tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78796117989875371982024-03-05T20:47:07.909-08:00Sweet Life Skills.Sweet Life Skills- Elbow Grease!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03233730144247561166noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879611798987537198.post-40572350429379304542011-08-27T15:05:00.000-07:002011-08-27T15:05:30.866-07:00Foaming Hand SoapA while back, I bought several bottles of foaming hand soap, and a large refill, because I like how it never leaves globs of soap in the sink. I thought it would last longer because it adds so much air to the product. About a week after I bought the stuff, the bottle in the hall bathroom was half-empty! It didn't last long at all!<br />
<br />
This will seem disconnected, but it fits...I promise. Last night, my darlin' and I had a little discussion about how we need to change our budgeting strategy. Last time I wrote about budgeting, our life was much different. Now, with a larger, more expensive house (that is still not complete), and two teenage boys to feed, we really need to be mindful of where our money goes. You know...to make sure we don't go bankrupt. ;)<br />
<br />
This morning, I was all excited about our new "challenge" to stretch our dollars further. I was researching things like rice and bean recipes and how to cook a whole chicken, when something crossed my eye....a link called "Make Your Own Foaming Soap." WHAT!? I totally thought it was some scientific concoction that could only be made in labs. As it turns out, you can make your own with liquid soap and water! THAT'S. IT. <br />
<br />
I thought I'd try this out to see if it actually worked.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDt_sRuq-ImAeHQTEVHoNYVVEPHOKoiouY1p8cSPEWoEnJUFQHVUlfznxTJgbu-1OClU4D5nfP2KXRtvzJIwgMPPBvZ1SJMKBr2w7-3jpahWGlP2qvQd6YnIYieVtLtwccZUYwcTnhig/s1600/IMG_5537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDt_sRuq-ImAeHQTEVHoNYVVEPHOKoiouY1p8cSPEWoEnJUFQHVUlfznxTJgbu-1OClU4D5nfP2KXRtvzJIwgMPPBvZ1SJMKBr2w7-3jpahWGlP2qvQd6YnIYieVtLtwccZUYwcTnhig/s320/IMG_5537.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>It did. Like a charm. And I didn't even measure... <br />
The blog post says it can stretch your soap 75% further. This means that gallon of hand soap I bought right after we got married (and are just now finishing up) could have lasted another 6 years if I would have started this back then:) Crazy, crazy! (mahahaha...)<br />
<br />
Here's the recipe, right from the blog:<br />
<h2><span style="color: #993366;">How to Make Foaming Hand Soap</span></h2><ol><li>Obtain a bottle of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26ref_%3Dnb_sb_ss_i_1_23%26field-keywords%3Dliquid%2520hand%2520soap%2520refill%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Dgarden%26sprefix%3Dliquid%2520hand%2520soap%2520refill%23&tag=keepthekingfi-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ad3879;">liquid hand soap refill</span></a>. You should easily be able to find a 32 ounce bottle for under $5, especially if you are coupon savvy.</li>
<li>Reuse an old <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001RRG5VI/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=keepthekingfi-20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B001RRG5VI&adid=1W8612NFAQBG49QXSTP0" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ad3879;">foaming soap dispenser</span></a>, or purchase a new one.</li>
<li>Add 1-2 Tablespoons of liquid hand soap to the bottom of your soap dispenser. {You can also use Castille Soap, a <a href="http://kingdomfirstmom.com/2011/01/10-must-have-items-in-a-frugal-household.html" target="_self"><span style="color: #ad3879;">frugal must</span></a>}</li>
<li>Fill with warm water; slowly!</li>
<li>Shake gently, to combine. Pump the pump a couple of times to get the foaming started.</li>
<li>Voila!</li>
</ol>And here's the link:<br />
<a href="http://kingdomfirstmom.com/2011/05/make-your-own-foaming-soap.html">http://kingdomfirstmom.com/2011/05/make-your-own-foaming-soap.html</a><br />
<br />
The top of the blog reads, "Keeping the Kingdom First- balancing faith, family, and frugality," and the mission of the blogger is to, "Honor God with my finances, encourage and equip others to do the same, discover new and creative ways to reduce spending in order to increase giving, and balance this journey with marriage and motherhood." I just thought that was wonderful. It was a nice little encouragement this morning, and a reminder to strive to honor God with every part of my life. ...and I learned how to make foaming hand soap!Sweet Life Skills- Elbow Grease!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03233730144247561166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879611798987537198.post-69146687989230329842011-08-19T12:43:00.000-07:002011-08-19T12:46:53.858-07:00It's About Time!!!Guess what I got today!!!!!<br />
<br />
The Internet!!!!<br />
<br />
Not the best. The slowest internet AT&T offers (it's so stinkin' pricey!)...but the internet none the less!<br />
<br />
People wonder why I haven't been blogging...<br />
<br />
It's hard when you don't have the internet...<br />
<br />
:)<br />
<br />
But be not sad, ye friends and family who only get updates on my freakishly insane life through my random and lenghty blog post, for I am back! (and I am probably butchering the English language...what can I say, I'm out of practice! Oh...and I have 2 ESL students living in my house. I also blame them for my bad English...and for the 5 pounds that are residing on my thighs since I started eating meals at regular intervals...kids...:) ) I have LOTS to share!<br />
<br />
Our life has been changing at a very rapid rate. Within a 2 week span, our family went from this:<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/AVvXsEjGW4KUSa6fj9ZaoQ1mHbgPby5_DhJgnC81dr2SSYB-HpVyjPDy3EdjtcY_zAOc8zhgUn-H8Lr7Xkrxe0BJTe4zqzp9vRo7dlO6cds2XRwMXo0WkFERASXcLk9nxYf4A-G2Gs-xj7YFD88/s1600/us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGW4KUSa6fj9ZaoQ1mHbgPby5_DhJgnC81dr2SSYB-HpVyjPDy3EdjtcY_zAOc8zhgUn-H8Lr7Xkrxe0BJTe4zqzp9vRo7dlO6cds2XRwMXo0WkFERASXcLk9nxYf4A-G2Gs-xj7YFD88/s320/us.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just Wes and I. This picture was actually taken some holiday a couple of years ago;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>To this: <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/AVvXsEhrucdZCNWgV_v5k7r17YRYBrMu3Da-Vk0T5wAlktn4-VCToLiEu7dPO4HUlF2FxMPNYNFpAOgRC3gjxnWb-VvS17K7uBEOf0j0bGAtVwtsHUnD3_lqf7u7vBDNUf13m4KUaGqf_1eSfss/s1600/IMG_5367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrucdZCNWgV_v5k7r17YRYBrMu3Da-Vk0T5wAlktn4-VCToLiEu7dPO4HUlF2FxMPNYNFpAOgRC3gjxnWb-VvS17K7uBEOf0j0bGAtVwtsHUnD3_lqf7u7vBDNUf13m4KUaGqf_1eSfss/s320/IMG_5367.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montana!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Meet Daniel (top left) and Val (top right). They are living with us for the semester. Daniel is from Slovakia and Val is from Germany. As you can see, they are loads of fun:) I think we are going to make lots of fabulous memories together.<br />
<br />
Also, our house has gone from this (obviously, it has taken more than 2 weeks for this transformation, but I have yet to share the "afters"):<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYRW6bJ2H1zAVV0TcuwWvwUKPuuR3seXyKL2YVYVD6_IrH0GXokAKScC0U87VbKlW3IMA1qZ_YiPsmmEHqAHe5OQAk16SvoYDQzRExoA7KPrCTay6_Np4uVgdpnIH9gwt-C0oXDmga_Y/s1600/kitchen+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYRW6bJ2H1zAVV0TcuwWvwUKPuuR3seXyKL2YVYVD6_IrH0GXokAKScC0U87VbKlW3IMA1qZ_YiPsmmEHqAHe5OQAk16SvoYDQzRExoA7KPrCTay6_Np4uVgdpnIH9gwt-C0oXDmga_Y/s320/kitchen+before.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>To this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZzcoeOw57F5dImhlb-ybgUZzH1jrAg-4icNf5xt4aZB0MZ5wzGGLzvnoVVKITIMzk67Yum_-R3bI_DV6FdEXWOcPROkXZcWZ4vS8qK3ynhl-CdH07kL2zUTx4aIGZlBwub1b_lekg-8/s1600/IMG_5513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZzcoeOw57F5dImhlb-ybgUZzH1jrAg-4icNf5xt4aZB0MZ5wzGGLzvnoVVKITIMzk67Yum_-R3bI_DV6FdEXWOcPROkXZcWZ4vS8qK3ynhl-CdH07kL2zUTx4aIGZlBwub1b_lekg-8/s320/IMG_5513.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I absolutely cannot wait to get back into this whole blogging thing! I have missed it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'd love to get started right now, but I'm taking the boys on a field trip...to Target! Haha! They've never been there, so hopefully it's as exciting for them as it is for me:) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Later!</div>Sweet Life Skills- Elbow Grease!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03233730144247561166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879611798987537198.post-50856343137695857512011-06-06T21:38:00.000-07:002011-06-06T21:38:55.982-07:00Pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Internet is much faster at the in-laws! lucky me! I can now download pictures fast enough that my computer doesn't die! So...here are a bunch of random pictures from life:)..in random order, of course. It's how I roll...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH79TIt4lX-nE4g38H-MsSWF55BPaCjV44hKoB3Oi6cssm5JsXMl1QhDfwRxbpS6HwhS1NtFtgiu9JhyNPZ6un-mGRa_JUpy8katQ14oIAHe6d5LAj_of2Y22u4w222phZQqoXXM2RpUk/s1600/IMG_3568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH79TIt4lX-nE4g38H-MsSWF55BPaCjV44hKoB3Oi6cssm5JsXMl1QhDfwRxbpS6HwhS1NtFtgiu9JhyNPZ6un-mGRa_JUpy8katQ14oIAHe6d5LAj_of2Y22u4w222phZQqoXXM2RpUk/s320/IMG_3568.JPG" t8="true" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Precious Preslie:) This pic was taken at my cousin, Tracy's baby shower. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIQ8PR2O0wZfIMfvtHQzk6dud9DxUHW9OrKQwHHBzyuluL1JAs_VJYzybMJXkPEy9p4EYQF3slvb9C5Yh8jlHu-_iGaZwFF8BBox5Sew38D_6jjI_EzwK9GmXP8kuVLVdChgZWqbAHes/s1600/IMG_3647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIQ8PR2O0wZfIMfvtHQzk6dud9DxUHW9OrKQwHHBzyuluL1JAs_VJYzybMJXkPEy9p4EYQF3slvb9C5Yh8jlHu-_iGaZwFF8BBox5Sew38D_6jjI_EzwK9GmXP8kuVLVdChgZWqbAHes/s320/IMG_3647.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Brook and Dave tied the knot! And it was lovely...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9DW9VdQ2RP0E-rgw7ltxy9FLaQzd40q0-XvIDjeBX_hZrfrQ3JbyX3BhhOFyzDULmS-OV45BUXlKbxhjmcfJtgvWaK8bzpWooBRUVOTMpZRqo54G7KUe72uDRZX4yaxW1ZaFa7Z7NWw/s1600/mentink+wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9DW9VdQ2RP0E-rgw7ltxy9FLaQzd40q0-XvIDjeBX_hZrfrQ3JbyX3BhhOFyzDULmS-OV45BUXlKbxhjmcfJtgvWaK8bzpWooBRUVOTMpZRqo54G7KUe72uDRZX4yaxW1ZaFa7Z7NWw/s320/mentink+wedding.jpg" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made a tiered brownie for them:) It was so heavy!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCueV-uz70hgxUpjjoP4yFG8Lf7EPJcw7q-brF4qP0KH7mfXY3idmpmsnW5gqXQoO9-qvZxRDPvCaEKIH-cJkq_PLfx0GSOcsHMhIE6QN_BuQIO-koqq6nXVE3_YnD5N28_F67vKvhxng/s1600/IMG_3778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCueV-uz70hgxUpjjoP4yFG8Lf7EPJcw7q-brF4qP0KH7mfXY3idmpmsnW5gqXQoO9-qvZxRDPvCaEKIH-cJkq_PLfx0GSOcsHMhIE6QN_BuQIO-koqq6nXVE3_YnD5N28_F67vKvhxng/s320/IMG_3778.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some lovely ladies I met my freshman year at SBU:)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yRGu7I3jqreEvYGnASb4NfeNfkshTXqHPFh3nDe20MIUKLtCEBCh-Kdj68k5SPUrNLMCHaYaIfyhsYkbbaIomhOUaH54Zy9-T8g9HWnI7toO9adPn0D9hAoOPza8o01AZbJlFe9ELBI/s1600/IMG_3803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yRGu7I3jqreEvYGnASb4NfeNfkshTXqHPFh3nDe20MIUKLtCEBCh-Kdj68k5SPUrNLMCHaYaIfyhsYkbbaIomhOUaH54Zy9-T8g9HWnI7toO9adPn0D9hAoOPza8o01AZbJlFe9ELBI/s320/IMG_3803.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Putting all of our furniture on a trailer made me VERY nervous. I think it all made it okay. Hopefully it does when we move it again!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sa4cSO4Zpb6uYh0sanF0IfZYFRj7lf7dY1H4s_SyHnmzJk9pek8nSzRprlctzY1KaOZfHh5d5uzxUb1WCff_B6VL3Tyo91hz7jkfmW9QZ_dU-PYP3zVFwC3DGFfEge9pBJiCVaTFBf0/s1600/IMG_3809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sa4cSO4Zpb6uYh0sanF0IfZYFRj7lf7dY1H4s_SyHnmzJk9pek8nSzRprlctzY1KaOZfHh5d5uzxUb1WCff_B6VL3Tyo91hz7jkfmW9QZ_dU-PYP3zVFwC3DGFfEge9pBJiCVaTFBf0/s320/IMG_3809.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A double rainbow the evening of the Joplin tornado.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhr66HfT7FgNY4hQe4vZCk1K94kqK7M53Z1b_uPTWCwCsGxgk6oc1nyEMMRGvCRMFkmZv8vYfJJzNZS9NiRWcY9D9LYZkPzBZ828ptDaSJ4UDDjH53PnYnHIrgrC3z6SnJ6T1zbOI7u8A/s1600/IMG_3820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhr66HfT7FgNY4hQe4vZCk1K94kqK7M53Z1b_uPTWCwCsGxgk6oc1nyEMMRGvCRMFkmZv8vYfJJzNZS9NiRWcY9D9LYZkPzBZ828ptDaSJ4UDDjH53PnYnHIrgrC3z6SnJ6T1zbOI7u8A/s320/IMG_3820.JPG" t8="true" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eric, Tiffany, and the Boys came over for a slumber party in the safe basement.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj867CzKegb9qwckljNL_M6GHpVpdr7tXEsjMCcZtP6xtOiEvSqyJESKdOLldRgiLWAoMFXHO75wc4A8UkWVdCgl7gj76HSkZL08-iF-DXZelKVfOvOt_YVoMXoV0g6824c04-OS6o1cZw/s1600/IMG_3823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj867CzKegb9qwckljNL_M6GHpVpdr7tXEsjMCcZtP6xtOiEvSqyJESKdOLldRgiLWAoMFXHO75wc4A8UkWVdCgl7gj76HSkZL08-iF-DXZelKVfOvOt_YVoMXoV0g6824c04-OS6o1cZw/s320/IMG_3823.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think this picture is the cutest! They were so goofy before bed. Who knew fart noises were so funny!?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3wbr3I5IfstZOBWYn9byVnLk4urHenUOsu8bi1N12r6_xTdNQAp5OWdVN38dA-AuK08p0onmutonsIiZVyrGV7MCVjDfNgyvPt2qW569dC08jif6YB43wDfdzQFIkj7fJvjpEa60LfI/s1600/IMG_3790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3wbr3I5IfstZOBWYn9byVnLk4urHenUOsu8bi1N12r6_xTdNQAp5OWdVN38dA-AuK08p0onmutonsIiZVyrGV7MCVjDfNgyvPt2qW569dC08jif6YB43wDfdzQFIkj7fJvjpEa60LfI/s320/IMG_3790.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My grandpa (far left) and his siblings. This is the Woemmel side of my family. I haven't seen a few of them in a very long time! It was nice to see them this Easter!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwgaZ20UaSpFlGbPF1ZOLmGuSwebpEwXitmlP5dW99tHPm1NDBR7la3WuBgr222L9dZDsH7PwwdJr4kjcRuqub8Qy6PAncsoEztI6KOj9Wks4RN1G3MTZWYxsljUePGpp9oglwiZtS5o/s1600/IMG_3793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwgaZ20UaSpFlGbPF1ZOLmGuSwebpEwXitmlP5dW99tHPm1NDBR7la3WuBgr222L9dZDsH7PwwdJr4kjcRuqub8Qy6PAncsoEztI6KOj9Wks4RN1G3MTZWYxsljUePGpp9oglwiZtS5o/s320/IMG_3793.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Seminole senior girls at Ocean Zen:) Congrats graduates!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UcbW1Tm_TWWQf7lpZ6aXGi1Y81UiM7zibisXu8NCrQsTK-L_EM_DEQHIJBZhiwo-tmhdqYdg5sI8d866jASrC_q8CdXU4vC1RJlPe3kgTwJLPfasLN1bI3L8gf1ScTAddf85lCNkoZ0/s1600/IMG_3853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UcbW1Tm_TWWQf7lpZ6aXGi1Y81UiM7zibisXu8NCrQsTK-L_EM_DEQHIJBZhiwo-tmhdqYdg5sI8d866jASrC_q8CdXU4vC1RJlPe3kgTwJLPfasLN1bI3L8gf1ScTAddf85lCNkoZ0/s320/IMG_3853.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy cakes for Brandt's first birthday. I couldn't get to my camera when he smashed into the snail. Sad, because it was so cute! Apparently blue icing looks exactly the same after it is digested. Haha! TMI? Sorry!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedZubblynt_lwSfFwolhfkXqUVwW96KDiztBrygTgNY5K5SGat6dgIcpsdg2GU73GnZfzn6b3V_T0g9YNb40IqZsEF2Se8xjQuIWH06eVP5KAQz9BmIcoqYnZFl2jWuy83yJBiUw8KaI/s1600/IMG_3841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedZubblynt_lwSfFwolhfkXqUVwW96KDiztBrygTgNY5K5SGat6dgIcpsdg2GU73GnZfzn6b3V_T0g9YNb40IqZsEF2Se8xjQuIWH06eVP5KAQz9BmIcoqYnZFl2jWuy83yJBiUw8KaI/s320/IMG_3841.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Boys...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kAloFHR_Owk_b6ysRsqh23esM-DjpHcvlf0m2WkVtk4Xkw18LXujLPib6KtM2SSTxW1eqkIaijZmesBlA5XrMEZvr8rRJSVm1n7Re5btBu4Rt43VJfVjwqFFjQCDm8ofH_msBJMyAhE/s1600/IMG_3849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kAloFHR_Owk_b6ysRsqh23esM-DjpHcvlf0m2WkVtk4Xkw18LXujLPib6KtM2SSTxW1eqkIaijZmesBlA5XrMEZvr8rRJSVm1n7Re5btBu4Rt43VJfVjwqFFjQCDm8ofH_msBJMyAhE/s320/IMG_3849.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jaxon...always mesmerized by cake:)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wO9So15KjrVt-B5XiyHQIR4Z5TO6jgg3vcH73r2Xd8DGwrIteHi659hLsV7c9cJ1wX8lhbAPG9a3Y7PWNCeHdTt0uQf9_lnxMj_9qwJCXPvoYD62NO6NenzIFDVqiTbHPhSOg3eGwWs/s1600/IMG_3830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wO9So15KjrVt-B5XiyHQIR4Z5TO6jgg3vcH73r2Xd8DGwrIteHi659hLsV7c9cJ1wX8lhbAPG9a3Y7PWNCeHdTt0uQf9_lnxMj_9qwJCXPvoYD62NO6NenzIFDVqiTbHPhSOg3eGwWs/s320/IMG_3830.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Joplin destruction:( It is true that pictures do not accurately depict the devastation. I'm still praying for them!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF49ojQ6JXJqDuepezlt69xvoJAac6ZTs5i5iq1Rh096javAGsclFqwJ4P_zuoVJi4JuMB6N6ldWHLvl5Rsjxhedd387SudwfIHVshNgs1JAfxezwmx9vDPb-pooPsG3kMVYGeUyF_Ggk/s1600/schenck+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF49ojQ6JXJqDuepezlt69xvoJAac6ZTs5i5iq1Rh096javAGsclFqwJ4P_zuoVJi4JuMB6N6ldWHLvl5Rsjxhedd387SudwfIHVshNgs1JAfxezwmx9vDPb-pooPsG3kMVYGeUyF_Ggk/s320/schenck+cake.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Schenck wedding cakes:) I'm bummed I forgot my camera...the wedding was lovely and the bride was stunning:)</div><br />
The end! Now I can lose my SD card and be content:) Yay for blogging!<br />
<br />
Have a lovely day!Sweet Life Skills- Elbow Grease!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03233730144247561166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879611798987537198.post-2379749125472385732011-06-06T14:04:00.000-07:002011-06-06T14:04:45.465-07:00A Light at the End of the TunnelMy, my, my...it has been a very long time since I've blogged. We have been very, very busy! I obviously cannot share all of the fun things I have been up to, but I know lots of people who are very curious about the progress of our house and our housing situation:) I'll update you as best as I can!<br />
<br />
First of all, we are currently living in my in-law's basement! Our house was under contract within a month of us actually putting it on the market, and closed on May 23rd. We feel so very blessed that it was such a fast sell! To us, it was just another confirmation that God truly is taking care of us and wanted us to move! Also, to many, living in your in-law's basement doesn't sound appealling at all. However, my in-laws have beautiful walk-in showers and a front loading washing machine in their basement (among many other fantastic things), so, though I am extremely excited about the new place, I am QUITE content right now:) We are so very thankful to them for letting us stay with them! <br />
<br />
Now...onto the house stuff! Here is a not-all-inclusive list of what's been happening...in extremely random order...<br />
<ul><li>Walls and basement ceilings re-textured</li>
<li>Wood floors installed and finish</li>
<li>upstairs hall bath, laundry room, basement bathroom and vanity areas, and most of the basement bar area is now tiled</li>
<li>wainscotting installed in dining room</li>
<li>wainscotting mostly installed in the laundry room</li>
<li>cabinet refinishing is a little further, but definitely not finished (and won't be when we move in, as I haven't had a place to work!</li>
<li>Master closet rebuilt</li>
<li>shelves added in laundry room closet</li>
<li>Awkward wall in laundry room moved about 6 inches back</li>
<li>French doors added in basement</li>
<li>duct work re-vamped</li>
<li>Gutter system altered</li>
<li>Kitchen cabinets altered for new appliances</li>
<li>Columns in basement decoratively wrapped</li>
</ul>Also, we have had TONS of help cleaning and preparing for the painters to come. Fred and Libby, my sister Shawn, and my parents have helped us big time, and I seriously would have gone crazy without them! (Thank you so much!) I absolutely hate all of the little things that have to prepare for the big things, such as cleaning EVERYTHING, taping windows off for the painters, and removing cabinet doors from every cabinet in our entire house, but it all has to be done, and is all very time consuming! There is no way we would be ready for the painters if they hadn't helped so much!<br />
<br />
I've mentioned the painters a couple of times. We originally wanted to do all of the painting ourselves. However, we ended up doing a lot more work than we first planned, and the project is taking much longer than I expected. We have 2 foreign exchange students arriving in July (which I do believe is new, extremely exciting, news since my last post) We definitely want them to have a comfortable place when they arrive, so we need to complete this mongo project asap! This is why we are hiring professionals:) The painters are scheduled to begin on Wednesday, I do believe. They are painting all of the woodwork, the kitchen cabinets, all of the walls, and the ceilings. It is going to be the most significant progress on the house thus far. I am sooo excited!<br />
<br />
The week after the painters finish, we plan on adding carpet and granite, grouting the tile floors, and putting the final finish coat on the wood floors. After that, we plan on moving in!!! We definitely won't be as finished as we originally hoped to be when we moved in, but the finishing touches are definitely not necessary for living in the house. For example, our light fixtures will be dated, and we won't have shiny new plumbing fixtures on the sinks...but we will still have light and water. No big deal :) We plan to finish those projects as soon as we are able:)<br />
<br />
