tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11853195862688238942024-03-14T11:55:22.791-07:00A Country Gal's Domestic JourneyFrom pitchfork's to spatula's and everything in between...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07978689294132528388noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185319586268823894.post-77552925743967325922015-05-04T19:45:00.000-07:002015-05-04T19:45:15.479-07:00If You're Curious....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi everyone!<br />
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I have been busy busy, busy! I'm about a month behind on this update but I'm not really sure where time is going these days. I'm starting my 24th week already. I'm more than half way there! I cannot wait to meet.......<br />
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Him or her???? Ah ha! I'll bet you've been wondering. In fact I'm pretty shocked that I have been able to keep it from all of you! :)<br />
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I'm going to make this a fun post. I've included some of the photo's that I have taken as I've (tried) to track my progress. I was great up until 19 weeks. Then it got nicer out and I have had a hard time wrangling my photographer <i>into </i>the house to take my picture. <br />
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And if you keep scrolling you'll get to see...boy or girl?????<br />
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But first...how about a fun little survey. I thought I would share some things about my journey thus far:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">How far along? 24 Weeks</span><br style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Total weight gain/loss: 22 lbs gained so far! Never thought I'd see those numbers on the scale.</span><br style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Maternity clothes? Oh sweet heavens yes! Maternity pants??? BEST. INVENTION. EVER. I call them my fat pants. But seriously...elastic bands. Need I say more?</span><br style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Stretch marks? Notta one. </span><br style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Sleep: Loving it and sleeping great these past few weeks</span><br style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Best moment this week: Getting to find great rummage sale deals for the baby!</span><br style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Have you told family and friends: Yes, our families are very excited.</span><br style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Movement: Lots and especially when I eat!</span><br style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Food cravings: The cravings are subsiding a bit but WATERMELON is the current must have!</span><br style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Anything making you queasy or sick: Not so much these days.</span><br style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Have you started to show yet: Finally starting to look like there's a baby in there!</span><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">.</span><br style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Gender prediction: I thought boy up until about 16 weeks and then thought girl.</span><br style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Labor Signs: Nope. Pray not for some time.</span><br style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Belly Button in or out? In.</span><br style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Wedding rings on or off? Rings ON</span><br style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Happy or Moody most of the time: Depends on the day. Mostly happy. Easily irritated.</span><br style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Weekly Wisdom: Stay active! Moving, (horse) riding, walking all makes you feel healthy and happy<span class="Emoticon Emoticon1"></span></span><br style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,geneva,lucida,"lucida grande",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Milestones: Accepting my weight gain and knowing it's temporary. :) Thanks to ALL OF YOU GUYS!</span></span><br />
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Thank you again to everyone who was supportive and offered encouragement after reading my last post. It made a huge difference and has helped me accept that everything I'm experiencing is completely normal. Hugs to you all! <br />
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GET READY.......<br />
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WHAT'S YOUR PREDICTION????<br />
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<br />BABY TOFARI IS A GIRL!!!!!!</div>
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My husband is very excited to be the father of a baby girl and of course I'm ecstatic. </div>
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Better yet, I can now work on decorating the nursery and finding those great rummage sale bargains!</div>
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She might end up being slightly spoiled. And most <i>definitely </i>a fashionista. Right husband?</div>
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And this might be one of my favorite photo's. I was trying to get a picture of this gorgeous dresser, that we found for a steal at an estate auction, covered in Baby T's new things. I just love seeing stuff that I know one day she'll be wearing. Unintentionally, I think it's one of the only pictures that shows I am most definitely pregnant. </div>
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And last but not least, I got my photographer back for another photo. It might not be my best photo but I take what I can get. My photographer has about a minutes worth of patience before he heads onto his next task...which is typically outside. </div>
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Surprisingly, I'm liking that I look more pregnant. At least it's more obvious why I'm gaining weight. And it's NOT because I'm having one too many milkshakes! :)<br />
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I'm once again able to eat healthier and I try to eat smaller meals. I'm working on spending more time in the barn and with my horses. And the better choices I make and the more active I stay, the better I feel. Tired...but better. It's pretty hard to believe that I've gotten this far already. Only 3 1/2 more months until baby girl is here.<br />
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The nursery is coming together. I can't wait to show you that. It's my favorite room in the whole house. Hopefully I can give you a peak at that soon!<br />
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I'd love to share more but I really need those 8 hours of sleep. I just wanted to share our news so that you can all stop wondering. (I'm sure you were all losing sleep over it!) I'll try to chat soon!<br />
<br />
Goodnight friends!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07978689294132528388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185319586268823894.post-8548908688036220072015-03-20T20:34:00.000-07:002015-03-20T20:45:08.842-07:00A Little Honesty ...Hello my long lost friends!<br />
<br />
Today I have a topic that I've just had this strange urge to write and share about. I guess it's been on my mind quite a lot and I need some feedback...or rather some reassuring that I am not alone.<br />
<br />
Normally I'm all about keeping things light and funny but this is a subject that weighs heavily on me. You all know that my husband and I are expecting our first child. And we are so happy for what's to come. But I've been struggling with some conflicting emotions.<br />
<br />
It all came to surface with a trip for some new clothes for a new body. <br />
<br />
I have never been so hard on myself in my life. I've been pretty comfortable with my figure most of my 32 years. I get that we all have those bad days where we can't find anything we like on ourselves. However, this was the "what have I done-I shouldn't have eaten so many poptarts-is this a baby or a new roll-will I ever feel confident again" moment. And then I came out of the dressing room and the sales woman who was helping me asked me...<br />
<br />
"Are you enjoying this pregnancy?"<br />
<br />
I had a moment of shame. I thought about lying. But then I have always been honest and stuck to my guns.<br />
<br />
And I replied "No".<br />
<br />
There. I said it. And it still makes me feel terrible.<br />
<br />
Let me be clear. I am BEYOND excited to be a mother. And I'm eternally GRATEFUL that we are blessed to become parents. I am not taking that for granted. I realize everyday that it is completely, one hundred percent, a miracle.<br />
<br />
But at only 16 weeks (now 17 going on 18 because I've not been able to get my butt to sit down and get on here!) I'm so tired of feeling like crap. Every morning is hit or miss. Some days I feel okay. Some days it's awful, better run for the bathroom, kind of days. But so far, I've never woken up feeling great. I'm tired of eating bad things. I know this sounds like it should be a great excuse but in all honesty, I miss just eating normal, healthy food. Instead I eat what sounds good because it's the only thing I can imagine eating. If I must have a poptart, I have a poptart. (Thank goodness I'm over that kick now!!). But now I'm all about bagels. And cream cheese. And not always just one during the day! I do crave fruit...so hey! That's good! I crave strawberry shakes. Hamburgers. Strawberry shakes. Macaroni n' cheese. More strawberry shakes. I've lost total control of my body. I have to go with the flow and eat what I can. And I think that's the bottom line. I am NOT in control.<br />
<br />
I thought I was prepared for gaining weight. I have said from the get go "I can handle a baby belly". What I can't handle is thinking that everything feels bigger. I keep asking my poor husband if my face is getting rounder. I'm concerned with getting "wings". And I do believe I may be getting a little extra weight around my middle that is NOT baby. And yes, I KNOW I can work out...but please, please, please give me an ounce of extra energy to actually get to working out in a day. Every day I tell myself "tomorrow". I have worked out one time in the last 3 weeks. Ok....to be fair to myself...I have been getting over the worst cold in the history of ever. However......."tomorrow" hasn't happened. Keep in mind, I have been the same size since high school. And hearing people tell me how I'll never get my body back after having kids is so darn depressing. I do NOT want to start wearing mom jeans and baggy t-shirts. I refuse. So maybe I'm in denial but dang it...if one more person tells me just to accept it, I'm going to spit.<br />
<br />
I do understand my body is going to change. And I know that it's doing an amazing thing growing this little person. And again...I understand what a blessing it is. I do. <br />
<br />
But I think I need to believe that I can "have my cake and eat it too". I wanted to be the mom that barely gained anything. 13 pounds later I don't see this one coming true as I'm only about 1/2 way through. But I want to be the mom that can feel great about myself. I want to go back to eating healthy and feeling smart and ambitious and not wanting to crawl back under my blankets every morning after I've stumbled out of bed. I really wanted to be the glowing pregnant woman. I do not feel like I'm glowing. Does that make me selfish? I sure hope not. Because I will love this child with everything I have. I just miss feeling like myself. I'm pretty certain that does <i>not </i>make me a bad person. <br />
<br />
So maybe I need a little empathy. Maybe some stories on how other women have coped. What did you do to make yourself feel confident? Did you experience what I'm going through?<br />
<br />
I'm hoping that as my body starts to look like it's actually carrying a baby and not just too many bad food choices, I will start to enjoy this pregnancy a little bit more. I have made the ultimate decision to not try shopping again until I actually look like I am having a little bambino. Seriously, the last trip was dangerous. I'm happy to say that no one lost any limbs but it was looking pretty grim there for a while.<br />
<br />
I'm anxiously awaiting baby movements. Sometimes I think I feel something similar to a bubble. But nothing that has been a certain "oh my gosh that's my baby!" moment. Maybe when I actually feel that there's something in there I will start to believe this is happening and that it's all worth it. I am so excited to find out if we are having a little boy or girl! Hard to believe that's only 3 weeks away!<br />
<br />
I couldn't be more overjoyed to be entering the world of parenthood. I'm just a little more thrilled that I only have a little over 4 months to get through. I'm ready to meet this little person that is going to change our lives for the better. Life will change as I know it...and <i>that </i>I'm "A" okay with! <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07978689294132528388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185319586268823894.post-80548930721151952282014-10-11T20:14:00.000-07:002014-10-11T20:14:20.142-07:00(Another) New Chapter...Things are a little bittersweet these days. I'm making another change.<br />
<br />
I'm quitting my job. At the bridal store.<br />
<br />
The job that I enjoy immensely and where I get to meet all types of women, some of whom feel like real friends. I have taken my job very seriously. I see things through to the end because I care about these women. I want this part of the wedding planning to be as enjoyable as it can be. I have been at this particular bridal shop for a year and when the brides that I have helped over the months come in, they know me by name. They ask to work with me. They ask for my opinion. They smile and chat and ask how I am. They make me feel like a friend, someone they will always remember. If I have made their dress shopping enjoyable and memorable, then I have done my job. There is nothing that beats that feeling.<br />
<br />
I hear so many positive comments from customers. I never get sick of "you were great" or "you made this so much fun" and "you were made for this job". I sometimes go home feeling like I'm on cloud nine.<br />
<br />
But there are just some things that make it tough. At what point do you move on to something that may not be as much fun but allows you to take back your life? I can work my tail off but at the end of the day, the only thing that I get out of it is satisfaction. And satisfaction, as great as it is, can't get you too far in life.<br />
<br />
So starting in November I will be starting a new endeavor. It's a desk job. And I used to hear "waa waa" (thank you Debbie Downer) at those two words. But now I hear "less physically demanding" (you lift 3 or 4 umpteen pound dresses at the same time, up and down steps; in and out of dressing rooms, multiple times a day). I hear "no more nights and NO MORE SATURDAYS!" Woot woot! Finally, Friday night date nights and more time for friends. Two days off <i>in a row</i>. More time for family, a full weekend for house projects, days off before and/or after Holidays! Vacation! Oh my gosh...I'm so excited I can hardly stand it.<br />
<br />
And the biggest bonus? My horses! I cannot wait to be able to get back into the show ring! <br />
<br />
Bring on the desk, the phone and the computers. I can do it. I will be the best I can be. I can move up. I can have 401K (and actually be able to retire someday!) My family tells me that's called a normal job but I'm not certain I've ever experienced "normal". I am excited to see what the future hold for me. And us as a family. God is good. Life is good.<br />
<br />
Now I just wish I could friend all my brides on facebook and let them know how much working with them meant to me and how they each made me a better person. But that wouldn't be creepy. At <i>all</i>.<br />
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Good night friends! Can't wait to keep you posted on the next chapter!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07978689294132528388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185319586268823894.post-40668593779470669042014-09-21T20:44:00.001-07:002014-09-21T20:44:20.196-07:00You Can DIY...I hope everyone had a great weekend. I worked all day yesterday and then my husband and I went out for a friends birthday. We don't go out all that often these days, so after getting home at 1:30AM (yes folks...that's WAY past our bedtime...) we weren't all that ambitious today. Sundays are the ONE day that I get for having my wonderful husband help me with that "honey do" list. Since neither of us were overly motivated today, just getting my DIY painted sign hung up was a huge accomplishment.<br />
<br />
It's only been sitting in the basement workshop for...eh...2 months.<br />
<br />
Since starting my flea market hobby, I've been keeping my eyes peeled for an old painted, vintage sign. I've seen old signs promoting motor oil or tobacco, and while they can be neat, that's not quite what I was envisioning in our kitchen. <br />
<br />
When all else fails: search Pinterest. Here are some of the images that helped inspire me.<br />
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<br />
I used this <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/115193702944194065/" target="_blank">PIN </a>as some guidance.<br />
<br />
Then I totally winged it.<br />
<br />
I normally feel that their are enough tutorials available on the web for people to find out how to do something. However, I started thinking that there are a LOT of people that wouldn't think themselves capable of doing some of these projects. So maybe I need to share that it's totally and completely possible.<br />
<br />
First rule of thumb. DON'T put pressure on yourself to be perfect. <br />
<br />
I'm an extreme perfectionist, so this is challenging. But here's the thing: if you embrace the things that you are capable of, it will make for a very personal atmosphere in your home. And a house isn't a home until it reflects YOU.<br />
<br />
So while I doubted that my sign was perfection, I stuck to my gut and in the end, I think it's pretty cool. I made that. Better yet? My husband said it looked like something you would see sold in a store. Thanks husband. You have no idea what that means to me.<br />
