tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42725395211554735052024-03-13T13:07:49.358-07:00I Do DesignsDebbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612444783386527245noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272539521155473505.post-45064655529165361862014-05-04T15:08:00.002-07:002014-05-04T15:08:52.438-07:00Tractor Theme Baby Shower<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been FOREVER since I have had a blog post, but I didn't want to miss an opportunity to post about the baby shower we had for my daughter-in-law. Since daddy is very much into John Deere tractors, we felt that a "Tractor Theme" would be perfect... and it was!!!!! Rather than writing a lot, I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.</div>
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First I needed to come up with an invitation. As a graphic designer I was able to design something that we could use as our theme throughout the shower.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cO1kole2IiE/U2atrONf43I/AAAAAAAACEY/ulK93EFAPX4/s1600/Invite3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cO1kole2IiE/U2atrONf43I/AAAAAAAACEY/ulK93EFAPX4/s1600/Invite3.jpg" height="400" width="281" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZLptseB6dY/U2atxIHmniI/AAAAAAAACEo/KUMOelf9L-4/s1600/Invite1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZLptseB6dY/U2atxIHmniI/AAAAAAAACEo/KUMOelf9L-4/s1600/Invite1.jpg" height="400" width="322" /></a></div>
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Obviously a lot of work went into shopping, baking, cleaning and decorating, but this was the end result. Mom to be arrived first... isn't she beautiful!!!!???!!!!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XbD5EhgqtDQ/U2auRQ5rqyI/AAAAAAAACEw/Aou20iRhwEk/s1600/Bethany.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XbD5EhgqtDQ/U2auRQ5rqyI/AAAAAAAACEw/Aou20iRhwEk/s1600/Bethany.jpg" height="400" width="362" /></a></div>
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We held the shower at my daughter's house - which was a perfect location. A bit out in the country. My son-in-law asked a friend if he could bring his John Deere tractor down and park it near the road. He not only brought his big tractor, but a small kids riding tractor and wagon as well. Obviously everyone knew they were at the right place.</div>
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We decorated the mantle with the baby's name... Kade, along with some stuffed animals and clothes that matched our colors... green and yellow. </div>
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Then came the fun part... the food. I was able to borrow some tractors and trucks from some friends at work which were PERFECT for what we wanted to do.</div>
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Shovels = spoons </div>
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Pitch forks = forks </div>
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Our "Fresh Dirt" was some yummy brownies. </div>
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Chicken feed was Chex Mix </div>
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Hay bales were Rice Krispy treats. </div>
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We made chocolate peanut butter and lemon cupcakes. We put them on a mirrored stand that I had made with some cheap mirrors - with a tall glass vase between the 2 tiers. I put a small vase on the top and filled it with fresh flowers.</div>
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Fresh lemonade for the drinks. We froze some small plastic babies in lemonade ice cubes. Each person put one in their glass of lemonade. When the baby finally broke free from the ice that person called out "My water broke" and received a prize. </div>
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Everyone got to take home chocolate-covered Oreos and pretzels. </div>
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Hope you enjoyed this little tour of our baby shower. Maybe it even gave you a few ideas for a shower in your future.</div>
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Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612444783386527245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272539521155473505.post-79451684339885826362013-02-27T10:14:00.002-08:002013-02-27T10:14:57.479-08:00YUMMY GOODNESS!<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of my friends at work is celebrating her birthday
today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has been taking cake
decorating classes, so she usually does a lot of the baking for our group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been privileged to have her bake me a
(YUMMY) birthday cake, so it only seemed fitting that I bring in something for
her birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since another girl was
bringing in a cake for her, I decided to bring in something for breakfast
instead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After much searching on
Pinterest, I finally decided on on “Easy Overnight Cinnamon Sticky Buns”!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“EASY” being the optimum word here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a picture of the one I found on Pinterest…</span></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="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Sweet%20Rolls/IMG_0391_zps3b7dcf2f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Sweet%20Rolls/IMG_0391_zps3b7dcf2f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from: <span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“<a href="http://jamiecooksitup.net/2012/12/easy-overnight-cinnamon-sticky-buns/#" target="_blank">JamieCooks It Up! Family Friendly Recipes</a>”</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That pin led me to “Jamie Cooks It Up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Family Friendly Recipes”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is a link to her site:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://jamiecooksitup.net/2012/12/easy-overnight-cinnamon-sticky-buns/#"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://jamiecooksitup.net/2012/12/easy-overnight-cinnamon-sticky-buns/#</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not even going to attempt to put all of
the photo-by-photo directions here because Jamie did a much better job than I
could ever do (make sure to check them out!)!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, I DID make a few modifications to her recipe, so I WILL give
you her recipe, along with my modifications, and the end results.</span></div>
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I have to say that I love “Sticky Buns”, but I ADORE “<u>Pecan</u>
Sticky Buns” even better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One quick
modification to this recipe and WHALA, you now have Pecan Sticky Buns”!!!! Below is Jamie’s recipe… my modifications are
in <span style="color: red;">red</span>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><strong>Easy Overnight Cinnamon Sticky Buns</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Time: 10 minutes prep + 6-8 hours rising time + 15 <span style="color: red;">(maybe 20)</span> minutes
baking time<br />
Yield: <strike>18 sticky buns</strike> <span style="color: red;">LOTS... you'll understand after seeing my notes below.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"></span></span></span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">18 frozen dough rolls (I used Rhodes)<br />
1 C butter<br />
1 C brown sugar<br />
1 t vanilla<br />
dash salt<br />
1/2 t cinnamon<br />
1 T maple syrup</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">½ to ¾ C Pecans</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;">1.</span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"> </span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Grab your bundt pan and spray it generously with cooking spray.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black;">2.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: #111111;">In a small mixing bowl, or large glass measuring cup,
place 1 cup of butter. Melt it in the microwave.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black;">3.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: #111111;">Add 1 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, a dash of
salt, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Mrs. Butterworths
will do, no need to get fancy... and finally the pecans.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4.</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span style="color: #111111;">Stir the mixture until all of the ingredients are well
combined.<s>Pour the ooey goodness over the top of your frozen roll dough.</s></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5.</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span style="color: red;">Because I wanted to make sure that pecans were throughout the
sticky buns, I layered everything. Put some of the gooey mixture in the bottom
of the Bundt pan (just enough to cover)</span><span style="color: #111111;">.</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6.</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <s><span style="color: #111111;">Place 18 balls of frozen roll dough into the pan</span></s><span style="color: #111111;">. </span><span style="color: red;">Since I like a LOT of
gooeyness I cut each dough ball in half –allowing the mixture to mingle in a
little better. Cut 9 of the frozen dough balls in half and drop them over the
sweet mixture.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">7.</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Spoon another
layer of the sweet mixture over the dough balls.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">8.</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Cut the
remaining dough balls in half and drop them into the pan. (Word of caution
here… I looked at the pan and thought “looks like I could fit a few more dough
balls in there. DON’T DO IT!!! When I came down in the morning I discovered
several pieces had popped out of the plastic wrap and were laying next to the
pan. </span><span style="color: red; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">L</span></span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - Jamie was right - 18 balls are quite enough!! LOL) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">9.</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Pour the
rest of the sweet gooeyness over the dough balls.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10.</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span style="color: #111111;">Cover the bundt pan with plastic wrap. Spray the plastic
wrap with cooking spray then carefully turn the plastic wrap over (so the
sprayed side is facing the sticky dough) and lightly cover the pan.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;">11.</span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"> </span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Set the pan aside and
allow the rolls to rise for 6-8 hours or until they are about 2 inches above
the top of the pan. </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(I just made this the night before and left on the counter over
night – they were perfect.) </span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Please be aware that the temperature of your
kitchen will greatly determine how fast the rolls rise. If you get up in the
morning to find your rolls haven’t risen as much as you hoped, just heat your
oven up to 170 degrees, remove the plastic wrap and pop the pan into the oven.
The warmth of the oven will quicken the rising of the rolls. Once the rolls
have risen enough follow step 12. (You can leave the rolls in the oven while it
increases in temperature).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;">12.</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"> </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I STONGLY suggest that you place your Bundt pan on a foil covered
cookie sheet to catch any overflow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;">13.</span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"> </span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Preheat your oven to 350
degrees. Remove the plastic wrap, carefully place your pan in the oven and bake
for about 15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through. </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(I should
have baked for an additional 5 minutes or so because some of the rolls were not
quite baked through – kind of hard to determine if they are done.</span></div>
</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Sweet%20Rolls/IMG_6022_zps0f97b7fd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Sweet%20Rolls/IMG_6022_zps0f97b7fd.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, the pan was a "bit" crowded!!!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Sweet%20Rolls/IMG_6024_zpsbda567da.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Sweet%20Rolls/IMG_6024_zpsbda567da.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't these just make your mouth water???</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">14.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #111111;">Allow the sticky buns to
rest in the pan for about 5 minutes, then invert them onto a large plate.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">15.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is another slight
deviation from the original recipe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
if these things were not sweet and gooey enough, I decided to add a drizzle of
glaze over the top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know – powdered sugar,
a little vanilla, and a little milk mixed together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since I did not have any milk in the house (I
know, unbelievable!), I decided that my flavored coffee creamer would work just
fine (Sweet Italian Cream).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s just say, I will NOT be
going back to using milk – this made it really good!!)</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></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="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Sweet%20Rolls/IMG_6021_zps1a8f86ca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Sweet%20Rolls/IMG_6021_zps1a8f86ca.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite coffee creamers - Sweet Italian Cream</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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enjoy!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh, BTW... Barb (a.k.a. The Birthday Girl) really enjoyed them - as did everyone else who had a piece. The platter was practically licked clean. Speaking of the platter - she was quite convinced that the platter was her gift from me. Sorry Barb!! :-(</span> </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday Barb!!!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So thanks again Jamie for the delicious recipe. I'm sure it will be repeated often at my house now!</span></div>
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Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612444783386527245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272539521155473505.post-22784131049166797802012-10-29T07:53:00.001-07:002012-10-29T07:53:33.458-07:00Happy Birthday Mom!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just taking a minute today to wish my Mom a VERY HAPPY Birthday! Doesn't she look GREAT?</div>
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Seven years ago she had open heart surgery and has been doing wonderful ever since. When she was in the hospital everyone thought that there had been a misprint on her birth date. Over and over again everyone commented on what beautiful, young looking skin she had. When she came out of surgery we had one nurse after another ask us what she used on her skin. We had no clue. As soon as she had recovered enough to speak, the nurses started asking what her secret was. She said, "good old fashioned Dove!" LOL... they must be the unknown "fountain of youth"!! </div>
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So here she is today... looking just as beautiful as ever. OH... how old is she you ask? Would you believe 92??? Hard to believe isn't it? I believe I will become a "Dove girl" myself!!! </div>
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Here she is with my son Jason.</div>
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Celebrating with 2 of her 4 daughters. </div>
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I am SO tremendously thankful that the Lord has given us so many fantastic years with Mom. Her health, other than a few aches and pains, is very good - both mentally and physically. Dad has been gone for just a little over 3 years now, so I'm glad we still have her with us! We hope and pray that the Lord will continue to be gracious to her in the coming year! Happy Birthday Mom!!!!!</div>
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Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612444783386527245noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272539521155473505.post-15880195315320497142012-10-23T09:55:00.001-07:002012-10-23T10:06:47.025-07:00Ladies Tea - A Cupcake Kind of Woman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Every year at our church we have a “Ladies Tea”. It is an event that everyone looks forward to. Being on the Women’s Ministry Team, it is our duty to come up with a theme for the event. This year I came up with the theme based on “Cupcakes”. I had actually found a website with ideas for Ladies Ministry, and saw the devotional “Lessons From a Cupcake” (http://www.juliabettencourt.com/dev/cupcakedev.html). I loved the idea. In fact, I loved it SO MUCH that I offered to give the devotional. I have never done this in my life!!! Now don’t get me wrong. There are a lot of things that I CAN do… I can decorate with the best of you… I can do graphics… I can stand up and be an MC… In fact, I can even go up in front of the church and do some silly skit, but never, NEVER have I given devotions – let alone volunteer to do it. However, I just felt as though God was asking me to step out of my "comfort zone" and present this devotion. </div>
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Once we come up with a theme, we find ladies to “Host” a table. That means that they will decorate their table in keeping with the theme, bring favors for those at their table etc. There are always “coveted” prizes to go along with the table decorations. The ladies compete to see whose table is voted the “Most Unique”, the “Best Use of Theme”, the “Best Use of Scripture”, and the “Most Elegant”. I’m telling you, these ladies can be brutal in their quest for the prizes!! LOL! Pictures simply do NOT do these tables justice, but here are a few of the tables:<br />
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Anyway, once I started doing some study and research, I decided to go in a different direction than I originally thought. Instead of going with the “ingredients” that go into making cupcakes, I decided to go with how different types of cupcakes represent various types of Christians. I also decided that rather than standing up front and just talking through the devotion, that I wanted to present it as more of a skit, so I asked two other ladies to help me. I set up the front of our Fellowship Hall to look like a Cupcake Shop. I called my “shop” JC’s Divine Cupcakes. (See devotional below to see how I came up with the name.)</div>
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(Had to throw in a picture of my dear Mom (on the right)... can you believe she is going to be 92???)</div>
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BIG THANKS to my friends Sonja (left) and DeVonda (center) for helping with the devotions. They actually ate all the cupcakes I served them!!! LOL</div>
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If you would like to watch the devotional, I have posted it on YouTube. Keep in mind, I have never given a devotional before, so I was nervous and reading a lot of it. :-( Because of the length it is in two parts. Here are the links:</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQeoMouixV0" target="_blank">Part 1 of Devotional</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cNViLNaffQ" target="_blank">Part 2 of Devotional</a> <br />
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If you would like to actually read the notes I used you may continue reading. If you would like to use this for an event of your own, you are welcome to do that, just please acknowledge my contribution. Likewise, there are a few sites that <span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">I want to give credit where I obtained information/inspiration from.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><a href="http://www.juliabettencourt.com/dev/cupcakedev.html" target="_blank">Creative Ladies Ministry</a></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><a href="http://everydaywoman.typepad.com/vicki_hinzes_faith_zone/2008/04/cookie-cutter-c.html" target="_blank">Vicki Hinze's Faith Zone</a></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><a href="http://www.wholesomewords.org/etexts/troester/elderly.html" target="_blank">Wholesome Words - Christian Resources & Links</a></o:p></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">A CUPCAKE KIND OF WOMN - SKIT</span></strong></div>
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<strong>JC’s Divine Cupcakes </strong><br />
<ul>
<li>"JC" stands for "Jesus Christ"</li>
<li>Divine? Well “Webster’s Dictionary” says that there are 2 meanings for “Divine”. One is relating to, or proceeding directly from God… the other is Supremely good or “SUPERB”</li>
<li>My cupcakes are inspired by the Bible and Jesus Christ, plus they are REALLY GOOD, thus JC’s Divine Cupcakes!</li>
<li>Did you know that we can learn a lot of different lessons from cupcakes?</li>
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I would love to invite you in for my GRAND OPENING and FREE tastings and lessons.<br />
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Seat them at the table.<br />
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<strong><u>1. MINI CUPCAKE</u></strong><br />
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Let’s start with a “mini” cupcake… or better yet, a “baby” cupcake. This represents a new Christian. As a new Christian, there are certain things that you need to do to grow.<br />
<ul>
<li> Realize that you are a New Creation and need to live for Christ - The Bible says "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17).</li>
<li>You need to Spend time with God – Pray, read the bible– 1 Peter 2:1</li>
<li>As newborn babies, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.</li>
<li>One of the most important things we need to do is to spend time with other Christians – Go to church – Beyond the fact that the children of God are commanded to assemble together, there are so many benefits to faithful attendance:</li>
</ul>
- We can gather with people of God to worship<br />
- We learn more of the word of God<br />
- We can be encouraged and encourage in return<br />
- We can blend our voices together in song to praise God<br />
<ul>
<li>Finally, when you become a Christian you need to share your faith Mat.5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world...cannot be hid...let (it) shine before men Acts 18:9b Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace</li>
<li>Rom.1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ Eph.6:18-20 (Pray)...that I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak</li>
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<strong><em> So the lesson from this cupcake is that we need to grow in our walk with the Lord.</em></strong></div>
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<strong><u>2. EXTRA LARGE CUPCAKE</u></strong><br />
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From a “Baby Cupcake”, let’s take a look at this “extra-large” cupcake. Now, I don’t know about you, but I think this cupcake is a bit too big for its britches! I believe this would represent a Christian who is rather “Puffed Up”!<br />
<ul>
<li>They love to Show Off their Knowledge. Do you know that it is possible to attend Sunday school or a Bible study not only to learn, but to show off the knowledge you already have? Have you ever noticed that some people monopolize the discussion and few others are able to participate?</li>
<li>There are some who are quick to step in and correct the "errors" others make in their interpretation and application of the Scriptures. </li>
<li>And there are others that all they do is talk about all the “great things” they do… I do this, I do that. They talk more about themselves than the Lord. These are examples of people who are "puffed up".</li>
<li>Are you Puffing Up or Building Up? The phrase, "puffs up" in 1 Corinthians 8:2 means that it makes one arrogant. In contrast, the word "edifies" means to build up. Think about how you participate in Bible studies. Does your behavior display your arrogance, or does it rather indicate a heart that seeks to build up and encourage others? For example, let’s say that you were having a ladies tea or something… you need to let them know what a great job they have done and thank them. That would be “building them up”.</li>
<li>Finally, Be Humble in Pursuit of Knowledge. It would be good to remember the words of Paul, "if anyone thinks he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know." This verse makes it clear that we should always be humble in our pursuit of knowledge, with the realization that regardless of how much we learn, the treasures found in Scripture are so vast, we will never be able to do more than scratch the surface of the unfathomable riches of the Word of God. </li>
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<strong><em> The lesson from this cupcake? Are you going to be a puffed up Christian, or are you going to build up others?</em></strong></div>
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<strong><u>3. HOSTESS CUPCAKE</u></strong><br />
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Next, let’s move on to this cupcake. I bet every person recognizes this cupcake. This is a Hostess Cupcake – which is a factory-made cupcake. We all know them because they have a unique “uniform” look to them. They all look and taste exactly the same. No matter what state we live in, or what store we go to, we will find these cupcakes. As a Christian, we should all have a “unique look” – do people know you are a Christian by looking at or being around you? But likewise, we are NOT “Factory-Made” Christians! Each one of us is unique: Psalm 139:14 says: I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…<br />
<ul>
<li>It’s easy to condemn ourselves for all we’re not and to feel inferior and less than worthy--the devil works hard to make sure we feel all that and more. It’s easy to develop lofty ideals of what a Christian is supposed to be. But the simple truth is there are no factory-made Christians. Not made by God.</li>
<li>No, He’s a hands-on, very individual-oriented, God. Before we were even born, He fashioned us. He gave us strengths and weaknesses, dreams and desires and skills and the potential for skills that would ensure our ability to accomplish and achieve our purpose. He invested, took special care to blend our physical and emotional and spiritual selves so that we were both unique and universal. In other words, he made each of us using the human being mold and then broke the mold and hand-worked us infusing us with our unique qualities. We’re a work of art that is not replicated. His work of art. We’re His: So whatever measuring stick you use (either for or against yourself), it’s important to remember that we are not factory-made copies, not reprints or knock-offs, but certified original works of art. No two of us are exactly the same, and we all have little imperfections that make us unique.</li>
<li>We might wonder what He was doing, stinting us on patience or making us short or heavy or whatever, but He knew exactly what He was doing. And we know His motives--while we might not understand them or even grasp them--are always, without fail, for our greater good. </li>
<li>We are imperfect. Flawed to the core. But we are justified. By blood, by the Cross, by Grace.</li>
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<strong><em>This lesson? Remember, you are God’s handy work!</em></strong></div>
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<strong><u>4. BEAUTIFUL BUT BAD TASTING CUPCAKE</u></strong><br />
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Ok, I see the two of you… you want these “Special Cupcakes.” What a BEAUTIFUL cupcake! Surely THIS must represent a true Christian woman! Everything about this cupcake just makes you want one just like it. It is simply beautiful, representing the love and beauty of the Lord. I would LOVE to be seen with a cupcake like this – wouldn’t you? Let’s have just a little taste – I bet it is unlike any other cupcake. (Taste it and realize it tastes awful.) Oh my, that’s true… it is unlike any other cupcake I’ve ever had. It’s beautiful, but it tastes awful! Let’s cut into it and see what we find. (Cut into it and find a rock!) What? Why the heart of this cupcake is made of stone! It’s not a cupcake at ALL, it is nothing but a hypocrite! <br />
<ul>
<li>Hypocrite: "A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but in his heart he harbors deceit. (Proverbs 26:24)</li>
<li>How many times have we heard about hypocrites in the church? How many times has it kept unbelievers from entering the doors of a church? How many times have people LEFT a church, or even abandoned their faith because of hypocrites? </li>
<li>Having but a form of godliness. 2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.</li>
<li>Seeking only outward purity. Luke 11:39 And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of deceipt and wickedness.</li>
<li>Professing but not practising. Ezekiel 33:31-32 And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth evil. </li>
<li>Using but lip-worship. Matthew 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their hearts are far from me.</li>
<li>God knows and detects. Matthew 23:27-28 (NIV)27 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. 28 In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.</li>
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<strong><em>THOUGHT: What about you? Do you leave a dirty taste in the mouth of others? Do you try to “look” like one thing on the outside, but yet inside you are hardened to the image that you are actually portraying? If we don't live our lives like Christians, how can the world ever tell the difference between us and those that don't know Christ?</em></strong></div>
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<strong><u>5. OLD / SMASHED CUPCAKE</u></strong><br />
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Oh dear… it looks like this cupcake has seen better days. Not looking too fresh, and certainly not up to par with the fresh young cupcakes of today. Perhaps we should just put this on the back of the shelf where no one will see it, or better yet, throw it away. Well, I hate to see it just go to waste, maybe I’ll just see if it is still any good. (Take a bite.) WOW… this still tastes delicious!! In fact, it has some flavors in it that the newer cupcakes don’t. More refined… deeper, richer flavor. I can’t believe I almost threw that cupcake away! Are YOU like one of these “older cupcakes”? Do you think your life is pretty much over? You’ve put MANY years into serving Christ, but now is the time to just move into the background and let the “younger generation” take over? If you are one of those "precious saints" called the "elderly", you can thank God, for you have arrived at the apex of life. You have arrived at the top of the mountain where you can breathe the rare atmosphere of a long life of experience, knowledge, honor, and have an excellent view that none of those below you have ever seen. Many moons have come and gone in your life. The wrinkles in your face are marks of distinction that show character traits, laugh lines, and worries. You may have lost your whistle, and you may even be a bit stooped but thank God you can still breathe and have a sturdy heartbeat. Your beautiful gray hair marks you with honor. The Bible speaks well of you when it says, "the beauty of old men is the gray head" (Prov. 20:29). Now you can dream dreams of yesteryears and feed on the good old memories of the "good ole days." You came through the hard knocks of experience and can teach others a few things about life. Life has given you a wealth of knowledge not learned in books. It is not a sin to get old or to be old. Aging cannot be stopped and it will go on until death overtakes us or the Lord comes for His church. Older folks have a tremendous responsibility to the younger generation coming up behind them. There is a warning that goes along with being in the elite elderly class. The tremendous amount of knowledge and experience that you have obtained through the years needs to be shared with the younger generation. These can be the golden years of your life. You can still be a blessing to be around when your life shines for Christ. People will seek you out for help, guidance, and advice. The wise counsel of older folks is precious. These latter years of your life can be the golden years. Let them shine for the Lord. God needs the elderly as well as the young people to serve Him. Thank the Lord that you are alive and able to serve in whatever way He may have for you. You cannot change your age and may even grow older if the Lord shows more grace. These may be your retirement years but do not retire from serving the Lord in some capacity. <br />
