tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7441536840588706052024-03-12T23:57:55.487-07:00Tulips and ToadstoolsA mish mash of party planning, home decorating, baking and crafting ideas and tips...and probably some fashion talk too!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607887623391884429noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744153684058870605.post-20624092090366805322012-10-23T12:28:00.000-07:002012-10-23T12:28:53.122-07:00What They WoreThe weather here in Iowa has been very mild so far this fall (today's high temp is going to be around 77 degrees which makes this <b>cold weather hater</b> happy!) so the kids have been able to get even more use out of their summer wardrobes this year. That pleases me since I was able to score some <i>great deals</i> on summer clothes at the end of the season. I was a bit worried that living here in the midwest they might only get to wear my late summer bargains for a few weeks, but it's almost November and the weather has been cooperating nicely. Some mornings we (we being the girls) do need a little something warmer so we throw a cardy over their outfits and they're ready to go!<br />
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Here are a few photos of what the kids have been wearing lately:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdF1f6OD-8Olr1Saz-qbUrovMv6wfrp5ioywkTChBifeHHNwWfYmrjTQxBLA2VDfbGBPtdicH3Z1SCI9TT6SDLJjPHa24ULbjiQZiZrh9IalZHJ70b2YNWZgxoD-2juXWLMkIIcQmczMo/s1600/IMG_0275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdF1f6OD-8Olr1Saz-qbUrovMv6wfrp5ioywkTChBifeHHNwWfYmrjTQxBLA2VDfbGBPtdicH3Z1SCI9TT6SDLJjPHa24ULbjiQZiZrh9IalZHJ70b2YNWZgxoD-2juXWLMkIIcQmczMo/s320/IMG_0275.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Target top, baby Gap skirt</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4thJUdy6cj6ifLaUK-ecwurtex9Osn1cY3lMi025J-8HUvgYMrSt_hylwb4FWOkRCA2tzC7VWAiogGLtu2qoZFDpJCtM9Ngm9xZEeKZNspiTUxq1ZVbOSEddFiLmCLnWs66V3FOFC-OQ/s1600/IMG_0262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4thJUdy6cj6ifLaUK-ecwurtex9Osn1cY3lMi025J-8HUvgYMrSt_hylwb4FWOkRCA2tzC7VWAiogGLtu2qoZFDpJCtM9Ngm9xZEeKZNspiTUxq1ZVbOSEddFiLmCLnWs66V3FOFC-OQ/s320/IMG_0262.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">baby Gap shirt, Old Navy cargos</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWUbr4v1yoYbRjAVNxdSgyQry7hJQL8ABfD5cgJT0vmfd3WQmXYQW9fAJ0osJ0p5Lk495sWZTawoLMEQUZhlxJdMVOkCyf9tGc8Elkyzj2TdMjclcmoWemyGmyaKRjbJBykDrNe0hsVQ/s1600/IMG_0259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWUbr4v1yoYbRjAVNxdSgyQry7hJQL8ABfD5cgJT0vmfd3WQmXYQW9fAJ0osJ0p5Lk495sWZTawoLMEQUZhlxJdMVOkCyf9tGc8Elkyzj2TdMjclcmoWemyGmyaKRjbJBykDrNe0hsVQ/s320/IMG_0259.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my late summer bargains -<br />
Persnickety top and coolots</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FaX0nTUrP3micaWZp3bSq6R5ucdpk-1r48C8GaI3VHYNtpzHCZA0oXNQnw-7S45Xdym7pqpPpMJSjtvthxKi0RGZQTAVzd_5hNB95Ba7ihLVav-fx8pVJnl_HqneHzoM23tNy6N0kPU/s1600/IMG_0381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FaX0nTUrP3micaWZp3bSq6R5ucdpk-1r48C8GaI3VHYNtpzHCZA0oXNQnw-7S45Xdym7pqpPpMJSjtvthxKi0RGZQTAVzd_5hNB95Ba7ihLVav-fx8pVJnl_HqneHzoM23tNy6N0kPU/s320/IMG_0381.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaid shirt by Fore!!Axel and Hudson, white tee from Target,<br />
Old Navy cargos</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvDWEQNMsHRbejhvWLbwiYSq30Wks-LWFqfSshcfi33CrFA-13aGfRyWjrpZ1xbF4wdnk3UFSw719W3vyRpykt0JCW58wTD7rK5UU8cS9a3ZR3fp_4S4iHNYGgtSxazjPZMXO3Fwa66w/s1600/IMG_0401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvDWEQNMsHRbejhvWLbwiYSq30Wks-LWFqfSshcfi33CrFA-13aGfRyWjrpZ1xbF4wdnk3UFSw719W3vyRpykt0JCW58wTD7rK5UU8cS9a3ZR3fp_4S4iHNYGgtSxazjPZMXO3Fwa66w/s320/IMG_0401.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another late summer deal -<br />
Persnickety top and coolots</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1RX7cLIXblvMygoaWEfNbgvigCOUMceOHIk34bxTTOsRyNxQtYEIZCiUJs6eAhcSE04DojZ4vyqZLri6fvatpft_yAu4r4bvSKC1KCtjFDbj_q4jg2zmsr7YctNh9wvTsH_eBaJ26Orw/s1600/IMG_0419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1RX7cLIXblvMygoaWEfNbgvigCOUMceOHIk34bxTTOsRyNxQtYEIZCiUJs6eAhcSE04DojZ4vyqZLri6fvatpft_yAu4r4bvSKC1KCtjFDbj_q4jg2zmsr7YctNh9wvTsH_eBaJ26Orw/s320/IMG_0419.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An e-bay deal!<br />
Matilda Jane Peppermint dress</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RgGFs8EsRsi43i9KPlzkA2zl31O3XQ8tVuec9ieK9O2lWPWPiS3QWcEo8im61OQIlD0gxvzYT8c2GjlBxFbBHNzdkFKKjfqe-MD55UEHo3LPMZBitz12tgYOcuG3DSEETDeDsX725KE/s1600/IMG_0341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RgGFs8EsRsi43i9KPlzkA2zl31O3XQ8tVuec9ieK9O2lWPWPiS3QWcEo8im61OQIlD0gxvzYT8c2GjlBxFbBHNzdkFKKjfqe-MD55UEHo3LPMZBitz12tgYOcuG3DSEETDeDsX725KE/s320/IMG_0341.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apparently I don't know how to rotate photos so I apologize!<br />
Old Navy top, flower pin from Claire's, Matilda Jane Gentry skirt</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxiCcf-eQIn2S32sUbaHBdy65VwBvvd0p7h24SL9iS_DLophYzXBI6UsDrYvnxZ9cEpTYVPLcvzUQMFVytBfLq3VxERVOg0kK0SkjqVj2MKp-86pPGJ-MH7ofe7XGZFaBIlvlCZeIpE0/s1600/IMG_0342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxiCcf-eQIn2S32sUbaHBdy65VwBvvd0p7h24SL9iS_DLophYzXBI6UsDrYvnxZ9cEpTYVPLcvzUQMFVytBfLq3VxERVOg0kK0SkjqVj2MKp-86pPGJ-MH7ofe7XGZFaBIlvlCZeIpE0/s320/IMG_0342.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda Jane Milky Way tee and Dairy Queen skirt. </td></tr>
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I'm trying to do a better job of remembering to take photos of the kids actually <i><b>wearing</b></i> the clothes! </div>
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I'm sure that Mother Nature will show her true colors soon and we'll finally be able to break out some of our Fall Fashions, but for now I'm enjoying the warmer temps and the prolonged use of our summer wardrobes!</div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607887623391884429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744153684058870605.post-73868537749635034502012-10-03T12:51:00.003-07:002012-10-03T12:51:59.531-07:00Party Picks<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Once upon a time (a long, long time ago) I wrote <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=744153684058870605#editor/target=post;postID=3716270631030324976">this post</a> about the infinite party theme ideas that swim around in my head continuously, and my intention was to make it a regular thing but somewhere along the way that idea was lost. <i>Lucky for you, I found it:)</i></div>
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The Little Man's 3rd birthday is fast approaching and even though a theme has already been chosen I couldn't help but to peek around the web at a few other fun ideas for boys.</div>
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Check out these amazing birthday party ideas for boys!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZpdfY-1twnDzO_jHxwQPetgTsM9Y5D2XwPvd697oeruPQLE0L6PtoTFGRixmKvPhd6R-ab4LnmucLDEZkRHJPEACPOKHCXVEQPN33ORtMQ1PsNeAQ2ApGhC-7hKs5VxQNOJKWOapGXQ/s1600/DSC_1181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZpdfY-1twnDzO_jHxwQPetgTsM9Y5D2XwPvd697oeruPQLE0L6PtoTFGRixmKvPhd6R-ab4LnmucLDEZkRHJPEACPOKHCXVEQPN33ORtMQ1PsNeAQ2ApGhC-7hKs5VxQNOJKWOapGXQ/s320/DSC_1181.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow art party seen on <a href="http://projectnursery.com/2012/05/arty-party-a-palette-of-party-projects/">Project Nursery</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXsROqfrJ3PGLlpXIOj8pE5EGLt1W5yPiH5-DLdBj0w_O-tvAjj2VmUR22qteMd5Js0Nqy4eyMhd_EYlVva8okfhSDdARNxMxvjN0kCzb-FSRv2kM36Ag-9a4UeJiuKJpGc95L7V5VAs/s1600/superniko.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXsROqfrJ3PGLlpXIOj8pE5EGLt1W5yPiH5-DLdBj0w_O-tvAjj2VmUR22qteMd5Js0Nqy4eyMhd_EYlVva8okfhSDdARNxMxvjN0kCzb-FSRv2kM36Ag-9a4UeJiuKJpGc95L7V5VAs/s320/superniko.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super hero theme with fresh and unexpected colors featured on Amy Atlas.<br />Full party details <a href="http://blog.amyatlas.com/2012/02/super-niko-guest-dessert-feature/">here</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOsRhBpUV-MYN6aJbEXHGJPBIDk00w40zBhBm3bYhFJgQPIYzh53MObYjBXUbHtzkM-kKG-KOE1hCggYTuiqdtBfvM6bGXgWBuNX2vUXrBItv8Pj0N6ajv5UY5PYFB9Esmp7bRpmPQs8w/s1600/K_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOsRhBpUV-MYN6aJbEXHGJPBIDk00w40zBhBm3bYhFJgQPIYzh53MObYjBXUbHtzkM-kKG-KOE1hCggYTuiqdtBfvM6bGXgWBuNX2vUXrBItv8Pj0N6ajv5UY5PYFB9Esmp7bRpmPQs8w/s320/K_02.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fun and unique "One-Eyed Monster" theme featured on Amy Atlas.<br />More pictures and details <a href="http://blog.amyatlas.com/2012/01/one-eyed-monster-guest-dessert-feature/">here</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxXX0ETBb15QjmH7vwVO3J66WhF-KMi-89Yhfqu8zXUqaGpmB4jBMlF9YrpSodLKLDsfXtkbz5guxEZMuuRCwpJXgN53yFqk_gdzp314nxWl2AbkADlFWfin4yn7FUVonKe8wKfypmxw/s1600/cars+table+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxXX0ETBb15QjmH7vwVO3J66WhF-KMi-89Yhfqu8zXUqaGpmB4jBMlF9YrpSodLKLDsfXtkbz5guxEZMuuRCwpJXgN53yFqk_gdzp314nxWl2AbkADlFWfin4yn7FUVonKe8wKfypmxw/s320/cars+table+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How amazing is this table inspired by the movie Cars 2?<br />Check out the full post <a href="http://yvonnebyattsfamilyfun.blogspot.com/2011/05/disney-cars-birthday-party.html">here</a>.<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlqFA05ofzfKgp_PAawFLQ4PtSPOF2SLLXt_pjxZtvjmZL8Rhj127x0z55ejIViFalJFNyTpXEXzTDz2djHHqPDhLjRYedGlfZbfblnw3JQb23vP91Cd3ozE0oobsVHRQ6eOcBLK6UD8/s1600/Construction-Party-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlqFA05ofzfKgp_PAawFLQ4PtSPOF2SLLXt_pjxZtvjmZL8Rhj127x0z55ejIViFalJFNyTpXEXzTDz2djHHqPDhLjRYedGlfZbfblnw3JQb23vP91Cd3ozE0oobsVHRQ6eOcBLK6UD8/s320/Construction-Party-21.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Construction Zone party (our choice this year!) featured<br />on Amy Atlas. Check it out <a href="http://blog.amyatlas.com/2012/03/construction-zone-guest-dessert-feature-2/">here</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCRGRAY21a-8NxbrZAQFIoDOUs_GvugwhNBdesaocB54Sx7V2VfVt9d1APHQJu5IRUIIOovEH4ovjd2Xj23l8c-vl1rasoLKz9taxCqT9y3gJZ7BkC9TZ06hh5hgDO97XlLa9A-6eD8s/s1600/lego-11-631x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCRGRAY21a-8NxbrZAQFIoDOUs_GvugwhNBdesaocB54Sx7V2VfVt9d1APHQJu5IRUIIOovEH4ovjd2Xj23l8c-vl1rasoLKz9taxCqT9y3gJZ7BkC9TZ06hh5hgDO97XlLa9A-6eD8s/s320/lego-11-631x1024.jpg" width="197" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome Lego party from <a href="http://www.andersruff.com/custom-printable-parties/birthday-parties/jeffreys-modern-lego-party-full-detail-feature/">Anders Ruff</a>.</td></tr>
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<i>How fun are those???</i> And don't worry, I've got lots of equally awesome theme ideas for girls too and I'll be sharing some of them soon!<br /><div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607887623391884429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744153684058870605.post-59774404280956827512012-10-01T13:03:00.000-07:002012-10-01T13:03:46.489-07:00What We {THEY} WoreI really liked the way that the 3 W's in the title<i style="font-weight: bold;"> "What We Wore" </i>looked and sounded, but then I realized that "we" generally includes the "me" or "I" that is speaking/writing and since I prefer not to flaunt photos of myself in my various sweatpant/t-shirt combos there really is no "we" here. <i>So this is a post about what THEY wore.</i><br />
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And actually it's not so much a post as it is some photos, so enjoy!<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/AVvXsEinMiVanZd6-sRGmP_5QiqexIkMtbNOGpiyNQ2pmORpcXIknHOheFjVoZTj_wXiWi2Sm6rJqzB9hdQfsOsa5qpfBVQjsvkrxgn7NWCviPGhbQXKr4C6FZOechmdnJwL-xVsgUkb87Rcyxs/s1600/IMG_9965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMiVanZd6-sRGmP_5QiqexIkMtbNOGpiyNQ2pmORpcXIknHOheFjVoZTj_wXiWi2Sm6rJqzB9hdQfsOsa5qpfBVQjsvkrxgn7NWCviPGhbQXKr4C6FZOechmdnJwL-xVsgUkb87Rcyxs/s320/IMG_9965.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rylee's 1st day of school outfit - shirt and skirt from Gymboree,<br />
shoes by Nina kids.</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/AVvXsEhTxODcxDNSZY2p00hO70-RV1m61kxPQ6nboaOrklWVtczm8WP7K1b78E0N8PcggjU5hbUzY57VI9GZvP4cHw1uSNusg_6cRbQYmsltjyw2N0lD4RSK1UguAvsppjWxQGHI01Rg8lWCnUI/s1600/IMG_9978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxODcxDNSZY2p00hO70-RV1m61kxPQ6nboaOrklWVtczm8WP7K1b78E0N8PcggjU5hbUzY57VI9GZvP4cHw1uSNusg_6cRbQYmsltjyw2N0lD4RSK1UguAvsppjWxQGHI01Rg8lWCnUI/s320/IMG_9978.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Addyson's 1st day of school outfit - dress from Seaside Swank collection<br />
by Swanky Baby Vintage, leggings from baby Gap and Lelli Kelly shoes.</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/AVvXsEhVzgo4r_ptkk-t1jVacxy4O_0k1HUh61bQ7LzLepbPKJXO_w4l9L9UA214O8WabXnny1CNLKRHRu8dITePgDAo0wmjCaTDiEEbeHdusWiX3I5cRk70t_I-tc0NYDuwmfmQNOtRTLeb3Go/s1600/IMG_0234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzgo4r_ptkk-t1jVacxy4O_0k1HUh61bQ7LzLepbPKJXO_w4l9L9UA214O8WabXnny1CNLKRHRu8dITePgDAo0wmjCaTDiEEbeHdusWiX3I5cRk70t_I-tc0NYDuwmfmQNOtRTLeb3Go/s320/IMG_0234.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosette dress from Candy Coated Carnival collection<br />
by Swanky Baby Vintage, leggings from baby Gap. </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/AVvXsEjyhIMUI_xySVFf8AqDxf92oSL48VkbCLZ0PVtJM6xFIzGpyK_zj0rpBfsVowCgu5YDXmRVSFBktgqllJr8ElgEGts0PzPPYrD_Q93eq_XEWPb881EErEcjITLPOmeN4BVi-XLaa75xsNA/s1600/IMG_0235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhIMUI_xySVFf8AqDxf92oSL48VkbCLZ0PVtJM6xFIzGpyK_zj0rpBfsVowCgu5YDXmRVSFBktgqllJr8ElgEGts0PzPPYrD_Q93eq_XEWPb881EErEcjITLPOmeN4BVi-XLaa75xsNA/s320/IMG_0235.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top and pants from Candy Coated Carnival collection by<br />
Swanky Baby Vintage.</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/AVvXsEj7ZSKanStjb1UNhDO-WMpwnowv1Utv1VAvL0oAZynRd0UUZTwtJv8geUj3lwiO1tkxqW1Oi7KPSm9rJg_gNZ4GOacj45aHdt6-PuCogi52_oi1CnoY-eI43E0cdSRnwnLICWOEhCzjJ3g/s1600/IMG_0273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZSKanStjb1UNhDO-WMpwnowv1Utv1VAvL0oAZynRd0UUZTwtJv8geUj3lwiO1tkxqW1Oi7KPSm9rJg_gNZ4GOacj45aHdt6-PuCogi52_oi1CnoY-eI43E0cdSRnwnLICWOEhCzjJ3g/s320/IMG_0273.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I forgot to photograph the child actually wearing this outfit - oops!<br />Matilda Jane "Emilia" dress and "Scrappy" leggings.</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/AVvXsEhF9S-ynGN-S00OY1wEChOr6RiWlY70_vME2pRN9jwTZMwTctIDEuWmp3das9JJcwccQz2sNtr5Rsun820cO2cA4qRODSEOdgtUiAzTM7u2-rnAhyphenhyphen-T9iqHOqMpm22Y4QaqhPwLV0z1QgI/s1600/IMG_0276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9S-ynGN-S00OY1wEChOr6RiWlY70_vME2pRN9jwTZMwTctIDEuWmp3das9JJcwccQz2sNtr5Rsun820cO2cA4qRODSEOdgtUiAzTM7u2-rnAhyphenhyphen-T9iqHOqMpm22Y4QaqhPwLV0z1QgI/s320/IMG_0276.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another childless outfit!<br />Shirt from Old Navy, skirt by Persnickety Clothing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div>
And yes, my son does wear clothes and I will be taking photos of him too for future posts. I don't always have my camera handy and my kids don't always cooperate so I have to work with what I have for now, but stayed tuned for more<b><i> "What <strike>We</strike> They Wore"</i></b> posts!<br /><div>
<br /><br /></div>
</div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607887623391884429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744153684058870605.post-4514283231347500582012-09-26T14:00:00.002-07:002012-09-26T14:00:55.087-07:00Deals and StealsWho doesn't <i style="font-weight: bold;">love</i> a good deal? <i>Am I right?</i> Of course I'm right. Duh. I'm always on the look out for a good deal, but I'm especially frugal when it comes to buying things for myself for a few reasons:<br />
<br />
1. I think we've established that I enjoy shopping for my kids waaaaay more than I enjoy shopping for myself (and yes, I know that seems to crazy to most people but I'm ok with that). This means that I also spend more money on their wardrobes than I spend on my own, so I have to be on the look out for bargains.<br />
2. My mom "uniform" consists mostly of sweatpants, leggings and a few pairs of jeans, along with some oversized t-shirts and sweatshirts and a few hoodies. If I'm at home (or even out running errands) I insist on being comfortable. Believe it or not, I do not roam around my home or Wal-Mart decked out in trendy outfits and fancy shoes with a full set of accessories adorning my neck, wrists and ears. Most days make-up doesn't make it onto my face and there seems to be a bobby pin permanently attached to my bangs. Don't get me wrong, <i>I love all things fashion </i>but I'm no<b> Emily Maynard </b>all dolled up in the car line or on the sidelines at the soccer game.<br />
I'm sure that when I tell people that my degree is in fashion merchandising they think that I am lying through my teeth. In my defense, I do make sure that my sweatpants/shirt/shoes coordinate somewhat and that I'm not wearing anything dirty or ripped:) And I have <i>never</i> worn slippers or actual pajama garments out in public. If I happen to be making an appearance at one of the kid's schools or actually spending time with other grown ups (<i>you know</i> <i>-</i> like going out to dinner or having drinks or something fun like that?) then I always make an effort to look put together and fashionable, but any other time it's full on comfort for this momma!<br />