<br />
So here is what I did to make my sign:<br />
<br />
I searched through our out buildings until I found a board I thought would be perfect.<br />
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I used stencils and traced them in pencil on the board. This way I could figure out the layout and just paint over the pencil if I didn't like it. <br />
<br />
I made my go-to <a href="http://thehappyhousie.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/DIY-Chalk-Paint-Instructions.png" target="_blank">chalk paint</a> for the base color. You can choose any color. I went with a cream color (leftover from a bathroom paint color). I painted around my penciled in letters and went as close to the lines as possible. I didn't want to cover them up too much or I wouldn't know where to put my stencils once I was ready to paint the letters on. <br />
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Then I mixed up a second chalk paint in a blue color to do my main letters. I put the stencils back in place and pretty much just colored in the lines with my blue chalk paint. I repeated with black craft paint for the smaller letters (I just used what I had. You can do whatever you want. That's the beauty of this! It's your project!)<br />
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Once everything was painted on, I used the tip from my Pinterest PIN that I posted above. I used a darker paint color that I mixed up using some left over paint to get a " shadow" color. I went through and added some dimension to my letters by outlining them with the "shadow". Next I used a lighter paint color to "highlight" a few of the inside lines of my letters. Now I'm not artist, so I really didn't know the right or wrong way of doing this. I just went with trial and error. If I didn't like it, I just wiped it off and touched up with the blue paint. <i>(Hint: if you mix up your own chalk paint, cover it with plastic wrap. It seals it up enough that it won't dry out. I never had to mix more paint!) </i><br />
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Once dry, I tried doing a <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/115193702943727943/" target="_blank">tinted wax</a> (a DIY wax) over the top. It didn't do the exact effect that I had hoped but I'm thinking it was because the tint wasn't dark enough. But I was afraid to of making the sign too "dingy" so I left it alone and rolled with it.<br />
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The next day (I wanted to give the wax time to settle) I tried distressing with a very fine sand paper. Once again...I failed. All it did was smudge my letters. I had read that distressing after waxing would limit the distressing (as I didn't want to erase all my words). I would chalk that tip up to meaning for furniture. (No pun intended! Haha!) I wouldn't recommend on rough wood with different color paints on it. But after distressing I just wiped the board off with a rag and took my original base color and touched up around the smudged letters. Ta da! It worked. It had a crisper look again but the words still appeared faded and worn. And that's what I was going for.<br />
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I cut the board to a shorter length <i>after </i>I painted so that I could have enough room to do what I wanted. I had wanted to do a jagged cut but after all my hard work, I was a tad bit worried that the wood would split. My husband helped me do a clean cut and then I just painted the end. I was also a little worried that once I put the sign up, it would look too big for the space. But <i>thank the Lord</i> it fits perfectly! <br />
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And here, ladies and gentlemen, is the finished product.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry for the iPhone image! </td></tr>
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Want one last tip? Walk away from your project for 2 months if you're
doubting yourself. After not staring at it and criticizing it and seeing
it with "new eyes" after some time away, I found that I loved it. If
you have been debating about trying something new but you doubt your
talents: DO IT! You just never know what you're capable of!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07978689294132528388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185319586268823894.post-68611430257599466592014-09-18T20:53:00.003-07:002014-09-18T21:00:36.901-07:00LIVE! From My "New" Room...Fall is here. It's September 18 and it's already been so cool the past couple of mornings that I have been able to see my breath. Today was a tad bit warmer but since it was my day off, I decided to take full advantage of the fall weather. As usual I didn't get a tenth of the things finished that I had wanted to get done today. But I did make it a great day.<br />
<br />
I started my day with my first pumpkin recipe of the season. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip pancakes. I'd share the recipe that I used from Pinterest but since there are 10,000 different recipes you can choose any one of them. Plus...I can't find the one that I used. They were absolutely delish. And since I have some left over, it will make waking up tomorrow morning much easier...<br />
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Then I turned to a paintbrush and finished my whitewashing project I've been tackling on the bead board and baseboard in my small little bedroom makeover.<i> (Needing a little motivation I turned the T.V on for some background noise. Normally my show of choice is anything HGTV. However....there was a Friday the 13th marathon on. Heck. Yes. It is undoubtedly more difficult to get things accomplished while trying to tune in to a cheesy yet classic horror film. )</i> Of course once that was done, I decided it would be pretty awesome if I could get some furniture in the room and see how much I could make it look like a real room in one day. And I'm proud to say that as I write this I'M SITTING AT MY NEW <a href="http://acountry-galsdomesticjourney.blogspot.com/2014/08/what-heck-have-i-been-up-to.html">DESK </a>IN MY "NEW" LITTLE BEDROOM TURNED OFFICE! It's far from finished but it <i>actually</i> resembles a <i>room</i>! My husband even walked into it and said what a difference some paint and decor make. I am so excited about this little room that I just had to write a quick post and share my "so far" photo. It's just a sneak peak and there will be more to come. But for now....<br />
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A reminder of the before:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmT1AgpbMlex8SHJcr7jH7SxQW3rJfTOsHC5qnhMUtKyooxSZ5IzjyNSFcB9yRiY-BOgu21FSDQ74LN91Vn4-L63qlCEyJ4wCY0wbuODlCK00eNR_JCgWNtUqZ3Q6iWcMp5Jo9j_zMbKti/s1600/photo(11).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmT1AgpbMlex8SHJcr7jH7SxQW3rJfTOsHC5qnhMUtKyooxSZ5IzjyNSFcB9yRiY-BOgu21FSDQ74LN91Vn4-L63qlCEyJ4wCY0wbuODlCK00eNR_JCgWNtUqZ3Q6iWcMp5Jo9j_zMbKti/s1600/photo(11).JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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And here is the "so far"! This is only the far end. The rest of the room is coming together but I wasn't quite ready to show that off yet. I'll keep you all posted. Let me know what you think! (Except for the carpet. You can ignore that. That's another project for another day) :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKC47SH0UA_CXfnoOk4OKwndColatRJ8DNY3KeTTB6w4AFmUibOr4RUOs_5bcRZV8BsGBN2jpBfoJnCwU2cCqGMziX2b_enRti7np1s7Ab7-3jZwPdN-X-4fiMIhQRAb1ydJpHwTeL3Sv/s1600/littleroom.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKC47SH0UA_CXfnoOk4OKwndColatRJ8DNY3KeTTB6w4AFmUibOr4RUOs_5bcRZV8BsGBN2jpBfoJnCwU2cCqGMziX2b_enRti7np1s7Ab7-3jZwPdN-X-4fiMIhQRAb1ydJpHwTeL3Sv/s1600/littleroom.jpg.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Thanks for reading and good night! <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07978689294132528388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185319586268823894.post-41203550346016668362014-09-09T08:54:00.001-07:002014-09-09T08:54:44.849-07:00Snapshots and a Room Makeover (in progress)...Good morning friends! Thank you all so much for the love on my Anniversary post. It took me almost a week to write it because I did so much "rewriting". When I talk about our wedding I tend to start sounding like a teenager and get a little long winded because I never thought the day would happen.<br />
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So thank you for reading.<br />
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We had a very nice and relaxing Anniversary weekend. We decided to just get in the car and drive. We headed to Port Washington (WI), Cedarburg and ended up in Milwaukee. <br />
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We had never been to Port Washington before but I suggested it since my husband is rather fond of fishing and the water. Sitting on a patio, overlooking Lake Michigan, enjoying Bloody Mary's, we just enjoyed having a Saturday together and watched all the boats coming in. The harbor was absolutely breathtaking.<br />
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And while I love taking photo's of EVERYTHING...I learned it's quite challenging to take a photo that express's just how amazing a view is. It's actually a little frustrating. (Because I like to be instantly good at things...I can't help it.)<br />
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After many deleted images this is what I got:<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2F15UK5bRIIN89sEQqti1nbXR1iFSo3sSVR42klzc_52ALHueE-X2t1OByqiSZsVYtSrCnkumiGe6x4oXdJA29qWGE4q6bnPkFeQFZn_ZXbbbutnnDv2cM05UKGG527K4YvWeVb4kZ0A/s1600/Goose.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2F15UK5bRIIN89sEQqti1nbXR1iFSo3sSVR42klzc_52ALHueE-X2t1OByqiSZsVYtSrCnkumiGe6x4oXdJA29qWGE4q6bnPkFeQFZn_ZXbbbutnnDv2cM05UKGG527K4YvWeVb4kZ0A/s1600/Goose.jpg.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Goose that I wanted to take home. Poor Goose. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpklJUUVD8mAxk7p2xi6Oj9SD_GMtJUK9s-1vS6ZW0jHajuC1n8ABYxgqGGS9719eOfTg9Q3WyN8hh5r9YU1KToHt1Q7vPl_TgVnMI7jVzRHIYAwMBc7HIWBBOQ42ubvc-GRwqRp0_Gunx/s1600/Portwashington.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpklJUUVD8mAxk7p2xi6Oj9SD_GMtJUK9s-1vS6ZW0jHajuC1n8ABYxgqGGS9719eOfTg9Q3WyN8hh5r9YU1KToHt1Q7vPl_TgVnMI7jVzRHIYAwMBc7HIWBBOQ42ubvc-GRwqRp0_Gunx/s1600/Portwashington.jpg.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJoCbqWoTzJ18Gg0z3JyIuY52GgS0ty7K16uP3ZVMClhGENQ3DdvSMnFOtwujfwLdENa3SEGTeqKPLXU6v-zJyk9iGthXjporlvbfNYifqK6OIDlQlHWg3gKvPCk00DtKl81bAjtnWnIR/s1600/Portwashingtonboat.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJoCbqWoTzJ18Gg0z3JyIuY52GgS0ty7K16uP3ZVMClhGENQ3DdvSMnFOtwujfwLdENa3SEGTeqKPLXU6v-zJyk9iGthXjporlvbfNYifqK6OIDlQlHWg3gKvPCk00DtKl81bAjtnWnIR/s1600/Portwashingtonboat.jpg.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFe6B8kBtvkjB8HEdy7j_yEz3ZjN3UmzAWDN1y3vjwqa9vYVo_2AVn0SCto9XrhtW7yqpaXIGT-diPbnVcJMm8JWyJ8jmIBdtacTPxI-6N8PtsEnAQYpgTW1PVs04JQovhoh-rFzCaqVR2/s1600/PortwashingtonMeats.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFe6B8kBtvkjB8HEdy7j_yEz3ZjN3UmzAWDN1y3vjwqa9vYVo_2AVn0SCto9XrhtW7yqpaXIGT-diPbnVcJMm8JWyJ8jmIBdtacTPxI-6N8PtsEnAQYpgTW1PVs04JQovhoh-rFzCaqVR2/s1600/PortwashingtonMeats.jpg.jpg" height="310" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went in just to <i>smell </i>it. Amazing.<br />And I loved the sign. Definitely photo worthy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8G37aj9J623-S9vnd2hGARFOcLq8sN4F8aQf7TUQoPLqECO5RvOgvAGY5X0FU69NnXd3_wgQ2WYot45iN84L8QYUmzPBSnxHyR0UYsv0tPYABjb1Td7IMcYWpeYXy1EN9jcuQrVGTtca4/s1600/Usportwashington14.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8G37aj9J623-S9vnd2hGARFOcLq8sN4F8aQf7TUQoPLqECO5RvOgvAGY5X0FU69NnXd3_wgQ2WYot45iN84L8QYUmzPBSnxHyR0UYsv0tPYABjb1Td7IMcYWpeYXy1EN9jcuQrVGTtca4/s1600/Usportwashington14.jpg.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone doesn't know how to take pictures of people. But it's ok.<br />Look at that background! It's prettier than we are.</td></tr>
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Then we headed towards Cedarburg. To be more specific, Cedarburg Covered Bridge Park. It's one of the last remaining original covered bridges in the State. I wanted to try my hand at some photo's there. However, I wasn't able to get the ones I wanted because, darn it, there were other people there (insert sarcasm) and also because my husband decided to be <i>un-</i>photogenic. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppb2h8AmkcSDInVqZTfqD_Mzhy0X8RysKgCbQCG67iZAr1LiW6vxng3Bb6qDqWE1AXYKxUffs0RUXzbFh1bEifenMZ8E1BFcxMKggrAe4mxTH7gepPb0nu8Dv-DdYRGfSVdqRT1rqWyce/s1600/Cedarburgcoveredbridge.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppb2h8AmkcSDInVqZTfqD_Mzhy0X8RysKgCbQCG67iZAr1LiW6vxng3Bb6qDqWE1AXYKxUffs0RUXzbFh1bEifenMZ8E1BFcxMKggrAe4mxTH7gepPb0nu8Dv-DdYRGfSVdqRT1rqWyce/s1600/Cedarburgcoveredbridge.jpg.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you not just envision those old black cars rolling through here??? </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZ1lln0CHISVNwN73SMx_uymlPBmNrBKddaa2k64IhIbEKIjZFu1NoVh6IMKj96jxHBI0xXd6hg0kPrWw5_hwJz_Sr2nj81a9u2UcLGehlbzKzuY0N7fCJ-Gv0WpABw16hKPjT3EHXJKj/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZ1lln0CHISVNwN73SMx_uymlPBmNrBKddaa2k64IhIbEKIjZFu1NoVh6IMKj96jxHBI0xXd6hg0kPrWw5_hwJz_Sr2nj81a9u2UcLGehlbzKzuY0N7fCJ-Gv0WpABw16hKPjT3EHXJKj/s1600/022.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8hWTjxIIQSH86qWTSqFzek-pXU6bbFcd99hXx7S_tU_BR3ZGb_YsUO4OmWB8GjUvuUQVajl55RumYoA4VaL0w7NCZ3iVmx-OAmr4JxQI8Nw5GpsEJBNg-zBt5o8UeEzkVNGwBxvfMjxI/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8hWTjxIIQSH86qWTSqFzek-pXU6bbFcd99hXx7S_tU_BR3ZGb_YsUO4OmWB8GjUvuUQVajl55RumYoA4VaL0w7NCZ3iVmx-OAmr4JxQI8Nw5GpsEJBNg-zBt5o8UeEzkVNGwBxvfMjxI/s1600/023.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See what I mean?<br />I'm getting the "Put the camera down" lecture.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSIvT60MHszMZv9Rb4e_XfLF1IJzTSE6wSsckyjgUtpDKDHZxG8b4cIJBD5xhCX3Ex9mdJsg5m5erQNkK8TwZFTvT8ZLEhOld9SBBRKDyqLhXxqLUinx2mQm4exyvFaH2OARyfIbcFhkU/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSIvT60MHszMZv9Rb4e_XfLF1IJzTSE6wSsckyjgUtpDKDHZxG8b4cIJBD5xhCX3Ex9mdJsg5m5erQNkK8TwZFTvT8ZLEhOld9SBBRKDyqLhXxqLUinx2mQm4exyvFaH2OARyfIbcFhkU/s1600/026.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption">Still got you, my handsome husband. ;)</td></tr>
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Then we hit up Cedarburg. I'm not sure how many of you have been there but if I didn't have 5 horses (and I house that I am totally in love with....well and obviously a husband too) I would move there. It's such a quaint little town. Everything has so much character and you feel like you've entered a real life Hallmark town. If you haven't been there, GO! And make sure to check out the Bloody Mary's at Easy Street, the wraps at Settler's Inn and the biggest, most delectable caramel apples at <a href="http://www.amysgourmetapples.com/" target="_blank">Amy's Gourmet Apples</a>. We weren't able to get a caramel apple this time around because it would've melted. But we'll be back. I want to go back to see how they decorate for Halloween. I'll bet it's straight out of a movie.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtS9E-Lf94of6P1N7C6FvdWibL35gNAJOmfHzynU5Am02rkVNKljXiAPh_NJ9lt52YgKy0Ff69bW23_tiBnC8zsVY5Y4pBWy26RIbSf03PzYyN_ET7JkOy_jFUxiZp4nA3beuOwkjZnXgi/s1600/CedarburgDam.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtS9E-Lf94of6P1N7C6FvdWibL35gNAJOmfHzynU5Am02rkVNKljXiAPh_NJ9lt52YgKy0Ff69bW23_tiBnC8zsVY5Y4pBWy26RIbSf03PzYyN_ET7JkOy_jFUxiZp4nA3beuOwkjZnXgi/s1600/CedarburgDam.jpg.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqN1O_h2bKHzVLlUpb7rgHGQCyM25Qo93xiBbyflhwD6gXgarzZ3iO32G0jRjH0zwK6e2TUKNuCM2xvQuT5-LVL21V3p3-WHmTwj4z2s39exwc901_Em964hWmCA_VIrRapVq8AMTaoilQ/s1600/MeCedarburg14.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqN1O_h2bKHzVLlUpb7rgHGQCyM25Qo93xiBbyflhwD6gXgarzZ3iO32G0jRjH0zwK6e2TUKNuCM2xvQuT5-LVL21V3p3-WHmTwj4z2s39exwc901_Em964hWmCA_VIrRapVq8AMTaoilQ/s1600/MeCedarburg14.jpg.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My husband said he could be a pro photographer.<br />I'll let you be the judge of that.</td></tr>
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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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhnT_xJE0hRM7kWhpyuCPO1fe5hWhkWIDssmDKpQViZxIY3gmsibPL4LS5V6NN5-rsbP3bJEflTvrcd-dC70lUr1ydvz85hNKy3PLiFXr2Bf8-nHUN14OSNlAS4F3lhDSIqWapFdhZBDT/s1600/RiverMillCedarburg.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhnT_xJE0hRM7kWhpyuCPO1fe5hWhkWIDssmDKpQViZxIY3gmsibPL4LS5V6NN5-rsbP3bJEflTvrcd-dC70lUr1ydvz85hNKy3PLiFXr2Bf8-nHUN14OSNlAS4F3lhDSIqWapFdhZBDT/s1600/RiverMillCedarburg.jpg.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm obsessed with this view.</td></tr>
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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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-K48R8N-LcBZZTmIvGPBSg4TUY6afVBHf97R5VBdKbkbrUS9ef78dQmhrVU-x9aMp4TfgFysH-j4sH8m7rl9XeIAvb_H3viBeFXVspU4pzHIX0WUvdpj3pFN20D6qjwv3DeKfS2sEABb/s1600/FeedMillCedaryBurg.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-K48R8N-LcBZZTmIvGPBSg4TUY6afVBHf97R5VBdKbkbrUS9ef78dQmhrVU-x9aMp4TfgFysH-j4sH8m7rl9XeIAvb_H3viBeFXVspU4pzHIX0WUvdpj3pFN20D6qjwv3DeKfS2sEABb/s1600/FeedMillCedaryBurg.jpg.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I needed a model (or husband) standing on that walkway. Am I right?!</td></tr>
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We ended up in Milwaukee where we checked out the Indian Summer Festival at the Henry Maier Festival Park. It was fun to people watch and eat lots of totally unhealthy, sinful, soul filling food. We did some ear candling (look it up) and walked around checking out all things Native American. I saw a man dressed as a Medicine man and he looked so authentic that I wanted to get my picture taken with him. In the end, I decided I was much more afraid of him. I was so busy people watching I forgot to take pictures of some of the costumes! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1GJe8dD84SKIxbs3UaTDQtlfbiK1CQEzUQ1ZbVVvegIyij0BVGvl4K5hTentXw8_zMdabqNXIakb-vwhk3F3G3WV92F9TfI0gqcgWmD9AEEhvhHTqbBWEM0NFEmUogdGGxeclGQ6PxTU/s1600/LakeMichigan.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1GJe8dD84SKIxbs3UaTDQtlfbiK1CQEzUQ1ZbVVvegIyij0BVGvl4K5hTentXw8_zMdabqNXIakb-vwhk3F3G3WV92F9TfI0gqcgWmD9AEEhvhHTqbBWEM0NFEmUogdGGxeclGQ6PxTU/s1600/LakeMichigan.jpg.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View outside the Park.</td></tr>