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Make your golden years a new beginning now that you have more time. There is always need for prayer warriors. Every aspect of the work of the church needs prayer from the janitor to the pastor. You can take some time for correspondence. Many missionaries rarely get a letter from home. It would be like a refreshing rain in drought to them.<br />
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Services the elderly can provide: </div>
<ul>
<li>Taking time to fellowship with shut-ins </li>
<li>Baking or cooking for others</li>
<li>Mentoring the younger women</li>
<li>Communication (letters/Phone Calls etc)</li>
<li>Encouragement</li>
<li>Whatever your mind and body allows - Just do it.</li>
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Prayer Luke 2: 37 37and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.</div>
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<strong><em>THOUGHT: So what does the scripture encourage the elderly to do? “Declare his marvelous deeds.... to the next generation”</em></strong><br />
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<strong><u>6. PLAIN CUPCAKE WITH STRAWBERRY ON THE INSIDE</u></strong><br />
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Hmmmm, now what do we have here? Looks like a plain, old-fashioned, cupcake. Certainly not much to look at… nothing fancy. But there is something “oddly comfortable” about this cupcake. It just seems comfortable with being itself, but yet I feel that perhaps there might be more to it than meets the eye. I’m going to check this out a little bit more. (Cut into the cupcake and find a strawberry.) Oh my, the center (or heart) of this cupcake has a beautiful, lush strawberry. (Take a bite) And the taste… why it’s heavenly. Now THIS is a true cupcake! It’s not all “puffed up” or have any fancy decorations to call attention to it. It is sweet, but not overly so. When you look at the inside it is just as sweet and pure, as God intended… no hypocrite here! <br />
<ul>
<li>1 Samuel 16:7b The LORD doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."</li>
<li>Proverbs 31:30 “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting: but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (NIV)</li>
<li>1 Peter 3:3-4 “Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel – rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.” (NKJV)</li>
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<strong><em>THOUGHT: How about you? Do you have a heart for God? Do you have any surprise fillings that you are hiding? Are you using the talents and gifts that God has blessed you with? ? Are you bearing that fruit that we are to show in our Christian lives? As Christians, we are expected to be sweet too. Sweetness shouldn't be something we are lacking in. We are to show Christ's love to the world and we do that by how we act and what we say. Words and actions should be sweet and further the cause of Christ.</em></strong></div>
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<strong><u>7. CUPCAKE CAKE</u></strong> (White and Chocolate Frosted Mini Cupcakes with “God” spelled out in one color – the others used around and filled in)<br />
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Finally, there is one more lesson that we can learn from a cupcake. We are all unique in our own individual ways. We all look different, our personalities are different, and we each have our own special gifts and talents from God. But standing alone, we cannot do everything by ourselves. The Bible often refers to the church as a body. In writing to the Corinthians, Paul stated, "For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ." Every saint – young or old, male or female, strong or weak – is needed. When we all come together, and work together, our individual talents can be used for something even bigger and better – all for the glory of God. Just like that “Ladies’ Tea” I was talking about earlier… it takes a LOT of people who are willing to share their talents in order to make everything come together. It doesn’t matter whether you help prepare or serve the food, make desserts, decorate a table, or even plan and coordinate the whole event; God uses the individual talents of each and every person to make an event successful – or even to make a church run smoothly!<br />
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<u><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong></u><br />
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The outcome of a cupcake all depends on its preparation. It's the same with womanhood and even motherhood. You have to prepare yourself. What kind of batter are you going to be filled with? What kind of daughter, mother, or friend are you going to turn out to be?<br />
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For us as Christian women, there's got to be some key ingredients such as Bible study, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Our batter should be all those things we depend on to help round us out and make us into those sweet Christian women that we are capable of being. <br />
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We have to allow our Creator to have control of the batter and of the oven settings or we may find ourselves dry, crumbly, and without any flavor. When we don't surrender to the Lord we can easily end up with sin seeping into our batter and making us bitter or even with a heart of stone.<br />
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So what kind of cupcake woman are you? Or better yet, what kind of cupcake woman do you want to be?<br />
<ul>
<li>Are you going to be a “baby cupcake” for the rest of your life, or are you going to grow in your walk with the Lord?</li>
<li>Are you going to be a “puffed up cupcake” that knows everything, or are you going to be humble in your pursuit of knowledge?</li>
<li>Are you going to be a “factory-made” cupcake, or are you going to realize that you are a work of art that is not replicated?</li>
<li>Are you going to be “a cupcake that is beautiful on the outside”, but a hypocrite on the inside?</li>
<li>Are you going to be an “old, smashed up cupcake”, ready to be pushed to the back of the shelf, or will you let God continue to use you for His purpose?</li>
<li>Or are you going to be just “a plain cupcake” – nothing fancy on the outside, but with a heart for God on the inside?</li>
<li>And finally, are you willing to be part of a bigger effort – to pool your talents with others to form something bigger and better – all for the glory of God?</li>
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<strong>Just what kind of cupcake do you want to be???</strong></div>
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Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612444783386527245noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272539521155473505.post-2438535344445460192012-07-16T18:19:00.003-07:002012-10-12T08:15:56.215-07:00Camera Strap Gets Some "Bling"Greetings everyone... look who's back!! Seems like I'm always apologizing for not taking time to post. Just does not seem to be enough hours in the day... week... or month!!!<br />
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I usually try to post step-by-step directions on how to do a project, but since I didn't take the time to snap pictures, and since I DO want to show you what I made, I'm going to just give you a quick overview with some pictures.<br />
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Several months ago I finally bit the bullet and decided to purchase a DSLR camera. I had no idea that I would soon find a new obsession. I'm trying to take time to learn everything about the camera, and am in the process of attending some classes. Where I will go with this knowledge I have no idea, but for now I'm just having some fun. This is my new baby... a Canon Rebel T3 EOS 1100D.<br />
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I'm was SOOOO excited, but my poor little baby just seemed to need a bit of dressing up. First, the old black camera bag just had to go. I mean, seriously... who wants to be seen with an ugly, black, canvas bag? What kind of fashion statement would that make? Was there any hope for that bag? Nope... had to go! Thus the search for a replacement bag began. Enter the <span class="st"><i><a href="http://pojgn.eguan.servertrust.com/category_s/1825.htm" target="_blank">Epiphanie Camera Bag</a>!!! </i></span>It took me a while to decide which bag to go with (ok, I actually returned my first pick). Finally decided to go with the <a class="productnamecolor colors_productname" href="http://pojgn.eguan.servertrust.com/Mustard_Lyric_camera_iPad_bag_p/lyr001mst.htm" title="LYRIC - Mustard, LYR001MST">LYRIC</a> in yellow. It arrived last Thursday...<br />
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It had a touch of "bling" on it from the company...<br />
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But of course, I had to add a touch more myself.<br />
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So the first item was taken care of, now it was time to do something about the strap. I went on line to see what I could find, and to get a few ideas. Nothing quite measured up to what I wanted, so I decided to make my own... to MATCH the purse of course!!! It certainly was NOT that difficult.<br />
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1. I purchased 2 complimentary fabrics with an accent color to match my new bag<br />
2. Cut strips slightly wider and longer than my Canon strap (to allow for seam allowance)<br />
3. Ironed on some "felt-like" interfacing (sorry, don't know the name) on the wrong side of the fabric<br />
4. Stitched up one long side (wrong sides together)<br />
5. Turned in each end (so it had a finished edge and was the length of my strap) and stitched it<br />
6. Stitched up the other long side<br />
7. Turn right side out<br />
8. Press to get edges nice and flat<br />
9. BLING IT UP<br />
10. Slide over your strap - TAAAA DAAAAAHHHH!!! <br />
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Here it is... all done, and truly a fashion statement!! Sewed on some beads, glued on some crystals, and even added a dangle with my initial on it.<br />
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Be sure to leave me a comment to let me know what you think. I do believe that I might just go find me some love by linking up to some parties!!!<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">- </span><a href="http://www.hopestudios.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Tutorial Tuesday (Hope Studios) </span></a><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">- </span><a href="http://my1929charmer.com/sundays-best-40-par-tay/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Sunday's Best (My 1929 Charmer)</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">- </span><a href="http://10.11.2012simply%20creation's%20link%20party%20/#78" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Simply Creation's Link Party #78 (Simple Home Life)</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">- </span><a href="http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Frugal Friday (The Shabby Nest)</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">- </span><a href="http://www.redouxinteriors.com/2012/10/link-party-76-and-mes-preferes/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Link Party #76 and Mes Préférés! (REDOUX)</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">- </span><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2012/10/feathered-nest-friday_11.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Feathered Nest Friday (French Country Cottage)</span></a><br />
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Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612444783386527245noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272539521155473505.post-17595012793275758282012-04-26T08:21:00.001-07:002012-04-27T08:13:23.553-07:00Back To My Roots...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A</span>s I look at my blog I'm feeling a bit discouraged. It's been so long since I have posted anything that I figure I have probably lost all of the people who were kind enough to "Follow" me. If per chance you are still out there, and care a lick about things I'm doing - well, thank you! </div>
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So where have I been? What have I been doing? Well, once again illness overtook me, and everything, including my blog pretty much came to a screeching halt. I suffer with something similar to Chronic Fatigue/Epstein Barr. When it rears it's ugly head it takes everything in me to get to work every day - only to drag my butt home and go to bed. Anyway, once I go back into remission I have to be careful not to overdo, so projects are few and far between. </div>
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The one thing I have been able to do, is kind of go back to my roots... my "graphic design roots" that is. When I originally started my company I was doing a lot of wedding designs (thus the "I Do" Designs). Since then I have expanded to doing all types of graphic designs. I love creating something that is truly unique and tailored to each individual. I sit down with that person, get a feel for what they like or want, and go from there. I never have done "cookie cutter" designs where you pick a design from a list and I modify and print. Every single thing I do is from scratch and one-of-a-kind. I've never really shared any of these things on my blog, but thought maybe I would post some of the things I have done. I figure as long as I'm going to post them, I may as well go back in time to share some of my favorite designs. </div>
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Last year, about this time, one of my friends at work asked if I could make a simple little birthday invitation for her daughter. It was going to be for a skating party, so she sent me a little graphic she had found that I could use. Ok, let me just say... "simple" does not seem to be in my vocabulary, and "cute little graphics" are rarely used as a starting point. Oh my, the wheels starting rolling (no pun intended), and before long an idea began to form in my mind. In this instance I DID start with a graphic of a skate that I loved and went forward with my design from there. Each invitation was cut by hand and individually embellished.</div>
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This is a picture of the front of the invitation...</div>
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<a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Decorated%20Notes/Blog%20Invitations%20-%20Skates/Skatefront1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" oda="true" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Decorated%20Notes/Blog%20Invitations%20-%20Skates/Skatefront1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As you can see, it's not your "ordinary" invitation. (I just can't leave well enough alone.) The skate itself was really cute, but I felt it needed a bit more. Enter some fur for the top...</div>
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<a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Decorated%20Notes/Blog%20Invitations%20-%20Skates/Skatefront5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" oda="true" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Decorated%20Notes/Blog%20Invitations%20-%20Skates/Skatefront5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Add in glitter, jewels, and glitter paint... <br />
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<a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Decorated%20Notes/Blog%20Invitations%20-%20Skates/Skatefront4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" oda="true" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Decorated%20Notes/Blog%20Invitations%20-%20Skates/Skatefront4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And of course some ribbon and pom-poms for the lacing... (thanks to my friend Michelle for suggesting the pom-poms!)</div>
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<a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Decorated%20Notes/Blog%20Invitations%20-%20Skates/Skatefront6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" oda="true" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Decorated%20Notes/Blog%20Invitations%20-%20Skates/Skatefront6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Each invitation had its own decorated name tag tied on with a ribbon...</div>
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<a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Decorated%20Notes/Blog%20Invitations%20-%20Skates/Skatefront3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" oda="true" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Decorated%20Notes/Blog%20Invitations%20-%20Skates/Skatefront3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now, what to do for the inside? Well, I HATE just plain white, so I reused a lighter version of the skate...<br />
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<a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Decorated%20Notes/Blog%20Invitations%20-%20Skates/Skateinside2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" oda="true" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Decorated%20Notes/Blog%20Invitations%20-%20Skates/Skateinside2.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Decorated%20Notes/Blog%20Invitations%20-%20Skates/Skateinside1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" oda="true" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Decorated%20Notes/Blog%20Invitations%20-%20Skates/Skateinside1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Decorated%20Notes/Blog%20Invitations%20-%20Skates/Skateinside3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" oda="true" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Decorated%20Notes/Blog%20Invitations%20-%20Skates/Skateinside3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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What is the back like you ask??? Well OBVIOUSLY it's going to be the skate!!</div>
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<a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Decorated%20Notes/Blog%20Invitations%20-%20Skates/Skateback1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" oda="true" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Decorated%20Notes/Blog%20Invitations%20-%20Skates/Skateback1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So that's it, now you know another side of me. Whatcha think? Can't wait to share some of my other custom designs. While this is not "exactly" a DIY or makeover project, I think I'm going to link up to a few parties just so people know I am still alive!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.firefliesandjellybeans.com/search/label/Show%20Off%20Your%20Stuff%20Party" target="_blank">Show Off Your Stuff Party - Fireflies and Jellybeans</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2012/04/transformation-thursday-no-149.html" target="_blank">Transformation Thursday - The Shabby Creek Cottage</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/" target="_blank">A Crafty Soiree - Katie's Nesting Spot & Yesterday on Tuesday</a></div>
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<a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Flaunt It Friday - Chic on a Shoestring</a></div>
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<a href="http://s778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/Simple%20Blog%20Background/?action=view&current=Signature.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="61" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/Simple%20Blog%20Background/Signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612444783386527245noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272539521155473505.post-749525673898879412011-11-06T17:46:00.000-08:002011-11-06T17:46:03.134-08:002 Ingredient Nutella Chocolate Chip CookiesOh yah… you read that right!! TWO ingredients!!! Refrigerator cookie dough, and Nutella!!<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z8qdMwFYvkg/Trc2Z4lSXyI/AAAAAAAABl0/_cJW1XLLWbI/s1600-h/IMAG0877%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMAG0877" border="0" height="211" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cFQHaA6rB0M/Trc2Z_map3I/AAAAAAAABl8/4ZmBwU5x8uw/IMAG0877_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMAG0877" width="361" /></a><br />
I was just recently introduced to Nutella and became instantly addicted. For some reason, I have been craving Nutella something (anything) today. I’ve been sick all weekend, and have spent a lot of my time <span style="color: black;">“</span><a href="http://pinterest.com/"><span style="color: black;">Pinteresting</span></a>” (is that even a word?). I have come across tons of recipes using Nutella. I was quite sure it would help me feel better, but didn’t have many of the ingredients, and certainly didn’t have much energy. So I decided to improvise. I had a package of refrigerated chocolate chip cookies, and of course, the Nutella – ta dah!!!!! Oh, I’m feeling so brilliant!!<br />
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Now, how to do it?? What would be the best way? So I made a few at a time in different ways to see which way turned out best. (Sorry, I was so excited about making the cookies that I didn’t get the best pictures.)<br />
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#1 – Flatten out 2 cookies<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9RM3tlQlOcw/Trc2aerm6TI/AAAAAAAABmE/XRJEBYzQE2I/s1600-h/IMAG0881%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMAG0881" border="0" height="233" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RSCuxEe0lTY/Trc2aqBkBKI/AAAAAAAABmM/nq0soPx7myo/IMAG0881_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMAG0881" width="400" /></a><br />
Put a teaspoon of Nutella in the center of one cookie…<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QpvAzDx3FwI/Trc2aykgfTI/AAAAAAAABmU/2a8nmsbcs3s/s1600-h/IMAG0882%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMAG0882" border="0" height="233" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-inuddLQj-zM/Trc2bPGv8II/AAAAAAAABmc/F7vsvXSAqOI/IMAG0882_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMAG0882" width="400" /></a><br />
Press the two cookies together, sealing in the creamy center.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AWwfNlHIk08/Trc2bnzutdI/AAAAAAAABmk/s3gY_Gq_UfI/s1600-h/IMAG0884%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMAG0884" border="0" height="368" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aWHBBFIkEKY/Trc2b1Bq6CI/AAAAAAAABms/LoXdUbHhjzA/IMAG0884_thumb%25255B15%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMAG0884" width="400" /></a><br />
#2 – Take one cookie, make a small “bowl” and put a scoop of Nutella in the center. Bring the sides of the “bowl” up to partially enclose the Nutella.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zUzV_zWDNQI/Trc2cb2b8nI/AAAAAAAABm0/J77c392xFO4/s1600-h/IMAG0883%25255B20%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMAG0883" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_Axh3VP09-M/Trc2cq9DEiI/AAAAAAAABm8/S40Fp2tmP70/IMAG0883_thumb%25255B17%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMAG0883" width="391" /></a><br />
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#3 – Put a scoop of Nutella in the center of the cookie, form a ball around it, and kind of kneed it in so it will be throughout the entire cookie.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qa9dpRjPH-w/Trc2dOUrSKI/AAAAAAAABnE/d47ACdiTHIM/s1600-h/IMAG0887%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMAG0887" border="0" height="346" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZeyMIe364zE/Trc2dWcy6RI/AAAAAAAABnM/kOsGC1wvBII/IMAG0887_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMAG0887" width="400" /></a><br />
This is what they looked like after they were baked…<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-epMItR80eFM/Trc2dzqGWvI/AAAAAAAABnU/_YQjGqtXJiI/s1600-h/IMAG0888%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMAG0888" border="0" height="247" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iB0yFtGyxlM/Trc2eLPHjNI/AAAAAAAABnc/m2HArPjqbfE/IMAG0888_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMAG0888" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Si9roBX1W9U/Trc2eWgFMAI/AAAAAAAABnk/WxqDUdB9WUs/s1600-h/IMAG0890%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMAG0890" border="0" height="386" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AAJU8WlA8DI/Trc2eq5BazI/AAAAAAAABns/KjDXsOH1CFg/IMAG0890_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMAG0890" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yL-aoLHl8B8/Trc2fEBRU7I/AAAAAAAABn0/r0sWbr0rw0U/s1600-h/IMAG0892%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMAG0892" border="0" height="369" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Kh1zbKgHyVE/Trc2fQ3bvgI/AAAAAAAABn8/Ys_ziKU2kQ8/IMAG0892_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMAG0892" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-34oDs5Gbbxg/Trc2f52vbQI/AAAAAAAABoE/RvJdMGAVHE0/s1600-h/IMAG0893%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMAG0893" border="0" height="389" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-k_lsHYYZv6g/Trc2gJftFQI/AAAAAAAABoM/k-78EOAXylI/IMAG0893_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMAG0893" width="400" /></a><br />
Of course I had to “try” each cookie to see which was best… I decided on the “sandwich type” because the Nutella “oozed” out throughout the entire cookie. Here they are before they were topped with the second cookie.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QzkGhq-lEfk/Trc2gdpOZ9I/AAAAAAAABoU/VVnxWYWXc4o/s1600-h/IMAG0902%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMAG0902" border="0" height="233" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TmcsXOZZjps/Trc2glgwyNI/AAAAAAAABoc/WZHxb11xu0w/IMAG0902_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMAG0902" width="400" /></a><br />
I FINALLY… here they are in all their ooey, gooey, Nutelledness!!! (Is that another made up word? – Well, it fits!!)<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-k2x0wvzUTLo/Trc2hBIZoDI/AAAAAAAABok/NyBUJaKS3mM/s1600-h/IMAG0917%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMAG0917" border="0" height="233" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-H7g6fwtpL4U/Trc2hW7kDKI/AAAAAAAABos/jMkPxuGoBnA/IMAG0917_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMAG0917" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_WZqpbBbGPk/Trc2hw7NUdI/AAAAAAAABo0/p-WQKgKqsTE/s1600-h/IMAG0926%25255B21%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMAG0926" border="0" height="233" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ISlV8Rc6zeI/Trc2iC-JtVI/AAAAAAAABo8/plwPv1711xc/IMAG0926_thumb%25255B18%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMAG0926" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Sat down with my plate of cookies, and a big old glass of cold milk. I’m feeling SO much better now. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Rspoy9SO4-k/Trc2icJDJRI/AAAAAAAABpE/16oPhrTGvww/s1600-h/IMAG0921%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMAG0921" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JrUFcb4UuG0/Trc2it0W9OI/AAAAAAAABpM/7x5jBk_p5bU/IMAG0921_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMAG0921" width="336" /></a><br />
Well, I’ve gotta go spread the word to all the other Nutella fanatics out there!!! If you ask me, I believe this is “Pinterest” worthy!!! <br />
<br />
Whatcha think? Gonna give them a try? If you do, be sure to let me know what you think. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/Simple%20Blog%20Background/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="61" ida="true" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/Simple%20Blog%20Background/Signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612444783386527245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272539521155473505.post-72659517029486611282011-10-27T17:14:00.000-07:002011-10-27T17:28:07.248-07:00Mom to the Rescue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This past weekend my Hubby and I went to visit our son and daughter-in-law. (Man it's the pits when your kids move away... just say'in!) Anyway, Bethany and I were sitting at the table eating breakfast one morning, and I was looking into her kitchen. I made the comment that I had always wanted an open area on top of my cabinets because I think it's such a neat area to decorate. Bethany had that open area, but had not yet decorated it, so I asked her about it. She said that she had wanted to put things up there, but wasn't sure what to do. We started discussing a few ideas and I could see she thought it would be a fun thing to do. She knew that she wanted black and white, with a modern flare. Wellllll, say no more... it was time for a trip to GW!!!!!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As soon as we walked into Goodwill I saw a set of white dishes that I knew would work. Add to that a few black dishes, several glass vases, and some black frames. OH, and we even found two sets of horseshoe bookends which were perfect since they have horses. This is we left GW with...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">White dishes (place setting for 8)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0744.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some black dishes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0748.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Frames, vases, and horse-shoe bookends</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0751.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We made one more quick stop on the way home to get some fillers for the vases (rice and black beans), a small bottle of black paint, and some plate stands. For a total of about $30 to $35 we had everything we needed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next day everyone left to go to a cross country meet. I stayed at their house because I wasn't feeling well. I started looking at all those things just waiting to be put in place. I had an idea to make some of the dishes look a little more "modern", so I sat down with a few of the plates, black paint, and a small paint brush and started seeing what I could do. I just worked with the design of the plate and added a little black here and there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0736.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0738.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0737.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Put some paint on the sugar bowl as well...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0741.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now, this was as far as I was going to go. After all, this wasn't MY home (you know, the "mother-in-law" and all"), I shouldn't take it upon myself to actually decorate the area... or should I??? Well, my hubby called and said that Jason and Bethany made the comment, "I bet we get home and Mom will have that entire area decorated!!" OH MY WORD... you mean they wouldn't MIND if I did it???. That was it... that was all I needed... let the decorating begin. Now mind you, I had very limited items to work with, and I knew they didn't have the exact same decorating style as me, so I wanted to keep it simple for them. This is what I ended up doing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I started in the corner with one of the black plates and worked my way out. The one vase was to tall for the area, so I tilted it and rested it on one of the horseshoe bookends. I filled the vases with the rice and beans.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0770.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0768.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0769.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0767.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0763.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0766.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0764.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0757.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blog%20-%20Jason%20kitchen%20decorations/IMAG0760.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I made a few more "tweaks" after these pictures were taken, but that was basically it. (I should have taken some pictures from farther back to give you the full effect... sorry!) Now... what would they think? They walked in and immediately checked the top of the cabinets. Drum roll please... THEY LOVED IT!!! I assured them that they were NOT going to hurt my feelings if they didn't like it or wanted to change things, but they said, "Nope... we love it just the way it is!" SUCCESS!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sooooooo, I guess even when I'm on vacation, the crafting juices continue to flow. What about you? Are you able to turn off your brain, or are you always thinking about your next craft project? Would love to hear from you. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/Simple%20Blog%20Background/?action=view&current=Signature.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="61" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/Simple%20Blog%20Background/Signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612444783386527245noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272539521155473505.post-65628947689149561312011-10-25T18:13:00.000-07:002011-10-25T19:21:23.529-07:00Great Gift – Lemon ScrubLast year I made a number of different things to give as little gifts. You know, sometimes you just need a “little something” to give to co-workers, or perhaps a hostess gift, or whatever. I started searching the web for some ideas. They all turned out so cute, and were loved by everyone, so I thought maybe I would share the ideas/recipes/pictures with you. Maybe you’ll get some ideas for your own gifts!!<br />