What was the point to reason #2??? Oh yeah, basically the moral of the story is this: since I rarely "dress up" I prefer not to spend a lot of money on articles of clothing (or shoes or accessories) that will not be worn frequently. If I'm going to spend a large sum of money on an item, then it needs to be a staple piece in my wardrobe and be worn often. Gone are the days of purchasing a new outfit every weekend so as not to be seen wearing the same thing twice! <i>Items must be practical, versatile and reasonably priced for me to buy them!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
This post is a little wordy considering that my point in writing it was simply to show off a few of the deals and steals that I've brought home recently, so without further ado here you go:<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/AVvXsEgFjl9sR0CRLStp1uOoYvFafnRdE6sJ3edyX_Q6eUehuFeyNY_FubGM44aFB-r3zPC-VrAKrmHN16WMKuuElPQkfvnQYybgi5Y6yKrhs5uS_KDnEkh7c9tfRm0EoFzv07rClgRic8c12Xc/s1600/IMG_0241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFjl9sR0CRLStp1uOoYvFafnRdE6sJ3edyX_Q6eUehuFeyNY_FubGM44aFB-r3zPC-VrAKrmHN16WMKuuElPQkfvnQYybgi5Y6yKrhs5uS_KDnEkh7c9tfRm0EoFzv07rClgRic8c12Xc/s320/IMG_0241.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Expres handbag - regular price $59.90, MY price $17.99.</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/AVvXsEg-pj07-mPclvXuvxRSYjMytY2t6p5Sv7lLxKTssM68MJr86aG-rdjSYiYPtcO8fm6KY80J1B6BFQuXIbtPzUlRH5637ruq3Cz9gFlECLzmKJ-xQF6iqALPbgYvzGPknFG28OB-0OKxsGs/s1600/IMG_0242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pj07-mPclvXuvxRSYjMytY2t6p5Sv7lLxKTssM68MJr86aG-rdjSYiYPtcO8fm6KY80J1B6BFQuXIbtPzUlRH5637ruq3Cz9gFlECLzmKJ-xQF6iqALPbgYvzGPknFG28OB-0OKxsGs/s320/IMG_0242.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Target earrings - regular price $7.99, MY price $3.98.</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/AVvXsEifri2a5q8JFb26fRpbxU1CxjeDifgGg8mDBULe9psD-xxq-WdbYBCYoANKPlz7DIufs5cEdeu5FPT-EvfnoRPLlm2f9bn3_7S1CHSwC1-NfELxzMD_YuWVsmGqkhE6vol_kn-aFz4G81s/s1600/IMG_0244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifri2a5q8JFb26fRpbxU1CxjeDifgGg8mDBULe9psD-xxq-WdbYBCYoANKPlz7DIufs5cEdeu5FPT-EvfnoRPLlm2f9bn3_7S1CHSwC1-NfELxzMD_YuWVsmGqkhE6vol_kn-aFz4G81s/s320/IMG_0244.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Buddha shoes - regular price $39.99, MY price $13.99.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div>
And of course, some things for the kiddos (or just Cooper in this case):<br /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<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/AVvXsEg1hRmGTtkCbJCjsaZxojmcDUDV0TARC7bhJ52KEpRmLZ93fdoAQkptRVQmMrcQfkm5XTo-OU-FSrtegKwjjGpCPoNmX-vx3hYN-qJhgpzZBOl2ej1DL8pJWf5ZCBVziKD69EZITQeMsNs/s1600/IMG_0247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hRmGTtkCbJCjsaZxojmcDUDV0TARC7bhJ52KEpRmLZ93fdoAQkptRVQmMrcQfkm5XTo-OU-FSrtegKwjjGpCPoNmX-vx3hYN-qJhgpzZBOl2ej1DL8pJWf5ZCBVziKD69EZITQeMsNs/s320/IMG_0247.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Charlie Brown" shirt by Fore!!Axel and Hudson - regular price $38, MY price $18.</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/AVvXsEjRm889LP3i2BKsbOCboOoNBmWkc5Q8hNoWji8DKalA6rHb49hTZQSFHnz2YNSwRH5KYzQDgjguSIlgJ6mfU6HL5KeTN7XY6EtdUXUVVWNa7qp-aOUPyC-nKKnC7QCZTwEWhWuXX09kxU8/s1600/IMG_0248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRm889LP3i2BKsbOCboOoNBmWkc5Q8hNoWji8DKalA6rHb49hTZQSFHnz2YNSwRH5KYzQDgjguSIlgJ6mfU6HL5KeTN7XY6EtdUXUVVWNa7qp-aOUPyC-nKKnC7QCZTwEWhWuXX09kxU8/s320/IMG_0248.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Midnight" sweater by Fore!!Axel and Hudson - regular price $38, MY price $18.</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/AVvXsEg8-3mP9QkMiJMI0yO4sCKcGCWftrwsJnmCde7sT-__3SL4_IjWD6i6IN3EnbtdpCFET60gijj81GwG3lHmmhyphenhyphenbk94gNjEF4sxFcWLA3J7vFQOVJKERNx59mKlmlxA35UVY9tKylROJBqM/s1600/cn4907338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-3mP9QkMiJMI0yO4sCKcGCWftrwsJnmCde7sT-__3SL4_IjWD6i6IN3EnbtdpCFET60gijj81GwG3lHmmhyphenhyphenbk94gNjEF4sxFcWLA3J7vFQOVJKERNx59mKlmlxA35UVY9tKylROJBqM/s320/cn4907338.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"El Ace 2" by Puma - regular price $42, MY price $9.97 (these were actually<br />on sale for $24.99 but I used an Amazon gift card to lower the price even more).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607887623391884429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744153684058870605.post-81516355811889834482012-08-21T14:45:00.000-07:002012-08-21T14:45:47.198-07:00Back to School {continued}Our 1st days of school were a success! Rylee is officially a 1st grader and Addyson is off to Pre-K! Even though Addyson hadn't attended her 1st day of school yet and I didn't have all of my photos uploaded I wrote <a href="http://tulipsandtoadstools.blogspot.com/2012/08/back-to-school-again-and-already.html">this post</a> last week sharing some fun Back to School ideas. Now that the 1st days for both girls are behind us I have some more photos to share.<br />
<br />
Here are our 1st Day of School photos:<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/AVvXsEg8Ws23hqaQ-1flNjRrdViSqxMgKfb_5vlSLDc5hOEtxJyhdMgnMQ2-mDvYLRzNaws8Qx24uz-8CeHPjlOkgaAGU8d8eIbXr5Dzp__pSi9sze9nBwoo-0hWPEXM_DPbLjCfc4G38gf-cLg/s1600/IMG_9963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ws23hqaQ-1flNjRrdViSqxMgKfb_5vlSLDc5hOEtxJyhdMgnMQ2-mDvYLRzNaws8Qx24uz-8CeHPjlOkgaAGU8d8eIbXr5Dzp__pSi9sze9nBwoo-0hWPEXM_DPbLjCfc4G38gf-cLg/s320/IMG_9963.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rylee the 1st grader!</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/AVvXsEiCCDN1EFD6POkOXAvS4t-D1xTGWETwPuytdgLzVsUl1tjugRYWbfzpgwNXWezmcOa-RKmQm1kvN7G6angn-D3cx3ve7OW7RX0FV12Q57v3KpDNyt9arN7FK7aXRaDK_YNT8XGZ0zXGnm4/s1600/IMG_9979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCDN1EFD6POkOXAvS4t-D1xTGWETwPuytdgLzVsUl1tjugRYWbfzpgwNXWezmcOa-RKmQm1kvN7G6angn-D3cx3ve7OW7RX0FV12Q57v3KpDNyt9arN7FK7aXRaDK_YNT8XGZ0zXGnm4/s320/IMG_9979.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Addyson the Pre-Kindergardener! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And here are some photos of our special Back to School breakfast table set-up:<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/AVvXsEieI-o_3aM4rmvwreBD6N9RBsi3jVvX4U6Oce-WPij-DiQ7X1ssSFgAIXZW_b6r5DmvbpG4Mxbvqs6rB_xBb9gBDUPzij4CnvWSD6_XoaYJtpjqjUogrC6YlLzXPkqHasY4O9PKMg8-SKg/s1600/IMG_9959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieI-o_3aM4rmvwreBD6N9RBsi3jVvX4U6Oce-WPij-DiQ7X1ssSFgAIXZW_b6r5DmvbpG4Mxbvqs6rB_xBb9gBDUPzij4CnvWSD6_XoaYJtpjqjUogrC6YlLzXPkqHasY4O9PKMg8-SKg/s320/IMG_9959.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each of the girls got a new book and a card from Mommy and Daddy.</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/AVvXsEj11eORPEAhxVWoYO_iCL6syn6o-1-eb3DFHz1CQSeQBR0cn7qfIn2pVQeVqhRsbgMdxiQYESB0DdE-DCKfLCYRBbwqPnt0uZ3nPFG4pNIgDTwB80cs21K_NzuGZFBgYlyZPYE0A_O5KkE/s1600/IMG_9974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11eORPEAhxVWoYO_iCL6syn6o-1-eb3DFHz1CQSeQBR0cn7qfIn2pVQeVqhRsbgMdxiQYESB0DdE-DCKfLCYRBbwqPnt0uZ3nPFG4pNIgDTwB80cs21K_NzuGZFBgYlyZPYE0A_O5KkE/s320/IMG_9974.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DIY placemats, pencil bundles and an apple<br />at each place setting.</td></tr>
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Last year when I was the Chair of the Parent/Teacher Committee at our preschool I purchased <a href="http://shop.andersruff.com/back-to-school-organization-printables?filter_name=school">this printable party package</a> to use for a Welcome Back breakfast for the staff. One of the great things about these printable packages is that you can save the files and use them later too:) So that's what I did! The patterned paper on the placemats is from the printable package. I just glued it to a sheet of yellow construction paper - <b><i>and voila!</i></b> A fun placemat! <br />
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Another element from the package was an alphabet pennant banner. I only used some of the letters because stringing all 26 of them seemed like too much work the night before school was set to start. I used some twine to string the letters A-H along with the apple pennants on each end and I hung the banner on our bannister. Perfect for picture taking!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-fXBdi-0rbjKCPa6ckDoPv3v9B1JpJBQX2vU2ek6lgO-93gWCqbDVhvKvrV5A_1pYzhyXXIfv8Mjv4SK_al5KP2JdjL26duDv2x6UocB8u5-7sA00eEV2R7rbnWPYHOUnf77hf9my_A/s1600/IMG_9967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-fXBdi-0rbjKCPa6ckDoPv3v9B1JpJBQX2vU2ek6lgO-93gWCqbDVhvKvrV5A_1pYzhyXXIfv8Mjv4SK_al5KP2JdjL26duDv2x6UocB8u5-7sA00eEV2R7rbnWPYHOUnf77hf9my_A/s320/IMG_9967.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unfortunately you can't see the banner that well but it's there:)<br />And the kids thought it was fun!</td></tr>
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Happy New School Year to everyone!<br /><br /><br />
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607887623391884429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744153684058870605.post-41668474218185133212012-08-16T13:52:00.000-07:002012-08-16T13:52:54.579-07:00Back To School {Again! and Already?}<b>Wow!</b> - the summer flew by and here we are again ready for Back to School. <i>Sort of ready.</i> School supplies are purchased, ice cream socials have been attended, backpacks and lunchboxes are ready to be filled, the pantry is stocked with goodies for lunches, 1st day outfits have been chosen and I've been mentally preparing myself for earlier and more chaotic mornings for the past several days (somehow just <i>thinking</i> about waking up earlier doesn't make it any easier though). <br />
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<i>Today was the big day! </i>For Rylee anyway. Addyson has to wait until tomorrow for her 1st day of school (Pre-K!) but she was excited for today anyway:) She wants so badly to do everything that Rylee does!<br />
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We are so blessed that our kids <b><i>absolutely love school </i></b>- everything about it really. Both of the girls love to learn (the little man hasn't started school yet but I hope that he has the same love of learning that his big sisters do) and they adore being around friends. I am so happy that they have such a great desire to succeed and learn everything that they possibly can at such an early age. <br />
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So even though my kids don't necessarily <i>need</i> that extra push to get them excited about school I still try to do some special things to make this time of year as exciting and fun as possible. Here's what I came up with this year!<br />
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Of course we alway take the annual 1st Day of School photos, but last year I found <a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/updated-back-to-school-printables-k-12/">these</a> great printable signs (and they are free!) and I thought it was a cute way to make the photos more special. Also, this way there is no question about what year it was or how old they were when the photo was taken. <i>With</i> <i>3 kids I need all the help I can get!</i> I even went ahead and downloaded all of the signs (they go all the way up to 12th grade but by then I doubt if my kids will want their pictures taken anymore!) for future use.<br />
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I haven't uploaded any pictures from this year yet but here are the girls holding their signs last year:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1qZM9hRd8LkoHWfYfyc2s9YMdwGRbZiyDaJrwfoNzg62zwUBMCZ9sboPNA7PkkmdbDNVmd_E5SJj4LV7Wde3IH9x-KdXsCM6iM2GKa-ymwqrmkgMYiNN9OQl8-PNLEm4w_JtjHWsDV7I/s1600/IMG_7570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1qZM9hRd8LkoHWfYfyc2s9YMdwGRbZiyDaJrwfoNzg62zwUBMCZ9sboPNA7PkkmdbDNVmd_E5SJj4LV7Wde3IH9x-KdXsCM6iM2GKa-ymwqrmkgMYiNN9OQl8-PNLEm4w_JtjHWsDV7I/s320/IMG_7570.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free printable signs from <a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/updated-back-to-school-printables-k-12/">I Heart Naptime</a></td></tr>
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This year we also bought each of the girls a new book (school related stories) and left these along with a card at their place setting on the table so that when they sat down for breakfast on the 1st day of school they had a little gift waiting for them. I dressed up each place setting with a homemade placemat, an apple and a little bundle of pencils tied with red ribbon. </div>
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In the center of the table I used this subway art sign found <a href="http://www.eighteen25.blogspot.com/search/label/back%20to%20school">here</a>.</div>
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To make lunchtime extra special I wrote a little note and placed it under the sandwich box and also added a surprise - a small bag of chocolate chip cookies with a tag that says "You're One Smart Cookie".<br />
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Since Addyson's 1st day of school isn't until tomorrow I haven't had a chance to upload all of my photos but when I do I will be sure to post them. In the meantime here are some other cute Back to School ideas:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9qlzQ1t3SA-3RroqarUL_GYG48a3AUUAeSVisUFYhn3u_U6O-bHSfs8jXm3F6d4IUmvdYpAsSx-paMfuQyRUxUW3v3ynJrG5FPX862hbreo6KdzdWkdXigDZQ_SjxAVRkl7oFdZV2xo/s1600/16888567323574484_LsomT4Iw_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9qlzQ1t3SA-3RroqarUL_GYG48a3AUUAeSVisUFYhn3u_U6O-bHSfs8jXm3F6d4IUmvdYpAsSx-paMfuQyRUxUW3v3ynJrG5FPX862hbreo6KdzdWkdXigDZQ_SjxAVRkl7oFdZV2xo/s320/16888567323574484_LsomT4Iw_f.jpg" width="219" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from <a href="http://www.eighteen25.blogspot.com/">eighteen25</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHjVCxw1BOkbfHJDVz30-DVSEv9d-fG5CA18klukK53vJ6sjk4C6KIOgpVhxHlFFGH5PBoH7yJLAGp9bJKuAkZoMFTFgyqmdtKXsAlcFSNmjBzKNyH6MVm4YmQ0NX17xt_cBsrN_FUxlk/s1600/16888567323583073_7TTzfFsX_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHjVCxw1BOkbfHJDVz30-DVSEv9d-fG5CA18klukK53vJ6sjk4C6KIOgpVhxHlFFGH5PBoH7yJLAGp9bJKuAkZoMFTFgyqmdtKXsAlcFSNmjBzKNyH6MVm4YmQ0NX17xt_cBsrN_FUxlk/s320/16888567323583073_7TTzfFsX_f.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from <a href="http://blog.amyatlas.com/2012/08/back-to-school-guest-dessert-feature/">Amy Atlas</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-W2qJqH6wfLbZwxZtwU0ls9PDNuKYasJcf6ZN5zyTnE7RCOOtO_tdyFUN7tPGcGinRVHIEVhwaGIHFnxldl8AOjDk9G0fPLvHli2u800zgf6FiH3sRKAZKX8vwBZ4ZPi9Y5uxk9HeT0/s1600/96897829453600676_kI4UBj43_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-W2qJqH6wfLbZwxZtwU0ls9PDNuKYasJcf6ZN5zyTnE7RCOOtO_tdyFUN7tPGcGinRVHIEVhwaGIHFnxldl8AOjDk9G0fPLvHli2u800zgf6FiH3sRKAZKX8vwBZ4ZPi9Y5uxk9HeT0/s320/96897829453600676_kI4UBj43_f.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from <a href="http://partypinching.com/">Party Pinching</a></td></tr>
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And check out my Pinterest board for more Back to School (and/or Teacher Appreciation) ideas <a href="http://pinterest.com/hdietsch76/back-to-school/">here</a>.<br />
Wishing everyone a wonderful school year!!!<br />
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607887623391884429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744153684058870605.post-9260714093270019192012-07-30T14:20:00.000-07:002012-07-30T14:20:04.799-07:00Designer SpotlightHere I am again slapping my own hand for taking so much time in between <b>"Designer Spotlight"</b> posts. The last one that I wrote was back in April - you can check it out <a href="http://tulipsandtoadstools.blogspot.com/2012/04/april-designer-spotlight.html">here</a>. I got so wrapped up in planning Addyson's birthday party and then posting about it that I neglected the fashion side of things for awhile, but I'm back again with another "new" designer.<br />
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It's hard to focus on writing a post about fall clothing when the temperatures are reaching the high 90's and low 100's most days, but if you read <a href="http://tulipsandtoadstools.blogspot.com/2012/07/oh-fall-where-for-art-thou.html">this post</a> from last week then you know that I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of fall and all of the glorious clothing and footwear options that it brings along. Stirring the pot are various retailers and designers offering pre-orders <i style="font-weight: bold;">(genius!) </i>with the option to pay only a small deposit now and then pay the balance later when they actually ship the merchandise to you. <i>Sign me up!</i><br />
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If you know me at all you know that I care way more <i>(probably too much)</i> about my kids' wardrobes than I do my own, so most of these <b>"Designer Spotlight"</b> posts feature children's clothing. Just this past spring I came across a company that was new to me and I'm so glad that I discovered this adorable brand!<br />