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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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1gGLBArWcTlOsDiwSCVU06KtU8QcxPCWNCy-76jQeR6kFqa84MsNkErER4xS-UkiMIcAtc5mIEpvmla-NoqkDZH4DN0Jl0hyZashiwK-RIrkkXgkX0ViDdhl5bezxaegHQYJ_5KgJS9d/s1600/SkylineMilw.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1gGLBArWcTlOsDiwSCVU06KtU8QcxPCWNCy-76jQeR6kFqa84MsNkErER4xS-UkiMIcAtc5mIEpvmla-NoqkDZH4DN0Jl0hyZashiwK-RIrkkXgkX0ViDdhl5bezxaegHQYJ_5KgJS9d/s1600/SkylineMilw.jpg.jpg" height="197" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milwaukee skyline. </td></tr>
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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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0TrpaS-PsUC8lO-4l_SWcqug_j6QjWx2G65mXnuYjJNQx1sdVn3nSXr7LNFQRlvYeO16AgYh-h2nsXJ_5MLXHmYYGIwRywfib3COJhq1GuhxeLuFsL2_BOYF2wf6CxpviYxA020lnF5M/s1600/OneyearAnniversary14.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0TrpaS-PsUC8lO-4l_SWcqug_j6QjWx2G65mXnuYjJNQx1sdVn3nSXr7LNFQRlvYeO16AgYh-h2nsXJ_5MLXHmYYGIwRywfib3COJhq1GuhxeLuFsL2_BOYF2wf6CxpviYxA020lnF5M/s1600/OneyearAnniversary14.jpg.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a great day spent together!</td></tr>
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It was definitely an enjoyable day of celebrating our first year as a married couple. The good news is that even though we may drive each other crazy, we still enjoy spending time together just the two us. (Hey...it's been 5 1/2 years. We argue over directions while driving. Every. Single. Time) ;)</div>
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Ok so this blog post actually started with the intent of showing you a <b>BEFORE </b>of our small extra room, turned bedroom/office space. I figure if I show you before photo's that it will give me more motivation to keep going with it and get it finished. I'm tired of saying "I'll get to it". </div>
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So now I'm saying "Let's do this". (Cue Home Depot music)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbV6hgqWbzztMD1C7wvEFXJMm01Jf1X0lg29-9Gva6iB_oJrtjDe5kWp4zC6EGnZeJFcRvgMGNuL86XC6hR5dPL4PfwfLDpNbGcoYXemGAIwVDmtqEWIIWR0pC9-DjRhiMC5_HaI-Q4Zt2/s1600/photo(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbV6hgqWbzztMD1C7wvEFXJMm01Jf1X0lg29-9Gva6iB_oJrtjDe5kWp4zC6EGnZeJFcRvgMGNuL86XC6hR5dPL4PfwfLDpNbGcoYXemGAIwVDmtqEWIIWR0pC9-DjRhiMC5_HaI-Q4Zt2/s1600/photo(9).JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a second doorway off the living room.<br />We're turning this into a small bedroom/office space<br />so we closed it in. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaraMwg02-RluXkS7Lci1lX5QM8IgJkYBBIpgKj9_mqLPzX9xEMXfhqesd5wb3ni3UmXEmCnoe5f5ATlG_hyphenhyphenk-RrN-8StdqyA-95Ma1TScC5sz3KMljBUPZgxzNFdbjOYgBxHLIWA6NqBi/s1600/photo(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaraMwg02-RluXkS7Lci1lX5QM8IgJkYBBIpgKj9_mqLPzX9xEMXfhqesd5wb3ni3UmXEmCnoe5f5ATlG_hyphenhyphenk-RrN-8StdqyA-95Ma1TScC5sz3KMljBUPZgxzNFdbjOYgBxHLIWA6NqBi/s1600/photo(10).JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The open doorway from the living room. <br />And yes, that's a sneak peak at the color going up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0sEH0zyXChHE6zFO3pMDSZvvMXmLffftKrPPMP5id3gLXraUZD1-ryomJrPdBQT3L7zN-UZs5biGFbKt2ygX5PH56zpoxOkUn45JEJSzsc4QWbmF5cWlkS46b8MrHCh2gmqdDjh_OA8Z/s1600/photo(11).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0sEH0zyXChHE6zFO3pMDSZvvMXmLffftKrPPMP5id3gLXraUZD1-ryomJrPdBQT3L7zN-UZs5biGFbKt2ygX5PH56zpoxOkUn45JEJSzsc4QWbmF5cWlkS46b8MrHCh2gmqdDjh_OA8Z/s1600/photo(11).JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full of STUFF!</td></tr>
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It's been a catch all room. It's had my crafting stuff, wedding gifts, extra furniture, Mary Kay stuff and piles of paper. After a year and almost 2 months of living here, enough is enough. </div>
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Now I should get off blogging and go start painting! I'll keep you all posted!! </div>
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Have a great Tuesday everyone!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07978689294132528388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185319586268823894.post-40020680889835529952014-09-07T21:14:00.006-07:002014-09-07T21:14:40.570-07:00Say What? A Year?!Amazing.<br />
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One year ago today was one of the best days of my life (thus far).<br />
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Our amazing, perfect, beautiful wedding.<br />
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The days leading up to the BIG ONE YEAR anniversary have made me reflect and look back on that spectacular day. I decided to hit up the wedding photo's and try to relive that day again. I can't believe the things that I had already forgotten. Going through these again made me smile and in some cases, laugh out loud. It was such a great day!<br />
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I'm pretty partial to some of our wedding photo's (I think they are pretty fantastic) so I thought I would take a moment to share a few of the ones that I'm certain many of you haven't seen before. Also, to share a few of the moments the way that I saw them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwE3C2uDYxuE_ugmeKE7wCTRU3fL1Dg-NCWc_1XCXDngXCcaDZSfjgizI7LYZEAu354dKF9bJpFhNHIR7srpQzziwFWdFTheNaiO4GuQIwLUPfIsDKqnIyViYpYt3xllZqEvkCQEsi4YC6/s1600/Tofari0264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwE3C2uDYxuE_ugmeKE7wCTRU3fL1Dg-NCWc_1XCXDngXCcaDZSfjgizI7LYZEAu354dKF9bJpFhNHIR7srpQzziwFWdFTheNaiO4GuQIwLUPfIsDKqnIyViYpYt3xllZqEvkCQEsi4YC6/s1600/Tofari0264.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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It started with excitement and anxiousness and anticipation. We are best friends and have been since the day we met just about 5 and 1/2 years ago. Ironically, when you are planning your wedding you would think that the number one thing on your mind is that you are marrying your other half. Many would say "duh". But unless you've gotten married you have no idea what you're in for. Most of the time it's the last thing you think about...you're too busy thinking about how to save costs, how to make sure everyone has a good time, making sure you have enough food and drink.....blah, blah, blah. Some other things to consider are as follows.<br />
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<b><u>Things you should keep in mind while planning your wedding: </u></b><br />
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You have to keep family happy.<br />
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You find out who your true friends are.<br />
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You always have one bridesmaid that makes you want to drink a little more wine.<br />
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Someone insists they should wear red (hahaha! just had to throw that in there in case Tater is reading this!)<br />
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People think they know how things should be planned even when it's not what you were thinking.<br />
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You add people to the guest list that you haven't seen in <i>years</i>. <br />
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You hear people complain that they don't have cool whip to go with their pie. No joke.<br />
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You have to keep family happy. Did I mention that?<br />
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And throughout all those moments, you keep smiling and <strike>wished that you would have eloped</strike>.<br />
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But somehow, amongst all the chaos with thoughts swirling through your head, when you see your future husband standing at the alter and looking at you with such love, you forget <i>everything</i>. Suddenly you realize that those people who told you it was about YOU and HIM were right! (Who the heck is going to remember what they ate a year later? So what if people didn't get whip cream! )With 200 people staring at you as you walk down the aisle, reciting your vows to your spouse to be and thinking about how it's the beginning of the rest of your life, you don't notice anyone else. So it's the candid photo's that I love the most. The ones that caught the little things that I didn't see while living in the moment. I'm so thankful to Keith Weich Photography for capturing our day so perfectly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXOhll5fa20feUbjCAE6SHAD3UujZPiYsV_3XULWdcDBgKZhSsmad9wMBtv0n9kJiyM2TAZfYBX6wdHFqkFX7df1R-K64IJ1o9KG11V21v2Spcm_RLBd-eu9SIhyphenhyphenI0QiydvuaKhS6zEFj/s1600/Tofari0373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXOhll5fa20feUbjCAE6SHAD3UujZPiYsV_3XULWdcDBgKZhSsmad9wMBtv0n9kJiyM2TAZfYBX6wdHFqkFX7df1R-K64IJ1o9KG11V21v2Spcm_RLBd-eu9SIhyphenhyphenI0QiydvuaKhS6zEFj/s1600/Tofari0373.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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My favorite part of the whole wedding was our ceremony. It was religious. It was meaningful. And it was totally us. It was funny and it was unforgettable. I'm sure there aren't too many weddings where the subject of a 2:00 AM coon shooting are somehow tied into the meaning of marriage. Let me say that I don't believe the Pastor will forget us any time soon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbV4HzlLs79ZLEglJKaWnrWXypteVSb0Mgq5jzknYo03DEAGI45xGbQW3d8YKzexGXAcRrIo3iZMqAvEE55psjePJPI0lB5M1bOF8LgUQ4ezrvUP6ltG23xrvfrUyWTZQ8HVbCaYXiOxeK/s1600/Tofari0280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbV4HzlLs79ZLEglJKaWnrWXypteVSb0Mgq5jzknYo03DEAGI45xGbQW3d8YKzexGXAcRrIo3iZMqAvEE55psjePJPI0lB5M1bOF8LgUQ4ezrvUP6ltG23xrvfrUyWTZQ8HVbCaYXiOxeK/s1600/Tofari0280.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLO5kL9uv5RbLoNq2zw2OZKkvg9ISnctbfrPABnDQ5Qq091hmrNLQtNmAQMkSokTku93PiqhdYWr2ZngcReXs3AkKjJL2LIgzf3A3h4neScBETXcl4yekQTMNxp3EF-munmmt_AocPybkq/s1600/Tofari0283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLO5kL9uv5RbLoNq2zw2OZKkvg9ISnctbfrPABnDQ5Qq091hmrNLQtNmAQMkSokTku93PiqhdYWr2ZngcReXs3AkKjJL2LIgzf3A3h4neScBETXcl4yekQTMNxp3EF-munmmt_AocPybkq/s1600/Tofari0283.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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I wanted to do something truly unique for our unity message. I came up with balloons. I did the research. We used decomposable strings (I didn't want a birds blood on my hands). I came up with a pretty great analogy and had the Pastor help me tweak it. It. Was. Perfect.<br />
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In my head.<br />
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I had no idea that the strings would be too long and therefore...too heavy!<br />
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Our balloons, that were symbolizing us joining together and starting a new life, came tumbling down. To the ground. If I remember correctly, the Pastor even said "I hope that's not a sign!" After some frantic "who's got a pocket knife?" (yes, because who wouldn't have one at a wedding) we finally got the strings shortened. We held our breath. You can see my husband hitting them into the air. Unforgettable all right.<br />
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And yes. They floated. <i>Phew</i>.<br />
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As I looked through my photo's I was struck by how many moments I don't recall clearly. But one thing I do remember and I know I will for the rest of my life, was the way that my best friend looked at me that day. I know we'll always have ups and downs and life will get sticky at times but I hope that every now and then, we'll stop to look at each other like that again. Like <strike>he</strike>...er...we won the freaking lottery. Just kidding husband....I'm a lucky lady! ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyA9Zje-tFx0R34PwS4u7hkX5muXEC3lrh64gGApv8qlS3Rt8CVjHsUjTcvUl-oWXOfgTF__wyOOH0pt1UwR6RboPNz7Bf-nhLLZBCLCebjDelA-4sb8Qx-WNvMPZyfQzs-2-XAPprcF8S/s1600/Tofari0413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyA9Zje-tFx0R34PwS4u7hkX5muXEC3lrh64gGApv8qlS3Rt8CVjHsUjTcvUl-oWXOfgTF__wyOOH0pt1UwR6RboPNz7Bf-nhLLZBCLCebjDelA-4sb8Qx-WNvMPZyfQzs-2-XAPprcF8S/s1600/Tofari0413.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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You know what else I never saw? My absolutely ADORABLE FLOWER GIRL AND RING BEARER. Not once did I get to see this cuteness go up or down the aisle. Look at them! I can't take it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0sJKcPuGiS0qseg7vO1pKob6ads5Mwlp31TUwyWiOCgoyU1ErvnFMQXyqx29nrIxbZJdFsDIXydZ4ervpTUaSBN_L7KLKZKBrGV7Meobi98agE6K5H9Q3wxhxOpHn-0CeEuyVnHrpCnuY/s1600/Tofari0306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0sJKcPuGiS0qseg7vO1pKob6ads5Mwlp31TUwyWiOCgoyU1ErvnFMQXyqx29nrIxbZJdFsDIXydZ4ervpTUaSBN_L7KLKZKBrGV7Meobi98agE6K5H9Q3wxhxOpHn-0CeEuyVnHrpCnuY/s1600/Tofari0306.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I just cannot believe that I spent a year and 4 months planning a wedding, consuming every single breath I took and feeling the day would never get here...and it's been over for a year! And working in a bridal store, you would probably think I'd change some things. But guess what? I'd choose the same things again! We'll see how I feel 10 years from now! :) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCISSdiXjtaNGa7A4b5RPpdoWGl13Mf26ELQSK3Uhfo8EXV_y30IggzlOBQBuGfQD19FYfd16MnEZovr2OQ-Gjqbc2kCOlSKZm3sxNALF65dTcVy2Ii-s5liqvnMXHGQXFjKWfjO3CRIWC/s1600/Tofari0462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCISSdiXjtaNGa7A4b5RPpdoWGl13Mf26ELQSK3Uhfo8EXV_y30IggzlOBQBuGfQD19FYfd16MnEZovr2OQ-Gjqbc2kCOlSKZm3sxNALF65dTcVy2Ii-s5liqvnMXHGQXFjKWfjO3CRIWC/s1600/Tofari0462.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5UMzzWStVI91m_vu_w6_kLOeLD4c9xJlXNMP-mKkpMzRty_oguTIB5JhYksCwis_J34-B15KInDD9FkIKUDK6rRzgb92mm1fW0nyXiqSmqFWwWCJkdGx6jxWHiEzsoDhkoFUjhxmBx6q3/s1600/Tofari0608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5UMzzWStVI91m_vu_w6_kLOeLD4c9xJlXNMP-mKkpMzRty_oguTIB5JhYksCwis_J34-B15KInDD9FkIKUDK6rRzgb92mm1fW0nyXiqSmqFWwWCJkdGx6jxWHiEzsoDhkoFUjhxmBx6q3/s1600/Tofari0608.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I remember thinking that people would be surprised that I played it so safe with color. For those that know me in the horse show world, I'm always combining COLOR, COLOR & COLOR with different textures and patterns. (Oh wait...I guess not just the horse show world. I just realized that describes my wardrobe. )<br />
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But once I got planning I knew A) without a doubt I was doing something green since it's my favorite color and B) I wanted to keep things classic. 5,10 or 20 years from now I MAY wonder about the cowgirl boots but honestly, it's who I am. It's wasn't a Pinterest fad. I didn't do it to be trendy. I wanted a wedding that reflected us. So if I question myself years down the road, I'll know it's because that's what was me. <br />
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I wanted a country romantic wedding. I love soft pastels. And I LOVE a man in a charcoal suit. I'm positive that I'll never question what the ladies or guys wore on our wedding. (No offense to the man who wore a baby blue suit to their wedding. You know who you are ;) )<br />
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How about a few random facts that you didn't know about our wedding planning & the day of?<br />
(Sure...twist my arm) <br />
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<ol>
<li>There were supposed to be 2 bridesmaids in the pastel coral. It just didn't work out that way.</li>
<li>I (and a group of amazing people) hand made our invites.</li>
<li>My cousin and I made all the programs by hand, just the 2 of us.</li>
<li>My husband <strike>pretty much only</strike> helped choose the food and dessert. </li>
<li>I may or may not have asked my husband if he still wanted to marry me (numerous times)</li>
<li>I purchased my wedding gown from the bridal store I now work at. </li>
<li>It poured the entire morning of our wedding and I insisted that God would not make me get married inside. I was right.</li>
<li>It took 2 hours to do my hair.</li>
<li>I made all of our hairpieces myself. </li>
<li>I had an emergency use for alligator tape 5 minutes before the ceremony. (All I'll admit is it's a pageant trick. And I don't recommend alligator tape.)</li>
<li>We were provided one bag of ice on the day of the wedding. A gas station run was made.</li>
<li>My husband whispered something to me during the ceremony that only I know.</li>
<li>My (step) dad and I took dance lessons for a month. </li>
<li>After dinner, I saw my husband once.</li>
<li>My husband calls his dance moves (typically known as "the worm") "the snail".... </li>
<li>Lastly, I let my husband choose our first dance song from a selection of 5 (3 being country songs) and <u><i>he</i></u><i> </i>chose A Thousand Years by Christina Perry (I DID NOT choose it because of a popular vampire flick)</li>
</ol>
<br />
And after everything, I know this to be true: I couldn't have planned a better day. There wasn't one thing I would redo. It was perfect for us.<br />
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HAPPY 1ST ANNIVERSARY HUSBAND! WISHING US A LIFETIME OF LOVE, LAUGHS AND WONDERFUL MEMORIES! XOXO! <br />
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<br />
I can't believe how hard it is.<br />
<br />
I'll use a critical tone or be short with a loved one and as soon as I've done it, I know that I should have handled it differently.<br />
<br />
Why is that?<br />
<br />
(Please note that I am extremely sorry if I have done that to you) <br />
<br />
I <i>am </i>thankful for many things in my life and <i>most especially</i> the <i>people </i>in it. But what's a struggle is being satisfied with the things you have, instead of focusing on the things that you want or think you'd rather have.<br />
