I ordered the fabric & then it sat for awhile...as in about 3 months while I tried to figure out what to do & how to do it.<br />
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I finally decided I would use it to build a bench for the end of our bed. I wasn't finding anything I was particularly crazy about & there wasn't anything that was exactly the size I needed. I measured everything & went to Lowe's to get some 2x4s cut down to size.<br />
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I hammered in 2 3-4" nails attaching two of the short pieces to the long pieces making a long rectangle (yes, I know I'm very descriptive). I also use a square to make sure the corners were square, somehow I actually managed to do that in my first attempt.<br />
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Next I added in the 3rd short piece to the middle, just slightly off-center as my original plan was to tuft this beast.<br />
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Now was the real test. Since I had been using my dad's equipment to put all of this together I had yet to see if this was even going to fit beyond my one-time measurements which I'm not really know for being accurate about.<br />
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Success! It fit perfectly, actually even better than I had originally planned. Then it sat there as a frame for about a year. That's right, I put this together about 9-10 months ago...<br />
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Fast forward to 2011...& get your imagination all fired up because I forgot to take pictures for awhile during these next few steps.<br />
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I bought six table legs from Lowe's 15 1/4" Country Pine to be exact. I stained them with some leftover Minwax Jacobean and did about 3 coats, letting them dry for 24 hours between each set & not wiping the stain off after applying it. Once they were the color I wanted I used some WaterLox to seal & protect them. Once they were ready I took them & the frame over to my dad to drill through the frame & legs before bolting them on with 4 3" bolts for each leg. We wanted to make sure they weren't going anywhere.<br />
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After they were attached the fun began. I purchased jute webbing from a local upholstery store & borrowed a serious air-powered staple gun from a friend of my dad's. I first stapled them lengthwise before going back width-wise as I wove them between those length-wise strips.<br />
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Once I completed the entire bench I took a long piece of batting & split it into 2 pieces. It came apart pretty easily, I just had to be careful not to pull too much from one side or the either so it split evenly. I took one of the halves and stapled it around the webbing so the cushion wouldn't slip through the small holes between the jute.<br />
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I then cut a 4" piece of dense foam to be roughly an 1" wider than the bench on all sides.<br />
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I stapled another piece of batting over the top of it to help smooth it out since as you can see the edges are not exactly clean to say the least. Finally I stapled the fabric all around the bench folding the corners as neatly as possible on the edges. At this point I was slightly burnt out on this project to say the least so I kiboshed the tufting idea and loaded that sucked up in my little car for the drive back home.<br />
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Finally got the bench home & in its rightful place which has really helped the entire room to feel just a little bit more homey.<br />
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<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851281767527727892.post-59164985968511049622011-08-24T17:04:00.000-04:002011-08-24T17:04:27.266-04:00Summer Reading ListI've read SO many great books this summer. I love getting immersed in a book and am notorious for staying up all night to read something just because I can't put it down (ahem, Twilight Series). I used to be a huge bookworm and am happy I've gotten back into it but my husband is just learning about my reading skillz (yep with a "z"). I can easily read a 900 pg (well that's what it says on my iPad) book in about 4-5 hours. How do I know? Tim likes to time me, I'm pretty sure he is making fun of me but he says he's just impressed...who knows the real story.<br />
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I thought I'd share all of the books I've read & enjoyed this summer just because I'm always looking for great recommendations (Thanks Pinterest!). Hopefully this will help some of you & feel free to share any great reads with me as well!<br />