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Truthfully I can't remember (as with so many things that I find on the web) exactly how I came to find <a href="http://www.swankybabyvintage.com/" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Swanky Baby Vintage</a> but if I recall correctly I linked to their site through Facebook somehow. Seems like all roads lead to Facebook and/or Pinterest these days. Regardless of how I found this sweet little girls' line, I'm loving their clothing and so are my girls! Check out their story <a href="http://www.swankybabyvintage.com/#/our-story/">here</a>.<br />
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And here are some photos of their new Fall Collection called <b>Prep School Swank</b>! <br />
P.S. - it's available for pre-order now:)<br />
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607887623391884429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744153684058870605.post-75459910398768021482012-07-26T13:43:00.002-07:002012-07-26T13:43:11.758-07:00Oh FALL, Where For Art Thou?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So I realize that this post may make me seem a bit fickle since I just wrote <i><a href="http://tulipsandtoadstools.blogspot.com/2012/02/spring-shopping-feveralready.html">this post</a> </i>about longing for spring a mere 5 1/2 months ago, but it has been a <b>brutal summer </b>with record breaking high temperatures and severe drought conditions, so my desire for cooler temps and fall apparel is growing by the day.<br />
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Yes, I was complaining about heavy jackets and static (<i>blah, blah, blah)</i> and I was beyond ready to break out my sundresses and flip flops (which I still find a million times more comfortable that jeans and a static filled sweater) back in February, but now that I've practically worn holes in every sundress, skirt and tank top that I own I'm ready to move on to the next season. Which hopefully will be a <b>true fall </b>with mild temperatures and a few months of crisp and cool days before winter comes blowing in.<br />
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It has been so hot this summer that even a tank top and shorts don't provide much comfort or reprieve from the heat. I'm not even sure of the last time that I wore shoes other than flip flops because the heat causes my already chubby feet to swell to the point that they begin to spill out of any strappy sandals that I might attempt to wear nearly cuttting off the circulation to my lower appendages (namely my piggies). And wearing some of my favorite jewelry like big, chunky rings isn't so fun either when said items end up stuck on my fingers. For of you that don't know, <i>I'm an accessories kind of girl all the way. </i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ring from <a href="http://www.express.com/large-oval-center-stone-pave-ring-45575-965/control/page/18/show/3/index.pro">Express</a></td></tr>
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If I'm being honest though, there's more to my wanting the season to change than just the weather. Yes, the heat is almost unbearable and it's hard to look good when the make-up is melting right off of my sweaty face, but there's more to the story. Retailers and designers start sending out sneak peeks of their fall collections in early June (if not before), and many also offer pre-orders on these items. Even Old Navy has jumped on the "pre-order bandwagon"! My e-mail inbox and Facebook page have been flooded with fall previews and pre-order offers for well over a month now. And even though it's 100+ degrees outside and it won't be cool enough to wear most of these items for at least 2 more months, I find myself having a strong desire to start placing orders. <br />
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Just<i> looking </i>at some of the clothing and boots makes me sweat right now but lately I find myself spending more and more of my "me time" sitting in front of the computer looking at page after page of the new fall trends and must have items.<br />
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Here is the Pantone color palette for fall:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_ywjn0B3oS6UgHHVdJ4wVZ6AmyYxhZZGCGRZ0-IuCAHtPNfFBdhl0Bb6MeqhHALwqLk36D3FbPym8dbyG-Cb2UbC75ti7OU4pdjBI0kS9WxKFhNvBCIcpKTy1DIwZQENHUKfzLa3ZPQ/s1600/fallcolor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_ywjn0B3oS6UgHHVdJ4wVZ6AmyYxhZZGCGRZ0-IuCAHtPNfFBdhl0Bb6MeqhHALwqLk36D3FbPym8dbyG-Cb2UbC75ti7OU4pdjBI0kS9WxKFhNvBCIcpKTy1DIwZQENHUKfzLa3ZPQ/s320/fallcolor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Very similar to the bright colors from this past spring but with tones that are a little deeper and more rich. I think I love them all but my favorites are Honey Gold, Olympian Blue and Tangerine Tango. I'm still intrigued by Pantone (apparently the <b><i>"world-renowned authority on color"</i></b>) and the whole concept of having a Color of the Year (<i>Tangerine Tango </i>for 2012). <a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/fcr.aspx?pg=20948&ca=4">Click here</a> for more info on Pantone's Color Report for Fall 2012.<br />
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Here are a few of the items on my <b>"Must Have List" </b>for fall:<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/AVvXsEhANYTfUCTRbScAjGIi7DBHZJoFYud9U1ffcEbExdayTbPdEYx4TZtaifnXpfNJxf3zzRdiUtUy4JUfSUK3yyroXjBaahc2XaF-aMbkGlkWPITiNLgYdEzFy7NuIYLbvEESrm9GZZiDF_Q/s1600/16888567323436376_UwTlvhxh_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANYTfUCTRbScAjGIi7DBHZJoFYud9U1ffcEbExdayTbPdEYx4TZtaifnXpfNJxf3zzRdiUtUy4JUfSUK3yyroXjBaahc2XaF-aMbkGlkWPITiNLgYdEzFy7NuIYLbvEESrm9GZZiDF_Q/s320/16888567323436376_UwTlvhxh_f.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Smokestack" boots from <a href="http://www.spool72.com/">Spool No. 72</a></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/AVvXsEh4RLfrqfcn0F3AG7Zx2Pn0VhRi_nYI_mj94P9y_Tp-OlXHd8fSVLTD-_XoH8JFvD5OvOCGybZ_J6zhixu5RkzxXxnQeCjIX66boTWyQfyCv7phiMOGISUnapkzWIG0TIcs54KRsbLXbzA/s1600/honeycomb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4RLfrqfcn0F3AG7Zx2Pn0VhRi_nYI_mj94P9y_Tp-OlXHd8fSVLTD-_XoH8JFvD5OvOCGybZ_J6zhixu5RkzxXxnQeCjIX66boTWyQfyCv7phiMOGISUnapkzWIG0TIcs54KRsbLXbzA/s320/honeycomb.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The RockStar superskinny denim in Honeycomb from <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/">Old Navy</a></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/AVvXsEgQmdvnZ_bGGrM1nUziUs1IsOo8eYv0d2OmuUVa4G4OY6Q6OynSDHlhZcC8HuCVYj34odSho7iiVc7iKzG9kuH7uUO2F6u1GrIympB56kEoMUk4bhnVxBsXlCNztYbbLauyv5b-3gXwwNI/s1600/mesmerized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmdvnZ_bGGrM1nUziUs1IsOo8eYv0d2OmuUVa4G4OY6Q6OynSDHlhZcC8HuCVYj34odSho7iiVc7iKzG9kuH7uUO2F6u1GrIympB56kEoMUk4bhnVxBsXlCNztYbbLauyv5b-3gXwwNI/s320/mesmerized.jpg" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Essie nail polish in Mesmerized</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/AVvXsEi5ZS9pfMF2SSpTGb_Tuw_yNGZphQ-uUBqSxxfR38tU4F0fPTrRQQDgzBuUR2kbv8yXocGQbS2AoiKYDtePR0DIF8Yb9dA82vHPjU2dMg-6pT8Q_leLEnUJo4aq5Cu5NEHhU07ThtpxYUw/s1600/16888567323445140_GTKZ5lyU_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZS9pfMF2SSpTGb_Tuw_yNGZphQ-uUBqSxxfR38tU4F0fPTrRQQDgzBuUR2kbv8yXocGQbS2AoiKYDtePR0DIF8Yb9dA82vHPjU2dMg-6pT8Q_leLEnUJo4aq5Cu5NEHhU07ThtpxYUw/s320/16888567323445140_GTKZ5lyU_f.jpg" width="274" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handbag from Express</td></tr>
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And while I'm at it, here are a few things for the kids <i>(because as you know I actually enjoy shopping for them even more than I do for myself).</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2zkBKOUYaTXCwg8DXOvUe9nAGi4ix4pjQcBI0MuSBVGnpkMUdt5D1yVAjK_FoWAgLBz_rWBEES2qMKgOD6HEpErzkmwHqvr5xxSDC4g4gi5tdoXzkyB-7rDwkjocasc6GLi1peIZjrQ/s1600/622121_353921561343200_2019036504_o-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2zkBKOUYaTXCwg8DXOvUe9nAGi4ix4pjQcBI0MuSBVGnpkMUdt5D1yVAjK_FoWAgLBz_rWBEES2qMKgOD6HEpErzkmwHqvr5xxSDC4g4gi5tdoXzkyB-7rDwkjocasc6GLi1peIZjrQ/s320/622121_353921561343200_2019036504_o-1.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shirt, skirt and headband from Persnickety Clothing</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/AVvXsEhL9NyAnfLkKjXgTbP-pBY2_DuNpJ_ljTshj8wblJyZhKwmTOLZTWJ-_J_TjUaevJswRT6NtBJri9B-XeXLy628WQjygHz2c94qrqIaPoW1wqiL5rOw8UpHqEIdLvNCq2q4Xq8EsIDCmAI/s1600/roxie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9NyAnfLkKjXgTbP-pBY2_DuNpJ_ljTshj8wblJyZhKwmTOLZTWJ-_J_TjUaevJswRT6NtBJri9B-XeXLy628WQjygHz2c94qrqIaPoW1wqiL5rOw8UpHqEIdLvNCq2q4Xq8EsIDCmAI/s320/roxie.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girls' Roxie shoe from Livie and Luca</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/AVvXsEjrWaNeHkZgoR7StZfGs1w19AVgfYdJq3P_JLCvaVZBoi0ZQCJmEQpQEHi5tCcqIM_rBQZ4LjgF4v3-lGwLoCi7La4Bi7v3EOPMNcrPCQh4NnTrTUdCA8RvXChbrgiiQRz7oZvhXZ-bni8/s1600/16888567323453095_BIgeF48f_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWaNeHkZgoR7StZfGs1w19AVgfYdJq3P_JLCvaVZBoi0ZQCJmEQpQEHi5tCcqIM_rBQZ4LjgF4v3-lGwLoCi7La4Bi7v3EOPMNcrPCQh4NnTrTUdCA8RvXChbrgiiQRz7oZvhXZ-bni8/s320/16888567323453095_BIgeF48f_f.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spade print long sleeve shirt from Fore!!Axel and Hudson</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/AVvXsEifmYop6NnzBQ52xUvWBPhmDLTZcenTopaelv0I5eKFfbC8RdUFIH4G-ISeiMb1vvG2McDyfF4G1JgzEUJ_Vb1Gugh6ecVM4ncfPRYqoDyESgqHdFfkSlHPmFvn5URonTQfDabqpF3jcII/s1600/rex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmYop6NnzBQ52xUvWBPhmDLTZcenTopaelv0I5eKFfbC8RdUFIH4G-ISeiMb1vvG2McDyfF4G1JgzEUJ_Vb1Gugh6ecVM4ncfPRYqoDyESgqHdFfkSlHPmFvn5URonTQfDabqpF3jcII/s320/rex.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boys' Rex shoe from Livie and Luca</td></tr>
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How can you NOT want to shop for fall with all of this deliciousness out there??? Now here's to hoping that we actually get to experience fall before we have to cover this cuteness up with bulky winter coats and snow boots!<br /><i><br /></i></div>
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</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607887623391884429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744153684058870605.post-36907292949982240102012-07-18T13:38:00.000-07:002012-07-18T13:38:47.759-07:00ConfessionI have a confession to make. This might not come as a surprise to those that know me well as I have been described as being anal, obsessive and overly organized just to name a few - but I am a <b><i>compulsive list maker</i></b>. That's right, I can't stop making lists.<br />
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Right now I am sitting here at the desk and I am writing a list of new recipes that I would like to try (mostly from Pinterest), along with a grocery list and a list of books for the kids to check out the next time we go to the library. That last one is totally random and unrelated to the other 2 lists, but it popped into my brain so I thought I better do it while I was thinking about it. Oh, and I almost forgot - there is also a list of items that I am planning to sell on ebay and possible prices for each.<br />
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Yesterday I made a list of all of the items that I would like to purchase for the empty wall in our living room along with their prices and where to order them from. The day before that was a list of clothing items that I want to order for the girls from some of my favorite online retailers.<br />
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I start so many lists each day that I usually forget to finish them all or end up losing at least one or two. I have lists on post-it notes, in notebooks, on random pieces of paper and even some saved on the computer (which seems like the best option since those are less likely to be lost or thrown away).<br />
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As I was typing this I started making a mental list of future blog posts to write. I haven't had much to say lately and I've also been lazy when it comes to typing my thoughts but I just got a few ideas while sitting here. <i>Add that to my list of lists.</i><br />
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So I'm off to complete my grocery list and maybe another one - unless I start a new one first!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607887623391884429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744153684058870605.post-30159546053991898132012-07-06T14:41:00.000-07:002012-07-06T14:41:55.295-07:00The List Goes On {and on and on}...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBa_3hkPVI7nbYQgra6kfslsIxPWe9y4yBYndOgl2XiZMMtmVbDOxgmPwMdy5dmeQQs16SDd3cnGKa9X9Zi6ira7rQx0avHFEafK4Lh9-3CZtvawqOUXJWh2YC2tDQ-N9oeC1-xwTFwcQ/s1600/freakin-to-do-list1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBa_3hkPVI7nbYQgra6kfslsIxPWe9y4yBYndOgl2XiZMMtmVbDOxgmPwMdy5dmeQQs16SDd3cnGKa9X9Zi6ira7rQx0avHFEafK4Lh9-3CZtvawqOUXJWh2YC2tDQ-N9oeC1-xwTFwcQ/s1600/freakin-to-do-list1.jpg" /></a></div>
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I know that I'm not the only person out there feeling like their lists of projects go <b><i>on and on and on</i></b>, but with 3 kids ages 6 and under it feels as though I am constantly working on a project of some sort and my list truly seems to be never-ending. If it's not a holiday then it's a birthday and if it's not a birthday then it's a home project and if it's not a home project then it's a school project - you get the point. Right now I'm not even talking about <i>daily </i>lists like grocery shopping, errand running, laundry, cooking and cleaning. I'm talking about <b>BIG</b> projects, or maybe "events" would be a more appropriate term.<br />
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Here's how our annual list plays out:<br />
We just celebrated <b>Addyson's Birthday</b> and <b>Father's Day </b>(her party was on June 16th, the 17th was Father's Day and the 18th was her actual birthday) followed by the <b>4th of July </b>(for which I <i>to my own dismay </i>did no decorating, but the kids still needed to be outfitted with red, white and blue apparel and there were parades to attend, fireworks to see, etc.). On top of these holidays/celebrations we've squeezed in the usual summer activities - camps, classes, lessons, play dates and trips to visit both sets of grandparents.<br />
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Next up we'll have some <b>Back to School </b>fun with a few baking and crafting projects to get the kids excited for the new school year. I only started making a big "to do" about the Back to School thing last year when Rylee started kindergarten, but it's the perfect time to create some keepsake items and make great memories. It's also the end of summer and by then everyone has tired of sidewalk chalk, bubbles and playing in the sprinkler so this is a nice change of pace!<br />
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At some point later this summer or early in the fall we will be transitioning Cooper to a <b>Big Boy Room </b>and Rylee's room could also use a makeover/update, so I have been looking for ideas and making some mental plans for both of their rooms. As it turns out we'll probably do both room makeovers at the same time because we are planning to take the bed from Rylee's room and use it in Cooper's room. I'm not sure yet if this is a good or a bad thing. Revamping 2 bedrooms at the same time is going to be a little overwhelming but at least they'll both be done and I won't have to worry about doing it again for quite some time. We just updated Addyson's room a few months ago so once we get Cooper and Rylee set up all 3 kids will have "new" rooms that should last them for at least a few years.<br />
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By that time <b>Halloween</b> will be upon us so there's the costume choosing, candy buying and home decorating to do, and <b>Matt's Birthday</b> is <i>on</i> Halloween so we'll have to throw in some sort of celebration for him too.<br />
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From there we'll switch out the Halloween decor for <b>Thanksgiving</b> decor, but before we eat our feast we'll celebrate <b>Cooper's Birthday</b> earlier in November. Of course, Christmas shopping will have begun at this point too.<br />
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As soon as all of the Fall/Thanksgiving decor comes down, the <b>Christmas </b>decor starts going up inside and out, and it stays up for about 3-4 weeks. Then there's the hustle and bustle of shopping, gift wrapping, baking, cooking, etc. and the actual holiday itself. I try to take down all of the Christmas decor in a timely manner after New Year's has passed because <b>Rylee's Birthday</b> is later in January and I have to prep for that.<br />
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After Rylee's birthday bash we do a little decorating and usually some baking for <b>Valentine's Day</b> and again for <b>St. Patrick's Day</b>. Otherwise, February and March are "slow" months for us.<br />
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Then we take the month of April off (not really though because at that point I have started prepping for Addyson's birthday again) and in May we only have <b>Mother's Day</b> to contend with.<br />