Here's a little picture update:)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXenH2OTPBe-F7qgXPtHpasZW7Vond-PKoN8ZZvkjCG5W1b1VSl9ZgI0dmCIPEioVRSypY9raM6IWCh9s4LkRf8wZTs71DWUNmUs1FulG7oLdkGhaHzduhHUcKrAzHMOFmZxm6Q_KwoOw/s1600/IMG_3794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXenH2OTPBe-F7qgXPtHpasZW7Vond-PKoN8ZZvkjCG5W1b1VSl9ZgI0dmCIPEioVRSypY9raM6IWCh9s4LkRf8wZTs71DWUNmUs1FulG7oLdkGhaHzduhHUcKrAzHMOFmZxm6Q_KwoOw/s320/IMG_3794.JPG" t8="true" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finishing the wood floors. They are so dark and lovely! (and covered in resin paper, so I can't enjoy them! But it's keeping them safe!)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOM18ALyNPTk-F1yhP-GZvUJk9Q2tEmD1qP1SBQ8hrMlf-97g86r-KSD3ESLXYIPW6QHpKfYxUyEv_KJjOYBnojiUjHP_t_cqqdKGlrzDBCeZeh-SJHG4BmUU_hk4cCVkDf7fGSnUga0U/s1600/IMG_3864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOM18ALyNPTk-F1yhP-GZvUJk9Q2tEmD1qP1SBQ8hrMlf-97g86r-KSD3ESLXYIPW6QHpKfYxUyEv_KJjOYBnojiUjHP_t_cqqdKGlrzDBCeZeh-SJHG4BmUU_hk4cCVkDf7fGSnUga0U/s320/IMG_3864.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wainscotting! Wood detail, and wall area enclosed with wood will be white, and the walls will be a medium-brown.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pzlH0wqc0jy2nv5qhp6e3MprT9b99P9tyjYGnNJxzem427y69o29z_nZhs3WoCazXf4bkhKj8s5MvCt9DZQUlrUGWXaqAbw0b332yhjv1Th9vbCoBBkYoQ1g7YrHGaZAo8ppkP4pmn0/s1600/IMG_3863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pzlH0wqc0jy2nv5qhp6e3MprT9b99P9tyjYGnNJxzem427y69o29z_nZhs3WoCazXf4bkhKj8s5MvCt9DZQUlrUGWXaqAbw0b332yhjv1Th9vbCoBBkYoQ1g7YrHGaZAo8ppkP4pmn0/s320/IMG_3863.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Adorable wainscotting in laundry room. It is not finished in this picture, and the cabinets now have 2 coats of stain.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXEB2kZt3EO2O50ve-V94XghK7vhJKngYDgsFERdIG-53BaJPPZkFawqcLBiW_LwivRpMnd-nUad-pZWeU_dQBgz6CtSl7DnBAd4KTBolkb-RplIiYhLh7GmHNgq3051Vt9gMYTJZrFM/s1600/IMG_3867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXEB2kZt3EO2O50ve-V94XghK7vhJKngYDgsFERdIG-53BaJPPZkFawqcLBiW_LwivRpMnd-nUad-pZWeU_dQBgz6CtSl7DnBAd4KTBolkb-RplIiYhLh7GmHNgq3051Vt9gMYTJZrFM/s320/IMG_3867.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wood floors are covered, and cabinet doors and island are out. Ready for painters! (I love the light fixtures that Wes installed!)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9rp8yGAo_iAElwzf2OlihnIYaKV9nKKIKOIyelW3fjDszcCjKAQ9e10J5E9m4qmi4fhs4JYLdtj-El7X_uRIk3w5QA9LccIajzkCCWvZOu_gPyJMi4_UGssonS1ttMBCZ-jKWFFtIWs/s1600/IMG_3869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9rp8yGAo_iAElwzf2OlihnIYaKV9nKKIKOIyelW3fjDszcCjKAQ9e10J5E9m4qmi4fhs4JYLdtj-El7X_uRIk3w5QA9LccIajzkCCWvZOu_gPyJMi4_UGssonS1ttMBCZ-jKWFFtIWs/s320/IMG_3869.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Basement. The columns aren't completely finished. It looks so much more open without the brick half-wall! Also, notice the lovely french doors and the light from the window in the other room pouring in. (happy sigh:))</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvMkxevpBubA0mj7vINh9RIr41i3EsTCbd4JhDlPoS85uDmLkQ6dlN7yYMCDqa1Q79UScNK9KIkTUhzMS3H_uLk4nBlCmBp8hZhcAr_8j4w2iZzt1uA-mz3meeuXgGBduQs-aw5LD-_A/s1600/IMG_3866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvMkxevpBubA0mj7vINh9RIr41i3EsTCbd4JhDlPoS85uDmLkQ6dlN7yYMCDqa1Q79UScNK9KIkTUhzMS3H_uLk4nBlCmBp8hZhcAr_8j4w2iZzt1uA-mz3meeuXgGBduQs-aw5LD-_A/s320/IMG_3866.JPG" t8="true" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">New master closet organization:)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMZ1wF5pshwuCYPy4hyphenhyphenDiIpsBXHQw2xL_0zwoiQRKBBMq3N12EYwq3gg9-NV7ac3TG0iOPPfyaaFYYa47UIgADMA9VH4BJ7SyyF5eyKDmHr4jJDHR0mmrhw_NsFnaEnMzO7_qdjZwLLY/s1600/IMG_3871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMZ1wF5pshwuCYPy4hyphenhyphenDiIpsBXHQw2xL_0zwoiQRKBBMq3N12EYwq3gg9-NV7ac3TG0iOPPfyaaFYYa47UIgADMA9VH4BJ7SyyF5eyKDmHr4jJDHR0mmrhw_NsFnaEnMzO7_qdjZwLLY/s320/IMG_3871.JPG" t8="true" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tile in the basement bathroom and vanities. It makes the space look so much larger!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">.As you can see, it doesn't look amazing in there just quite yet, but we are getting so close! I think the paint is going to fix the majority of the eye sores, and make it look so much cleaner, and obviously more finished. Even though it still feels we are a long way away, the schedule shows otherwise. Thank goodness! I hope to be able to share beautiful pictures soon!!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">:) Have a great day!</div>Sweet Life Skills- Elbow Grease!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03233730144247561166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879611798987537198.post-27637015202914444542011-04-11T19:50:00.000-07:002011-04-12T07:19:37.694-07:00Thrifting and Homemade DecorOur current house is 1600 square feet, and our next house is over 3500 square feet. Do you know what that means? That house is gonna look pretty darn sparse for a good long while! Because I'm not a huge fan of overly "sparse," undecorated spaces, I've been hunting for great deals! I can't buy large pieces (furniture) because we have no place to store it (well...and we're on a tight budget!). But small decor, I can do! Let me tell you, it has been a blast. Now thrifing and creating (or watching others create) things on the cheap are my latest addictions, and I'd like to share a few things I have learned!<br />
<br />
There are a few things that I find in thrift stores that just gross me out. You know...bras...shoes...the likes. Pillows used to be one of those things. Not any more! Well...not some. I ran into a dilemna a while back. I wanted to make a cute little pillow, so I went to the FM store to buy a pillow form. It was $5 for a tiny 12 X 12, synthentic fiber filled pillow! Ridiculous! Then, one day, I was shopping with my thrifting buddy, Sheila. We found some really nice feather throw pillows. They were super clean, and, the case had a zipper, so you could easily remove the pillow form. The awesome thing about feather pillows is you can wash them and they fluff up perfectly when you dry them! Now I always keep my eye out for feather throw pillows. They can come in many kinds of cases, generally ranging from okay to hideous...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFQfcm0FeCO58QtMP2lYdie8ooWxyZhlqJuZjINgLz_7Oazs0kBrpF6-WO7orSBGQ1dIicA8HpWs4Xw0KhzpD1PvAqdSf9zxXtHIhVmq2JOGlVFUwLKvMcVtEYvhAa2NVXcK13FTtvok/s1600/IMG_3111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFQfcm0FeCO58QtMP2lYdie8ooWxyZhlqJuZjINgLz_7Oazs0kBrpF6-WO7orSBGQ1dIicA8HpWs4Xw0KhzpD1PvAqdSf9zxXtHIhVmq2JOGlVFUwLKvMcVtEYvhAa2NVXcK13FTtvok/s320/IMG_3111.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>Once the cases are removed and they are washed, they are fluffy and fabulous! Actually, most times the pillow forms look clean once you remove the cases, but I still wash them in hot water (with detergent) ...twice. I don't believe you are supposed to wash your feather pillows with hot water, but I want them to be as clean as possible. I haven't ruined one yet. I just throw them in the washing machine on the gentle cycle, and tumble dry them with 3 tennis balls. It takes a while for them to dry. Also, if you have ever washed a feather pillow, you know it can smell kinda funky when it's wet. The pillows generally cost $2-$5, and you can cover them with whatever fabric you want! (The pillows I paid $5 for are probably at least 18x18) I can't wait to cover these puppies with some of that lovely fabric I bought!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_7m0-t-dt1lDpaM0Joj1MiDZNjIghJxoHFyFVa_0yjQ9LQwLkzQ8SsPO1J9NIREGUDGkru9-1wkXV5pJAS9occpsTFKmJN2AqxpRSkQC0ePUq9LuDR1cuNNv_A0RQNUsCDtz6HGMKvc/s1600/IMG_3113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_7m0-t-dt1lDpaM0Joj1MiDZNjIghJxoHFyFVa_0yjQ9LQwLkzQ8SsPO1J9NIREGUDGkru9-1wkXV5pJAS9occpsTFKmJN2AqxpRSkQC0ePUq9LuDR1cuNNv_A0RQNUsCDtz6HGMKvc/s320/IMG_3113.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today, I got this lovely (and heavy!) brass bird. I saw it a couple of weeks ago, and thought it was just dandy! It was priced at $5.98. It isn't in perfect condition (and I'm extremely cheap) so I did not get it. I could not stop thinking about it, though! (Don't ask me why I love it so much...I just have a "connection" with it...haha!) I actually went back today, just to see if it was still there (and if it was marked down). To my surprise, it hadn't been bought yet! Still 5.98:( However, it had a B written under the price. I saw some items with a B that were marked down elsewhere in the store, so I asked a worker if the price was going to be reduced soon. He said the Bs are being marked down this week, but the home items changed on Thursday and Friday. Then, he took it from my hands and wrote 2.98 on it! lucky me! Lesson learned: when in doubt, ASK!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThy565ayyYKVMUXccEV28wX6r8G503Yi23a8Dm8WyNFoNWNFGMNhrxaxrhWIMoVlcUmQTL1DvOQ-hJz44khcf9fvUHcMsjxXyXKuJiE5GIdQAR1J8XfneF257ASp_1j7m4Rlp1ioC5DI/s1600/IMG_3559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThy565ayyYKVMUXccEV28wX6r8G503Yi23a8Dm8WyNFoNWNFGMNhrxaxrhWIMoVlcUmQTL1DvOQ-hJz44khcf9fvUHcMsjxXyXKuJiE5GIdQAR1J8XfneF257ASp_1j7m4Rlp1ioC5DI/s320/IMG_3559.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also got this little bird cage for 99 cents! It was unmarked. Generally, this particular store doesn't let you buy things that are unmarked, so I asked the same employee about the price. He priced it well. Needless to say, I'm going to hunt that man down any time I have a question:). I see it being used as spring decor, and as a cute Christmas ornament. I'm thinking I should start collecting adorable little cages for my Christmas tree:)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPpYByq96I5C7_fpZlHW3DGorYVBhJnr0A_qQ_KKNFTv_eevuX-wzWEiZ93Xaa2X4jXywKY6yNSaSYwrOohbmu3tQawsnPVno4BspnAmFBIwgW_V3ZgrYiLIgyZoXmIR8U-x4Miv1Yl0/s1600/IMG_3550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPpYByq96I5C7_fpZlHW3DGorYVBhJnr0A_qQ_KKNFTv_eevuX-wzWEiZ93Xaa2X4jXywKY6yNSaSYwrOohbmu3tQawsnPVno4BspnAmFBIwgW_V3ZgrYiLIgyZoXmIR8U-x4Miv1Yl0/s320/IMG_3550.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I felt a bit badly about these apothecaries because I told my friend that she would be hard pressed to find them at a thrift store because they are so "in" right now. Then, one day, I went shopping without her and found 2 for cheap! This proves, one person's treasure is another person's trash! You can find anything at a thrift store! Sorry, Sheila! Had I have learned this lesson earlier, I wouldn't have said that! :) There's also a story behind the green bottle. I was looking for a bud vase because I wanted to cut some tulips from my yard, but the only vases we had at home are very wide mouthed. Filling it would require me to chop down my entire garden. I made another trip to my beloved thrift store and found a green bottle, much like this one, but smaller and cuter, and for only a dollar. I was all like, "WHAT-EV-ER! I could totally buy a drink in a bottle like this, and have something to drink, and a bottle for the same price!" I went to the store and found a beverage in a lovely green bottle for 1.30. Sadly, the stuff was NASTY, I spent 15 minutes trying to get the sticky label off, and the size of the mouth compared to the size of the bottle do not make for a "balanced" arrangement! Not a huge loss, but still annoying:)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieg07P6hoU4VVvR-H7ORMjyKb7IXewmrZX62KTsA64Y4ov_Khbu1_fGQPmtc31wlYxjfGB3rYSUFYKOE5500uzee6ceTuZrV1P8hPlXv7HQYnnhafV2YeoWLKUHcPU4gab6CVHn6BP8KQ/s1600/IMG_3507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieg07P6hoU4VVvR-H7ORMjyKb7IXewmrZX62KTsA64Y4ov_Khbu1_fGQPmtc31wlYxjfGB3rYSUFYKOE5500uzee6ceTuZrV1P8hPlXv7HQYnnhafV2YeoWLKUHcPU4gab6CVHn6BP8KQ/s320/IMG_3507.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The last thrifty thing I am going to share really deserves it's own post. I've been planning on writing about it for quite some time, but I haven't yet. I really don't want to forget about it, so I'm just going to tag on the end of this thrifty decor post. There are some lovely and talented young ladies who were willing to help me re-create an expensive piece of art for my mantle. I got the large canvas from Michael's with a coupon, as well as some modge podge. I also bought a hymnal from a used christian bookstore. We spent a few evenings modge podging, and painting, and ended up with this beauty. (actually...I did not paint at all. I just watched and admired their skills...and realized how big of a disaster it would have been had I have done it on my own!!) The colors look much much better in person...and the mood that it portrays is exactly what I was desiring. It cost a mere $30 compared to a whopping $1920.00!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnkH47THDlNBThcmNqRmpLZ9yVxlJaWGUJXsNFz4qTtrIcr8sB-uMkANpVbNSjxKMtJyOkDc97zTKAwqTaRGYxgtYsAeSwLzSoJkgheCqw_ZtOEyeMnL8A01ccLmvWi3TTw1WhFkCL5o/s1600/IMG_3552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnkH47THDlNBThcmNqRmpLZ9yVxlJaWGUJXsNFz4qTtrIcr8sB-uMkANpVbNSjxKMtJyOkDc97zTKAwqTaRGYxgtYsAeSwLzSoJkgheCqw_ZtOEyeMnL8A01ccLmvWi3TTw1WhFkCL5o/s320/IMG_3552.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It seriously makes me giddy when I look at it. Thanks Rachel and Lauren Denny!!! The beautiful original piece is pictured below, and can be bought on <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Modern-floral-Bird-Red-ABSTRACT-Painting-SCHULMAN-ART-/180539281001">Ebay</a>. It is actually one of three paintings that go together. Absolutely lovely.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlL4d8h3BYFhJyIdlOaKEcMK1R3nB5ulBw3VfpWpi_0sW7leBbJetWTyb_hadMlPHPKjALJo80mt6LSIGcJuEE52GpU2IFVfjkHRAZaa0OeFqQfOwsprif4qGqoE1l6en92twpWcpsvwc/s320/bird+art.jpg" width="254" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So there you go. You don't have to sacrifice style when on a budget! Now, I understand that many of you might not LOVE the items I shared in this post. I have been told that I have a unique style. However, I truly believe there are great deals and inexpensive options for every design style. You just have to hunt for them! (Or be brave and attack those projects)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wishing you luck in your hunt!!!</div>Sweet Life Skills- Elbow Grease!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03233730144247561166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879611798987537198.post-59349470955421060182011-04-11T17:31:00.000-07:002011-04-11T22:28:41.819-07:00Weekends 10 and 11Hey There! <br />
I hope everyone has been enjoying the absolutely amazing weather!<br />
<br />
The past couple of weeks have been fairly productive, not only on the house we are remodeling, but also on the house that is for sale! In fact, weekend 10 was completely dedicated to whipping our yard into shape for showing, as it is now on the market :) I've never mulched more in my life! I must say, it was rather enjoyable, except for the ridiculous barking of the dog that lives in the yard caddy corner to ours. It barked for several hours straight. Grrrr! I was so annoyed. Seriously...annoyed. I came to the conclusion that animals have the tendency to make me very irritable. I truly wish I were an animal lover, and I do think I'm getting much, much better (Thank you better behaved Dixie dog and Michelle-loving Piper). However, the truth remains, I most definitely am not.<br />
<br />
After all of that yard whipping, our house was looking pretty snazzy, but one sad fact is that grass grows. We had another showing today. I got the call around 11, and realized our lovely yard hadn't been mowed since last weekend! I almost broke a vow that I made to myself to never mow the lawn (because the hubby was at work). I changed my clothes, got out the lawn mower, put some gas in it, and tried to get it going. Then, I realized how much of a pansy I really am. I could not start the thing! I had 2 issues. 1. I'm not strong enough, and 2. I really don't think I'm long enough. I had to change positions to get the stringy-starter-ma-bob completely out...and my arm had to move at an angle that is not so strong. Oh, how being short (and delicate...haha) complicates things! Did you know I can't even effectively stir things, or use a rolling pin at the counter top level without a step-stool? It's really quite frustrating. Hmmm...that gets me thinking...maybe I should have used a step stool to try to start the lawn mower. ...Nah!<br />
<br />
Although our yard is not the yard of my dreams, it has a couple of things going for it. Three seasons of the year, I can have fresh flowers in my house! (Below are the tulips I planted in February. That's right all you who said they wouldn't grow! Booyah!) I hope that will be a pleasant suprise to whoever lives in our house next because it has really been enjoyable for me!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGFN0vIcIJD7tlg2VdIFVSITkv51Dr6LkkJTanDf3-170_T0xt6D0OBKWv6ndKt-tCSN4HZJtnnNJdpD7VUeP6FhPZrV8JFzUR3m7BzcZUcJCtrgsLdit99i0qXlXOhYzJsKqJNow6oY/s1600/IMG_3505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGFN0vIcIJD7tlg2VdIFVSITkv51Dr6LkkJTanDf3-170_T0xt6D0OBKWv6ndKt-tCSN4HZJtnnNJdpD7VUeP6FhPZrV8JFzUR3m7BzcZUcJCtrgsLdit99i0qXlXOhYzJsKqJNow6oY/s320/IMG_3505.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOViLixTJL9ERiHsglUbTvUbPIfQspschaFHfGz4UQwxLEP-tJ_m98vLwpTX1Y-ac7-ype7ziS86-O2TV8o8MPdJMT1-VQE6lxOxzWB6kD4W4bsaRz04j3GWuSj_OV0HniBessvv6zmA/s1600/IMG_3506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOViLixTJL9ERiHsglUbTvUbPIfQspschaFHfGz4UQwxLEP-tJ_m98vLwpTX1Y-ac7-ype7ziS86-O2TV8o8MPdJMT1-VQE6lxOxzWB6kD4W4bsaRz04j3GWuSj_OV0HniBessvv6zmA/s320/IMG_3506.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XFspcRogkqUOyoMjg3eWlwGz-Lb-8IY-ZF3TwqaqiasQlsgpxsiT-nvtzA0yEz7IvL4jtlKMml3Ke8mtsTaozNEffH5zywN5Fw5LWlxno5mVZecuCdG9mlEWT7PLJ0FrISOa2PRCkyQ/s1600/IMG_3507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XFspcRogkqUOyoMjg3eWlwGz-Lb-8IY-ZF3TwqaqiasQlsgpxsiT-nvtzA0yEz7IvL4jtlKMml3Ke8mtsTaozNEffH5zywN5Fw5LWlxno5mVZecuCdG9mlEWT7PLJ0FrISOa2PRCkyQ/s320/IMG_3507.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>During the 10th weekend of our house renovation, we also had the ground breaking ceremony for a new childrens' wing at church. It is much needed for our growing children's ministries! God has really been moving at Seminole Baptist Temple, and all of the childrens' classes need more space! Our high school class has actually been one person shy of the fire code! We are all so excited about the new building and are praising God for all He does!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQSlnFvXfzp_HBfgrLqZP5D8zR_DvhK1SOlgYtNLdIYjjkR9-HfFr2ldy-Sv8rNnWrYfqJ6UxGQxWWYIbbUVX_ZcxXxiL2q0kJCLrWwlQPhqDCLGr0WJFxNjQoyXmNJXGBXUw-kklCGs/s1600/IMG_3322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQSlnFvXfzp_HBfgrLqZP5D8zR_DvhK1SOlgYtNLdIYjjkR9-HfFr2ldy-Sv8rNnWrYfqJ6UxGQxWWYIbbUVX_ZcxXxiL2q0kJCLrWwlQPhqDCLGr0WJFxNjQoyXmNJXGBXUw-kklCGs/s320/IMG_3322.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Everyone was supposed to bring shovels to help break the ground! Once again, here are my cutie pie nephews going after it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulCAVeye2t_n2uBWcqbN2n20ri-A8QpK6WDqPSmJkkXyEYFpCk8i4hyphenhyphenTMNsieapi6fcaw72llYRyDgvtOvTzopti6Qpxbc6ZUk3wRZjJkBTx6e_8xE4rapL4QnLQKhkMTAG1X6t6rh90/s1600/IMG_3343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulCAVeye2t_n2uBWcqbN2n20ri-A8QpK6WDqPSmJkkXyEYFpCk8i4hyphenhyphenTMNsieapi6fcaw72llYRyDgvtOvTzopti6Qpxbc6ZUk3wRZjJkBTx6e_8xE4rapL4QnLQKhkMTAG1X6t6rh90/s320/IMG_3343.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was such a fun time!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATkrnEXVOcBUM1_BrjRIYqykjLJLPdRb2xxlMuQYBHGzGokmxD3VFzkerSbfsCyKrjpA_NMB_cBirw7C5fli3GC4CgJd1jGl5vKil7C71TXHGnV-spjVfh1WQOvnZcw633UI6UOZE9P8/s1600/IMG_3332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATkrnEXVOcBUM1_BrjRIYqykjLJLPdRb2xxlMuQYBHGzGokmxD3VFzkerSbfsCyKrjpA_NMB_cBirw7C5fli3GC4CgJd1jGl5vKil7C71TXHGnV-spjVfh1WQOvnZcw633UI6UOZE9P8/s320/IMG_3332.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Zane learned a valuable shovelling lesson...use your foot for more POWER!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rzCglDqmyk8_PzmcBOgd4vKdJfY9DOvBKjTTbGMImRZ7ZnlM7ZrEmiDyAEjQxzbuXgRTLY2dKTS3rYBGw2pSOsCWEHIJT6ZDkhcyIYb8Fa_PRzbw2Fu7j-5CqJB19u1a7toENS0Bm5I/s1600/IMG_3388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rzCglDqmyk8_PzmcBOgd4vKdJfY9DOvBKjTTbGMImRZ7ZnlM7ZrEmiDyAEjQxzbuXgRTLY2dKTS3rYBGw2pSOsCWEHIJT6ZDkhcyIYb8Fa_PRzbw2Fu7j-5CqJB19u1a7toENS0Bm5I/s320/IMG_3388.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And...I just really liked the picture below, so I added it :)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3gzcgUQPDG3YvEqE3ivceGZFbS_Awsvd7fE0SmkO0u_MS5riiHunWerLLDrbYmE5c4tX6jkHNMARYwhrYjmFh0lpaxAS_3Gcr_EnyhWisPR9cS7iNVPhRsj8yrObumSwYxIfUxEnD2Y/s1600/IMG_3379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3gzcgUQPDG3YvEqE3ivceGZFbS_Awsvd7fE0SmkO0u_MS5riiHunWerLLDrbYmE5c4tX6jkHNMARYwhrYjmFh0lpaxAS_3Gcr_EnyhWisPR9cS7iNVPhRsj8yrObumSwYxIfUxEnD2Y/s320/IMG_3379.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