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<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span>1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1091896971"> </a></span></span></span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/one-day-david-nicholls/1100045173?ean=9780307946713&itm=1&usri=one%2bday">One Day</a> – David Nicholls</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> I am actually in the middle of this book right now but like it so far. It had a slow start but is shaping up pretty well. The bad part? Now I can't go see the movie because I'll be too nit-picky. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t6Pk6sBHtk8/TlVd6uTn9YI/AAAAAAAAJb8/Kb0IwPrhGVo/s1600/One+Day.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t6Pk6sBHtk8/TlVd6uTn9YI/AAAAAAAAJb8/Kb0IwPrhGVo/s1600/One+Day.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div> </div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span>2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/castaways-elin-hilderbrand/1100294010?ean=9780316043908&itm=1&usri=the%2bcastaways">The Castaways</a> – Elin Hilderbrand</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> This was a sad, but good, story. A little confusing about who is who in the story just because there are SO many characters to keep track of with complicated issues & the ending left a little something to be desired although it does parallel with life but overall a good book. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OBgY-FCvJrg/TlVd7pAqcTI/AAAAAAAAJcM/jAzbHhnGJFw/s1600/The+Castaways.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OBgY-FCvJrg/TlVd7pAqcTI/AAAAAAAAJcM/jAzbHhnGJFw/s1600/The+Castaways.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span>3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1091896975"> </a></span></span></span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-name-is-memory-ann-brashares/1100255297?ean=9781594485183&itm=1&usri=my%2bname%2bis%2bmemory">My Name Is Memory</a> – Ann Brashares</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> I really enjoyed this book, I was a little frustrated at times that things couldn't just come together but it is a great love story. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m5w3Xdrs7v8/TlVd6VuMfaI/AAAAAAAAJb4/EqnPwxpvWLc/s1600/My+Name+is+Memory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m5w3Xdrs7v8/TlVd6VuMfaI/AAAAAAAAJb4/EqnPwxpvWLc/s1600/My+Name+is+Memory.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span>4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/distant-shores-kristin-hannah/1100292856?ean=9780345469373&itm=1&usri=distant%2bshores">Distant Shores</a> – Kristin Hannah</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Such a great story about a woman really coming into her own. The ending is slightly predictable but it doesn't take away from how good the book is. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U4LFT0fsync/TlVd5RahfqI/AAAAAAAAJbo/5dLTkPHBPuU/s1600/Distant+Shores.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U4LFT0fsync/TlVd5RahfqI/AAAAAAAAJbo/5dLTkPHBPuU/s1600/Distant+Shores.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span>5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murderers-daughters-randy-susan-meyers/1100352958?ean=9780312674434&itm=1&usri=the%2bmurderer%2bs%2bdaughters">The Murderer’s Daughters</a> – Rand Susan Meyers</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> This really shows the complication of a sisterly relationship, especially when the two are so different and have grown up under extreme circumstances. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1SMVh3y3_QU/TlVd8TFByyI/AAAAAAAAJcY/zsgjyjklvk4/s1600/The+Murderer%2527s+Daughters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1SMVh3y3_QU/TlVd8TFByyI/AAAAAAAAJcY/zsgjyjklvk4/s1600/The+Murderer%2527s+Daughters.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span>6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/one-summer-david-baldacci/1100095682?ean=9780446583145&itm=1&usri=one%2bsummer">One Summer</a> – David Baldacci</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> This story really shows perseverance & love overcomes all things...even cancer which touches a chord in my own heart.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BVO6NMGkiKc/TlVey1qWLBI/AAAAAAAAJck/qm0csY4U_LI/s1600/One+Summer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BVO6NMGkiKc/TlVey1qWLBI/AAAAAAAAJck/qm0csY4U_LI/s1600/One+Summer.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span>7.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fly-away-home-jennifer-weiner/1100185226?ean=9780743294287&itm=1&usri=fly%2baway%2bhome">Fly Away Home</a> – Jennifer Weiner</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Looking back, its amazing how similar, yet different this is from Distant Shores. Still a great read!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ttf6nj9SqkA/TlVeym2w4pI/AAAAAAAAJcg/lNQ0PKRxXdg/s1600/Fly+Away+Home.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ttf6nj9SqkA/TlVeym2w4pI/AAAAAAAAJcg/lNQ0PKRxXdg/s1600/Fly+Away+Home.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span>8.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/silver-girl-elin-hilderbrand/1100163969?ean=9780316099660&itm=1&usri=elin%2bhilderbrand">Silver Girl</a> – Elin Hilderbrand</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> A great story about the power of a friendship that is damaged but forgiveness allows for healing & repair. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A-Ufug__ob8/TlVd7nOrohI/AAAAAAAAJcI/TGR1O-Hc5_0/s1600/Silver+Girl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A-Ufug__ob8/TlVd7nOrohI/AAAAAAAAJcI/TGR1O-Hc5_0/s1600/Silver+Girl.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span>9.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/island-elin-hilderbrand/1100259242?ean=9780316043885&itm=2&usri=elin%2bhilderbrand">The Island</a> – Elin Hilderbrand</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> A beautiful story about the special relationships that exist between mothers, daughters & sisters. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ipLiUQD578k/TlVd7wbJkrI/AAAAAAAAJcU/hgiOjI-qarE/s1600/The+Island.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ipLiUQD578k/TlVd7wbJkrI/AAAAAAAAJcU/hgiOjI-qarE/s1600/The+Island.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span>10.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pilots-wife-anita-shreve/1100270000?ean=9780316788229&itm=1&usri=the%2bpilots%2bwife">The Pilot’s Wife</a> – Anita Shreve</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">A GREAT book, one that kept up intrigued from beginning to the satisfying end. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NY47B4I2s-M/TlVd8TYeokI/AAAAAAAAJcc/QUuRMYvU7RY/s1600/The+Pilot%2527s+Wife.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NY47B4I2s-M/TlVd8TYeokI/AAAAAAAAJcc/QUuRMYvU7RY/s1600/The+Pilot%2527s+Wife.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span>11.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1091897029"> </a></span></span></span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lies-that-chelsea-handler-told-me-chelsea-handler/1100083363?ean=9780446584715&itm=1&usri=lies%2bthat%2bchelsea%2bhandler%2btold%2bme">Lies That Chelsea Told Me</a> – Chelsea Handler</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">This book had me in tears from laughing so hard and that doesn't happen often. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QbnH81_8_H8/TlVd6VbGn2I/AAAAAAAAJb0/6vQZgG9EjSk/s1600/Lies+That+Chelsea+Handler+Told+Me.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QbnH81_8_H8/TlVd6VbGn2I/AAAAAAAAJb0/6vQZgG9EjSk/s1600/Lies+That+Chelsea+Handler+Told+Me.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span>12.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blue-christmas-mary-kay-andrews/1100243485?ean=9780061782985&itm=1&usri=mary%2bkay%2bandrews%2bblue%2bchristmas">Blue Christmas</a> – Mary Kay Andrews</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Just going to do a generic thing for the next few. MK Andrews writes books that are fantastic for keeping you entertained without causing you to have to think through. Very enjoyable and perfect for relaxing! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GwJVL5si6hw/TlVd5KzGR9I/AAAAAAAAJbk/c1l68nnv9BI/s1600/Blue+Christmas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GwJVL5si6hw/TlVd5KzGR9I/AAAAAAAAJbk/c1l68nnv9BI/s1600/Blue+Christmas.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span>13.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/savannah-blues-mary-kay-andrews/1100992824?ean=9780060519131&itm=4&usri=mary%2bkay%2bandrews">Savannah Blues</a> – Mary Kay Andrews</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Just going to do a generic thing for the next few. MK Andrews writes books that are fantastic for keeping you entertained without causing you to have to think through. Very enjoyable and perfect for relaxing! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GoGDqhC1w-E/TlVd65ZULkI/AAAAAAAAJcA/08ekC7cUb7M/s1600/Savannah+Blues.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GoGDqhC1w-E/TlVd65ZULkI/AAAAAAAAJcA/08ekC7cUb7M/s1600/Savannah+Blues.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span>14.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/savannah-breeze-mary-kay-andrews/1100553357?ean=9780060564674&itm=5&usri=mary%2bkay%2bandrews">Savannah Breeze</a> – Mary Kay Andrews</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Just going to do a generic thing for the next few. MK Andrews writes books that are fantastic for keeping you entertained without causing you to have to think through. Very enjoyable and perfect for relaxing! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hbG6SMOQYGE/TlVd7DVDr1I/AAAAAAAAJcE/aXgd9EX6A6s/s1600/Savannah+Breeze.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hbG6SMOQYGE/TlVd7DVDr1I/AAAAAAAAJcE/aXgd9EX6A6s/s1600/Savannah+Breeze.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span>15.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fixer-upper-mary-kay-andrews/1100559587?ean=9780060837396&itm=3&usri=mary%2bkay%2bandrews">The Fixer Upper</a> – Mary Kay Andrews</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Just going to do a generic thing for the next few. MK Andrews writes books that are fantastic for keeping you entertained without causing you to have to think through. Very enjoyable and perfect for relaxing! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P8X-GBVMwGA/TlVd7o0A0KI/AAAAAAAAJcQ/HoQ_V6eaCh0/s1600/The+Fixer+Upper.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P8X-GBVMwGA/TlVd7o0A0KI/AAAAAAAAJcQ/HoQ_V6eaCh0/s1600/The+Fixer+Upper.