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And now we're back to June and we start the month off with our <b>Wedding Anniversary</b> on the 4th and <b>My Birthday</b> on the 5th, then in the middle of the month comes <b>Father's Day</b> and <b>Addyson's Birthday.</b><br />
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<i>And the cycle starts again!</i><br />
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Thankfully updating the kids' bedrooms isn't an annual event, but I was sort of hoping that sometime over the next several months that maybe, <i>just maybe</i> Matt and I could actually do some updating and improving in our own bedroom along with a few other areas of the house. <i> </i>Or maybe even plan and host a grown-up party (now that's an idea!). <i>I</i><i> guess I'll just add those to my list!</i><br />
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I should add that I am in no way, shape or form complaining about this list. I love every minute (almost every minute anyway) of this crazy, non-stop cycle that is my life and if I didn't have a never-ending list of projects/events to work on I would be bored to death. It's just that I've never taken the time to think about these things in a "yearly" sort of way and when I did I realized that it truly is <b><i>~freakin~ Never Ending!</i></b>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607887623391884429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744153684058870605.post-51892224788306781972012-07-02T13:10:00.000-07:002012-07-02T13:10:21.742-07:00Addyson's Cinderella {Inspired} Birthday PartyI'm not sure yet if I can squeeze all of the party details into one <b><i>super long</i></b> post or if I should break it up into multiple posts so bear with me on this one friends...<br />
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Rylee's birthday was all the<i> waaaaaay </i>back in January and shortly following her party Addyson approached me and said something along these lines - <i>"Hey, when are you going to start working on <b>my</b> party?" </i>So we started working on her party right then and there. She seemed to know without a doubt that she wanted to have a Cinderella party and over the next 6 months she never once changed her mind <i>(which was a good thing for her!).</i><br />
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I'm not a big fan of character-themed anything - clothing, room decor, party supplies, etc. so I chose to go with a Cinderella <i>inspired</i> theme and tried to minimize the presence of the cartoon/animated princess. Blue, white and silver were the obvious color choices and I tried to subtly incorporate symbols from the movie like glass slippers, wands and pumpkins into the decor. I also used <b><i>lots</i></b> of tulle in various ways to keep it frilly and girly. If you missed it I did a full post about my tulle-crazed projects. You can read it <a href="http://tulipsandtoadstools.blogspot.com/2012/06/1000-yards-of-tulle.html">here</a>.<br />
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<i><b>All right, so here we go!</b></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Party Details:</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Invitations/Party Printables-</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I really didn't want anything that had an image of Cinderella on it but instead I was looking for something that featured one of the symbolic items from the movie that I mentioned above. I had a difficult time finding any one shop or person that offered a complete package that wasn't covered with images of Cinderella so I ended up purchasing items from 2 separate Etsy shops. The items from the shops weren't exact matches but they were close enough. The invitations were just what I was looking for and I was able to purchase coordinating cupcake toppers and favor tags from the same shop. You can check out the invitations and other items <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/81830161/12-personalized-and-printed-girl">here</a>. The invitation shown features a photo of the birthday child but I choose not to use a photo on our invitation and the shop owner was very accommodating and easy to work with.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The birthday banner that was hung on our fireplace along with the folded sign cards (which I used as place cards at the kids' table) and the striped paper were purchased from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/82301529/cinderella-birthday-party-customized?ga_search_query=cinderella">this Etsy shop.</a> Again, the shop owner was very easy to work with and made a few minor adjustments for me. <i>Never be afraid to ask if you don't see exactly what you want!</i> I have found that most Etsy shop owners are very flexible and can customize just about anything to your liking.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Decor-</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In addition to decorating the inside of our house I also added a few small items outside to greet the guests. On our front porch I created a small pumpkin patch using faux pumpkins from our stash of Halloween decor, a wand and some white tulle. The door was adorned with a DIY tutu wreath.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Inside, the fireplace and built-in area adjacent to it were the main focal points. I was so excited to discover that the built-in cabinetry is the perfect place for a dessert display and I definitely plan to utilize it when we have parties from now on! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I pinned a cluster of balloons above the fireplace to add some height to the area, but mainly to hide the big hole in the wall where there apparently used to be a t.v. On the mantle I placed chipboard letters that spelled the word <b>"WISH"</b> along with a wand, some tulle and glass jars filled with candy mallowcreme pumpkins<i> (which are not easy to find in June!). </i>I finished off the fireplace area with the Happy Birthday banner.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For the dessert area I used a large piece of light blue satin fabric as a backdrop and sprinkled silver star confetti all around. To elevate the cake and add some height I glued 3 shoe boxes together and placed them under the fabric. I attempted to make my own cake stand by gluing candlesticks and trays together but the end result was a bit wobbly and I didn't want to risk a falling cake during the party so I opted not to use it (this was <b>DIY project gone bad #1</b>). I was going for an elegant look here <i>a la T</i><b><i>he Royal Ball</i> </b>so I used "silver" trays from the dollar store to display most of the desserts. I also used fishing wire to hang wands above the dessert area and glued 3 white mini paper fans together to add more interest to the backdrop.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In addition to the cake, the dessert area featured glass slipper petit fours, cupcakes, sugar cookies and pretzel rods dipped in white candy melts and sprinkled with silver glitter sprinkles. My <b>2nd DIY project gone bad </b>was also a dessert table item - I made marshmallow pops dipped in blue candy melts but decided not to display them because most of them slid right down their sticks. They still tasted good though!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I had several other ideas for dessert offerings - Hershey's kisses (perfect with their silver foil wrappers and blue and white paper flags!), star shaped marshmallows (a July 4th novelty food that would have fit right in with the theme), rice krispie treat "wands" and pumpkin shaped sugar cookies - but due to limited space and time (I made <i>most</i> of the desserts myself) I had to scale back a bit.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We had 2 tables set up for dining - one was our regular dining room table for the adults and the other was a large folding table where Addyson and her preschool friends sat. At both tables I tied tulle bows around the chairs and sprinkled silver star confetti all around, and in the center of each table I placed a frame with a quote from the movie. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The kids' table had place cards with each girl's name and a "glass slipper" at their seat.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Games/Activities-</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thanks to a very special appearance by Cinderella (a family friend in a costume that I ordered online) I was able to keep the games and activities to a minimum, which also kept my stress level down. Trying to entertain 4 year olds can be tricky but thankfully they were so mesmerized by Cinderella that they didn't seem to mind that there were only a few simple activities. After Cinderella's surprise arrival the girls chatted with her for a bit and then we did temporary tattoos (Cinderella ones of course - one of the few items at the party that actually had Cinderella on it). That was followed by a fun game of<i> "Pin the Glass Slipper on the Pillow"</i> (a homemade game that I whipped up myself using cardboard, polyfill, fabric and a glue gun since it's <i style="font-weight: bold;">impossible </i>to find a pin-the-anything-on-Cinderella game!). Next the girls did the freeze dance with Cinderella to the song "Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo" and then they all sat quietly and listened to the story of Cinderella on a Disney CD that I purchased at Target.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Dinner/Dessert-</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For dinner we served our usual chicken nugget tray from Chick-fil-a (always a big hit with the kids and easy for me!) along with a fruit bowl, veggie tray and chips/munchies. We set up the food in a buffet style on our kitchen bar that was decorated very minimally with a silver table cover and silhouettes of Cinderella <i>(which were not easy to trace and cut out!)</i> strung across the front. For dessert we served cake and cupcakes. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Favors-</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Last but not least - party favors! I had so much fun with this project. I made tutu favor bags for the girls and inside each one was a Cinderella blow-out, silver wand, Cinderella stickers and a personalized "chore chart". <a href="http://www.4kraftykidz.com/">This website</a> has tons of FREE stuff like coloring pages and other fun things that make great party favors and/or activities. We also gave each guest a take-out style box to fill with sweets from the dessert area.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So far I think this party might be my favorite of all the ones that I have planned. I loved all of the DIY projects from the tutu wreath to the favor bags to the desserts and everything in between. With each party that I plan I become a little more detail oriented and continue to fine tune and tweak the process. <i>I'm by no means a professional but I sure do love party planning! </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I hope that in all of my crazy planning and self-inflicted stress that I am truly doing something that my kids will remember forever <i>(and maybe even appreciate someday)</i>. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8faay1VydcxY-H3Q94hERwfhcnfh9E025z2JIOpOxsdaOSwLgeSOfXia6JaXEmAzPRXO7yZrAPR8m0xZg05cKQrE7mQC6O7MPN9oI8pOe3IB5YILS39Adq_usytOWmGL8kmjWc1McoQ/s1600/IMG_9371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8faay1VydcxY-H3Q94hERwfhcnfh9E025z2JIOpOxsdaOSwLgeSOfXia6JaXEmAzPRXO7yZrAPR8m0xZg05cKQrE7mQC6O7MPN9oI8pOe3IB5YILS39Adq_usytOWmGL8kmjWc1McoQ/s320/IMG_9371.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So there you have it - one <b><i>super long</i></b> birthday party post!</span>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607887623391884429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744153684058870605.post-56202777247148885292012-06-19T13:11:00.000-07:002012-06-19T13:11:53.096-07:001000 Yards of TulleOk, so <b>1000 yards </b>might be a <i>slight exaggeration</i> but as I continue to take down party decor from Addyson's Cinderella bash this past weekend it sure does feel like an accurate number to describe the endless amounts of tulle that I am untying, unhanging, and un-whatever else you do with tulle. <br />
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Apparently tulle was my favorite material this go around. It's great because it's inexpensive and versatile, and it comes in just about any color you could possibly need. It's also very girly! I stocked up on multiple rolls in light blue, silver and white when it was on sale at Hobby Lobby for 50% off several weeks ago, but I had to make <i>several </i>trips back to buy more because I kept running out. <br />
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Among the tulle laden projects for this party were a DIY tutu wreath for the front door, tutu favor bags for the guests, bows tied on the back of each of the 10 dining chairs, and just for kicks at the last minute I put a few random strands outside in the faux pumpkin patch on the front porch to add a little more <i>oomph! </i><br />
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I'm really not sure exactly how much tulle I used but I am estimating that I bought at least 12-15 rolls and each roll was 24 yards (or maybe 25?) long, so by my math that equals <b>A LOT!</b><br />
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Here's a peek at what I did with all of that amazing stuff called tulle!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDUMyjr36Fe3gtNtyKaEokJObnFmb5mAc85vsfE9_Z4viDKktjHa_yBdRyZ_BUG96ysHo5bhf39wP2qK4Ga9bxKHxl_POKnILxXdx2XBMqPTiHJ4pHe1CtV01vhVYggI02JQmmFgszx8/s1600/IMG_9313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDUMyjr36Fe3gtNtyKaEokJObnFmb5mAc85vsfE9_Z4viDKktjHa_yBdRyZ_BUG96ysHo5bhf39wP2qK4Ga9bxKHxl_POKnILxXdx2XBMqPTiHJ4pHe1CtV01vhVYggI02JQmmFgszx8/s320/IMG_9313.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tutu favor bags.<br />I borrowed this idea from Etsy and made a much<br />less expensive version using supplies from Hobby Lobby.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIY5NEwc8sGAGK4YVL0xXurxalvaDObYdRRWq33wdflvqoDOY-KCDDSeUtRyNdFcIXSnxRdJlV0BWnoVPSN13UhFadgbLQVx8Pyh0BiAQvmaeC-FO-3PyMvM5EITrh6q-R8SGtr9jssNE/s1600/IMG_9334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIY5NEwc8sGAGK4YVL0xXurxalvaDObYdRRWq33wdflvqoDOY-KCDDSeUtRyNdFcIXSnxRdJlV0BWnoVPSN13UhFadgbLQVx8Pyh0BiAQvmaeC-FO-3PyMvM5EITrh6q-R8SGtr9jssNE/s320/IMG_9334.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the table for the Birthday Girl and her preschool friends.<br />I also tied bows on the chairs at our dining room table.<br />I used 3 strands of tulle for each chair to make the bows more full.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKCAWy_VL0bp1MNHpxntjPTkirqUinF5XazZfnOgISNeaa08l82NwtverEoGdqwPIw3zEGTlHk-9rn99ktlWg2_ZMOh07WVfjezwhynLeOg63zb98fUiHFmB4_5GX937kai_AHBrxS_Y/s1600/IMG_9365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKCAWy_VL0bp1MNHpxntjPTkirqUinF5XazZfnOgISNeaa08l82NwtverEoGdqwPIw3zEGTlHk-9rn99ktlWg2_ZMOh07WVfjezwhynLeOg63zb98fUiHFmB4_5GX937kai_AHBrxS_Y/s320/IMG_9365.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tutu wreath for front door.<br />This was another Etsy item that I turned into a DIY project.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_grk-Bidc9rFxNMqhFYEJVFbz8EIqyR2A6fe_bKhJk0yrjZL2rcOLMwm1jsgG4_OVgECeBmpUbIq2ZquXnPje6NhUUshDXGZRPwrfMD2e2guGJlunspecJId4m3c-CojJOHt2PzWi8eM/s1600/IMG_9364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_grk-Bidc9rFxNMqhFYEJVFbz8EIqyR2A6fe_bKhJk0yrjZL2rcOLMwm1jsgG4_OVgECeBmpUbIq2ZquXnPje6NhUUshDXGZRPwrfMD2e2guGJlunspecJId4m3c-CojJOHt2PzWi8eM/s320/IMG_9364.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A random strand of tulle added a little whimsy<br />to the faux pumpkin patch on our front porch. <br />Sort of reminds me of fog or mist hanging over the pumpkins.</td></tr>
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Full party post(s) are coming up soon! I'm still in the midst of undecorating and cleaning up the aftermath, but as soon as my house is returned to it's normal state and thank you notes have been written I will have time for a more detailed post!<br /><br /></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607887623391884429noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744153684058870605.post-46283363651087947292012-06-18T13:50:00.001-07:002012-06-18T13:50:34.042-07:00The {Party Planning} HangoverDid you know that there is such a thing??? <i>Yep, the party planning hangover does in fact exist. </i> I know because I am suffering from one right now. I am exhausted. Run down. In a zombie-like state. So tired that I just had a difficult time coming up with synonyms for "tired". And I love me some synonyms, so when they don't just roll right out of my brain or off of my tongue I know there's a problem.<br />
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Addyson's 4th birthday party was Saturday, less than 48 hours ago, and I think that it may have been my best one to date. I'm not bragging, just sayin'. I did so much stuff (even more than usual) in the way of crafting and decorating and <i>I did it all myself. </i> There were even some decorations outside, which is a new touch that I added this time. Can you sense my pride? Like I'm the only person that ever thought to put party decor outside. <i>Groundbreaking.</i><br />