<br />
I'm trying a new strategy. Instead of thinking about the big picture, I want to appreciate each little moment. When I want to go out and find my next fun purchase (usually for the house) I'm going to look for bargains and remember to keep it simple and that I can do a little at a time. Somehow that seems to give me more satisfaction. (Which is a little ironic since I've always been about that whole instant gratification thing). Or if I'm having a conversation and I wish someone would've responded another way, I'm going to take a deep breath and be grateful that I have that person in my life. <br />
<br />
When a day off doesn't go my way, I'm trying to not think about what I didn't get done. I'm trying to focus on the things I was able to do.<br />
<br />
Life is short. Keep breathing. Learn to appreciate.<br />
<br />
It's tough...but I'm working on it.<br />
<br />
I had an enjoyable lunch date today, with a girlfriend that I rarely see. <i>Bonus</i>. I <b>HAD </b>planned on going home afterwards to spend a day at home, relaxing and working on some fun projects. Er..<b>.<i>wrong</i></b>! My husband came home from his fishing vaca a little early and decided to spend the day with me. I got nothing accomplished. <b>BUT </b>we did enjoy a day together. We hit up the antique mall, which is something we haven't done together in ages. And then (gulp) my husband got me to switch to an iPhone. (I have been an android user for the past 5 years...I'm a bit terrified that I've hopped on the iPhone bandwagon). And while I was frustrated that we spent 2 hours sitting at a cell phone store "wasting time", I realized once again...we were doing it together. And what better way to finish up the day than grabbing a pizza, sitting outside on our patio and reflecting on our day. All worth it. Enjoy the little things. Keep thinking positive. Appreciate.<br />
<br />
So it takes a little work and a little bit of a mind set but it's totally possible. Maybe the more I do it, the less work it will take to keep thinking about the glass being half full, rather than half empty.<br />
<br />
That being said I have to say thanks to my cousin for spending the day with me on Sunday. I'm sure there are things that she would rather have been doing also, but instead, I convinced her to spend the whole day hitting up a flea market. Two hours driving each way and hours perusing booth after booth of antiques and jumbles of old stuff. I'm appreciative of her willingness to spend time with me. It made me feel good. That and our assortment of "loot". Nothing beats the feel of antique pieces gotten at a bargain. :)<br />
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGC3eDa1t6oM2sFH0bl_voL8yrRG8ND7XIeIvNlzrA0Lohyp-wcfZWsCce2CPdSvnSlTTDUG1m7ASIcaTBzF-t29CdAIOf9hG49cTbC3joz_-QnFElFTHNZNpCkqV-TgFYZ6I_WFGME40O/s1600/IMG_20140810_172821_896~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGC3eDa1t6oM2sFH0bl_voL8yrRG8ND7XIeIvNlzrA0Lohyp-wcfZWsCce2CPdSvnSlTTDUG1m7ASIcaTBzF-t29CdAIOf9hG49cTbC3joz_-QnFElFTHNZNpCkqV-TgFYZ6I_WFGME40O/s1600/IMG_20140810_172821_896~2.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Loot: <span>goods, especially private property,<br />taken from an enemy in war." Basically.<br />Have you ever been to a flea market???</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfeAFJ-woK9R3b5oyoSevDrBQnH6JDk40jFzuv2L_dUXb5D90WAQuRs6hL1iOke2rJkCrHwcW5H-lesk41rtvyNkeHJWdD332zFzLXyTdy7Fvawl-Gcm53J1xbDmJwblXO7CixZuW3URs/s1600/Snapchat-20140810053259~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfeAFJ-woK9R3b5oyoSevDrBQnH6JDk40jFzuv2L_dUXb5D90WAQuRs6hL1iOke2rJkCrHwcW5H-lesk41rtvyNkeHJWdD332zFzLXyTdy7Fvawl-Gcm53J1xbDmJwblXO7CixZuW3URs/s1600/Snapchat-20140810053259~2.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousins. Also, flea market pickers. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Thank you to my friends and family for making me strive to be a better person. (And please continue to be patient with me). I hope that you all appreciate the little things in life. Enjoy the unexpected moments and remember: happiness is a choice. <br />
<br />
Lastly, because my projects make me happy and sharing them makes me happy...and also because I promised...here are a couple sneak peaks at our bathroom and kitchen updates. The ones that I will do a little at at time. And not stress because they aren't done yet. :)<br />
<br />
<b><u>BATHROOM:</u></b><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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtLqHpDj7PgctZbLPRyPouVqgSSDL98Xqa_-dEvBMWM_DtDwMkKGuu-weUOk0NKtXm9DYzT6NvRY5D8mxVbzPT5E6YGAzpd9kgDAaoM2zchaoyOmk02HIk3XuWMBJYAa3GSqWNQi_B0Yj/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtLqHpDj7PgctZbLPRyPouVqgSSDL98Xqa_-dEvBMWM_DtDwMkKGuu-weUOk0NKtXm9DYzT6NvRY5D8mxVbzPT5E6YGAzpd9kgDAaoM2zchaoyOmk02HIk3XuWMBJYAa3GSqWNQi_B0Yj/s1600/004.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BEFORE</td></tr>
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<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLM8G7IWcjY1cuScOyOTBxTACwjfKhkPbmy-SNHM_unl68V8QbO0PA-QRGqYakHeOwhjzz8Jg-DiZcmvsZLEs2_PgQtvDg3kE0xvMmPw90WNTXfT4kTtpiw36lPJS5kgI_JMj50V60QvG/s1600/bathroomupdate2.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLM8G7IWcjY1cuScOyOTBxTACwjfKhkPbmy-SNHM_unl68V8QbO0PA-QRGqYakHeOwhjzz8Jg-DiZcmvsZLEs2_PgQtvDg3kE0xvMmPw90WNTXfT4kTtpiw36lPJS5kgI_JMj50V60QvG/s1600/bathroomupdate2.jpg.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SO FAR...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><u>KITCHEN:</u></b><br />
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIb7db7hixwxeCoW3Q5cHZdsY17HNZ2uoeAi_qGj-SJEas8ruIneZ3wXcFsq9kyZD9-ih2ZAN7e1sB0dGrMWLU-dQVH_lly8mkEBOMM__JTWBQQz68b5zBfql17AaPtV8SkcrUqnc8m2tr/s1600/ShelvesUp.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIb7db7hixwxeCoW3Q5cHZdsY17HNZ2uoeAi_qGj-SJEas8ruIneZ3wXcFsq9kyZD9-ih2ZAN7e1sB0dGrMWLU-dQVH_lly8mkEBOMM__JTWBQQz68b5zBfql17AaPtV8SkcrUqnc8m2tr/s1600/ShelvesUp.jpg.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BEFORE: (after shelves went up)</td></tr>
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<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfk5EYT0iGlKQwTVFpvXsIMAQxz7PMUEPscaK1-O4UGELCOf0QC182gDvKY6WaoBdLFokIxZ9wHq-sRarVwPgBmsvzo8VPYMpaPX0fCuEmq1vfITUxcOUF44aDJ9XyvcSpw_H7LTPOOYx/s1600/kitchenshelfupdate.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfk5EYT0iGlKQwTVFpvXsIMAQxz7PMUEPscaK1-O4UGELCOf0QC182gDvKY6WaoBdLFokIxZ9wHq-sRarVwPgBmsvzo8VPYMpaPX0fCuEmq1vfITUxcOUF44aDJ9XyvcSpw_H7LTPOOYx/s1600/kitchenshelfupdate.jpg.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SO FAR...one of my favorite spots.</td></tr>
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<br />
I am <i>so </i>thankful for the blessings in my life.<br />
<br />
See what I mean??? Sappy and sentimental.<br />
<br />
I praise God every day for the things I have in this life. And I'm going to do my darndest to continue to do so.<br />
<br />
Good night friends!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07978689294132528388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185319586268823894.post-4423298924610944792014-08-07T20:36:00.000-07:002014-08-07T20:36:51.854-07:00What the Heck Have I Been Up To???While browsing some past posts I realized that I started a lot of projects and left you hanging. Some are <i>so close </i>to being done but just not where I wanted them yet. And since I'm a perfectionist it's hard to share them without them being totally complete.<br />
<br />
But....there are a couple things I <i>will </i>share...<br />
<br />
First off...I did start another furniture DIY update. And finished it.<br />
<br />
It's <i>AWESOME</i>!!!<br />
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My husbands Great Aunt gave us an old desk, and while I didn't know what I was going to do with it at the time, I thought that it was worth hanging on to. (I may be in the beginning stages of the "keep everything" disease. It's a good think we have LOTS of storage.) I'm so glad that I did. I'm working on a room for myself, to spend time blogging and working on my Mary Kay business. A "woman cave" one could say. I discovered a desk on Pinterest and that has been my inspiration. I thought that I <i>must</i> have a desk like that. And now, thanks to some left over paint made into <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/115193702942487004/" target="_blank">this</a> DIY chalk paint and a few hours time, I do. It's pretty fabulous and I'm super proud of myself for pulling it off. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw97bedmswnR6cxcdgLlg3r1sYAq3leslhmhdPCBObWCA4owUUx-o8-VmyFhcB6cE9CTMBeGY2_G48ER0w0pQAo-Il5p1b_9b77ZVIt4aDthnhu3v6bI4oJBWkxuMnGl3h18JkFjGY67OU/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw97bedmswnR6cxcdgLlg3r1sYAq3leslhmhdPCBObWCA4owUUx-o8-VmyFhcB6cE9CTMBeGY2_G48ER0w0pQAo-Il5p1b_9b77ZVIt4aDthnhu3v6bI4oJBWkxuMnGl3h18JkFjGY67OU/s1600/004.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BEFORE. I may have gotten a little excited and forgot to <br />take a photo until after I sanded the top. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbbq5tZEquMGgKDUHwULBG4HfspR0cv-tCklBCS3z-HrcAD8JuV4epZB9OdHlVlT8sewgDC55I-2ofsf6WbANW0B579AA66nzh-KWgnSNI9IvQ7E6Igzob4H-t2Jvj-YV_onJ0uX-KCGr/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbbq5tZEquMGgKDUHwULBG4HfspR0cv-tCklBCS3z-HrcAD8JuV4epZB9OdHlVlT8sewgDC55I-2ofsf6WbANW0B579AA66nzh-KWgnSNI9IvQ7E6Igzob4H-t2Jvj-YV_onJ0uX-KCGr/s1600/006.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The desk was very used and abused. I'm still curious how old it is.</td></tr>
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Are you ready for it? Can you stand it? Ah! It's so cool I can't stand it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhd6HU-dKtZCqLrp59wTns7-3t0pluk4SJxy650lAHXN4B6sx49DPRL4RJ2-m8sGNC6kgrAM6SBMqUmRAAxjy5ZpL78CP7Hlq5qnNDJRvoIDL5HkEQhZk-a46Bm1aV3VCX2HeWVbIP8um/s1600/Deskredo1.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhd6HU-dKtZCqLrp59wTns7-3t0pluk4SJxy650lAHXN4B6sx49DPRL4RJ2-m8sGNC6kgrAM6SBMqUmRAAxjy5ZpL78CP7Hlq5qnNDJRvoIDL5HkEQhZk-a46Bm1aV3VCX2HeWVbIP8um/s1600/Deskredo1.jpg.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AFTER. My very own custom desk.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87X1z1fQTdcuGZHlAEy9RMmnBrDjeDHdVgdlkFefxuxB5v4K4vCurwEhUYWcj6KR0wXMnHEM6ARX7s7GRJVEgnvzzTVEgMSMvB3062XTRFI7y78ze0RowIfrPtRwtmXI6rDzkdh5q_Dd2/s1600/deskredo2.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87X1z1fQTdcuGZHlAEy9RMmnBrDjeDHdVgdlkFefxuxB5v4K4vCurwEhUYWcj6KR0wXMnHEM6ARX7s7GRJVEgnvzzTVEgMSMvB3062XTRFI7y78ze0RowIfrPtRwtmXI6rDzkdh5q_Dd2/s1600/deskredo2.jpg.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I distressed the edges and details throughout the desk.<br />I also kept the original desk handles. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovVCnlubYwUdblvw8_EAsRs_2JxNgtDaT8bZaJeYs-NhG2Y0iruCZH6ddCzPfS3MUjv_evNiS7KRCIKkRCh7RQ82jDy9hl-gSe4grSLPd-iqIER9xBdPAnWCyOWMVlbkK5P_70NJkg-BI/s1600/deskredo3.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovVCnlubYwUdblvw8_EAsRs_2JxNgtDaT8bZaJeYs-NhG2Y0iruCZH6ddCzPfS3MUjv_evNiS7KRCIKkRCh7RQ82jDy9hl-gSe4grSLPd-iqIER9xBdPAnWCyOWMVlbkK5P_70NJkg-BI/s1600/deskredo3.jpg.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh I just love the distressed look.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_U39f66IMN7qjJPrSd-s-BmVGok6EB3UR9ukafuJH7rcqtsn24TRzK1rOvaWrQg925aycsKtJ1CNF5iBKdrHkMW71VpQX9gL1HsVGvsAg2pB0xZCa6BDO9RE_Frxv0AF2yNDgJEY-lxgF/s1600/deskredo4.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_U39f66IMN7qjJPrSd-s-BmVGok6EB3UR9ukafuJH7rcqtsn24TRzK1rOvaWrQg925aycsKtJ1CNF5iBKdrHkMW71VpQX9gL1HsVGvsAg2pB0xZCa6BDO9RE_Frxv0AF2yNDgJEY-lxgF/s1600/deskredo4.jpg.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My stained and satin finish desktop. I kept it similar to the original color. </td></tr>
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There are a million and one DIY posts on how to repaint furniture. So I'm not going to get into all that. However, I'm going to mention this: Chalk paint is awesome because you are not required to sand and prime. Bam! Amazing right? So I only had to sand the top that I was staining and I didn't worry about the nooks and crannies because I was OK with some dark edges. The rest of the desk got a very light sanding and cleaned up and then the painting began. It was actually done being painted in about 2 days. Then it was a matter of waxing and finishing the top. All in all, I'm pretty stoked that it only took me a week to do. You know, in between eating, sleeping and working.<br />
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Now that the desk is done, next on my list is painting and organizing my little room. My desk is patiently hanging out in the spare room until I get my butt in gear. There is just way too much to do and not enough time in a day!<br />
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Next up: Bathroom update and Kitchen update. But alas, it's bed time for this girl! You'll just have to wait another day! Can't wait to share some more with you!<br />
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Good night folks! <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07978689294132528388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185319586268823894.post-1595482099337713672014-07-06T19:50:00.003-07:002014-07-06T19:50:36.780-07:00My Fantasic 4th...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Be prepared: This is a post about nothing particular. Just a random, fun and hardworking weekend.<br />
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I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July weekend! Work was closed for me this year (I wasn't nearly so fortunate last year) so I made sure to make the most of the time that I had. <i>Unfortunately</i>, I only got one day, as I still had to work on Saturday. But it sure was a <i>great </i>one day!<br />
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I think we may have started a new tradition, homemade breakfast with the parents. Whether it's on the 4th every year or we decide to do it every now and then is yet to be determined but it's definitely something that <i>must </i>happen again. I hurried home from doing the morning barn chores and did exactly as I promised (minus the apron). Windows were open, coffee was made and homemade biscuits were whipped up. We had bacon and eggs over easy (made in the bacon pan OF COURSE) along with my new favorite homemade biscuit recipe found <a href="http://blog.kitchenmage.com/2008/01/simple-flaky-bi.html/" target="_blank">here </a>and my dad's peach coffeecake. And surprise, surprise, he made it from scratch and <i>doesn't have a recipe</i>!! And it was so yummy! I'm so sorry that I can't even share that with you. I can only tease you with the picture that I insisted on taking because it was so pretty.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXQ77D0_rFqCEaFZQEc6cqDOVzUfyvOy4xnFD3KCHL9937aIgQB4bpq5En7lFi_JGE1cTd9HUDZhaYKfoH28WQdSCPXKnNySFSlBf79sWVvWJkxDzk5ODaSzTgw4ahMHOq1hdIq5WmTcT/s1600/IMG_20140704_104325_790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXQ77D0_rFqCEaFZQEc6cqDOVzUfyvOy4xnFD3KCHL9937aIgQB4bpq5En7lFi_JGE1cTd9HUDZhaYKfoH28WQdSCPXKnNySFSlBf79sWVvWJkxDzk5ODaSzTgw4ahMHOq1hdIq5WmTcT/s1600/IMG_20140704_104325_790.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doesn't that make your mouth water? </td></tr>
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And can I just say that I was really proud of myself for going with my gut and making these biscuit babies instead of just popping bread in the toaster? They. Were. Amazing. It took all my will power to not eat all of them (that...and I was faced with having to put a bikini on afterwards...)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQkTmJEHSU6_f8GDS4JDbsns0hMM6izQEXhHfnArBtzQyHchy3exrO3Ph9IQY5a5rMbTh9BdHMKtGXerbQdUKCmNAf_SRVKwxrZawELLm8g0gtxsAUg9224n1-FpTWrq_o13cn2KUEhZS/s1600/IMG_20140704_104354_185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQkTmJEHSU6_f8GDS4JDbsns0hMM6izQEXhHfnArBtzQyHchy3exrO3Ph9IQY5a5rMbTh9BdHMKtGXerbQdUKCmNAf_SRVKwxrZawELLm8g0gtxsAUg9224n1-FpTWrq_o13cn2KUEhZS/s1600/IMG_20140704_104354_185.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new go-to recipe. Mmmm...now I want one.</td></tr>
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But hey! It was the 4th of July...time was a ticking. I only had one day off so there was much to do yet so little time! After biting the bullet, refusing to look in the mirror and putting on that dreaded swim suit after a stellar (but coma inducing) breakfast, it was time for some boating!<br />
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My husband and I spent the afternoon cruising on the boat with his family. I wised up and remembered to put sunscreen on upper body this time <i>but </i>didn't think my legs would need it as they seem to be resistant to sun. <u>Not so much.</u> I once again am sporting some fantastic tan lines, this time on the legs. I'll get smart one of these days....But oh, it was still so much fun!<br />