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span>16.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hissy-fit-mary-kay-andrews/1100240160?ean=9780060564650&itm=2&usri=mary%2bkay%2bandrews">Hissy Fit</a> – Mary Kay Andrews</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Just going to do a generic thing for the next few. MK Andrews writes books that are fantastic for keeping you entertained without causing you to have to think through. Very enjoyable and perfect for relaxing! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ykJhMZOpQU0/TlVd6FZCbnI/AAAAAAAAJbw/k-S3WywWQnI/s1600/Hissy+Fit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ykJhMZOpQU0/TlVd6FZCbnI/AAAAAAAAJbw/k-S3WywWQnI/s1600/Hissy+Fit.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span>17.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/firefly-lane-kristin-hannah/1100356331?ean=9780312537074&itm=1&usri=firefly%2blane">Firefly Lane</a> – Kristin Hannah</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> This is a great book about women's friendships which will leave you satisfied but will get you teary eyed at points. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYN_aqeED80/TlVgrGRqhPI/AAAAAAAAJco/ZPdtmzk2xj8/s1600/Firefly+Lane.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYN_aqeED80/TlVgrGRqhPI/AAAAAAAAJco/ZPdtmzk2xj8/s1600/Firefly+Lane.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span>18.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-the-one-youre-with-emily-giffin/1100028395?ean=9780312348663&itm=1&usri=love%2bthe%2bone%2byou27re%2bwith">Love the One You’re With</a> – Emily Giffin</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">Another one out of the park by Emily Giffin, her books are always fantastic reads! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-td0GljIbcqw/TlVguf4dIlI/AAAAAAAAJcs/qF8DeHpnLXw/s1600/Love+the+One+You%2527re+With.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-td0GljIbcqw/TlVguf4dIlI/AAAAAAAAJcs/qF8DeHpnLXw/s1600/Love+the+One+You%2527re+With.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span>19.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sweet-valley-confidential-francine-pascal/1100162374?ean=9780312667573&itm=1&usri=sweet%2bvalley%2bconfidential">Sweet Valley Confidential</a> – Francine Pascal</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">Yep, I went there. Jess & Liz have really developed some salacious lives! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cbkw6kxGnZI/TlVgxgg8VrI/AAAAAAAAJcw/D8W3JeDM4p4/s1600/Sweet+Valley+Confidential.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cbkw6kxGnZI/TlVgxgg8VrI/AAAAAAAAJcw/D8W3JeDM4p4/s1600/Sweet+Valley+Confidential.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span>20.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/return-to-sullivans-island-dorothea-benton-frank/1015007124?ean=9780061438479&itm=1&usri=return%2bto%2bsullivans%2bisland">Return to Sullivan’s Island</a> – Dorothea Benton Frank</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">This is not Dorothea Benton Frank's best book by far but it was still fairly enjoyable. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x6xteYsqxGs/TlVg0oaETpI/AAAAAAAAJc0/CAyFUw9mvog/s1600/Return+to+Sullivan%2527s+Island.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x6xteYsqxGs/TlVg0oaETpI/AAAAAAAAJc0/CAyFUw9mvog/s1600/Return+to+Sullivan%2527s+Island.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span>21.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/help-kathryn-stockett/1100036619?ean=9780425232200&itm=1&usri=the%2bhelp">The Help</a> – Kathryn Stockett</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">By far the best book I've read all summer & the movie was pretty fantastic as well! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QEUVMEFVuJA/TlVg5uKULBI/AAAAAAAAJc4/LUYIY5lzsH8/s1600/The+Help.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QEUVMEFVuJA/TlVg5uKULBI/AAAAAAAAJc4/LUYIY5lzsH8/s1600/The+Help.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span>22.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hour-i-first-believed-wally-lamb/1100555598?ean=9780060988432&itm=1&usri=the%2bhour%2bi%2bfirst%2bbelieved">The Hour I First Believed</a> – Wally Lamb</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> This book was strange...not really my thing but the beginning of it that you get in the preview section is really good! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MUmHs_VZYNY/TlVg9iAeGyI/AAAAAAAAJc8/mt69KD0umro/s1600/The+Hour+I+First+Believed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MUmHs_VZYNY/TlVg9iAeGyI/AAAAAAAAJc8/mt69KD0umro/s1600/The+Hour+I+First+Believed.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span>23.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hour-i-first-believed-wally-lamb/1100555598?ean=9780060988432&itm=1&usri=the%2bhour%2bi%2bfirst%2bbelieved">The Way We Were</a> – Paul Burrell</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> I actually got this book so I could look at the pictures, yes really, but they didn't include that in the e-book...I was jipped! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UbGQo7ExmVY/TlVhCXe_l3I/AAAAAAAAJdA/fy4FCi2ibHI/s1600/The+Way+We+Were.