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I have been planning this party in my head and on paper and Pinterest (of course) for several months, and I started gathering supplies and working on some of the crafty projects at least 6 weeks ago. I started decorating the house on Monday and tried to do a little each day so that I would be done with that part of the process by Friday. During the day on Friday I cleaned the house - scrubbed toilets, cleaned mirrors, sinks and countertops, swept and mopped floors and dusted. Then Friday night I baked the cupcakes and made the petit fours so that Saturday I wouldn't have much left on my to-do list. <i>Or so I thought.</i><br />
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Even with all of this prep work I found myself rushing around on Saturday at 4 p.m. with just 1 hour before the party started. I was up at 7:30 and kept a good pace going throughout the day but somehow I was still stressed and kept thinking of more things that I needed to do before the guests arrived. I also had 3 children to dress and promised the Birthday Girl that I would give her a special birthday hairstyle. Oh, and then there was ME - I needed to shower, apply makeup, comb hair and get dressed too! <br />
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On top of the normal party prepping routine of finishing off the decor, transferring food items from the fridge to their designated areas, cleaning up the kitchen, etc. - my mom and I had the task of shortening Addyson's party dress which was a few inches too long. Although a simple process, it involved me cutting the fabric off myself and then<b><i> burning </i></b>the edges of the fabric to melt the ends together and prevent fraying. A quick back story on the dress - I ordered it in early May but when it arrived it didn't fit (as in the bodice was so tight that Addyson was stuck in the dress for awhile as I tugged and pulled and pulled and tugged to get her out of it, and when I finally freed her we were both sweating and she had red marks all over her) so I sent it back to the woman that made it and she offered to make a new one and assured me that I would have it long before the party. A few weeks later I received an e-mail saying that the dress was on it's way and would arrive in plenty of time, about 8 days before her party, but as of 3 days before <b>there was no dress.</b> Turns out, it was shipped to the wrong address and sent back to the woman that made it, but she was out of town and didn't know that it was on her doorstep. Somehow a neighbor got involved and managed to get the correct address and ship our new dress via FedEx so we received it <b>the day before the party.</b> <i>Whew!</i> This time it fit much better but was still too long so I was told that the "heat setting" process was an easy way for me to adjust the length myself. Soooo, my mom and I took the dress and a lighter out into the garage and while I held the dress she<i> ever so carefully </i>lit the lighter and burnt the ends of the birthday dress. The entire time I was waiting for the whole dress to go up in flames but it didn't:) Problem solved. Sort of (see below).<br />
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Conveniently <i>(for him anyway)</i>, my dear husband wasn't present during that last frantic hour of pre-party prepping. He was out picking up the nugget tray from Chick-fil-a and grabbing a few things at Target (because he just couldn't wait to get his deodorant AFTER the party). While he was gone both of our families came onto the scene early followed by the 1st party guest who was also a bit early. At that point Addyson was finally dressed and her hair was styled complete with a new tiara that we brought back for her from the Disney store in Chicago, but her dress was still too long so she was standing in the living room with my mom holding the overlay up in the air while I crazily cut away at the tulle underneath with a giant pair of scissors. That's how she greeted her 1st party guest. <i>With her</i> <i>dress up over her head. </i> And I greeted the mother who was dropping her child off to be in my care for the next 1.5 hours wielding scissors and rambling about how the dress was too long and we were almost done fixing it, blah, blah, blah. And I was sweating. I don't sweat. <br />
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But finally the party was underway and everything went as planned, including a surprise visit from Cinderella. I continued to sweat and barely spoke to most of the adult attendees because I was busy managing the party activities and trying to keep the little guests entertained, but my stress level was almost down to a normal range at that point and the Birthday Girl had an absolute blast. <br />
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After the party was over and most of the guests had left I looked down and realized that I was wearing black flip-flops. I have no idea why or when I put them on. That's how blurry those last few hours leading up to the party were/are for me. Apparently I got drunk on stress and party planning adrenaline. Thus, <i>the hangover.</i>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607887623391884429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744153684058870605.post-44814306034595959692012-04-30T12:48:00.000-07:002012-04-30T12:48:10.848-07:00What Mommy Wants<b>Mother's Day</b> is quickly approaching (<i>can you believe that it's almost May already???</i>) and while I'm having trouble coming up with unique but practical gift ideas for my own mother, I'm having no problem compiling a <b>Wish List</b> of things that <b>I</b> would like to receive. <br />
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Most of my wanted items are small and inexpensive. I mean, of course there are things that I want that have a $300+ price tag but I know that I'm not actually going to get any of those items. <i>We are still on a budget around here after all.</i> And I tend to feel guilty when large amounts of money are spent on a single item.<br />
<i><br /></i><br />
So let's get to it - here are some of the things on this mommy's <b>Most Wanted List!</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LnXTLXAi6ZKW2PpbZBKLbRNwlF9r_b8bATwo9q-qtBnU_C88-2j2pgyvNthiA5LPaoXJ-ibnCOA-GwT2w961ropUbibnoPC-26oJFqiRGdPh5XnG26MU5oTEM-tTAoLb4Vm5I4LSTUQ/s1600/bayoudress.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LnXTLXAi6ZKW2PpbZBKLbRNwlF9r_b8bATwo9q-qtBnU_C88-2j2pgyvNthiA5LPaoXJ-ibnCOA-GwT2w961ropUbibnoPC-26oJFqiRGdPh5XnG26MU5oTEM-tTAoLb4Vm5I4LSTUQ/s320/bayoudress.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Born on the Bayou" dress from Spool No. 72<br />Order it <a href="http://www.spool72.com/58417/743697/Dresses/Born-on-the-Bayou-Dress.html">here</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANpix0bP1V6lwNsvJMSHAgloVNHga-eV0yyZv7A1I4WaeTUfwBBxcDhAT51tBZ5YzFQtwaTyq3WRufplohyphenhyphenK8U5bzoPN5XyGQ1dzCta8WRwsaYC4n5sNwzLOZdbIKUcuybnfiSO5qdAk/s1600/amyatlas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANpix0bP1V6lwNsvJMSHAgloVNHga-eV0yyZv7A1I4WaeTUfwBBxcDhAT51tBZ5YzFQtwaTyq3WRufplohyphenhyphenK8U5bzoPN5XyGQ1dzCta8WRwsaYC4n5sNwzLOZdbIKUcuybnfiSO5qdAk/s320/amyatlas.JPG" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Sweet Designs" book by Amy Atlas,<br />the Queen of the Dessert Table.<br />Available at many retailers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_O9ivblgWvjB0ydXoe9DDI8IMH0iLklKtZNeeZgmECHn0bwILu_LB_vp10tZbnE_Ldoqh-kt1GnmnHsPK1KbalvIgDjGPoPMiQPHWbvkfOGMLdPoaUNXUzGXqX4b4MSRp7pQcO33uns/s1600/whitedenim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_O9ivblgWvjB0ydXoe9DDI8IMH0iLklKtZNeeZgmECHn0bwILu_LB_vp10tZbnE_Ldoqh-kt1GnmnHsPK1KbalvIgDjGPoPMiQPHWbvkfOGMLdPoaUNXUzGXqX4b4MSRp7pQcO33uns/s320/whitedenim.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White denim jacket. <br />This one is from <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/jolt-cropped-colored-denim-jacket-juniors/3240626?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_ite=jolt_cropped_colored_denim_jacket_(juniors):506471&cm_pla=jacket/sportcoat:women:jacket&cm_ven=Froogle&mr:referralID=NA&mr:trackingCode=0322D201-5641-E111-9E12-001517B1882A">Nordstrom</a> but I've also seen<br />cute ones at Old Navy, Gap and American Eagle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYc74lP4oDz5_9rFO3IRCHolANTCBQnpAMnnYaC5hheMQ833Z2idRk4WvWfpgKA-95YgtA0AzmRExrXSq646MNvwYiN24GfYL50mR000TAOihYGBoK35UuJvd1ve2ZrrE83Twh6FcPuu0/s1600/zigzagring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYc74lP4oDz5_9rFO3IRCHolANTCBQnpAMnnYaC5hheMQ833Z2idRk4WvWfpgKA-95YgtA0AzmRExrXSq646MNvwYiN24GfYL50mR000TAOihYGBoK35UuJvd1ve2ZrrE83Twh6FcPuu0/s320/zigzagring.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Set of 6 enamel zig-zag rings.<br />Available <a href="http://us.asos.com/countryid/2/ASOS-Pack-of-Six-Enamel-Zig-Zag-Rings/xrqg0/?iid=2037512&cid=4175&Rf900=1544&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=Multi&mporgp=L0FTT1MvQVNPUy1QYWNrLW9mLVNpeC1FbmFtZWwtWmlnLVphZy1SaW5ncy9Qcm9kLw..&MID=35719&affid=2135&siteID=QFGLnEolOWg-4YAdgI1mB33yASKMznAeIg">here</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6CtG6vuL9MSPPjlQ5ND1OmLSOdtsmpWWS_0QzUi-BekDmPfxxuE3oA-JdoFUCDT6oGs6_MUH0hMPgDVTt6YJmvJAjmQ-oEVKEDvnSlJ5yEinM7EXx2vBAeqb3jzKL4d4JLPdApVvwMM/s1600/tori.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6CtG6vuL9MSPPjlQ5ND1OmLSOdtsmpWWS_0QzUi-BekDmPfxxuE3oA-JdoFUCDT6oGs6_MUH0hMPgDVTt6YJmvJAjmQ-oEVKEDvnSlJ5yEinM7EXx2vBAeqb3jzKL4d4JLPdApVvwMM/s320/tori.JPG" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Because I am such a party planning freak there are 2 books<br />on that topic that made my list:)<br />"celebraTORI" by Tori Spelling<br />Available at many retailers.</td></tr>
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<i>And just for fun</i> - here are a few of the pricier items that have caught my eye recently:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebK9zI9S7xZY7fRO_x5t0AofYGy0BiB71UEv7LqWe826IrRMYXupKuRGt7i7NrKjFlTTTJr6wvTHrIfSVlbv9Z8XAh-LiwPbf0LkswY7VZQohcQY_KugAW_uWdIpdL2HuXgtOe6GsZx0/s1600/258957047293941311_mF4puebz_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebK9zI9S7xZY7fRO_x5t0AofYGy0BiB71UEv7LqWe826IrRMYXupKuRGt7i7NrKjFlTTTJr6wvTHrIfSVlbv9Z8XAh-LiwPbf0LkswY7VZQohcQY_KugAW_uWdIpdL2HuXgtOe6GsZx0/s320/258957047293941311_mF4puebz_f.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kendra Scott earrings<br />available at <a href="http://www.laylagrayce.com/Products/Kendra-Scott-Kat-Earrings-in-Yellow__KSE3402G.aspx">Layla Grace</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi375TgwlyNl9vGk7WTB_VX4f4jEk-bK6x_mcN-T02_suTnlGgrhyphenhyphenn3byYA8Hjm58A28I87otUu9CfEilXluJLJgXHS34idEjetWNGCZrHuuI2UkwEspGp3nADliW0Ct4jUZXYhXe3YD_8/s1600/oliphant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi375TgwlyNl9vGk7WTB_VX4f4jEk-bK6x_mcN-T02_suTnlGgrhyphenhyphenn3byYA8Hjm58A28I87otUu9CfEilXluJLJgXHS34idEjetWNGCZrHuuI2UkwEspGp3nADliW0Ct4jUZXYhXe3YD_8/s320/oliphant.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zanzibar bauble necklace<br />from <a href="http://oliphantdesign.com/necklaces/chunky-bold/sea-green-bauble-necklace">Oliphant Design</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JLLFPE50qwAmtu3eWfExdvWofNtsR2jJc6z8t1jKlorif_1xw7byxFAuE-b44BV2Lqot44AehcFxLzHnxB7_EhhrpxULplDfN7oByC7m3gmVcp8jO-C4IBsAPrf_-v8flIiALX-RQOM/s1600/tb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JLLFPE50qwAmtu3eWfExdvWofNtsR2jJc6z8t1jKlorif_1xw7byxFAuE-b44BV2Lqot44AehcFxLzHnxB7_EhhrpxULplDfN7oByC7m3gmVcp8jO-C4IBsAPrf_-v8flIiALX-RQOM/s320/tb.jpg" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tory Burch "Robinson" backpack<br />available <a href="http://www.toryburch.com/ROBINSON-BACKPACK/11129881,default,pd.html?dwvar_11129881_color=920&start=56&cgid=handbags-view-all">here</a>.</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/AVvXsEgGx8r_9B4M2i86dUSS0xgDc6qOcA0PePL7QuRQ0cuzA0nQ970vUQMAJxjn7VhqoK_X_4Ds1rDQy4DsHDJFptnoYWOao7vOgEdNSzrQfVhcUCmorZ9xtAbwaOytXnlIBiUyDq_tIRi5TwA/s1600/woodneck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGx8r_9B4M2i86dUSS0xgDc6qOcA0PePL7QuRQ0cuzA0nQ970vUQMAJxjn7VhqoK_X_4Ds1rDQy4DsHDJFptnoYWOao7vOgEdNSzrQfVhcUCmorZ9xtAbwaOytXnlIBiUyDq_tIRi5TwA/s320/woodneck.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood beaded necklace by Rossana Fani<br />available <a href="http://www.farfetch.com/shopping/women/rossana-fani-isabella-handmade-beaded-necklace-item-10179208.aspx">here</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
You might notice an <i>accessories theme</i> happening in the more expensive category. I do love jewelry and handbags! Problem is, I cannot justify spending tons of money on things that can't be worn/used every day or at least a few times a week. The items on List #1 are much more affordable and practical, and all things that I would get a lot of use out of.</div>
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<b><i>Happy Mother's Day!</i></b><br /><div>
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</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607887623391884429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744153684058870605.post-59985301564616206132012-04-23T12:57:00.000-07:002012-04-23T12:57:28.480-07:00Craft, Decorate, Repeat {The Story of My Life}It has been 5 months since we moved (<i>wow, has it really been that long already?</i>) and I have literally been crafting and decorating <b>nonstop</b> since November. Not only is this house slightly larger than our old one in North Carolina, but it has a much different floor plan, which has required a lot of re-working in the decorating department. We gained one full bathroom and finally transitioned Addyson to her Big Girl Room, so the home decorating projects have been continuous and many of them have been <b style="font-style: italic;">do-it-yourselfers.</b> <br />
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I really enjoy DIY projects, mainly because I'm strange like that and crafting/creating is fun for me, but also because we are on a tight budget and DIY is usually more cost effective. It may take more time and effort but in the end it's <strike>always</strike> usually worth it. I like seeing my own work around the house and I feel some sense of accomplishment when my projects are completed.<br />
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Here's a peek at some of the DIY crafting/decorating projects that I have completed over the past 5 months. Please forgive the randomness - these projects are from various rooms - but I've literally been <i>all over the place</i> while decorating this house! I'm also really bad at remembering to take "before" photos so these are all "finished product" 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/AVvXsEgXBa29eT7az8xddTLRCPEx26BvyMByfBmA0ZMI47yJsoNUgqIg4U5Tdg6Uj5eZralsTJ3qc_WBPN8AKD8TL-Pg1xXXHt08Wqq6iCslkVAvQRtCZciLrDnd4P2b48fMkz83b7j2WaYHSBg/s1600/IMG_8750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBa29eT7az8xddTLRCPEx26BvyMByfBmA0ZMI47yJsoNUgqIg4U5Tdg6Uj5eZralsTJ3qc_WBPN8AKD8TL-Pg1xXXHt08Wqq6iCslkVAvQRtCZciLrDnd4P2b48fMkz83b7j2WaYHSBg/s320/IMG_8750.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shelf in guest bedroom - spray painted old shelf black<br />and used vases and live/love letters from old dining room.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IELOjAIVsdZbQkcBA9AphYJcmjEoq3A5I4NICB6wB0fiHE-jHc7RmCDm-zfQARepKD820pR4YdCElHrp6IxTX4lRtx_7cWgHayJYPinQAOphsgGS00r6dzjcVbFHjXHeiw3ICdlLs1Y/s1600/IMG_8752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IELOjAIVsdZbQkcBA9AphYJcmjEoq3A5I4NICB6wB0fiHE-jHc7RmCDm-zfQARepKD820pR4YdCElHrp6IxTX4lRtx_7cWgHayJYPinQAOphsgGS00r6dzjcVbFHjXHeiw3ICdlLs1Y/s320/IMG_8752.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toy room decor - used acrylic paint, $2 photo frames<br />and FREE printables from internet. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHka9Pe2rZw2sDWvXGU3y-Ou3fxDbhrVbmGxaQAl0Rb5UkoCVHi8u8iVfzti7eir4TZlub09pHcByypPsrJ7bgBbx4uFMV3-SpBqlBXeTpAmiNCBoBbTxgnXLWoxORhQrX1YgUTfM6ME/s1600/IMG_8757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHka9Pe2rZw2sDWvXGU3y-Ou3fxDbhrVbmGxaQAl0Rb5UkoCVHi8u8iVfzti7eir4TZlub09pHcByypPsrJ7bgBbx4uFMV3-SpBqlBXeTpAmiNCBoBbTxgnXLWoxORhQrX1YgUTfM6ME/s320/IMG_8757.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clothesline picture frames - made using old Ikea frames w/front<br />removed. Added paint and used fishing wire and mini clothespins<br />to create photo displays.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQY5N6r95iKVby1YQR60Yrndb5jvgGOE2UEkGZsXP-ucas6bf0BXw-twOHbpJs_Ts8W3qB77YZ0SY5MIdpeZGfa_1DzHp0pIzrmAoDlK7fhtZbpmCltD5KI0ynkr3v7Eyef9P-3gR-yA/s1600/IMG_8758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQY5N6r95iKVby1YQR60Yrndb5jvgGOE2UEkGZsXP-ucas6bf0BXw-twOHbpJs_Ts8W3qB77YZ0SY5MIdpeZGfa_1DzHp0pIzrmAoDlK7fhtZbpmCltD5KI0ynkr3v7Eyef9P-3gR-yA/s320/IMG_8758.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DIY bulletin boards - made using foam boards<br />and fabric from Hobby Lobby.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqQ4t6ljYNKDAb5d2xBjQFqnvhY0IQzYtrGgZGYPQu9xVocpIhuLul82HD6JKH4gERzze0CPAomsLz7sZPDclka5H9mBj9l9WIu0NOUDxNQgFlLLKeL3o3HX0KUJJOwzHq2LIVv_tkvw/s1600/IMG_8759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqQ4t6ljYNKDAb5d2xBjQFqnvhY0IQzYtrGgZGYPQu9xVocpIhuLul82HD6JKH4gERzze0CPAomsLz7sZPDclka5H9mBj9l9WIu0NOUDxNQgFlLLKeL3o3HX0KUJJOwzHq2LIVv_tkvw/s320/IMG_8759.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anthropologie inspired letters made with supplies<br />from Hobby Lobby.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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These are just a few of my smaller completed DIY projects and there are many more to come!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Get the free state/country printables <a href="http://qadesigns.blogspot.com/2012/03/free-downloadable-prints.html">here</a>.</div>