After week 10, I spent a lot of time price shopping and solidifying our budget for plumbing fixtures, lighting, and hardware for the house. One tip for those of you needing to price shop for things of this nature: take a camera with you!!! Most of the time, the price is near the product, so when you look at the picture, not only do you remember the price, but also what the product looked like! I took pictures at several stores, and Wes and I made our decisions at home (so he didn't even have to go shopping). It also allowed us to put products from various stores side by side, so we could make sure they coordinated. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4R8iSFqcFAz6tt34vQioiUk6LrURS54byxQUqYtgYiQN18zmVCQwtYwl_bo2ZIyZy7QTswPi6gjt9qjSyjq5IFEK6VEe_xoqMEVxx0XpraEUoeCrRJHzxoJXKbhTNYQ2N9AbdAA5qGc/s1600/IMG_3484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4R8iSFqcFAz6tt34vQioiUk6LrURS54byxQUqYtgYiQN18zmVCQwtYwl_bo2ZIyZy7QTswPi6gjt9qjSyjq5IFEK6VEe_xoqMEVxx0XpraEUoeCrRJHzxoJXKbhTNYQ2N9AbdAA5qGc/s320/IMG_3484.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The roofers also started their work. They are almost finished. The new shingles look sooooo much better than the shake roof (that was in terrible condition, I might add).</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_bxXBqA2kypxvvYXx-oWqhoMiYr8fCxOGeMW1qAZrB34IhDz9kXiWVxbZ3jdu48ALtRBOm1MwzIuK05s_XAjNbMsLs8uBjuuda4MgqGOWRqMmLTAPXCbwfkZhf7fxAIJLFF5xsy0ZAY/s1600/IMG_3316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_bxXBqA2kypxvvYXx-oWqhoMiYr8fCxOGeMW1qAZrB34IhDz9kXiWVxbZ3jdu48ALtRBOm1MwzIuK05s_XAjNbMsLs8uBjuuda4MgqGOWRqMmLTAPXCbwfkZhf7fxAIJLFF5xsy0ZAY/s640/IMG_3316.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sadly, especially for our neighbors, the roofing supplies are still in our yard until they finish (I don't know when they are finishing it, as they are on a commercial job right now. However, I do believe Wes knows!)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94J0F4syfpKEajFDsJEaN-8_7G3PL_sDt9IGICDSq0gOzLD6ATgdg-Z7Iu96seR3GSaJXGwmPUqWGrfhhm_Wi_yFMGLX8l3wWr7-d7LGgvHNElgvDmGf6r_cUWdIT7CHETwcD119orBY/s1600/IMG_3533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94J0F4syfpKEajFDsJEaN-8_7G3PL_sDt9IGICDSq0gOzLD6ATgdg-Z7Iu96seR3GSaJXGwmPUqWGrfhhm_Wi_yFMGLX8l3wWr7-d7LGgvHNElgvDmGf6r_cUWdIT7CHETwcD119orBY/s640/IMG_3533.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">During weekend 11, Wes started framing the tub skirt. We have a fantastic idea. It's going to be very spa-esque! I'm pumped!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKr2KDibKGD5M2vtViCi8SrAAGk5TDTGK1X6beAvR-iAJEFFjXdKt6R-YZrQUYKKj4x7T2oTyMMMvk7yAGCpj7yox-sY37OnmVDl5sXugbIwYcHA8MY9HJspqmy2OUh2A1HPubBxUKjoM/s1600/IMG_3535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKr2KDibKGD5M2vtViCi8SrAAGk5TDTGK1X6beAvR-iAJEFFjXdKt6R-YZrQUYKKj4x7T2oTyMMMvk7yAGCpj7yox-sY37OnmVDl5sXugbIwYcHA8MY9HJspqmy2OUh2A1HPubBxUKjoM/s320/IMG_3535.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He also moved a doorway to one of the bedrooms in the basement. Because the bedroom has a door to the john deere room, we would prefer to use it as a workout room or play room unless we absolutely need it as a bedroom. At this point, we most definitely do not! Because of that, we decided to add french doors. The space to the right that is still open is where the old door used to be. It still needs to be drywalled, but you get the idea. The reason we moved the door instead of just widening it was because we did not like how the soffit cut into the trim. I love trim, so that just would not do! Also, the french doors will (hopefully) be rather centered behind the couch, adding some architectural interest. I think it will be lovely! I also like the fact that the window is now visible from many points in the living room. It adds a lot of light and opens up the space. I don't have a before picture at this angle because that big brick wall was in the way!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGJr0dsQhZt7C_WR_kwq-G-zyoGgOkLhfNEl2j00JE2CBsoMYuSmbdYLP2p-FBm17MAk2p_D8TVTKkT9PO_C7wVP0bNpUI0jh6qk_gh7pnbja_tuSsMDBbzVp2YGh8MvIwyUPDM90Uxg/s1600/IMG_3536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGJr0dsQhZt7C_WR_kwq-G-zyoGgOkLhfNEl2j00JE2CBsoMYuSmbdYLP2p-FBm17MAk2p_D8TVTKkT9PO_C7wVP0bNpUI0jh6qk_gh7pnbja_tuSsMDBbzVp2YGh8MvIwyUPDM90Uxg/s320/IMG_3536.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last weekend we also had another SWITCH event for our high school and middle school kids. If you are unfamiliar with SWITCH, it is an outreach event that our church does for our youth. The wonderful youth pastors coordinate some super fun event (this month was the Skinny Improv), kids invite their unsaved friends, and they are presented with the gospel! 6 kids got saved! It is amazing how many people are so hungry for the word of God, and all they need is to be told about it! We are excitedly praising God for all He has done through the SWITCH events. I've never seen life changes like I've seen the past year and a half! It's beautiful!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gIZqNUA6c1-sTsyGIsqFeBqBa6ZlqfLFDC4psKsRPJPy8CQdsJRE5YEIduXdKKI9cOp44Urdh3qWXRtVN1CdNvAJpZH6zb95KW22gnCiP5X60wCkfyTND-2DNacHNgDWr8fIHtR5svw/s1600/IMG_3512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gIZqNUA6c1-sTsyGIsqFeBqBa6ZlqfLFDC4psKsRPJPy8CQdsJRE5YEIduXdKKI9cOp44Urdh3qWXRtVN1CdNvAJpZH6zb95KW22gnCiP5X60wCkfyTND-2DNacHNgDWr8fIHtR5svw/s320/IMG_3512.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">This week, we are having some work done on our HVAC and the drywall finishers are coming! I will be gone for the weekend, so I am excited to see what it looks like when I return! Also, there has been a lot of movement and "whatnot" on our house! I was quite surprised that people are actually coming to look at it because our realtor said after the first week the number of views online were really low. In fact, she said that there were only 9 views from non-realtors online. I was sad to inform her that I had probably looked at our listing 8 times, and I think Tiffany looked at it once! Baha! I don't know how the online viewing is going now, but we have had a handful of showings the past couple of weeks, so it proves there are buyers out there! It's shaping up to be a fan-tastic week! I am so incredibly blessed!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Have a lovely evening!</div>Sweet Life Skills- Elbow Grease!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03233730144247561166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879611798987537198.post-12616138443311604832011-03-31T12:07:00.000-07:002011-03-31T12:07:03.274-07:00Weekends 6, 7, 8, and 9- Let There Be LIGHT! (MEGA-post)Last time I posted I apologized for my weekend update being so late. I don't know what to even say about the tardiness of this post! Haha!<br />
<br />
I will say, I have been extremely busy the past few weeks. Sometimes when I get this busy, it is better for my sanity to drop some of the guilty pleasures in my life like stalking people on facebook and blogging (baha!), and give my full attention to the other tasks at hand. However, because I enjoy looking back at our house progress (and I'm sure you all are dying see the progress and know what was keeping me so busy, right? ;) ), I will give you a quick run-down on what has been going on.<br />
<br />
Let's see here...<br />
<br />
Between weekends 5 and 6: I bought 33 yards of fabulous fabric to make window coverings for the main living areas in our new house. Everytime I'd go to the FM store, I'd get so distracted and throw all of my design plans out the window. I finally realized I needed to set an "inspiration" in stone, and I found this picture:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5dJo6WzpzT1tH-nv-J2Gezg-r9GRNF4IRvjyj_-3RwWyC4PrAacrs_x5eNtdmRAI65zNJVrxEYhA3XaGaZi8MwfwtpdQsnywzrPKxg7J3nBcZKFZR2P_cj6341RHBnTF_fvYp29auQ4/s1600/IMG_3105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5dJo6WzpzT1tH-nv-J2Gezg-r9GRNF4IRvjyj_-3RwWyC4PrAacrs_x5eNtdmRAI65zNJVrxEYhA3XaGaZi8MwfwtpdQsnywzrPKxg7J3nBcZKFZR2P_cj6341RHBnTF_fvYp29auQ4/s320/IMG_3105.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>It's sideways....Oops. I tried to fix it, but it didn't work, and I'm not trying again because I have better things to do :). Anywho...I love it. It is just the cover of one of those paint color pamphlets Not what I was originally going for, but is definitely what our new house needs to look like. It is lighter and airier (thank goodness!) than our current "look," yet very similar. It has some of Wes's nice/expensive, dark wood vibes and some of my light and airy, assymetrical and creative vibes. I think the detail I loved most was the fabric on the pillows. I looked all over the place for similar fabric with no luck. Then one day, I drove by the FM store and just pulled in to the parking lot (no, it was not my intended destination) The first fabric I saw was this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CQkinhr4MYdgfBxsDzwUOnyDgMPcyyYiJCrxwYWxY53YmMjiR-cHM-vNdbpD7-JJrs2WZCfCNirYsisSCGjwWLasxw27QuenQ77AB8dJLlKcpEy4Csw5vvjZiBjACdwI7fLr5rzCE7M/s1600/IMG_3108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CQkinhr4MYdgfBxsDzwUOnyDgMPcyyYiJCrxwYWxY53YmMjiR-cHM-vNdbpD7-JJrs2WZCfCNirYsisSCGjwWLasxw27QuenQ77AB8dJLlKcpEy4Csw5vvjZiBjACdwI7fLr5rzCE7M/s320/IMG_3108.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love the similar colors and the pretty design! Though it is not excact, it is definitely close enough for me! The FM store had just gotten a new shipment of fun fabrics. I also found these beauties amongst the new fabric and fell in love:)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVv_6teQrXhh4JYluEzoaOPhJqYi6MaMXQhUBkizL40L7rcHwWXmdGVl4ZZX16PS6ffRXowN-DVtG3Ao9dI-_vsBcDp55GAKX29ANanXGnGRNGgSjAny1z-EkOrGVzYAWKvs5Zn7SWhuY/s1600/IMG_3110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVv_6teQrXhh4JYluEzoaOPhJqYi6MaMXQhUBkizL40L7rcHwWXmdGVl4ZZX16PS6ffRXowN-DVtG3Ao9dI-_vsBcDp55GAKX29ANanXGnGRNGgSjAny1z-EkOrGVzYAWKvs5Zn7SWhuY/s320/IMG_3110.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I will use them for the curtains for the kitchen, laundry room, living room, and the red will be in the dining room. I love how they have a rough texture but an elegant design...just perfect! Can't wait to get sewing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Weekend 6: CAN LIGHTS! Lighting is the thing that has taken up the most time the past three weekends. Here is a semi-before picture of the basement. We only had the two lights that are shining on the fireplace in this picture. Needless to say, at night, it was super dark down there!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8om4cnKdCfbe9qTx8rn50_NYa-jPzGPWl7Fbnez_mZwaFry9ulaN-oJ8U4o84lRWXTDEYegOSikeDJUblEae2wjedrOvZZlAaS_fvTQtFjoJzApAOt81LZPDXIc3gjldvdakBM0LDu8/s1600/IMG_3308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8om4cnKdCfbe9qTx8rn50_NYa-jPzGPWl7Fbnez_mZwaFry9ulaN-oJ8U4o84lRWXTDEYegOSikeDJUblEae2wjedrOvZZlAaS_fvTQtFjoJzApAOt81LZPDXIc3gjldvdakBM0LDu8/s320/IMG_3308.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not anymore! The lights made such a huge difference in the basement. We are now kinda can-light-happy:) We are adding them everywhere...and loving it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7X60Q4pfrdBWlsTszKWlbx4MsH9l2vhQie3JO9Agp3JCCJ9uID1SoYtb6Iq2U-_DhLth44lqKf9j1AfJ3ybbRPtrsQOpM9DeVEH8e7f1Qde5plw-4u99vlrb26JZVkqAgwaBtIYsFMc/s1600/IMG_3307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7X60Q4pfrdBWlsTszKWlbx4MsH9l2vhQie3JO9Agp3JCCJ9uID1SoYtb6Iq2U-_DhLth44lqKf9j1AfJ3ybbRPtrsQOpM9DeVEH8e7f1Qde5plw-4u99vlrb26JZVkqAgwaBtIYsFMc/s320/IMG_3307.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> He also added 3 canlights and the wiring for 4 pendant lights around the bar area in the basement. He actually removed a wall sconce and a plant light in that crazy brick wall thing and used the wiring and the switches for the new lighting:) The can lights are hanging, and the wires will be connected to the pendants once the drywall finishers finish the ceiling and the walls. (We don't want them to get nasty:))<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76MrA37U3VFeCOzeTNq75eMpalgJl2KMN2jFH8kJfuf5MiUYvgpbfgTLNs_bnGIxOnUvJ5g-D-NGgkzOStaxr03j0DlL-_Vfbct_0sjnnC530vozIs4VunHzBAgHiZaZ3D86RSw_lw38/s1600/IMG_3309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76MrA37U3VFeCOzeTNq75eMpalgJl2KMN2jFH8kJfuf5MiUYvgpbfgTLNs_bnGIxOnUvJ5g-D-NGgkzOStaxr03j0DlL-_Vfbct_0sjnnC530vozIs4VunHzBAgHiZaZ3D86RSw_lw38/s320/IMG_3309.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Isn't it pretty!?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWKmC3xetKz9t3NwpWwdwfMy0Da9MJdvhG9xB1Jm4_Ce9R5DOGHdBliZfGy-yxUy7iTxZxvPZHarwqZWB3F743XMTNCk61NsV2mvoBJk-HLCIr9ZLTQWCrWB2Ug44U92uzz43vYF34vU/s1600/IMG_3311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWKmC3xetKz9t3NwpWwdwfMy0Da9MJdvhG9xB1Jm4_Ce9R5DOGHdBliZfGy-yxUy7iTxZxvPZHarwqZWB3F743XMTNCk61NsV2mvoBJk-HLCIr9ZLTQWCrWB2Ug44U92uzz43vYF34vU/s320/IMG_3311.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
Between Weekends 6 and 7: I spent much of my time planning a reunion with my friends from high school. Also, Wes took a couple days off of work to help build a cardboard box maze for a youth event at our church. I helped them a little on Friday. It was SO FUN! Sadly, we had to miss the actual event. I heard it was AMAZING and I think 8 kids got saved! Praise the Lord!!!<br />
<br />
Weekend 7: We did not work on the house at all because we were having a blast in Branson! I do not have a good picture to sum up the weekend, sadly, but it was so wonderful to see everyone! There were 15 of us total...a mix of high school buddies, their spouses, and their babies. It had been several years since I had seen most of them, but we decided that must change. I'm thinking our reunion is going to be an annual thing!<br />
<br />
Between weekends 7 and 8: We finally got our current house on the MLS! I cleaned a lot, and Wes installed a new stainless steal dishwasher and cleaned the garage a bit. I feel it looks cluttered and unimpressive online, as there are pictures of the INSIDE of my closets and pantry! Yikes! Hopefully, someone will see beyond the pictures and come check us out! No one has looked at it yet, but I've been keeping it nice and tidy!! It's kinda funny, I don't think it looks a whole lot different than it has the past year, but every time people come over (like...every single time someone has visited) they comment, on how certain things are so clean, or it feels so much more open. I did't think that much had changed (furniture is the same...I didn't re-organize the closets or pantry...), but maybe I'm a bigger slob than I thought! Haha!<br />
<br />
My cousin, Missy, came over one day. She has been watching cake shows on TV, and wanted to learn some cake tricks, so I baked some cup cakes and she baked a cake and we dug into my 5 gallon bucket of frosting:) Not to shabby for her first try, huh? ;) They look awesome!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinto5risP5wB4zNBA_hsxQ7r2jeAm247E6Y0NBmEmeGzD0fbdXDlJ-cCbTFxnTxV_t8Edv5hdRlS2RmMyhaQuRfjj_MJE7su9SEHnllGH0jLeiAeY9KD3_Pcadird9unhc_VeQXt8byhQ/s1600/IMG_3296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinto5risP5wB4zNBA_hsxQ7r2jeAm247E6Y0NBmEmeGzD0fbdXDlJ-cCbTFxnTxV_t8Edv5hdRlS2RmMyhaQuRfjj_MJE7su9SEHnllGH0jLeiAeY9KD3_Pcadird9unhc_VeQXt8byhQ/s320/IMG_3296.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJMVja53N9xKRC2liNOLfgPIFSSHB_EwnbakjrmzZbTWFKfe3Wss-yaMGv7pGBIUv7ZAQH9B3Y326bDvmG_gV4_aE_bQuUZxr1wXDLGuu8VFPzNjpCLVsXSNa_WVDInEMadi-g-nFK9k/s1600/IMG_3298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJMVja53N9xKRC2liNOLfgPIFSSHB_EwnbakjrmzZbTWFKfe3Wss-yaMGv7pGBIUv7ZAQH9B3Y326bDvmG_gV4_aE_bQuUZxr1wXDLGuu8VFPzNjpCLVsXSNa_WVDInEMadi-g-nFK9k/s320/IMG_3298.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;">Weekend 8: We shopped a lot on weekend 8. We picked out our granite for the counter tops and tile. Wes also did a lot of plumbing and ripped out the tub in the basement and put in a new one. It looks a lot worse than it did before, so I don't have before and after pictures. He also scraped all of the popcorn off of the ceilings in the entire basement. It was MESSY! He also got rid of a lot of our trash. That sounds like a minor thing, but when you are doing this much demolition, it is a BIG job! I'm sure he did more, but it was a less "noticable" weekend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After weekend 8, I had an absolute ball buying pretty things for the house! Wes's mom and I went and picked out the specific slabs of granite we thought would be best (because each slab is a little different), and found lots of other goodies! If you are doing any type of construction project and are in Springfield, you must know about Creative Associates. It's amazing, and you can find great deals! Here are a few of my finds:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Most of them are iphone pictures, so they are not the greatest. I just love this slate herringbone tile. The plan is to use it for the backsplash. It is only $4.90 a square foot! My second choice was $17! Yikes! The smallest square tile is a sample of our granite. There is more color and movement in the larger slabs, and the bottom tile is the tile we chose for the flooring and for the showers. It is not travertine, but is the best imitation travertine we have ever seen. And at only 1.50 a square foot, for a very rich look, we'll take it! Wes is super excited because it comes in 20X20 tiles, which means he can throw up about 15 tiles, and an entire shower will be finished! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichbat7T4tJKJEQmZ2rrtjJjgfjeS7u0lGDfI9QaSpYZnUeuY1Ccy82mf5SxW1DwWIh2B_nQ43Xy2Zes8C2s7QsyhCy-jjMk4H5Od5f8_GLdOdg2JvQ4WMDa9IWr7S90b06z2X-8rXSyw/s320/IMG_0096%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></div><br />
Pictured below is one of the things I'm MOST excited about! There was a battle raging in me...between oil rubbed bronze light fixtures and brushed nickel. I love brushed nickel, especially in bathrooms, but I felt many of the rooms needed some grounding (something "solid") with all of the light colors and white I will be using. It needed some dark elements. Then I found this beauty. It is a mix of dark antinque gold (but looks more like a pewter) and brushed nickel. Now I can use darker fixtures and brushed nickel, depending on the needs of the room, and these lovely things will tie everything together! I think I'm going to lose the lamp shades, though. This particular chandelier was a little over $50 and is BEAUTIFUL! I got one for the dining room and one for the master bathroom, and a giant version of it for our entry way. Can't wait to see them up!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HJ8TmMAWgR0cDNVxEzplJxK26drmPbYniSg9uzUEUqhF2qdBybPYsV2pmHbVg92Yz9m4e3XUwLsonBaF8_kOKLAv6-L_DXzygEXh-qoqZcV6tkj3yTudDWRsawwEYEolCVLiquebqfU/s1600/IMG_0097%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HJ8TmMAWgR0cDNVxEzplJxK26drmPbYniSg9uzUEUqhF2qdBybPYsV2pmHbVg92Yz9m4e3XUwLsonBaF8_kOKLAv6-L_DXzygEXh-qoqZcV6tkj3yTudDWRsawwEYEolCVLiquebqfU/s320/IMG_0097%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
The fixture pictured below is for the office/future nursary. It is the dark pewter color. $68! LOVE!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzFNs_etuqAM-nVPeCOQ6o5IXL7Ks_M6DBE8eQnJ2naoj5-rWR995iuPq_qOUpTGPFZHBjF822SISoCn8a0h75WlTYQaEuG5YdbRrvlAK6BC4XtQrQGQNSmWW5_uG6feuV-PiNQthwxo/s1600/IMG_3314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzFNs_etuqAM-nVPeCOQ6o5IXL7Ks_M6DBE8eQnJ2naoj5-rWR995iuPq_qOUpTGPFZHBjF822SISoCn8a0h75WlTYQaEuG5YdbRrvlAK6BC4XtQrQGQNSmWW5_uG6feuV-PiNQthwxo/s320/IMG_3314.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And we got 2 of these lovely fixtures for over our soon to be giant and amazing island in the kitchen. They remind me of Restoration Hardware, and have bubble glass! $49! Ahhhhh!!!! I looked at lights for the rest of the house at Metro Builder's Supply and Lowe's after finding these great deals and was appalled by the prices. Sadly, I will have to suck it up for the bathrooms and some of the other rooms because Creative Associates was lacking when it came to brushed nickel fixtures. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjzHaFv1dsuhpVBMO2JUJEOf9ZqGvpSV5zG_OErKrIUDDVJLvuR_GSkndWT2Eohl5Js9SSGXriXLQWfyPRVPXjhBdYq0hszFODeuROvlaWHErQ7dT4Q_VtQaDZtoITLUE89ecE5C8FSQ/s1600/IMG_0113%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjzHaFv1dsuhpVBMO2JUJEOf9ZqGvpSV5zG_OErKrIUDDVJLvuR_GSkndWT2Eohl5Js9SSGXriXLQWfyPRVPXjhBdYq0hszFODeuROvlaWHErQ7dT4Q_VtQaDZtoITLUE89ecE5C8FSQ/s320/IMG_0113%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also made a cake for a kid from my church. It should have been easy, but turned into one of the most stressful cakes I've ever made. I used colorflow, and I guess I didn't give it enough time to dry, or mixed it wrong, because it did not solidify. I had to carefully cut the wax paper around the designs and put it on the cake because everything was breaking. It looks great in the iphone picture, though! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJlpigo3fpN5lhTgF9Amggv3KZqh-cbYka0eyZ-q4mt0jTPtC4er7l9JfcBrbtpq6AOCBbUg7GosNFZVjFPMDyD6-XW8VYYwjfBvcbLdNaMEYqfCwyff3tW2xaTwzBaTyCsPd_hKMRj0/s1600/IMG_0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJlpigo3fpN5lhTgF9Amggv3KZqh-cbYka0eyZ-q4mt0jTPtC4er7l9JfcBrbtpq6AOCBbUg7GosNFZVjFPMDyD6-XW8VYYwjfBvcbLdNaMEYqfCwyff3tW2xaTwzBaTyCsPd_hKMRj0/s320/IMG_0115.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6kg9o2h6Df30_MDHc3oeToQ99FU3Q8ROzDtDXposOeRPxfvJdfDfWaAwJJHaGOdfno9o6jGOkVfl5JGQ9EIYSMHmpHaMbUwEN_q8OrOQr9z9EeT3_LluK-NrMt4Ie4Sna6ZnSPZXRktQ/s1600/IMG_0116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6kg9o2h6Df30_MDHc3oeToQ99FU3Q8ROzDtDXposOeRPxfvJdfDfWaAwJJHaGOdfno9o6jGOkVfl5JGQ9EIYSMHmpHaMbUwEN_q8OrOQr9z9EeT3_LluK-NrMt4Ie4Sna6ZnSPZXRktQ/s320/IMG_0116.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last weekend (Weekend 9) Wes's dad and brother came over and helped. It was so nice of them to sacrifice their time. They did a lot of drywalling in the bathrooms, and Eric cleaned and organized a TON! Cleaning is something we have a hard time keeping track of because it doesn't FEEL productive when we have SO much to do! It is, however, extremely necessary, so it was nice of him to take care of that icky job. And for those of you who don't know, Wes's dad is an exceptionally professional drywaller, so our walls are looking GREAT! :) Wes also added can lights to the kitchen. Now it can look like daylight in the middle of the night. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1cSxpFyC5ajdk2V3P1aUskZSHZNYPK9f7pFaujwHN6bl1mHEuZDbePeQ0fPjQcXT_cSsCp4Lfm0PGDUvNj52sTAco9HnOIna0w4FJ1-4avALyA-L9nND4gcEXSQGuz4zyrdWAlRyMxM/s1600/IMG_3306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1cSxpFyC5ajdk2V3P1aUskZSHZNYPK9f7pFaujwHN6bl1mHEuZDbePeQ0fPjQcXT_cSsCp4Lfm0PGDUvNj52sTAco9HnOIna0w4FJ1-4avALyA-L9nND4gcEXSQGuz4zyrdWAlRyMxM/s320/IMG_3306.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Much better with more lights!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-apLFN_M9d8XKC1EwoxmasR9O44PxmyhVPCwEZmB4JCZCLRbl1EQYOS9pqqaImhLdTB7tLffGlMTwhfy4HSCT4lpnHzqfwHFYBym_Jay500FNXGEFkb8upuNQ8NcdkAm91O6tSqxgw0/s1600/IMG_3305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-apLFN_M9d8XKC1EwoxmasR9O44PxmyhVPCwEZmB4JCZCLRbl1EQYOS9pqqaImhLdTB7tLffGlMTwhfy4HSCT4lpnHzqfwHFYBym_Jay500FNXGEFkb8upuNQ8NcdkAm91O6tSqxgw0/s320/IMG_3305.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> I didn't mention that the past several weeks I have mostly been bashing out all of tile in the house. I think it is pretty much all gone now. Sometimes I get violent. In one such case, I knocked a huge hole in backsplash of our kitchen and made a grand discovery!!! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnj0pluBWyEnsU82vRgXoXEeTY66aHvlHy-cUoA4xl8OWbEYA06wLwGLzlrYi_cWlGKcD_SqV4hUOTdGyJerSGzTJeBTbPzAFQNIpdktyrcsj203uUxMrwOG0QuFsPBUub8xH2iSOOQs/s320/IMG_3303.JPG" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The huge and awkward bump-out in the wall in the laundry room is being used as a ginormous vent! (the picture below shows the bump-out on the left wall) Wes said we can definitely make it smaller, and add some space to our cramped laundry room! Yay! We also think we will probably be able to add some sort of a nook in the wall. I'm thinking at the very least we will be able to add a much needed hanging rod and some shelving for cute baskets, but I'm dreaming of a small bench with shelving and a hanging rod. :)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCs4d3CA2Ybx4PWAV1pQvskGSIpdRMWUqMJ2pnSiU1ZY4OyIGABxbFSJbORXbY8Mdh6dB-U1fWIDX6hk5c0WTq-OIjK1EqKeZNeO7l3Kp_hbHbdFDcadnkF0f33Cuh5ViKP51zswtu6xI/s1600/IMG_3304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCs4d3CA2Ybx4PWAV1pQvskGSIpdRMWUqMJ2pnSiU1ZY4OyIGABxbFSJbORXbY8Mdh6dB-U1fWIDX6hk5c0WTq-OIjK1EqKeZNeO7l3Kp_hbHbdFDcadnkF0f33Cuh5ViKP51zswtu6xI/s320/IMG_3304.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And that's about it. Really. Haha. Thanks to those of you who stuck around to read the whole thing! We have a lot going on this week. Hired professionals are making their first appearance and I only have one non-house related plan, so it should be good. Can't wait to see what happens! </div>Sweet Life Skills- Elbow Grease!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03233730144247561166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879611798987537198.post-74011973481697605652011-03-02T11:57:00.000-08:002011-03-02T11:57:05.887-08:00Weekend 5- Baby StepsSorry the update is a bit late! I feel like it's been pretty crazy around here! Looking back, it really shouldn't have felt as crazy as it did! Oh well!<br />