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UbGQo7ExmVY/TlVhCXe_l3I/AAAAAAAAJdA/fy4FCi2ibHI/s1600/The+Way+We+Were.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span>24.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shack-william-p-young/1100198789?ean=9780964729230&itm=1&usri=the%2bshack">The Shack</a> – William P. Young</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> I have a confession, I haven't made it through this book yet & it really has not been one of my favorites but I am bound & determined to finish it...someday. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tw39GUBFkc0/TlVhGBdVCoI/AAAAAAAAJdE/ZL0PGMWZceQ/s1600/The+Shack.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tw39GUBFkc0/TlVhGBdVCoI/AAAAAAAAJdE/ZL0PGMWZceQ/s1600/The+Shack.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851281767527727892.post-50276022195714037682011-08-17T12:51:00.001-04:002013-08-08T12:39:56.695-04:00The Adams FamilyThis past weekend we headed down to Charleston & stayed with my old roommate <a href="http://friedgreenpickles.blogspot.com/">Megan</a> & her boyfriend Cameron (& sweet pup Brady) for my friend Jenny's wedding to Dan. It was such a sweet wedding & had so many personalized touches from friends donating their time & talents to bake cupcakes, sew table linens & the ring pillow & making her hairpiece. I was incredibly honored to be a honorary bridesmaid & even though we got a little rain it was still a beautiful day. Here is to a long & happy life for the new Adams family!<br />
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The weekend started at Husk on Friday for the Bridal Luncheon.<br />
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It was followed up that evening with the rehearsal dinner at High Cotton with the BEST Maid of Honor speech I have ever seen, don't worry I videoed it & even put it on here. We also went out to Brick for some late night fun after the dinner.<br />
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MOH Speech:<br />
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Then it was time for the big day! They got married at the First Baptist Church in Downtown Charleston followed by a reception at Founder's Hall.<br />
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A big group of us went back to Megan & Cameron's after the wedding where a little beer pong was played & they all were sweet enough to help Tim ring in his 29th birthday. He decided to faceplant into the cake for reasons unknown although it was a highlight of the night.<br />
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Finally I'll leave you all with Jenny's "Wiggin' Out" themed bachelorette party. Unfortunately I had another wedding in NC that weekend and couldn't be there in person but did want to make sure I had a presence so I shipped myself down to Myrtle Beach for the weekend.<br />
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<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851281767527727892.post-82736578326544230772011-08-09T11:53:00.000-04:002013-08-08T12:36:43.146-04:00In a PickleI love some pickled red onions and with some pork tacos I planned on making for dinner on Tuesday I thought these could be a fantastic topper!<br />
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First I used my OXO handheld mandolin to slice 2 red onions very thinly.<br />
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Once all were sliced I then separated the rings out.<br />
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I boiled a pot of water & quickly blanched the onions moving them into an ice bath to stop them from cooking any further after.<br />
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Next, in a pot I added in 1 1/2 cups of White Vinegar with 1/2 cup of sugar, 2 slices of fresh ginger, 5 whole cloves, 1 bay leaf, a cinnamon stick and a dash of red pepper flakes.<br />
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While it was starting to heat up I drained the ice bath from the onions and let the water drip out from them.<br />
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Once the mixture came up to a full boil I let it go for about a minute.<br />
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After the minute was up I turned the burner down & let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.<br />
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Once the 5 minutes was up, I went ahead and added it all into a plastic bowl (don't use metal, it can end up making everything taste funny, something to do with reacting to the vinegar) and placed it in the fridge where it should keep for about a few weeks!<br />
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Here are the results, crunchy, tart & delicious!</div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851281767527727892.post-15017452120653783432011-08-08T13:33:00.000-04:002013-08-08T12:36:09.461-04:00Sunday Dinner, Part DosHere are all of the veggies we had with our dinner Sunday. With some edits I'll be doing all of these again!<br />
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I'll do the one I forgot to take pictures of first :)<br />
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Caprese Salad<br />