<div>
And see the tutorial for the Anthropologie inspired zinc letters <a href="http://www.sugarandcharmblog.com/2011/03/zinc-inspired-letters.html">here</a>.<br /><br /></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607887623391884429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744153684058870605.post-78777728325410965942012-04-20T13:00:00.000-07:002012-04-20T13:00:19.440-07:00Addysons Big Girl Room<span style="font-weight: bold;">Mission complete!</span><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i><i> For now. </i>There are still a few very small details that I would like to add to the room, but nothing that is going to make or break it. All of the big projects are finally complete so I am ready to share this room transformation in it's entirety. <br />
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I can't even remember when we officially started working on <b>The Big Girl Room Project</b>, but I do know that it has been ongoing for about 3 months. It has been a true <i>labor of love</i> and has consisted of several DIY projects (translation - <i>I did most of the work</i>), but Addyson loves her room so it was all well worth it!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This was my <b>inspiration room </b>found on Pinterest:<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/AVvXsEg6N4QHneUrpYspcPQ9T6Tfmq5NjXhXWC1Rr6hQSTL0v6Jxb4ObBB_kwkotr44b8hopyxKmzRJ90ZvEQtZXGgo6ONVxUWEQ2-PTXa4yZxmby-y44EhOe77_ln5S3nCtnYoOaZ-OD7c9kjg/s1600/addysonroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6N4QHneUrpYspcPQ9T6Tfmq5NjXhXWC1Rr6hQSTL0v6Jxb4ObBB_kwkotr44b8hopyxKmzRJ90ZvEQtZXGgo6ONVxUWEQ2-PTXa4yZxmby-y44EhOe77_ln5S3nCtnYoOaZ-OD7c9kjg/s320/addysonroom.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink and powder blue color scheme.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Here's how our <b>room transformation<i> </i></b>went down:<div>The bed came first and is a very basic and inexpensive piece from Target. I like the platform style, simple lines, drawers underneath for storage and of course - the price! There was a coordinating bookcase headboard which we opted not to buy for budget reasons, but now I'm wishing that we had. Of course, it's no longer available! Instead the plan in to pile pillows of various sizes and fabrics where the headboard would be so that it doesn't look quite so barren there. The <i>pillow project</i> is on my very short list of things that still need to be done in the room.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LA5CsOVRoEoah4MWTVtk1YPR-DMUnI7bza0mGHbslf4QUCBYr0NfegsiisvLuGUK2wvvySQxe3iNfIQqhWpUMYrDbRqzrYNkT6bDDDer9L48YxayYga0Hg67TeGHItvxw61mZizUAlw/s1600/IMG_8726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LA5CsOVRoEoah4MWTVtk1YPR-DMUnI7bza0mGHbslf4QUCBYr0NfegsiisvLuGUK2wvvySQxe3iNfIQqhWpUMYrDbRqzrYNkT6bDDDer9L48YxayYga0Hg67TeGHItvxw61mZizUAlw/s320/IMG_8726.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White platform "Delano" bed from Target. <br />
There are 3 storage drawers on the front but they are hidden buy the duvet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div>Next came the dresser. This piece was a donation from my sister and required some work but it turned out well! Click <a href="http://tulipsandtoadstools.blogspot.com/2012/04/dressing-up-dresser.html">here</a> to read the full post on the dresser makeover.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpac8hc2n5ICPi-MH8OFL7sNAL-N880dyYMCP-8UXZ8Mwd4JnkI9MKQeO_m4RTznUs6pFbaWj_0m8gcaeygnv6pwRIBdNvtG0c0TV3MdRFIVt0DtrvdeVaBKktOtT5u64BaYuBaXyeRh8/s1600/IMG_8516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpac8hc2n5ICPi-MH8OFL7sNAL-N880dyYMCP-8UXZ8Mwd4JnkI9MKQeO_m4RTznUs6pFbaWj_0m8gcaeygnv6pwRIBdNvtG0c0TV3MdRFIVt0DtrvdeVaBKktOtT5u64BaYuBaXyeRh8/s320/IMG_8516.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dresser AFTER it's makeover!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div>The tissue poms and pinwheel garland are DIY projects that I made. Both were simple and inexpensive. I found several great tutorials online and used bits and pieces from each to come up with my own how-to. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMQwlPadRtvKWN98eD21cRWFBrc-9AVuNdOXqNpKioxphH4MJVtC8viTJKe2jvlQkbV-NX3TGLhjZa07qMijLi9fjr2E5rlijjlsBu1ptXSORZjTv634N9F5OnkTYChylwc0hSDgHUmM/s1600/IMG_8724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMQwlPadRtvKWN98eD21cRWFBrc-9AVuNdOXqNpKioxphH4MJVtC8viTJKe2jvlQkbV-NX3TGLhjZa07qMijLi9fjr2E5rlijjlsBu1ptXSORZjTv634N9F5OnkTYChylwc0hSDgHUmM/s320/IMG_8724.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinwheel garland made using scrapbook paper, brads and ribbon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div>And last but certainly least - <i>The Gallery Wall. </i>This was the last phase of the room to be completed and took the most time and effort, but I LOVE it! Click <a href="http://tulipsandtoadstools.blogspot.com/2012/04/addysons-grueling-gallery-wall.html">here</a> to read the full post on the gallery wall.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIFKAlIZQ1BV4eBtiZ_QOg6u2VWcHAf7fE6z1RPjC7dLDhNIHOmhelIda-yR4wJ59v2HThNj3ZPElWiTZtYursWD9kUczXrdBgAAGQ2cEs-YMzwg6pueOzwO_reHM7E27VKtImxPBd7Y/s1600/IMG_8740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIFKAlIZQ1BV4eBtiZ_QOg6u2VWcHAf7fE6z1RPjC7dLDhNIHOmhelIda-yR4wJ59v2HThNj3ZPElWiTZtYursWD9kUczXrdBgAAGQ2cEs-YMzwg6pueOzwO_reHM7E27VKtImxPBd7Y/s320/IMG_8740.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The completed gallery wall.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>And there you have it - <b>Addyson's Big Girl Room!</b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmgm2U9GJz0V51V8a74XcWpPMb4KJ1L2eCjh4d0xVVdClLGWndUZAHa4cR1YxdLrThNQkreAK6ekm9ylombBjwhPrIa1ICk-eX8HPs0ini2FBBlkWpsy3oItHO5ZyVtrRAkYQBJnS5OQ/s1600/IMG_8761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmgm2U9GJz0V51V8a74XcWpPMb4KJ1L2eCjh4d0xVVdClLGWndUZAHa4cR1YxdLrThNQkreAK6ekm9ylombBjwhPrIa1ICk-eX8HPs0ini2FBBlkWpsy3oItHO5ZyVtrRAkYQBJnS5OQ/s320/IMG_8761.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from hallway</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div>Overall I am beyond happy with the way that everything turned out. I do wish that we could have painted the entire room to maximize the effect of the pink/blue color scheme, but since this home is a rental there are limitations. I'm actually not sure that we are supposed to paint at all, so at least this way we only have 1 wall to "unpaint" if necessary.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCmIJMWkBifYDtMh1UyQGGbWlhRbsCTes_eVtW5NAY_86Q3_nZBcFmydCsu6FhnBCNdCEEoU3ZUqsm7Sm47J3Wy9_QDEXNJZh-DTVvgHMplm46uglXoiOjv38ilnGKxNWNhbcY80kZ-s/s1600/IMG_8742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCmIJMWkBifYDtMh1UyQGGbWlhRbsCTes_eVtW5NAY_86Q3_nZBcFmydCsu6FhnBCNdCEEoU3ZUqsm7Sm47J3Wy9_QDEXNJZh-DTVvgHMplm46uglXoiOjv38ilnGKxNWNhbcY80kZ-s/s320/IMG_8742.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full view of gallery wall w/dresser.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>This has been such a fun project for me, and Addyson was all smiles each time I showed her something new for her room, so that made it even more special and worth my time and efforts. Next up will be Cooper's Big Boy Room but we have a few months to prep for that one!</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Random Details:</b></div><div>Duvet cover - <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/kids-girl-bedding/kids-bedding/tea-time-bedding/f7986">The Land of Nod</a></div><div>Pink storage baskets - <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/kids-storage-collections/kids-storage-and-shelving/strapping-storage/f854">The Land of Nod</a></div><div>House pillow - The Land of Nod (no longer available)</div><div>White flower pillow - <a href="http://www.target.com/p/Xhilaration-Flower-Decorative-Pillow-White/-/A-13488348">Target</a> </div><div>Rug - <a href="http://www.target.com/p/Circo-Textured-Chenille-Rug-Pink-30x50/-/A-11206424">Target</a></div><div>Pink jewelry form (on dresser) - Hobby Lobby</div><div>Elephant piggy bank - Pottery Barn Kids (used again from nursery)</div><div>Pink tray (on dresser) - Target "Dollar Spot"</div><div>Crystal perfume bottles (on tray) - Target</div><div>Blue watering can (on tray) - JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts</div><div>Paint color - "Bewitching Blue" by Sherwin-Williams</div><div><br />
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</div></div></div></div></div></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607887623391884429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744153684058870605.post-67449450549767006332012-04-17T13:46:00.000-07:002012-04-17T13:46:56.133-07:00Addyson's Grueling Gallery WallDon't let the title fool you, I LOVE the way that the gallery wall in Addyson's room turned out, but <i><b>grueling</b></i> was the best adjective that I could come up with to the describe the process of pulling it all together. It took over 2 months to collect all of the pieces for the wall and I spent countless hours looking at artwork on Etsy, spray painting (and sometimes re-painting) items, and making it all work together. <br />
<br />
This was my 1st time doing a full-on gallery wall with so many pieces but I'm very happy with the result. My biggest tidbits of advice when doing a gallery wall are:<br />
<br />
1. Take your time and <i>be patient</i> in finding all of the "right" pieces.<br />
2. <i>Use a mix of items</i> to add interest and depth. I used mirrors, photos, artwork, etc.<br />
3. Look around your house for items that you can repurpose. <i>Don't be afraid </i>to make changes to existing items to make them fit with your theme. Spray paint was my best friend during this project.<br />
4. <i>Have a plan</i> before you start hammering and poking holes in the wall. Lay everything out on the floor in front of the wall that you will be using. Take pictures of different layouts so that you can see your options and remember where you positioned each item.<br />
5. <i>Know when to say when.</i> There were several other pieces that I wanted for this space but I didn't want to overtake the entire wall so I stopped when I felt that I had reached a good balance.<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/AVvXsEj_n59dvU-azGcEhQ9rLsbYfF8INYDFJfHvjg9kzEBUxvojkSQMx3UgIp8J2P6CBe86xKZDVo0WqYO5Ze5qH-MjEwuHII9ra5dGK7xGnwbKT_iks3rj5rC-OsTqDAtzo6GnwRnm6Pfvxmg/s1600/IMG_8740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_n59dvU-azGcEhQ9rLsbYfF8INYDFJfHvjg9kzEBUxvojkSQMx3UgIp8J2P6CBe86xKZDVo0WqYO5Ze5qH-MjEwuHII9ra5dGK7xGnwbKT_iks3rj5rC-OsTqDAtzo6GnwRnm6Pfvxmg/s320/IMG_8740.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mission Complete!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFcd-A9RHIriIrziiOyckbtDRyvRCga9YFf6vBIKv4dPPBnjfzWV1un2b7ZdDya2FzSviTPAKASiGf95MFZrBFWlolF-h0ClcDiAMqQZDgWiCFalR-r49cAHeiUJFnzAbHYxZBZS2_NU/s1600/IMG_8741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFcd-A9RHIriIrziiOyckbtDRyvRCga9YFf6vBIKv4dPPBnjfzWV1un2b7ZdDya2FzSviTPAKASiGf95MFZrBFWlolF-h0ClcDiAMqQZDgWiCFalR-r49cAHeiUJFnzAbHYxZBZS2_NU/s320/IMG_8741.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full view of wall.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Details/Product Info:</b><div>Starburst mirrors - purchased from Pottery Barn Kids on clearance over 3 years ago and spray painted to match (they were an off-white color).</div><div>Photo plaques - wood plaques from Hobby Lobby ranging in price from $0.99-1.99, painted with acrylic paints. Photos are Mod Podged on to plaques. Super easy project!</div><div>Knob decor - purchased from Hobby Lobby. They still sell this item but I bought these over 2 years ago and used them in Addyson's room at our old house.</div><div>Good Morning Beautiful and ABC prints - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/westeightythird">Etsy</a> </div><div>I Believe in Pink print - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/elissahudson">Etsy</a></div><div>Custom silhouette - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PlumStreetPrints?ref=seller_info">Etsy</a></div><div>Tissue poms (shown in full view photo) - DIY project.</div><div><br />
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</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607887623391884429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744153684058870605.post-50321245469664474762012-04-16T12:54:00.000-07:002012-04-16T12:54:40.732-07:00Entryway MakeoverWe have been living in our current home for about 6 months now and while I feel that I've accomplished <b><i>a lot</i></b> in the way of decorating, I still have TONS to do. My taste and plan for the house continues to evolve, so even after a certain area or project is "finished" I find myself going back to tweak a bit. Such is the case with our entryway.<br />
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We have a console/sofa table that I have owned for years upon years. I'm pretty sure that I had it before Matt and I ever even met, so for at least 9 years. It is an inexpensive piece from Target and thankfully a pretty classic style, so it has sort of fit in wherever we have lived. Actually, it has fit into <i>the entryway</i> of each of our homes over the past 9 years. Always the same table with a few picture frames and other knick knacks on it and a mirror of some sort hanging above it. <b><i>Until now!</i></b><br />
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It started off as the <i>same old table </i>- a few picture frames, a bowl from Ikea and a set of candlesticks. Everything gray and white. Nothing hanging above this time. I racked my brains trying to think of ways to incorporate yellow since the color scheme of the great room is yellow/gray/white, but the table is only so big and we're stuck with the walls as they are since we are renting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOYA31wdI_IvFBa0J2tqzDvKx6KoLWg-uNt8i2LNiATWay06eJXHMYxvH4-JaOWitq6Zgqa2fCrb1uNsi_h1tisZxiuby4QUTpJjTbqIRToJcNXuo08G_dq2jVKtsTkQV1cpdOeIRegM/s1600/IMG_8478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOYA31wdI_IvFBa0J2tqzDvKx6KoLWg-uNt8i2LNiATWay06eJXHMYxvH4-JaOWitq6Zgqa2fCrb1uNsi_h1tisZxiuby4QUTpJjTbqIRToJcNXuo08G_dq2jVKtsTkQV1cpdOeIRegM/s320/IMG_8478.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BORING!!! Beige, gray and white!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>But<b><i> then </i></b>I saw<b><i> this </i></b>photo on Pinterest:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgf2z_zAFhFF8wdWtfAh7F1mb_w_Xfl4WDOHLH6jCtzvgsyrwoc5xB1hInRGFs59DnY98PCjlNjwPHH5bwS3iPobhE2pBObte49RusZycnGTQtDmf-dw-lPQm26aI2eAV5_H0U9XAPrs/s1600/217298750740175276_fXEIlk3S_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgf2z_zAFhFF8wdWtfAh7F1mb_w_Xfl4WDOHLH6jCtzvgsyrwoc5xB1hInRGFs59DnY98PCjlNjwPHH5bwS3iPobhE2pBObte49RusZycnGTQtDmf-dw-lPQm26aI2eAV5_H0U9XAPrs/s320/217298750740175276_fXEIlk3S_f.jpg" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Console table with wallpaper backdrop. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><i style="font-weight: bold;">Ah-ha! </i><i>There's my yellow! </i>And sort of in a big way but without being too much. Now, where to find yellow wallpaper? Ugh, wallpaper is expensive and then there's the whole process of hanging it, and since this is a rental home we can't do anything permanent or something that will damage the walls. So maybe wallpaper is not the best choice for our home. <i>So then what? </i>I'll tell you what! I decided that if I could get a piece of fabric large enough that I could turn it into faux wallpaper and hang it behind my table. And thanks to <a href="http://www.fabric.com/">fabric.com</a> and the sewing talents of my aunt (I needed her to cut it down to the correct size and finish the edges for me) I was able to do just that <b><i>and</i></b> for less than $25! <i>Much less</i> expensive than buying wallpaper and <i>much less </i>labor intensive!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPTBwGoLj_9vgkE3Qj8zFfVpGssVry5mn9nS54cnTWLuD-9rtbqSujPqRoxwqk49zKFdExpUzRssoVsq1hpOFrjQOj01k6KpS3hZPp1UpahhRwMDSPiljSwE9AAitoDbz-YRs-T-mO4I/s1600/suzcornyellowslub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPTBwGoLj_9vgkE3Qj8zFfVpGssVry5mn9nS54cnTWLuD-9rtbqSujPqRoxwqk49zKFdExpUzRssoVsq1hpOFrjQOj01k6KpS3hZPp1UpahhRwMDSPiljSwE9AAitoDbz-YRs-T-mO4I/s320/suzcornyellowslub.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Premier Prints suzani corn yellow fabric.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>But something still wasn't quite right. <i>Still not enough color.</i> I started adding pops of turquoise in other areas of the upstairs (we have an open floor plan where the living/dining areas and kitchen are all one large room) so I decided to add some here too. And just my luck - Target was having their Buy 1, Get 1 50% off home decor sale so I was able to score 2 lamp bases and 2 shades for around $50 total.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>So now I have my yellow backdrop and my pops of turquoise! And we are ready to revamp the entryway!</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPm0uKtBVEeRlYQvKM9cuS-eGCfShpBbt1AdNPO84cHxTTquqJh1YP3E5b_m_mctST7PbKLT1xYDCkRbwShOkpXI_eHXtVOJ_tC3isCszdFbjQHMc-R0Zk41hpIqZM3P9aA6hnZvwN5Cc/s1600/IMG_8745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPm0uKtBVEeRlYQvKM9cuS-eGCfShpBbt1AdNPO84cHxTTquqJh1YP3E5b_m_mctST7PbKLT1xYDCkRbwShOkpXI_eHXtVOJ_tC3isCszdFbjQHMc-R0Zk41hpIqZM3P9aA6hnZvwN5Cc/s320/IMG_8745.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ta-Da! I still need to work on pinning down <br />
