tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22049421715745992802024-03-05T21:13:25.204-08:00sleepless in SandyGenellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476356716619935798noreply@blogger.comBlogger152125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204942171574599280.post-80801380416902898532011-10-31T09:39:00.000-07:002011-10-31T09:39:00.394-07:00Bazaar preview<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last year was my first experience selling at holiday bazaars. I did two, and loved them so much! I think because it's like playing store. Half the fun is setting up my table display, making it all pretty and organized. I was hooked. So I've officially signed up for one this year, and tomorrow I'm mailing my registration for another. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The first one of the year is this coming weekend! And it's two days long! I love that idea. Same amount of work setting up, but two days worth of sales! Here are the details:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">St. Paul of Damascus Lutheran Church</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">24510 SE Hwy. 212</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Boring, OR 97089</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Friday Nov. 4th 1pm-8pm</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Saturday Nov. 5th 9am-4pm</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://stpaulofdamascuslutheranchurch.web.officelive.com/HolidayBazaar.aspx">Here's</a> a link to the flier with more information.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, naturally, I've been getting <i>very </i>crafty. I'll be bringing lots of new things to see how they sell! My absolute favorite things to make so far are wreaths!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've always loved wreaths for all seasons. Especially unique ones. I have a fall one hanging on my door, a feather one in my living room, and usually we have several displayed around Christmas time- my favorite is a lavender beaded one. I know it doesn't sound Christmas-y, but it works with our decor! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyNN7HTgWyzNKcZ7YvtvxadY1oZP2vqpYjLzNLHNwm1I_-QfxT_EFrDbUJBFRAP8k1YAzlxfC9uoKKYMp5mAl4slvJTt2aLLz2jlo44jNOq55Z0efJarsxlxzhvjHENx7Pu0ckC9AFqE/s1600/wreath1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyNN7HTgWyzNKcZ7YvtvxadY1oZP2vqpYjLzNLHNwm1I_-QfxT_EFrDbUJBFRAP8k1YAzlxfC9uoKKYMp5mAl4slvJTt2aLLz2jlo44jNOq55Z0efJarsxlxzhvjHENx7Pu0ckC9AFqE/s400/wreath1.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;">These twig wreaths are embellished with a variety of leaves, glittered pinecones, satin flowers, feathers, beads, buttons and tulle. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinm9jCGG7YiQ_1Iel8brluDDC-U4sFRxyPnqhUxRt-R-IXVySiwi1ILu5klv1rFQ0vY9lVjtT9qhgDWsQo7D_jxcF0A9FXBIotsNzE002wMg2kfo6UO6be6e8kZnxga441JcqUvzDdt8c/s1600/wreath5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinm9jCGG7YiQ_1Iel8brluDDC-U4sFRxyPnqhUxRt-R-IXVySiwi1ILu5klv1rFQ0vY9lVjtT9qhgDWsQo7D_jxcF0A9FXBIotsNzE002wMg2kfo6UO6be6e8kZnxga441JcqUvzDdt8c/s400/wreath5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK52TMEFbY6tYW8HSnb4fyP1urH2N2pW_wrMHkUyHohpxKg-QzUEI9GpMEI-T1FKiLNRF8h7491ZVNN_F5RNNxhR5im7II3qlCdI9zYA0tuyfE8ySPXfhGvJ8DOAP0QS9u60aR_kOT5mI/s1600/wreath8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK52TMEFbY6tYW8HSnb4fyP1urH2N2pW_wrMHkUyHohpxKg-QzUEI9GpMEI-T1FKiLNRF8h7491ZVNN_F5RNNxhR5im7II3qlCdI9zYA0tuyfE8ySPXfhGvJ8DOAP0QS9u60aR_kOT5mI/s400/wreath8.