<br />
I did not get to do much work on the house this past weekend because I was making this...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIp79At7N8Y1K7C-vyTB9sxE-nd_i41miOxDQ136IOQA4gLVOc3eSOz9OIzkfvLiV82TAXsSJPCtBLmC2yzvOsOfjSCQAzMuPqo7QEiNF-lJ-vgduPGVXJHlCEWsyTc-GK9WPFh8cPhQ/s1600/IMG_2981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIp79At7N8Y1K7C-vyTB9sxE-nd_i41miOxDQ136IOQA4gLVOc3eSOz9OIzkfvLiV82TAXsSJPCtBLmC2yzvOsOfjSCQAzMuPqo7QEiNF-lJ-vgduPGVXJHlCEWsyTc-GK9WPFh8cPhQ/s320/IMG_2981.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For this little guy. He turned 2!!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiso7ILpdGJRqazFLvbGNDJSvBg_Atg1_2rNrtVqePZWjuJv5DwZ_7mh-arlvMJpFo1jI9PXSfQyCEQuGCdPRPL_V_RcFMB43FoVeomDAPO_vqjWellT1jtgFZ4dyfZ_jSogrttA2NPYDE/s1600/IMG_3003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiso7ILpdGJRqazFLvbGNDJSvBg_Atg1_2rNrtVqePZWjuJv5DwZ_7mh-arlvMJpFo1jI9PXSfQyCEQuGCdPRPL_V_RcFMB43FoVeomDAPO_vqjWellT1jtgFZ4dyfZ_jSogrttA2NPYDE/s320/IMG_3003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is absolutely no other person on earth who I would rather make cakes for. This is because there is not other person who loves cake as much! I've talked about his love for cupcakes before, <a href="http://michelleslifelived.blogspot.com/2011/01/happy-birthday-tiffany.html">here</a>. I think the first time I noticed it was at Zane's batman party. He just stood by the cupcake stand and stared. He stuck out his little finger because he wanted to touch them so badly. Occasionally, he would slip, and his finger would barely dent the icing. I have so many pictures of him admiring the cupcakes at his Buzz Lightyear themed party and so many stories I'd love to share. I'll just stick with one, this time:) Like I said, he just stares at the cupcakes amazed. I'm sure his little mouth is watering like crazy when he does this. It's so cute, and it is very evident that his parents are teaching him self-control! At one point, when he was sitting in the chair by the cakes, he picked up a cupcake and just held it close to his nose for about 10 seconds. He was inhaling deeply, and I kinda wonder if he gave it a little lick too:). He then looked up, and gently put the cupcake back. It was precious! I guess the embarrasement from the post linked above really taught him a lesson:)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">According to crazy Uncle Wesley, the cupcake toppers also can be used as face art. What a silly picture!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDfOq1bilC9-S7Qu3LGuo6cRWWPLDrLMLSIMI9UjIYvZfF3Pw-GJK2nav-gUqwQer73teLfGVem72Rekns78upoxcNDp-rUKT-Dapy0RIb1l3hJNztFs_bM2GT59JPRqfGcPlCzms74o/s1600/IMG_3097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDfOq1bilC9-S7Qu3LGuo6cRWWPLDrLMLSIMI9UjIYvZfF3Pw-GJK2nav-gUqwQer73teLfGVem72Rekns78upoxcNDp-rUKT-Dapy0RIb1l3hJNztFs_bM2GT59JPRqfGcPlCzms74o/s320/IMG_3097.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The party was super cute! Even baby Brandt got into the festivities! (sooo cute!!!!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXi0EGt9tWlcU_1EGTdZb7SEch-YWMoP1VEgpYK93UQENsHO1QiEszBnJsHtQg11I0ukWPk-UOEMgP90ACs-AlQH0u03ImOvADrJj2xf5TUQ8WuelFIT-gzMyVAz3erwgXXh-DOQXomE/s1600/IMG_2986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXi0EGt9tWlcU_1EGTdZb7SEch-YWMoP1VEgpYK93UQENsHO1QiEszBnJsHtQg11I0ukWPk-UOEMgP90ACs-AlQH0u03ImOvADrJj2xf5TUQ8WuelFIT-gzMyVAz3erwgXXh-DOQXomE/s320/IMG_2986.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Unlike myself, Wesley did work on the house, despite his own crazy schedule. He added drywall to the master bathroom. It's looking great! Obviously, still a ton of work to do, but we are making progress:)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZztQgKhH2RQJ7KHsKgkxYvkQTujU4D4t8Da-XSivJ37xZVHIp5jkyTBWvjWMhB77gMHsiQQ4idvOBj4sQ1J7vlQ09Ic4ZOXrDODuF5ichzdVUjBnKqfu-GNqmakjfMc140skG_NyS_s/s1600/IMG_3103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZztQgKhH2RQJ7KHsKgkxYvkQTujU4D4t8Da-XSivJ37xZVHIp5jkyTBWvjWMhB77gMHsiQQ4idvOBj4sQ1J7vlQ09Ic4ZOXrDODuF5ichzdVUjBnKqfu-GNqmakjfMc140skG_NyS_s/s320/IMG_3103.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the view from the shower area. Check out <a href="http://michelleslifelived.blogspot.com/2011/02/weekend-4-complete-craziness.html">weekend 4's</a> pictures to see what it was looking like:)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rNru_NisQsstozQYCA7Ocs4-QvmBIlvqPLIVIbC89ofcmMYEbtO3CdKYyOPyiK0SqYDKHHZmPQSHZxYav340WNZgLoDNRyvXjvNAC0POuxAUlVbZO9LueYqEEJ3-YU5Qez854YysOWw/s1600/IMG_3104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rNru_NisQsstozQYCA7Ocs4-QvmBIlvqPLIVIbC89ofcmMYEbtO3CdKYyOPyiK0SqYDKHHZmPQSHZxYav340WNZgLoDNRyvXjvNAC0POuxAUlVbZO9LueYqEEJ3-YU5Qez854YysOWw/s320/IMG_3104.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He also knocked down the weird brick thing in the basement. It looks sooo much more open! It's hard to see in the picture, but I also ripped out the tile in the bar/dining area. I was feeling kind of badly about not working on the house for so long, so I made sure to get some work in yesterday. It only took about 2 1/2 hours, but it was tough. Oh to be a big strong Wesley! About halfway through, I noticed my hammer-holding hand had a blister, and my forearm was swollen and super hard. I felt like Popeye! It didn't hurt or anything. I kind of liked it. It made me feel ripped! Who needs to work out when you can work on...a house!!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5oPlnIW0timzpKyB3_ZWjw0SryWi5MkfsGaiSL0wmKI3-l-YdUDqbMOmPN9xF8snTjpJCNjF3xJoUsNE2eyqj8r5KIaBy4mJPp2FCn7Xw7OsITkqEUxb4vUXSX9anQvMYh8HWXYoXEA/s1600/IMG_3102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5oPlnIW0timzpKyB3_ZWjw0SryWi5MkfsGaiSL0wmKI3-l-YdUDqbMOmPN9xF8snTjpJCNjF3xJoUsNE2eyqj8r5KIaBy4mJPp2FCn7Xw7OsITkqEUxb4vUXSX9anQvMYh8HWXYoXEA/s320/IMG_3102.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One condition that made demolishing the pretty pink tile difficult was the fact that my goggles kept fogging up. Dr. Sister Shawn, I wanted to take them off so badly...but I didn't for you. (Well, and a little bit because there were sharp shards of glaze popping me in the face every few minutes!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2FTm-CBBmsDcDzSD5TLs_z8SlwsXY90jWMCTGcTcVdkhJwUeu-q2UJBl2qzUMONyV-cYAYAtRwfI_JGSiAfpCcUvnpbLHirwXfxa09oS31qSzMlkhSCcgRxx4mVZqZe3dw7_k3JyBiLE/s1600/IMG_3099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2FTm-CBBmsDcDzSD5TLs_z8SlwsXY90jWMCTGcTcVdkhJwUeu-q2UJBl2qzUMONyV-cYAYAtRwfI_JGSiAfpCcUvnpbLHirwXfxa09oS31qSzMlkhSCcgRxx4mVZqZe3dw7_k3JyBiLE/s320/IMG_3099.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Aren't saftey goggles fun? Not. Kinda...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had to wait until these ridiculous lines dissappeared before I allowed myself to go into public. (And now I'm posting it for the world to see)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeu-MSJJgM9eI8277fboBADRnttF_YFp81U1fN1QnQIkSXJVQT_5hlMGSjJ4LBVRQaWwaNSME02MlyGNHou043DmS0zND4_QZqZNNpZA1qfp9_aPyiVdOOwpsm82tlDaxNMaqH_PVoCrk/s1600/IMG_3101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeu-MSJJgM9eI8277fboBADRnttF_YFp81U1fN1QnQIkSXJVQT_5hlMGSjJ4LBVRQaWwaNSME02MlyGNHou043DmS0zND4_QZqZNNpZA1qfp9_aPyiVdOOwpsm82tlDaxNMaqH_PVoCrk/s320/IMG_3101.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The end of big house progress until next weekend! I should be working on the house instead of writing this blog post, but I planned on staying home and taking a nap today! Wes's brother, Eric, loaned us this amazing grinder for Wes's espresso machine. Wes made me a latte with some new coffee beans we wanted to try. I drank half of it around 7 last night, and haven't slept since! In the middle of the night, I totally planned my future garden at the new house. Haha! Now, I feel like crap...still buzzing, yet extremely tired...<br />
I wonder if there was something else in those beans....<br />
hmmm....<br />
<br />
Have a happy day! Hope the wonderful weather makes you giddy!!!Sweet Life Skills- Elbow Grease!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03233730144247561166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879611798987537198.post-64176237887284929572011-02-26T21:38:00.000-08:002011-02-26T21:38:49.754-08:00Cupcake Toppers for Kids!The past two days, I mostly spent my time working on birthday cakes and cupcakes for my cutie-pie nephew's birthday party, which was today. I started decorating cakes in the fall of 2009, when I took a class at Michael's. Though I am thankful for the class for getting me motiviated, I can't really say that it is necessary to make fun cakes. I think most everyone can do it!<br />
<br />
One thing that I have been experimenting with lately is color flow. I was introduced to it in the class, but a class definitely isn't necessary for understanding it! It is quite simple, and I truly believe anyone can do it! It's like coloring! (And who doesn't love coloring? ...seriously...) Basically, you can make small, hardened sugar designs out of colorflow. In class we made a blue bird for a cake, but I found that it works exceptionally well making little do-dads for cupcakes. It's awesome, because you can match it to any theme or color scheme (I just find images that I like online), and you don't have to be an expert cake decorator to use it!<br />
<br />
I generally google the images I want to make into cupcake toppers. Jaxon is having a Buzz Lighyear themed party, so I found the Toy Story aliens, stars, moons, planets, rockets, and the Toy Story 2 number 2. If I find something that is close to what I want, I crop it to make it the right size. I also do a test print and adjust the size according to what would look best on the cupcake (and I try to fit as many on a page as possible). Honestly, I probably went a little bit overboard. Like I said before, I think anyone can do this, but if you are pressed for time, I would stick to just a few colors and simple designs. I had 6 designs and 5 colors and made 130. The whole process took about 4 1/2 hours...because I'm ridiculous. It really doesn't have to take that long. However, I would wait until you have a chunk of time to start the project, especially if it is your first time.<br />
<br />
Below are the pictures I used to make the designs. I just got some images online and copy/pasted them into an Open Office document. The aliens needed to be cropped, as well as the two. As you can see...as many on a page as possible (without them touching).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbv84TFJXOAYYY77vF0K0i94KjjTxrCE7yfaSreVcC2P_tSTVGuYqHK-XvkMi7KwPAriCEg6KIkmUpmJ0wnrCJTz7KLVp5yqHKTaGwlhd398PYLdvdyu7Madga3NSYvJxHYSa737rfiaw/s1600/IMG_2958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbv84TFJXOAYYY77vF0K0i94KjjTxrCE7yfaSreVcC2P_tSTVGuYqHK-XvkMi7KwPAriCEg6KIkmUpmJ0wnrCJTz7KLVp5yqHKTaGwlhd398PYLdvdyu7Madga3NSYvJxHYSa737rfiaw/s320/IMG_2958.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also think you need a plan for colors. This is one of my cake "plans." It's cheesy and hand drawn, but it helps me to get an idea of how colors will coordinate and such. I have the colors planned for the designs, the cupcake liners, and the frosting, as well as what flavor gets what color. If you make one, it will help with the process. I promise.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpZqSHYBFy0iTByLnWJq1T-PLcIVYPVCK9WaVDL18q6ImpOGDteTyCTJtoEycXlg_F2H_qJvYPsaLwEXz6_s7i5zEwhCBoI5-rsguqQzPXS1dnNXmCW78KoqPMKBsTx3t2CDoC9kD0wA/s1600/IMG_2960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpZqSHYBFy0iTByLnWJq1T-PLcIVYPVCK9WaVDL18q6ImpOGDteTyCTJtoEycXlg_F2H_qJvYPsaLwEXz6_s7i5zEwhCBoI5-rsguqQzPXS1dnNXmCW78KoqPMKBsTx3t2CDoC9kD0wA/s320/IMG_2960.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pictured below is the colorflow. It comes with instructions on how to make it. One batch only requires 2 tablespoons, so this canister will last quite a while. I'm not positive how much it costs, but I think it's around $8. However, I always use 40% coupons at Michaels for this kind of thing, which makes it very affordable. Other things you will need to make the colorflow is 1 pound of powdered sugar, water, gel icing colors, and disposable pastry bags.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsZ16BDCrMabjDFKfOkXzPwuGasA2GabYMG3_Ljzq5k8NkeqSanHug-o0KOTBQYqWEoYkkB26DUsmquQa0DmC0vgzb4jFvpTsN6Ceg15jdKZBxJtJV_NeAGe9gewuKcoR17H3YmBIpsY/s1600/IMG_2965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsZ16BDCrMabjDFKfOkXzPwuGasA2GabYMG3_Ljzq5k8NkeqSanHug-o0KOTBQYqWEoYkkB26DUsmquQa0DmC0vgzb4jFvpTsN6Ceg15jdKZBxJtJV_NeAGe9gewuKcoR17H3YmBIpsY/s320/IMG_2965.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I tape the paper on cookie sheets, then use double stick tape to adhere wax paper on top of it. You can see the images through the wax paper.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJU8Q9TUDcQWjrKCXIpbyNyRq3YTvTBY2kqj-vl-47u8QxEM9aJBmmB1QFdfCJD6Guqry98191i3K1wW5YIJnQkeCLDlJGTaU-WVQ9YxSIesPUYl84A3NY_E1jSE_RCxnIAPYPkmF53Iw/s1600/IMG_2962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJU8Q9TUDcQWjrKCXIpbyNyRq3YTvTBY2kqj-vl-47u8QxEM9aJBmmB1QFdfCJD6Guqry98191i3K1wW5YIJnQkeCLDlJGTaU-WVQ9YxSIesPUYl84A3NY_E1jSE_RCxnIAPYPkmF53Iw/s320/IMG_2962.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Make the colorflow after everything is set up using the instructions found on the can. It is not tricky at all:) Here is one batch. It makes quite a bit. Do note, you must use grease free untensils, bowls, and pastry bags. This means metal, glass, or never used plastic. This is why I use the disposable pastry bags, as all frosting is is grease! The toppers won't set properly if there is grease!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPAVCmoMPK1UmoBXDQOBSifMlEuz7s0OgBGrUtwfAg-jSGHTqZ4HY6RibtlYjGTb5Gn3KRT1PW1q6BD12cxHbQidA_muUBGrvgWRNWDpK3NkZHqubiGlNXSLy9SlqtyNrQZBXGWOFBDAk/s1600/IMG_2966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPAVCmoMPK1UmoBXDQOBSifMlEuz7s0OgBGrUtwfAg-jSGHTqZ4HY6RibtlYjGTb5Gn3KRT1PW1q6BD12cxHbQidA_muUBGrvgWRNWDpK3NkZHqubiGlNXSLy9SlqtyNrQZBXGWOFBDAk/s320/IMG_2966.JPG" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To color it, I put about 2 large spoonfuls in a small glass bowl, added a toothpick full of my desired color, and stirred with a spoon. I usually am not afraid of adding a lot more color than that to frostings (I add spoonfuls instead...I like VIBRANT colors!), but you are working with such small amounts that usually a toothpick is all you need with colorflow. If you didn't get enough color with the first toothpick, get a new one and add some more. Do not use toothpicks with sugar (leftover colorflow) on them, as they will ruin your gel colors. Another bit of advice I would give, if you do not do this kind of stuff often, is just get the primary colors. If you are good at mixing, you can make just about any color you want with just yellow, red, and blue (and maybe black and brown, just to simplify the process.) A little bit of colorflow will make quite a few of these little toppers. Make sure you cover the colorflow that is not being used with a damp cloth, as it dries quickly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I like to put my pastry bag in a cup, as shown below, to fill it. I like to keep it clean!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWd7_bd-NrExJ2hsCgkfTUR_B47Ljqtb7U8Uaqu743cKr_pD1ejfp6euDkQDoM-q2ukwYyWAepyfxVrwO8GWsk_0AwWi0vZIR0VhjGZjNnQ3Xft-OeYTe-4jn5N6YNoaEIqg5OGBCvci8/s1600/IMG_2968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWd7_bd-NrExJ2hsCgkfTUR_B47Ljqtb7U8Uaqu743cKr_pD1ejfp6euDkQDoM-q2ukwYyWAepyfxVrwO8GWsk_0AwWi0vZIR0VhjGZjNnQ3Xft-OeYTe-4jn5N6YNoaEIqg5OGBCvci8/s320/IMG_2968.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Twist the top of the bag and hold the bag in your palm as show below. This just came naturally to me, but it doesn't to everyone, so I thought I'd share ;) Cut a very very small portion of the tip of the bag to release the color flow. You can always make the hole bigger, but it's hard to make it smaller!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0AcIYE_Btya7Nc9dTmgZy6sWBAhXX2kjjUiibdKNJsvD8O2KOk0XhQOqTwlt_Qdq1eMgIDChMZrch7l-LHMNJYTn1W_kGfBblhVnsobhhEVFXvbT8cUx_7TX-LQJ5tx9hiqG9a69sPY/s1600/IMG_2969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0AcIYE_Btya7Nc9dTmgZy6sWBAhXX2kjjUiibdKNJsvD8O2KOk0XhQOqTwlt_Qdq1eMgIDChMZrch7l-LHMNJYTn1W_kGfBblhVnsobhhEVFXvbT8cUx_7TX-LQJ5tx9hiqG9a69sPY/s320/IMG_2969.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Color away! I'm sure there is a proper order to do the colors and tracing/filling. However, I generally just do the color progression that would require the least amount of dishes! I started with white. Then made yellow in the same bowl. Then I did green, because I wanted a yellowish-green. It worked for me. Every design is different, so it may be different for what you are doing. If you are filling a space, first outline it, and then fill it. It all just "flows" together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2PE8zt51CpQp80HvA-5CU7W3SRCE_EsQ28cbQpu8StTkTf5osU2SnJuJEDDnjgZ5LgUrbfJ4AmyiLl6KHXxFd9ve5Y84gQ8wzAb2F6zxXeX_ijPvgXZOjKR4EWaLC1fYJpsOXtXtu44/s1600/IMG_2971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2PE8zt51CpQp80HvA-5CU7W3SRCE_EsQ28cbQpu8StTkTf5osU2SnJuJEDDnjgZ5LgUrbfJ4AmyiLl6KHXxFd9ve5Y84gQ8wzAb2F6zxXeX_ijPvgXZOjKR4EWaLC1fYJpsOXtXtu44/s320/IMG_2971.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I'm done with a color, I twist the top and bottom of the pastry bag, as shown below, and stick it in a sandwich sized ziploc bag with a wet paper towel in it, just in case!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1p8OtKgwezSN-Mj1NV5rjrmP6rSr0BgrWgArWOeiJkJsdJkQIVG0R41CrAog2uh9MUXBdbscC1CPYkNaukeVJOjj75cX16ViCdc6UiKbUU4idP4Y-BC5NxM_wKLAJLy7ZuKZGl7zpZ8/s1600/IMG_2967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1p8OtKgwezSN-Mj1NV5rjrmP6rSr0BgrWgArWOeiJkJsdJkQIVG0R41CrAog2uh9MUXBdbscC1CPYkNaukeVJOjj75cX16ViCdc6UiKbUU4idP4Y-BC5NxM_wKLAJLy7ZuKZGl7zpZ8/s320/IMG_2967.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