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I'm really glad that we took the time to put our projects and house diy's aside to spend a day just relaxing and laughing. Days off go much to fast and before you know it summer will be over. There's just something about the sun that is refreshing and brings out the kid in me. And for my husband...he was able to play with fireworks. Need I say more? <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPcKdCIJ9i_RlamE11X8FBvarxgxBYX6e77H87Op2h2kNsDlisOmhSjvcyu4WOAAnrpwKFYDt_Xo7hcq77DDLdqnIZbA9kKSjETrO2pUube34b9RPG81p_NoPcm0Pp5DkLfMfcKk4dOIP/s1600/IMG_20140704_135150_526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPcKdCIJ9i_RlamE11X8FBvarxgxBYX6e77H87Op2h2kNsDlisOmhSjvcyu4WOAAnrpwKFYDt_Xo7hcq77DDLdqnIZbA9kKSjETrO2pUube34b9RPG81p_NoPcm0Pp5DkLfMfcKk4dOIP/s1600/IMG_20140704_135150_526.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Husband with our 4 year old nephew.<br />He's learning to be co-pilot.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBlYXzF2rz0ji0a7RMAkDzzXKThi1hMsATThogPhagS6cZwm4KvkdZmglfUxLzeBBQfAqDyo5N7NtzrY8JLD3niru4xXIZvCzOiyfXZnvDTggMlMD8S5SIGZHnKrObN1c1VesVJPPDmxr/s1600/IMG_20140704_141632_828~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBlYXzF2rz0ji0a7RMAkDzzXKThi1hMsATThogPhagS6cZwm4KvkdZmglfUxLzeBBQfAqDyo5N7NtzrY8JLD3niru4xXIZvCzOiyfXZnvDTggMlMD8S5SIGZHnKrObN1c1VesVJPPDmxr/s1600/IMG_20140704_141632_828~2.jpg" height="400" width="365" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9d9uDOJaHshT2sEhDusJ6AiTVOPKqF7Y7j-IHH9na45sCWcLoRbyhKjcDCT40eN0NzlIZ5D1QT6_OR-v1oiQnzQUICf0WFxz9QNhIqV49YPRL2rt-mMVqhaLolibGn7FzAzEpoiKeC6yC/s1600/IMG_20140704_171143_775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9d9uDOJaHshT2sEhDusJ6AiTVOPKqF7Y7j-IHH9na45sCWcLoRbyhKjcDCT40eN0NzlIZ5D1QT6_OR-v1oiQnzQUICf0WFxz9QNhIqV49YPRL2rt-mMVqhaLolibGn7FzAzEpoiKeC6yC/s1600/IMG_20140704_171143_775.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My husband is amazing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISsOXQ25aei5sJCIXBdnBSOQAE8bVrwZKNg9SrmIjh5AsMGdBuDrLDIG9XFfsudCSjJ4FjMsX4Zfh04bOSRNoUE2oaHYviU0Ygnsbh5uvS7qqgUmVoLZW4qHNsp__bOU-oHi0hsg5SNt0/s1600/IMG_20140704_181900_968~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISsOXQ25aei5sJCIXBdnBSOQAE8bVrwZKNg9SrmIjh5AsMGdBuDrLDIG9XFfsudCSjJ4FjMsX4Zfh04bOSRNoUE2oaHYviU0Ygnsbh5uvS7qqgUmVoLZW4qHNsp__bOU-oHi0hsg5SNt0/s1600/IMG_20140704_181900_968~2.jpg" height="320" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Independence Day!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTewp3Rds3D33bKcTRIPO22phPShyphenhyphen5JQGxhz2tcuSjqcHmKrNZToqqPbu918_68Y23nD6JMQqEmM9Hd1ucAPweF97J26N2YXq3n_x6ps7ZM9-jCb7UWrSs7R_NpNGx5atkmEeAQ31y8EcL/s1600/IMG_20140704_183203_253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTewp3Rds3D33bKcTRIPO22phPShyphenhyphen5JQGxhz2tcuSjqcHmKrNZToqqPbu918_68Y23nD6JMQqEmM9Hd1ucAPweF97J26N2YXq3n_x6ps7ZM9-jCb7UWrSs7R_NpNGx5atkmEeAQ31y8EcL/s1600/IMG_20140704_183203_253.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm pretty amazing too...right??</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXHVaN3AF9KXoqPvJ_M3k-Y5d4vY9WDNz9IBPRA5aTLAm2Ix9nhibxXw7iIUKuVTodckBxmxyGkcK1Xr8sLWCMe7wxlL9k2aE-NPzFKcX2JqZBNC51dvlr8hHlu9-QXqms9Wz4yJzLR6G/s1600/936047_10202224656040986_782968308263232883_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXHVaN3AF9KXoqPvJ_M3k-Y5d4vY9WDNz9IBPRA5aTLAm2Ix9nhibxXw7iIUKuVTodckBxmxyGkcK1Xr8sLWCMe7wxlL9k2aE-NPzFKcX2JqZBNC51dvlr8hHlu9-QXqms9Wz4yJzLR6G/s1600/936047_10202224656040986_782968308263232883_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aren't we both so photogenic??... :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDzysbP5F2XorziJ3MY7Rf-rc18-MerA8oB-Ubf2U5jsTM1QZG0ufmgxAcp1AaK6os5Ft2Oq1HgX2egkrJPSkr58-iLA4eU5w_5gU1Vr2C9WTt8hO59aqOQMAkr7kNXmBn8DxiPLdUhb3/s1600/IMG_20140704_211623_088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDzysbP5F2XorziJ3MY7Rf-rc18-MerA8oB-Ubf2U5jsTM1QZG0ufmgxAcp1AaK6os5Ft2Oq1HgX2egkrJPSkr58-iLA4eU5w_5gU1Vr2C9WTt8hO59aqOQMAkr7kNXmBn8DxiPLdUhb3/s1600/IMG_20140704_211623_088.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strike>Little boy</strike>...er...husband with fireworks.</td></tr>
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We both had to work on Saturday so neither of us was able to make it long enough to watch the local fireworks. We were able to watch the multiple shows, however, on the drive home. Eh...you can't get everything you want.<br />
<br />
<br />
To top off our weekend, we found out that hay was getting baled. I love my horses, I really do. But every year, at this time, I wish they could just feed themselves. Now, I really should remind myself of my days of stacking 3000 bales in the haymow. This was a piece of cake compared to that. But trying to find enough people to help these days is getting harder and harder. We're all busier these days and it's hard enough to put aside time for yourself, much less to spend it slaving away for someone else. I have to say a HUGE THANK YOU to our friends that came to help us out today. It was one of the best first crops I've had in a long time and we had a LOT of it. Also a bonus? It's the ONE time of the year I have to do this. Until next year friends....and sadly, I'm serious. None of you are fired. You're all, in fact, on the calendar for next year. No excuses. Got it?? :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjI6OlzK4iWUHqfDRMhJ772VpN1DDPMslHSLghc7UkkL_C7zewj-d-L3d6xjm9qXAx82instUWy3ES4VAmxA6nvICJnEcii1jF3zS1cvxYfX5igLxCCijIenHfvGaABmqrVQSArvzEtnhB/s1600/IMG_20140706_103943_415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjI6OlzK4iWUHqfDRMhJ772VpN1DDPMslHSLghc7UkkL_C7zewj-d-L3d6xjm9qXAx82instUWy3ES4VAmxA6nvICJnEcii1jF3zS1cvxYfX5igLxCCijIenHfvGaABmqrVQSArvzEtnhB/s1600/IMG_20140706_103943_415.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBC2KPVa8MSlpu-GNhx7grecGjwOWfPLunnlF8IpTam5BGjvB-f1Lb8erFHMF2I5aes3NbFXyxGtSMv09jEED-Cw2EYG5XDPy-TzaiuVi9o7jmEZa1pT0s3389x11_Uyjs3whjlUKdMkOe/s1600/IMG_20140706_103956_653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBC2KPVa8MSlpu-GNhx7grecGjwOWfPLunnlF8IpTam5BGjvB-f1Lb8erFHMF2I5aes3NbFXyxGtSMv09jEED-Cw2EYG5XDPy-TzaiuVi9o7jmEZa1pT0s3389x11_Uyjs3whjlUKdMkOe/s1600/IMG_20140706_103956_653.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You're itchy and scratchy. I hate you.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoV9v7p94GFMFX4sHl7vfJpPTQF3CeQ0oraeYrxel-JexIkSXZJRYfGAwccHIS1GdTyMD7PxMqJ04X4RuKDrNj82jsF0QmM24vfJ7yElJpiTiaKehcSr5kNACkQ9RYNyxagwTzbHIOudQ2/s1600/IMG_20140706_112329_571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoV9v7p94GFMFX4sHl7vfJpPTQF3CeQ0oraeYrxel-JexIkSXZJRYfGAwccHIS1GdTyMD7PxMqJ04X4RuKDrNj82jsF0QmM24vfJ7yElJpiTiaKehcSr5kNACkQ9RYNyxagwTzbHIOudQ2/s1600/IMG_20140706_112329_571.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-QIhoOFT0SUvDB-8sXwOlx3to98md4h66dUsU_lAEMfho70QwHDgz0rOOrGoWThlQ0lObUa2keAxxOEBrf7TUfYGj5AGKac96lRR5YO8hT1YKKD1F0PmqiHZqcIR8u6wBiYFSwcNbQSE/s1600/IMG_20140706_112348_564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-QIhoOFT0SUvDB-8sXwOlx3to98md4h66dUsU_lAEMfho70QwHDgz0rOOrGoWThlQ0lObUa2keAxxOEBrf7TUfYGj5AGKac96lRR5YO8hT1YKKD1F0PmqiHZqcIR8u6wBiYFSwcNbQSE/s1600/IMG_20140706_112348_564.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're doing this for you horses. <br />Pay attention...you hear?</td></tr>
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After a full day of this, I have one thing to say. These horses are getting their butts back to work. Pronto. <i>Enough rain already</i>...we've got some getting-back-into-shape to do. No more <strike>Mr</strike> Mrs. Nice. Done-zo. <br />
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And now it's back to work tomorrow. Like I said...time off goes much too fast. But remember to enjoy every minute of every day. We're lucky to have it.<br />
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How was your weekend!? I'd love to hear!<br />
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Goodnight friends!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07978689294132528388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185319586268823894.post-29938379463246912882014-07-02T20:11:00.002-07:002014-07-02T20:11:49.655-07:00Inspired....Lately I have been obsessed with HGTV shows. Most recently I've been "fixated" on (haha)<i> Fixer Upper</i> with Chip and Joanna Gains. You can visit her blog <a href="http://magnoliahomes.net/13516345-taking-a-risk/" target="_blank">here</a>. She has really inspired me and gotten my creative juices flowing. I mentioned to my husband today that I would love to meet this woman. I really feel that she must be a truly sincere and thoughtful individual. Not to mention, she has awesome talent. Lately, after watching this show and reading her blog, I suddenly want to tackle all the projects that I've been nervous about starting and I have innovative ideas coming at me full speed. (Heck...I was even trying to help a friend figure out how to use a bee-house they found at a flea market in their home. It didn't pan out but <i>still</i>... ;) )<br />
<br />
I'm realizing that I don't have to have everyone approve of what we do or to be as excited as I am about what I envision. It just has to be a house that my husband and I love to be in and what makes it our home. What a refreshing thought.<br />
<br />
A great example is that we are absolutely thrilled with how our bathroom is turning out. And while others may think it's a bit off the beaten path, we think it's pretty cool. And in the end, I know that it will still function the way we need it to. I'm not worried. We got this.<br />
<br />
I'm a little behind but I've been wanting to share a few sneak peeks of our bathroom as it's coming along. So. In. Love. I do believe it's going to be my favorite room in the house. When you can't find me....look in the bathroom. I'll just be hanging out. Admiring the colors and textures. Patting myself on the back for making good choices (if I may say so myself). I'll let the husband know he did a pretty good job too.... :)<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1S5fNumiCqZklFkYsikB3-9Pk084VyHiKfQO9YxN0ZggwQWhT_522JKhphAT5AVWpF8_GV3_mCOKtiX0Lkak572WOai5JUHMKTU67g_gLprjkdl-5d22EU_I1hzrgzGo1ELgVXSRlm9_h/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1S5fNumiCqZklFkYsikB3-9Pk084VyHiKfQO9YxN0ZggwQWhT_522JKhphAT5AVWpF8_GV3_mCOKtiX0Lkak572WOai5JUHMKTU67g_gLprjkdl-5d22EU_I1hzrgzGo1ELgVXSRlm9_h/s1600/003.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is before we were able to shower.<br />Shower, paint and floor are complete.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0mY49-yTVW7V5ewUhZNChe51lSmbpgCum9wEY6j7UJMLKuyy2_e-QtQR-zp5dlBfCJFoQ6yBkzB5kqJIN8r0Ah2YeDewgbzVgqgyS4QZOjVWVSvLi5uqdxb1TcCklEhm969YLCBA8Q37/s1600/IMG_20140701_171816_990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0mY49-yTVW7V5ewUhZNChe51lSmbpgCum9wEY6j7UJMLKuyy2_e-QtQR-zp5dlBfCJFoQ6yBkzB5kqJIN8r0Ah2YeDewgbzVgqgyS4QZOjVWVSvLi5uqdxb1TcCklEhm969YLCBA8Q37/s1600/IMG_20140701_171816_990.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building our own vanity. A little peek.<br />Just wait until it's done!!!</td></tr>
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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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTfqIK16_vGSAKzwRUwRX1dDIPv2YSVFDG5cbdnksIZiDNgoXTTMClDG2wYbdXfDMCsRZzJ_6GvnO9qLwD3pHBIp4SOkx60tfPyuEMU2Sfy6Q8h_Np-rBZyQNk1-EurC8AtRwNdf8ummr/s1600/IMG_20140702_213644_466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTfqIK16_vGSAKzwRUwRX1dDIPv2YSVFDG5cbdnksIZiDNgoXTTMClDG2wYbdXfDMCsRZzJ_6GvnO9qLwD3pHBIp4SOkx60tfPyuEMU2Sfy6Q8h_Np-rBZyQNk1-EurC8AtRwNdf8ummr/s1600/IMG_20140702_213644_466.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lousy phone photo but...TA DA!!<br />My striped wall.This doesn't do it justice!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Ahhh! I just can't wait to get things finished up. It's the fun part putting it all back together. We are getting closer and closer to having a real bathroom once again. And honestly, even though it took longer than we both had anticipated...it makes me want to tackle the next room. I think we make a good team and we're going to have a home that will reflect who we both are.<br />
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However, we ARE going to actually take time off and have a FUN day on Friday....Independence Day. I am doing my best to enjoy all my moments of time off this summer and to make them memorable. So a little family time is in order for the 4th. I'm excited about Friday morning because I offered to make a farm house style breakfast for my parents. I intend on making it legit...windows open, bacon frying, fresh bread and an apron (anyone want to loan me an apron???) And then we're hoping to get some lake time in the afternoon. I see a day of R&R ahead....Cannot wait!<br />
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BUT...I do have to work tomorrow, so with that I better get to bed! Morning comes way to quickly!<br />
What will you be doing this 4th of July??? <br />
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Goodnight my friends!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07978689294132528388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185319586268823894.post-75699586555448845802014-06-15T20:39:00.002-07:002014-06-15T20:39:56.509-07:00Let's Take a Patio Break...Happy Fathers day to all the dads out there and most especially, my dads!<br />
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With it being a special day and spending time with family, I wasn't able to get all the things checked off my list that I had planned on. However...we did actually tackle a spur of the moment DIY.<br />
<br />
But first, I'm going to start at the very beginning...<br />
<br />
A couple days ago, my husband brought home a couple of large wire spools. Somehow, some time ago, when I was speaking and mentioned (quite briefly) that I thought we should get our hands on a spool, my husband <i>actually heard me</i>. Whoa. Even I can't remember how long ago it was that I brought that subject up. But...TA DA! I have not one, but TWO spools. Sa-weeet!<br />
<br />
Now back to today...<br />
<br />
I was inspecting the spools and sharing my ideas when I had another AH HA!! moment. We found some patio chairs (today as a matter of fact) that we liked and we were debating about going a different route than the bistro set I had been hoping for, when I realized that one of our spools would be a great size outside table. But first it needed to be shortened. And since the other spool project I'm thinking about would also need to be tweaked we had to learn how to take it apart and put it back together. So why not tackle a DIY patio table at 6:30 on a Sunday night???<br />
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With a little trial and error we did it! And I think it will be perfect. It needs some stain and to be paired with new chairs but we are going to have a fun eclectic patio space! I'm super excited about it.<br />
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I'm still in shock that my husband thought to bring these spools home for me to get my hands on. I think he's finally figuring out that I like being creative with what may look like useless pieces and that I'm NOT nuts. A little strange maybe, but not nuts. :)<br />
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I'm crossing my fingers that we get our patio chairs this week and I can share my little piece of patio heaven! I have been dreaming of the day that I can sit in my chair on the patio, in front of my little farm house, holding my cup of coffee since the day I started reading all those Nicholas Sparks novels. Some times it's the little things in life!<br />
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Here is our patio space sans furniture...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWFrNcf6s__OkqDHWxDn0-zLR6-olXQk636DI6a4Gh8UJSTUjveRNo3JJkEPfny5bhziNGmIKc6UMdBDFjj6v7BEpns0VpR-Ld8awUbuFRizGUUDHU9i3vOMHujRqc8kD_LSgjZeJ5Z2p/s1600/IMG_20140527_092629_190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWFrNcf6s__OkqDHWxDn0-zLR6-olXQk636DI6a4Gh8UJSTUjveRNo3JJkEPfny5bhziNGmIKc6UMdBDFjj6v7BEpns0VpR-Ld8awUbuFRizGUUDHU9i3vOMHujRqc8kD_LSgjZeJ5Z2p/s1600/IMG_20140527_092629_190.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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And our little DIY patio table thus far... <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEHcPOwPCUPdalan-iOvge3JMha-a9Qj3d-Thf77yrYtepeYuqbV18u1WYxWW-9sJVQl_1kJdVu3KZRiKIOMvH2vRBqmWcW0rlzTZD1Jbsj-A65M9ScZ9uo-tQM2YR46Tv6dGa_xU_YJ-X/s1600/IMG_20140615_193343_551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEHcPOwPCUPdalan-iOvge3JMha-a9Qj3d-Thf77yrYtepeYuqbV18u1WYxWW-9sJVQl_1kJdVu3KZRiKIOMvH2vRBqmWcW0rlzTZD1Jbsj-A65M9ScZ9uo-tQM2YR46Tv6dGa_xU_YJ-X/s1600/IMG_20140615_193343_551.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to put <strike>humpty dumpty</strike> the spool<br />back together again</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDxyXGAjqzUaIG_VSicKvu6xQo1EeAjhKVJSc12Ix3UO-hj7TIlYaFNd5RF_2FaHhtruc_5RlfIEA7VLiZK8aDZrDiI6H2DC8hDvvmRfh4mkp6xunzgh_wQXKqHHLb27nsLUVQLLZVqhd/s1600/IMG_20140615_202047_793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDxyXGAjqzUaIG_VSicKvu6xQo1EeAjhKVJSc12Ix3UO-hj7TIlYaFNd5RF_2FaHhtruc_5RlfIEA7VLiZK8aDZrDiI6H2DC8hDvvmRfh4mkp6xunzgh_wQXKqHHLb27nsLUVQLLZVqhd/s1600/IMG_20140615_202047_793.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOVE the industrial look but it's<br />getting a little bit of a face lift yet.</td></tr>
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Isn't it super cool!!??? EEK! I LOVE IT!! Stay tuned!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07978689294132528388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185319586268823894.post-84827662249514516432014-05-29T21:19:00.001-07:002014-05-29T21:19:12.360-07:00Self Challenge...I want to start by thanking a friend for being supportive and giving me some encouraging advice. Amazing how just a few simple words can make a person feel empowered.<br />
<br />
You're probably wondering what the heck I'm talking about.<br />
<br />
Most of you know that I decided to get into a little business called Mary Kay. I wear it, I love it; so I can honestly say I swear by it. But that's not the only reason that I got into it.<br />
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For starters, my whole life I have loved making people feel good. As a teenager, I didn't have a ton of self confidence until about my Junior/Senior year in high school. Over time, I have learned that confidence comes from accepting who you are and not constantly comparing yourself to a) a friend b) the girl you love to hate because she's so dang pretty and c) the unachievable model/actress glossy magazine photo's that have been photo-shopped to smithereens. Love your freckles, your beauty marks, your curves and/or lack of curves. You were made to be exactly who you are.<br />
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Example A) Teaching horse back riding lessons. This is a great form of confidence boosting to people of all ages but most especially children. You don't have to be tall, fast or beautiful to succeed at horse back riding. But the right form, the right skills and the right color combinations can make a statement that will make you one of the best. When you know you look good, you will ooze confidence.<br />
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Example B) Selling wedding gowns. It doesn't matter what shape a bride is, when she has found the right dress that makes her feel like the prettiest bride on earth, I have done my job. The right fit (to emphasize the assets), color and amount of bling will make a woman feel sexy, classy and gorgeous. When she feels all these things, she will be more excited about her big day and she isn't going to question who she is. When it comes to that special day, she knows exactly who she is and her confidence will make her shine. <br />