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;">These were such a refreshing creative outlet for me! Something different than my usual sewing. I've been having a blast with my glue gun.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1WrlyTPaCtxAmu0QF8fGBjIAphrlEWPJl0LKGEz-Wu75fVSUv6mbcXoBs0SeVaFKMqiaaGqp8mE1ePzNKzsvc8-EHqy0DLgTdbIHNcSpPbfNGHRkCI3TaZulHGW0PWI_YAs07vr7-WE/s1600/wreath11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1WrlyTPaCtxAmu0QF8fGBjIAphrlEWPJl0LKGEz-Wu75fVSUv6mbcXoBs0SeVaFKMqiaaGqp8mE1ePzNKzsvc8-EHqy0DLgTdbIHNcSpPbfNGHRkCI3TaZulHGW0PWI_YAs07vr7-WE/s400/wreath11.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;">This is a shabby chic fabric scrap wreath! Embellished with a bow and flower. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxBS-ZX1MNVAG68EduLe8KEOVNhxTyh8VkhG9jkParQYmfGf2WOiL6aAwIG79jYdrNc8J9WxRRllY8DUOLZof8Pn8LuHgaO771O4xTaFBFyahbhjarShS9o6LN6jl_myOMr_JnA53rQM/s1600/wreath13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxBS-ZX1MNVAG68EduLe8KEOVNhxTyh8VkhG9jkParQYmfGf2WOiL6aAwIG79jYdrNc8J9WxRRllY8DUOLZof8Pn8LuHgaO771O4xTaFBFyahbhjarShS9o6LN6jl_myOMr_JnA53rQM/s320/wreath13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've seen tulle wreaths on <a href="http://pinterest.com/genelle/">pinterest</a> lately and fallen in love with them. I just so happened to have a fair amount of peacock colored tulle lying around... thanks to my halloween bunco costume...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHdTHFxCUqZ1GDBwcPOpFbluNnOVWMq9oWwMOnPGwGfTkqu9RcDHTkJnuQCRetWm4xMqLDlzB_uuasJcmLDGsG6wsfdyMgOb6FT5gI9Blvczg3bMDet16JHyIfM_mGiRJ6fs8USJwg5M/s1600/wreath14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHdTHFxCUqZ1GDBwcPOpFbluNnOVWMq9oWwMOnPGwGfTkqu9RcDHTkJnuQCRetWm4xMqLDlzB_uuasJcmLDGsG6wsfdyMgOb6FT5gI9Blvczg3bMDet16JHyIfM_mGiRJ6fs8USJwg5M/s320/wreath14.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;">And you all know I love repurposing! So here is my first peacock tulle wreath. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9dJCDh7PZvH_xzcgWrTyNvvZD4iLjDCFSlbxgkPJlPKP74y_nuLECPhxtEgQtOkk8F5-VUI2boWHBoYi3PLGWZGszdBOAVG_wIBfGnCbqVHbO81y3gyqukqbdfBGhCIfAKKyXdab0XA/s1600/wreath15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9dJCDh7PZvH_xzcgWrTyNvvZD4iLjDCFSlbxgkPJlPKP74y_nuLECPhxtEgQtOkk8F5-VUI2boWHBoYi3PLGWZGszdBOAVG_wIBfGnCbqVHbO81y3gyqukqbdfBGhCIfAKKyXdab0XA/s320/wreath15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just love it. I think a peacock Christmas would be fabulous.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dyl_Ws5wiVnAnf7YvIow9HOb2hvZqvVGRa77B5Fu2al900COWMlES5so_yVNpX8q1KpWUkptonCiBiOZAjBZfDqpEPLPAgkoTyH26rvqYassc3a0kSzeg7k3TzqaTczgdv0bRvaXK-o/s1600/hair1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dyl_Ws5wiVnAnf7YvIow9HOb2hvZqvVGRa77B5Fu2al900COWMlES5so_yVNpX8q1KpWUkptonCiBiOZAjBZfDqpEPLPAgkoTyH26rvqYassc3a0kSzeg7k3TzqaTczgdv0bRvaXK-o/s320/hair1.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;">While I was having fun making satin flowers I decided to make some hair clips. Here they are, clipped to my fall garland. So fun and glam!