Let the cupcake toppers dry in a place that doesn't get much light, as light and UV rays can alter some colors and cause them to fade. I keep them in a spare bedroom with the shades and curtains closed. You can make them well in advance. The Wilton website says they should last indefinitely if stored properly...though I would feel weird serving it if it were too old.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uelxc_S-cbsxyEBOYndEdkicP-mRFpWroNg1I2aWW_Y9RJAD94K2cFhWW-OL1tv_p4FZRELDPRtM4P6Ufdlg-23roCnjHGF7qmS-9yC_CsPalSkZ8giVv37-uV18lPtUyg-oOf2DByo/s1600/IMG_2973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uelxc_S-cbsxyEBOYndEdkicP-mRFpWroNg1I2aWW_Y9RJAD94K2cFhWW-OL1tv_p4FZRELDPRtM4P6Ufdlg-23roCnjHGF7qmS-9yC_CsPalSkZ8giVv37-uV18lPtUyg-oOf2DByo/s320/IMG_2973.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Aren't they cute!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjil_OZPguxmlC8wpgbTJg9qDY3nb0KEpPwnNq9jDa7u8_6ZytF1dBLpQdjoqEFlaoDD3t3x63DaKDvNxfbrgTw9Ow5d6z4oqv4zZTO-wjxTOPx0B6rMUlm34_XZOpgkzKawOw249CAtW4/s1600/IMG_2980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjil_OZPguxmlC8wpgbTJg9qDY3nb0KEpPwnNq9jDa7u8_6ZytF1dBLpQdjoqEFlaoDD3t3x63DaKDvNxfbrgTw9Ow5d6z4oqv4zZTO-wjxTOPx0B6rMUlm34_XZOpgkzKawOw249CAtW4/s320/IMG_2980.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><img height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPAVCmoMPK1UmoBXDQOBSifMlEuz7s0OgBGrUtwfAg-jSGHTqZ4HY6RibtlYjGTb5Gn3KRT1PW1q6BD12cxHbQidA_muUBGrvgWRNWDpK3NkZHqubiGlNXSLy9SlqtyNrQZBXGWOFBDAk/s320/IMG_2966.JPG" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 420px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 2112px; visibility: hidden;" width="96" />They look so much more exciting with bright, colorful frosting and fun cupcake liners! This is why it is okay to go with the simple designs, or fewer designs, to save lots of time! You can also embellish with frosting, like I did with orange frosting on the rockets and planets. I felt it needed some warmer colors to balance the red on the big cake. It adds a bit of pizzazz!<br />
<br />
So there you have it!<br />
<br />
If you would like more info, visit <a href="http://www.wilton.com/idea/Color-Flow">http://www.wilton.com/idea/Color-Flow</a>. They have all the information you might need on colorflow, as well as tons of other great cake decorating tips!<br />
<br />
I BELIEVE IN YOU! YOU CAN DO IT!!!Sweet Life Skills- Elbow Grease!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03233730144247561166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879611798987537198.post-51449051069047805102011-02-24T21:05:00.000-08:002011-02-24T21:05:32.634-08:00Spicy Chicken DipMy aunt brought this spicy chicken dip to my sister's bridal shower. It was so wonderful, that I asked for the recipe. Now, everytime I make it, at least one person asks for the recipe. Yes, folks, it's that good. The recipe is kind of vague. I didn't realize how vague it was until I had some high school students make it in my FACS class while I was teaching. Because of this, I'll share a few things I like to do when making this recipe to help you out. (P.S. I always make a double batch if there are more than 6 or so people. It generally disappears quickly...and if it doesn't, the leftovers never last long at my house!)<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Spicy Chicken Dip</u></strong><br />
2 chicken breast ( grilled or sauteed in pan with <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1298608698_0" style="border-bottom: #366388 2px dotted; cursor: hand;"><span style="color: #366388;">olive oil</span></span>, Mexican Spice and garlic.) <span style="color: #0c343d;"> When I make it, I just use a packet of taco seasoning per batch. I put the seasoning and the chicken in a gallon ziploc bag and shake it, shake-and-bake style. I then cook it, covered, on medium high heat. The seasoning tends to burn before the chicken is done in the middle if I don't cover it.</span><br />
<br />
Cool the chicken and tear or cut into small pieces. <span style="color: #134f5c;">I found a way to shred it when it's hot...I don't like waiting:) Make sure the pieces are small. It is a dip, after all. I made it for my cousin's baby shower, and was in a hurry, so I didn't make the pieces as small as they should have been. It was more like an entre'. Luckily, people still gobbled it up!</span><br />
<br />
Mix together:<br />
<br />
½ c. milk<br />
½ c. mayo<br />
8 oz cream cheese (room temperature) <span style="color: #134f5c;">Just microwave it...it's all going to be heated anyways. Also, I bet you can use fat-free or low-fat everything. The other ingredients are so flavorful.</span><br />
½ to a whole diced red pepper <span style="color: #134f5c;">I used yellow last time. It tasted the same, but didn't look as appetizing:)</span><br />
jalepenos to taste<br />
<br />
Add all together. Bake in casserole dish at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. <span style="color: #134f5c;">I'm not going to lie. I always just microwave it until it's hot. I'm pretty sure it would be perfect in a crock pot too. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Serve it with tortilla chips, wheat thins, doritos...I sometimes eat it plain...</span><br />
<br />
Enjoy!!Sweet Life Skills- Elbow Grease!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03233730144247561166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879611798987537198.post-35173648814389166592011-02-21T20:14:00.000-08:002011-02-21T20:14:33.698-08:00Weekend 4- Complete Craziness!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This week was full of unexpected good times! If you recall from my last post, my mom visited me for a week. Since she left things have just been crazy! I had 3 friends unexpectedly visit Springfield from out of town! THREE! It's kind of a weird thing that never fails to happen. My friends from college (who do not necessarily talk to each other) always show up in the same week. Like...the past 4 times I have seen them. It's ridiculous!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Despite all of my visitors, Wes and I got a lot accomplished on the house and in life. (There are some important and exciting things in our future! Don't worry. I'll share!)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Let's start with the house.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I finished one more vanity. I really hoped to finish them all this week, but that didn't even come close to happening! I was way too busy having fun!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqIpf5pEvvcsnVRoPU7rjizfK1SHGiEI4x51qj-ErnZD8tG2r7CSzvbX4DAO6xYJtKhExJDyK_BgoqItYmZbCve6Stor5pXW0O3WxSFFRN27RZqvVgKEpYHl18W7mOiV6fo520nC6OZM/s1600/IMG_2949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqIpf5pEvvcsnVRoPU7rjizfK1SHGiEI4x51qj-ErnZD8tG2r7CSzvbX4DAO6xYJtKhExJDyK_BgoqItYmZbCve6Stor5pXW0O3WxSFFRN27RZqvVgKEpYHl18W7mOiV6fo520nC6OZM/s320/IMG_2949.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Wes built some headers, did some plumbing, and knocked down walls and the arched ceiling in the master bathroom. We have an amazing plan for this room! I am so excited about it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoG1lseWBo05gYFzpVM_b0oLG9uyZHFvdDAD8lPhJmb_qZ6pPFqHTpi6iWQMFGhKZea4xN9fLQpsOeSTFjotaMNi1R3ctFfmEKZG39xj-7mGlgYEWzxNK5lfhAUUgcq2Nw-PRVej2bjVo/s1600/IMG_2951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoG1lseWBo05gYFzpVM_b0oLG9uyZHFvdDAD8lPhJmb_qZ6pPFqHTpi6iWQMFGhKZea4xN9fLQpsOeSTFjotaMNi1R3ctFfmEKZG39xj-7mGlgYEWzxNK5lfhAUUgcq2Nw-PRVej2bjVo/s320/IMG_2951.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's what it looked like with walls...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFh76ThjaduyHmotT3uQWQgTlSdrfH5ZbAVkcwKXJhWp_kCAViQGnmSPtC4inq1NEhBCvlBZXfW5a__C_H7jEnu8D8sSbsIs5PKcYUfiBrMuBRssXeYxOZPV3C3W1KBN1zEgE2sOOSL_M/s1600/master+before.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFh76ThjaduyHmotT3uQWQgTlSdrfH5ZbAVkcwKXJhWp_kCAViQGnmSPtC4inq1NEhBCvlBZXfW5a__C_H7jEnu8D8sSbsIs5PKcYUfiBrMuBRssXeYxOZPV3C3W1KBN1zEgE2sOOSL_M/s320/master+before.bmp" width="234" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's a bit drafty in there right because there is no ceiling. You can see all the way through the attic, to the roof! (The picture below was taken from the shower area looking into the master bedroom.) Notice the arched drywall. It will be so much more open feeling without the wall and the higher ceilings!!!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVVt0gBU6Rci0QI-XOOseE8e8tHXbVhO1Z8NXuuynh-notxMLxhvi0ofn2IkYyQGx_qyO1_UZ1-pS3n7dmmn_BFRPx1uXpMtnFx79YWRvZRcwXmQUsnxc7-UohVvgw8aHWRQJlQ50BzU/s1600/IMG_2953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVVt0gBU6Rci0QI-XOOseE8e8tHXbVhO1Z8NXuuynh-notxMLxhvi0ofn2IkYyQGx_qyO1_UZ1-pS3n7dmmn_BFRPx1uXpMtnFx79YWRvZRcwXmQUsnxc7-UohVvgw8aHWRQJlQ50BzU/s320/IMG_2953.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I debated on whether or not I even wanted to add the next picture for two reasons. 1. I wasn't supposed to do this until our house was finished (but it was so stinkin nice outside!!!) and 2. It was a total disaster. I painted the doghouse. It did not turn out quite like I imagined. I'm hoping it looks happier on a sunny day. In the future, I'd like to add some more white trim around the edges, a cute sign that says "Dixie," and maybe some planters around it...or terra cotta pots with cutsie little flowers. I told Wes I think it looks trashy. He agreed and dissed my color. I'm convinced it's a good color, so I blamed his unfinished dog house:) I am now totally set on making this doghouse super cute without repainting it. Wes said I'm prideful and that we should just re-paint it. It's totally true...I'm prideful. It will look cute in the future. Mark my words! If you have any ideas, please share. Like I said, I'm determined :)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-cOjacxpMLbR4FAWBOb7RZFeSyPRBP0CNtrcP9K71O4L2qcWyB4vKYmY8IZz_azTshdEA_7HKEp6LWgyHQaKeI8COsitz0ECuCtUyWIyen8iS9ZaIdXGkpTPW_scEJFjL_6vZPuseuY/s320/IMG_2950.JPG" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm sad...I might like the before better...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXl8jdwdtLvCrqtPPnoQLyHyBZrzEAMz8Ry3PxXEhCwxkP0INsbxsEgH9z8rGjWuEA5AJusfeO9qm9z458Rcy0tnLoD7-pidD1zISU6ijgK7LtDu24CGo2WBjVn1VBBUv2XpaklWFMcs/s1600/IMG_2829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXl8jdwdtLvCrqtPPnoQLyHyBZrzEAMz8Ry3PxXEhCwxkP0INsbxsEgH9z8rGjWuEA5AJusfeO9qm9z458Rcy0tnLoD7-pidD1zISU6ijgK7LtDu24CGo2WBjVn1VBBUv2XpaklWFMcs/s320/IMG_2829.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Two lovely ladies from youth group have been visiting me and creating an AMAZING piece of art for our mantel. I found a piece online that was EXACTLY what I wanted...but it was super expensive. I knew these girls are very artistic, so I showed them the painting. They said they thought they could recreate it...and have they ever! This is just a sneak peak of the work in progress. I'll share how we did it and the final results later! We have one more work day before it's complete:)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDW0plAHaMfJnaQxRHndm6q4YpHzKTnv-2dqdfT8TXNJz5rZyFVDR0UrVcQ7QSn2aWWY7oq_WmxogVzQ8Ps9TKbV12LU3B7IwXJEVTV_53epkHjB1i8Y1yqJ-4yd3tRFrMFRvHT8B8a_A/s1600/IMG_2939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDW0plAHaMfJnaQxRHndm6q4YpHzKTnv-2dqdfT8TXNJz5rZyFVDR0UrVcQ7QSn2aWWY7oq_WmxogVzQ8Ps9TKbV12LU3B7IwXJEVTV_53epkHjB1i8Y1yqJ-4yd3tRFrMFRvHT8B8a_A/s320/IMG_2939.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">In other exciting news, we are getting a foreign exchange student for the fall semester next year!! We had an interview on Thursday evening, and got the last bit of our information in today. Most people think we are crazy, and question why we are doing it now, but Wes and I are extremely pumped about it. Many of you probably know that I LOVE when people stay with us. We feel we are in a great season of our life to be able to really pour into our student and give him a great international experience! We are praying that we all get along, and that it is an enjoyable experience. We are also praying that we all learn and grow from it! If you want to shoot up a little prayer for us, that would be awesome.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">We are already planning some trips we hope to take the kid on. Today I met with my friend, Karson, and began planning our trip to Montana. We had this trip planned before we decided to get a student, but we are thrilled that there is a chance he will be able to come. We are going to fit a ton in the week and a couple of days that we are planning. It is going to be crazy and amazing! A few of the things we have planned are Glacier National Park, Yellowstone Park, Mt. Rushmore, Canada, as well as stopping and doing a little sight seeing in Denver, CO and Sioux Falls, SD. I can hardly wait! I heard all of those places are so breathtaking!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Speaking of breathtaking...spring flowers....my favorite. I'm pretty sure I see some daffodils sprouting up in my yard. My mom planted them last summer, so I haven't seen them bloom yet! I think it's time I planted those tulips I didn't plant last fall. I read that if they are chilled they can be planted in very early spring. They have been chilled, and they are starting to sprout in the bag! I hope they do well, as I am using them to help "stage" our house for spring. If you have any advice on that, do share!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Hope you have been enjoying the warmer weather! (Please be gone for good, winter!!!)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">:)</div>Sweet Life Skills- Elbow Grease!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03233730144247561166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879611798987537198.post-88042110574184339592011-02-14T20:57:00.000-08:002011-02-14T20:57:11.950-08:00Weekend 3<div style="text-align: center;">First of all, it is Valentine's day, so I just wouldn't feel right if I didn't say something about my precious man friend...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTBIWuyX3RF0o_ZiTIx4HLEYor-8Q_J9RvHbyUlWQ_JHDwK3eNn14y_x8IduXMPYeHgCw08_CYCYsm3s5RatENRHfYv96A_XAjaPORsuNMuaiNJkgu4vN-4nFOMP6NQc6qx9pgustC5U/s1600/10+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTBIWuyX3RF0o_ZiTIx4HLEYor-8Q_J9RvHbyUlWQ_JHDwK3eNn14y_x8IduXMPYeHgCw08_CYCYsm3s5RatENRHfYv96A_XAjaPORsuNMuaiNJkgu4vN-4nFOMP6NQc6qx9pgustC5U/s320/10+%25285%2529.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> He is wonderful, and I love him very dearly...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQRO4eod7ztVj6HByR-js1J60s8LtOjnH6d1G2GQXj9ZnoeUDzdY-HE5Mol35vJnmqjDNS_2H85kSodD1bpaK9eGNoQsSnLJwXP4ivMyBYafNP0CqirPCvzpigX9MdcX7KrBcV2GwpYs/s1600/10+%2528214%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQRO4eod7ztVj6HByR-js1J60s8LtOjnH6d1G2GQXj9ZnoeUDzdY-HE5Mol35vJnmqjDNS_2H85kSodD1bpaK9eGNoQsSnLJwXP4ivMyBYafNP0CqirPCvzpigX9MdcX7KrBcV2GwpYs/s320/10+%2528214%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And he is super manly, talented, and smart. He completed this bathroom like he completes me. This 1/2 is now a whole:)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6zAJTGHKOxhC154CQaTf6S6lZGcn_RdG9HZQqL-VFF6py8U9zrJ399Nk7wI2H4T0tJdlWj92FHl7MOuRKJbE8-e6OSJz_X_m3isFMm1yxyu1AQAo2yqxWmvvIyEkx7bBtG0JuGX8ez0/s1600/IMG_2928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6zAJTGHKOxhC154CQaTf6S6lZGcn_RdG9HZQqL-VFF6py8U9zrJ399Nk7wI2H4T0tJdlWj92FHl7MOuRKJbE8-e6OSJz_X_m3isFMm1yxyu1AQAo2yqxWmvvIyEkx7bBtG0JuGX8ez0/s320/IMG_2928.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I try to make him smile like he makes me smile. Yes...that is a Forrest Gump themed Valentine's gift. I'm lame, but it's the only idea I had.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldnmtjqzogYLEFx9niPvtAYuFkUn1G9FcDZO3YZhWwywlFOtQQ1c8Gw0Zcxv6ellIgcpaP-kIfwX6S-zvZORH9zFEp9eqsh2MNUipotW-kCIfPW-vFzUG_PvP6CLZdXmVVmlwc5j-WAY/s1600/IMG_2930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldnmtjqzogYLEFx9niPvtAYuFkUn1G9FcDZO3YZhWwywlFOtQQ1c8Gw0Zcxv6ellIgcpaP-kIfwX6S-zvZORH9zFEp9eqsh2MNUipotW-kCIfPW-vFzUG_PvP6CLZdXmVVmlwc5j-WAY/s320/IMG_2930.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Basically, he's wonderful. God has really, really blessed me:)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This weekend update is a little late, and for that, I apologize. My mom visited me from Wednesday, and is leaving in the morning. Guess what she did. That's right. Finished the wallpaper project. What a saint, she is! Haha! She also painted the inside of the vanities in the basement. Basically, she did the crappiest jobs ever (and even got sick from the fumes in the process:( ). She didn't complain once. I'm so thankful to have a mom like her. While she did those terrible tasks, I began the refinishing process on the vanities in the basement. I only finished one, and the before and after pictures are below. The other 2 vanities are in various stages of the process. I stripped the finish, sanded, stained, glazed, and polyurethaned them. I can't decide if I love them or not. The grain is so heavy, and the cabinet isn't as dark as I hoped it would be, even after 3 applications of stain. I think I will barely have enough stain to finish the vanities upstairs, so I might get a darker stain for them. I visited Sherwin-Williams the other day (after I had already started staining the basement cabinets), and saw they had a much better selection of stains than Lowes. They also gave advice that contradicted what the Lowes people told me...and it worked. I think I am going to visit them more often! I used the glaze over the stain, after it was dry, of course. I love that it adds depth and a richness to the cabinets! Maybe all the ugliness around the cabinet is distracting me:) We'll see how I feel about them when the walls no longer look like purple sandpaper, and they nasty carpet is replaced with travertine:)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RGLHDvwpSuZcnpq-yLCrgCC7DXihUYMPsCJjleWfDb3_KoVktMusVqbEjbsxE0KLAw_2GW479oA94OptogRSBSm3aGTuGnQHSFHF9jdFfhnRaKRTgxJ53FH9h88H9eeODuhA2phtNdE/s1600/IMG_2891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RGLHDvwpSuZcnpq-yLCrgCC7DXihUYMPsCJjleWfDb3_KoVktMusVqbEjbsxE0KLAw_2GW479oA94OptogRSBSm3aGTuGnQHSFHF9jdFfhnRaKRTgxJ53FH9h88H9eeODuhA2phtNdE/s320/IMG_2891.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I apologize for the bluish tint. This vanity was a beat up version of the typical, orangy oak cabinets found in lots of homes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9-HZM79NzCEOsGU_L7qxweY5LrJTSDzvqal_06nvQOr9f58siXo4mJ-6cnj9gJJWeHiKt60VxkLsq2WPdgP0OBZRL50tVEgJvmG3pISvdIhaBSxihXHUYLQtA84zn3gujjQ0IWMZ0Yk/s1600/IMG_2927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9-HZM79NzCEOsGU_L7qxweY5LrJTSDzvqal_06nvQOr9f58siXo4mJ-6cnj9gJJWeHiKt60VxkLsq2WPdgP0OBZRL50tVEgJvmG3pISvdIhaBSxihXHUYLQtA84zn3gujjQ0IWMZ0Yk/s320/IMG_2927.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">That's basically all we did this weekend. This house is going to be a slow project, but I'm still thoroughly enjoying it:) I'm so glad I am, as we've only owned it for 2 1/2 weeks! Ha!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hope your Valentine's Day was full of love!!!</div>Sweet Life Skills- Elbow Grease!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03233730144247561166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879611798987537198.post-73745410073494667732011-02-05T21:09:00.000-08:002011-02-05T21:09:25.257-08:00Wide Open Spaces- Weekend 2At this point, I'm thinking the only person who would be interested in these house update posts is my future self. Nothing is beautiful just yet. Actually, things look much more chaotic with our mess and all of the "construction" going on. Someday I will get to the pretty/fun/diy stuff. Hopefully sooner than later!<br />
<br />
If I am mistaken, and you are interested in our progress, read on! <br />
<br />
This weekend was filled with knocking down walls and, you'll never guess what else. That's right...removing wallpaper. These two very different things have had a similar effect on our house; they make it feel much more open!<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/AVvXsEgzI5c0ratBe7XwHEPitkii_4odtT2D29OTp2UdBElQa5dSX0HISSI_KmX8Unx3VHF5IWQgrsIX8rrdWpvAz30makXG5aNSKuX1-vAnwFGoSZ1_7Vh_6zSv5mMlSC614qZGcTNqmNRTvR0/s1600/IMG_2840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzI5c0ratBe7XwHEPitkii_4odtT2D29OTp2UdBElQa5dSX0HISSI_KmX8Unx3VHF5IWQgrsIX8rrdWpvAz30makXG5aNSKuX1-vAnwFGoSZ1_7Vh_6zSv5mMlSC614qZGcTNqmNRTvR0/s320/IMG_2840.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wes (with a bunch of help from his brother, Eric) expanded the opening in the wall between the kitchen and the living room.</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/AVvXsEg0thq3GssDZIIRTfb515xvHrOLqJP2r40lJ4Xqbuj9gpJlxxGp0WfgEvtM4-xWkfjN7OPMcGX8JNg99ROs9TMutJGkpN_TZcO2HnHzNtDzdFkjOVavRpnCPpjIMRw04SzApLIhCUrgMkY/s1600/IMG_2838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0thq3GssDZIIRTfb515xvHrOLqJP2r40lJ4Xqbuj9gpJlxxGp0WfgEvtM4-xWkfjN7OPMcGX8JNg99ROs9TMutJGkpN_TZcO2HnHzNtDzdFkjOVavRpnCPpjIMRw04SzApLIhCUrgMkY/s320/IMG_2838.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the lovely open view from the formal dining room. So open!!!</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/AVvXsEhzGySj6v9ncf4-6OL8GKapjd7SQP3WRBETLZq2UEIXuLxtfB8d2PKgeKQfgUG5eaFBwDt0HU9kNTC3LnzuyXpCTgGUSnO6SgmfPx04LGqblQ29a1-sKwDUTujoacPembvZ1OeF4S2gl4w/s1600/IMG_2839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGySj6v9ncf4-6OL8GKapjd7SQP3WRBETLZq2UEIXuLxtfB8d2PKgeKQfgUG5eaFBwDt0HU9kNTC3LnzuyXpCTgGUSnO6SgmfPx04LGqblQ29a1-sKwDUTujoacPembvZ1OeF4S2gl4w/s320/IMG_2839.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the kitchen to the living room.</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/AVvXsEhfGauvNQEhmVAuPr18rKovJzkI_hyphenhyphenlYIDGVKYYxRTZoDr_xAfS1OauOYNqslWSzsuuEzOxei9iejrYr7NQdu9W9n1mVOBhCoutN7x-0x6bVEPGpHA_Sl0ndQh5pt2nAx-9Pvaias-zOIY/s1600/SANY0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGauvNQEhmVAuPr18rKovJzkI_hyphenhyphenlYIDGVKYYxRTZoDr_xAfS1OauOYNqslWSzsuuEzOxei9iejrYr7NQdu9W9n1mVOBhCoutN7x-0x6bVEPGpHA_Sl0ndQh5pt2nAx-9Pvaias-zOIY/s320/SANY0136.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I haven't added a picture of the wall that he knocked down. I just found this one on my computer. It was the wall with the 3 windows in it. The windows had etched glass. So 80s:) Glad we were able to bring it up to date!! We were so shocked it wasn't a load bearing wall...and so glad! We love the results. Notice the wall paper in the room to the right?</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/AVvXsEgR0-OZJ9I-bDLPV_Fb-NSkQ-WMFFpBf4MchCV7OqBmlv_JSkpktVizMjyXoxrWp94eR4ZK1l7qpsMBsoBxUMaowRBKwS7-wz32Ud0f2E7Cpc7iwL7EmxidGpgtT9X4G_QRlkuFSSNKdhk/s1600/IMG_2836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0-OZJ9I-bDLPV_Fb-NSkQ-WMFFpBf4MchCV7OqBmlv_JSkpktVizMjyXoxrWp94eR4ZK1l7qpsMBsoBxUMaowRBKwS7-wz32Ud0f2E7Cpc7iwL7EmxidGpgtT9X4G_QRlkuFSSNKdhk/s320/IMG_2836.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's gone! so much better!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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/AVvXsEifmaw_y383_Fzxl6nnet1NijceEOCtbUHjaenGb1Djz7aPc_Nr9miK3p01Q_YWK01LhR6sF01fIPs6-AVb1gJCh-WS4QgiepXQjr7LcCBcipH6Iz4AbUZEiUocw7x-_iCFthOwhG9IoPI/s1600/IMG_2841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmaw_y383_Fzxl6nnet1NijceEOCtbUHjaenGb1Djz7aPc_Nr9miK3p01Q_YWK01LhR6sF01fIPs6-AVb1gJCh-WS4QgiepXQjr7LcCBcipH6Iz4AbUZEiUocw7x-_iCFthOwhG9IoPI/s320/IMG_2841.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wes also started the process of making our half bathroom a full bathroom. He'll add the tub next week:) Also, he did a lot of demolition in the master bathroom. He's such a stud!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I haven't yet finished the removing of wallpaper. I'm not going to this week. I'm going to do some other, more exciting projects because I am definitely becoming a whiner! It's not good. Refinishing bathroom vanities and spray painting things sounds like much more fun!!! Can't wait! Oohhh!!! Plus, I have a friend coming over to refinish some furiniture in our crazy, dust filled house. I'm so excited! <br />