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First I put about a cup of balsamic vinegar on the stove to reduce, I brought it to a boil and let it reduce by half whisking the entire time (technically the whisking was Tim's job). Once it was reduced I pulled it off the heat and let it cool a bit. While Tim was whisking away I was cutting a container (all but 1/4c) of cherry tomatoes in half and slicing up a ball (is that is what its called?) of mozzarella to be the same size as the tomatoes. I drizzled them with some olive oil, added in some salt and pepper and poured on the balsamic reduction. After chiffonading (SAT word) the basil I added it in and mixed it all up. Here is the final result!<br />
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Baked Parmesan Tomatoes<br />
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First I sliced up two tomatoes into six slices and placed them into a greased casserole dish. I salted, peppered and garlic powdered them before drizzling with olive oil.<br />
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I stacked on about a tablespoon of grated parmesan cheese and added some basil before placing them into the oven with the chicken for about 15 minutes (at 475). I think next time I may mix the parmesan with a bit of mayo (its my inner Paula speaking) before placing on the tomatoes but they were still pretty good as is.<br />
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Stuffed Zucchini<br />
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First we washed the zucchini & chopped the ends off before slicing them in half.<br />
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Tim then scooped out the insides making sure not to get too close to the edges or the bottom and placed them into a greased casserole dish.<br />
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I chopped up the insides of the zucchini and mixed it with a 1/4 cup of chopped cherry tomatoes, 1/4 tsp of curry powder, 2 tbsp of sour cream, 1/4 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of thyme and a little bit of pepper. I think next time I'll up it to 1/2 tsp of curry powder and throw in a few red pepper flakes to give it a little kick.<br />
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I spooned the mixture back into the zucchini boats and topped it with parmesan cheese. I placed it into the 475 degree oven with the chicken for about 20 minutes. Here is the final product!<br />
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It was all pretty delicious and will be a repeat down the road!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851281767527727892.post-14936315588108986712011-08-08T00:08:00.000-04:002011-08-08T00:08:32.324-04:00Sunday Dinner, Part UnoOk, so technically its Monday, but here is what I made for dinner last night when Tim's brother, his wife & their 1 year old daughter came to dinner. We've planned out this week so that we can use leftovers for the lunch the next day and I'm really excited about my lunch today! Saturday included a big trip to Trader Joe's for the marjority of our food & Whole Foods for anything we couldn't find at Trader Joe's.<br />
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Tonight ended up actually being a combination of 2 meals we had planned for this week as we were asked to go to dinner at a friend's house on Wednesday. That actually worked out pretty well as I think we all would've been pretty hungry still had we just had the original meal I planned! The Bright boys know how to put down some food....<br />
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First up, Lemon Rosemary Roasted Chicken with Red Skinned Potatoes<br />
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First I washed the potatoes, super important step since you don't know who/what has touched them before you.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lA4ti42Q5C4/Tj89T3YlTLI/AAAAAAAAJWw/FVqHzJF78cg/s1600/DSCN2034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lA4ti42Q5C4/Tj89T3YlTLI/AAAAAAAAJWw/FVqHzJF78cg/s320/DSCN2034.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next I chopped the potatoes, and half of an onion, drizzled about 2 tablespoons of olive oil and zested a lemon over them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qgnSQT4JIW4/Tj8_kOKHgcI/AAAAAAAAJW0/eKLPxlQjlzc/s1600/DSCN2036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qgnSQT4JIW4/Tj8_kOKHgcI/AAAAAAAAJW0/eKLPxlQjlzc/s320/DSCN2036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>I chopped up about a tablespoon & a half of rosemary and mixed it all together<br />
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I placed it all in the bottom of my roasting pan & placed the rack on top.<br />
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Next I prepped the ingredients to stuff the chicken. I quartered the remaining half of the onion, halved 2 lemons & pulled out the rest of the pack of Rosemary I had purchased.<br />
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I stuffed as much of it as I could into the chicken (all but one lemon) and squeezed the remaining lemon onto the potatoes and the top of the chicken. (If this is your first time working with a whole chicken, please be sure to pull out the bag of giblets :) )<br />