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijyLT-1vEOx_SyFNfqg2rwvDGB9qcknpK6QCKTY4LFtsumtYplWazkmRfGQHSkp6eqWsoSlbzhXVOcLCyT6IB-iSk6n2gqz7mbAnhNC9gKRU9fW5W8RVqY2HSyQli226rSVNammFnUTQw/s1600/snackbags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijyLT-1vEOx_SyFNfqg2rwvDGB9qcknpK6QCKTY4LFtsumtYplWazkmRfGQHSkp6eqWsoSlbzhXVOcLCyT6IB-iSk6n2gqz7mbAnhNC9gKRU9fW5W8RVqY2HSyQli226rSVNammFnUTQw/s320/snackbags.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;">Of course I'll also have my usual items: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sleeplessinsandy?section_id=10584685">reusable snack bags</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sleeplessinsandy?section_id=10584879">stuffed owls</a>, tons of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sleeplessinsandy?section_id=7672464">coffee cozies</a>... and most likely ducks and beavers embellished onesies, super cute ironing board covers, embellished wipes cases, pretty sleep masks, maybe even a diaper cake or two! I just love making them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A great friend will be joining me and bringing her gorgeous knitted hats, baby headbands, and possibly little girls peasant blouses! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Should be lots of fun. Come stop by if you're local! I'd love visitors! </div>Genellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476356716619935798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204942171574599280.post-40760190401390375522011-10-30T16:34:00.000-07:002011-10-30T16:36:43.320-07:00Pumpkin cupcakes with salted caramel buttercream...oh, and some veggies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today it is raining sideways. Perfect day to stay in my yoga pants (don't know why they're called that.... I never do yoga in them) and bake. I pinned this recipe forever ago, and it was just what I was hoping for on a day like today. Pumpkin, since halloween is tomorrow, and <i>salted caramel buttercream! </i>Because there is no better combination. <a href="http://www.madeinmelskitchen.com/2010/10/pumpkin-cupcakes-with-salted-caramel-buttercrea/">Here</a> is the original recipe. I sprinkled some with cinnamon and some with my gorgeous pink sea salt from hawaii. Also I used fresh pumpkin instead of canned. For the first time this year I made a pumpkin pie with fresh pumpkin~ and it yielded about double what I needed for the pie. So I froze the rest and it came in so handy today!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE67btex27gYpoZPRXncNjlmVaFmiSi_Qt3Hso4rcvRSWDU8SjcNVeiAk1B0e9aF0adyBvcMmWLBuPrnXS5DZVJ-h8fx60k1Frg7q4qfh1l4CWlGNM29ztH1MSFc_57fGi-DLIg9uHh3A/s1600/cupcakes2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE67btex27gYpoZPRXncNjlmVaFmiSi_Qt3Hso4rcvRSWDU8SjcNVeiAk1B0e9aF0adyBvcMmWLBuPrnXS5DZVJ-h8fx60k1Frg7q4qfh1l4CWlGNM29ztH1MSFc_57fGi-DLIg9uHh3A/s400/cupcakes2.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've somehow resisted eating one (so far) but I did lick a bit of frosting off my finger... <b>so</b> scrumptious.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8-mj2nEfTnSLfjtwez9dW1c0wjdMbBBvflPjEBaFUThrwlYM95xQBape9Y4_JAj-1ia70EG4Vk61YqjBaol-FvQuAkOUd5qYxWcRrWhtW7juUGLhpCdEoSKZRKcQ8MbDM55nbpgwtnE/s1600/cupcakes1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8-mj2nEfTnSLfjtwez9dW1c0wjdMbBBvflPjEBaFUThrwlYM95xQBape9Y4_JAj-1ia70EG4Vk61YqjBaol-FvQuAkOUd5qYxWcRrWhtW7juUGLhpCdEoSKZRKcQ8MbDM55nbpgwtnE/s400/cupcakes1.