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The first posting that I’m sharing is “Lemon Scrub”. I’m sure if you look around, you will find many different recipes on line, but this is the recipe I used and it turned out great. I found it at this post: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://meanmommyacademy.blogspot.com/2010/05/lemon-sugar-hand-scrub.html">http://meanmommyacademy.blogspot.com/2010/05/lemon-sugar-hand-scrub.html</a> (Thanks Jordan for sharing!)</span></span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">1 C Sugar <br />
</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">1/4 C Canola Oil <br />
</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">2 T Lemon Juice <br />
</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Lemon essential oil <br />
(</span><em>Many of the recipes call for extra virgin olive oil, but, like Jordan, I found that the smell was a bit overwhelming.</em>)<br />
<br />
Mix everything together and quickly fill your jars before it separates. They will need to mix it before using.<br />
I went to Hobby Lobby and purchased some cute little jars, and to Crafts 2000 for the little wooden spoons…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4c1is2PieAk/TqdaNFpZeSI/AAAAAAAABlU/ceNP_ERvRlw/s1600/Scrub+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4c1is2PieAk/TqdaNFpZeSI/AAAAAAAABlU/ceNP_ERvRlw/s400/Scrub+1.png" width="302" /></a></div>I made some labels, and then personalized each one with the name of the person receiving the gift. I also created a label to go on the top of the jar to explain what it was. I printed it on card stock and then used a decorative punch to cut it out. Finally I made a label to go on back with some directions.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--LXtggGnSUY/TqdaMO_atjI/AAAAAAAABlM/2v6qg2lh2g4/s1600/Scrub+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--LXtggGnSUY/TqdaMO_atjI/AAAAAAAABlM/2v6qg2lh2g4/s400/Scrub+2.png" width="302" /></a></div>Just in case you would like to make some Lemon Scrub for your friends, I’ve included the labels I made which you are free to use. There is one label with a name (just to show you how I did it), and a few that just say “Lemon Scrub” in case you just want a generic gift. You should be able to size these to fit your jars. (If the resolution is not good enough just e-mail me and I will send you the higher resolution files.)<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">TOP LABEL<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A-uZIaR_Ye0/TqdfmuDTSpI/AAAAAAAABls/EFi9PrbzlIc/s1600/Sugar+scrub+labels+TOP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A-uZIaR_Ye0/TqdfmuDTSpI/AAAAAAAABls/EFi9PrbzlIc/s400/Sugar+scrub+labels+TOP.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>FRONT LABEL</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZI7XQJ5_Gs/TqdfmIO3OvI/AAAAAAAABlk/2aQ5P8ii2wU/s1600/Sugar+scrub+labels+front+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZI7XQJ5_Gs/TqdfmIO3OvI/AAAAAAAABlk/2aQ5P8ii2wU/s400/Sugar+scrub+labels+front+3.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>BACK LABEL<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K44PGo7KSWA/TqdflucNN1I/AAAAAAAABlc/pnHznV6xYo4/s1600/Sugar+scrub+labels+BACK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K44PGo7KSWA/TqdflucNN1I/AAAAAAAABlc/pnHznV6xYo4/s400/Sugar+scrub+labels+BACK.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><br />
Hope your friends enjoy this little gift as much as mine did. Oh, and while you are making one for your friends, be sure to make one for yourself at the same time. It’s GREAT stuff!!!!<br />
<br />
I'm gonna go party now...<br />
<a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.com/">Making the World Cuter</a><br />
<a href="http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/2011/10/halloween-decorating-newbie-party.html">DebbieDoos Newbie Party</a><br />
<a href="http://hopestudios.blogspot.com/2011/10/tutorial-tuesday_24.html">Hope Studios - Tutorial Tuesday</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/Simple%20Blog%20Background/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="61" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/Simple%20Blog%20Background/Signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612444783386527245noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272539521155473505.post-22580428975615418342011-10-09T16:00:00.000-07:002011-10-25T17:34:32.152-07:00Coffee Table to OttomanI can’t believe that a year has passed since I told you about a coffee table that I was making over. If you have never seen what happened to the table, be sure to check out this posting: <a href="http://debbie-idodesigns.blogspot.com/2010/10/oh-oh-that-was-not-good.html">http://debbie-idodesigns.blogspot.com/2010/10/oh-oh-that-was-not-good.html</a> <br />
For a long time I had the table sitting around awaiting its makeover. Well, during my time of absence I DID complete a few projects. This was one of them. Let me share this little beauty’s transformation. <br />
This is what the original table looked like before it’s paint job…<br />
<img height="534" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Coffee%20Table%20Ottoman/CIMG1146.jpg" width="400" /> <br />
Poor little thing… it was painted so perfectly, and then got all scratched up on the way back into the house… <br />
<img height="300" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Coffee%20Table%20Ottoman/CIMG4149-1.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<img height="300" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Coffee%20Table%20Ottoman/CIMG4150-1.jpg" width="400" /> <br />
First I gathered my supplies: Padding, old plastic tablecloth (to be used for waterproofing just in case something spilled or I needed to clean the fabric), and decorative fabric. I also had a staple gun, electric knife (yes, you read that correctly), glue gun, and some decorative cording.<br />
<img height="300" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Coffee%20Table%20Ottoman/CIMG4153.jpg" width="400" /> <br />
<img height="300" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Coffee%20Table%20Ottoman/CIMG4152.jpg" width="400" /> <br />
I placed the padding on top of the table so I could cut it to the correct shape. (The box of books on top of the table was just to hold the padding in place.)<br />
<img height="300" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Coffee%20Table%20Ottoman/CIMG4159.jpg" width="400" /> <br />
I used the electric knife to cut the padding (it was really thick, so I found that the electric knife worked best.) <br />
<img height="300" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Coffee%20Table%20Ottoman/CIMG4161.jpg" width="400" /> <br />
I then flipped the whole table over so I could staple the fabric to the underside of the top. I put the plastic tablecloth between the fabric and the padding. <br />
<img height="300" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Coffee%20Table%20Ottoman/CIMG4165.jpg" width="400" /> <br />
<img height="301" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Coffee%20Table%20Ottoman/CIMG4164.jpg" width="400" /> <br />
Once I had secured all of the fabric to the table I covered up the staples and finished it off by hot gluing black cording around the entire table.<br />
<img height="300" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Coffee%20Table%20Ottoman/CIMG4190-1.jpg" width="400" /> <br />
I reattached the hardware and TA DAAAAH… FINISHED!!!! Oh baby… I love it!!!!<br />
<img height="301" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Coffee%20Table%20Ottoman/CIMG4176.jpg" width="400" /> <br />
<img height="301" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Coffee%20Table%20Ottoman/CIMG4178.jpg" width="400" /> <br />
All that was left to do was to decorate the top of the <strike>table</strike>… errrrrr, OTTOMAN!!! :-) <br />
<img height="301" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Coffee%20Table%20Ottoman/CIMG4179.jpg" width="400" /> <br />
<img height="301" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Coffee%20Table%20Ottoman/CIMG4182.jpg" width="400" /> <br />
<img height="300" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Coffee%20Table%20Ottoman/CIMG4174.jpg" width="400" /> <br />
I LOVE my table. Not to brag, but people can’t believe that I did it all by myself. Not only does it look good, but it also gives us a nice cushioned place to prop up our feet after a long hard day!!<br />
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I would love to hear what you think… be sure to leave me a comment. Oh, and while you’re at it, why don’tcha click that little button to your right and follow my blog!!!<br />
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<a href="http://kammyskorner.blogspot.com/2011/10/trash-to-treasure-tuesday-link-party-2.html">Trash to Treasure Tuesday</a> (Kammy's Korner)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/Simple%20Blog%20Background/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="61" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/Simple%20Blog%20Background/Signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612444783386527245noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272539521155473505.post-76683596168403801402011-10-02T16:35:00.000-07:002011-10-04T16:53:50.455-07:00Remembrance GiftsOne of the things that my dear Mother-in-Law loved was jewelry and scarves. After she passed away and we started going through her drawers, the sweet memories started flooding in. In her better days, she was always dressed up. We could remember how she would pair up a suit with a beautiful scarf, or dress up a pretty sweater with a piece of jewelry. That was something that she was known for by all her friends and family. Several family members had asked if they could have something to remember her by. When we saw all the scarves and jewelry we thought that would make a perfect gift for them!!<br />
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At that point I went through the process of trying to match up each scarf with a necklace and a pair of earrings. That done, I started thinking about how to package them up. I didn’t want to just put the things in a box, so I started thinking about a way to present them. The first thing I decided to make up was a card to be included with the gift. This is what I came up with.<br />
<img height="300" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Mom%20Scott%20scarf%20gifts/CIMG3906.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /> <br />
<img height="300" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Mom%20Scott%20scarf%20gifts/CIMG3904.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /> <br />
<div align="center">Next I decided to make up a pretty cardboard shape thing that we could use with the scarf and jewelry items. I came up with this… (the holes were to feed the ends of the scarf through).</div><img height="600" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Mom%20Scott%20scarf%20gifts/CIMG3932.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" /> <br />
Finally, I took each set that I had made up and put everything together in a box. They turned out SO nice and made wonderful remembrance gifts which we gave to her sisters, niece, and close friends. Here are some pictures of the final gifts (the pictures don’t really do them justice though).<br />
<img height="600" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Mom%20Scott%20scarf%20gifts/CIMG3927.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" /> <br />
<img height="337" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Mom%20Scott%20scarf%20gifts/CIMG3917.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" /> <br />
<img height="600" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Mom%20Scott%20scarf%20gifts/CIMG3915.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" /> <br />
<img height="600" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Mom%20Scott%20scarf%20gifts/CIMG3913.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" /> <br />
<img height="600" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Mom%20Scott%20scarf%20gifts/CIMG3912.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" /> <br />
<div align="center"><em>(The “dots” on this scarf really were red, not pink like the picture makes it look.)</em></div><img height="600" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Mom%20Scott%20scarf%20gifts/CIMG3911.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" /> <br />
<img height="600" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Mom%20Scott%20scarf%20gifts/CIMG3921.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" /> <br />
<img height="600" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Mom%20Scott%20scarf%20gifts/CIMG3925.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" /> er <br />
<div align="center">This is what the final package look like – including the gift card. Not only did they look pretty, but they smelled just like her as well because they still had her favorite perfume lingering on them. </div><img height="338" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Mom%20Scott%20scarf%20gifts/CIMG3903.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" /> <br />
<div align="center">Everyone loved their packages and were very touched to have a sweet remembrance of such a dear lady!<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">Linking up to a few parties.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/">Sunday Scoop</a> (I Heart Nap Time)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2011/10/sunday-showcase-party-with-bellingham.html">Sunday Showcase Party</a> (Under The Table and Dreaming)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/">DIY Project Parade</a> (The DIY Showoff)<br />
<a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.com/">Making the World Cuter Monday</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/search/label/Just%20Something%20I%20Whipped%20Up">Just Something I Whipped Up</a> (The Girl Creative)<br />
<a href="http://www.craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/">Motivate Me Monday</a> (Keeping it Simple)<br />
<a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/">The DIY Showoff</a><br />
<a href="http://metamorphosis%20monday%20%28between%20naps%20on%20the%20porch%29/">Metamorphosis Monday</a> (Between Naps on the Porch)<br />
<a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/">Making Monday Marvelous</a> (Creating Really Awesome Free Things)<br />
<a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2011/10/03/made-by-you-monday-69/">Made By You Monday</a> (Skip to my Lou)<br />
<a href="http://www.sweetlittlegals.com/2011/10/turquoise-lovin-7.html">Turquoise Loving Link Party</a> (Sweet Little Gals)<br />
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</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/Simple%20Blog%20Background/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="61" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/Simple%20Blog%20Background/Signature.png" width="200" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612444783386527245noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272539521155473505.post-76023831532571968242011-09-29T19:40:00.000-07:002011-10-03T12:18:33.727-07:00Condo Redo – What a difference “Staging” makes!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Greetings everyone!!! MY OH MY… where has the time gone?? (Hang on, this is going to be a looooong posting – lots to tell you and show you!!!). It just seems like there is no time to “blog” these days. So much of my time has been spent with my grandchildren, working, and of course… getting my Mother-in-Law’s condo ready to sell. As you may remember, she passed away in January. Once Phil’s brother and wife (Steve and Harriet) were able to come for a few days, we started the tedious process of going through closets, drawers, cabinets, etc. At times it was painful, but there were also many pleasant finds. You realize just how important certain things are when you go through someone’s keepsakes. Know what we found? Cards… lots, and LOTS of cards. Drawers FULL of cards that she had kept over the years. She had moved into that condo about 16 years ago, and I think she kept every single card since she moved in. Birthday cards, Christmas cards, Mother’s Day Cards, Thinking of You Cards, and cards sent just for the heck of it. Especially ALL cards she received from her grandchildren. I guess you just never know how much a simple little thing like a card can mean to someone!!!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once all the sorting/pitching/dividing/giving/cleaning, was done, we sat down to discuss just what we needed to do to get the place ready to sell. I told them that there were four things we HAD to do.</span><br />
<ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paint the entire place… walls, doors, woodwork, closets, shelves, etc. (and that we needed to HIRE a professional painter to do it).</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remove the wallpaper from the 2 bathrooms.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Get the carpet cleaned.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stage the entire place.</span></li>
</ol><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They all looked at me as if I had grown a horn or something. I heard things like, “The paint’s not THAT bad”… “I think the wallpaper is fine”… “If we paint it should just be white”… “What do you mean by ‘staging’… that will cost a lot of money!” Oh my, obviously they don’t watch the home makeover shows!!! I KNEW that if we had a prayer of a chance to sell this thing (especially with the economy the way it is), that I HAD to win these battles! Mom had lived in that place for 16 years and had NEVER painted, or even moved the furniture around. Well I won the battle. (I can be rather convincing!) Of course “winning the battle” also meant that the brunt of everything was going to fall on my shoulders – especially since Steve and Harriet live in PA!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>PAINTING</u>: I wanted to give the walls a bit of color (NOT white). I wanted something that would go with any color scheme someone wanted to decorate with. I knew I wanted to use Behr because we had used it in our house. It truly is a one-coat paint, and goes on beautifully. I went to Home Depot and picked up about a bazillion color samples – all different hues of white/tan/cream/yellow… etc. I laid them out on the floor of the condo, and by process of elimination finally settled on “Navaho White” and placed the swatch up on the mantle. We couldn’t get the painting done for a few weeks, so I started “second guessing” myself. Back to Home Depot – whole new stack of colors to choose from – went through the entire process again. Narrowed it down to 3 swatches, and finally selected the “winner”. I asked my hubby to hand me the other swatch from off of the mantle. Guess what??? SAME COLOR… “Navaho White”!!!! Guess it was meant to be! Might I say “I absolutely LOVE this color!!!!” It turned out to be a very soft off-white/yellow color. All the woodwork was painted bright white, so it really “popped”, and made everything look nice and clean. Anyway, we had a professional painter come in and paint EVERYTHING. We couldn’t believe the difference it made. Everything looked fantastic!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>WALLPAPER:</u> Yep, DOWN came the wallpaper. That too had been in place all those years, so you can imagine it was not in the best shape!! I was going to try and take it down myself, but after about an hour of working on it, and only removing a small section, I decided that we would ask our painter to do it – I would have gladly paid out of my own pocket for that!!! The two bathrooms were painted a slightly darker color than the rest of the rooms. They looked fantastic! We ended up leaving the wallpaper in the kitchen because it was in pretty good shape and very neutral.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>CARPET</u>: It was professionally cleaned and, although not perfect, was MUCH better.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>STAGING</u>: Next came the FUN!!! Although it was a LOT of work, it WAS fun. Thankfully I had JUST redone my own house, so I had lots of things that I could use. Plus, I had been doing so much GW shopping that I had PLENTY of nick-knacks to choose from. Sooooo, instead of taking things OUT of the condo, every time I pulled up I took boxes and boxes IN. I think the neighbors thought I was crazy. I had to buy SOME things, but for the most part, I either used what was still at the house, or brought my stuff in. Basic furniture was kept in place, but old items, or things that made it look cluttered were removed. I opened up the floor space as much as possible.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first time Steve and Harriet returned once everything was done, I was there to greet them at the door. When Harriet took her first glimpse of the living room she started crying. Thinking that she was missing Mom, I gave her a hug and said, “are you crying because it looks so different, not like Mom’s house any more, and that you are missing her?” She said, “NO! I’m crying because it is soooooo beautiful!!! She continued crying throughout the entire tour.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I DO WISH I had pictures of “before” so that you could fully appreciate the transformation. The only other way that I could make you see the difference was to take pictures of the condo after we moved everything out. OH… did I tell you that we SOLD the condo??? Yep!!! So obviously everything I had brought in had to be taken back out and returned to my house. (You can’t even get through my garage right now!!!) The new owner did ask to buy the TV cabinet, dining room outfit, and small kitchen table, so those things are still in place in the pictures. Once everything was packed up, removed, and final cleaning was done, I took pictures. Looking at the empty rooms (even though they were nicely painted) I asked my sister-in-law if she thought the place was very impressive. She said no! I asked her if she thought the “staging” had made a difference. She agreed that everything I did had been well worth the effort and made a HUGH difference.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So… are you ready for a tour? First, the “before” pictures. Imagine yourself coming in the front door and taking a tour. There are several other condos for sale in that same complex, and this is basically how you would find them – except most of them have not bothered to even paint. You just walk into empty rooms with bare walls.</span><br />
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<div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>CONDO FROM THE OUTSIDE</b></span></div><div style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-syrMoBPecmA/ToJ1JuQO9iI/AAAAAAAABi8/hCQoGIKhxgY/s1600-h/image12.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="311" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1i58kXATFOc/ToJ1KUlhRoI/AAAAAAAABjA/Pxf5oAZbw_k/image_thumb6.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="404" /></a></span><span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-59eToUenhXU/ToJ1LbTehwI/AAAAAAAABkA/2vQyIOerNZE/s1600-h/image4%25255B2%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="312" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hD6oLnBXzgk/ToJ1MS9YUGI/AAAAAAAABkE/yjxoWRSCR8w/image4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="408" /></a></span></span></div><div style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6waEVIE06Lk/ToJ1NLZMbeI/AAAAAAAABjM/gwcoJALZYag/s1600-h/image13.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="311" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-plgnjJ_j8-0/ToJ1OPRYtbI/AAAAAAAABjQ/b5-TVgf2BlI/image_thumb7.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="404" /></a></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ENTRY</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="553" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Condo%20-%20Empty/Entry1.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="310" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><b>LIVING ROOM / DINING ROOM</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rQDRzy5l3-I/ToJ1OYjdlmI/AAAAAAAABkQ/bjQ66mH7fOY/s1600-h/IMAG043234.jpg"><img alt="IMAG0432" border="0" height="229" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-p2BDBgnpiyA/ToJ1Ojo7YUI/AAAAAAAABjY/V-qmKh6bEnk/IMAG0432_thumb32.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMAG0432" width="404" /></a></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img height="552" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Condo%20-%20Empty/Slidingglassdoors.jpg" width="310" /></span></span></div></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>KITCHEN</b></span><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7IOO4ec6wW4/ToJ1O-fAM_I/AAAAAAAABjc/YvFW43YO_og/s1600-h/IMAG043315.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="IMAG0433" border="0" height="229" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jFrffTZQw9M/ToJ1PL8Z8zI/AAAAAAAABjg/R1GQsuu4KVg/IMAG0433_thumb13.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMAG0433" width="404" /></span></a></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-stbxWg0LMME/ToJ1PTBZOGI/AAAAAAAABjk/1gIgIYClzOI/s1600-h/IMAG04353.jpg"><img alt="IMAG0435" border="0" height="229" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3t97Lq38p_4/ToJ1PwXx5hI/AAAAAAAABjo/eJFb5HPfdjk/IMAG0435_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMAG0435" width="404" /></a></span></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img height="640" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Condo%20-%20Empty/Livingroomintokitchen.jpg" width="360" /></span> </span></div><h3 style="color: black; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>GUEST BATH<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><img height="640" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Condo%20-%20Empty/Guestbathroom1.jpg" width="360" /> </span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><img height="640" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Condo%20-%20Empty/IMAG0441.jpg" width="360" /> </span></span></h3><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">GUEST BEDROOM</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Condo%20-%20Empty/Guestbedroom3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Condo%20-%20Empty/Guestbedroom3.jpg" width="356" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Condo%20-%20Empty/Guestbedroom2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Condo%20-%20Empty/Guestbedroom2.jpg" width="360" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Condo%20-%20Empty/Guestbedroom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Condo%20-%20Empty/Guestbedroom1.jpg" width="360" /> </span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>MASTER BEDROOM</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Condo%20-%20Empty/MasterBedroom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Condo%20-%20Empty/MasterBedroom1.jpg" width="360" /> </a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Condo%20-%20Empty/MasterBedroom2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Condo%20-%20Empty/MasterBedroom2.jpg" width="356" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Condo%20-%20Empty/MasterBedroom3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Condo%20-%20Empty/MasterBedroom3.jpg" width="360" /> </span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Condo%20-%20Empty/IMAG0449.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Condo%20-%20Empty/IMAG0449.jpg" width="360" /></a></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MASTER BATHROOM</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Condo%20-%20Empty/Masterbathroom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Condo%20-%20Empty/Masterbathroom1.jpg" width="356" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Condo%20-%20Empty/Masterbathroom2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Condo%20-%20Empty/Masterbathroom2.jpg" width="356" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Condo%20-%20Empty/Masterbathroom3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Condo%20-%20Empty/Masterbathroom3.jpg" width="360" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, what do you think? Did you find it very impressive? After all, it WAS freshly painted, carpet cleaned, and everything spic and span. No? Well I agree... looks kind of boring doesn't it!! Now let's take a tour again, but this time you will see that it is fully staged. Keep in mind that I had to work with the basic furniture, but everything else I brought in. Also, one of my goals as I was staging was to show people that no matter what colors they wanted to decorate with, that the wall color would work with it. Here we go...</span></div></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>ENTRY AREA</b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/Entry.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/Entry.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P0qQzFk2W9Y/ToUHnnos03I/AAAAAAAABkY/eKQQJzETIhc/s1600/CIMG4453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P0qQzFk2W9Y/ToUHnnos03I/AAAAAAAABkY/eKQQJzETIhc/s400/CIMG4453.JPG" width="400" /></span></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-URbX5iHZCls/ToUHwKEJikI/AAAAAAAABkc/U3mnDjKWK-c/s1600/CIMG4452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-URbX5iHZCls/ToUHwKEJikI/AAAAAAAABkc/U3mnDjKWK-c/s400/CIMG4452.JPG" width="400" /></span></a><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>LIVING ROOM / DINING ROOM</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/LivingRoom2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/LivingRoom2.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4438.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><br />
<a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4433.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0693.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4435.jpg" width="295" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0691.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4439.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4426.jpg" width="297" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4425.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4422.jpg" width="297" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4418.jpg" width="296" /></span></a></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">KITCHEN</span></b><br />
<a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/Kitchen6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/Kitchen6.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4452.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4398.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4397.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4396.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4395.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4390.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4389.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0686.jpg" width="297" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0666.jpg" width="297" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0663.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">GUEST BATHROOM</span></b></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/SecondBath1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/SecondBath1.png" width="424" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0668.jpg" width="297" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4388.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4386.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4387.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">GUEST BEDROOM</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/SecondBedroom5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/SecondBedroom5.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4440.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b> </b><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0672.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0671.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0670.jpg" width="296" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4449.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4448.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4443.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG4442.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>MASTER BEDROOM</b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/MasterBedroom6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/MasterBedroom6.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0681.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><br />
<a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0680.jpg" width="297" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0674.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0675.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v722taGT_1g/ToUQm17gM4I/AAAAAAAABkk/utkuhOcscBk/s1600/IMAG0116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v722taGT_1g/ToUQm17gM4I/AAAAAAAABkk/utkuhOcscBk/s400/IMAG0116.jpg" width="237" /></span></a></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K3srsGtJG4Q/ToUQrdWMyyI/AAAAAAAABko/LG0vSfRyYbM/s1600/IMAG0115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K3srsGtJG4Q/ToUQrdWMyyI/AAAAAAAABko/LG0vSfRyYbM/s400/IMAG0115.jpg" width="237" /></span></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tG1rZmynrAs/ToURDdCSBsI/AAAAAAAABks/w2Fmu69U2Yc/s1600/IMAG0114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tG1rZmynrAs/ToURDdCSBsI/AAAAAAAABks/w2Fmu69U2Yc/s400/IMAG0114.jpg" width="237" /></span></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MASTER BATHROOM</span></b></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/MasterBath2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="343" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/MasterBath2.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0676.jpg" width="297" /></span></a><br />