<br />
In other news, my past shopping trips have been very successful! I've gotten a few things that I've been wanting for a while!<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/AVvXsEjcGjzbBUf8MIRAJrx8a-wGedjxuf8PM1NKg88pbReR0c2XmT-2y0CPyKT1OVcMhsl0wQw-jLEbDqED0u9PttC_CMJQEXYy1A7ajg0vNi-uvziDVwiCUyQus1bcuQF44EtUjB0_7L3Xa2E/s1600/IMG_2859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGjzbBUf8MIRAJrx8a-wGedjxuf8PM1NKg88pbReR0c2XmT-2y0CPyKT1OVcMhsl0wQw-jLEbDqED0u9PttC_CMJQEXYy1A7ajg0vNi-uvziDVwiCUyQus1bcuQF44EtUjB0_7L3Xa2E/s320/IMG_2859.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first mercury glass...thing. It's a tea light holder, and was on clearance at TJ Maxx! I LOOOOVE that place!!! It reminds me of a pineapple, which is a symbol of hospitality. Just one more reason to love it! Oh! And this was the first picture I used custom white balance on my camera! I'm so proud of myself! :) Still frustrated with my photographyness, though. My computer still shuts down if I play with the pictures too much, so all of my shots recently have been 100% un-edited.) </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-htPx58oPMcw0tCoMGOAKS5krDmwUUvaZxIBV7PO84ShLIQpK_rBKDfMnGct7N9zuevNNvm2IR2ONGm98sBY8GNWipGm7zQCissAYX5oFiOg0dVhb7n3igAwq6nCQ6QqGGqaP7nuC6DU/s1600/IMG_2871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-htPx58oPMcw0tCoMGOAKS5krDmwUUvaZxIBV7PO84ShLIQpK_rBKDfMnGct7N9zuevNNvm2IR2ONGm98sBY8GNWipGm7zQCissAYX5oFiOg0dVhb7n3igAwq6nCQ6QqGGqaP7nuC6DU/s320/IMG_2871.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got this ceramic deer at a thrift store. It had a nasty christmas bow and some plastic holly glued to it. I just ripped it off and was left with this beauty! Can't wait to find it a home at the new house!</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/AVvXsEi6cZolvwH-qe_suh9d5T_ONSdYuF6df0b3A-TESEqwmlf6UxmPc-KcdM91yZPcasCFMH3ZxZQFEQR-xQIQ8JN9Kc0JK0wA-a5lMdZt4Qq4rfSkLe-XVOt9SfZA56hOJh401Bh7SXtzlqs/s1600/IMG_2849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cZolvwH-qe_suh9d5T_ONSdYuF6df0b3A-TESEqwmlf6UxmPc-KcdM91yZPcasCFMH3ZxZQFEQR-xQIQ8JN9Kc0JK0wA-a5lMdZt4Qq4rfSkLe-XVOt9SfZA56hOJh401Bh7SXtzlqs/s320/IMG_2849.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've been needing a jewelry organizer for a while now. Though it was not cheap by my standards, it was much needed, so worth it! </td></tr>
</tbody></table> So there you have it. Another random updates post by Michelle.<br />
<br />
Now I'm going to bed. :)<br />
<br />
Stay warm!<br />
<br />
Good Night!Sweet Life Skills- Elbow Grease!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03233730144247561166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879611798987537198.post-30748252199336293362011-02-04T18:06:00.000-08:002011-02-04T18:06:07.684-08:00Wallpaper Makes Me CrazyI laughed harder today than I have in a really long time. I couldn't stop. There were tears running down my face. My mouth was full of delicious El Puente food...and I couldn't swallow it. I started to drool. My nostrils were flaring. (This is why I cover my face when I laugh really really hard. I bet you didn't know that, did you? Ha!)<br />
<br />
Why?<br />
<br />
No particular reason....nothing out of the ordinary. My husband was being a small bit goofy. The kind of goofy I usually roll my eyes at. The kind of goofy that deserves a sympathy chuckle.<br />
<br />
I blame the wallpaper...<br />
<br />
The wallpaper that has consumed my entire week. The wallpaper that is as temperamental as a pimple faced, PMSing, teenage chick. The wallpaper that prevents me from getting in my daily quota of giggles.<br />
<br />
Don't worry. I got the giggles out today. At lunch. In public.<br />
<br />
On a positive note: it gave my husband a huge ego boost. He probably thinks he's the funniest thing alive now:)<br />
<br />
Actually. That's a lie. He kept asking what my issue was.<br />
<br />
D'OH!Sweet Life Skills- Elbow Grease!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03233730144247561166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879611798987537198.post-993688592917802682011-01-30T21:50:00.000-08:002011-01-30T21:50:19.167-08:00Weekend 1We've experienced our first weekend with the house. We only got to really get our hands dirty on Saturday. I'm not going to lie; it was exhilerating! We got a lot accomplished, and we had a blast doing it! I was very intimidated by all of the work because I've had less responsibility and strenuous activity in the past year and a half, and liked it that way. I think I may have just forgotten how much fun it is to be an integral part of something big...something like this huge, light at the end of the tunnel, goal to work towards. Something just comes over me, and I am able to kick it into high gear. I did notice some not so desirable habits that came out during my short teaching career, reappear on Saturday. Those things being: 1. sucking down mad amounts of caffeine and sugar, this time in the form of sweet tea. 2. Working until I'm absolutely famished, at which point, I eat junk food at an extremely fast pace. (for example, I ate a whole package of fruit snacks in one bite. That wasn't enough so I ate another bag, also in one bite, followed by 2 small baggies of sun chips in about 7 minutes. I was then good for another couple of hours. un-health-y!!!) 3. Working 14 hour days because once I get going, I just....can't....sttooooop! Unlike teaching, though, this task does not require me to be thinking about it constantly on my time off. Also, if I do decide to think about it, it is wonderful and exciting, as opposed to....not. :) That is why, for me, this is so much better than teaching:) However, I did find it interesting that I felt the same restlessness and hopped right back into the same habits as the last time I was in a stressful sitution. I really didn't know that was how I dealt with life! I thought it was something that crept in during a year of "suffering," as I like to refer to it, as that was the first time I noticed it. I definitely don't think it's healthy, as there were a lot of negative physical, mental, and emotional changes during my teaching days. This isn't a long-term project, and it is a far more fabulous situation, so I'm just going to run with it. It helps me PRODUCE. I'll learn a better way later! Ha!<br />
<br />
<br />
With all that randomness being said, here's a little lookeeloo at our progress:<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/AVvXsEhSUXp48QblkYLEn0tGy7UuPecu4LMwNeEQJ94ZtWYbtUsgxSrLt8VKGAXIre7UjRzGzlMtS-kovgoGGD0wDUc_PcNlO4pdPX_8FEX7PEI_CXfz7eD6wRDP0Rg7wb3sQ_eoDZ8Ica_OUSw/s1600/IMG_2819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUXp48QblkYLEn0tGy7UuPecu4LMwNeEQJ94ZtWYbtUsgxSrLt8VKGAXIre7UjRzGzlMtS-kovgoGGD0wDUc_PcNlO4pdPX_8FEX7PEI_CXfz7eD6wRDP0Rg7wb3sQ_eoDZ8Ica_OUSw/s320/IMG_2819.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wes got the carpet out of most of the main level, with the exception of the bathroom (grosss! don't blame him!) and the master closet.</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/AVvXsEia1HC60X9zuGeWitIE1Zs2o-YrOoFLys0R0iv7pnoKH-i1yPRceBZyFlRu1qyE0Z7tXnwmph4-rBHbt4Wodflqt5nbI1HVxLuEGg38jpFcwnyNhAAa9iAPVoeBACSBuffb6kWumxdUvPM/s1600/IMG_2820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1HC60X9zuGeWitIE1Zs2o-YrOoFLys0R0iv7pnoKH-i1yPRceBZyFlRu1qyE0Z7tXnwmph4-rBHbt4Wodflqt5nbI1HVxLuEGg38jpFcwnyNhAAa9iAPVoeBACSBuffb6kWumxdUvPM/s320/IMG_2820.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got a wee little bit of wallpaper off (what is shown, and the refrigerator area), removed all of the cabinet pulls and all of the shelf liners on the main level.</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/AVvXsEjeEsUxh-0bDLDUpxAETikFcqlO9UiEByIneJzLgRQy7LvXSdOEhNHfILRe_ReqgGmrMQCmLHB0QsPvReFUSRHehNltBSWZ16CejtiuhaK3uDjRXwEMzlEEhUUx1_LQUqEUcu4F1Zce1qM/s1600/IMG_2821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEsUxh-0bDLDUpxAETikFcqlO9UiEByIneJzLgRQy7LvXSdOEhNHfILRe_ReqgGmrMQCmLHB0QsPvReFUSRHehNltBSWZ16CejtiuhaK3uDjRXwEMzlEEhUUx1_LQUqEUcu4F1Zce1qM/s320/IMG_2821.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We picked up the desks from the Salvation Army!! We got an excellent deal on both of these desks, that are great quality and in pretty good shape. However, The current plan, as mentioned earlier, is to paint them white. Also, I plan on getting some really sleek, modern pulls for the drawers! Can't wait!</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/AVvXsEhe2ZZcXfp0BypiPXjbMm1Xohpf2mHMBtVlKDhpjmFDIHHYTrj3cE5u-VJUTpmXj4FDPMg_4gC9vs64EE1W6M76H1rO1bxVsL6B8psCkzhBeSHOZTs5Xx0IZNipYK8zfZrjou4jJHJIZFY/s1600/IMG_2824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2ZZcXfp0BypiPXjbMm1Xohpf2mHMBtVlKDhpjmFDIHHYTrj3cE5u-VJUTpmXj4FDPMg_4gC9vs64EE1W6M76H1rO1bxVsL6B8psCkzhBeSHOZTs5Xx0IZNipYK8zfZrjou4jJHJIZFY/s320/IMG_2824.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is just a picture of some things in the amazing cabinets we have in our garage and john deere room. We packed 3 truckloads and 3 SUV loads (= a whole FREAKING lot) of stuff into the cabinets, and there is still a lot of space left! Our Christmas trees even fit in the upper cabinets. We were so amazed, and love our house even more now that we know the capacity of those puppies! </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/AVvXsEgxD3mGe5f4F5OiaVW7PddrzGpZcZwAvxapxjT0wn5_q0EbcLvS0tjPpWG4UYkoiZd0oFNC6BZoglbLNwMvlhuikgl1egEpNJFHyBeHL6Wjl_xyizlpswOy7A5KnoTvlycHQiEDictOovU/s1600/IMG_2827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxD3mGe5f4F5OiaVW7PddrzGpZcZwAvxapxjT0wn5_q0EbcLvS0tjPpWG4UYkoiZd0oFNC6BZoglbLNwMvlhuikgl1egEpNJFHyBeHL6Wjl_xyizlpswOy7A5KnoTvlycHQiEDictOovU/s320/IMG_2827.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wes and his brother are ridiculous. The two of them loaded our 1000 pound doghouse onto Wes's truck by themselves. Then, today, Wes and his dad put it in it's spot. They are tough. Seriously. I'm shocked no one got hurt!</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/AVvXsEi7EVR_FIQ0geJVJga7pcw9o6-Xcj9CMz9cSplifRBIHhX70GembkXzwzyCvmafh2_UsAjShXZCGRCYBxyvTJqfze1tN6VYgHku_272CL9RqO_bHTzbW_n7Uy5hFWVgPWt1HlJzpD7eLRU/s1600/IMG_2829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EVR_FIQ0geJVJga7pcw9o6-Xcj9CMz9cSplifRBIHhX70GembkXzwzyCvmafh2_UsAjShXZCGRCYBxyvTJqfze1tN6VYgHku_272CL9RqO_bHTzbW_n7Uy5hFWVgPWt1HlJzpD7eLRU/s320/IMG_2829.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We plan to paint it a teal-like color with white trim. We bought the paint last fall, and never got to the painting because the house was against our deck. Hopefully I'll make it happen this spring! I also have dreams of making a sign that says, "Dixie," putting flower pots around it, and making her a faux welcome mat out of cement pavers. Wouldn't that be cute!? If only dogs weren't colorblind...</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Hmmmm....looking back at those pictures, it looks like Wes did the bulk of the work. It must be nice being a man and having all of those strong muscles:) I promise, I worked hard too! I did a lot of the unseen work, like cleaning all of the nastiness, running errands back and forth, and organizing our mass amounts of crap:) Look at me justifying myself :) <br />
<br />
Anywho! I love that the progress this weekend was so visible! It makes the road ahead seem a bit less scary! Maybe even fun!<br />
<br />
Stay warm and safe! I hear there is some nasty stuff coming our way!!!Sweet Life Skills- Elbow Grease!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03233730144247561166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879611798987537198.post-52855259010362709832011-01-28T20:10:00.000-08:002011-01-28T20:17:26.343-08:00Elementary School Science Project: The VolcanoAs I was running some vinegar through my coffee pot to clean it, I was googling how to remove wallpaper. Want to know how? Vinegar. Apparently you mix some with water, and spray it on the wallpaper. If you let it soak in, it helps loosen the adhesive. It got me thinking about all of the amazing things this stuff does. It's so STINKING versatile!<br />
<br />
A while back I wrote about saving money. I gave <a href="http://tipnut.com/">tipnut.com</a> as a resource for making laundry detergent, and said I was going to check out the website because it looked neat. Well...I checked it out. It's neat:) Just as the name would lead you to believe, the website is full of ridiculous amounts of extremely practical tips! While I was browsing, two of the articles that made the biggest impression on me were on the many uses of vinegar and baking soda. Two things that nearly every household has in their pantry all of the time. If you don't have them...go getcha sum!! They are super cheap and uber effective:) Because this post would be extremely long if I shared all of the tips, I'm just going to lin k the articles.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Vinegar-</span></strong><br />
<a href="http://tipnut.com/vinegar-kitchen/">More Than 20 Ways Vinegar Can Help Your Kitchen Sparkle</a>- I often soak my drinking glasses in vinegar when they develop that weird film from the minerals in the water. It keeps them crystal clear!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://tipnut.com/laundry-boosters-vinegar/">10 Laundry Boosters Using Vinegar</a>- Save money on those stain removers.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://tipnut.com/homemade-citrus-vinegar-cleaner/">Homemade Citrus Vinegar Cleaner</a>- I haven't tried this, but I would like to. I would think the citrus would improve the scent:)<br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Baking Soda-</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://tipnut.com/household-baking-soda/">50 Household Tips for Baking Soda</a> - When I was student teaching, the FACS teacher at Rogersville taught me that baking soda is the best stove-top cleaner ever! Just sprinkle it on, and use a wet brillo pad (or stove-top pad, if you are worried about scratching. They are like brillo pads but softer and pink. I haven't had this problem, but I would hate to give you bad advice!) It's amazing. Far better than the expensive stovetop cleaner I bought.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://tipnut.com/health-baking-soda/">15 Beauty and Health Tips for Baking Soda</a>- Strawberries and baking soda whiten teeth? Who knew. I'm not going to lie, this tip makes me wonder if all of the tips are a joke. I might try it to find out because that's super interesting! Haha!<br />
<br />
There are so many links! From unclogging toilets, to treating gingervitus! Relieving itchiness from insect bites to tenderizing meat! Cleaning cat urine to removing warts! Just follow the links or go to tipnut.com and search "vinegar," or "baking soda." You'll learn something new...I promise:)<br />
<br />
I guess vinegar and baking soda have a lot more uses than creating that volcano that we all made in elementary school. I know you remember!<br />
<br />
What are your favorite uses for vinegar and/or baking soda? Any clever tips? I'm seriously contemplating NOT replacing that bottle of windex and 409.<br />
<br />
:) Happy Cleaning! :)Sweet Life Skills- Elbow Grease!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03233730144247561166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879611798987537198.post-32703213189467770482011-01-28T18:41:00.000-08:002011-01-28T18:41:55.949-08:00Forming a new habit...I'm writing a house update, not because anything significant happened, but because I want to make blog updating a habit through this whole process!<br />
<br />
Here's what happened today:<br />
1. City Utilities fixed a leak and turned our water on! Let the real work begin!<br />
2. I cleaned the countertops so we can use them without feeling disgusting.<br />
3. I peeled about 3 square feet of wallpaper, and decided it is going to completely suck!!! (I also realized I need more tools.)<br />
4. I changed some light bulbs.<br />
5. We bought a huge desk and a credenza desk for the office/craft room/future nursery! We got an excellent deal at the salvation army, and have big plans to make them BEAUTIFUL! Crafty people all around are going to be envious of my space! Just kidding. Kinda. :) I'll take pictures tomorrow, and reveal the plan. However, like the free kitchen table that goes with the chairs I refinished, these babies won't be painted until we spray the rest of the stuff in the house, to save effort. We must be patient! Booo patience!!!<br />
<br />
I know that was probably boring, but it is so significant to me. The ball is rolling! I can hardly believe it! We waited so long, and the time has come!<br />
<br />
Hope you have something you are excited about right now:) It's the way to live.<br />
<br />
Good night!<br />
<br />
P.S. If you have any tips on removing wallpaper, or are bored and in the Springfield area, let me know:)Sweet Life Skills- Elbow Grease!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03233730144247561166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879611798987537198.post-29606886644617568662011-01-28T12:28:00.000-08:002011-01-28T12:28:56.272-08:00House Tour!!!Hey Everyone!<br />
We FINALLY closed on our house Wednesday at 2:00, and I must say, we are VERY excited!!! Right after we closed, I took some pictures of the house to use as our "before" pictures for all of the transformations that will be taking place in the coming months!<br />
<br />