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Lastly, example C) Selling makeup. Whether a woman wears none or she looks like a showstopper, she still wants to feel beautiful. At the same time, she wants to look in a mirror and see herself. This is what I want to encourage. I do not want to create clones. Not everyone should wear the same eye color, or as much eye-liner, or any eye makeup for that matter. But, if a woman doesn't wear makeup, shouldn't her skin look dynamite?? And if a woman wants to wear makeup, shouldn't she be able to know what looks best on her without spending a fortune that she cannot return if she's not happy? Or what if a woman was never taught the best way to apply makeup? This is why I decided to sell Mary Kay. Because I (ME. Little ol' me...who had to teach myself how to wear it) get to help people look and feel spectacular. I'm not sure about some of you but when my skin is looking great I have confidence and when I'm having a stellar makeup day, I feel like a million bucks. This is what I want people to know: I'm starting my own MK business because I care. I think everyone deserves to feel fabulous and why not reflect how beautiful you are on the inside, on the outside as well. Nothing can accomplish more in this world than a woman with a smile.<br />
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But now here's something I'll bet you didn't know. I get scared. I am afraid of failure. I don't want to look like an idiot. Seriously. I have confidence in myself but yet, I let these things hold me back. Because I put so much pressure on myself to succeed that I'm worried that I won't do well right away. How foolish of me, right? I want to help people be confident and here I am worried that I might not be perfect. Well, this is where that friend opened my eyes. She said you have to start somewhere. And then she told me how she started wearing MK and I thought, wow. That was an easy and painless conversation. I can do that.<br />
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I don't want to be pushy. I don't want to be intimidating.<br />
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I want to be a girlfriend. I want to be fun and informative. I want to help spread confidence.<br />
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I can do this. I will do this.<br />
<br />
So I'm giving myself a little challenge...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwutukv8lIeq8hWu-0hlz2UUAN8vjRl8GrmhlRwalIGYXnp22rnKyEZZxgJxFxEuMkDz3NYIKxnfq5PVhniwQ0VTp-qt9YpKSUa7xfPucIVfo4fAHm0772taHQpMarBz8JVSmU1vyGc6J/s1600/Icandothis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwutukv8lIeq8hWu-0hlz2UUAN8vjRl8GrmhlRwalIGYXnp22rnKyEZZxgJxFxEuMkDz3NYIKxnfq5PVhniwQ0VTp-qt9YpKSUa7xfPucIVfo4fAHm0772taHQpMarBz8JVSmU1vyGc6J/s1600/Icandothis.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>Starting today (well, it's 11:00 PM...so maybe tomorrow) I'm going to do one thing each day that will get me out of my comfort zone and help me achieve the success that I want. I'm going to put myself out there and see where it gets me. All my life I've wanted to be known for something I'm good at. I can't do this sitting on the sidelines. <br />
<br />
"Success isn't about how much money you make, it's about the difference you make in people's lives."<br />
<br />
Thanks for listening friends. Wish me luck!<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07978689294132528388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185319586268823894.post-22156074803466380442014-05-18T18:49:00.000-07:002014-05-18T18:49:05.572-07:00It's about Time...er...Tile...It's day 14. Not that I'm counting....<br />
<br />
Our shower is finally tiled! Now I realize that installing subway tile does take a little longer than larger tile....especially when you have to take it down and start over. But we won't go there. Nope.<br />
<br />
<i>And </i>my husband had to go out of town for a couple days.<br />
<br />
But in my mind I thought we would be further by now.<br />
<br />
However, I AM aware that this is easy for me to say because I'm not the one actually doing the work. See, husband?...I can admit it. :)<br />
<br />
But that doesn't mean I won't still be chomping on the bit, waiting. Waiting. Trying to be patient.<br />
<br />
Mr T is currently working on puttying the drywall and sanding the layers. (Well, not currently as in right this minute. Right this minute he's watching the back of his eyelids. It's still light out and the birds are chirping. How one can fall asleep already baffles me.) But all this sanding is making our house an absolute mess. We have dust <i>everywhere</i>. I spent my entire Sunday off cleaning every inch of this house. (I'm feeling optimistic that he'll be sure to put a tarp up over the doorway when he sands next.) I will be especially glad when this step is complete.<br />
<br />
Next up. Painting. And you'll all be happy to know that I did indeed get my paint colors picked! I'm pretty stoked to have it start looking like a real room. I've got some fun ideas that I want to do. I can't wait to share them!<br />
<br />
This is way off topic but is anyone watching the Billboard Music Awards? Michael Jackson is performing. I'm not sure what just happened but it was kind of cool. And kind of weird. What did I just watch??? Huh. And I'm sure I'll get hate mail for this statement but they need to bring Luke Bryan back. He's going all GQ on us. I am no longer getting that "hey baby I'm a country man" vibe. Sorry ladies. <br />
<br />
Uh..hum...anwaaaaays......<br />
<br />
I'm thrilled to show off our fantastic shower (so far!) I'm being told that we should be able to shower by the end of the week. I'm crossing all my fingers and toes. Watching everything come together is so freaking cool.<br />
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cK_RABihFbZyz333ejqczAhT44wIHmkevd_r6nwXyLRiTuo6xDMqagaFvFpz91ZWIlh01sOXQiMiFUrBtEFQAAIjlzTCuIbOc3ynOYsEPlWD-qXajGe5Q4QeN9EKaZiNtXLNwbU_WMXx/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cK_RABihFbZyz333ejqczAhT44wIHmkevd_r6nwXyLRiTuo6xDMqagaFvFpz91ZWIlh01sOXQiMiFUrBtEFQAAIjlzTCuIbOc3ynOYsEPlWD-qXajGe5Q4QeN9EKaZiNtXLNwbU_WMXx/s1600/017.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ta da! Isn't she a beaut!?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Enjoy this beautiful weather and rummage season! I'm going this weekend...first one of the season for this girl!<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading friends! <br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07978689294132528388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185319586268823894.post-67917704339762127362014-05-07T20:28:00.001-07:002014-05-07T20:28:12.211-07:00Bathroom Renovation Day #3We have a wall and a tub! Woot! Woot!<br />
<br />
Once again the husband said he got everything done that he wanted to do today. My husband is very blessed that he has a great father who is willing to put aside his free time and come out to work for another 4 to 5 hours after a full day of working his day job. I don't know about him but I tend to forget just how much we have to do until we have a finished bathroom. Example: I forgot <strike>we</strike>...er... <i>I</i> have to paint. I kept thinking that once drywall was up we would just magically have a finished room. Whoops. There I go with that wishful thinking again.<br />
<br />
Hit the rewind button.<br />
<br />
I tend to fast forward through things. I already have a new bathroom rug, a really neat mirror and contemplating towel colors and wall fixtures.<br />
<br />
I should probably think about paint.<br />
<br />
Anyways...thankfully my wonderful hubs (I'm abbreviating here. I may be saying husband way too often) stays on task and knows what needs to be done next. Tomorrow he's hoping to get the whole room dry walled. I'm actually pretty excited about that. It will really start looking like a room!<br />
<br />
Today, I was ecstatic to come home and find that the tub had been installed, a wall was framed in and dry wall was started.<br />
<br />
SO thrilled that I had to get the camera out. Again. :)<br />
<br />
Here is our bathroom thus far!<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXzYoHhKUsUzlMLC9ZBOW3yXSyz8PJZobETrT1E6mNst3Hjz48mnUs_OGgokK3s1clqePMQGE7nNS5p1Ob6FYhFor73Ph1_1gqRD1vx_WgV1dpEHco0xPsSFcKTEZKwlvLMd-f4qVAoYA/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXzYoHhKUsUzlMLC9ZBOW3yXSyz8PJZobETrT1E6mNst3Hjz48mnUs_OGgokK3s1clqePMQGE7nNS5p1Ob6FYhFor73Ph1_1gqRD1vx_WgV1dpEHco0xPsSFcKTEZKwlvLMd-f4qVAoYA/s1600/001.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working hard and thrilled to have their picture taken.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyXPzx_quLjQnga9LiCiuiLJDI8VgfOyXnzE5-j7_hadnrjndsHzPiEjLH1ERIP0FeX7RZ3LltihPT75hN0J7A1UYygX4-azG8MfFzzpbHtqyBwZtISRJfK_N3susjD6K1LpmLqyrJJCN/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyXPzx_quLjQnga9LiCiuiLJDI8VgfOyXnzE5-j7_hadnrjndsHzPiEjLH1ERIP0FeX7RZ3LltihPT75hN0J7A1UYygX4-azG8MfFzzpbHtqyBwZtISRJfK_N3susjD6K1LpmLqyrJJCN/s1600/002.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strike>Our</strike> <strike>My</strike> Our soaker tub!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWc9jrZX0E2-XWGWtOGHXZVG02SVkbSgmp8bYxXYNTyTx4ji-DlQBIqpmnhX90gKxNssm8KxRZrnnSmSo8IO8WSXV1NuEsv_1YyIzXv9Cuw5EcMpk2o_-XuQwaUCip7mEZZJCE6_2CgHCv/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWc9jrZX0E2-XWGWtOGHXZVG02SVkbSgmp8bYxXYNTyTx4ji-DlQBIqpmnhX90gKxNssm8KxRZrnnSmSo8IO8WSXV1NuEsv_1YyIzXv9Cuw5EcMpk2o_-XuQwaUCip7mEZZJCE6_2CgHCv/s1600/003.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wall for our shelves or closet, still undecided. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I love seeing progress! And since I've gone and started picking out the fun stuff, I thought I would at least share. What's the fun in shopping for things if no one can see them?!<br />
<br />
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEg8mnySPeoYjyAVEqidXWHystt0rX78FyX-dDusc2UCiZV-uMNbIytpQu89PHfTdLCgmQh2-JSHTgW7o9SR4_aWBMwBNHWSA0Yt4P-z4qVv3GddpYdlHgb73ydfdmuqwbKgiB5yRHfL4/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEg8mnySPeoYjyAVEqidXWHystt0rX78FyX-dDusc2UCiZV-uMNbIytpQu89PHfTdLCgmQh2-JSHTgW7o9SR4_aWBMwBNHWSA0Yt4P-z4qVv3GddpYdlHgb73ydfdmuqwbKgiB5yRHfL4/s1600/005.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fabulous mirror that I scored an awesome deal on at TJ Maxx!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxH4rZTzHq0Sh-RFfUmTlen5loSyl3wtPfIqUN9uKKRGvOPHqPyMWoPuKjWXRcayo-2o2HHUl9LVXHJmhG0byAin4eLGUFsFW6hVNqoh99LtfMTGiKyqzOD19V0Na-JNN10WAJ9ze0OwY/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxH4rZTzHq0Sh-RFfUmTlen5loSyl3wtPfIqUN9uKKRGvOPHqPyMWoPuKjWXRcayo-2o2HHUl9LVXHJmhG0byAin4eLGUFsFW6hVNqoh99LtfMTGiKyqzOD19V0Na-JNN10WAJ9ze0OwY/s1600/006.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How about these lights? I am <i>beyond </i>excited for these. Are they not adorable?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Check back to see what the next couple of days bring us! I wish I could stay home and watch it all take place but sadly, I must continue going to work. Besides...I know how much my hubs would love to have me home and <strike>scrutinizing</strike> <strike>supervising</strike> helping him but I wouldn't want him to get too dependent on me...*cough, cough*<br />
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Goodnight everyone!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07978689294132528388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185319586268823894.post-14811444393197837662014-05-05T19:51:00.002-07:002014-05-05T19:51:27.016-07:00Bathroom Renovation DAY #1First rule of thumb: never stay home sick on the first day of a renovation. That's tear everything out day. Or in other words, non-stop pounding and dusty as heck day. A few ibuprofen (to lessen the hammering headache...no pun intended...ok maybe a little), some HGTV and couch time and I managed to rest and relax as much as I could.<br />
<br />
8 hours later we have a "clean" slate. It's amazing how much easier it is to envision things when you have a completely empty room. And also what you find when it's an old farm house. We've got some lovely new floor tile and the husband thinks there was a fire at one time. I wish the walls could talk!<br />
<br />
Here are our Day #1 bathroom pics:<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZxXTG0EOVAaTeCp2ym07IUkq0Sf1BTAsFn6i8A219JjYXvmzCKjEwdxiXzjmt6Uf9yjgvugKBiI8LsEy-DY8zO9oyXpi-z_Aod3F3pulJNriOP4Py0nWakOH2pyUDxuBMktLCQSCSnjj/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZxXTG0EOVAaTeCp2ym07IUkq0Sf1BTAsFn6i8A219JjYXvmzCKjEwdxiXzjmt6Uf9yjgvugKBiI8LsEy-DY8zO9oyXpi-z_Aod3F3pulJNriOP4Py0nWakOH2pyUDxuBMktLCQSCSnjj/s1600/003.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How about this for our new tile? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIXaGxBiFhusWq8YVlS5iQ68wo91_qvm5Y50R606pJyynkDfzd2nk_6BdCeuTv3oHLv3zCVTKwdkRLP9sg3bE9TvOLT44z63JKiY4qRdzh08r6ewPQbP00Xsx0bWczDBkTKwS-CHzso6d/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIXaGxBiFhusWq8YVlS5iQ68wo91_qvm5Y50R606pJyynkDfzd2nk_6BdCeuTv3oHLv3zCVTKwdkRLP9sg3bE9TvOLT44z63JKiY4qRdzh08r6ewPQbP00Xsx0bWczDBkTKwS-CHzso6d/s1600/001.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where the shower was.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLEYM8B4SRCh_35ww78uU7DpMcR7rzQs27TY6iFjKMexHkruXp-Ww8HAuuphfq6aJqwQCU6y4e02A_DFH3U2WDlN-0xr2hPtfPnbpIjBl_-BC3L7Y1mcIbp4DVX1F7-y4G0ARj9c4zpgj/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLEYM8B4SRCh_35ww78uU7DpMcR7rzQs27TY6iFjKMexHkruXp-Ww8HAuuphfq6aJqwQCU6y4e02A_DFH3U2WDlN-0xr2hPtfPnbpIjBl_-BC3L7Y1mcIbp4DVX1F7-y4G0ARj9c4zpgj/s1600/002.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where the sink and toilet used to be. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
According to my husband he's right on track and got everything done that he wanted to today. Tomorrow he's tackling insulation and electric. I'm really glad that he's super handy. And I'm delighted that all I have to do is tell him where I want things. I'm hoping to kick this nasty cold so I can go shopping (which is what I <i>really </i>do best) and pick out some neat things for the bathroom. Not to mention I now have a very dusty house that needs cleaning. This is a terrible time to be sick. But as usual I have impeccable timing. Here's to hoping for a better tomorrow!<br />
<br />
Good night everyone!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07978689294132528388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185319586268823894.post-25294982500020796392014-05-04T18:55:00.001-07:002014-05-04T18:55:09.065-07:00Ready, Set, Reno!It's here. The day we've been waiting for since we moved in.<br />
<br />
The beginning of what will undoubtedly be a continuous couple weeks of cuss words, headaches and frustration. <br />
<br />
Tomorrow is bathroom renovation day! <br />
<br />
Even though I'm well aware that my husband and I are most likely in for a stressful undertaking, not being able to use our main bathroom and sharing a half bath, I'm excited to see the end result. That's right. HALF bath. No shower. We'll be showering at my parents place. Until it's done. No pressure to stay on schedule. At all.<br />
<br />
Good Lord...I'd better stock up on wine.<br />
<br />
The challenge for me will be keeping my mouth shut and not questioning my husband to death. I believe him to be totally capable, I really do. But I have this unnecessary need to know EVERYTHING that's going on and to understand every little thing. And I know it drives him crazy. But I'm just <i>curious</i>...<br />
<br />
I'll just keep reminding myself to be patient and that he was very willing to let me pick everything out that I wanted in this bath. And he didn't ask questions. In fact, it may have been the very first time ever that he kept saying "whatever you want." Huh. He picked the biggest project we've worked on to let me make the decisions. This could be very important. It could make or break all of my future decision making for all of our future ventures. Oh God. <br />
<br />
There will <i>definitely </i>be wine in this house. Pronto.<br />
<br />
<i>* I am by no means a wine-o-holic or have any drinking addictions. It is a means of therapy. Simple, affordable, short term therapy.</i><br />
<br />