the sides and bottom of the fabric but it's close!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmwJo83FXBrB8Xtg_Je0XH2WGuD4j4jwTXs3ggzQvhKp5F0rUyAK5RNQwL_Ub5ap7Up6T-CIN14VqQ0zWXUH7m3zatFlfYd8q9-zX93pDNCKtQK5Rd_H6U4dJyQKLeSEKpI5NnNe1n6Q/s1600/IMG_8744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmwJo83FXBrB8Xtg_Je0XH2WGuD4j4jwTXs3ggzQvhKp5F0rUyAK5RNQwL_Ub5ap7Up6T-CIN14VqQ0zWXUH7m3zatFlfYd8q9-zX93pDNCKtQK5Rd_H6U4dJyQKLeSEKpI5NnNe1n6Q/s320/IMG_8744.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And with the lights off.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Next I want to ditch the runner rug underneath the table and purchase a nice big rug for the entryway, and ideally the walls would be painted gray, but since this is a rental we are somewhat limited with what we can do. For now though I'm happy with this!</span></div></td></tr>
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</div></div></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607887623391884429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744153684058870605.post-88041701943407358452012-04-12T11:21:00.000-07:002012-04-12T11:21:39.758-07:00Dressing Up the DresserRemember awhile back when I wrote <a href="http://tulipsandtoadstools.blogspot.com/2012/02/nifty-thrifty.html">this post</a> and <a href="http://tulipsandtoadstools.blogspot.com/2012/02/nifty-thrifty-update.html">this one</a> about my adventures (or lack thereof) in thrift shopping? While I had no luck, my sister always seems to and she has some great finds to show for it. <i>And wouldn't you know</i> - she just happened to have a spare dresser that she scored for only $20 at an antique store just sitting around, so she offered it to me.<br />
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We needed a dresser of some sort for Addyson's <b>Big Girl Room Makeover </b>so I took my sister up on her offer. I thought that it would be a fun DIY project that would add a little character to the room. Little did I know that the condition of the dresser was questionable <i>(to say the least)</i>. Cell phone photos can be deceiving! Nonetheless I wanted to give it a chance and see what we could make of it.<br />
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Upon it's arrival at our house there were several places where the paint was peeling off, the drawers contained mouse droppings (when I said that the dresser was sitting around I meant in storage in my parents' unfinished basement where mice sometimes tend to hangout during the winter months), the top wood layer was peeling off, it was covered in cobwebs and the drawer liners were stained and coming out (the coming out part was a blessing because said liners were stained and ripped). As my sister said, <i>I should have known </i>that for $20 the dresser wasn't in great condition, but I wasn't expecting quite so much wear and tear. Still, it was a cute piece and I just knew that with some TLC it would be just fine for Addyson's room.<br />
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Thankfully my dad is somewhat handy (please note that I said <i>somewhat</i>) and was willing to spend 3 hours of his time sanding and priming the dresser so that I could then "fix it up". So my part in the makeover turned out to be quite simple after all of my dad's hard work. I simply spray painted the drawer fronts a light shade of pink and replaced the old knobs with new ones from Hobby Lobby. <i style="font-weight: bold;">And viola! </i>Just like new! Sort of. The drawers don't slide in and out very smoothly and there are still some knicks and dents here and there, but overall it turned out pretty well. And Addyson loves it!<br />
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Check out the before, during and after photos:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DRSi6AfDnsUb-QdVfszNGYH5ZoYzsAnxj3zCLVCKuh-W-FIVJOldVzoJwn5VllkGtP3ZwvYaLg7g5jZOr_cLYYcnY_VTiYxB_1GLyN0uTogslOqt1yz5IStJyKPxgBhiqDtN4-IhLqo/s1600/IMG_8400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DRSi6AfDnsUb-QdVfszNGYH5ZoYzsAnxj3zCLVCKuh-W-FIVJOldVzoJwn5VllkGtP3ZwvYaLg7g5jZOr_cLYYcnY_VTiYxB_1GLyN0uTogslOqt1yz5IStJyKPxgBhiqDtN4-IhLqo/s320/IMG_8400.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before any work was done.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpucCONSbHwQCKImVgVukBzxKsc0cZEdVwwchDWA2w15Azuu7wO3JFtE3inLhF-JAOj8rV88fu9ROoo-0ajeVJP5xqkR3MMutB_mzK0Dgeea727ofcXDDmKdd-NqTDFik_zSBzA6b4wk/s1600/IMG_8401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpucCONSbHwQCKImVgVukBzxKsc0cZEdVwwchDWA2w15Azuu7wO3JFtE3inLhF-JAOj8rV88fu9ROoo-0ajeVJP5xqkR3MMutB_mzK0Dgeea727ofcXDDmKdd-NqTDFik_zSBzA6b4wk/s320/IMG_8401.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After my dad finished sanding and priming.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijr6LpciUpmdFJCBHLD7BQgI264UcSw_jMerJQjpJOf9Hhv3xiiR3ZFC4oUnvMIm_Kpa6eCVC8qsrXUjWh_xMUhGPxFro6UBwMjEOKWr7aAkxag5tzCovJUdYHyTt_9kwl28NYc1SWfgk/s1600/IMG_8516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijr6LpciUpmdFJCBHLD7BQgI264UcSw_jMerJQjpJOf9Hhv3xiiR3ZFC4oUnvMIm_Kpa6eCVC8qsrXUjWh_xMUhGPxFro6UBwMjEOKWr7aAkxag5tzCovJUdYHyTt_9kwl28NYc1SWfgk/s320/IMG_8516.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After I spray painted drawers and added new knobs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div>Here's a breakdown of cost on this makeover:<br />
Dresser - free from my sister (although I did buy her lunch for her donation).<br />
Labor (sanding and priming) - free work from my Dad and he paid for the primer too:)<br />
Spray paint for drawer fronts - $3.49 from Wal-Mart<br />
Drawer knobs - $5.99/knob at Hobby Lobby but were 50% off. Total for 6 knobs = $17.97<br />
Drawer liners - $0.97 cents/roll at Wal-Mart (I used 2 rolls) = $1.94<br />
Grand Total = $23.40 (plus lunch for my sister)<br />
<br />
Not too bad for my first attempt at a furniture project!<br />
<br />
</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607887623391884429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744153684058870605.post-64516543745428065732012-04-04T07:14:00.000-07:002012-04-04T07:14:28.246-07:00April Designer SpotlightSo I think it's safe to say that I've been a slacker in the blogging department lately, but especially with regards to the <b>Designer Spotlight </b>"series" that I started a little over 1 year ago when I first began blogging. It was my intention to feature a different designer (mostly children's clothing) each month but that didn't really happen. In fact, it has only happened for 6 of the past 14.5 months. <i>Ooops! </i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
Shame on me! While I can't promise to write a <b>Designer Spotlight</b> post every single month, I will say that I am going to try to do a better job of being more consistent - <i>starting now!</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
And I'm going to start off with something for the little men out there. It sure is hard to find cool boy stuff, isn't it? Stuff that I would actually want my own little guy to wear, stuff that is affordable <b>and </b>just as trendy as the stuff I want my girls to wear. I mean no offense to anyone, and I have certainly put my child in a shirt which featured a quite large and prominent dump truck on it once or twice, but I have to say that I am really not a fan of the typical boy themes for clothing - construction equipment, athletic gear, choo-choo trains, etc. I want trendy and unique pieces that aren't too preppy or conservative but that still allow my boy to be a boy.<br />
<br />
So here's my newest fave for my fave little man -<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Fore!! Axel and Hudson</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4-ntA0vxsaHXeT7tirN1HOKHiYsdATnGQ4k6pDaCq-bXw7WexzO9GKeGd6IfS9memCRfexWOliib8DqwHXYT699MfgmJiBXrallx5Ng0CiyJQVfbBsL_cHTR9H_p7T12nPorvOfkujs/s1600/lifestyle-img5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4-ntA0vxsaHXeT7tirN1HOKHiYsdATnGQ4k6pDaCq-bXw7WexzO9GKeGd6IfS9memCRfexWOliib8DqwHXYT699MfgmJiBXrallx5Ng0CiyJQVfbBsL_cHTR9H_p7T12nPorvOfkujs/s320/lifestyle-img5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqABJATnOVMccrGvRrobpnDi_maUIspKpEYi2UtvossYsBVlN6oQ_F-revM5Ou5i-60dOqquq7ga6dQw-c5FIkMLwGiTn-SAhguMbZl6_XdTxL0n1UXSLZIMNg63Y0x6RkLPOuVDnB1OQ/s1600/lifestyle-img11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqABJATnOVMccrGvRrobpnDi_maUIspKpEYi2UtvossYsBVlN6oQ_F-revM5Ou5i-60dOqquq7ga6dQw-c5FIkMLwGiTn-SAhguMbZl6_XdTxL0n1UXSLZIMNg63Y0x6RkLPOuVDnB1OQ/s320/lifestyle-img11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBc6akxdFmjak5NHhE9-qc3tluQEl2hC5bmYk6ZNNt2BfK98xPbKEWA9ysCI6WcgoLEM06uBPOFgAicVE86JibsosG3csCp1jQXf5Zb_1XMKhVv8z_DPEUhviQMmAGiqsrfbPspFEsUgQ/s1600/lifestyle-img15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBc6akxdFmjak5NHhE9-qc3tluQEl2hC5bmYk6ZNNt2BfK98xPbKEWA9ysCI6WcgoLEM06uBPOFgAicVE86JibsosG3csCp1jQXf5Zb_1XMKhVv8z_DPEUhviQMmAGiqsrfbPspFEsUgQ/s320/lifestyle-img15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As stated on their website - "Fore!! Axel and Hudson draws upon the history of golf and its signature flair for fashion, innovating and reinventing the classic looks with hip, modern style".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For more info and to view the full lookbook check out the official Fore!! Axel and Hudson page <a href="http://www.foreaxelandhudson.com/">here</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607887623391884429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744153684058870605.post-78603518886664806262012-03-28T08:33:00.000-07:002012-03-28T08:33:15.091-07:00The Empty WallSo there is this rather <b>large</b> and very <b>empty </b>wall in our new home that is driving me crazy. It is on the main floor of the house between the front section of the house (entryway, office, Cooper's room) and the great room, also right at the top of the stairs that go down to the basement level. So you could say that it's located in a high traffic area of the house, in a location that I have to view about a million times each day. It taunts me all day every day. <i> "Look at me, I'm empty and barren and boring to look at. Why don't you get creative and put something on me? Na-na-na-boo-boo!" </i> The wall is also quite immature.<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/AVvXsEhx8gA8C6-lT7IK0DMKUojg1z0YSj4Ol7H8ctCwd9AlgmHuSAZXaq6zIn1vQvM5em3JbByA5dr5tuJyDKbuHGysu7ZLn0GkSnc5AV37ukRMG_ZHkyTHKIE-lmxUoDUS4pb0ylshezZo2PM/s1600/IMG_8499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8gA8C6-lT7IK0DMKUojg1z0YSj4Ol7H8ctCwd9AlgmHuSAZXaq6zIn1vQvM5em3JbByA5dr5tuJyDKbuHGysu7ZLn0GkSnc5AV37ukRMG_ZHkyTHKIE-lmxUoDUS4pb0ylshezZo2PM/s320/IMG_8499.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Empty Wall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Problem is this - I have<b><i> no clue </i></b>what to put there. The built-in cabinets are directly beside the empty wall and I have already created a large photo display there so I feel like hanging photos would be redundant. On the other side of the fireplace on that same wall there are canvases and a mirror so those are out too. I suppose that shelves would suffice but they would need to be large enough to occupy that space and then what would I put on them? I already have vases and photos all over that room. Furniture there would be tricky due to the fact that it's at the top of the staircase and there isn't much space width/depth wise. I have length and height to work with but not much depth.<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/AVvXsEgODywJoPNYHYIIMFai8UD3YhyJIjOIvkHCholZQQe6M8TBC4OY-d6DmpEEtMfGdwioqv05bee4Os_7yPkc8BCJBnHYoP8t4mzK__miYuaLWNmTx1ZWo2tGUGrhIRDbCXjgMkDByu1yTHE/s1600/IMG_8498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODywJoPNYHYIIMFai8UD3YhyJIjOIvkHCholZQQe6M8TBC4OY-d6DmpEEtMfGdwioqv05bee4Os_7yPkc8BCJBnHYoP8t4mzK__miYuaLWNmTx1ZWo2tGUGrhIRDbCXjgMkDByu1yTHE/s320/IMG_8498.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full view of the wall from the kitchen area.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><i>I can't take it much longer. </i> That wall has been sticking it's tongue out at me every day for the past 4 months. Aside from not being able to find gray slipcovers for the sofa and loveseat that wall is the most difficult and challenging design task that I have faced in this house. Why can't I think of something - <b><i>anything</i></b> - to put on that darn wall???? <i>Stupid wall.</i><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/AVvXsEgIO8EPURo1yef2NzAbbS7RKXVaUvcfdrY3ZW1xwPqH_vtQfNLKwL2kxAn4DUULmIwOcEbXn8BSzHpTwJcbQGLU57nJN_y8aiLeSbCx2iu7kO0oxyGgmrMWqI_skrUHoWDJuxD4_VU-vVY/s1600/IMG_8500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIO8EPURo1yef2NzAbbS7RKXVaUvcfdrY3ZW1xwPqH_vtQfNLKwL2kxAn4DUULmIwOcEbXn8BSzHpTwJcbQGLU57nJN_y8aiLeSbCx2iu7kO0oxyGgmrMWqI_skrUHoWDJuxD4_VU-vVY/s320/IMG_8500.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I feel like more pictures here would be overkill. <br />
Other options???</td></tr>
</tbody></table>If anyone out there would like offer their design expertise I am ready for suggestions!<br />
<i><br />
</i>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607887623391884429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744153684058870605.post-58321212163378666432012-03-27T14:13:00.000-07:002012-03-27T14:13:07.404-07:00Pinterest Projects<i>Ahhhhhh Pinterest!</i> What would I do without you and your endless ideas and inspiration for home decor that <b>I can't afford</b>, birthday parties that are <b>way out of my league</b> in terms of budget and DIY craftiness, recipes <b>I'll never get around to making,</b> clever quotes that <b>I'm not clever enough</b> to think of myself, and last but certainly not least - wardrobes that <b>will never hang in my closet</b>? <i>Ahhhhh!</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>But what fun you are.</i> I've already lost hours of my life to you. I have totally cheated on Facebook with you. On occasion I have even briefly neglected my children and husband for you (as for housework, it's been<i> way more often </i>and <i>not so briefly</i>). A few times all of this has actually ended with the completion of a project that I found on you.<br />
<br />
Even if I had all of the time, money, energy, determination and craftiness in the world it still wouldn't be enough for me to make all of my pins reality. But here are the few, small Pinterest projects that have become real, completed ones!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Project #1</b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4duH9Z-1DKQDPPXNnzUWaJDhYDDNTxM3xSsmYInPXxx-firJCZuJDL0icDxVx8KG6pobi1PK3AuvqyPyCGjsA-9R2SCClYgU66FjhnNymkwzU88mFr65eUVmEu9FbmYIyx3fHqdJDMI/s1600/16888567322120106_NploAxLQ_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4duH9Z-1DKQDPPXNnzUWaJDhYDDNTxM3xSsmYInPXxx-firJCZuJDL0icDxVx8KG6pobi1PK3AuvqyPyCGjsA-9R2SCClYgU66FjhnNymkwzU88mFr65eUVmEu9FbmYIyx3fHqdJDMI/s320/16888567322120106_NploAxLQ_f.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easter "wreath" - Pinterest version.</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/AVvXsEjs4JnuH6OWhPUjoF4rGn0_lep4oJe_Pj3F07txrMdQbyXlrPEYcVvNGrbkMjopT-y4DB236-te3sovK3_VZGLAjihU7KN2JDEsimWTT9eCUEU6J53zTkoIIfAGKialOh35aysHN2rH0YI/s1600/IMG_8493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4JnuH6OWhPUjoF4rGn0_lep4oJe_Pj3F07txrMdQbyXlrPEYcVvNGrbkMjopT-y4DB236-te3sovK3_VZGLAjihU7KN2JDEsimWTT9eCUEU6J53zTkoIIfAGKialOh35aysHN2rH0YI/s320/IMG_8493.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easter "wreath" - my version. <br />