<a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0677.jpg" width="297" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0679.jpg" width="297" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/CONDO%20FOR%20SALE/CIMG0678.jpg" width="297" /></span></a></div><div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">So, does staging make a difference? I actually asked the buyer that question. He told us, "It made ALL THE DIFFERENCE!!" He told us that he had looked at MANY places, several within the same development as our condo. He said that the moment he walked in he knew it was perfect. He asked if I did staging for a business. I laughed and said "no!" He said, "Well you SHOULD!!" Evidently when the Realtor showed him the condo he said, "I would usually point out all the different things that need to be done if you moved in, but there is absolutely nothing to be done here!" When we went to the closing, the Realtor said "This was the best staging I've ever seen - better than professionals I hire to stage homes." WOW!!! All the hard work was well worth it!! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">So folks - that's where I have been spending a lot of my time. PHEW!!! It's finally over. Had to go in and take everything apart, pack it up, and bring it back home. It was sad actually... to pack everything away, to do a final clean up, close the door for the last time, and drive away. All that's left are many wonderful memories of the years that Mom spent in that condo. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">So now that I am back among all my blogging friends, I would love to hear what you think. Hopefully I will be able to catch up on my blogging and show you some of the other projects that I have worked on real soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I'm linking up to the following parties:</span><br />
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<a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/">Saturday Nite Special</a>; <a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/">Link Party Thursday (Somewhat Simple)</a>; <a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/">Transformation Thursday (Shabby Creek Cottage)</a>; <a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/">The Girl Creative</a>; <a href="http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/">Feature Yourself Friday (Fingerprints on the Fridge)</a>; <a href="http://funtocraft.blogspot.com/">Look at me I'm so Crafty (Fun To Craft)</a>; <a href="http://justagirlblog.com/">Show & Share (Just a Girl)</a>; <a href="http://lollyjaneboutique.blogspot.com/">Whatcha Got Weekend (Lolly Jane Boutique)</a>; <a href="http://iamalongfortheride.blogspot.com/">Saturday is Craft Day (Along for the Ride)</a>; <a href="http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/2011/10/show-and-tell-saturday-100111.html">Show and Tell Saturday (Be Different Act Normal)</a>; <a href="http://designergarden.blogspot.com/">VIP Party (Designer Garden)</a>; <a href="http://www.flamingotoes.com/2011/10/think-pink-sundays-no-30/">Think Pink Sundays (Flamingo Toes)</a>; <a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/">Sunday Scoop</a> (I Heart Nap Time); <a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2011/10/sunday-showcase-party-with-bellingham.html">Sunday Showcase Party</a> (Under The Table and Dreaming); <a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.com/">Making the World Cuter Monday</a>; <a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/search/label/Just%20Something%20I%20Whipped%20Up">Just Something I Whipped Up</a> (The Girl Creative); <a href="http://www.craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/">Motivate Me Monday</a> (Keeping it Simple); <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2011/10/03/made-by-you-monday-69/">Made By You Monday</a> (Skip to my Lou)<br />
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</div></div>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612444783386527245noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272539521155473505.post-28745635427530184572011-04-13T19:13:00.001-07:002011-04-18T19:15:41.593-07:00I’m Baaaaaaack!!!!! With a new little one!!<span style="font-family: AvantGarde Md BT; font-size: small;">Oh good heaven’s, where oh where has the time gone? i can’t believe that I have not posted anything since mid January!!! Things have been K-R-A-Z-Y around here!!! Ever since my Mother-in-Law passed away it seems like it has been one thing or another taking up my time. We have been busy trying to settle her estate and clean out her condo. We are now in the process of getting it painted, carpet cleaned, and then “staged”. I’m getting all the things together that I will need to take over there to update it a little bit. Don’t exactly want to sell a place that looks like an 81 year old lady lived there. Seriously, the decorations were ALL from the time she moved into her place 16 years ago. Country blue and mauve… need I say more??? The next couple of weeks are going to be crazy as we (attempt to) get everything done and get it on the market. Wish the housing market was a little better right now, but we don’t have time to wait.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: AvantGarde Md BT; font-size: small;">Now for the <span style="font-size: large;">BIG</span> news – the thing that is making me take time out of my busy life to FINALLY post on my blog – I’m a grandma again!!!! WAHOO!!!! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: AvantGarde Md BT; font-size: small;">Yep, Phil and I are the (very) proud grandparents of a new little Grandson. <span style="color: blue; font-size: medium;"><strong>Evan Scott Franz</strong></span> (yah, we’re kind of proud of the middle name!) was born on Monday, April 11<sup>th</sup> at 3:23 pm. He decided to make his appearance a little earlier than planned. (Mommy – my daughter Angela - was scheduled for a C-Section on the 17<sup>th</sup>). However, Evan is very healthy and is doing well. He weighed in at 7 lbs 4 oz, and was 20 ½ inches. Mommy and Daddy are doing great. Big brother, Noah, has a pretty nasty cold and cough right now, so he has not been able to get close to his baby brother yet. Thank heaven for Skype – he has been able to at least see him that way. Noah is staying with Phil and I this week. Oh my, I've forgotten what it's like to have a 4 year old in the house while trying to get ready for work. Especially when "said little one" wakes up on the wrong side of bed, doesn't want to get up, doesn't want to go potty, doesn't want to dress, doesn't want to go to school, has a cold, AND is missing Mommy and Daddy!! Regardless, we are loving every minute!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: AvantGarde Md BT; font-size: small;">Anyway, I thought I would include a few pictures of this precious little one. Now I know that I’m his Grandma, and just MIGHT be a little prejudice, but I do believe he is just the cutest little guy ever (along with Noah of course)!!!! There are pictures of Noah as he sees his little brother for the first time. He was smiling from ear to ear! Also, i</span><span style="font-family: AvantGarde Md BT; font-size: small;">f you remember, back in October my Mom turned 90. This little one makes her 19th Great Grandchild. You can tell from the pictures below she has not lost her touch!!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TaZYML1CQPI/AAAAAAAABg4/NQ6PjUSe4do/s1600-h/CIMG4300%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG4300" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TaZYMqFS-5I/AAAAAAAABg8/9CmyuIAPIUA/CIMG4300_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG4300" width="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TaZYMwDfd4I/AAAAAAAABhA/7y2z4KCZFvE/s1600-h/CIMG0545%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG0545" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TaZYNL55_NI/AAAAAAAABhE/8Yez66WXYKQ/CIMG0545_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG0545" width="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TaZYNhy35wI/AAAAAAAABhI/C9G5NzSOxoY/s1600-h/CIMG0548%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG0548" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TaZYN2PMT1I/AAAAAAAABhM/6Ae1lkOTgM4/CIMG0548_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG0548" width="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TaZYOatUDoI/AAAAAAAABhQ/-j8oGOo2ALA/s1600-h/CIMG4289%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG4289" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TaZYO2u1RaI/AAAAAAAABhU/2ZbkaU15k6E/CIMG4289_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG4289" width="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TaZYPsro4hI/AAAAAAAABhY/aUArVMVbnQw/s1600-h/CIMG4290%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG4290" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TaZYP0bwYNI/AAAAAAAABhc/N2cjwg-767E/CIMG4290_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG4290" width="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TaZYQYDSegI/AAAAAAAABhg/FdFw2l6q1Mo/s1600-h/CIMG4291%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG4291" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TaZYQq3ESUI/AAAAAAAABhk/FkamqjfSOks/CIMG4291_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG4291" width="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TaZYRJtavzI/AAAAAAAABho/owyTweLHun0/s1600-h/CIMG4313%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG4313" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TaZYRdiujqI/AAAAAAAABhs/LH4tbtRkFtg/CIMG4313_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG4313" width="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TaZYRwhcqaI/AAAAAAAABhw/j3o8QjK__74/s1600-h/CIMG0551%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG0551" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TaZYSUiKutI/AAAAAAAABh0/JP-Vcd4MXrM/CIMG0551_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG0551" width="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TaZYShwB-GI/AAAAAAAABh4/tlG9s0Xw-3U/s1600-h/CIMG0552%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG0552" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TaZYSwIDe6I/AAAAAAAABh8/X9-C4cOSXUc/CIMG0552_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG0552" width="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TaZYTiA_PcI/AAAAAAAABiE/WwxVFXXv1m8/s1600-h/CIMG4303%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG4303" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TaZYTwR2TPI/AAAAAAAABiI/2lx-jnI-LNY/CIMG4303_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG4303" width="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TaZYUkC9q3I/AAAAAAAABiM/n76LqA_Mbsk/s1600-h/CIMG4306%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG4306" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TaZYUw9uxuI/AAAAAAAABiQ/-hBUXXcTMi8/CIMG4306_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG4306" width="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TaZYVWiMtYI/AAAAAAAABiU/ypBDuV_wjQA/s1600-h/CIMG4307%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG4307" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TaZYVjyAAXI/AAAAAAAABiY/vC_4CTPo49w/CIMG4307_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG4307" width="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TaZYWMs6X_I/AAAAAAAABic/bICeI3-LwVI/s1600-h/CIMG4309%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG4309" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TaZYWTIMK1I/AAAAAAAABig/Nno_z7capso/CIMG4309_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG4309" width="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TaZYW0_I_4I/AAAAAAAABik/3W9O4gjlYbI/s1600-h/CIMG4310%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG4310" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TaZYXRrm0YI/AAAAAAAABio/g1BqgjECz3Y/CIMG4310_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG4310" width="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TaZYX9x_zEI/AAAAAAAABis/C9GQgc9LSdM/s1600-h/CIMG4312%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG4312" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TaZYYCOum9I/AAAAAAAABiw/1TC_2uNOnyM/CIMG4312_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG4312" width="244" /></a> <br />
And here's the most precious picture ever - Matt and Angela snapped this when Evan got to go home. The hat and blanket are extra special because they were made by my Mom - his Great Grandma (or "GG" as they call her).<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_fhQ3_8oHo/TazvRSnUTlI/AAAAAAAABi0/Ofa-jXmEI3w/s1600/Going+Home+from+Hospital.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_fhQ3_8oHo/TazvRSnUTlI/AAAAAAAABi0/Ofa-jXmEI3w/s400/Going+Home+from+Hospital.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>Being a grandparent is one of the BEST things ever! Noah is getting to be so much fun to be with, and now we have a new little one to cuddle. We praise the Lord for this precious new life and are so thankful that he came into this world perfect in every way! <br />
Thanks for allowing me to brag just a bit. Of course I would be more than happy to hear all your comments about just HOW PRECISIOUS he is!!! LOL<br />
<img alt="Signature" border="0" height="63" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/Forsignature-1.png?t=1302746917" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="257" />Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612444783386527245noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272539521155473505.post-54465837833654322892011-01-14T18:37:00.000-08:002011-01-19T19:37:47.329-08:00“Blinging Up” My New ChandelierA couple of weeks before Christmas I was walking through Goodwill and was about ready to walk out. Out of the corner of my eye I saw something big and shiny sitting on a table. I glanced over and low-and-behold I saw a beautiful light fixture. Price? $19.95!!!! I can’t believe that I <em>almost</em> walked away because I was afraid my hubby would kill me. I stood there and debated, then I picked it up. Oh good heaven’s… that thing was HEAVY. I was a GOOD fixture and in perfect condition – not even any dust on it!!! The thing I didn’t really like were the metal shades – which I knew could be removed. I was beginning to see the potential. Well, at that point I said, “I don’t care if my hubby rolls his eyes when he sees this or not, I’m gonna get it!” I’m telling you, that thing was so heavy that I could hardly carry it to the register and then out to my car. I DID get a <em><u>slight</u></em> eye-roll from my hubby, but he also knew we wanted a new light for our dining room, PLUS even he knew it was a GOOD fixture. This is what it looked like when I brought it in the house… see how it shines?<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPakVSpzI/AAAAAAAABco/iwSkTyLM0WI/s1600-h/GEDC2190%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2190" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPbYmzQoI/AAAAAAAABcs/a8dlaH-lXkk/GEDC2190_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2190" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPcHAxKuI/AAAAAAAABcw/iZsA9xHdob8/s1600-h/GEDC2193%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2193" border="0" height="604" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPdEu7sYI/AAAAAAAABc0/RvZ8hjZl9yo/GEDC2193_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2193" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPd_BSwHI/AAAAAAAABc4/vN94vVUlQXI/s1600-h/GEDC2189%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2189" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPespULMI/AAAAAAAABc8/ND63GuxOgzY/GEDC2189_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2189" width="454" /></a> <br />
I just “casually” mentioned to my hubby that <em>maaaaybe</em> we could install it sometime in the near future… hopefully before Christmas??? You know what? He said, “Well let’s do it!” Well knock me over with a feather!! I got the tools together before he could change his mind and quick as a wink we had that baby installed (with a “dimmer” to boot!!!!!). <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPfCpqCnI/AAAAAAAABdA/Xsq5yTXOoGg/s1600-h/GEDC2235%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2235" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPfu8hxyI/AAAAAAAABdE/FCzKKWIl_yk/GEDC2235_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2235" width="454" /></a> <br />
Why is it that I don’t see things are crooked/upside down/etc. until I post pictures?? I also forgot to take a “before” picture of the light. Trust me, it was a very basic CHEAP builder’s quality fixture.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPgS_FG5I/AAAAAAAABdI/9GBvaF7S5Ek/s1600-h/GEDC2214%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2214" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPgxgqahI/AAAAAAAABdM/cfUtd48RPak/GEDC2214_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2214" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPhlyRT0I/AAAAAAAABdQ/ZxlosH2Ap2o/s1600-h/GEDC2235%5B9%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2235" border="0" height="387" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPiE_hrrI/AAAAAAAABdU/OU00tXC1TMs/GEDC2235_thumb%5B10%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2235" width="454" /></a> <br />
Now this was quite an improvement, and I was already loving it, but of course – never to be satisfied – I felt it could be improved upon. I seen so many different people post on how they improved a chandelier. One in particular that inspired me to try was Diane (<a href="http://inmyownstyle.com/2010/11/dining-room-chandelier-make-over.html">http://inmyownstyle.com/2010/11/dining-room-chandelier-make-over.html</a>). I thought... could I???… should I???… “bling” it up???? But of course I should!! Besides, with it being Christmas time I figured I might be able to find some crystal items to use. I was right. Not only did I find crystal items, but they were <strong>half price</strong>!!! WAHOO!!!! The beaded garland was a little larger than I wanted, but it would do. I thought that maybe these crystals might look “cheap”, but they really don’t. Everyone that has seen it thinks it is beautiful, so I guess price doesn’t really matter.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPi0IhkRI/AAAAAAAABdY/itDK9D3AZWM/s1600-h/GEDC2288%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2288" border="0" height="604" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPjjcgQ8I/AAAAAAAABdc/IMp89fCFbXM/GEDC2288_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2288" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPkWYm11I/AAAAAAAABdg/dccuikj9ReE/s1600-h/GEDC2284%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2284" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPlH6izaI/AAAAAAAABdk/U8M2ApmfbF8/GEDC2284_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2284" width="454" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPl09ApLI/AAAAAAAABdo/FO1hI4XujI4/s1600-h/GEDC2287%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2287" border="0" height="604" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPmtx7-sI/AAAAAAAABds/gxp-3HVLN7o/GEDC2287_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2287" width="454" /></a> <br />
I didn’t want to do anything that would be “permanent” or damage the light in any way, plus I didn't want the beads to slide, so I wanted to use some hooks to hang the crystals. The light itself had perfect areas to hang hooks. I found some brass ornament hangers at Hobby Lobby which I knew would work perfect (1/2 price!!!). I cut them and made new hooks out of them.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPnZ4O_kI/AAAAAAAABdw/zLWGTye-8Tw/s1600-h/hooks%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="hooks" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPoNU-zbI/AAAAAAAABd0/kl76QHFD8lo/hooks_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="hooks" width="454" /></a> <br />
They work so well that they blend right in with the light.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPo176Z5I/AAAAAAAABd4/jo1bkv4s9w4/s1600-h/GEDC2315%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2315" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPqLXhOpI/AAAAAAAABd8/FC6fPZWOVG8/GEDC2315_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2315" width="454" /></a> <br />
I figured out how much of a drop I wanted between hooks and started hanging them and then hot-glued the two ends together. I did this several times in different areas. I also made some drop crystals to hang down. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPrCbhBTI/AAAAAAAABeA/C1tnv57-LSA/s1600-h/crystals%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="crystals" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPr_GuVzI/AAAAAAAABeE/PH7jeLkPOZo/crystals_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="crystals" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPsYUCrBI/AAAAAAAABeI/FZc7CQBXt9k/s1600-h/GEDC2313%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2313" border="0" height="604" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPtEh7B9I/AAAAAAAABeM/QyoCyD-jyFU/GEDC2313_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2313" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPt6oBeVI/AAAAAAAABeQ/ISBL3M8r18I/s1600-h/GEDC2310%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2310" border="0" height="604" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPulxGmPI/AAAAAAAABeU/c5iB17HLnHA/GEDC2310_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2310" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPvUncbGI/AAAAAAAABeY/kZxoByDitWw/s1600-h/GEDC2312%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2312" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPvzrSlYI/AAAAAAAABec/b6IwesgXbaQ/GEDC2312_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2312" width="454" /></a> <br />
The top portion had to have a little different hook, so I worked with them a little more and made a perfect little hook for that as well.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPwnp8c2I/AAAAAAAABeg/YlrFREHf1g8/s1600-h/GEDC2311%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2311" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPxbq88JI/AAAAAAAABek/IAqofdKRqLo/GEDC2311_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2311" width="454" /></a> <br />
The only place I had to use glue (hot glue) was on the crystals that dropped from the top portion down to the “candle light-bulb” area (or whatever you call it). <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPx0xgDKI/AAAAAAAABeo/ZLxcj83JbaE/s1600-h/GEDC2316%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2316" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPyofZNmI/AAAAAAAABes/N_ehuSVC-tY/GEDC2316_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2316" width="454" /></a><br />
One final thing and I would be done… the center drop crystal. I had a beautiful REAL crystal that my boss had given to me a couple of years ago. I made that into another drop that would hang below everything else. Oh my gosh… this thing was looking AWESOME!!!!<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPzGvgJXI/AAAAAAAABew/2aSYzV2ovpg/s1600-h/CIMG3821%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3821" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaPz5-KHdI/AAAAAAAABe0/4T5RiA17usA/CIMG3821_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3821" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaP0poTL9I/AAAAAAAABe4/qlwHbHbh8zM/s1600-h/CIMG3822%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3822" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaP1FXZqWI/AAAAAAAABfA/iJU4c4E10Dg/CIMG3822_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3822" width="454" /></a> <br />
I had a bit of a hard time getting good pictures, because the crystal garland wants to reflect so much, but I think you’ll get the general idea. Between the cost of the light, and all the crystals, I have created a beautiful Chandelier for about $35!!!!<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaP2LZUJhI/AAAAAAAABfE/Su-pxQOUIeA/s1600-h/CIMG3819%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3819" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaP2lHscZI/AAAAAAAABfI/0NmuB1TjlGs/CIMG3819_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3819" width="454" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaP3UJ5elI/AAAAAAAABfM/u4kBCJ1o9qQ/s1600-h/GEDC2303%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2303" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaP38LHS9I/AAAAAAAABfQ/GISNUcHJ5KU/GEDC2303_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2303" width="454" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaP4tDEuaI/AAAAAAAABfU/QuJuza5EN6g/s1600-h/GEDC2300%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2300" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaP5JfXmXI/AAAAAAAABfY/4q87Vv_7Xs8/GEDC2300_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2300" width="454" /></a><br />
One more time… here’s the “before”<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaP56xzdHI/AAAAAAAABfc/uI3mxV3H_Co/s1600-h/GEDC2235%5B13%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2235" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaP6m5KoiI/AAAAAAAABfg/a2hpGaw1jy8/GEDC2235_thumb%5B12%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2235" width="454" /></a><br />
And here’s the “after”.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaP7QCiruI/AAAAAAAABfk/3WFqSRe3Tn4/s1600-h/GEDC2309%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2309" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSaP8Oow3mI/AAAAAAAABfo/EbihlW5y2L4/GEDC2309_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2309" width="454" /></a><br />
I’m really happy with it!!! The nice thing is that if I want to change it, get tired of it, or even want to clean it, all I have to do is unhook everything. <br />
<br />
So what do you think? Do you like the “Before” or the “After” better????? I really WOULD LOVE to hear what you think!!!<br />
<br />
I think I'm going to find a few parties to link up to...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.iamalongfortheride.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Saturday Is Crafty Day! (Along for the Ride)</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> / </span><a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Saturday Nite Special (Funky Junk)</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> / </span><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Flaunt It Friday (Chic on Shoestring Decorating)</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> / </span><a href="http://frugalfabulousdesign.com/"><span style="color: blue;">FAB Friday (Frugal & Fabulous Design)</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> / </span><a href="http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Feature Yourself Friday (Fingerprints on the Frig)</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> / </span><a href="http://decormamma.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Frugalicious Friday (Finding Fabulous)</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> / </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/(Keeping%20it%20Simple)%20%20http://www.craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Motivate Me Monday (Keeping it Simple)</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> / </span><a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Making the World Cuter Monday</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> / </span><a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">The DIY Show Off</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> / </span><a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Metamorphosis Monday (Between Naps on the Porch)</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> / </span><a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Making Monday Marvelous (Creating Really Awesome Free Things)</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> / </span><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><span style="color: blue;">Made By You Monday (Skip to my Lou)</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> / <a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/">Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays (Costal Charm)</a> / <a href="http://madincrafts.blogspot.com/">Mad Skills</a> </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TTetpX9OBBI/AAAAAAAABgM/z9glzC5DY5I/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TTetpX9OBBI/AAAAAAAABgM/z9glzC5DY5I/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612444783386527245noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272539521155473505.post-53569555362598494092011-01-11T07:38:00.000-08:002011-01-11T07:38:17.733-08:00Goodbye to my Mother-in-Law<div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Today's posting is dedicated to my dear Mother-in-Law. <a href="http://img01.funeralnet.com/obit_photo.php?fullsize=1&id=880999&clientid=routsong&listing=Current" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Darlene Scott (nee Patrick)" border="0" src="http://img01.funeralnet.com/obit_photo.php?fullsize=1&id=880999&clientid=routsong&listing=Current" width="150" /></a>On Friday, January 7, 2011, Roxie Darlene Scott went home to be with the Lord. She had been suffering with COPD for about 8 years. During the last couple of years we have been in the process of that "long goodbye" as she slipped further from us with Alzheimer's. </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;">She went to the hospital in early December, was there for two weeks, and then on Christmas Eve was transferred to a nursing facility. The final two weeks there in the nursing home were difficult, so we knew things were beginning to come to an end. </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;">The family that she left behind... 2 sons (2 daughter-in-laws); 5 grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren, will truly miss her smiling little face. She had been a widow since 1984, and especially enjoyed time with her friends and family.</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;">We are so thankful that Mom was a born again Christian and loved the Lord. We know that as she slipped from her earthly body she was immediately in the presence of the Lord and was rejoicing with friends and family who were awaiting her arrival.<br />
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Today is the viewing, and there is a snow storm hitting us right now. Family and friends are traveling here right now, so we ask for prayer - that they may have traveling mercies. Also, a number of people - including myself - have the flu right now, We would appreciate it if you would keep our family in prayer during the next couple of days.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></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="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/Forsignature-1.png" style="float: left; height: 76px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 300px;" /></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612444783386527245noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272539521155473505.post-77691995523672713642011-01-05T19:50:00.001-08:002011-01-06T11:58:47.922-08:00Skates Makeover – A Winter DecorationEarly in December I came across a new blog “Forever Decorating”, (well, new to ME anyway) and fell in love with one of her projects. When I saw her pictures of some skates she had decorated, I knew that was a project I wanted work on right away. Check out what Terry did with her skates… <a href="http://foreverdecorating.blogspot.com/2010/11/its-beginning-to-look-lot-like.html" title="http://foreverdecorating.blogspot.com/2010/11/its-beginning-to-look-lot-like.html">http://foreverdecorating.blogspot.com/2010/11/its-beginning-to-look-lot-like.html</a> I had JUST gotten some skates (my daughter found them for me at a thrift shop for $3), so my little brain started rolling. <br />
The first thing I did was to stamp and emboss some snowflakes onto the skates. (I have fallen in love with embossing lately.!! It makes something plain into something really special.) I then added a little bit of “bling” in the center of each snowflake.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSU7yGmYVJI/AAAAAAAABaU/vCa1yAI0isI/s1600-h/CIMG3801%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3801" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSU7ymI_mBI/AAAAAAAABaY/W2SjHOA4JVM/CIMG3801_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3801" width="404" /></a> <br />
I removed the shoestrings and replaced them with some pretty ribbon and added some shiny silver bells.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSU7ziETXHI/AAAAAAAABac/IK1LMoPpmfk/s1600-h/CIMG3881%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3881" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSU70LMhy-I/AAAAAAAABag/Dh4zvVTiVS0/CIMG3881_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3881" width="404" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSU708aTcrI/AAAAAAAABak/SvbsmfEz-FA/s1600-h/CIMG3883%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3883" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSU71pcqlyI/AAAAAAAABao/qLOTxxyfR2Q/CIMG3883_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3883" width="404" /></a> <br />