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;">I think they'll be perfect after our chili feast and trick or treating tomorrow! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Again, click <a href="http://www.madeinmelskitchen.com/2010/10/pumpkin-cupcakes-with-salted-caramel-buttercrea/">here</a> to visit <a href="http://www.madeinmelskitchen.com/">made in melissa's kitchen</a> for the recipe!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And to balance the cupcakes.... something healthy. But still delicious! I know I've said this before, but roasting veggies is the absolute best. It really brings out their flavor, they stay firm but tender (no mushy, soggy veggies in this house!), and it is so simple! <a href="http://sleeplessinsandy.blogspot.com/2010/10/roasted-broccoli.html">Roasted broccoli</a> is my favorite. Roasted red potatoes are a close second. This fall combo of carrots, fingerling potatoes, purple potatoes (from a friend's garden- gorgeous, right?), and garlic is as delish as it is pretty!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfxS38DPXR2xDtWX8UBYmPa9Gc0FV1L5_GtqB6yeSgldgJdxLjklu5zZkJchHtCpcHaHEexSE1oF9ilqf0eoDZqYeKum_W_LFxkO9aafoThCxVPXvKtwr64ylbDi4DtUmTYFx_UiKTuY/s1600/veggies1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfxS38DPXR2xDtWX8UBYmPa9Gc0FV1L5_GtqB6yeSgldgJdxLjklu5zZkJchHtCpcHaHEexSE1oF9ilqf0eoDZqYeKum_W_LFxkO9aafoThCxVPXvKtwr64ylbDi4DtUmTYFx_UiKTuY/s400/veggies1.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;">Just chop veggies, toss with olive oil and whatever seasonings you like. I think I used an italian blend, some sea salt and fresh ground pepper for this. Honestly just salt and pepper is wonderful though! Toss 'em on a pan (this is my <i>favorite </i>pampered chef baking stone~ It's very well seasoned from all this veggie roasting I tend to do!), then roast in a 425 degree oven for 20-30 minutes. Sometimes more. Stir them around now and then. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2QxkmlaU1jzz9o0Tpo4P76UnhCLpNwP0PCTgE5fSVkRBOYE9Ga1GufXvKqNRhGQflo530E4K9YPGCWn-0_6E0NO9USyQBaKgWCj6Jxem2Y-0HJRA1xoJ0yl_XWzYKlxsQ-vOJOn2Pr0/s1600/veggies2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2QxkmlaU1jzz9o0Tpo4P76UnhCLpNwP0PCTgE5fSVkRBOYE9Ga1GufXvKqNRhGQflo530E4K9YPGCWn-0_6E0NO9USyQBaKgWCj6Jxem2Y-0HJRA1xoJ0yl_XWzYKlxsQ-vOJOn2Pr0/s400/veggies2.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;">Serve as a side dish, toss with pasta, or just eat it straight off the pan as your dinner! That's my favorite way. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So there ya go! A healthy dinner so you feel better about eating all those pumpkin cupcakes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tomorrow I'll be sharing some of the crafts I've been working on for my bazaars! One is coming up next weekend... hope those that are local can stop by and visit!</div>Genellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476356716619935798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204942171574599280.post-3588065353797973522011-10-11T15:02:00.000-07:002011-10-11T15:03:47.328-07:00A few new baby crafts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> A sweet friend of mine recently asked if I could make a few things for her new baby girl~ who will be born tomorrow! Super excited for her and her family. Congrats to you, J & C!