This was my 1st Pinterest Project that I completed last year at this time!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Project #2</b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJqTDx1vOJyD5QvNmdAkMxAh_qlE88SG2NxTKN3342V6f8zwTw9MMX862yv3VsHufPqlD-xb3mMzLaFacgDlUzPIXARS02wq6pq8Fuj7cjbVbRvGt-iZmdp3lHP1qn3AYktRLoxEgEEI/s1600/222787512786498499_qjWjaZu3_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJqTDx1vOJyD5QvNmdAkMxAh_qlE88SG2NxTKN3342V6f8zwTw9MMX862yv3VsHufPqlD-xb3mMzLaFacgDlUzPIXARS02wq6pq8Fuj7cjbVbRvGt-iZmdp3lHP1qn3AYktRLoxEgEEI/s320/222787512786498499_qjWjaZu3_f.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Patrick's Day wreath - Pinterest version.</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/AVvXsEhvEWpt3sGiPJCihaaDwOnvLx992MXxFK0-xx_V3rmcei7tula09oYWR_FmlT8GiUBjaSeK-ewvlaRgPrg8tjVU9UWhC9-d2Le5LWLTPQpBnBAY0_p-E0vfpFmZdfZxCiP8UQDt5TaABoA/s1600/IMG_8422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEWpt3sGiPJCihaaDwOnvLx992MXxFK0-xx_V3rmcei7tula09oYWR_FmlT8GiUBjaSeK-ewvlaRgPrg8tjVU9UWhC9-d2Le5LWLTPQpBnBAY0_p-E0vfpFmZdfZxCiP8UQDt5TaABoA/s320/IMG_8422.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Patrick's Day wreath - my version.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Project #3</b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRmDsvBSXVI4wRDTEk7-cET2E4g4Arl9xetfcxGpmQg9dpgxrRm-qRbguzTmNN0SwJJf3KcObxTy3hLejcLdleTZFpfv40SzuRsSIzyBg5gGwUzWE-O-DP7xn2Z1WEGxml-zIytp8yJ0/s1600/234468724319582601_OcoW3OIX_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRmDsvBSXVI4wRDTEk7-cET2E4g4Arl9xetfcxGpmQg9dpgxrRm-qRbguzTmNN0SwJJf3KcObxTy3hLejcLdleTZFpfv40SzuRsSIzyBg5gGwUzWE-O-DP7xn2Z1WEGxml-zIytp8yJ0/s320/234468724319582601_OcoW3OIX_c.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wall plaque photo "frames" - Pinterest version.</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/AVvXsEhPxMJIw3MlwEJxb6M3PLnqXlT7-V1vhgnEPJtQLFDqk9VHdgbXWkD80d9TNWzdCW-P0sojauv53i_nXyhNEhvk4yBrXOhKHDhmxfNrvlXuSaoIZp5Pp27FO755-6ict8e38MzcXno5saI/s1600/IMG_8495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxMJIw3MlwEJxb6M3PLnqXlT7-V1vhgnEPJtQLFDqk9VHdgbXWkD80d9TNWzdCW-P0sojauv53i_nXyhNEhvk4yBrXOhKHDhmxfNrvlXuSaoIZp5Pp27FO755-6ict8e38MzcXno5saI/s320/IMG_8495.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wall plaque photo "frames" - my version.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>I joined Pinterest about a year ago so you'd think that in that time I would/could have completed more projects than just these 3 simple ones, but what can I say - <i>life gets in the way sometimes!</i> Of course, it doesn't get in the way of me sitting in front of the computer for hours at a time until my eyes can barely move and I'm drooling ever so slightly as I gaze at photo after photo on Pinterest, but it does get in the way of me actually getting up out of this chair and <b>DOING</b> the projects:)</div><div><br />
</div><div>In my defense I will say that I have tried a few recipes found on Pinterest and some of the decor in our new home was inspired by photos on Pinterest, but as far as actual DIY projects these are the only ones that I have done. For now. But I've got lots of pins to turn into reality so be on the lookout for more soon! <b><i>I'm coming for ya Pinterest!</i></b></div><div><b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div>Check out my boards <a href="http://pinterest.com/hdietsch76/">here</a>.<br />
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</div></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607887623391884429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744153684058870605.post-37162706310303249762012-03-13T12:42:00.000-07:002012-03-13T12:42:10.544-07:00Party On...and on and on!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVibvO8S3xWZlwxw7CsoaH9xusDaa6ZIj1uAwFr33Y2jyPDKqnWTXKdS4s3aqysbdgC18aloe0QjLSdgPTf9YtmiEyGbuKx70U51xIinOv0UZ75GWxfQ7EdNZeJPL-rE-i5642KRyQTz8/s1600/get_this_party_started.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVibvO8S3xWZlwxw7CsoaH9xusDaa6ZIj1uAwFr33Y2jyPDKqnWTXKdS4s3aqysbdgC18aloe0QjLSdgPTf9YtmiEyGbuKx70U51xIinOv0UZ75GWxfQ7EdNZeJPL-rE-i5642KRyQTz8/s320/get_this_party_started.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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So I think that you all know by now that I have a <i>slight obsession</i> with party planning. Okay, so maybe it's a tad bit more than<i> slight.</i> I swear that I really don't sit around day in and day out obsessing over party themes. They just seem to <i><b>come to me</b></i> - mostly via Facebook and blog posts. When you "like" the Facebook pages of beings such as <a href="http://blog.amyatlas.com/">Amy Atlas</a>, <a href="http://www.TheTomKatStudio.com/">The TomKat Studio</a>, <a href="http://www.andersruff.com/">AndersRuff</a> and <a href="http://www.hostessblog.com/">Hostess with the Mostess</a> it's impossible not to be constantly bombarded with neverending party ideas, photos and inspiration. Add their blogs to the mix and it's pretty much party heaven.<br />
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Once again I find my brain swimming with party ideas and themes even though we don't have any birthdays to celebrate in our family until June. Not only has that theme been chosen since December, but I also have theme ideas for the little guy's birthday in November and for Rylee's 7th birthday in January. <i><b>As in 2013.</b> </i>Even I think that is a bit extreme.<br />
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Since I have all of these great party themes and ideas floating around in my head but I have only 3 children who each have only 1 birthday a year, I thought that it would be fun to start sharing some of these themes with others so that<i> just maybe</i> someone else can use them. Unless we start celebrating<b> </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">1/2</i><b> <i>b</i><i>irthdays</i></b> and <i><b>unbirthdays</b> </i>I don't think there's any way possible that we could ever use them all!<br />
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I'm going to share 3 party themes each time I write one of these "party posts" so here are the first 3 of my <b>Party Picks!</b><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/AVvXsEiF1NpAwlw6cO6RmLhwNnxZlirzOb_koGwqRtCZR10wLLQpGYSZqpsJZInx2IW9-LWF4yk34SZurlQphP7jHI3qhgzg45vldk-4eXwniPg-Ks79IogUca13haXqWd3FoT455LyNeCf32y4/s1600/sunshine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1NpAwlw6cO6RmLhwNnxZlirzOb_koGwqRtCZR10wLLQpGYSZqpsJZInx2IW9-LWF4yk34SZurlQphP7jHI3qhgzg45vldk-4eXwniPg-Ks79IogUca13haXqWd3FoT455LyNeCf32y4/s320/sunshine.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunshine party from Amy Atlas. <br />
Click <a href="http://blog.amyatlas.com/2011/12/sunshine-guest-dessert-feature/">here</a> for full details.</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/AVvXsEiaos3Timl1FrO-aLvhtYOc3ZRxxWhyjZ7FQQUdW3M-XOF7SlwY8DClTVFpt3d8xT1MKqIZP2UP06R880BXSJWEgVT_INsNy8bzPFqeVLuoYPevRfTzZBItQJ9anu5h_rIxGfGICZmcM5g/s1600/upupaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaos3Timl1FrO-aLvhtYOc3ZRxxWhyjZ7FQQUdW3M-XOF7SlwY8DClTVFpt3d8xT1MKqIZP2UP06R880BXSJWEgVT_INsNy8bzPFqeVLuoYPevRfTzZBItQJ9anu5h_rIxGfGICZmcM5g/s320/upupaway.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up, Up and Away party from AndersRuff.<br />
Click <a href="http://www.andersruff.com/custom-printable-parties/birthday-parties/up-and-away-hot-air-balloon-party-%E2%80%93-our-exclusive-new-collection-with-kiss-me-kate/">here</a> for full details.</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/AVvXsEhHgd334Ui02ld5rDIdMQmvqvbvZg7T5XEcC0yrTMAIWnrA8Q2gJNNUJoyjOH-ZRwOJj8qvsKEb_trpOwVpCE-s-FOJzV-LSf4elO5GhsUdhsq4bUsQvfpHxdCaFQ2uWzFfIDwfgUL3vj8/s1600/VintageCarnival_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgd334Ui02ld5rDIdMQmvqvbvZg7T5XEcC0yrTMAIWnrA8Q2gJNNUJoyjOH-ZRwOJj8qvsKEb_trpOwVpCE-s-FOJzV-LSf4elO5GhsUdhsq4bUsQvfpHxdCaFQ2uWzFfIDwfgUL3vj8/s320/VintageCarnival_01.jpg" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage Carnival party from Hostess with the Mostess.<br />
Click <a href="http://www.hostessblog.com/2012/02/vintage-carnival-birthday-party-ideas/">here</a> for full details.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div>These are just a few of the amazing parties that I have seen recently. Stay tuned for more great ideas and lots of inspiration!<br />
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</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607887623391884429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744153684058870605.post-83637501893961401032012-02-29T14:40:00.000-08:002012-02-29T14:40:41.781-08:00Take Me Away...to the Land of Nod<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZqlYN8jyFScEGxvhyphenhyphenndpecymM-LvheMa6j5Bb8bBaiLvVAwYs4-rU3mkYX7G1SkKFTncHIMtOQXUC8gqXUscwQ0QcHHRXUgXDiFJSzl-K9f6-zlExIgpsUbXwC_OOubxUkqqOW8ITGs/s1600/0404031_BankableBookcase_WH_W208.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZqlYN8jyFScEGxvhyphenhyphenndpecymM-LvheMa6j5Bb8bBaiLvVAwYs4-rU3mkYX7G1SkKFTncHIMtOQXUC8gqXUscwQ0QcHHRXUgXDiFJSzl-K9f6-zlExIgpsUbXwC_OOubxUkqqOW8ITGs/s320/0404031_BankableBookcase_WH_W208.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I love <b>The Land of Nod</b>. Like<b><i> borderline obsessive </i></b>sort of love. Their new catalog came in the mail a few weeks ago and I can't stop looking at it. And after I look at the catalog I of course jump on the computer to peruse their website to be sure that I didn't miss anything good. Which of course I did, because the website has so many more products and choices to see! And then when I'm bored I look at the catalog again. And then back to the computer. It's like the predictable cycle in the "If You Give a (Mouse, Cat, Pig, etc.)" books. My title is <i>"If You Give a Heather a Land of Nod Catalog"</i>. And it ends something like this - and <i>chances are if you give her a catalog, she'll <strike>want to</strike> buy something. Or several somethings.</i><br />
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It doesn't help matters that I'm in the process of decorating Addyson's "big girl" room. Of course, I <i><b>need</b></i> to keep looking at the catalog and website for ideas and inspiration. And maybe to place an order or two. Okay, so I already placed one order. Two if you count the one from December, but I'm going with one since it's a new year now.<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/AVvXsEglFvG7GDbNO23B_iMwB05D0kMGNAaeuFP7BTrxGIHbX8f1kDcvzAI_ZZjDrIDgRXIFD3fWyvD93CmBCy4Pv-5DFFrmRARKxyOHBLhYp1n4hDmres8INq913cPLLbMeIlQe_c017NOGeXE/s1600/BEd_JennyLind_RA_TW_1211_V2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFvG7GDbNO23B_iMwB05D0kMGNAaeuFP7BTrxGIHbX8f1kDcvzAI_ZZjDrIDgRXIFD3fWyvD93CmBCy4Pv-5DFFrmRARKxyOHBLhYp1n4hDmres8INq913cPLLbMeIlQe_c017NOGeXE/s320/BEd_JennyLind_RA_TW_1211_V2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Jenny Lind bed!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Let's start with how stinkin cute The Land of Nod products are. <i>Cute</i> doesn't seem to do them justice though. I mean, really - I just want to <b>jump</b> right into the catalog. Like on Mary Poppins when they jump into the sidewalk drawings. I want to do that with my catalog. The colors, the whimsy, the functionality - <i>all of it</i> appeals to me. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-dv02yJvtfaepX4DhDhk35YzeevKrB-XOZ59qMuA_vN2i0qGYWw_Ejm2stqhnZxzB3bq2oSjD4tvXiCKtAkqSf95hy8jVc_iRFfs5hjKITxPGQF41IyLJiwNiCo6_vqoZA25mjGOHS8/s1600/Craft_PaperChains_Flowers_0811.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-dv02yJvtfaepX4DhDhk35YzeevKrB-XOZ59qMuA_vN2i0qGYWw_Ejm2stqhnZxzB3bq2oSjD4tvXiCKtAkqSf95hy8jVc_iRFfs5hjKITxPGQF41IyLJiwNiCo6_vqoZA25mjGOHS8/s320/Craft_PaperChains_Flowers_0811.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Flowers Ink-a-Dink" kit to make paper chains</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And how bout the clever names that they give their products? They don't just sell rugs - they sell <b>Magic Carpets</b> (the<i> non-flying edition</i> according to their website) and the <b>Braidy Bunch</b> rug (no I didn't misspell that, they actually mean<i> braidy</i> as in braided). And they don't just sell storage solutions - they sell <b>I Think I Canvas </b>bins (made out of, you guessed it - canvas!) and <b>Bin There Done That</b> book bins. See? The product names are catchy and fun, and just saying some of them makes me smile. And who doesn't want to buy a product that makes them smile simply by saying it's name? Maybe I'm a sucker but I think that their product naming is <b><i>genius!</i></b><br />
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Take a look at some of my favorite products from <b>The Land of Nod:</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFFpIV5ubX8bjmoypmgEaeDF_za7VhSRgV_sxG5hTCJnBE2P3N0fl97DHCn7R5I086zIRTdX1T1qlN51GcbhnsKnFO_RkyC1_5fyRw-eeXX6PssSdM8y2qAK7LgTTJRwszPCiaZPIeEM/s1600/4010010_ActivityTable_WH_W208.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFFpIV5ubX8bjmoypmgEaeDF_za7VhSRgV_sxG5hTCJnBE2P3N0fl97DHCn7R5I086zIRTdX1T1qlN51GcbhnsKnFO_RkyC1_5fyRw-eeXX6PssSdM8y2qAK7LgTTJRwszPCiaZPIeEM/s320/4010010_ActivityTable_WH_W208.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White activity table. <br />
Who wouldn't want this for their playroom?</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/AVvXsEgfhO07iwce-ZAhwTE0BV4r-EO_lBQNaWiT5czvLJU7GM2usCKwbFBKWjLDnpd0Ch_BBkE_PO5Cys6L_JENzaArEBxySYhnWqgqerFGYrmwJ_Qm6RS66E8x-D5QLwTzkORUQrGfc98WFQ0/s1600/andubroughtclip.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhO07iwce-ZAhwTE0BV4r-EO_lBQNaWiT5czvLJU7GM2usCKwbFBKWjLDnpd0Ch_BBkE_PO5Cys6L_JENzaArEBxySYhnWqgqerFGYrmwJ_Qm6RS66E8x-D5QLwTzkORUQrGfc98WFQ0/s320/andubroughtclip.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"And You Brought a Clip" jumbo wall clips perfect for displaying art!</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/AVvXsEg7JpXgXzK8nmLh5iPnVfV8NNqapq89xBh94G-xqoXVMqSsTPcMjrSj7TDIJ3JeNAxkx9UQm7O7msCsm7Y2LGS1-fcwuGsaceQ9R_g-sAmTk75FCKUYHaWSBaJJONgibs86TvnoglU7e-o/s1600/asuwishbed.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JpXgXzK8nmLh5iPnVfV8NNqapq89xBh94G-xqoXVMqSsTPcMjrSj7TDIJ3JeNAxkx9UQm7O7msCsm7Y2LGS1-fcwuGsaceQ9R_g-sAmTk75FCKUYHaWSBaJJONgibs86TvnoglU7e-o/s320/asuwishbed.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"As You Wish" upholstered bed in pink zigzag fabric.</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/AVvXsEiAJuqFHEToFVaqcH8XkylvHbJssHNTBYR3IPbDyIKizOkuOlEyQ2cZNrr3ZSQ2Pz9hrHKK4hbbf-INzYGli649JfOVZy-F1xJ3KKoP1RoctXHBqz7seklcxLCpJWZmJx8afIuuw3RSrHE/s1600/Rug_Interactive_LL_1111.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJuqFHEToFVaqcH8XkylvHbJssHNTBYR3IPbDyIKizOkuOlEyQ2cZNrr3ZSQ2Pz9hrHKK4hbbf-INzYGli649JfOVZy-F1xJ3KKoP1RoctXHBqz7seklcxLCpJWZmJx8afIuuw3RSrHE/s320/Rug_Interactive_LL_1111.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Over the River and Through the Rug" interactive rug.<br />
See what I mean about the clever product names?</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/AVvXsEiR5r7rGWhcvRT56Vu4XHT36ZDchjX-StNRiwZSyY4OQLuFbLDrbcD-BR9X7lVNhwe7Hc1yOSfz8P0sQJMUKSj2mNRanbO8gM5aNW6iuQfTBYZTb_X773_hy1aGehIlfFMObaa3aIDn5dM/s1600/Storage_Stash_BL_10113539.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5r7rGWhcvRT56Vu4XHT36ZDchjX-StNRiwZSyY4OQLuFbLDrbcD-BR9X7lVNhwe7Hc1yOSfz8P0sQJMUKSj2mNRanbO8gM5aNW6iuQfTBYZTb_X773_hy1aGehIlfFMObaa3aIDn5dM/s320/Storage_Stash_BL_10113539.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storage cubbies for desk top or mounted on a wall.<br />
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</tbody></table>Those are <i>just a few</i> of my favorite things from the newest catalog. <div>If you want to learn more about how this uber cool company came to be click <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/Customer-Service/Our-Story/">here</a>. Even their story is fun to read!<br />
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</b></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607887623391884429noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-744153684058870605.post-21302115663462978322012-02-22T13:21:00.000-08:002012-02-22T13:21:20.819-08:00Nifty Thrifty Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuBwtpikx7SMUZM9YVd2l9FQGFwKbQK5uGkeuYXZrKm5RuePX3aLj6hVfdj-Vhtoewa5TIoU-GQQQmVdp_1NSrQ55zX_nRrfRqfOk3BaXnYY45QegDNHdlhZwzXdBcMXPOlYQpt1MLCI/s1600/antiqueshopping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuBwtpikx7SMUZM9YVd2l9FQGFwKbQK5uGkeuYXZrKm5RuePX3aLj6hVfdj-Vhtoewa5TIoU-GQQQmVdp_1NSrQ55zX_nRrfRqfOk3BaXnYY45QegDNHdlhZwzXdBcMXPOlYQpt1MLCI/s1600/antiqueshopping.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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If you read <a href="http://tulipsandtoadstools.blogspot.com/2012/02/nifty-thrifty.html">this post</a> then you know that I had grand plans this past weekend that included visiting several local antique/thrift stores. You may also recall that I mentioned the disappointment that I was more or less expecting to feel if <i>(or when in this case)</i> I came home empty handed. Well, it turns out that I was right and I came home with a <b>big fat nothing.</b> Turns out I'm not so nifty or thrifty I guess.<br />
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I had an unexpected sidekick join me on my journey (Rylee, who is 6) and we actually enjoyed our day together even though we didn't make any purchases. We went to 3 of the 4 stores on my list - 2 were antique stores and 1 was a consignment/resale shop. It was a lot of fun to wander around aimlessly looking at all of the trinkets, furniture and such. Rylee especially loved the old telephones and dolls. And I did see several items that reminded me of my Grandma's house, but nothing that triggered a specific memory or that seemed special enough to come home with us.<br />
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To be honest I didn't even <i>come close</i> to buying anything. There is still 1 store left on my list and my sister claims that there are some pretty great flea markets in this area, so I haven't given up hope <i>yet</i>. When spring time rolls around I will be hitting some of those flea markets and maybe even try my hand at yard sale shopping:)<br />
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In the meantime my sister has offered up an antique dresser that she bought for $20 but isn't using, so I think I'm going to adopt it and try a little DIY makeover on it for Addyson's room. And I found some hobnail glass pieces on ebay that definitely remind me of my Grandma's house so I may just purchase those too. It may not be as fun and exciting as scouring antique shops but it sure is <i>convenient!</i>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607887623391884429noreply@blogger.com0