Of course I NEVER do anything nice and simple. I decided to add some lights to the skates. I purchased the real small mini lights, figured out how many little lights I needed for each skate, as well as enough to go between the two skates, and then hot glued the lights into the skates (hope they don’t burn out any time soon!!). <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSU720BCOOI/AAAAAAAABas/iuDOS_h1xBc/s1600-h/CIMG3893%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3893" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSU73Yz-kuI/AAAAAAAABaw/KfxiuYgrl9Y/CIMG3893_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3893" width="404" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSU74EkvbCI/AAAAAAAABa0/i-o9kQTmuew/s1600-h/CIMG3891%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3891" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSU74dJYMbI/AAAAAAAABa4/bNNVHybH178/CIMG3891_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3891" width="404" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSU75NE1ycI/AAAAAAAABa8/tnXZaCWWsYw/s1600-h/CIMG3892%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3892" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSU75ru8o3I/AAAAAAAABbA/NyLkW9S847c/CIMG3892_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3892" width="404" /></a> <br />
I cut and added a soft feather boa to the top of each skate – hot gluing it in place. The final touches included adding another beautiful ribbon to hold the skates together and hang the skates with, some greenery and beautiful red berries. <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSU76kLLioI/AAAAAAAABbE/d2SZoGqCoXw/s1600-h/CIMG3884%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3884" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSU77Oj5zGI/AAAAAAAABbI/QwMlAER-x04/CIMG3884_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3884" width="404" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSU771qiQcI/AAAAAAAABbM/GQvGw_g8k8Q/s1600-h/CIMG3889%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3889" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSU78SbqFsI/AAAAAAAABbQ/NbnMvIxrrd0/CIMG3889_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3889" width="404" /></a> <br />
I then took the skates outside, sprayed the bottom portion with spray adhesive, and sprinkled it with some shimmering glitter to make them look like they had just been brought in from ice skating.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSU79AXMXaI/AAAAAAAABbU/a41e8J5JwAM/s1600-h/CIMG3901%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3901" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSU79ipHpAI/AAAAAAAABbY/mWET6qCcmSg/CIMG3901_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3901" width="404" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSU7-RL_FrI/AAAAAAAABbc/pRTtwYHDo3E/s1600-h/CIMG3899%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3899" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSU7-xIiHeI/AAAAAAAABbg/0Mg0nyeNlf0/CIMG3899_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3899" width="404" /></a> <br />
The final touch was to add a pretty little white bird – landing on top of the skates.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSU7_lHro0I/AAAAAAAABbk/Q9x9Tmj668w/s1600-h/CIMG3885%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3885" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSU8ANxVByI/AAAAAAAABbo/2LJQ6cRvdGs/CIMG3885_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3885" width="404" /></a> <br />
Last thing I needed to do? Hang them of course (and plug in the lights)!!!<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSU8AgyGG4I/AAAAAAAABbs/XVNKkjGjIwU/s1600-h/CIMG3894%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3894" border="0" height="537" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSU8BPDY1BI/AAAAAAAABbw/bc-3vo8JnW0/CIMG3894_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3894" width="404" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSU8Bmi7flI/AAAAAAAABb0/B6LNj9ZOimE/s1600-h/CIMG3902%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3902" border="0" height="537" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSU8CcBJx3I/AAAAAAAABb4/7O5a9HjyOhA/CIMG3902_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3902" width="404" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSU8C3Gg7mI/AAAAAAAABb8/ckU_uk9x3Aw/s1600-h/CIMG3887%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3887" border="0" height="537" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSU8DkAqWVI/AAAAAAAABcA/5v-BqBAsOyU/CIMG3887_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3887" width="404" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSU8Esr55II/AAAAAAAABcE/tswI2njtqtg/s1600-h/CIMG3797%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3797" border="0" height="537" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSU8FZ4d4II/AAAAAAAABcI/SF5eyn48rvg/CIMG3797_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3797" width="404" /></a> <br />
Don’tcha just love ‘em?? I think they are so pretty that I’m just going to leave them up as a Winter decoration. <br />
I would love to hear what you think of this little project. I found <a href="http://foreverdecorating.blogspot.com/">Terry</a> (my inspiration) because she had come to my site and left a comment. I returned the favor by visiting her blog… so the love just goes on and on!!! Thanks Terry!!<br />
<span style="color: #990000;">NOTE: I loved these skates so much that I decided to make a pair to bring as my "Exchange Gift" for our ladies Sunday School Christmas Party. Let's just say that they were fought over quite a bit, but once my friend (who LOVES "bling") got hold of them she just "dared" someone to take them from her!!! It was quite funny. Anyway, I obviously did not want to give MY pair, so we (actually my hubby did it for me) started looking on Craigs list and found a pair without any problem at all. Sooooo, check your local ads to see if you can find a pair. Good luck!!</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><strong>I'm gonna go "party" now!!!!</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://somewhatsimple.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="giveaways" height="125" src="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a342/stephd757/1SYS125.jpg" width="125" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><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="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSYdxYLBJzI/AAAAAAAABck/9et6x7NUBLo/s1600/Transformation+Thursdays_Shabby+Chic+Cottage.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/search/label/Show%20Off%20Your%20Stuff%20Party"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSYcIXSYXaI/AAAAAAAABcc/fML2XnU78-c/s1600/Show+Off+Your+Stuff_Fire+Flies+and+Jellybeans.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://lifeaslori.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSYZ6AThrpI/AAAAAAAABcU/m-WLAU0MdQw/s1600/Get+Your+Craft+on+Thurs_Life+as+Lori.jpg" /></a> </div></div><br />
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<a href="http://s778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/?action=view&current=Forsignature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature" border="0" height="59" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/Forsignature-1.png" width="240" /></a>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612444783386527245noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272539521155473505.post-26824169951515576992011-01-03T18:32:00.000-08:002011-01-06T11:40:14.989-08:00Christmas 2010… Just a memory (and a few... actually a LOT of pictures!)Well, 2010 ended on a rather difficult and unusual way. It will be one for the memory books – that’s for sure!! At the beginning of December I started pulling out all our Christmas decorations, with visions of FINALLY getting all the redecorating done once and for all. You know how it is, you actually start out by making a BIGGER mess, and it takes forever to figure out what goes where, rearrange everything until it's just perfect, and then clean up all the mess you made. <br />
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Things started out ok – I was able to create my first tablescape, ordered a few gifts online (even started to wrap them with special packaging) and had purchased the supplies to make a bunch of DIY gifts. Unfortunately, those best-laid plans came to a screeching halt when I received a call from “Lifeline” and was told that my mother-in-law had activated her alarm. She went into the hospital for the next 2 weeks, then was transferred to a nursing facility. She has COPD and Alzheimer's, which has been made MUCH worse since she’s been sick. It proved to be a very rough few weeks… trying to get everything done for company, make the gifts, etc., etc., etc. I was sick as a dog on Christmas day, and to top it off, my husband and I both got sick on New Years Day, and are still fighting stupid fevers and colds. <br />
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Sooooo, as you can see, there has not been a lot of time for “blogging”. Shoot – I really wanted to post all the projects that I finished during this whirl-wind month. So, if you will indulge me, I’m going to go ahead and post those pictures now... better late than never as they say!! Considering everything that was going on, and how many nights I worked into the weeeeeee hours of the morning, I think everything turned out pretty good. Perhaps not the way I originally thought, but nice none-the-less. There are still redecorating projects yet to be completed, but hopefully I can get these completed within the next few months. Anyway – here we go:<br />
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I had posted pictures of my first tablescape, but at that time I didn’t have a tablecloth or my place settings, so I thought I would show the final pictures here. Added a white tablecloth, two napkins (one white, one black) bound together with some pretty rhinestone napkin rings and my good china. I don’t usually use my good china in the kitchen, but I wanted the white and silver, so it was exactly what I needed.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8b4-lpXI/AAAAAAAABKY/sKx3JOu1PeQ/s1600-h/CIMG3785%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3785" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8ckIOrhI/AAAAAAAABKc/e8KO-DYh4Gk/CIMG3785_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3785" width="454" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8dWcyU-I/AAAAAAAABKg/Sy6CpPy2fik/s1600-h/CIMG3776%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3776" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8eKC5Z_I/AAAAAAAABKk/OQi7hetRQ_c/CIMG3776_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3776" width="454" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8fee3twI/AAAAAAAABKo/iBhD1ivnGAY/s1600-h/CIMG3780%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3780" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8gDd6E1I/AAAAAAAABKs/AKf8PaHFgFc/CIMG3780_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3780" width="454" /></a><br />
Added in our initial with a little more “bling”.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8gwZaauI/AAAAAAAABKw/szQWF9EVJ2w/s1600-h/CIMG3786%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3786" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8hoRMl7I/AAAAAAAABK0/8KANxL9nht8/CIMG3786_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3786" width="454" /></a> <br />
Moving on to the kitchen, here’s a little vignette and a few other little decorations.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8iaXTReI/AAAAAAAABK4/AlDWDvVcs1w/s1600-h/CIMG3759%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3759" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8jQQlOmI/AAAAAAAABK8/V9luZnOn2hY/CIMG3759_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3759" width="454" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8kPLIYWI/AAAAAAAABLA/MjCxRDK0FlU/s1600-h/CIMG3756%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3756" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8k-BCGbI/AAAAAAAABLE/sCnekKyFEuQ/CIMG3756_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3756" width="454" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8lvJOYKI/AAAAAAAABLI/QHXFzF1fx08/s1600-h/CIMG3758%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3758" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8mYBBELI/AAAAAAAABLM/vEzidR6bsZk/CIMG3758_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3758" width="454" /></a><br />
One of MANY Santa's you will see throughout the house. Just love having a special little fella all dressed up and ready to help in the kitchen!!!<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8m4m8lXI/AAAAAAAABLQ/X1_3Uyr_Iho/s1600-h/Santa%201%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Santa 1" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8ntGxsqI/AAAAAAAABLU/a9Plv2pkk2s/Santa%201_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="Santa 1" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8oS0oNPI/AAAAAAAABLY/zqtpT2_rvLQ/s1600-h/CIMG3761%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3761" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8o8uH5sI/AAAAAAAABLc/_UHpVsConbA/CIMG3761_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3761" width="342" /></a><br />
A BIG old rusty spoon - picked up at a garage sale for $.50 became a perfect little hanger for my apron. <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8picFWKI/AAAAAAAABLg/FxK-JxelL9U/s1600-h/CIMG3753%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3753" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8qX_COeI/AAAAAAAABLk/RUPTXFJs--s/CIMG3753_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3753" width="342" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8q4Y11cI/AAAAAAAABLo/RNRUswbvr0k/s1600-h/CIMG3754%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3754" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8rejsysI/AAAAAAAABLs/gbWi0ngRemM/CIMG3754_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3754" width="342" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8r7kIC4I/AAAAAAAABLw/NVsuKGUqTn4/s1600-h/CIMG3752%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3752" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8sSF8IqI/AAAAAAAABL0/PGZQzGJOj4M/CIMG3752_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3752" width="342" /></a><br />
The little bird cage was one of my "Thrifty Finds" some time ago. It's "Supposed" to be turned over, on the wall as a shelf, but I felt it was perfect to make into a cage and sit flat against the wall.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8tX9BfGI/AAAAAAAABL4/d0VluiYZsoA/s1600-h/CIMG3766%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3766" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8uHhWukI/AAAAAAAABMA/QGkpYRVgmF8/CIMG3766_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3766" width="454" /></a><br />
Recognize the silverware wall art? It was just PERFECT for this space. (Please don't pay any attention to my curtain-less window. Sill working on that one!<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8uvwZq9I/AAAAAAAABME/9cJnSWg1PPw/s1600-h/CIMG3767%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3767" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8vEuZS2I/AAAAAAAABMI/CeQmmD0Sdwc/CIMG3767_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3767" width="342" /></a><br />
This is the ledge between my kitchen and dining area.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8wDpNLRI/AAAAAAAABMM/GffHXlUbJus/s1600-h/CIMG3775%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3775" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8xb_3Q-I/AAAAAAAABMQ/D76muQ9T4ZA/CIMG3775_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3775" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8x2xvD_I/AAAAAAAABMU/IMR0G2rJ68c/s1600-h/CIMG3771%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3771" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8yrxGrgI/AAAAAAAABMY/XPgbu3j1BX0/CIMG3771_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3771" width="342" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8zEe2rlI/AAAAAAAABMc/AQVkvmEnF70/s1600-h/CIMG3772%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3772" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8z867_5I/AAAAAAAABMg/iTPP7owbpw0/CIMG3772_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3772" width="342" /></a> <br />
You know that paper they use at Hobby Lobby or Marshall's to wrap your stuff in? Well it works perfect to use on various projects. For this candle I just used a piece, stamped on it, and then put it on the candle along with the ribbon. Turns a plain candle into a real decoration.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE80XhR3lI/AAAAAAAABMk/iKxsvi1ezHM/s1600-h/CIMG3773%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3773" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE80ymarOI/AAAAAAAABMo/SYuN1TZ77dk/CIMG3773_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3773" width="342" /></a><br />
Didn't do a lot in this area other than sticking a few flowers in this pitcher, along with some antique spoons.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE81RsfGBI/AAAAAAAABMs/ZBVoC9IQGR8/s1600-h/CIMG3774%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3774" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE819BgMvI/AAAAAAAABMw/NCU4Esq63t4/CIMG3774_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3774" width="342" /></a><br />
My sweet hubby helped me make this shelf to go above the ledge. I actually used MY OWN power saw to cut the wood and mitre the molding around the edge. I'm getting to be quite handy with the power tools!!<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE82oKVT_I/AAAAAAAABM0/c7co4mICPgo/s1600-h/CIMG3747%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3747" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE83OfttDI/AAAAAAAABM4/lipvHekxz5I/CIMG3747_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3747" width="454" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE83oBSTDI/AAAAAAAABM8/-pLdnhrJIhw/s1600-h/CIMG3750%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3750" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE84ERKizI/AAAAAAAABNA/p3z35CBN1JM/CIMG3750_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3750" width="454" /></a> <br />
This little Santa sat watch over us on my new shelf.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE84wProeI/AAAAAAAABNE/YMFXK5JSvRE/s1600-h/CIMG3749%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3749" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE85RH4IAI/AAAAAAAABNI/8dcQfd0esag/CIMG3749_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3749" width="454" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE858Xk0OI/AAAAAAAABNM/aEgnMZw7t9A/s1600-h/CIMG3816%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3816" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE867I2SpI/AAAAAAAABNQ/gcEK2YTbbL4/CIMG3816_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3816" width="454" /></a><br />
This table separated my eating area from the family room. In keeping with my new black and white theme that I had going, I just HAD to get this new Santa this year. When I saw his gray suit I snatched him up quick as a wink and brought him home.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE879nxZiI/AAAAAAAABNU/OguAmPuzM4g/s1600-h/CIMG3733%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3733" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE88dgakPI/AAAAAAAABNY/QIj8aKbr5jQ/CIMG3733_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3733" width="454" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE89QCk4QI/AAAAAAAABNc/NT5V6IUvqmc/s1600-h/CIMG3734%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3734" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE89_yBYJI/AAAAAAAABNg/3fWUrX7DDOk/CIMG3734_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3734" width="342" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8_OVorMI/AAAAAAAABNk/ZXRUWDxdimo/s1600-h/CIMG3735%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3735" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE8_rMGYkI/AAAAAAAABNo/KdOj4QWHPrg/CIMG3735_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3735" width="454" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9ATXILpI/AAAAAAAABNs/eY5Wlhuru3M/s1600-h/CIMG3736%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3736" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9BPKZKvI/AAAAAAAABNw/LTZMqPrM6sQ/CIMG3736_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3736" width="342" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9CFMXGII/AAAAAAAABN0/mUYhoOBORvE/s1600-h/CIMG3737%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3737" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9C62kpGI/AAAAAAAABN4/bJjhl5cTbdg/CIMG3737_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3737" width="342" /></a><br />
I've never even had a chance to share my first hutch makeover, but here is it. I'll post more about it later, but I absolutely love the way it turned out. <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9DUb91mI/AAAAAAAABN8/gwo5FsOnUEo/s1600-h/CIMG3741%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3741" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9D4XocUI/AAAAAAAABOA/fgYlOQQgTwk/CIMG3741_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3741" width="342" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9EXnAqDI/AAAAAAAABOE/IIUq1c7GiQ0/s1600-h/CIMG3743%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3743" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9FGYbEZI/AAAAAAAABOI/loGuW-0AHRM/CIMG3743_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3743" width="342" /></a><br />
We found the "Garfield" street sign at a flea market. I was born and lived some of the most memorable years of my life on Garfield. Sweet memories every time I see it!<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9GOLOE1I/AAAAAAAABOM/HGTpdTJZ070/s1600-h/CIMG3742%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3742" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9Gqwa6qI/AAAAAAAABOQ/N6EUMN_brNI/CIMG3742_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3742" width="454" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9HcM2XFI/AAAAAAAABOU/MACEdUVCMG0/s1600-h/CIMG3746%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3746" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9H71sbNI/AAAAAAAABOY/NPfIymm8gRg/CIMG3746_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3746" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9JO7ADXI/AAAAAAAABOc/j8Su2La_0-0/s1600-h/CIMG3745%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3745" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9JwvG2LI/AAAAAAAABOg/iZ10otcVieA/CIMG3745_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3745" width="454" /></a><br />
Don'tcha just love the little Santa with his striped PJ's to match my candy canes???!!!<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9KY-gHuI/AAAAAAAABOk/xAKCiW7NNUE/s1600-h/CIMG3744%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3744" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9LOjDHoI/AAAAAAAABOo/VJheXkNB754/CIMG3744_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3744" width="454" /></a><br />
This is a look at my entry way and another couple of pieces of furniture I've redone and never posted about. I'm not quite done with either of the pieces (obviously since there are no knobs on the chest) shown below, so once they are completed I'll post about them with the before and after pictures. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSIi4uFEVJI/AAAAAAAABY0/h62BQp_omZQ/s1600/CIMG3790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSIi4uFEVJI/AAAAAAAABY0/h62BQp_omZQ/s400/CIMG3790.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9NLlcnJI/AAAAAAAABO0/bvbO-5FXzgE/s1600-h/CIMG3791%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3791" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9N3BetcI/AAAAAAAABO4/eLhsLsqVa8c/CIMG3791_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3791" width="342" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9Ofr9V-I/AAAAAAAABO8/iPHOVsAgTaQ/s1600-h/CIMG3792%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3792" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9OzvRN1I/AAAAAAAABPA/N4A-pz40p2I/CIMG3792_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3792" width="342" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9PbcsYzI/AAAAAAAABPE/R52hhKdC6J0/s1600-h/CIMG3793%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3793" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9PxpaFrI/AAAAAAAABPI/xqD8jmS-AbY/CIMG3793_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3793" width="342" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9Q1Vqq0I/AAAAAAAABPM/y511-WtLbBU/s1600-h/CIMG3795%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3795" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9RtRvg3I/AAAAAAAABPQ/ugs5ejhIeJs/CIMG3795_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3795" width="454" /></a> <br />
Even some "goodies" for Santa to snack on!<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9SsLPxVI/AAAAAAAABPU/l2z53J2zi5I/s1600-h/CIMG3794%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3794" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9TTGax7I/AAAAAAAABPY/JCkc6BEIZEk/CIMG3794_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3794" width="454" /></a> <br />
This is the other piece in my entry. Perfect spot for me to hang the ice skates I decorated. (Yep... more on the skates later too!)<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9T1d3apI/AAAAAAAABPc/8-icTe2kqcg/s1600-h/CIMG3796%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3796" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9UUOFyYI/AAAAAAAABPg/IdhP3o2k0QQ/CIMG3796_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3796" width="342" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9VG7sofI/AAAAAAAABPk/c6Yx3alZGYw/s1600-h/CIMG3804%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3804" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9VrKMEEI/AAAAAAAABPo/5l3ReFlujm4/CIMG3804_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3804" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9WhCPRbI/AAAAAAAABPs/K3TyeupCn5A/s1600-h/CIMG3797%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3797" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9XFAVpUI/AAAAAAAABPw/6-BSYuBnDyQ/CIMG3797_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3797" width="342" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9YThH0qI/AAAAAAAABP0/iKL4CVDsWIQ/s1600-h/CIMG3798%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3798" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9Y4tJoUI/AAAAAAAABP4/t2Jk_b1ZRNc/CIMG3798_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3798" width="342" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9bKikJUI/AAAAAAAABQE/y2mvmnxMY-g/s1600-h/CIMG3800%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3800" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9cD-sVbI/AAAAAAAABQI/mUuQ9zFj9pU/CIMG3800_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3800" width="342" /></a><br />
Obviously the chairs are yet to be redone... hey - at least I got them painted!! I have the fabric, just no time to get them done. Now my biggest fear is that I've taken them apart and will forget how to put everything back together again. <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9hmtgFGI/AAAAAAAABQk/lO5aTZ8OoVY/s1600-h/CIMG3818%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3818" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9iIYvV1I/AAAAAAAABQo/NkNG8GwsXrk/CIMG3818_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3818" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9ioDSQwI/AAAAAAAABQs/UXMvSj31xAU/s1600-h/CIMG3805%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3805" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9jXbmFpI/AAAAAAAABQw/w9dTby-2Jwc/CIMG3805_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3805" width="342" /></a> <br />
This is my beautiful new WHITE couch that I purchased for the living room. This is NOT a slip cover, so it's pretty much off limits unless you have clean hands, clean pants, and DEFINITELY NOOOOO beverages in hand!!!! WHOOPS!!! Didn't realize the Santa pillow was upside-down until I started posting these pictures. <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9lDS_J4I/AAAAAAAABQ0/SOM6t1eVMcI/s1600-h/CIMG3806%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3806" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9lqt6TDI/AAAAAAAABQ4/5M_AhAcLF9Q/CIMG3806_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3806" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9mjW2z8I/AAAAAAAABQ8/a78wHlCR5l0/s1600-h/CIMG3807%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3807" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9ncBUoEI/AAAAAAAABRE/YuUYpm1xsmc/CIMG3807_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3807" width="342" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9ocUsvGI/AAAAAAAABRI/ijqSIheYcvw/s1600-h/CIMG3808%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3808" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9pNxaaqI/AAAAAAAABRM/_CEVOfjTo-U/CIMG3808_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3808" width="342" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9p-SXFYI/AAAAAAAABRQ/g0IjsNF9NUE/s1600-h/CIMG3809%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3809" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9qQbzjNI/AAAAAAAABRU/gxoKbT1JqH0/CIMG3809_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3809" width="454" /></a> <br />
One Santa on the right side of the couch, and another Santa on the left.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9q3tovTI/AAAAAAAABRY/HgNrVGDLp6o/s1600-h/CIMG3811%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3811" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9rYOmk-I/AAAAAAAABRc/A4tZ_Xhh-lU/CIMG3811_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3811" width="342" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9r9XVj7I/AAAAAAAABRg/3xHSRLDVCGc/s1600-h/CIMG3812%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3812" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9sqWmzWI/AAAAAAAABRk/lKuHVJhjY5g/CIMG3812_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3812" width="342" /></a> <br />
Oh, and another sitting atop the hutch in the living room.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9tEw3GeI/AAAAAAAABRo/yWl2vRFeY18/s1600-h/CIMG3814%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3814" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9t3nKdpI/AAAAAAAABRs/7OxgRHP9XTI/CIMG3814_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3814" width="342" /></a><br />
As well as a Santa on the desk...<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9uYfbbOI/AAAAAAAABRw/FhRCeqOXANI/s1600-h/CIMG3815%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3815" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9u9kF-WI/AAAAAAAABR0/fNrFZFCjHwQ/CIMG3815_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3815" width="342" /></a><br />
Oh, and one more on the piano (yes! I love Santa!!) <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSJbJCdpttI/AAAAAAAABY4/7SPpN7CvNXY/s1600/CIMG3877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSJbJCdpttI/AAAAAAAABY4/7SPpN7CvNXY/s400/CIMG3877.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSJdpasrKpI/AAAAAAAABZA/WUsGNyJipt0/s1600/CIMG3880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSJdpasrKpI/AAAAAAAABZA/WUsGNyJipt0/s400/CIMG3880.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9vYbMvoI/AAAAAAAABR4/qbMZi6DbRac/s1600-h/CIMG3846%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3846" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9v7U3CnI/AAAAAAAABR8/KBHoXsZjFnY/CIMG3846_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3846" width="454" /></a> <br />
Moving into the Dining Room. I absolutely love, Love, LOVE the pale yellow and white that we just recently redid. I used cream, gold, and blue accents.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9wqr6gsI/AAAAAAAABSA/MQ36DGf5oVA/s1600-h/CIMG3845%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3845" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9xGTPdOI/AAAAAAAABSE/AKJ9Lw4I0hU/CIMG3845_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3845" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9yKYZA1I/AAAAAAAABSI/7mV4QUNwtaI/s1600-h/CIMG3823%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3823" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9yp1okUI/AAAAAAAABSM/NHwiQ-uzJ88/CIMG3823_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3823" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9zdk6S8I/AAAAAAAABSQ/y_rFF5DC95M/s1600-h/CIMG3825%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3825" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE90E9eCsI/AAAAAAAABSU/ilfJ1WyYZZg/CIMG3825_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3825" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE902DzLjI/AAAAAAAABSY/J93y7mjiuF0/s1600-h/CIMG3827%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3827" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE92V0fpzI/AAAAAAAABSc/Dx1tef4ed5c/CIMG3827_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3827" width="342" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE93ELNCVI/AAAAAAAABSg/OMo9KNdRctc/s1600-h/CIMG3828%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3828" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE93tnztwI/AAAAAAAABSk/1IoJaJgFAQE/CIMG3828_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3828" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE94V732II/AAAAAAAABSo/JOkq8s26RXM/s1600-h/CIMG3829%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3829" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE94wJ673I/AAAAAAAABSs/GGLK_sTWTfk/CIMG3829_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3829" width="454" /></a> <br />