I can't wait to see the progress throughout the week. Here's the before shots.<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtDF-C-UAztUXEfHje49kU2COyHsGcNAhw3s22af-cxAn1JFh3wMSH8CQSzzf0IN-oPEp_QecB2z1NB8MjCVJJMsMjIJFHcAZBk8iJh_ZDTWcGcvrYTLHvh80YjQxlhaIcE72na4nXbe5/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtDF-C-UAztUXEfHje49kU2COyHsGcNAhw3s22af-cxAn1JFh3wMSH8CQSzzf0IN-oPEp_QecB2z1NB8MjCVJJMsMjIJFHcAZBk8iJh_ZDTWcGcvrYTLHvh80YjQxlhaIcE72na4nXbe5/s1600/035.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bathroom housed the washer and dryer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4DuKL9KSGfFJRHJRdjXM6IIPWS1XZr-2dnxVmXuW2DNO5cwcmBnc8KLXbDSfOUESY2m_iyFIocp67ZZUUTxWcMN29lBPUo08rXLFQy27Yd-ydqwr1qJ8JhVwVsbYSd1SzkmAtV5NdRiKl/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4DuKL9KSGfFJRHJRdjXM6IIPWS1XZr-2dnxVmXuW2DNO5cwcmBnc8KLXbDSfOUESY2m_iyFIocp67ZZUUTxWcMN29lBPUo08rXLFQy27Yd-ydqwr1qJ8JhVwVsbYSd1SzkmAtV5NdRiKl/s1600/036.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is from the day we moved in. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_sVPjh_AF5obyVLGalHcI3BqJej6pjLuGHBtbCECWKygiOq1ahE_Es0RuKppGY0vZMj1lutZ2c4fs1-ByQsM1bwuGVM-JXAJNcGcpgFvsMIy3p2eD9c_DzjlEAnwIIjwKzTreWgkbO3y/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_sVPjh_AF5obyVLGalHcI3BqJej6pjLuGHBtbCECWKygiOq1ahE_Es0RuKppGY0vZMj1lutZ2c4fs1-ByQsM1bwuGVM-JXAJNcGcpgFvsMIy3p2eD9c_DzjlEAnwIIjwKzTreWgkbO3y/s1600/001.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our gross, scuzzy shower. Ick.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMgLErRHCVORtpJN1y_punfWrZEoB6_JPyfAsXuSHm_KF9PSdu_Yw6pfwvzimfhlIRPiTWTHCXWXiJz76y3b6Q2ByoY64AaMaVjO1hofWUwswxEdQ8uV44ne_dAomPWFJKB7oitSXqrtT/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMgLErRHCVORtpJN1y_punfWrZEoB6_JPyfAsXuSHm_KF9PSdu_Yw6pfwvzimfhlIRPiTWTHCXWXiJz76y3b6Q2ByoY64AaMaVjO1hofWUwswxEdQ8uV44ne_dAomPWFJKB7oitSXqrtT/s1600/002.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The odd corner storage and random mirror.<br />Toilet is staying there but getting replaced.<br />Hoping to make it look a little less cramped.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNHx4jPmExMu1F1V6KdfRGQSYvucRkZL8fTKf9NaCG8fQ018Lze2WafbQecAAHYVtIN0LhSDnH2UqRDMrt_nmh9S3UJb5kW4nwTvzb11ixEc3MgjiE779N1SKR7gYxjy6GYROfH0dHOhr/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNHx4jPmExMu1F1V6KdfRGQSYvucRkZL8fTKf9NaCG8fQ018Lze2WafbQecAAHYVtIN0LhSDnH2UqRDMrt_nmh9S3UJb5kW4nwTvzb11ixEc3MgjiE779N1SKR7gYxjy6GYROfH0dHOhr/s1600/003.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washer and dryer have moved downstairs. The<br />cupboards came down today. We have a good<br />sized bathroom! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2y6EdOiN85OymTI_snSMhB9xWBYiEBnVmtaRiUIgha5IDFxZDq7J6ofElJ27kEYtyCrPfmcDfpYzdX8eZAzr0Sy7kiGFF1ldszqKRMFYpNiPFGFKtvVCTxcGRSJpbyPcGbp2_G8-XKOe/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2y6EdOiN85OymTI_snSMhB9xWBYiEBnVmtaRiUIgha5IDFxZDq7J6ofElJ27kEYtyCrPfmcDfpYzdX8eZAzr0Sy7kiGFF1ldszqKRMFYpNiPFGFKtvVCTxcGRSJpbyPcGbp2_G8-XKOe/s1600/004.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sink that lived in the corner. And isn't that<br />an awesome medicine cabinet and light fixture???</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIng5eqA0eWjYqQuvNtmOjTXtqSUTXnJrTSYLa-d-EXP340AIzr70Maw0NNmqkP1Rf0yGGYpLRvcuh8Y5LFzElo1KW_9e6OwKD4nc1kLevgFFS41Yz26CM-RkKG7sCA_HAhj7hUzX78GOz/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIng5eqA0eWjYqQuvNtmOjTXtqSUTXnJrTSYLa-d-EXP340AIzr70Maw0NNmqkP1Rf0yGGYpLRvcuh8Y5LFzElo1KW_9e6OwKD4nc1kLevgFFS41Yz26CM-RkKG7sCA_HAhj7hUzX78GOz/s1600/005.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The husband is chomping at the bit. He had to get a head start by<br />hammering a hole in the wall. Boys...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Hope everyone had a great weekend. Have a wonderful week!<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07978689294132528388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185319586268823894.post-78492984227934354802014-04-13T20:31:00.000-07:002014-04-14T08:06:26.250-07:00Kitchen Progress...I've been waiting much too long to share my kitchen ideas which are slowly coming to life. <br />
<br />
Life just has a way of butting into my plans sometimes, so something that should have taken a few days has taken me a few weeks. BUT, it's progress, so that makes me excited! <br />
<br />
I LOVE our farmhouse. So much so, that I say it out loud, every day. And then proceed to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming. I have fantasized of living in a farmhouse on a cute little piece of country heaven since I was a young girl and it seems surreal that it actually happened. But with the old also comes projects. Which. I. Love. (Mostly because I'm creative and my husband is super handy).<br />
<br />
For anyone that has seen our home, we have a great (half of) kitchen. The other half is empty. Designed by the previous owner, it isn't the most functional for us. Yet.<br />
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62f13yVD7A5S09j3UdgC3hSlzpjpj0plxKiG6n98l9stUpvLg6pl9F-Lzfg0aJc3dRqvPnRcixkem29IFGd4ChiBpts7pogqwgPOV9HZ8k8nOVD9dI8l1kNi6LqdNfj3Pp2k7nmVk95HW/s1600/Kitchen.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62f13yVD7A5S09j3UdgC3hSlzpjpj0plxKiG6n98l9stUpvLg6pl9F-Lzfg0aJc3dRqvPnRcixkem29IFGd4ChiBpts7pogqwgPOV9HZ8k8nOVD9dI8l1kNi6LqdNfj3Pp2k7nmVk95HW/s1600/Kitchen.jpg.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The updated half of our kitchen although still<br />
not entirely done. Dreaming of a back splash...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Here is what the empty side of the kitchen looked like (with my very small and tiny attempt at "storage". (It was intended to be temporary, I promise my vision is much more impressive, functional and time consuming than that!) <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5jbZS7h3sQ0tT7mnLvT8-3ZmOVRnpZuUY39V3BHADxm_2zseMBDkVZCWFu4xokdPx97S5VbRphVKffrRWuWwo-xRMdx8UQSsEljxd6I1XiS21HD_lhUsz7LqCvSaD6tIybvusA8fOIul/s1600/Shelvesbefore.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5jbZS7h3sQ0tT7mnLvT8-3ZmOVRnpZuUY39V3BHADxm_2zseMBDkVZCWFu4xokdPx97S5VbRphVKffrRWuWwo-xRMdx8UQSsEljxd6I1XiS21HD_lhUsz7LqCvSaD6tIybvusA8fOIul/s1600/Shelvesbefore.jpg.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
Once again, Pinterest has been handy but I am going to take FULL CREDIT for my ideas. I have envisioned my dream kitchen since the first day we walked through this house. However, when it comes to big decisions, I'm a little indecisive. It's a little harder to say, sorry honey, I think I changed my mind. Take it down. Sorry I wasted your time. Better luck next time, buddy. *Shoulder punch*...<br />
<br />
But one day my husband told me he took off a day to help me with stuff I wanted to do around the house. First on the list...kitchen functionality!<br />
<br />
To Menards we went to "save big money" on my open shelving must haves. <br />
<br />
We were able to get the shelves measured, cut, brackets up and boards positioned. But it took me a bit to find the correct color as I wanted the shelving to match our cupboards and look as if they belonged. <br />
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Turns out they only needed 3 coats of Polyurethane with no stain and they are a perfect match.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEy9A52WTAt6bNOm1yLA4wPpD_HkeQvVoAZvNu0w_WH1oycYx6qP1EabtVhsFB9_Z8DWtuHhaDm2uHJkXEFHoUMSZJeGg5itB8sEr8lD7nUPeH9qO2t0CadUeu-w3VOw_jA7W2pmAjhwN/s1600/Shelfstain.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEy9A52WTAt6bNOm1yLA4wPpD_HkeQvVoAZvNu0w_WH1oycYx6qP1EabtVhsFB9_Z8DWtuHhaDm2uHJkXEFHoUMSZJeGg5itB8sEr8lD7nUPeH9qO2t0CadUeu-w3VOw_jA7W2pmAjhwN/s1600/Shelfstain.jpg.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
Sand, slap the Polyurethane on, steel wool, slapping on another coat, steel wool, final coat and voila. Board done. Actually pretty easy...(once you realize that you may or may not be able to get the black stamp marks off 100% and you stop trying to sand harder after you notice you have now created a dip in the wood...)<br />
<br />
So here are my shelves now that they are "done". And by done I mean finally up, even though they are still empty. I'm just so anxious to show you that I can't wait! But, I'll be working on organizing my cupboards in the next day or two, so I do promise to share a FINAL after picture. <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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgvkxOiaX5_muEgDkbW-YRLk2T1j6qzzJmpX8PAblE_ck837pWo6ftf7yeaMH5MYzOy6IdzTQ4SYCBxktqC0m2EE-NuJxGT_0I2m1R-OLo0OZyMqaF8Nufq-4OonmK_WWnp0I9CPZNTK6/s1600/ShelvesUp.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgvkxOiaX5_muEgDkbW-YRLk2T1j6qzzJmpX8PAblE_ck837pWo6ftf7yeaMH5MYzOy6IdzTQ4SYCBxktqC0m2EE-NuJxGT_0I2m1R-OLo0OZyMqaF8Nufq-4OonmK_WWnp0I9CPZNTK6/s1600/ShelvesUp.jpg.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please do not judge our flooring. That is<br />
also on the kitchen update list! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And P.S the little white shelf WILL be going...eventually. My next vision still needs to be built by my handy husband and I've been told he needs to buy himself a fancy schmancy saw in order to build said project. He certainly knows how to get what he wants....<br />
<br />
Pray for some more Spring weather fellow Wisconsinites! Let's hope it's not a winter wonderland in the morning (it's April for Pete's Sake!)....Goodnight! <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07978689294132528388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185319586268823894.post-76538909925190465752014-04-01T07:53:00.001-07:002014-04-01T07:53:29.527-07:00Peek of SpringIt's Tuesday and while my husband is sitting through 2 days of meetings, I tagged along so that I can get a little R&R. I'm sitting in our hotel room painting my toes, watching HGTV and waiting to hit up the spa for some whirlpool pampering and later, my Aromatherapy massage. Ahhh, the good life. A girl could get used to this...<br />
<br />
But while I'm waiting I thought I would share my first attempt at a burlap wreath. I started by using this <a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Burlap-Wreath" target="_blank">tutorial</a>. And it was useful for 5 minutes. Then, if you're anything like me...you just say to hell with instructions and start doing whatever looks good. It doesn't help the photo's on the tutorial were not the best but I'm actually pretty happy with how mine turned out. I just won't be showing you any step by steps because, honestly, I'm not sure I could do exactly what I did, over again. Also, I read that you should have 12-15 yards of 5-9" burlap. This is where not listening got me. I ran out 3/4 of the way through and had to scrounge through my craft supplies to find a piece of burlap that I could cut up (and matched color!) and use to finish the rest of the wreath. But I did it! Then you can decorate as you wish. <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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPRJcnQq3WdQmZVOajr-xihj5Y9X3lA_g-Piqh2DMIxpc-E3yBbpcDdXyvRDYhtwpsmyteQ8A_-p5o6Kaoth-E8I6xr2Z7LPoNUBbMKJRVb3Q39AyS-0c3Lt1I-no2dHjMVx9TOknvsKg/s1600/coatedwire.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPRJcnQq3WdQmZVOajr-xihj5Y9X3lA_g-Piqh2DMIxpc-E3yBbpcDdXyvRDYhtwpsmyteQ8A_-p5o6Kaoth-E8I6xr2Z7LPoNUBbMKJRVb3Q39AyS-0c3Lt1I-no2dHjMVx9TOknvsKg/s1600/coatedwire.jpg.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tip: I used wrapped wire to secure my additional pieces, <br />so that it blended with the burlap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOBrcKm2SzI62gYsrh5extVcsgS37uAUIjd0QvV_TsUdM6u6kbJBsy_ExDdg5jVeH_1zGzVIOXkkON3wvMOwKNuV585ihV_pnHdWvtxuNUVhZ1Y10q8Qid8K8XqzYnFqDt6gDylWNJza4/s1600/Springburlapwreath.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOBrcKm2SzI62gYsrh5extVcsgS37uAUIjd0QvV_TsUdM6u6kbJBsy_ExDdg5jVeH_1zGzVIOXkkON3wvMOwKNuV585ihV_pnHdWvtxuNUVhZ1Y10q8Qid8K8XqzYnFqDt6gDylWNJza4/s1600/Springburlapwreath.jpg.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Voila! My first DIY burlap wreath!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I still may tweak my Spring add-ons around but right now, this is where it's at and it's MUCH better than the snow covered swag that was on the door from winter. I'm so DONE with winter! <br />
<br />
We have so many projects going on right now. Hopefully I'll be able to share my kitchen project with you very soon...<br />
<br />
And then the desk I'm refinishing...<br />
<br />
And maybe by then we'll have landscaping projects! Spring really is coming folks....we just have to be patient...only hopefully not until June. <br />
<br />
And with that, I'm going to go hit the pool. Or at least chillax next to it with a good book. Nothing better than the smell of chlorine and a thrilling novel to get the cold winter thoughts cleared out of my head...<br />
<br />
Have a terrific Tuesday everyone!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07978689294132528388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185319586268823894.post-5403231795298072382014-03-07T06:46:00.000-08:002014-03-07T06:54:19.717-08:00Secrets of a Wedding Consultant...This is totally random and nothing like my usual posts but it struck me that people might be curious.<br />
<br />
When people find out I'm a Bridal consultant they always say <strike>"I'll bet you make great money"</strike> "that must be a fun job".<br />
<br />
And it really is. Most days. But there is so much more to this career than just playing dress up with people. Just remember when you read the following, I <b>still love </b>my job and better yet, I'm darn good at it. (Sorry to toot my own horn but I'm proud to say it because it even shocks <i>me</i>.) But just for your reading pleasure...here are the Top 5 reasons that Bridal Consultants deserve a raise. Every. Single. Day.<br />
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<b>5) <u>We are psychologists</u></b>....I don't just have to assist a nervous/excited/indecisive bride. I also have to help bring mom, sister, future mom, and bride all together. Every. Single. Person. Has to like what the bride picks out. (Word to the wise...don't bring the ENTIRE family.) But often times they do and sometimes it's a hoot and other times it's down right frightening. Recently I had a bride in tears because mom and future mom-in-law were not on the same page. One mom is offering to help put more money towards the perfect dress and the other mom is crying to me because she's feeling left out. Awkward. Ummm....I wasn't sure what to say? You should really talk to your daughter. Really. No...really?<br />
I have never had a Bridezilla. I get "momzilla's". I've had mother's absolutely hate the bride's favorite dress and dress after dress after dress I FINALLY get mom to see that her daughter is <i>smiling </i>in <i>that </i>dress. About 98% of mothers imagine their daughter getting married in a "Princess dress". And don't forget the sparkle. (More sparkle please...we still need more sparkle...it could almost be a Saturday Night Live skit) Can we just get the word out right now that the <i>bride </i>is supposed to be the one in love with her dress?<br />
<br />
<b>4) <u>We are artists</u></b>....ALERT...all those gowns you post on Pinterest? Those gowns are a few thousand bucks. Don't get me wrong. I did it. I'm still a Pinterest junkie myself. But it isn't the bargain website. Dress shopping is kind of like car shopping. You don't get the fully loaded options for the basic economy cost. But everyone comes to us wanting that unique dress for under $1000. And I get it. I totally do. I didn't want to spend a lot on a dress that I got to wear for only one day. But I was also open minded. So another helpful hint...if you want to find the dress of your dreams and not get stressed out, be open to ideas. If you let us think outside the box, we're pretty amazing. We've added sleeves, straps, sashes, brooches, appliques, beads, color, slits, camo, "poof", lace overlay, less "poof", removed straps, created new necklines, removed flowers, added flowers...you name it. And we've done all under $1000. Bet Pinterest can't do that. What can I say? We're talented folks. <br />
<br />
<b>3) <u>We are secret keepers</u></b>....I'll not be naming any names or breaking any promises but we hear it all. We have women come in <i>all the time </i>that don't want their family to know they were already in and found a dress. So we play dumb and let the "search for the perfect dress" start from scratch again and again. I've learned of secret pregnancies that even moms know nothing about. I've been told about breakups and learned about personal insecurities. (If I had a dime for every person that complained about their boobs or "armpit fat" [is there such a term???] I'd be a millionaire.) Standing in a bra and underwear while in a 5 x 5 fitting room tends to lead to honesty and spilling of personal information. This is actually the part that makes the job worth while to me, however. These are girls and women that feel comfortable enough around me to trust me with their story. And when they trust you with that kind of information, it makes helping them find the perfect dress that much easier. It's what makes me feel like I make new friends in this world, almost every single day. And if I help make a difference in someone's day or wedding planning or once in a lifetime experience, then that makes the job totally worth it. <br />
<br />
<b>2) <u>We are strong</u></b>...We eat and drink very little. Haha! It's true! We work around our appointments and if that means we have a bride (or bridesmaids or tuxedo appointment) every hour then that's what we do. And we do it with a smile on our face. Because we love what we do. Even when the sister is doing our job and pulling 10 extra dresses "just to see them on" or when mom thinks the bride should try on every dress in the store so she has "an idea" of what she likes, we do it happily. We do not cry, whine, whimper or show weakness. We put the customer before ourselves. When our stomachs growl we suck it up, gulp a soda <strike>and have a quick tantrum behind closed doors</strike> and then we go back out with a smile on our face. We also happily (we would whistle while we work if we could) lug 20 + pound dresses umpteen times a day so that we can say we we worked out. Yes. Strong, indeed. <br />
<br />
<b>1) <u>We are miracle workers</u></b>....I could just leave it at that. When people call in March wondering when they should order their wedding gown for a June wedding I am not allowed to say "six months ago", which is what all of us would sometimes like to say. Pretty sure that would get me F-I-R-E-D. What women want, women usually get. And we are the ones that make it happen. We make sure their dresses come in, in perfect condition. If they don't, it's our job to send them back and make sure that they get here on time. When a woman comes in and her wedding is in a month, she is looking at us to help her find the perfect dress. And by perfect dress it means: right color, slimming, flaw covering, confidence building, make-every-one-at-the-weddings-mouth-drop gorgeous dress. It doesn't matter the shape or size of the bride, the goal is always the same. And we have to know what they mean when they say ruffles and really mean rouching, dipped front which means sweetheart, mermaid which is a misidentified fit and flair, no poof a.k.a no ball gown but A-line is ok. We learn to read what all these women mean when they say one thing but sometimes (often times) mean another. And last but not least....once the miracle of finding THE dress is over and the dress is ordered and 6 months later comes in, the rest of the magic happens. The alterations. No, a dress does not come in with a bustle, hem and perfect fit. Those amazing seamstresses make it happen. They might be the real miracle workers. You could not pay me enough to do what they do. They. Are. Amazing. Here is my last little tip: treat your seamstresses with respect. They are the ones that make you look like a million bucks and one wrong stitch can make or break your dress. Waiters can spit in food....seamstresses can_______(you can fill in the blank). They <b><i>won't</i></b>. But they <i>could</i>. <br />