How about a little tour, so you can see what we are working with :)?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(So...I've been working on this post for about 3 days, and my computer keeps overheating and passing out, so this is not the whole tour! Sorry! Hopefully, I can start working with just a few pictures at a time!!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLgobwybR9nFIYw07k_T4DjdpJmFKMBYzJz9Efw-R6Hhq5Y49AVDwCZ77l7z9D8AtVk4_rzcaCtosDnglUdUQT-VkQRWRzjOCAlm_IYp8ZrETec_DjIPCXj59dYWEtzZairuXesgiwaU/s1600/IMG_2722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLgobwybR9nFIYw07k_T4DjdpJmFKMBYzJz9Efw-R6Hhq5Y49AVDwCZ77l7z9D8AtVk4_rzcaCtosDnglUdUQT-VkQRWRzjOCAlm_IYp8ZrETec_DjIPCXj59dYWEtzZairuXesgiwaU/s320/IMG_2722.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The outside is definitely not very exciting. I have been known to say it is the ugliest house in the neighborhood:) Not because it's so ugly, but our neighborhood is sooo stinkin' cute!!!</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/AVvXsEjcfo833YyD_Z9KPc0eYIi-bm8Niq4b8s6Cp9AuDV2XT2tgk_YLpqfEgAaxV3EjDkowX4tLEXfbwMO4yr6LCdRYI8Z7bFu0HUy9YkqtKyhMeF46rD3lyXYWCA9fUco154TvgBXvXwLw5Ns/s1600/IMG_2724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfo833YyD_Z9KPc0eYIi-bm8Niq4b8s6Cp9AuDV2XT2tgk_YLpqfEgAaxV3EjDkowX4tLEXfbwMO4yr6LCdRYI8Z7bFu0HUy9YkqtKyhMeF46rD3lyXYWCA9fUco154TvgBXvXwLw5Ns/s320/IMG_2724.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front Porch. It's a tad bit lopsided right now, and we don't know exactly what we are going to do with it as far as making it beautiful, but I love that it's so big! I think some fabulous seating is definitely a necessity!!</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/AVvXsEgohBUvV5Kv7GdYEnqHRy5410Kx-lW_IDgt4et4a91a9SS5d8QL796UcPaNBdb7RMjH0SLApU-B-pAfntXVfa7_v2oiJrAYwpQAVByVKoECkmZhe1qitEAl1zHpt0CHV1_UjuhPvPATuDU/s1600/IMG_2736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohBUvV5Kv7GdYEnqHRy5410Kx-lW_IDgt4et4a91a9SS5d8QL796UcPaNBdb7RMjH0SLApU-B-pAfntXVfa7_v2oiJrAYwpQAVByVKoECkmZhe1qitEAl1zHpt0CHV1_UjuhPvPATuDU/s320/IMG_2736.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Living room</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/AVvXsEhDOMmRjoHNBlrm9MPevpMV9u2tJHotRGlMrPH2OgNbNdPSKGxILcfJ2phQK_qRNbqX6BLmVHdw8Iqs_BAAwYWwILqaSl8J8FRbI4NdvH9Oq6xW6fW06rGArK-nn8gcxho3_Z0HN18ZGH4/s1600/IMG_2737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOMmRjoHNBlrm9MPevpMV9u2tJHotRGlMrPH2OgNbNdPSKGxILcfJ2phQK_qRNbqX6BLmVHdw8Iqs_BAAwYWwILqaSl8J8FRbI4NdvH9Oq6xW6fW06rGArK-nn8gcxho3_Z0HN18ZGH4/s320/IMG_2737.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautifully wallpapered formal dining....NOT!</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/AVvXsEiIXMEzK4PAgROdDpCIQqggUTVNsKKv28nSJKROU9wMa_NRSJZo2I-6-GnaqBB6oDvsNfSf72I8WoDnQSqBeE6CMwjtDlGsFNuJvZAyqLlksSqLHaAxgJJq_S-h3qwHolkQYXknQPt6kD8/s1600/IMG_2741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXMEzK4PAgROdDpCIQqggUTVNsKKv28nSJKROU9wMa_NRSJZo2I-6-GnaqBB6oDvsNfSf72I8WoDnQSqBeE6CMwjtDlGsFNuJvZAyqLlksSqLHaAxgJJq_S-h3qwHolkQYXknQPt6kD8/s320/IMG_2741.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have big plans for this room! :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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/AVvXsEg8vvBRXVx5DHa-tXyxda-Tnr5v5oAfTgusN6TH_uTyqyDOura5KZGkAvfqkTt9_yhLhtR3ms_oFYv9HPck7N9rg41kg_y37Y6nZhBgvFg5AHtbl_MT_jekLDd5X7HURfDtGX5VUaiqxts/s1600/IMG_2763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vvBRXVx5DHa-tXyxda-Tnr5v5oAfTgusN6TH_uTyqyDOura5KZGkAvfqkTt9_yhLhtR3ms_oFYv9HPck7N9rg41kg_y37Y6nZhBgvFg5AHtbl_MT_jekLDd5X7HURfDtGX5VUaiqxts/s320/IMG_2763.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely office/future nursery. One of my FAVORITE rooms in the house! My mother-in-law and I actually hugged the first time we walked into this room together....lol. And that is how I knew, this house was "the one."</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/AVvXsEgnzkhAwbcyv8OqrEHQPRKlJcJeScgaHEhsvoZfJSvm-_VKKbS6bBOQwR3SD5IkUy8TRPu6_AH7HhQR7BWhsx7bYa_ryJk57hCP_VHBGEEIAPjqOpwl0bxzhmKywNT5P1eMr1Ls5c5v0Rs/s1600/IMG_2769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzkhAwbcyv8OqrEHQPRKlJcJeScgaHEhsvoZfJSvm-_VKKbS6bBOQwR3SD5IkUy8TRPu6_AH7HhQR7BWhsx7bYa_ryJk57hCP_VHBGEEIAPjqOpwl0bxzhmKywNT5P1eMr1Ls5c5v0Rs/s320/IMG_2769.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master Bedroom</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/AVvXsEiqA7FfvaLGSW2h6wbo96PADGgfj4lSx95KhCRPYFgitKNoe-KUca-DHjZBBHrwZ5NgN1ByPKxjzvviqUwXd5t1sO3MTmQjJEfd_CAlD0-XzP6rNU6mI0hzoxqHCuAKtyqMjKFFFHRyyog/s1600/IMG_2778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqA7FfvaLGSW2h6wbo96PADGgfj4lSx95KhCRPYFgitKNoe-KUca-DHjZBBHrwZ5NgN1ByPKxjzvviqUwXd5t1sO3MTmQjJEfd_CAlD0-XzP6rNU6mI0hzoxqHCuAKtyqMjKFFFHRyyog/s320/IMG_2778.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master Bathroom. Imagine all of those walls knocked out (along with the lovely murals)! I hope we get to do it, as it is in our long term plan, but not necessarily in the 3 month plan:) Hopefully we have leftover funds, so we can do it!!! Even if we don't knock the walls out, we are still painting...so don't worry!</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/AVvXsEgYDmXc2A8Ayop6hcCae8LNAFO8LrD1GTU702erSrnTd7neyoPRKHuGrXyuctKmZ5s18yhuzuWBkQe8NAgc7J5Zho6oTjRtiidCAc4dYZH4sZZeNOJEVkFiRc-SJMpAKPcu6A6qAeDyT0Y/s1600/IMG_2797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDmXc2A8Ayop6hcCae8LNAFO8LrD1GTU702erSrnTd7neyoPRKHuGrXyuctKmZ5s18yhuzuWBkQe8NAgc7J5Zho6oTjRtiidCAc4dYZH4sZZeNOJEVkFiRc-SJMpAKPcu6A6qAeDyT0Y/s320/IMG_2797.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The island getaway that's in our very own basement! Don't worry, it is coming down! This is the wet bar and the dining area in the basement.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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/AVvXsEiOgr5JeaJ8m_Ptu_cIUzegjSMXSydyYldI0ojfriSiAqsrae4iG8rdr6m-u0a1921KVLurEUMft4XQXrNFMck2Xyt2tL33FWgp8EmGjkXJiIaUq2YTuqO7LakuYZNktH5y64_l_LbijK0/s1600/IMG_2792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgr5JeaJ8m_Ptu_cIUzegjSMXSydyYldI0ojfriSiAqsrae4iG8rdr6m-u0a1921KVLurEUMft4XQXrNFMck2Xyt2tL33FWgp8EmGjkXJiIaUq2YTuqO7LakuYZNktH5y64_l_LbijK0/s320/IMG_2792.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basement Living Area</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/AVvXsEhpD4aUlT0yjrC8vcNtRYfIMjHPSF9vU8yN0OfFOt2KVmc1dXUw0iB9qIM6CoCY5wtq6EiJQNEp6pdbcHGNdNRasGX4t4BRhghRP4Xr1TnsxOkx1VnHZ7oL-ZvhzQRdFoyww7AddeXCObI/s1600/IMG_2805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpD4aUlT0yjrC8vcNtRYfIMjHPSF9vU8yN0OfFOt2KVmc1dXUw0iB9qIM6CoCY5wtq6EiJQNEp6pdbcHGNdNRasGX4t4BRhghRP4Xr1TnsxOkx1VnHZ7oL-ZvhzQRdFoyww7AddeXCObI/s320/IMG_2805.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack and Jill Bathroom...in basement. It is connected to two bedrooms and the hall. Also, each bedroom has it's own vanity area. How fortunate for our future children!! :)</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/AVvXsEjj5Cn0yjUF6hZfpv4vdp_Lq7XWnUKifVV_ycI8qZRXjCxEEpe4j2OmmxkKpzwtDtD89bt8pKFM4a2sYeVTOu1bvEN_aXzqsqT1M9xf6UNuwO1MqnR-2bcnv8UdoUYDuHXu30HuyLkp-7U/s1600/IMG_2802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5Cn0yjUF6hZfpv4vdp_Lq7XWnUKifVV_ycI8qZRXjCxEEpe4j2OmmxkKpzwtDtD89bt8pKFM4a2sYeVTOu1bvEN_aXzqsqT1M9xf6UNuwO1MqnR-2bcnv8UdoUYDuHXu30HuyLkp-7U/s320/IMG_2802.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One example of a basement bedroom. I just love all of the light! It doesn't even feel like a basement!</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/AVvXsEgi-gVlVmtZTQmpisqsKwWw2YFOenvUMHyatdnNUbGh9qAx_Cncf_3rdBfPP7GVrerzvYBYKcWV9idsYh0XJ4N-Pl9uod2pfSZgZdZhhDRzU5mcOLeAxvPDYahRk6ffTumpXNVt-I9WOiI/s1600/IMG_2793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-gVlVmtZTQmpisqsKwWw2YFOenvUMHyatdnNUbGh9qAx_Cncf_3rdBfPP7GVrerzvYBYKcWV9idsYh0XJ4N-Pl9uod2pfSZgZdZhhDRzU5mcOLeAxvPDYahRk6ffTumpXNVt-I9WOiI/s320/IMG_2793.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Backyard:)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Like I said, this isn't every angle and room of the house, but it's a nice teaser! As you can see, there is a lot of work that needs to be done! We see definite potential in the place, and I hope, that as time goes on, you can see it too!<br />
<br />
Have a great day!Sweet Life Skills- Elbow Grease!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03233730144247561166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879611798987537198.post-87248422697830355712011-01-20T21:57:00.000-08:002011-01-20T21:57:44.772-08:00Annoyed Yet?We are buying a house...promise! If you're not annoyed with my meaningless updates, you can be assured that I am! Sorry. I feel like I'm "leading you on!"<br />
<br />
I've been hesitating to update on the house because everytime I open my mouth, something changes!! I don't think this is a false alarm, though. At least, I hope not:)<br />
<br />
Earlier this week we were given the appraised value of the house (after renovations), which determines how much our loan for construction will be, and is one step closer to closing. It was good...real good, and we are thrilled:) Now that the bank has this bit of information, they have all they need to finalize the loan. We are supposed to close next Wednesday! I was about to say it is only 2 weeks later than our first closing date, but that is not true, is it? It is months later, because of that silly little hold! (I'm going to stalk my own blog, because I don't remember when our original date was. I knew this thing would come in handy! Ha!)<br />
<br />
When I think about it, it could sound like the process to get this house was a real pain in the rear, but it was actually the opposite! We were definitely a bit anxious to get the house (still are) but it has definitely been bearable, and we see so many benefits to the way things worked/are working out! Don't you just love looking back at life and realizing that YOUR plan was definitely not the BEST plan? I do! I also love how everything just falls into place. De-lightful!<br />
<br />
I can't help but wonder why I am so blessed when I am sooo completely undeserving. Every time Wes and I receive news on the house, we are just amazed and humbled (because, for some reason, the news just keeps getting better and better). It's really a rare opportunity, and we have not doubt that it is God given! We feel like all along the way we have been getting His confirmation that we are following Him with these decisions. His timing and His plans are perfect, and we thank and praise Him for that!!<br />
<br />
WhoooowhooooWednesday!<br />
<br />
I'll be relaxing until then:) Ha! (I'm affffffffraid of all that work!!!)<br />
<br />
I hope your eyes are opened to see the goodness and the grace of the Lord today!!!Sweet Life Skills- Elbow Grease!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03233730144247561166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879611798987537198.post-90783886321733675032011-01-10T18:09:00.000-08:002011-01-10T18:30:30.218-08:00Easiest Dessert Ever!I think it is so funny that people think I cook frequently and immaculately. I rarely try new recipes (I love it when I do, though!). I often make up my own, non-gourmet concoctions with whatever I can find in our freezer and pantry...and a lot of the time, I don't even like my own creations. Also, most of the foods Wes and I eat at home come from a box. Tonight was jambalaya night. Let me tell you, we LOVE our jambalaya...and tuna helper:)<br />
<br />
If I try a new recipe, I am cooking because I want to. Every once in a while, when I'm cooking because I want to, I come across a super easy and inexpensive recipe. I commit those recipes to memory for emergencies, like unexpected company...or over-procrastination:)<br />
<br />
This is one such recipe. I made it after my freshman year in college for my dad and I when my mom was visiting Korea for the summer. It is sooo good!<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Peach Cobbler Dump Cake</u></strong><br />
<br />
2 (16 ounce) cans of peaches in heavy syrup<br />
1 box of yellow cake mix<br />
1 stick (1/2 cup) of butter<br />
ground cinnamon.<br />
<br />
Preheat the oven to 375. I sprayed a 9x13 inch pan with PAM, but I don't know that you really need to. Pour both cans of peaches into the pan. In a separate bowl, melt the butter. Mix the cake mix and the butter until the butter is evenly incorporated (you want it to be very crumbly). Spread the cake mix-mixture evenly over the peaches, and sprinkle with cinnamon to taste. If you struggle with the whole "to taste" thing, I would recommend about 1/2 teaspoon. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is a bit browned.<br />
<br />
Note: I've seen recipes that say to spread the cake mix over the peaches, then cut the butter into small pieces and<span style="background-color: white;"> spread</span> the pieces evenly over the cake mix. I'm sure that works great too, I just do it the other way:) Also, you can use cans of pie filling instead of peaches.<br />
Eat it warm with a big scoop of ice cream! It is so delicious and homey, and takes 5 minutes or less to prep! Also, I almost always have the ingredients on hand! Can't beat that! <br />
<br />
So there you go! Now go buy yourself some peaches and a cake mix! It will pull you through in a bind, or warm you up on a cold day! You won't regret it...I promise! (unless you're on a diet, or are extremely healthy...then you might! ha!)<br />
<br />
Have a great day!Sweet Life Skills- Elbow Grease!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03233730144247561166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879611798987537198.post-23600961762686211992011-01-09T21:08:00.000-08:002011-01-09T21:08:15.628-08:00Happy Birthday, Tiffany!Today is my sister-in-law's birthday. (Here's a picture of her and her precious family)<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/AVvXsEjepJhkO_OkqggybLAKh_mQqkKCH9y-4H5gI9B3O6-y2UI2mw1_uuQekOWSUogCx_UI6XeW0DrI5sGsXCPVT2nMDWQh5Z_BR72haD_X1q3o2JWVpowSnNn1UHDubnouSzIxD3jVg3Hp8IM/s1600/ericfamily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepJhkO_OkqggybLAKh_mQqkKCH9y-4H5gI9B3O6-y2UI2mw1_uuQekOWSUogCx_UI6XeW0DrI5sGsXCPVT2nMDWQh5Z_BR72haD_X1q3o2JWVpowSnNn1UHDubnouSzIxD3jVg3Hp8IM/s320/ericfamily.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-cious. As you can see, she has her hands full!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>She is a wonderful friend, and a graceful mother. I know graceful is an interesting way to describe motherhood, but I know that raising 3 boys 3 and under is not an easy thing. She does such a great job with them, and makes it look like a piece of cake! <br />
<br />
Speaking of cake...<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/AVvXsEgmIHsF_g3lo1Le1Ti1I1cF3c1eZ2lTES-WZAuFpe9F1b8ZZdHsYlVUzwcBj-drou6aVb3pxxjQn-fvsabqvv_yXEznH8UUrgGK32KP851EV9gVvfvQxCL29RUSRcWQlh_Xe0Cahs7o7Fw/s1600/meandtifbirthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIHsF_g3lo1Le1Ti1I1cF3c1eZ2lTES-WZAuFpe9F1b8ZZdHsYlVUzwcBj-drou6aVb3pxxjQn-fvsabqvv_yXEznH8UUrgGK32KP851EV9gVvfvQxCL29RUSRcWQlh_Xe0Cahs7o7Fw/s320/meandtifbirthday.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made her one...</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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/AVvXsEjHCjIQno5FVXWdIBj_sqv2PvbwGwyWI7Mt81-zoZco1FgGq860a00riprJus-P0XAM1CC9fVuS-BYVOzM9dAiNJvE9QHSxLpkbH9Ez0P9GuHLU_c75M_Jw5R4lfCD37BQ7ygHbiTCVlnU/s1600/Tiffanydrinking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCjIQno5FVXWdIBj_sqv2PvbwGwyWI7Mt81-zoZco1FgGq860a00riprJus-P0XAM1CC9fVuS-BYVOzM9dAiNJvE9QHSxLpkbH9Ez0P9GuHLU_c75M_Jw5R4lfCD37BQ7ygHbiTCVlnU/s320/Tiffanydrinking.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a tiramisu cake, so I made it into a giant coffee cup:)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I had an absolute blast making it. It had been so long since I have had the opportunity to make a cake, and I really missed it. I seriously smiled the whole time I was decorating it, despite the fact that I started it at midnight! Ha! I got the recipe <a href="http://www.recipes4cakes.com/sponge_cake/tiramisu.htm">here</a>. I was trying to make it semi-healthy/low-cal, so I made the sponge cake with splenda (with fiber.woot!), and bought low fat and fat free cream cheese (I doubled the recipe). However, on my iphone, the measurements and the ingredients didn't line up. I thought there were only 4 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream. When I started making it, I realized I needed 2 cups! Ahhhhh! There goes any hope of being healthy! Oh well, I guess it was better than it could have been! The whipped, creamy filling was to die for! I would totally make this cake again (it turned out fine with all of the lower fat/calorie changes I made). If I were to do it again, I would make a change. In case you want to make it, here it is; the recipe says not to soak the cake in the coffee mixture. It says to brush it. I was afraid the cake would fall apart when I decorated it, so I did just brush it. Next time, I will use the most possible without drowning it, or use a more moist cake. Also, for the coffee liqueur, I used really, really strong instant coffee. It worked great!<br />
<br />
Because the cake had caffiene in it, Wes and I bought some non-caffienated cupcakes for the boys, so they would actually fall asleep at nap time:) (You're welcome, Tif!) It was great because they thought I made them, and they loved me for it! I know I'm totally taking credit for Price Cutter's creations, but it makes me feel special, so I don't really care:). <br />
<br />
Jaxon, the cutie pie middle child, LOVES cupcakes!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyoJTg60Woe6T51Y1DV-5zWEzJTVvznSj-3N1eRoYkT3cuVcI24Ek-i-jLiCzdDkUqGqFJna6Pe-phyIOwLs3840_er44w27zUsCrylr52jrIwe1UF-opxPoPKQ8uWD9cfxlTPsipEsU/s1600/Jaxoncupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyoJTg60Woe6T51Y1DV-5zWEzJTVvznSj-3N1eRoYkT3cuVcI24Ek-i-jLiCzdDkUqGqFJna6Pe-phyIOwLs3840_er44w27zUsCrylr52jrIwe1UF-opxPoPKQ8uWD9cfxlTPsipEsU/s320/Jaxoncupcake.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He melted me today. I don't have pictures of everything that happened because I couldn't get my camera ready fast enough, but it was so adorable. We looked over, and he had stuffed his mouth with a whole lot of cupcake. It was on his hands and face and all over the floor. BaBa (grandpa) rushed to fix the messy situation, created by his abandoned love for cupcakes. It drew too much attention to the poor little guy.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXkReYVZc-D6wtQyPDLLatC-D55B1vpJkNryheLd9Dl19Cm6UKMIiu_il6GnbFNGzHc0XdltE5kGBwRMDeGmE39GbArmkL401qJayiIW6B1A7bxMi170Vfs3ttU6HLz_GqdmPvK_gQ88/s1600/jaxonemb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXkReYVZc-D6wtQyPDLLatC-D55B1vpJkNryheLd9Dl19Cm6UKMIiu_il6GnbFNGzHc0XdltE5kGBwRMDeGmE39GbArmkL401qJayiIW6B1A7bxMi170Vfs3ttU6HLz_GqdmPvK_gQ88/s320/jaxonemb1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div> He got SOOOO embarrassed to be caught in that situation. And everyone was laughing because of his absolute cuteness. He kept squeezing his eyes shut...because kiddos that young think the world can't see them when they can't see the world.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWff0sO43N7IpDorT43hmdQdXGrAvF8HXdfiasZgKiTnPxVg6A2D-ZtgOQ8bPIvk5BUFQLZ-rJrcotHgDh1_MQyRwNrEsVOLtzYb9sPQUJw1NdimkgIvOsx5SFC7Kb_LdqgbRC5nzuOIQ/s1600/jaxonemb2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWff0sO43N7IpDorT43hmdQdXGrAvF8HXdfiasZgKiTnPxVg6A2D-ZtgOQ8bPIvk5BUFQLZ-rJrcotHgDh1_MQyRwNrEsVOLtzYb9sPQUJw1NdimkgIvOsx5SFC7Kb_LdqgbRC5nzuOIQ/s320/jaxonemb2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div> Look at him! (I'm dying inside with compassion and love for this precious kid!) He's like, "I can't believe this is happening..."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3GflxPcMqlNTYnfOy4I23dMul7AS-GKNhh3fG-c_Nm54B7OlPzTRHed6yFcd6Dx2Cd3sOXIfBsfAZZLeD7syBZqfrBcYGFtZm00lH-gcfCOd6hD2R7NGXyytaSAnOBV__0WjCeU3dx5w/s1600/jaxonemb3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3GflxPcMqlNTYnfOy4I23dMul7AS-GKNhh3fG-c_Nm54B7OlPzTRHed6yFcd6Dx2Cd3sOXIfBsfAZZLeD7syBZqfrBcYGFtZm00lH-gcfCOd6hD2R7NGXyytaSAnOBV__0WjCeU3dx5w/s320/jaxonemb3.jpg" width="213" /></a></div> Poor, sweet child couldn't handle it anymore. The second he was clean enough, he fell into BaBa's arms...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lpz1WNWIAZwN5X9duvJLqAFKy5Xn-73vmthmSlYgILcAZ0wrg37_1kGyJrmeaaiOh6qwrHzDuRfIdtX8mTBWQI979wrcPNGi6rS5HYiqno2mvbXhOAjI0Vf7xYB4TcONWukQOWMmKaA/s1600/jaxonemb4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lpz1WNWIAZwN5X9duvJLqAFKy5Xn-73vmthmSlYgILcAZ0wrg37_1kGyJrmeaaiOh6qwrHzDuRfIdtX8mTBWQI979wrcPNGi6rS5HYiqno2mvbXhOAjI0Vf7xYB4TcONWukQOWMmKaA/s320/jaxonemb4.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div align="left">He needed a huuuuug!</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">I talked about that little incident all afternoon. My fabulous husband listens to me when I share my re-occurring thoughts to him over and over and over again. :) He's great.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">I know I write about my nephews all of the time, but I'm in love, I'm in love, and I don't care who knows it!! They are CUUUUUTE! :) </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">And for the birthday gal:</div><div align="left">Tiffany,</div><div align="left">I hope you had a fabulous Birthday! You are a great friend, and I'm so glad I've gotten to know you! Your family is precious to Wes and I, and I am inspired by the way you mother your babies! (As you know, mothering babies is intimidating to me right now...and you, my friend, impress me!) I hope someday to be as compassionate and loving to my kiddos! :)</div><div align="left">Love Ya!!</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">P.S. If you know Tiffany, she has a blog too! It can be found <a href="http://stewart-puppydogtails.blogspot.com/">here</a>. Eric, her husband (my husband's brother) writes some entries. They have a crazy full life, as you could imagine with 3 boys, so they have lots of entertaining things to write about. AND if you read it, you might fall in love with my little nephews too! I am NOT a partial aunt. At least, I don't think I am... :)</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Have a great week!!</div>Sweet Life Skills- Elbow Grease!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03233730144247561166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879611798987537198.post-53460086730097440012011-01-05T21:03:00.000-08:002011-01-05T21:03:15.217-08:00So. Close.The holiday season is over! I look so forward to the holidays every year, but this year I am thankful they are over! Don't get me wrong, I had a blast, but this traveler is weary. This shopper is spent. This party goer is pooped.<br />
<br />
I came...<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/AVvXsEirsHhh1p5YuoK9xQgiLQGh80R_z2VkVaPxGz-99pl7vR3pIPQW_FNe8x0FUqtruKODMeI687UFW0-I-ZMNkKwzB9vI0OmpbEt7oa-FSjFNN153ZfKQ3lAn6kTluTjpqoN1IZgf7HP-1v8/s1600/IMG_0631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsHhh1p5YuoK9xQgiLQGh80R_z2VkVaPxGz-99pl7vR3pIPQW_FNe8x0FUqtruKODMeI687UFW0-I-ZMNkKwzB9vI0OmpbEt7oa-FSjFNN153ZfKQ3lAn6kTluTjpqoN1IZgf7HP-1v8/s320/IMG_0631.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom and my sis at Grandpa and Grandma Woemmel's house for Thanksgiving</td></tr>
</tbody></table> I saw...<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/AVvXsEj_zz_Hz7VdMHAtmsfubC-CTCd0_Pzk4ZMyZTPQUX1aeZvR3x8f0FCeZNw4DAtwNDtYGrW89b3Xky43NWowb4kQviFtfsczAOnF_RO-HWVUo6ba5ivSkmMJ-8cAgMe22W3P4Iprt0CT1xo/s1600/IMG_0982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zz_Hz7VdMHAtmsfubC-CTCd0_Pzk4ZMyZTPQUX1aeZvR3x8f0FCeZNw4DAtwNDtYGrW89b3Xky43NWowb4kQviFtfsczAOnF_RO-HWVUo6ba5ivSkmMJ-8cAgMe22W3P4Iprt0CT1xo/s320/IMG_0982.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset on Venice Beach in Florida. (Stewart Family Vacation)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I conquered...<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/AVvXsEh58eyRgdCc7vghvW50bS9LayZG6Tib1fFBCwplb5JGaC3GpXHoTz9zT98C2es5hbGH0ZxZlFe-n3_eBuZQAMNA1NVpz25WKNJfjmBqKtXObFBX76JDZETb7j9AFIH224W-gPSb1Co6ook/s1600/IMG_1705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58eyRgdCc7vghvW50bS9LayZG6Tib1fFBCwplb5JGaC3GpXHoTz9zT98C2es5hbGH0ZxZlFe-n3_eBuZQAMNA1NVpz25WKNJfjmBqKtXObFBX76JDZETb7j9AFIH224W-gPSb1Co6ook/s320/IMG_1705.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had my Christmas decorations up and down in a timely manner!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> (And there you have the only 3 pictures I have of myself the whole season....well...not quite. But close! It's the downside to being the camera girl!) <br />
<br />
Since Thanksgiving, we have visited my parents twice, gone to Florida and Texas. I feel like all I do is pack, drive, PARTY, drive, unpack, ridiculous laundry, re-pack, drive, PARTY, drive, etc....with the occasional stressful shopping trip and mini-party at my place. <br />