My Mom thought it was funny that I put a snowman in my birdcage. I told her it was "climate controlled"!! LOL<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE95f8ZqqI/AAAAAAAABSw/FTMBDBV-PzQ/s1600-h/CIMG3830%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3830" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE95_vf5CI/AAAAAAAABS0/V_Gnlq1tjc8/CIMG3830_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3830" width="342" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE96kSnwOI/AAAAAAAABS4/zqknngKMg2I/s1600-h/CIMG3832%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3832" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE97zMQBUI/AAAAAAAABS8/IIbnwFlCD5Q/CIMG3832_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3832" width="342" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE98nD8vZI/AAAAAAAABTA/Jy1MIlafrKU/s1600-h/CIMG3833%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3833" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE99DwsRnI/AAAAAAAABTI/vJX5pog-9lE/CIMG3833_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3833" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE994uPXjI/AAAAAAAABTM/iOb1Z_GwL2A/s1600-h/CIMG3835%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3835" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9-RI973I/AAAAAAAABTQ/kQ05yr0Z5rI/CIMG3835_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3835" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9_a8ooUI/AAAAAAAABTU/i7sBPrK-yvU/s1600-h/CIMG3837%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3837" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE9_6Jw52I/AAAAAAAABTY/ENEXVl6rWgs/CIMG3837_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3837" width="454" /></a> <br />
This is my husband's beloved High Wheel bike (yes, he DOES ride it!!). Not sure if this will be it's final "resting place" or not. It's kind of hard to find the right place for something this large!!!<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-Av7o16I/AAAAAAAABTc/v_IQ2HecH0c/s1600-h/CIMG3838%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3838" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-BHNwROI/AAAAAAAABTg/uz__qOcCEhM/CIMG3838_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3838" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-CSZVXtI/AAAAAAAABTk/BRppFxyIGS0/s1600-h/CIMG3840%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3840" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-DcD5LII/AAAAAAAABTo/RXCNkAI9JMs/CIMG3840_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3840" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-D3qyM5I/AAAAAAAABTs/AsMNZBcH1Ok/s1600-h/CIMG3841%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3841" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-ERUuS0I/AAAAAAAABTw/uuHS3KcBA6c/CIMG3841_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3841" width="342" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-E23d_zI/AAAAAAAABT0/vdC3k0FBQQc/s1600-h/CIMG3842%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3842" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-FU-9GRI/AAAAAAAABT4/39W39dzue0k/CIMG3842_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3842" width="342" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-H2xlBGI/AAAAAAAABUE/bAejiZZS0UY/s1600-h/CIMG3844%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3844" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-Ivuy_aI/AAAAAAAABUI/Kn2SDU_DAtQ/CIMG3844_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3844" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-J1lwY3I/AAAAAAAABUM/PDLXi4Tr-bU/s1600-h/GEDC2276%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2276" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-KcBABwI/AAAAAAAABUQ/dURgTbs5ooA/GEDC2276_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2276" width="454" /></a> <br />
The centerpiece in the Dining Room had some special elements... old family photos.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSJmrfKC6zI/AAAAAAAABZE/_s1GWaXnLR8/s1600/GEDC2254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSJmrfKC6zI/AAAAAAAABZE/_s1GWaXnLR8/s400/GEDC2254.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I made these small family photo frames a number of years ago (sometime I'll have to explain how I made them). Everyone sitting at the table enjoyed looking at the pictures and trying to figure out who was who.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-LWxG11I/AAAAAAAABUU/B0u-xx11Pzc/s1600-h/CIMG3855%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3855" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-MX1HQRI/AAAAAAAABUY/YQz37tF21uA/CIMG3855_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3855" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-Oczl_hI/AAAAAAAABUc/VhFtJS4LZcY/s1600-h/CIMG3856%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3856" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-PEFpYxI/AAAAAAAABUg/jDQ7SlbbCWM/CIMG3856_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3856" width="454" /></a> <br />
<img alt="GEDC2257" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-5pftNfI/AAAAAAAABXg/5z02cRNlXXU/GEDC2257_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2257" width="454" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="GEDC2258" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-72lOy1I/AAAAAAAABXo/VFyUotMxjq4/GEDC2258_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2258" width="454" /><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-QWN8qiI/AAAAAAAABUk/lefWABGR3Dg/s1600-h/CIMG3857%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3857" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-Rm9emCI/AAAAAAAABUo/b4GJaSr35ZI/CIMG3857_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3857" width="454" /></a> <br />
I used a few photos on the buffet as well.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-SoW5UHI/AAAAAAAABUs/9tE7-M5JLro/s1600-h/CIMG3858%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3858" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-TjQun9I/AAAAAAAABUw/7i9BsnjubAE/CIMG3858_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3858" width="454" /></a><br />
Of course there was another Santa! LOVE his cream and gold outfit!<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-Un5bc3I/AAAAAAAABU0/cGxrQDwSK9s/s1600-h/CIMG3859%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3859" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-V5SdrKI/AAAAAAAABU4/XMhqv57wQkY/CIMG3859_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3859" width="342" /></a><br />
Clock was a thrifty find, as was the bugle that holds a silver and gold ornament.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-W2iPKBI/AAAAAAAABU8/GRgSqSL3RCY/s1600-h/CIMG3860%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3860" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-X7XqgcI/AAAAAAAABVA/prZBQ9L6Wyo/CIMG3860_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3860" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-YrwEV6I/AAAAAAAABVE/HHY6pE3-ulE/s1600-h/CIMG3861%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3861" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-Zku2_fI/AAAAAAAABVI/E0S4M2_BkGc/CIMG3861_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3861" width="342" /></a> <img alt="CIMG3862" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-aVS8hfI/AAAAAAAABVM/9SgJYBD1LHc/CIMG3862_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3862" width="454" /> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-bDYK13I/AAAAAAAABVQ/aSdBXv66idA/s1600-h/CIMG3864%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3864" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-b-iLyZI/AAAAAAAABVU/AgP5Re3R_iI/CIMG3864_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3864" width="342" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-cj4KheI/AAAAAAAABVY/RX3u2B4_NPQ/s1600-h/CIMG3874%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3874" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-dWtVuEI/AAAAAAAABVc/hRGmb7Zwq0M/CIMG3874_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3874" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-eCZLtOI/AAAAAAAABVg/4cojncnn2Dc/s1600-h/CIMG3875%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG3875" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-fdpSoWI/AAAAAAAABVk/-vLyC8SlaVI/CIMG3875_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG3875" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-gA4pnPI/AAAAAAAABVo/LOO90-B2DWI/s1600-h/GEDC2237%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2237" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-gy2AgAI/AAAAAAAABVs/tKGhKcU-mJw/GEDC2237_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2237" width="454" /></a> <br />
WHAT??? No Santa sitting atop my china cabinet??? Nope - used my beautiful angel for this one. <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-hvjfNSI/AAAAAAAABVw/dty9Qf3M2UI/s1600-h/GEDC2240%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2240" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-iCG0_SI/AAAAAAAABV0/UoDnTneoJW8/GEDC2240_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2240" width="454" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-nB77wGI/AAAAAAAABWU/0f33AjckZXQ/s1600-h/GEDC2245%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2245" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-oMgXWKI/AAAAAAAABWY/W46AbODSuw0/GEDC2245_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2245" width="342" /></a> <br />
I added in a few sprigs of greenery to finalize the decorations on the napkins. Oh, there there are the individual parfaits that I made for each person. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSJqb3YZlZI/AAAAAAAABZI/guB-HsaxLMw/s1600/GEDC2333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSJqb3YZlZI/AAAAAAAABZI/guB-HsaxLMw/s400/GEDC2333.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
Oh, I just have to show you my pretty glassware. Isn't it beautiful??!!! I have eight place settings of 7 different sizes. Cost me a pretty penny??? NOPE! Not ONE CENT!!! It was a curbside find - thanks to my sweetie-pie hubby!!!! Yep, he's on the lookout for great finds too!!!!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSJr0dx8L5I/AAAAAAAABZM/h2mRMDeyY9E/s1600/GEDC2248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSJr0dx8L5I/AAAAAAAABZM/h2mRMDeyY9E/s400/GEDC2248.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
Before we leave the dining room, I have to show you what I'm doing with the chairs. I'm in the process of redoing them, but due to unforeseen circumstances have only completed two. I'm going from this...<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-vEnoVFI/AAAAAAAABW0/WpbCZspOkTQ/s1600-h/GEDC2252%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2252" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-wLo-2hI/AAAAAAAABW4/C0KV_FH-lws/GEDC2252_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2252" width="454" /></a> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">to this!!!! I'm looking forward to getting them all done.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-w2upm8I/AAAAAAAABW8/-8fQx2CdTv4/s1600-h/GEDC2253%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2253" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSE-xdGKqRI/AAAAAAAABXA/hW7EsrtXC3g/GEDC2253_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2253" width="454" /></a> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Finally, into the Family Room. I would have liked to purchase all new stuff for the tree - to match my new style and color of decorating, but no $$$ for that, so it's the same old stuff as I have used. I think that it still looked fine.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSJ1UNNwoNI/AAAAAAAABZQ/w1wPSEWl9Zo/s1600/CIMG3868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSJ1UNNwoNI/AAAAAAAABZQ/w1wPSEWl9Zo/s400/CIMG3868.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">These pictures were taken AFTER Christmas, so presents had already been opened.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSJ53K5XmvI/AAAAAAAABZs/adUkp2QDxu0/s1600/CIMG3865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSJ53K5XmvI/AAAAAAAABZs/adUkp2QDxu0/s400/CIMG3865.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSJ6O8AuprI/AAAAAAAABZw/uwHaqkiGBEA/s1600/CIMG3869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSJ6O8AuprI/AAAAAAAABZw/uwHaqkiGBEA/s400/CIMG3869.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSJ6qwoz0EI/AAAAAAAABZ0/N678SsCFHXs/s1600/CIMG3871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSJ6qwoz0EI/AAAAAAAABZ0/N678SsCFHXs/s400/CIMG3871.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> This table has not been done yet, but hopefully I can get to it soon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSJ6_Lz9G_I/AAAAAAAABZ4/A3ymP-Fudi0/s1600/CIMG3872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSJ6_Lz9G_I/AAAAAAAABZ4/A3ymP-Fudi0/s400/CIMG3872.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is what ALL my packages were SUPPOSED to look like. Yeah... that didn't happen. Because of sickness and everything else going on, my hubby finished wrapping all the gifts. It's safe to assume that they looked NOTHING like this!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSJ8hMiaOSI/AAAAAAAABZ8/kYBDI0SyItA/s1600/GEDC2324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSJ8hMiaOSI/AAAAAAAABZ8/kYBDI0SyItA/s400/GEDC2324.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSJ86PgpYrI/AAAAAAAABaA/FyliySdrdik/s1600/GEDC2321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSJ86PgpYrI/AAAAAAAABaA/FyliySdrdik/s400/GEDC2321.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> I was making gift tags for each package with photos of the recipient... most of the pictures were from the past. I made them not only as gifts tags, but so they could be kept and used as ornaments.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSJ9E5zICBI/AAAAAAAABaE/mGLyg4EAESo/s1600/GEDC2322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSJ9E5zICBI/AAAAAAAABaE/mGLyg4EAESo/s400/GEDC2322.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSJ9faj4o4I/AAAAAAAABaI/lTb_HeLLZtQ/s1600/GEDC2325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSJ9faj4o4I/AAAAAAAABaI/lTb_HeLLZtQ/s400/GEDC2325.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Well, that's it folks... that should have kept you occupied for some time. I've found that it's a lot harder to catch up on posting than trying to keep up every few days. PHEW!!!! I have a lot of projects that I need to break down by showing the "before" and "after" pictures. HOPEFULLY I'll get to those real soon.<br />
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I hope that all of you had a wonderful Christmas and pray that you will have a BLESSED 2011!!!!!</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 would LOVE to hear what you think about all the decorating I did. Geeeezzzz, it seems like I JUST put them up (which I did), and now I have to take it all back down. :-( So sad!!!!<br />
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I'm going to link up with a few parties to "strut my stuff"!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/2010/12/blog-link-party-holiday-ideas.html"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSYQLv2i3vI/AAAAAAAABcQ/UImaDSAGsHU/s1600/Winter+Holidays+Link+Party_Somewhat+SImple.jpg" /></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;"><a href="http://lifeaslori.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSYaa2dOpGI/AAAAAAAABcY/E_bS74g_0TQ/s1600/Get+Your+Craft+on+Thurs_Life+as+Lori.jpg" /><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TSKNm3eGZgI/AAAAAAAABaM/qIgcMoOvFdA/s1600/i+made+the+world+cuter.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/" target="_blank" title="Get Your Craft On Tuesday"><img alt="Get Your Craft On Tuesday" height="56" src="http://todayscreativeblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/get-your-craft-on-e1283276983713.gif" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://bestpartofbelieveis.blogspot.com/"><img alt="The Best Part Of Believe" height="125" src="http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae277/FOBeliever/Tuten-Tuesdays-000-Button.jpg" width="125" /></a> <a href="http://www.sillylittlesparrow.com/"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr41/yipeeleah/tootyourhorn-1.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/?action=view&current=Forsignature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature" border="0" height="76" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/Forsignature-1.png" width="320" /></a></div>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612444783386527245noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272539521155473505.post-28402062973044466572010-12-08T19:19:00.000-08:002010-12-09T08:57:54.519-08:00My FIRST TablescapeOh, how I wish I could say that all my Christmas decorating is done and my house is now a “wonder to behold”, but sadly that is not the case. My husband tells me that if I would stop doing all these DIY projects I would get done, but he just doesn’t understand… I need those DIY projects to FINISH my decorating!!! Case in point? My kitchen table. I’ve had an idea in my head about what I wanted to do for a Christmas centerpiece, but just haven’t had the time to create the items I needed – until last night that is!!!! WAHOO!!!! F-I-N-A-L-L-Y had a chance to put everything together. Know what’s weird? I would have NEVER thought I would end up with black and white decorations for Christmas!!!! You ever have something in your head as to color schemes, etc. that you want to use, then find just one single item that completely takes you in a different direction? Well, that’s what happened to me! When we had the kitchen and family room painted, my intention was to decorate in white, brown, and teal colors. After finding several things which were black and white that I really liked, that plan went out the window. Anyway… back to the matter at hand… my tablescape!!!! Without further ado… below are pictures of what I came up with. Unfortunately, I don’t have a big ole “fancy-smancy” camera, so these pictures are not the best, but they should give you a good idea of the finished product. <br />
First I started with some beautiful placemats. Several have a design beautifully cut into them, and the one for under my tablescape has a black and white design… perfect to use as the base to bring all the pieces together. <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBJgKI5YFI/AAAAAAAABHQ/uNwvTlzQGto/s1600-h/image%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="280" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBJh-cblsI/AAAAAAAABHU/ODJFJYsHjEE/image_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="image" width="371" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBJjoPfGWI/AAAAAAAABHY/Zrsmgb9FWac/s1600-h/image.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="281" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBJlL6tNsI/AAAAAAAABHc/p0kHo7PfZIU/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="image" width="371" /></a> <br />
I started out by decorating a teacup. I was able to find this cute little teacup and saucer at our local Crafts 2000 store (LOVE that place!!!) for just $5. I used one of my “thrifty finds” candle holders to elevate the teacup. Turned it upside down and hot glued it to the saucer (also hot glued the teacup to the saucer). <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBJlzia9gI/AAAAAAAABHg/z9fkox99eSg/s1600-h/GEDC22264.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2226" border="0" height="467" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBJmooqCyI/AAAAAAAABHk/2wn-6_m91HI/GEDC2226_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2226" width="351" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBJnPd1CNI/AAAAAAAABHo/mYPjrJ8-ROk/s1600-h/GEDC22286.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2228" border="0" height="464" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBJorPZgjI/AAAAAAAABHs/WggWNt_lk8o/GEDC2228_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2228" width="348" /></a> <br />
I used some Glue Dots to attach some “Bling” to the cups. <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBJpezH16I/AAAAAAAABHw/Eatljml-n8k/s1600-h/GEDC22253.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2225" border="0" height="264" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBJqI4nw-I/AAAAAAAABH0/ydBKgpSUOMI/GEDC2225_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2225" width="350" /></a> <br />
I then filled the cup with black and white beans so I had something to hold the decorations in place, and then hot glued some decorations into and around the cup. I placed one of my small vintage spoons in the cup and perched a little blue glass birdie (ornament) on the saucer… that part was done. <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBJr2YdVKI/AAAAAAAABH4/sQtnelaFIns/s1600-h/image%5B6%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="452" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBJuDPDhCI/AAAAAAAABH8/CXsXcdgqTcs/image_thumb%5B6%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="image" width="342" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBJw_RBEKI/AAAAAAAABIA/m82bl85Wczs/s1600-h/image30.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="255" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBJyjiyvKI/AAAAAAAABIE/N98s82q4elk/image_thumb16.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="image" width="339" /></a> <br />
I made two candles by purchasing some cheap 6” white pillar candles. I found some black and white tissue paper that perfectly matched my teacup. I cut one piece for each candle to cover the bottom three-fourths of the candle and hot glued it onto the candle. (I TRIED using my heat gun to make the candle melt into the tissue paper, but I think the tissue paper was too thick or something because it didn’t work.) I found some beautiful jewelry charms at Wal-Mart and added them to a black ribbon which I also hot glued on the candle. Wanted to add a little “bling” to those as well, so I once again used my “handy-dandy” Glue Dots (I’m telling you people, Glue Dots are quick and easy to use!!!) to strategically add some gems. <br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TD9eGZZNslI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/qfslV5K2ixQ/s1600/glue+dots.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TD9eGZZNslI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/qfslV5K2ixQ/s320/glue+dots.jpg" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBJ0DhCGPI/AAAAAAAABII/tdc0KxIoSP0/s1600-h/image18.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="340" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBJ1WCwJ6I/AAAAAAAABIM/MqxPgc1xknU/image_thumb8.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="image" width="225" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBJ2llHX3I/AAAAAAAABIQ/8Rx12ldKgQ8/s1600-h/image19.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="338" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBJ3uZDZ_I/AAAAAAAABIU/p4otFQ074hA/image_thumb9.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="image" width="229" /></a> <br />
The white bowl/pedestal was another “thrifty find” which I picked up for a mere $3. Unfortunately I actually broke it before I even got it home… sadness! But, I glued that baby back together and I don’t think anyone will even be able to tell (if they can, then they are looking too close!! LOL). I put some greenery in the bottom of the bowl and stacked several beautiful black and white ornaments on top. Added some white berry picks here and there. <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBJ43JzwHI/AAAAAAAABIc/JLmY2Y__N30/s1600-h/image35.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="548" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBJ7OkCH9I/AAAAAAAABIg/2_z4H84vqdw/image_thumb24.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="image" width="322" /></a> <br />
One more “thrifty find”… this cute little bird cage. It was already white, so other than pulling off the <strike>ugly</strike> disgusting decorations that were already on there, it was ready to go. I filled the cage with a little bit of greenery and some small ornaments. Put a few decorations on the top, and added another blue glass bird. I used a white candle holder on the bottom of the cage so I could elevate it up a little. <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBJ8yEB-eI/AAAAAAAABIk/pNJmIP70m2w/s1600-h/image39.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="426" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBJ-1pGVrI/AAAAAAAABIo/jwefFjwQd4s/image_thumb26.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="image" width="322" /></a> <br />
One final item was a small black vase (yep… another “thrifty find”). <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBJ_Ud8QRI/AAAAAAAABIs/Ikw21Pqk7Yo/s1600-h/image43.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBKAK7gkdI/AAAAAAAABIw/dBwlC4Th6OQ/image_thumb32.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="image" width="154" /></a> <br />
Now the only thing left to do was put everything together. Taa Daaaaaaahhhhh!!! Here it is… <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBKChutwmI/AAAAAAAABI0/Qo-6UA3MmEU/s1600-h/image%5B4%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="311" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBKERINrzI/AAAAAAAABI8/-vf1zEs0lc4/image_thumb%5B4%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="image" width="413" /></a> <br />
Added just a little greenery and a few pine cones around the base to finish it up. <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBKHyDORTI/AAAAAAAABJA/2wehBqLv0zs/s1600-h/image%5B5%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="306" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBKJgMvE3I/AAAAAAAABJE/Mr3SxppwYFQ/image_thumb%5B5%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="image" width="407" /></a> <br />
I think it turned pretty good for my first tablescape. It’s hard to actually get good pictures, but hopefully you can get a good enough idea of what it looks like. Whatcha think? Did I do ok? Do you think I should have a tablecloth on the table? If so… white??? I believe I’m going to go and find a few parties to link up to. <br />
Thanks for paying me a visit… I would like – no… I would <strong>LOVE</strong> to hear from you, so be sure to drop me a line. Also, I've been in the "50s" with my number of "followers" FOREVER... wanna help me escape from the fifties? Come on... get in the Christmas spirit and join up to "follow"!!!! Hopefully my journey has just begun and I'll have lots of new and exciting ideas to share with you!!!<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.aholidayhaven.com/"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQDbmvSWtCI/AAAAAAAABKQ/nS40rfBQiLo/s1600/Christmas+Party.jpg" /></a> <img border="0" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQDaDnshrwI/AAAAAAAABKM/B271LrCZsNQ/s1600/Between+Naps+Tablescape+Thursday.jpg" /><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQDXgQ2pUQI/AAAAAAAABKI/DDmsuxX3Rkw/s1600/Thirsty+Thursday+Blog+Hop+small.jpg" /></a><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><img alt="image" border="0" height="90" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBWPRp059I/AAAAAAAABJc/Lx8mkigaZTw/image%5B20%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="image" width="89" /></a> <a href="http://itssoverycheri.com/2010/12/05/12-5-2010-its-party-time-at-its-so-very-cheri/"><img alt="Its So Very Cheri" border="0" height="96" src="http://itssoverycheri.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/isvcbeachbutton.jpg" width="96" /></a> <a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/"><img alt="image" border="0" height="97" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBWP2oQ1qI/AAAAAAAABJg/NeiM7V3G6go/image%5B21%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="image" width="97" /></a> <a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/"><img border="0" height="93" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ouHENasFvWc/S3rxUIgivrI/AAAAAAAAHSE/C9eaa3wSJ5I/s200/welcome.jpg" width="133" /></a> <a href="http://lifeaslori.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Get your craft on Thurs." border="0" height="94" src="http://opipdesigns.com/blogs/lorij/craft.jpg" width="85" /></a> <a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><img alt="image" border="0" height="92" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBWQfR6o3I/AAAAAAAABJs/GDi581h8PEo/image_thumb%5B9%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="image" width="92" /></a> <a href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/"><img alt="image" border="0" height="93" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TQBWQ7z1TYI/AAAAAAAABJ4/C3pHeVkJ2Lg/image%5B23%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="image" width="106" /></a> <a href="http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/search/label/Show%20Off%20Your%20Stuff%20Party"><img height="84" src="http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd3/fjnorm/ShowOffYourStuffPartyButton1.jpg" width="84" /></a> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://s778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/?action=view&current=Forsignature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature" border="0" height="78" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/Forsignature-1.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div></div>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612444783386527245noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272539521155473505.post-81463179898715396012010-12-01T17:19:00.000-08:002010-12-02T19:10:59.426-08:00Silverware Wall ArtSlooooowly but surely I keep working on projects that have been in my head. Things have been so KRAAAAZY around here that there hasn’t been a lot of time for crafting. Last week I spent a few minutes working on some “Silverware Wall Art”. I’ve been collecting everything I knew I would need for some time. Here’s what I needed:<br />
Got out my glue gun and fired it up!<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TPbuvPshwjI/AAAAAAAABGY/dPq3vF4SSAY/s1600-h/GEDC2149%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2149" border="0" height="290" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TPbuvnsLWnI/AAAAAAAABGc/6_uKt_6Qg7Y/GEDC2149_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2149" width="386" /></a> <br />
One Goodwill find… $1.98 <br />
I removed the glass, then took out the picture to use as a backing for my project. Since the frame was already black I didn’t have to do anything to it.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TPbuwRxU1sI/AAAAAAAABGg/jfb8hgRVLAk/s1600-h/GEDC2143%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2143" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TPbuw-g_C4I/AAAAAAAABGk/SZ6QpTy1AZI/GEDC2143_thumb%5B11%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2143" width="283" /></a><br />
One coffee burlap sack… <span style="font-size: medium;">FREE!! </span>Yep… FREE! I called one of our local coffee shops and asked if they ever had any coffee sacks. The guy said I could stop by and pick one up. :-) I cut a piece of the burlap to fit the backing I took out of the frame. I wasn’t sure if I should use the glue gun to attach the burlap to the cardboard backing or not, but hey, I didn’t have a lot of time, so I gave it a go. Worked just fine.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TPbuxq8lYUI/AAAAAAAABGo/chMYobQUHio/s1600-h/GEDC2146%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2146" border="0" height="287" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TPbuyByQvBI/AAAAAAAABGs/CEQYZlMd7CM/GEDC2146_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2146" width="381" /></a> <br />
Another small frame… $1.50 <br />
I knew that I wanted to use a small picture at the top of the larger frame so that it wasn't JUST silverware thrown on there. I found this small frame in my stash which was the perfect size. I took out the glass and spray painted it black.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TPbuzGra2KI/AAAAAAAABGw/fBBQd__5LfA/s1600-h/GEDC2140%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2140" border="0" height="291" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TPbuz_UUk5I/AAAAAAAABG0/_rIBZ_TBW7k/GEDC2140_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2140" width="377" /></a> <br />
Picture I already had (scanned and resized)… FREE! <br />
I hot glued the picture into the small frame. I then took that small frame and hot glued it to the upper portion of the larger frame.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TPbu0l0PRGI/AAAAAAAABG4/eQKnZYJnnxk/s1600-h/GEDC2145%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2145" border="0" height="291" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TPbu05kFAxI/AAAAAAAABG8/2xhuFd6Yc4g/GEDC2145_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2145" width="377" /></a> <br />
Goodwill silverware finds… $.19 each <br />
This picture is just a small sampling of the silverware I have been collecting. I went through all of the pieces and pulled out some of my favorites to use.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TPbu10frPtI/AAAAAAAABHA/Ajjg4dPyP3k/s1600-h/GEDC2136%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2136" border="0" height="362" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TPbu2UwtsNI/AAAAAAAABHE/bkCVXgQ3FNA/GEDC2136_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2136" width="378" /></a> <br />
Final step was to lay out the silverware in a pattern that I liked. Once I was happy with the layout I hot glued each piece unto the burlap backing.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TPbu27XZrAI/AAAAAAAABHI/3RpffTL7eGQ/s1600-h/GEDC2157%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC2157" border="0" height="656" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TPbu3gMC4oI/AAAAAAAABHM/MCdwZzDAwWc/GEDC2157_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC2157" width="375" /></a><br />
The only thing left to do was to hang it on the wall!! (Once I’ve finished the whole kitchen I’ll post all the final pictures!!) It’s safe to say though, that I absolutely LOVE it. Even my hubby said it was one of his favorite things! Not bad for a little over five bucks!!!!!!<br />
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Now I've got to go find some parties to link up to... come on, LET'S PARTY!!!!! Can you do me a favor? When you leave a comment can you let me know which Linking Party brought you here. Thanks!!!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/">Someday Crafts</a><br />