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This was placed into a 475 degree oven for an hour and here is the final product! Just make sure to remove all of the insides before carving it.<br />
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The final potatoes & onions, delish!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q02iIGSEu_I/Tj9C5Nt92wI/AAAAAAAAJXM/eEXJRFaJQu4/s1600/DSCN2050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q02iIGSEu_I/Tj9C5Nt92wI/AAAAAAAAJXM/eEXJRFaJQu4/s320/DSCN2050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851281767527727892.post-66882638611700863462011-08-07T21:12:00.001-04:002011-08-07T23:25:54.607-04:00Recipe Box Shower GiftSo one of my oldest friends, Lauren, is getting married in about 2 months and the rest of the bridesmaids & I are throwing her a recipe shower at the end of the month. We're each getting a gift for her and since I'm doing the invitations (we're sending out recipe cards for people to fill out & bring to the shower) it was only fitting that I would get her a recipe box too. I think I'm pretty safe on posting this as I'm about 95% sure she doesn't read this blog. I've been searching for the past month and haven't found ANYTHING that I really like for her so I finally bought one that I was a fan of the shape but not as much of the look, which I can fix.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1OBYZLjbN-0/Tj8sm27zANI/AAAAAAAAJWM/HDEbP-zG7vw/s1600/DSCN2026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1OBYZLjbN-0/Tj8sm27zANI/AAAAAAAAJWM/HDEbP-zG7vw/s320/DSCN2026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Its bamboo & kind of blah looking but when you flip up the lid it has a nice little ridge where you can put the card you are referencing while you cook.<br />
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I gave it a light sanding and went over with one coat of copper craft paint, it was the kind of paint that comes in the $0.50 tube at Hobby Lobby.<br />
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You could still see the wood grain so after it dried I added another coat of copper giving me the look I was going for.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3N136lswQ_Y/Tj8u2HFvvOI/AAAAAAAAJWU/pWzn-J9ihik/s1600/DSCN2028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3N136lswQ_Y/Tj8u2HFvvOI/AAAAAAAAJWU/pWzn-J9ihik/s320/DSCN2028.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
I placed some stickers saying "LHK's Recipes" on the front to protect it from picking up the next color I planned to layer on top and lightly coated them with the copper color hoping to help prevent bleed of the paint.<br />
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I went over the top of everything with a very light sage green color. (the straight pins are placed in to keep the top from sticking to the rest of the box)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kl5kJD14joM/Tj8wUAFsGDI/AAAAAAAAJWc/471NBJvtBYs/s1600/DSCN2030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kl5kJD14joM/Tj8wUAFsGDI/AAAAAAAAJWc/471NBJvtBYs/s320/DSCN2030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
After that coat dried for a bit I added another coat to it so only light streaks of the copper were showing through and while it was still wet I started pulling off the letter stickers. (apologies for the terrible picture!)<br />
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After pulling off all of the stickers I found that I had a little bleed under the stickers so I let it finish drying.<br />
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Once everything dried up I touched up the parts where the green had bled into the copper. Here is the final piece, hope she likes it!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hZpP_5CEnEM/Tj83zDDsCjI/AAAAAAAAJWo/ba5C5GtYgNI/s1600/DSCN2033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hZpP_5CEnEM/Tj83zDDsCjI/AAAAAAAAJWo/ba5C5GtYgNI/s320/DSCN2033.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851281767527727892.post-31096697326921107802011-08-01T20:48:00.001-04:002011-08-07T21:18:20.386-04:00Butterflies in My StomachSo I'm a little nervous. I've always thought about making things to sell but never really committed to it. You may remember <a href="http://ourbrightidea.blogspot.com/2011/07/rainbow-effect.html">this post</a> of the Crayon Art I made for my cousin. Well it received such a fantastic reaction at the shower that I decided to finally just suck it up & try my hand at peddling my wares. Here goes nothing!<br />
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So here is a reminder of what you can get when you visit <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/78942815/crayon-canvas">my shop</a>:<br />
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See, they really do make excellent baby shower gifts! Or for that special teacher in your life? Please be sure to tell all of your friends so I don't feel like a loser. (did the guilt trip work? :) )<br />
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Thanks all!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0