<br />
I'm tired. I miss my routine...<br />
<br />
Sigh...<br />
<br />
teheheehee...<br />
<br />
Actually...<br />
<br />
Those aren't the real reason why I am excited the crazy festivities have come to an end. They aren't the real reasons at all. If you know me at all, I bet you can guess why I'm glad. I mean, if you have been around me even once since...say...October, you know what's on this chick's mind.<br />
<br />
WE CLOSE ON THE HOUSE NEXT WEEK!!!<br />
<br />
Let me tell you, I am beyond excited for the day to get here! It's like I am in some sort of purgatory-in between 2 crazy great things! The excitement from the holidays has left me feeling a tad bit antsy. I'm sure I could find things, but I don't really want to start new projects either. Mostly because I fear I won't be able to finish them before we get the house. Basically, I'm trying my hardest to just rest because life is about to get very hectic...for several months.<br />
<br />
I will say, Wes and I have been doing a few things to prepare here and there. For example, we picked out our kitchen appliances (JOY!!!) and I refinished these chairs for the kitchen: <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/AVvXsEgeUshZb4NjbD3sqDgCKC3WJ0-UtidS-NYltzSyo0bGavfibWM85GF01YdMbHU6RZOerPnorw7EFRNSujnC8dKZRMymdL6jgK5SYGsH5lnAzkkD5lv6tehFqq_-EpsIA57cY2Ec0pJJlWY/s1600/chairs+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUshZb4NjbD3sqDgCKC3WJ0-UtidS-NYltzSyo0bGavfibWM85GF01YdMbHU6RZOerPnorw7EFRNSujnC8dKZRMymdL6jgK5SYGsH5lnAzkkD5lv6tehFqq_-EpsIA57cY2Ec0pJJlWY/s320/chairs+before.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you look closely you will see stains on the fabric, and the wood is just a little worn and sticky looking.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I got the chairs and a table from my parents for free. I think my dad bought them off of craigslist for about $75 for my parents' temporary home. I don't think my mom liked them. I like the style, but they were icky.<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/AVvXsEjz4JWr0y1meZ1Wirnn6CtDQJcytpqfSebL3CbrVfRaFceLavOIzxn5WRMO8eS7M5EuhqQ9Btoxkf49-xxFMw_vkvFG5KlvR1RxPaLp2SJKqF9YmAaEZdmwOz1UhQImW7M25Vf_6gs-228/s1600/chair+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4JWr0y1meZ1Wirnn6CtDQJcytpqfSebL3CbrVfRaFceLavOIzxn5WRMO8eS7M5EuhqQ9Btoxkf49-xxFMw_vkvFG5KlvR1RxPaLp2SJKqF9YmAaEZdmwOz1UhQImW7M25Vf_6gs-228/s320/chair+after.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOVE IT!! I know the transformation isn't that dramatic. In person it is a bit more noticeable. The chairs are darker and shinier. It looks fresh!</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/AVvXsEh0HEdUELw1XB5-AKsJOXFYY97p6mvm_MTrTraHfasyIzECc4UhXgNHXPf1uMYqDail0cQxVbKb-HFAfQ-DNLFJc-s5DLg_W_B1lg_hy-3zLGyVEXW5V2AqTcBOEr8Vz8doHmctMKraC4I/s1600/chair+fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HEdUELw1XB5-AKsJOXFYY97p6mvm_MTrTraHfasyIzECc4UhXgNHXPf1uMYqDail0cQxVbKb-HFAfQ-DNLFJc-s5DLg_W_B1lg_hy-3zLGyVEXW5V2AqTcBOEr8Vz8doHmctMKraC4I/s320/chair+fabric.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely fabric! I wish I could get more! I bought a remnant at the FM store for $5. It was just BARELY enough to finish all four chairs! I'm so glad I had enough!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
Now she wants them back! I simply sanded them a bit and added a couple coats of tinted glossssssy polyurethane and new fabric to the cushions. I love them! I almost feel like it is unfair to show them in a corner rather than the fabulous kitchen that is in my head. Haha! Someday you will see what I see. Someday. I wanted them to be really dark, but after 2 coats and not a lot of change in color, I decided I am good with them the way they are! The table has a few more imperfections than the chairs did (which is why the momma disliked them so!) I plan on filling the scratches and sanding it this weekend. Then, it will be painted the same cream color as the trim and the cabinets. We will actually paint the table at the same time we paint the cabinets, to save time and effort.<br />
<br />
The time is coming. I am excited. Until that time comes, I am going to relax and get as much alone time with my hubby as I can! He's a very focused man, so, though we will be together a lot when we are making the not so beautiful house into a gem, I have a feeling it won't really feel like we're spending tons of time together. I will definitely miss our Saturdays when we sleep in until 10:00, and lay on the couch watching house flipping shows until noon. However, it's kind of neat because instead of watching other people's projects and dreaming of our own, we will actually be doing it for ourselves!<br />
<br />
8 Days!!! (unless the bank needs more time...which it might:)) Yay!!!<br />
<br />
Have a lovely day!!!Sweet Life Skills- Elbow Grease!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03233730144247561166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879611798987537198.post-21574652198601115252010-12-17T14:14:00.000-08:002010-12-17T14:14:07.018-08:00Pictures from this week that make me smile...I must admit, I am dissappointed in several things related to photo taking and the new camera. First of all, I am dissappointed that I haven't been taking advantage of opportunities to take good pictures because I'm too busy enjoying myself (which...I guess can be a good thing.) Secondly, I still don't know how to use my camera very well. There is a learning curve, I hear, but I haven't tried very hard to learn. bleh! And thirdly, I can't find an easy to use editing program. Every one I have found so far is awful and slow!! The program the camera came with doesn't open jpeg files, and if you take the pictures in RAW format, you can't see thumbnails on the computer, so you are just guessing when choosing a picture to edit. Also, the RAW pictures won't open in my photo viewer on my computer because Canon hasn't developed a codec for Windows 7 yet. I just can't win!!! grrr! (update: and now my computer overheats about every 15 minutes and shuts down! yippee!!) <br />
<br />
Anyway! Enough with the complaining! I have taken a few I like this week...they make me feel all warm and cozy! Honestly, they have personal sentiment and will probably mean nothing to you, but I will share them anyway! (Most are completely unedited because I am nearly completely out of patience! Photographers, don't judge!)<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/AVvXsEjG-kQ0I_zUguCqtXSfO2Pq0jVgdWZBV39VgqUSpun1JiLHeYOu2QBm7cj2H7-qeoQ84ER75kAo2U1ZM1esx3NM05rzXrShA3ygF4tMx40XB6KS3shIvSBLvj6plyWARC4Jw3CQe-DWGRo/s1600/shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-kQ0I_zUguCqtXSfO2Pq0jVgdWZBV39VgqUSpun1JiLHeYOu2QBm7cj2H7-qeoQ84ER75kAo2U1ZM1esx3NM05rzXrShA3ygF4tMx40XB6KS3shIvSBLvj6plyWARC4Jw3CQe-DWGRo/s320/shoes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My shoes. Wes's shoes. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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/AVvXsEjU0Ewg40p6ovWtgzL5Qhlk6bRtjtE6YSo-0dt-z58DT7r9B7ZIJuGf_IWI059BuEPZtqVqUu3bbeWL8fDfFxBnmTTH8sC4i3R09nhweQV5wxzLYRC-4eUCfjI1zmiyCyokINCz04bBD9w/s1600/zane+christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0Ewg40p6ovWtgzL5Qhlk6bRtjtE6YSo-0dt-z58DT7r9B7ZIJuGf_IWI059BuEPZtqVqUu3bbeWL8fDfFxBnmTTH8sC4i3R09nhweQV5wxzLYRC-4eUCfjI1zmiyCyokINCz04bBD9w/s320/zane+christmas.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zane's first Christmas program! Look at that little tongue sticking out. Ahhh...what a cutie!! and that girl to the right of him is the essence of precious. I think she should be a kid super model:)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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/AVvXsEh2L2h0jc4eKwQpounsTci4nPc2h0EIm24xu_IgrNFWFAxPF7ZbderHdBuO6vTLDRGyEZage4zm6kIH-qMG-0XbTIwf0KGmQKVJwYX5N1ifmo20SNZg_u1XRhZqsAa5wK-41NdxB5a53s8/s1600/chicken+pot+pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2L2h0jc4eKwQpounsTci4nPc2h0EIm24xu_IgrNFWFAxPF7ZbderHdBuO6vTLDRGyEZage4zm6kIH-qMG-0XbTIwf0KGmQKVJwYX5N1ifmo20SNZg_u1XRhZqsAa5wK-41NdxB5a53s8/s320/chicken+pot+pie.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most delicious chicken pot pie. It is a snap to make and Wes and I cannot get enough of it (so I always make a double batch for just the two of us! The recipe can be found <a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/grams-chicken-pot-pie-108692.aspx">here</a>. Don't forget the velveeta!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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/AVvXsEhBd5x6jLZXF8_HSTrcZvaaV6xFjLH1oL3VfLHPqWmV0HWjaV8f1Prj07wHhEFfT94NukQqBL4lwrWnwOczCozIf2PpJoZDCm1QfV8r3urJ6vnNzkhopCrtQOJmlFwP9QMh35ou83CnI2s/s1600/the+spread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBd5x6jLZXF8_HSTrcZvaaV6xFjLH1oL3VfLHPqWmV0HWjaV8f1Prj07wHhEFfT94NukQqBL4lwrWnwOczCozIf2PpJoZDCm1QfV8r3urJ6vnNzkhopCrtQOJmlFwP9QMh35ou83CnI2s/s320/the+spread.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last night we had a Christmas Party for the high school girls at church. We had a lovely spread of snacks and drinks thanks to Amber, Chelsey and Chloe:) They made beautiful, fancy things!!! </td></tr>
</tbody></table> <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/AVvXsEjOLwpxiAM0SZslTvx_Odu74DBZ1mKjdtmMwoqDMnUDScI3vrC1AnV8j_CKKnCsvDV-gvykQ9y5aima6e2ROPJdVbUI2EmzKXq_goCL2YJqHFV3lPNsfG9bE5dXUZsSZOKn0ZCXyVLF1nY/s1600/comfy+cozy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLwpxiAM0SZslTvx_Odu74DBZ1mKjdtmMwoqDMnUDScI3vrC1AnV8j_CKKnCsvDV-gvykQ9y5aima6e2ROPJdVbUI2EmzKXq_goCL2YJqHFV3lPNsfG9bE5dXUZsSZOKn0ZCXyVLF1nY/s320/comfy+cozy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the girls playing mafia. We had a gift exchanging game, and Amber gave a short, but wonderful message about the condition of our hearts and our attitudes towards God using a portion of the Christmas story:)<br />
<br />
<div align="left">I love this season! Something about the cold weather and focus on Jesus absolutely melts my insides and makes me want to hug people:)</div><div align="left"><br />
</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sweet Life Skills- Elbow Grease!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03233730144247561166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879611798987537198.post-82647153259591333792010-12-15T22:26:00.000-08:002010-12-15T22:26:04.912-08:00House Update!Hey People!<br />
<br />
First of all, I must say, I have SO MUCH to write about! hopefully I can get to it all eventually! Life has been crazy (and looks like it will stay that way for as far into the future as I care to look!) I've been computer-less for a while, so now that I have it back I hope to blog like mad! <br />
<br />
Anyway. I thought I'd get this crazy good news out of the way. We are (once again...lol) under contract for that house. A while back I wrote about how the house was on hold because of the new forclosure laws that congress passed. Sometime last week the hold on our future home was lifted! When the process was halted, we had just gotten a home inspection with some not so great news. Because of that, when we were able to resume the process, we lowered our offer to reflect the additional repairs that needed to be made...and they accepted! How simple! I've never been through this whole home buying process before, but it was far less intense than I expected! (I give you permission to laugh...all I had to do was daydream and fall in love with the house and sign a few papers...my husband is the man and did all of the mathy calculations and loan stuff. He's so great at that!) We close January 13th!<br />
<br />
In the end, I'm thrilled and so thankful how everything worked out. We truly believe God had is hand in it for so many reasons, but I won't ramble about them on here. I know how wordy I can get, so I will spare you! However, I will say, we are ridiculously blessed in so many ways. It is humbling because we are so undeserving. Why is God so good to us!? I don't get it...but we are genuinely grateful, and continuously in awe.<br />
<br />
We are now praying:<br />
1. We are able to sell our new house by April. I hope around April (I'm sure Wes hopes sooner), so we don't have to move to a "temporary home." oh how that would suck!<br />
2. Everything with the loan goes smoothly.<br />
3. We devise a great plan that is most cost effective and efficient to get the house refinished.<br />
4. The refinishing process is peaceful and exciting instead of stressful and torturous. (you know...things run smoothly...Wes and I don't kill each other, etc.)<br />
5. The ministries we are involved in don't get the shaft when we are so busy.<br />
6. That we can use all of the space in the new place for God's glory alone! We have so many dreams about how we can use it to reach out to others, and share the love of Christ with them! <br />
If you feel moved to join us in prayer, we'd love it! :)<br />
<br />
I am so excited to share the progress on our house with you, and <strong><em><u>I</u></em></strong> can't wait to see the before and after pictures! They are sure to be intense! haha!<br />
<br />
Have sweet dreams tonight. I know I will! <br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Praise God from whom all blessings flow! </span></em>Sweet Life Skills- Elbow Grease!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03233730144247561166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879611798987537198.post-63817559767608163842010-11-22T19:24:00.000-08:002010-11-22T19:24:01.851-08:00F-F-F-Fooo-FOCUS, Michelle!I have not been blogging for very long, and I have already learned a little bit about myself. I always feel like I have a lot to blog about. However, when it comes to actually writing the blog posts, one of three things happen:<br />
1. I wait too long, and begin to think it's old news<br />
2. I plan a project and hope to blog about it...then it fails miserably, so I don't blog about it<br />
3. I finally decide to blog about the 20 things that have been on my mind, and I do by creating overwhelmingly long and crazy posts.<br />
<br />
I figure, when I do the latter of the three, at least I'm writing. I am making it my goal to blog a little more frequently, and a little less ADDly:). I also don't want to let the first two things to hold me back! So...today I am writing about old news and epic fails!! Aren't you excited! :) Oh...and that's only 2 topics for one post. It's a start! Weeeeeeeening....<br />
<br />
<br />
SPRAY PAINT PROJECTS: FAIL!!<br />
I like to attribute my fail to the misrepresentation of the color of spray paint on the cap. <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/AVvXsEjKDCgjQihdG0A8kNGO-NkGs7Mg8i2z1jwoc_AVW8LPitGui6-J8tzndHokexipqj9ii0gzUjLAIlcS6fpomBuHhyemksh-VYBxRhPwcGnZB80ugl86aEqW1HDjShXZh-1NwmKtKpvOf6g/s1600/spraypaint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDCgjQihdG0A8kNGO-NkGs7Mg8i2z1jwoc_AVW8LPitGui6-J8tzndHokexipqj9ii0gzUjLAIlcS6fpomBuHhyemksh-VYBxRhPwcGnZB80ugl86aEqW1HDjShXZh-1NwmKtKpvOf6g/s320/spraypaint.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looks like nice solid chrome, doesn't it? </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It seems to be a huge trend right now to spray paint the heck out of decor items to get the look you want. I just thought I'd jump on the bandwagon and do some spray paintin' myself! I was inspired by mercury glass. I LOVE mercury glass! It's so shiny and metallic, yet delicate, and feminine. I wanted some!!<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/AVvXsEggGL7av0MOB0Dhyphenhyphenh-QfduWuljNAtqKKujC0n3OwdoArKOvROP-CGYYIsp1M4iE9hKF7vRhCqwABHHqibqJSsnAbZaz5ShsWkaM7aV_3NxO-WuQk-S-VH6Ha8EvLNP_OXRA0EX3Xrriask/s1600/mercury+glass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggGL7av0MOB0Dhyphenhyphenh-QfduWuljNAtqKKujC0n3OwdoArKOvROP-CGYYIsp1M4iE9hKF7vRhCqwABHHqibqJSsnAbZaz5ShsWkaM7aV_3NxO-WuQk-S-VH6Ha8EvLNP_OXRA0EX3Xrriask/s320/mercury+glass.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">perfect example of what I love from pottery barn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The thing that held me back from BUYING some was that in the house we are currently in, I have no place for it...and it can be expensive (in my opinion). However, while dreaming about our next house, I decided I must have some! While brainstorming about how to get my hands on some of this dainty mercury glass, I came up with the bright idea to make my own! At first I thought I was a freakin' genius! Then, I was brought back down to earth when I started thinking about how I would get the exact look. Because I know I'm not the only one who has lusted over it, I googled, "make your own mercury glass." Woop! Tons of hits! Most of them said you get the glassware that you want to make into faux mercury glass, tape of the parts you don't want to be sprayed (the outside of the vase/cup/votive holder/whatev) spray the inside with a mist of water, then quickly spray a light coat of silver spray paint over the water. <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/AVvXsEiEAz76LT3dfU_KjWK37JU5bQxLX3PEbmH-zefWD_01OIbZ5VJHiaj6yhzQrKe0AxN9rvOef2WsPWLirA4oTuj_D59556NEjzw-FPXMYfH_qVwuAorq1T_y7EdMZ9-MfrTXRbV4GFJlSWY/s1600/mglasssupplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAz76LT3dfU_KjWK37JU5bQxLX3PEbmH-zefWD_01OIbZ5VJHiaj6yhzQrKe0AxN9rvOef2WsPWLirA4oTuj_D59556NEjzw-FPXMYfH_qVwuAorq1T_y7EdMZ9-MfrTXRbV4GFJlSWY/s320/mglasssupplies.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">not too many supplies...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was so excited, but my bubble was quickly burst with my results.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4EEMCkNUVFHe-w_8dpAEgcV7DeCIooNuX0inU8qi2qEsFbPPGY8VGgM5oHR7JGtJ_EgPdOxjmP72FZ0VPFkWVZcQQzwvKjpMF7engIu_ak7bQR-31YCeGShCy4X3zzlUZcYCAyYlzVo/s1600/mymglass.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4EEMCkNUVFHe-w_8dpAEgcV7DeCIooNuX0inU8qi2qEsFbPPGY8VGgM5oHR7JGtJ_EgPdOxjmP72FZ0VPFkWVZcQQzwvKjpMF7engIu_ak7bQR-31YCeGShCy4X3zzlUZcYCAyYlzVo/s320/mymglass.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you look closely, the spray paint isn't nearly as shiny as the cap would lead you to believe, and the water dripped all over the place when the spray paint hit it. I originally thought one of those fake tea lights would look good in this, but I think it would emphasis the runs. So sad! Not a complete loss, though! I think the matte looking paint and this same concept of adding a tea light could work! If you skipped the water step, and instead made cutouts of things like snowflakes or something else seasonal using those new completely sticky post-it labels as a stencil. It could be seasonal, shimmery, and fun! I also think it would be a fun project for kids to help with!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Project 2:</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/AVvXsEiz6MPUjIWmo_BXV-l8QMYVrs3qOM_emBm1KAibn8weCzmp8CknDjqF_gUuGpmLYu_GZj3Br06qoH9r-Vlu_XsxuFHqqtv5luUSSbiIbtO9AnU-PSjg899WwpL2uiyDFDx9vONgamyAGds/s1600/kleenexbefore.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6MPUjIWmo_BXV-l8QMYVrs3qOM_emBm1KAibn8weCzmp8CknDjqF_gUuGpmLYu_GZj3Br06qoH9r-Vlu_XsxuFHqqtv5luUSSbiIbtO9AnU-PSjg899WwpL2uiyDFDx9vONgamyAGds/s320/kleenexbefore.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brass tissue box cover I bought at a thrift store.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEgqwzzqFsip0I1nWWgAgsp02HMdlTkCHzyrRnDv-jEtT_0kBUp3226zDzEGpNYUH5e1t0XngB4h5d6B4L4cepY6Bq9D2CIGPimcAPvGJ33vYyAGECIjEbLy3mZAEDDL6NHS31B7rNv7V-Y/s1600/kleenexaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwzzqFsip0I1nWWgAgsp02HMdlTkCHzyrRnDv-jEtT_0kBUp3226zDzEGpNYUH5e1t0XngB4h5d6B4L4cepY6Bq9D2CIGPimcAPvGJ33vYyAGECIjEbLy3mZAEDDL6NHS31B7rNv7V-Y/s320/kleenexaf.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">finished product</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I thought it would look like hammered silver...but it looks kind of glittery. Weird. I'll still use it, as it is still better than your average cardboard tissue box...just not what I had envisioned.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yay for that...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The old news is just something I saw at the thrift store, and felt a huge desire to share. Can you guess what this pretty little brass flower is used for?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35WcdKW_r_-w6C-FLtCbNXZMSEVM_CkSq55FVEJCOyc5x3ch5lXqbXSi_Slwdid5doEaUCcM9qYdB3CTDv9TK913YaF2893hbkgXGC_t8KZxPaS2rghsKgy-AIQ-r6kzPnK3s7PuxtwY/s1600/IMG_0443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35WcdKW_r_-w6C-FLtCbNXZMSEVM_CkSq55FVEJCOyc5x3ch5lXqbXSi_Slwdid5doEaUCcM9qYdB3CTDv9TK913YaF2893hbkgXGC_t8KZxPaS2rghsKgy-AIQ-r6kzPnK3s7PuxtwY/s320/IMG_0443.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>ehhhh???<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha19wx3xHvRHCn0_9fjiNXlSipHGK2wFfaxX1ad3n6FO51PJzpkCmQ0okkTs1i8qz47VcQZzsvSUsmodW5Tw60uBI8a7txndz6CCwiAIQMQ_kx7X1boDRZyY4rNAfCbzEergRH2ZQyv6M/s1600/IMG_0444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha19wx3xHvRHCn0_9fjiNXlSipHGK2wFfaxX1ad3n6FO51PJzpkCmQ0okkTs1i8qz47VcQZzsvSUsmodW5Tw60uBI8a7txndz6CCwiAIQMQ_kx7X1boDRZyY4rNAfCbzEergRH2ZQyv6M/s320/IMG_0444.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
An ASHTRAY! Crazy! Each petal comes off and acts as a personal, mini ashtray. It makes me think of Audrey Hepburn, and the time. when smoking was elegant. I've never had the urge to have smokers in my house until I saw this fun little thing. The urge quickly went away as soon as I remembered how much I hate being around cigarettes:) But, I seriously kinda wanted to buy the thing...it was only 2.50, and oh-so-nifty!<br />
<br />
That is all I have tonight!<br />
<br />
Hope yours is great!Sweet Life Skills- Elbow Grease!!!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03233730144247561166noreply@blogger.com1