<a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/">Blue Cricket Design</a><br />
<a href="http://takeitfrom-me.blogspot.com/">Welcome Wednesday Blog Hop... Take It From Me</a><br />
<a href="http://www.hopestudios.blogspot.com/">Tutorial Tuesday... Hope Studios</a><br />
<a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/">Strut Your Stuff Thursday... Somewhat Simple</a><br />
<a href="http://lifeaslori.blogspot.com/">Get Your Craft On Thursday... Life as Lori</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/">Transformation Thursdays... The Shabby Chic Cottage</a><br />
<a href="http://www.yesterdayontuesday.com/2010/11/crafty-soiree-13.html">Yesterday on Tuesday</a><br />
<a href="http://southerninmyheart.blogspot.com/2010/12/inspiration-friday-party-no-14.html">Inspiration Friday Party... Southern In My Heart</a><br />
<a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2010/12/show-and-tell-friday.html">Show and Tell Friday... My Romantic Home</a><br />
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<a href="http://s778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/?action=view&current=Forsignature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature" border="0" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/Forsignature-1.png" /></a>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612444783386527245noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272539521155473505.post-3894796450835134012010-11-23T19:43:00.000-08:002010-11-23T19:43:27.382-08:00I'm Thankful For YOU!!!I find it almost impossible to believe that this year has passed so quickly. As I sit writing this there is Christmas music playing in the background, a yummy Pumpkin Roll sits sliced on my desk for others to enjoy, our “Adopt A Family” tree is being assembled in our lunch room, and people are discussing their plans for Thanksgiving. Is it REALLY possible that 2010 will soon be over?<br />
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As I reflect on the past year I realize that it has not been without its’ share of difficulties, nor its’ share of blessings. We have concluded our year of “firsts” without Dad. Each “first” passed with mixed emotions. It’s still difficult to believe that he is gone, and is sorely missed, but yet we rejoice that he is celebrating with his Lord and is out of the pain and “fog” he lived in for his last few years.<br />
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It has been a difficult year for me physically. An illness that came upon me at the beginning of the year still raises its ugly head whenever I do too much and makes me step back and slow down – a VERY hard thing for me to do. I guess God is watching over me this Thanksgiving to make sure I don’t overdo things. This is the first time… EVER… that we will NOT be spending the day with all of our family. With marriages and people moving away, this year is one where everyone is going in different directions. Instead, we will spend a quiet day with my mother-in-law who is in the midst of “that long goodbye”.<br />
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However, along with the difficulties and trials, God has shown His many blessings as well. Of course Mom celebrated her 90th birthday, which is a blessing indeed. She is still very active and healthy – something we are so thankful for. We are also awaiting a new little addition to our family. Although I secretly wish for a little girl, I’ll be just as happy with a boy, and pray this little one is healthy and happy.<br />
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One of the biggest blessings this year has been quiet unexpected. That blessing is <strong>YOU…</strong> my dear blogging friends. When I started this blog back in March, I NEVER in my wildest dreams believed that it would be looked at by anyone other than myself and perhaps a few family members that I could shame into checking it out. NEVER did I believe it would bring me treasured friendships from people I have never even met. NEVER did I believe that “strangers” would be a source of encouragement when I have been down or share a laugh with me through e-mail messages or comments they have left. NEVER did I believe that there would be so many wonderful people out there who have been ready, willing, and able to help me with a DIY project when I needed advice. NEVER did I believe that something I posted would be of significance to anyone else, and that in some way has impacted <u>their</u> life. NEVER did I believe that I would be able to help a perfect stranger who I now consider as my “Blog Daughter”. How I wish I could meet you, chit chat, work on a DIY project with you, or better yet, tour some of your beautiful homes!!<br />
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Although I don’t have that many people who are “Followers”, I know there are a lot of people who visit my site and either e-mail or leave me comments. Obviously I would like for all of you to become “Followers”, but regardless I’m happy you stop by for a visit every now and then. To each of you I want to say a BIG “Thank You”! Thank you for visiting me and letting me know that this blog has more meaning than just sharing DIY projects. It has become an avenue to meeting people all over the world who share common interests. It has become a means to reach out to others by visiting their blogs and encouraging them. By reading postings from all of you, I have learned that it’s ok to be less than perfect. I’ve learned that other people have many of the same fears, concerns, and passions that I have – I’m not alone. I’ve learned that it’s ok to be transparent, and in doing so you can be an encouragement to others. I always respond to every comment that is left for me because I have learned from others just how important it is to acknowledge the time people take to encourage you.<br />
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So once again I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for sharing this whole new world with me. I look forward to having some give-away postings in the near future, sharing more projects, and most of all learning more from all of you. I believe that 2011 will be a great year. <br />
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As we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, I hope you will look around you and see the many blessings the have been bestowed on you this year – some that are quite evident, and others that were subtle, but blessings none-the-less! May you and your family have a wonderful holiday!<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><em>Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20</em></div><div align="center"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/?action=view&current=Forsignature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature" border="0" height="78" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/Forsignature-1.png" width="320" /></a></div>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612444783386527245noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272539521155473505.post-66579955292529228732010-11-18T17:22:00.001-08:002010-11-18T17:28:49.496-08:00I’ve Been Featured… By Glue Dots!<p><font size="4" face="American Classic">I’m dancing the “Happy Dance” on being featured… by <a href="http://gluedotsweddingdecorandmore.tumblr.com/">GLUE DOTS</a> - of all people!!!  One of their representatives found my posting on the “<a href="http://debbie-idodesigns.blogspot.com/2010/07/personalized-aisle-runner.html">Personalized Aisle Runner Tutorial</a>”.  In this tutorial I talk about how we used Glue Dots to “bejewel” the aisle cloth.  She contacted me and asked if they could feature my tutorial on their site.  Let me consider a moment… Yesssss!  </font></p> <p><a href="http://gluedotsweddingdecorandmore.tumblr.com/"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Glue Dots Picture" border="0" alt="Glue Dots Picture" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TOXRawAwtsI/AAAAAAAABGQ/_AkrkW4Xw9c/Glue%20Dots%20Picture%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="307" /></a> </p> <p><font size="4" face="American Classic">I have to say that Glue Dots are WONDERFUL!!!  Keep them on hand and use them in all kinds of projects.  I would highly recommend them for your crafting projects.</font></p> <p><a href="http://www.gluedots.com/router.aspx?DocID=1342"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Mini Glue Dots on rolls for class and art projects." src="http://www.gluedots.com/display/displayFile.aspx?filename=/GlueDots/Retail_Packaging/Mini_gluedots.gif" width="162" height="240" /></a></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Signature" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/Forsignature-1.png?t=1290129461" width="240" height="59" /></p> Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612444783386527245noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272539521155473505.post-51364542047985841542010-11-10T19:37:00.000-08:002010-11-17T09:46:30.587-08:00Wall Art Wedding GiftIn going through some posts the other day, I came across one from Amy from “<a href="http://amygregson.blogspot.com/2009/12/my-favorite-project-ever.html">My 3 Monsters</a>”, where she was showing some wall art she had made. I loved the look of it and thought it would make a great house warming/wedding gift for my niece. <u>Did it matter</u> that I only had <strong>one day</strong> until I had to fly out to her wedding??? Heck no… no problem!! In Amy’s post she gave the links to a photo letter and number collection where you can download everything for free!!!! WAHOO, I’m all about FREE!! (This is what Amy said on her post: <em>I happened upon the Flickr photostream of </em><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lwr/176209868/in/set-644012/"><em>Leo Reynolds</em></a><em>. He has posted thousands of photos of typography and signage (and other interesting things) and he is kind enough to let us, the general public, use them with a very few restrictions.)</em> <br />
Here are the links for the letters <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lwr/collections/72157594587080023/" title="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lwr/collections/72157594587080023/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/lwr/collections/72157594587080023/</a>, <br />
and here are the numbers <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lwr/collections/72157594587095340/" title="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lwr/collections/72157594587095340/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/lwr/collections/72157594587095340/</a>. <br />
I went and started checking out the photo letters and became even more inspired!!! I HAD to make one of these for my niece and soon-to-be hubby. Sooooo, I started downloading the appropriate letters and numbers to make up their sign. Like Amy said, the hardest part is deciding on which pictures to use. I had it designed by that evening, and planned to print it and frame it the next day. <u>Did it matter</u> that I had <strong>not even packed yet</strong>??? Heck no… no problem!!<br />
Now this is the point where I rather strayed from the original idea that Amy posted. I wanted something with a little more substance than just a printed sheet that was framed. When I printed the sign out, it reminded me of tiles. Hmmmmm, would it be possible to “kick this up a notch” using tiles. Wellllll, my little mind got to thinking, I came up with a plan, and I made out a list of all the things I wanted to look for. <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiExDrJuI/AAAAAAAABC0/-WMRHlezUy0/s1600-h/Stacey%20wedding.jpg"><img alt="Stacey wedding" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiFfvvDsI/AAAAAAAABC4/_rAjVC9dsi0/Stacey%20wedding_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;" title="Stacey wedding" width="367" /></a><br />
First I needed to print out the letters and numbers to the appropriate size. Not knowing the exact size of the tiles I had to guess. I sized each letter and number to 1.75” x 1.75”. They fit perfectly!!! (If you want a larger piece of wall art you could use 4" x 4" tiles.) I wasn’t sure if I might want a black boarder around letter, so I made the background black. I then printed out the letters and numbers on white card stock. I used a laser color printer, but next time I’m going to try using photo paper on an inkjet because the quality of the letters will be even better. <br />
Now mind you, I was leaving at 5:00 AM the next morning for CA, had to work half a day, needed to purchase supplies, make the gift (which I still wasn’t sure would work), pack and try to get a few hours of sleep. Nothing like waiting until the last minute… right?? Well, I was determined to complete this project, so I had to get busy. <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiF3TMizI/AAAAAAAABC8/nUF6suQvq7c/s1600-h/GEDC1594%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1594" border="0" height="273" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiGR077iI/AAAAAAAABDA/1WajcpUxTVY/GEDC1594_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" title="GEDC1594" width="363" /></a><br />
I headed to Lowes to try and find the tiles. I had plain white tiles in mind, but once I got there and saw some of the other tiles available I opted for something a little different. Instead I decided on some tiles that were more of a natural color, and somewhat of a “frame” around each tile. That set me back a whole whopping $2.89 for a sheet of tiles. I needed 16 tiles for my project. Since there are 36 tiles to one sheet, I would have more than enough for 2 projects, plus extra in case I messed up.<br />
The next thing I needed to find was a frame that would work. I headed over to Big Lots to see what they had. After looking around a while I found the perfect thing. It was a square black frame with a raised center area that was the EXACT size for the tiles. No glass, just a raised area. I snagged that baby for $6, and headed home to start my project. I pealed off the picture that was glued on the raised area. The only problem with pealing it off, was it left the white backing on the board. Hmmmm, that wasn’t going to look very good. I tried putting a piece of burlap on the area, but didn’t really like the look. What I needed was just a plain black background. Well, there was certainly an easy fix to that problem… black spray paint. Now I didn’t really want to take off the corner cardboard pieces (because I wanted it to travel), so I needed to find a way around that. <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiGrhYzNI/AAAAAAAABDE/HGwJeNz1U_Y/s1600-h/GEDC1592%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1592" border="0" height="284" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiG1a9kKI/AAAAAAAABDI/9IVZZwF9SYI/GEDC1592_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1592" width="377" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiHWlxXeI/AAAAAAAABDM/MhJD5FBKvVA/s1600-h/GEDC1589%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1589" border="0" height="282" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiHueVRZI/AAAAAAAABDQ/q85enPYM3VA/GEDC1589_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1589" width="375" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiH5uOC3I/AAAAAAAABDU/-CRWkujT4T4/s1600-h/GEDC1590%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1590" border="0" height="288" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiIQq0fHI/AAAAAAAABDY/a3RTzcAnVck/GEDC1590_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1590" width="382" /></a> <br />
Foil to the rescue. I use foil a lot when I paint. It’s cheap, can mold around anything, and is easy to take off after the paint is dry. I wrapped everything except the raised area, and spray painted it black.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiIhep66I/AAAAAAAABDc/XmOIk20ftwg/s1600-h/GEDC1609%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1609" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiI2tFr_I/AAAAAAAABDg/GiSWfN3oXqo/GEDC1609_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1609" width="405" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiJdHNlYI/AAAAAAAABDk/F_O2VyYmUCk/s1600-h/GEDC1616%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1616" border="0" height="302" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiJw2pgCI/AAAAAAAABDs/JqhX3mCheOM/GEDC1616_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1616" width="401" /></a> <br />
Next I cut out all the letters and numbers. Since I had decided to use the nice tiles, I determined that I did NOT want the black border, so I cut that off and just laid out everything to see how it would look. Each letter fit perfectly within the tile area, leaving enough tile to serve as a border. I broke apart all the tiles, and cut off the glue areas between the tiles. I had decided that I was going to just use some spray adhesive, but you could use regular glue, Mod Podge, or even a glue stick. Doesn’t really matter as long as you make sure it is well adhered. <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiKO5cvmI/AAAAAAAABDw/ttVIcEQd0L4/s1600-h/GEDC1622%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1622" border="0" height="409" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiKfi5OsI/AAAAAAAABD0/dxRb6cLZ5Yk/GEDC1622_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1622" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiK2fgcoI/AAAAAAAABD4/RrOWxvabXK8/s1600-h/GEDC1626%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1626" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiLUNwYYI/AAAAAAAABD8/dYJJfySjspI/GEDC1626_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1626" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiLjL466I/AAAAAAAABEA/E4ofQLS1BCQ/s1600-h/GEDC1627%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1627" border="0" height="343" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiMVN9maI/AAAAAAAABEE/6APlkxu2teg/GEDC1627_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1627" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiM48oynI/AAAAAAAABEI/ErlvFi2Kc7E/s1600-h/GEDC1629%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1629" border="0" height="340" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiN0bjYlI/AAAAAAAABEM/ESUOhm3xwu4/GEDC1629_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1629" width="454" /></a> <br />
Now… how to finish off the tiles? Idea #1: Spray Polyurethane over the top. #2: Mod Podge over the top. #3: Use embossing powder to make a coating. <br />
I tried Idea #1 first. Looked nice, but didn’t really seal off the letter like I wanted. I was not really interested in #2, so I went straight on to idea #3. I placed a tile on a piece of foil, covered it with a HEAVY coating of the embossing powder, stuck it in a 350 degree oven for about 3 minutes (long enough for the embossing powder to melt), took it out, and let it cool. It was EXACTLY what I was looking for!!!! It’s hard to tell from the picture, but there is now a clear heavy glaze over the tile. <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiOVkXxuI/AAAAAAAABEQ/-W3XHQohfD4/s1600-h/GEDC1630%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1630" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiO2NP8lI/AAAAAAAABEU/t_WuAM6lyp4/GEDC1630_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1630" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiPA8YUYI/AAAAAAAABEY/UYbbSpEiZXg/s1600-h/GEDC1654%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1654" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiPiRGh0I/AAAAAAAABEc/5KimnW0Hu4Y/GEDC1654_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1654" width="454" /></a> <br />
Once I had established that this was the look I was happy with I proceeded with the rest of the tiles. Rather than doing one at a time (I had to hurry since I still had to pack) I took out a cookie sheet, covered it with foil, covered each tile with a HEAVY coating of embossing powder, and placed the whole thing in the oven. You can see that the embossing powder was slowly melting, and eventually became clear over the entire tile. Because I did so many at a time it did take a little longer in the oven, but I just carefully watched them and took them out as soon as all the powder was melted. ONE SUGGESTION I WOULD MAKE: If I were to do it again, I would place something under each tile to raise it up. I have used nuts before (no silly, NOT “nuts” that you eat… one that you use with a bolt!! LOL). Place one or two under each tile. This allows the powder to melt down over the sides without the melting powder making the tile stick to the foil.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiQHHb59I/AAAAAAAABEg/8_HKLZvxHfQ/s1600-h/GEDC1633%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1633" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiQjVb3cI/AAAAAAAABEk/rZT_Jm4JPfU/GEDC1633_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1633" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiQ_xF9LI/AAAAAAAABEo/rRUY6KD1NDQ/s1600-h/GEDC1631%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1631" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiRcfWIDI/AAAAAAAABEs/KjBeN3tyboI/GEDC1631_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1631" width="454" /></a> <br />
Once the tiles had a chance to cool down it was time to secure them to the frame. I wanted to make sure that the spacing was equal, so I used tile spacers and then I glued the tiles to the frame. I used my favorite glue, E6000, to adhere the tiles.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiRi8bh0I/AAAAAAAABEw/h7NBwZHybDE/s1600-h/E6000%20glue%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="E6000 glue" border="0" height="211" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiR-9uV1I/AAAAAAAABE0/hekgSgC8xvY/E6000%20glue_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="E6000 glue" width="211" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiSLT8fNI/AAAAAAAABE4/-mv_dtiWZEk/s1600-h/GEDC1637%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1637" border="0" height="341" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiSjyDMsI/AAAAAAAABE8/jefzUi_BN6E/GEDC1637_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1637" width="454" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiTDqstOI/AAAAAAAABFA/UkZvDd5nRYg/s1600-h/GEDC1638%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1638" border="0" height="341" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiTXUBfKI/AAAAAAAABFE/MqXfm_b09sY/GEDC1638_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1638" width="454" /></a> <br />
I also decided to add a little “bling” to some of the letters.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiT5knxBI/AAAAAAAABFI/A3Il1siLRRA/s1600-h/GEDC1641%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1641" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiUQH7bgI/AAAAAAAABFM/fNPx_UQOx3k/GEDC1641_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1641" width="454" /></a> <br />
Once the glue had time to set up I removed the spacers and “called ‘er done”! I absolutely LOVED it, and couldn’t wait to deliver it to the newlyweds… Oh! Guess I better get some packing done!!!<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiUj8jaqI/AAAAAAAABFQ/JRQgJXxmaaw/s1600-h/GEDC1653%5B8%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1653" border="0" height="341" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiVUWTHEI/AAAAAAAABFU/mmvpbGsH08I/GEDC1653_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1653" width="454" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiVqrJBZI/AAAAAAAABFY/GkXzJ652Vjg/s1600-h/GEDC1649%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1649" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiWCgcfQI/AAAAAAAABFc/ycU3DPA_c7s/GEDC1649_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1649" width="454" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiWQJcfEI/AAAAAAAABFg/d1HOFvxeG2o/s1600-h/GEDC1650%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1650" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiWtV8TpI/AAAAAAAABFk/nY2ICCU_cxY/GEDC1650_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1650" width="454" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Perfect gift for the perfect couple… <strong>M</strong>att <strong>&</strong> <strong>S</strong>tacey <strong>Bates</strong>, <strong>Est</strong>ablished<strong> 2010</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiW6SGgTI/AAAAAAAABFo/OkQGFgxGvDA/s1600-h/GEDC1652%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1652" border="0" height="440" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNtiXWNsYXI/AAAAAAAABFs/HWWvtNPxAb8/GEDC1652_thumb%5B12%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1652" width="454" /></a> <br />
They loved it, but I forgot to take a picture of them with it. Hopefully I can get one once they return from their honeymoon.<br />
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As far as I know, this idea is original with me... at least I have not seen it anyplace else, so if you end up making something like this, but sure to give me a shout-out (along with my link) on your post, and of course let me see a picture of what you came up with. I would LOVE to see what you do!!!!<br />
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I'm linking up to the following parties:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lifeaslori.blogspot.com/"><span style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Get Your Craft On Thurs. - Life as Lori</strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1508861104"></span><a href="http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/search/label/Show%20Off%20Your%20Stuff%20Party"><span style="background-color: white;"><strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Show off Your Stuff Party @ Fireflies and Jellybeans<span id="goog_1508861105"></span></span></span></strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1508861115"></span><a href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/"><span style="background-color: white;"><strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Transformation Thursdays @ The Shabby Chic Cottage<span id="goog_1508861116"></span></span></span></strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><span style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Hookin' Up with House of Hepworths Every Thursday</strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/"><span style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Saturday Nite Special</strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/"><span style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Sunday Showcase Party - Under the Table and Dreaming</strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><span style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Metamorphosis Monday - Between Naps on the Porch</strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/search/label/show%20and%20tell"><span style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Show and Tell Saturdays - Be Different Act Normal</strong></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><a href="http://lambaround.blogspot.com/"><span style="background-color: white; color: #990000;">Not "Baaad" Sundays - Lamb Around</span></a></strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/11/signs-themed-linkup.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FKCcu+%28Funky+Junk+Interiors%29"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000;">Saturday</span><span style="color: #990000;"> Nite Special - Funky Junk</span><span style="color: #990000;"> Interiors</span></span></a></span></strong><br />
<a href="http://hopestudios.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000;">Tutorial Tuesday</span><span style="color: #990000;"> - With Hope Studios</span></span></strong></span></a></div><br />
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="http://s778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/?action=view&current=Forsignature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature" border="0" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/Forsignature-1.png" /></a>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612444783386527245noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272539521155473505.post-26614530908856712452010-11-08T22:23:00.001-08:002010-11-08T22:30:32.904-08:00Here Comes The Bride!<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjopdy2dQI/AAAAAAAABAs/RcPHhTRC0CQ/s1600-h/GEDC1730%5B3%5D.jpg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="GEDC1730" border="0" height="200" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjop7B3n0I/AAAAAAAABAw/vWs7-6u5c7Q/GEDC1730_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1730" width="150" /></a>This past weekend we had the privilege of attending my niece, Stacey's wedding. Our family (hubby, daughter, son-in-law, grandson, my Mom, sister Cheryl, and brother-in-law Olan) all hopped on a plane and headed to sunny San Diego, CA. Stacey and Matt were married outside. Although the weather earlier in the week had reached record highs, by Saturday, it was absolutely perfect California weather. The pictures pretty much speak for themselves showing how beautiful the setting was, how gorgeous the bride was, and of course how cute the little ring bearer was!!!! Everything was amazing, and we all had a wonderful time!!! A few of these pictures were borrowed from photos that one of their friends posted on Facebook. (Since we were not sitting on the center aisle I was not able to catch some of those shots.)<br />
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Look at this backdrop… isn’t it gorgeous!!??<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjofOw5fOI/AAAAAAAAA-8/i5ZLxHwUUxM/s1600-h/GEDC1686%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1686" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjofXDL73I/AAAAAAAAA_A/5O6s8Yq3cJc/GEDC1686_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1686" width="364" /></a><br />
Noah carried my Dad’s bible (Grandfather to the bride) who passed away last year. Tied on the bible was the wedding ring of Stacey’s Dad who passed away when she was only 4 years old.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjogHmAA6I/AAAAAAAAA_E/xgYjjU42hr4/s1600-h/73492_455493464651_500939651_5605143_5774839_n%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="73492_455493464651_500939651_5605143_5774839_n" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjogednxBI/AAAAAAAAA_I/aBH2efSdvsg/73492_455493464651_500939651_5605143_5774839_n_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="73492_455493464651_500939651_5605143_5774839_n" width="364" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjog_WrgHI/AAAAAAAAA_M/y2BIjuHjtzI/s1600-h/GEDC1803%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1803" border="0" height="327" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjohKRZJBI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/bLjhvQDklhA/GEDC1803_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1803" width="435" /></a><br />
Stacey’s nieces… Avalyn and Brinley.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjohnzLynI/AAAAAAAAA_U/GkOstgj4M4U/s1600-h/76593_455493484651_500939651_5605144_7270874_n%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="76593_455493484651_500939651_5605144_7270874_n" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjoh4h-_xI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/_H0LSXLCHpk/76593_455493484651_500939651_5605144_7270874_n_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="76593_455493484651_500939651_5605144_7270874_n" width="364" /></a><br />
My brother-in-law John became Stacey’s Dad when she was only 7 years old.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjoiNUd2YI/AAAAAAAAA_c/vURc70DRerU/s1600-h/150264_455493514651_500939651_5605146_4223437_n%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="150264_455493514651_500939651_5605146_4223437_n" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjoivg05mI/AAAAAAAAA_g/DtWeEkDMuSE/150264_455493514651_500939651_5605146_4223437_n_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="150264_455493514651_500939651_5605146_4223437_n" width="364" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjoi_wO_CI/AAAAAAAAA_k/NOjgiP53JTo/s1600-h/76781_455493594651_500939651_5605150_6899223_n%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="76781_455493594651_500939651_5605150_6899223_n" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjojbriGOI/AAAAAAAAA_o/IvG2XRsAQNc/76781_455493594651_500939651_5605150_6899223_n_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="76781_455493594651_500939651_5605150_6899223_n" width="364" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjojtNOYkI/AAAAAAAAA_s/pL4q2Z4z9WA/s1600-h/GEDC1708%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1708" border="0" height="281" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjoj84jFTI/AAAAAAAAA_w/g9Twy8JDMjQ/GEDC1708_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1708" width="374" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjokf90PbI/AAAAAAAAA_0/P_r-LB9TbQ4/s1600-h/GEDC1709%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1709" border="0" height="284" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjoksuoZSI/AAAAAAAAA_4/lj41uO6p7Z0/GEDC1709_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1709" width="378" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjolALMZnI/AAAAAAAAA_8/TWCDv5H7zxU/s1600-h/148872_455493649651_500939651_5605155_5001802_n%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="148872_455493649651_500939651_5605155_5001802_n" border="0" height="505" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjolsPjUrI/AAAAAAAABAA/Dizwn8QdGQs/148872_455493649651_500939651_5605155_5001802_n_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="148872_455493649651_500939651_5605155_5001802_n" width="380" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjolzQHubI/AAAAAAAABAE/S6IA_cuvCIw/s1600-h/GEDC1812%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1812" border="0" height="370" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjomPqce3I/AAAAAAAABAI/oPYKP0M7JJQ/GEDC1812_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1812" width="492" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjomgD1q6I/AAAAAAAABAM/51ut_EYCA1A/s1600-h/GEDC1719%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1719" border="0" height="261" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjom0M0wZI/AAAAAAAABAQ/C1MFtfUWBxk/GEDC1719_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1719" width="347" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjonKo0TkI/AAAAAAAABAU/l8SL3CIJpgI/s1600-h/GEDC1721%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1721" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjonnzHvoI/AAAAAAAABAY/RgQgWCcT_fI/GEDC1721_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1721" width="364" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjon3UpWeI/AAAAAAAABAc/5eL2Blkl1lE/s1600-h/GEDC1722%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1722" border="0" height="369" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjooUO7dbI/AAAAAAAABAg/dq13aoE9HN8/GEDC1722_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1722" width="491" /></a><br />