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Now don't you want to run out a become a wedding/bridal consultant??? It sounds horrifying and yet I'm strangely crazy about it. I love it. I enjoy the hustle and bustle. I am thrilled to meet new and interesting people. And best of all, I love the thought that someday when they are telling their kids about their quest for their dress...they might actually remember how fun their experience was. <br />
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I hope that all of you get the privilege of loving what you do every single day. Life is short...be happy! Happy Friday everyone!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3HGnFU2kFvV6bcsqx9GmnmNyjObWFzqqMFv-y-IXaibGfMsZgWmRW-Qf2v3mgBJHsjpYsuz5ySmTcGR0fo6fExfOd4n7hQGIuzoTWS3NQYuFhqOmCt02X6jL3IR4jDU7cbHDzYQlY4gK/s1600/Tofari0792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3HGnFU2kFvV6bcsqx9GmnmNyjObWFzqqMFv-y-IXaibGfMsZgWmRW-Qf2v3mgBJHsjpYsuz5ySmTcGR0fo6fExfOd4n7hQGIuzoTWS3NQYuFhqOmCt02X6jL3IR4jDU7cbHDzYQlY4gK/s1600/Tofari0792.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our wedding day. The search for my dress is what made<br />me realize I would be good at this job. And I got my dress<br />at the company that I now work for! </td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07978689294132528388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185319586268823894.post-79186349496637329882014-03-05T06:50:00.000-08:002014-03-05T06:50:06.862-08:00My "Not to Shabby" Chandelier....I HAVE to take a quick moment to share my latest DIY.<br />
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I have waited a VERY long time to finally get my chandelier. At our last house we had a hideous light that (in 3 years) I never took the time to replace. After a very short 8 months at our new house I took it upon myself to make things happen and to do it for a steal. I suddenly have this new found passion for refinishing outdated pieces. <br />
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I do believe my husband was skeptical but with each piece I successfully accomplish I feel he's finally starting to have a little faith...<br />
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Which is good because I have a desk project, dining room chairs awaiting and a dresser search in the works....<br />
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It's a shame I have to get ready to go to work and help the world have more beautiful brides or I would happily write a wittier, funnier, slightly longer blog post. But with that...everyone have a Wonderful Wednesday! (And let me hear your thoughts on my $6 chandelier!!)<br />
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I'll show a BEFORE and AFTER full dining room view once I start working on my chairs! <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07978689294132528388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185319586268823894.post-71954887725550871322014-02-18T20:05:00.001-08:002014-02-19T06:28:46.501-08:00There's a First Time for Everything...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Did you know that for 30 of my 31 years I've been a hopeless romantic to the point of let down? And that I have always had a love/hate relationship with Valentines day? Because every year I always hoped that someone would express their crush on me....or do something sweet....or send me mysterious flowers. Then I met my husband and I would tell him how much I hated Valentine's and then secretly hope there would be a surprise when I woke up or got home from work. It happened one year (the very first year Mr T and I were together)...I was given a very sweet poem. Then skip a few years and my surprise was heart shaped steak.<br />
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Yup...I did not stutter....<br />
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But I believe there was candlelight with that heart shaped steak. Although, truthfully, it's hard to remember because one doesn't forget heart shaped steak....(Sorry husband...but it's funny. Now...)<br />
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But FINALLY I was smart and came to the realization "I should NEVER expect anything because of 2 things....1) My husband is NOT romantic....and 2) he's good to me every day, so what does one Hallmark Holiday mean?"<br />
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BINGO.<br />
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It was finally the best Valentine's day I've ever had. No disappointment. No expectations. In fact, Mr T was kind enough to pick me up a pair of gloves because he said my hands are always cold. I'll take it. It was a random act of kindness and for me, that's what V-day is all about.<br />
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Actually scratch that. That is what marriage is all about.<br />
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AND... I decorated. What? I like hearts...and pink...and red...and all of it together. Plus Pinterest just puts way too many cute ideas out there! So I got creative. (Did you know that candy hearts are much cuter than they actually taste?) But I thought everything turned out cute...plus it allowed me to keep up some Christmas-y things by just adding hearts. Because I hate that feeling of an empty house when all the Christmas stuff comes down. :) <br />
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You know what else happened for the first time in my life? (It's been an exciting February) I refinished a piece of furniture.<br />
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You know that empty house feeling I mentioned? Yes...it created a monster. I got hit with the decorating bug big time. But rather than shop and go nuts (since I still don't have that money tree I've heard of) I decided to try my hand at refinishing a piece that my mother-in-law picked us up at a rummage sale. I had actually started it before Thanksgiving but the Holidays are busy, people! So I let it sit and sit some more. I finally made myself start up again and then I realized that it wasn't that hard....and that I actually enjoyed it! <br />
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I'm working on my $6 chandelier as we speak! Can't wait to see how that turns out!<br />
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AND here's my furniture redo!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BEFORE</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AFTER<br />
(I used DIY chalk paint tutorial from <a href="http://thehappyhousie.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/DIY-Chalk-Paint-Instructions.png" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
3 coats later, waxed, buffed and new handles)</td></tr>
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It has the perfect spot in our front entrance way.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrRO63TnyfGFWxBzSq-Cp8oury91Iuq5UkdBgTI0hEeAg-q6Bc-_pqIV5Y427yo290cTS62_g__5zKv0KDfbMlyjxATAuhJCuNx6-t-jh5wQhb_uiUur0MQd_lvhQRjFafT8WiKbVjbYt/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrRO63TnyfGFWxBzSq-Cp8oury91Iuq5UkdBgTI0hEeAg-q6Bc-_pqIV5Y427yo290cTS62_g__5zKv0KDfbMlyjxATAuhJCuNx6-t-jh5wQhb_uiUur0MQd_lvhQRjFafT8WiKbVjbYt/s1600/049.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our farmhouse entrance. (The husband <br />
even got to keep his deer up.)</td></tr>
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I'm making the best of this long, miserable winter!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07978689294132528388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185319586268823894.post-11130929596809826992014-01-07T20:26:00.001-08:002014-01-07T20:26:04.914-08:00I Love a Happy Dog...For all of you that have furry children...(and I hope you all realize I mean the four legged kind) you will agree with me when I say that nothing makes you feel better than when you get something new for your "fur baby" and he is as excited about it as you are. Like when he got his new toy for Christmas and it's the one he continues to bring out to play with. They <i>are </i>like children...they like presents too <strike>and then leave them all over the house so it looks like you really do have kids</strike>.<br />
<br />
Well, we're both super excited about this.<br />
<br />
Even though we're a little beyond Christmas I FINALLY finished Rudy's present. I was so busy being crafty for everyone else this year I had to put his on hold. But thankfully it was worth the wait. He loves it! He got his very own suitcase bed. (It required me learning how to use a sewing machine...which I did <i>and </i>without breaking it! <i>Now I just have to figure out how to use mine, instead of my mother's</i>). I started by putting foam in the bottom of the suitcase so that the pillow wouldn't sink so much when the Rudster hops into it. I then made a pillowcase out of flannel and have intentions of making another out of a lighter fabric for the warmer months. Finally I made some cute little pillows out of some craft felt and then strung his name along the top. While he's not crazy about me making him sit still while I get camera happy, he does love his bed, I swear. Every time I walk into the room and see him in it, I get so excited that he likes it. I was a little worried that I would spend all this time thinking this through and when it was all said and done, he'd prefer his little old bed. (Also, I should mention I left the old bed sitting next to the suitcase so he could choose which one he liked. Yes. Really. I did.)<br />
<br />
Now, those of you that don't have pets may <strike>once again</strike> think I'm crazy but honestly, I love making my little guy happy. His reactions are the best and he always, always makes me smile. Dogs are a wo(mans) best friend and that's with good reason. They don't get mad, they don't talk back and they ALWAY, ALWAYS are happy to see you when you get home. I love my husband dearly, but even he doesn't get as excited to see me....(but husband, if you're reading this...you're still my #1!!)<br />
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On that note....let's see this fancy, schmancy bed.....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He's totally looking thrilled now, does he not?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ta da! Fits perfectly under my nightstand that I refinished<br />(which was my Grandma's vanity when she was a girl)<br />(and no, I haven't felt like taking down my Christmas stuff quite yet)</td></tr>
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I love it and the wiener dog loves it. It's a happy ending...<br />
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Thanks for visiting!! :) Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07978689294132528388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185319586268823894.post-81725758113035969222013-12-12T21:00:00.000-08:002013-12-12T21:00:41.596-08:00Tiz the Season!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tiz the season to be jolly....fa la la la la...la la la la.....<br />
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Do I have you humming this already?<br />
<br />
I'm not sure about you but I'm really into the spirit of Christmas this year. And it's not about the gifts. In fact, I just realized that Christmas is two weeks and I have exactly one gift bought. I have been hoping to be a little more creative this year and I have clearly been waiting for these bright ideas to come to me...instead of planning ahead. Woops.<br />
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But I've been eager about Christmas because it's our first one in our new home as husband and wife. And for the first time in my entire life I feel so completely happy that there is nothing that I want. I know, this sounds totally sickening. But it's the truth.<br />
<br />
I just want to make our house feel like the perfect winter home. You know, the house that you envision having the perfect chair for curling up with a cup of hot cocoa, the Christmas lights twinkling and the dog laying at your feet (or in our case, on your lap) or the cozy Holiday movie nights while sharing a bottle of wine. Basically....a real life Hallmark episode. That's what my goal is this year. Making some great memories in our new home.<br />
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So that being said, I've taken decorating seriously this year. It felt like it was time to keep it true to who we are (although I felt really, really bad for the poor decorations that I kept in the bins this year. Did you ever have to sleep with <i>all </i>of your stuffed animals because you didn't want to hurt their feelings? I feel like that. Only I still put them back in the box and I try not to think about it or I feel <i>extremely </i>guilty. No? You didn't. Oh....well then I'm just a little nuts).<br />
Anywayyyyyys......I've been taking my time and I'm still not done with a couple of ideas that I want to do yet but the feeling around here is much more farmhouse Christmas. I'm so addicted to pine tree boughs, sprigs and pine cones this year. Who knew that keeping things so simple could make such a pretty statement. And I'm crazy about book pages this year. It only took me over a month but I finally finished my book page wreath. And because it took HOURS of my life....it's staying around awhile. I've got ideas.... ;)<br />
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I have a book page snowflake project I'm trying to finish and, darn it, if I didn't see a book page Christmas tree on Pinterest that I want to make. Christmas will be over and I'll still be working on these things at the rate I'm going! But then I can just say I'm planning ahead for next year, right??<br />
<br />
And with that...I'll show some of my Christmas spirit with all of you. I've discovered that I <u>LOVE</u> looking at other people's pictures of their trees and decorations, and I can't possibly be the only one, am I right? <br />
<br />
By the way...it's also a little bit of a home tour (have I mentioned how much I LOVE our home?). We have painted a few rooms and it's been a while since I shared what the house is looking like these days.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can even see I was working on the infamous paper wreath....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dining room is still coming together one<br />piece at a time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRyIY282jSvzOctj-6yvlSMj9upO6oRzTyWZ3ESMwWGELUAek0MAf7m57McA5Cpw11E86Ki0IpgdUT1ZZcnP2CeFLc01cJLNlKq-CGMuX_pXpQfSW_nqz41XiXrmf-EefGuPG1QSw_8tX/s400/009.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="263" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have a second tree in our front entrance.<br />Love it!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newly painted kitchen!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinterest idea! Thank you "A.Z"for the inspiration!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> THE wreath</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think it turned out pretty darn good!</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07978689294132528388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185319586268823894.post-75869732468826840902013-11-29T07:10:00.001-08:002013-11-29T07:10:57.675-08:00First ThanksgivingI hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Yesterday was a day full of food and family but one thing was different. This year, I decided that we should host Thanksgiving.<br />
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I learned something.<br />
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The day goes by TEN TIMES faster when you're the one in charge. I'm so thankful that my family was willing to help me get things finished and on the table. I may have lost it and cried if I had had to do it single-handedly. Note to self: It was way harder than I thought it would be! Yet...I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I loved having my family over. It was the first time I was able to have both sets of parents and two different sides of my family together for a Holiday. It was a day I'll never forget.<br />
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I'm still kind of shocked that Thanksgiving is here and gone already. Where has this year gone??? I'm just glad I remembered to snap a couple of pictures of our table to have proof that the day actually happened. I was so caught up in the hustle and bustle that I didn't take any more throughout the day. Boo. ( Why did the day have to go so fast? )<br />
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For a first time host of Thanksgiving, I think I even made it look a little pretty. I got to use our new dishes, which happened to make me feel a little like a real grown up. I did still have some old pieces and some borrowed mismatched linens, but I'm proud. Baby steps! <br />
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I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. It's off to work for me but I'm counting down the days until we get to go cut down our Christmas tree next weekend!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VE2XemqwnHVyWlF6f0ZUDBNIzOL9qtjbH0AYphkE1ehJReNhZH-SKjTZd_IRzKMtE_npUcvxTYRCpGZqziqgOya-jLGc_8oyU5GUrA4w93p-10IpBJB6rJLc3vcofjbONwjX9ZAhjPxm/s1600/Turkeyday13.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VE2XemqwnHVyWlF6f0ZUDBNIzOL9qtjbH0AYphkE1ehJReNhZH-SKjTZd_IRzKMtE_npUcvxTYRCpGZqziqgOya-jLGc_8oyU5GUrA4w93p-10IpBJB6rJLc3vcofjbONwjX9ZAhjPxm/s400/Turkeyday13.jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The turkey day table with all the fixings. (Excuse the red solo cup...Pa!)<br />I'm wishing I had taken a better picture of my centerpiece.<br />I used some branches, pine cones, an antler and my white pumpkins<br />along with a couple of candles. Not bad for whipping it together last minute<br />(You think I had time to plan that out along with everything else? Ha!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUNwSuNXH0yy2iwow2QPG8Ru9pRju0cu4aH4rscRV5HE8UCJqiKYbCXwjTTgusrI0Qwryj7EXr-M7DBrCAxc_Dt9KVlO-ktcJayblq06Den7EqXRpLW6gqhKniqNPKJiEVC6Wwz08gDKy/s1600/Pumpkinpie13.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUNwSuNXH0yy2iwow2QPG8Ru9pRju0cu4aH4rscRV5HE8UCJqiKYbCXwjTTgusrI0Qwryj7EXr-M7DBrCAxc_Dt9KVlO-ktcJayblq06Den7EqXRpLW6gqhKniqNPKJiEVC6Wwz08gDKy/s400/Pumpkinpie13.jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's take a closer look at that pie. Oh pumpkin, I love you.<br />And I love my cake plate (thanks mom!)...it works for pies too! <br /></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07978689294132528388noreply@blogger.com0