Noah along with the 2 flower girls and Jr. Bridesmaid (also Stacey’s niece).<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjoo0t-D7I/AAAAAAAABAk/nu8VtHJniXE/s1600-h/GEDC1725%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1725" border="0" height="368" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjopOIZvFI/AAAAAAAABAo/arCQvFKnQyc/GEDC1725_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1725" width="489" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjopdy2dQI/AAAAAAAABAs/RcPHhTRC0CQ/s1600-h/GEDC1730%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1730" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjop7B3n0I/AAAAAAAABAw/vWs7-6u5c7Q/GEDC1730_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1730" width="364" /></a> <br />
My sister (Bonnie) and brother-in-law (John) along with the happy couple.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjoqWJG7gI/AAAAAAAABA0/IcV7m5otNLY/s1600-h/GEDC1731%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1731" border="0" height="354" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjoqjjLKCI/AAAAAAAABA4/XgoqCsjPq8g/GEDC1731_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1731" width="471" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjorDV_nlI/AAAAAAAABA8/oXvsDgaGU8s/s1600-h/GEDC1733%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1733" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjorUnYZbI/AAAAAAAABBA/l6k25IaMXaU/GEDC1733_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1733" width="364" /></a><br />
“Killer shoes”!!!!<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjori_Zv9I/AAAAAAAABBE/xZfjptbfJUE/s1600-h/GEDC1734%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1734" border="0" height="324" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjosHiSb2I/AAAAAAAABBI/V0Mh7lS-f_8/GEDC1734_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1734" width="435" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjosbGAnoI/AAAAAAAABBM/SDTxKvcdaZA/s1600-h/GEDC1736%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1736" border="0" height="363" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjosmONGoI/AAAAAAAABBQ/lcLanNeOTYk/GEDC1736_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1736" width="483" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjotG7umNI/AAAAAAAABBU/9GqvdJS5o3w/s1600-h/GEDC1737%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1737" border="0" height="361" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjot1xHpdI/AAAAAAAABBY/DSeOUsI-XuI/GEDC1737_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1737" width="480" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjouDOz_2I/AAAAAAAABBc/PMxhCLqx0Qg/s1600-h/GEDC1739%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1739" border="0" height="300" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjouTIPhXI/AAAAAAAABBg/S90Bubt6u-Q/GEDC1739_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1739" width="398" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjou9dCCQI/AAAAAAAABBk/MwjEYT8yfwE/s1600-h/GEDC1740%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1740" border="0" height="302" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjovAiC7MI/AAAAAAAABBo/PmwfbZOWcCw/GEDC1740_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1740" width="402" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjovUP786I/AAAAAAAABBs/vx93yh4VtpM/s1600-h/GEDC1741%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1741" border="0" height="420" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjov6kUyAI/AAAAAAAABBw/pcVU3VRjOck/GEDC1741_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1741" width="316" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjowcTI-aI/AAAAAAAABB0/sld2hU5QFck/s1600-h/GEDC1743%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1743" border="0" height="242" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjowkbWPYI/AAAAAAAABB4/-PwkgAG_puA/GEDC1743_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1743" width="322" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjoxIWBsaI/AAAAAAAABB8/6TQi6T49BQ0/s1600-h/GEDC1745%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1745" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjoxedC-kI/AAAAAAAABCA/dI342Hx3vX0/GEDC1745_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1745" width="364" /></a><br />
Noah with Great Grandma and Great Grandpa’s Bible.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjoxzC1vUI/AAAAAAAABCE/DlyWmZ6Wo9g/s1600-h/GEDC1749%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1749" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjoyJf7B2I/AAAAAAAABCI/NU_gAVDiRcw/GEDC1749_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1749" width="364" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjoyXrnp6I/AAAAAAAABCM/gsbIlADKPdk/s1600-h/GEDC1761%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1761" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjoyzimUoI/AAAAAAAABCQ/XtlqMsOFDaM/GEDC1761_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1761" width="364" /></a> <br />
Grandma with her little man.<br />
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Anyone that knows my hubby knows that this is his “signature move”… a little squeeze on the cheek.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjozr2fSiI/AAAAAAAABCc/jYuchUyltp4/s1600-h/GEDC1778%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1778" border="0" height="360" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjozwj7xPI/AAAAAAAABCg/ZP0rfuFy3UU/GEDC1778_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1778" width="478" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjo0ej5QCI/AAAAAAAABCk/z-9n0ujFR8o/s1600-h/GEDC1796%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="GEDC1796" border="0" height="359" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TNjo1ADMW9I/AAAAAAAABCo/IsyLQVlSkfs/GEDC1796_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="GEDC1796" width="478" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: CAC Champagne; font-size: large;">Welcome to the family Matt… we wish you and Stacey the <u>very best</u>!!!! Love you both!!!</span>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612444783386527245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272539521155473505.post-25841815867259463612010-11-01T07:59:00.000-07:002010-11-16T09:32:25.745-08:00Mom’s Birthday Bash - 90 YEARS!!!First of all, I want to thank every single person that responded to my "Can Ya? Could Ya? Would Ya?" posting and sent a card or message to my Mom. I couldn't have done it without you, and <u>trust me</u>, she absolutely LOVED every single one. We had about 100 cards/messages, but since MANY of the cards had multiple names on them there were well over 250 people that sent their greetings!!! <strong>Make sure you read all the way to the bottom for a "thank you" note from Mom!</strong><br />
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WOW! What a day!!!! Mom’s 90th birthday celebration could NOT have gone any better!!!! Everything went just has we had planned, and even had a surprise thrown in for US!!! Although I want to share the day with everyone, this posting is also so the I can have a record for myself. After all, how many people have the opportunity to celebrate their parent’s 90 birthday. Although we were able to celebrate Dad’s 90th birthday, we were in the midst of our “long goodbye”, so it was quite different. Mom is in great health, so other than getting a little tired during the day she was able to keep up with us just fine! So on with the details and pictures!!!<br />
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This celebration has been in the works for months by us girls. (BTW, Mom has four daughters, 12 grandchildren, soon to be 20 great grandchildren!!) Since two of the daughters are out of town, it was left up to Cheryl and I to work out all the details. We both took the day off of work in order to carry out all the plans, so the two of us, along with our hubbies were kept quite busy all day long.<br />
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Cheryl and I had written some poems that would give her clues about what would be happening throughout the day. "THE PLAN"... Start her day at 9:00 AM, and do something every <strong><u>90</u></strong> minutes throughout the day. The night before Mom's birthday I went to Cheryl's house so we could get everything organized for the "BIG" day. <br />
<ul><li>Signs made up... CHECK!</li>
<li>Gift bags/boxes put together... CHECK!</li>
<li>90+ cards/messages received for Mom... CHECK!</li>
<li>Poems written and placed with each package... CHECK!</li>
<li>Balloons blown up... CHECK!</li>
<li>Flowers purchased and ready for delivery... CHECK!</li>
<li>Cake picked up... CHECK!</li>
<li>EXCITED for the BIG DAY... CHECK!!!!!! (I think Cheryl and I were as excited about pulling this off as Mom would be when everything started happening!!)</li>
</ul><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4xhBf6g9I/AAAAAAAAA8c/JFrInM6Z3s0/s1600-h/For%20blog%20prep%204%5B6%5D.png"></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4xixjohFI/AAAAAAAAA8g/jrWMvCfs__s/s1600-h/For%20blog%20prep%201%5B19%5D.png"><img alt="For blog prep 1" border="0" height="522" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4xkp5KtiI/AAAAAAAAA8k/R8JLvE_AMn4/For%20blog%20prep%201_thumb%5B13%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="For blog prep 1" width="392" /></a> <br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4xm376cyI/AAAAAAAAA8o/fAih9rGQFsQ/s1600-h/For%20blog%20prep%202%5B13%5D.png"><img alt="For blog prep 2" border="0" height="389" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4xoPL8TyI/AAAAAAAAA8s/3iaC0_B6Qsk/For%20blog%20prep%202_thumb%5B9%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="For blog prep 2" width="389" /></a><br />
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At 8:15 AM the day began for Cheryl, myself, and our husbands.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4xqlKi1lI/AAAAAAAAA8w/siWk4Uundn8/s1600-h/For%20blog%20prep%203%5B16%5D.png"><img alt="For blog prep 3" border="0" height="559" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4xstEN4lI/AAAAAAAAA80/Y7B-Ul7Q_F4/For%20blog%20prep%203_thumb%5B10%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="For blog prep 3" width="390" /></a> <br />
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At 8:30 we placed the flowers and balloons outside of her door. Once we were set up we rang her doorbell and ran! We hid in a guest area and listened for her to open her door. Ahhhhhh!! Sweet success... The day had begun. <br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4xtD3CDzI/AAAAAAAAA84/7BWXhjPXouM/s1600-h/CIMG1257%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="CIMG1257" border="0" height="514" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4xtoInLrI/AAAAAAAAA88/de22c0FEGqk/CIMG1257_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="CIMG1257" width="385" /></a> <br />
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This is the poem that was in the flowers.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4xuDShTxI/AAAAAAAAA9A/MQkmqUsyowc/s1600-h/poems%201%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="poems 1" border="0" height="524" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4xuh1eFrI/AAAAAAAAA9E/vB20k4iJcgo/poems%201_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="poems 1" width="394" /></a> <br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">9:00 AM</span></strong> - Mom steps out of the elevator - right on time!!!<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4xhBf6g9I/AAAAAAAAA9I/LMviYZ705-4/s1600-h/For%20blog%20prep%204%5B8%5D.png"><img alt="For blog prep 4" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4xxtaUm4I/AAAAAAAAA9Q/LTjy4fpuvgk/For%20blog%20prep%204_thumb%5B4%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="For blog prep 4" width="386" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4xy_1eQmI/AAAAAAAAA9U/186i16feOls/s1600-h/For%20blog%20coffee%20shop%5B8%5D.png"><img alt="For blog coffee shop" border="0" height="749" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4x1Cm5dmI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/dxfaO3L6bhk/For%20blog%20coffee%20shop_thumb%5B6%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="For blog coffee shop" width="380" /></a> <br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">10:30 AM</span></strong> - We give Mom her next package. It was so funny that everyone in the coffee shop was just as excited as her to find out what would be happening. They all wanted to know what was planned throughout the day!<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4x1-WCy5I/AAAAAAAAA9g/FYN-7amvsbA/s1600-h/Poem%202%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="Poem 2" border="0" height="523" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4x2ZCeURI/AAAAAAAAA9k/C6Ref9E-9dE/Poem%202_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="Poem 2" width="385" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4x33lWUQI/AAAAAAAAA9o/yd5ROekiA5k/s1600-h/For%20blog%20coffee%20shop%202nd%20pkg%5B7%5D.png"><img alt="For blog coffee shop 2nd pkg" border="0" height="558" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4x51oTeLI/AAAAAAAAA9s/Bye1hG3Lh7s/For%20blog%20coffee%20shop%202nd%20pkg_thumb%5B5%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="For blog coffee shop 2nd pkg" width="377" /></a><br />
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At about 10:45 we walked Mom back up to her apartment, and suggested that perhaps she get a little rest before her lunch date arrived. While there I received a call from the family friend (Carolyn) who was planning to take her to lunch. I stepped outside of Mom's apartment in order to talk to her. This was the conversation:<br />
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Carolyn: "Debbie... what are you and Cheryl doing for lunch?"<br />
Me.: "Well, nothing really... we just have to set up her apartment for the next event."<br />
Carolyn: "You want to go to lunch with us?"<br />
Me: "Oh, I don't know, this was supposed to be your time with her."<br />
Carolyn: "I've got a stretch limo to take us to lunch."<br />
Me: "WHAT??????"<br />
Carolyn: "Yep... I called to rent it and they said they had a 6 passenger limo. I said, 'NOPE! It has got to be the BIG one!!'"<br />
Me: <em>By this time I was DYING laughing</em>. "You've GOT TO BE KIDDING!!!!???"<br />
Carolyn: "They told me the stretch limo had not been cleaned, so I paid to get it cleaned too!! We're going to be there at exactly 12:00!!!!<br />
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<em>Seriously - I think SHE was as excited about this as me, or the thought of the look on Mom's face!!!</em><br />
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So, Cheryl and I promptly decided that our husbands could take care of the next set up, and decided to join Mom and Carolyn for lunch. We left Mom to rest in her apartment (wondering what in the heck was going on), and we headed back downstairs to give detailed instructions to our hubbies. A few minutes before noon Mom came back down and was surprised to find us sitting there. We kept her back to the window and waited for them to arrive. Once they pulled up we made Mom close her eyes and we walked her outside. She wasn't allowed to look until the limo was in place and Carolyn had gotten out to greet her. The look on Mom's face was PRICELESS!!! We climbed into the limo and off we went - to Red Lobster!! LOL!!! Carolyn thought of everything, including some "Sparkling Water" (since we don't drink). SUCH FUN!!!! I loved looking out the window and watching people trying to see in and wonder what "celebrity" was inside. Well it was MOM of course!!!!!! She was "Queen for the Day!!"<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4x7aa2SvI/AAAAAAAAA9w/s2AISN5iQfo/s1600-h/For%20blog%20Red%20Lobster%5B5%5D.png"><img alt="For blog Red Lobster" border="0" height="583" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4x9YOj6AI/AAAAAAAAA90/MVpMcF9jB68/For%20blog%20Red%20Lobster_thumb%5B3%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="For blog Red Lobster" width="376" /></a><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">1:30 PM</span></strong> - We get back and walk Mom up to her apartment. The guys did a TERRIFIC job of decorating, filling her apartment with all the balloons, and having the next package ready for her. <br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4x-RpUdqI/AAAAAAAAA94/5qrFHoMp-k8/s1600-h/Poem%203%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Poem 3" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4x-zwL83I/AAAAAAAAA98/fQCpEhYl47Q/Poem%203_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="Poem 3" width="362" /></a> <br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4yAeF4rCI/AAAAAAAAA-A/TbH14xRtRCg/s1600-h/For%20blog%20pillow%5B4%5D.png"><img alt="For blog pillow" border="0" height="535" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4yCbPxYZI/AAAAAAAAA-I/yEDESEGy674/For%20blog%20pillow_thumb%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="For blog pillow" width="360" /></a> <br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">3:00 PM</span></strong> - Mom was allowed to look for her next gift. It was the pretty box filled with all the wonderful cards and messages that everyone sent. In the end we had well over 100 cards/messages for her! I designed special paper for all the messages, so the box was filled with beautiful letters.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4yC3mJ9fI/AAAAAAAAA-M/dwUGl921e-Q/s1600-h/Poem%204%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="Poem 4" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4yDK8T5ZI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/4-IvyIyOctc/Poem%204_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="Poem 4" width="361" /></a> <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4yEi4l_ZI/AAAAAAAAA-U/vfAWBgrhF1E/s1600-h/Messages%20for%20Blog%5B4%5D.png"><img alt="Messages for Blog" border="0" height="565" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4yGbX2-gI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/3R_fJfyQ6WU/Messages%20for%20Blog_thumb%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="Messages for Blog" width="362" /></a> <br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4yIB7KlGI/AAAAAAAAA-c/bfuzwqkUHEo/s1600-h/For%20blog%20messages%202%5B3%5D.png"><img alt="For blog messages 2" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4yJyIOpCI/AAAAAAAAA-g/RF3G35Bi5WI/For%20blog%20messages%202_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="For blog messages 2" width="388" /></a><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">4:00 PM</span></strong> - Yes, I know it wasn't 90 minutes, but we had to give her time to get dressed for dinner! :-)<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4yKYeBKqI/AAAAAAAAA-k/WDYwq-Vk37Y/s1600-h/Poem%205%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="Poem 5" border="0" height="541" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4yK-GGQOI/AAAAAAAAA-o/lnn4SW7V0Eo/Poem%205_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="Poem 5" width="392" /></a> <br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">5:00 PM</span></strong> - Picked Mom up to go to dinner. She had NO idea where we were taking her. We had made reservations at a local dinner theatre for the evening. The dinner was delicious, and the musical (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) was lots of fun! We had arranged for the celebration package which included a balloon, non-alcoholic drink, cake, and having her name announced. Needless to say, when they announced that she was "Ninety" there was quite a round of applause!!<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4yMGSbDJI/AAAAAAAAA-s/pMh-egqqzHc/s1600-h/For%20blog%20play%5B4%5D.png"><img alt="For blog play" border="0" height="575" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM4yOJrsOQI/AAAAAAAAA-w/S-ej806FwzU/For%20blog%20play_thumb%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="For blog play" width="386" /></a><br />
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What a FABULOUS day!! It was a lot of work, but something I would do all over again in a heartbeat, just to see Mom's delight!! On Saturday she said, "I know that you girls put a lot of hard work into the day, but I want you to know that it was worth EVERY SECOND!!! It was the best day ever!!!"<br />
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Mom wanted to send her appreciation for all the cards and notes, so here is a "Thank You" from her.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM7RilErGLI/AAAAAAAAA-0/XVfeMpUfvrQ/s1600/Thank+you.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TM7RilErGLI/AAAAAAAAA-0/XVfeMpUfvrQ/s640/Thank+you.png" width="412" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">UPDATE: Our family traveled to CA to attend my niece's wedding the week after Mom's birthday. Since everyone could not be with her on her birthday, all the daughters and granddaughters (less one who was not able to come), surprised her with one more celebration. We all met at a beautiful restaurant overlooking the ocean and had another little party. My oldest sister, Joanne (who lives in AZ) had been putting together a pictorial book from the past 70 years (when Mom got married), through the present. She did a WONDERFUL job, and Mom was absolutely thrilled!!! Here's just a few pages out of that photo book - you can see that Joanne did a lot of great work on it!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TOK_bO2PYpI/AAAAAAAABGE/_18AnMFJv1U/s1600/book+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TOK_bO2PYpI/AAAAAAAABGE/_18AnMFJv1U/s320/book+cover.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;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TOK_EGWxa4I/AAAAAAAABF0/p0neUXtZQxQ/s1600/book+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TOK_EGWxa4I/AAAAAAAABF0/p0neUXtZQxQ/s320/book+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TOK_HFKz3-I/AAAAAAAABF4/Jdq7bKmgAs4/s1600/book+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TOK_HFKz3-I/AAAAAAAABF4/Jdq7bKmgAs4/s320/book+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TOK_LjpKs_I/AAAAAAAABF8/gCnML7ek9rs/s1600/book+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TOK_LjpKs_I/AAAAAAAABF8/gCnML7ek9rs/s320/book+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TOK_PK5fBGI/AAAAAAAABGA/Xg5wAIpe8WE/s1600/book+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TOK_PK5fBGI/AAAAAAAABGA/Xg5wAIpe8WE/s320/book+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></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="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sooooo, I guess that's about it for now. We'll have to get busy planning her 100th birthday before too long... it will be hard to outdo this celebration!! :-) </div><br />
<div align="left"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Linking up to: <a href="http://www.hopestudios.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss202/hopestudios/2-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://s778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/?action=view&current=Forsignature-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature" border="0" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/Forsignature-1.png" /></a>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612444783386527245noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4272539521155473505.post-72036686039205091442010-10-15T19:53:00.001-07:002010-11-16T12:06:29.493-08:00Can Ya? Could Ya? Would Ya?<span style="color: red;"></span><br />
Ok, here’s another unique/unusual post for ya. I’m wondering if I could solicit your help on something.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TLkTmXet7jI/AAAAAAAAA8M/xRE3oYBqY9c/s1600-h/071809_0959%5B5%5D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Jason Scott & Bethany Davies Wedding" border="0" height="291" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TLkTm4m6yEI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/WyZiQRH2g6k/071809_0959_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 15px 0px 0px;" title="Jason Scott & Bethany Davies Wedding" width="195" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">On October 29th my Mom is going to be 90 years old!!! Can you believe it??? No one thinks she looks 90!!! In fact, in 2005 – when she was 85 years old she had open heart surgery. When she was returned to her room, these are the things we heard from the nurses (now keep in mind – she was STILL hooked up to all the tubes and machines!!): </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">- Are you SURE she is 85? </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">There is NO way she is that old!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">- What does she use on her skin? We’ve never seen someone that old with such beautiful skin! (BTW – that was one of the first questions they asked her. What does she use? Dove!! Hahaha! She should be in a commercial!!) (</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Almost anyone that meets mom believes that she is in her 70s.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Mom’s only concern at that time was getting better and getting back home to take care of Dad who was in the midst of his “long good-bye”. They had been married for 64 years, and Dad, as always, was Mom’s number one priority. The final 4 years of their marriage were especially difficult on her as she devoted herself to his care. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TLkTnhX7F3I/AAAAAAAAA8U/582NvQbj8tA/s1600-h/Mom%20and%20dad%203%5B4%5D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="Mom and dad 3" border="0" height="276" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_5X1PqsvpfCU/TLkToBF1w-I/AAAAAAAAA8Y/7sxWdlWHPLU/Mom%20and%20dad%203_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="Mom and dad 3" width="208" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Last year Dad went home to be with the Lord, and after almost 69 years together, Mom was on her own. She has done really well. She moved out of the retirement cottage they had shared, into a beautiful apartment in the same facility, and has gotten involved in many activities around the Village. It’s funny that at 90 years old, she is more active now than she has been in years. She loves going to the coffee shop every day to meet with all her friends, and every evening they meet for dinner in the dining room. If you were to go to the grocery store with her you would be hard put to keep up with her. She loves to go “gallivanting” with us, and keeps up just fine!! There are four of us girls, and, to be quite frank, Mom is in better health than all of us!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Mom is TRULY my best friend. We talk almost every day She is the first person (after my husband of course) that I want to go to when I have problems and just need to talk. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">So what in the world does this have to do with YOU or this blog??? Welllllllll, as I said, Mom’s birthday is on the 29th of this month. We have quite a day planned out for her (all a BIG SURPRISE of course). We plan to start the day with the delivery of flowers – at 9:00 am – then we will do something every <strong><u>90 minutes</u></strong> throughout the day. Some of the things are simple – such as a heart-shaped box with <strong><u>90</u></strong> Hershey “Hugs and Kisses”. At one point we are going to give her a box filled with cards and notes. Today I got to thinking that it would be REALLY COOL if we could give her <strong><u>90 cards</u></strong> from old friends <u><strong>or perfect strangers</strong></u>. How awesome would that be to receive e-mail messages or cards from all over the country – most of them from people you don’t even know??? I know it would mean so much to her!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">This is where <strong><u>YOU</u></strong> come in!!!! <strong><span style="color: purple;">Can ya? Could ya? Would ya?</span></strong> <span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>be willing to be one of those old friends or perfect strangers?</strong></span> Would you be willing to send her an e-mail message... or even a card (via ME) to put in the box for her? I can’t tell you how excited we would be to present her with such a unique gift. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">If you want to participate, could you please send an e-mail message to me? (If you want to participate with a card, just let me know and I will reply with my address so I can collect them all for her special day.) Those messages should be sent to: <a href="mailto:DScott585@woh.rr.com">DScott585@woh.rr.com</a>. Mom’s name is Carolyn Farnsworth, so those notes can be addressed to her. If you don't mind, can you please include what state or part of the country you are from, I think that will make it even more interesting. (I've already had one from Canada, and one from Germany... how cool is that???!!!!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">As I said, I know this is an unusual request, but hopefully it will be a lot of fun to participate in something that will bring joy to someone who has been such a source of joy to others for <strong><u>90 years</u></strong>!!! </span><br />
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<div align="center"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;"><strong>REMEMBER… 90 notes/cards from 90 people.</strong> </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;">You want to be one of those people???</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><a href="mailto:DScott585@woh.rr.com"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">DScott585@woh.rr.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><strong><em>Blessings to you all!!!!</em></strong></span><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>UPDATE 10/16/10</u>:</span></span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;">A few people have already jumped on the bandwagon by sending me e-mail messages to pass on to Mom. The first one to repond was Mel from Junkin' Junky. In fact, she even took it one step further by posting a little note and link back to me on her own blog. That was SO sweet of her to think of doing that. (BTW - she has an great Blog, so please go check her out... <a href="http://junkinjunky.blogspot.com/">Junkin' Junky</a>) If you would like to do the same thing (in order for me to ultimately get 90 responses), that would be awesome! (I should have thought of this request sooner!!!) I'm designing some pretty paper to print the messages on for her. WAHOO... I'm even having people participate by having their kids make cards for Mom... she is going to LOVE this!!!!!</span></em></strong><br />
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<div align="center"><span style="color: #38761d;"><strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">SO FAR WE HAVE: <span style="background-color: #ffd966;">6</span> <span style="background-color: #ffd966;">0</span> Messages for Mom</span></em></strong></span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #38761d;">Mandy over at "Sugar Bee-Craft Edition" and Sherry at "Southern Girl Creations" are being kind enough to let me post this information on their sites. Please go check them out!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a border="0" href="http://www.craftedition.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjzZ1M1Qh-A/THxI7fshPSI/AAAAAAAAZDs/yJ7qafJTTkQ/s800/takealookbutton.png" /></a> <a href="http://southerngirlcreations.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="southerngirlcreations" src="http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy236/southerngirlcreations/southern%20girl%20creations/banner_125x125.jpg" /></a><br />
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<em><strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><u>FINAL UPDATE</u></span></strong></em><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">WE DID IT!!!!!!!</span> I now have OVER 90 messages/cards for Mom!! Thank you to everyone who responded to my request. Special thanks to Sherry (Southern Girl Creations) who went out of her way to help reach that goal!! (She took cards into work and had people sign them AND also had co-workers send me e-mail messages.) </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><strong>THANKS AGAIN! Be sure to check back for pictures and an update on Mom's special day!!</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/Forsignature-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="78" src="http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/DJScott4/Blogspot%20backgrounds/Forsignature-1.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"></span>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00612444783386527245noreply@blogger.com8