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is what I came up with, based on her ideas and preferences. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is something I would never have thought of, but what a fun idea! They are personalized luggage tags, with baby's name on them (blurred for the family's privacy). Mama plans to use them on her diaper bag and baby's carseat/carrier. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglhq6uUmDHJQE65mez8HN-hvLK8TdE3FwnjobV6iCqQBCEPdcL3Jx-quh0c6zSy5iWCOXfJm5tzu8aV4-qvW1Om4QZ_YgKDHwNyEytVOp78_l8LJRhdg_SKd_0a2HwZYDeYPYWjWAuxg/s1600/mia2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglhq6uUmDHJQE65mez8HN-hvLK8TdE3FwnjobV6iCqQBCEPdcL3Jx-quh0c6zSy5iWCOXfJm5tzu8aV4-qvW1Om4QZ_YgKDHwNyEytVOp78_l8LJRhdg_SKd_0a2HwZYDeYPYWjWAuxg/s200/mia2.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWnP9n1Zufqf0uO_-cY756POOKQuCE2cY8rACr-o6T9iIpj3QBtG2as-nb3uakQNz11npkkTAtRMcyjwrEckPFj_7NV4-09ZWervWi8tvVZ48DN1RwzTYZzUFDwcVZ52yuQCgdH8iMrs/s1600/mia4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWnP9n1Zufqf0uO_-cY756POOKQuCE2cY8rACr-o6T9iIpj3QBtG2as-nb3uakQNz11npkkTAtRMcyjwrEckPFj_7NV4-09ZWervWi8tvVZ48DN1RwzTYZzUFDwcVZ52yuQCgdH8iMrs/s200/mia4.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBIF5mUZkrDdA1AZd0xPrlznDv2pZpHKbeJaIPzNSWlnNhOhxJDt-FLIL0xSVSXDhyAr30AlnfSuN4_w0L1n1QhyphenhyphenAk8WWwkUzX12-a9fnbLIGCLAdV2yGwB-JNurdMrvOlrkw9CZf1Ns/s1600/mia6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBIF5mUZkrDdA1AZd0xPrlznDv2pZpHKbeJaIPzNSWlnNhOhxJDt-FLIL0xSVSXDhyAr30AlnfSuN4_w0L1n1QhyphenhyphenAk8WWwkUzX12-a9fnbLIGCLAdV2yGwB-JNurdMrvOlrkw9CZf1Ns/s320/mia6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> Mike helped with the design of her name; I chose several fonts I liked, and he worked them together to make these look great! Then I inked the edges and added some pretty ribbon. I just love how they turned out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Another project I had never attempted but always meant to: pacifier clips. So much prettier than store bought ones, and very inexpensive to make! Plus these were just so fun, once I learned how to set the snaps (so simple! why have I never used snaps? they look so much nicer than velcro!).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXR53PgopaSa3AaXqDoVn-ZNBmYouen2ULirj3JKHPof6yRdzK1jDcXJ0TnFP4Cne59izHZFNT7h-gFXNrC5xwsw5QkdSxyKM-K4vmQz1bYzY6p3v2I_L6xWAhzTOujIjG9BaBLO5e7k/s1600/mia8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXR53PgopaSa3AaXqDoVn-ZNBmYouen2ULirj3JKHPof6yRdzK1jDcXJ0TnFP4Cne59izHZFNT7h-gFXNrC5xwsw5QkdSxyKM-K4vmQz1bYzY6p3v2I_L6xWAhzTOujIjG9BaBLO5e7k/s400/mia8.jpg" width="358" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This one is made with cozy, soft minky and grosgrain ribbon, plus a bow so it looks pretty clipped onto baby's outfit. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigr4itUPQywTSxKM5pggDr1B3q9RxTEkWlEmVINtWS-vYmshgGWV0Z0WcIIiVlf6h4WEVZbFByQW1bUU-tnQ_qA-XEhQeu-vFf_-b2kucqSZ3IrlP5T4TaqiL8JDAVzpOvGW5_mF5Go6o/s1600/mia10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigr4itUPQywTSxKM5pggDr1B3q9RxTEkWlEmVINtWS-vYmshgGWV0Z0WcIIiVlf6h4WEVZbFByQW1bUU-tnQ_qA-XEhQeu-vFf_-b2kucqSZ3IrlP5T4TaqiL8JDAVzpOvGW5_mF5Go6o/s200/mia10.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3zPGmsGiIJmMR_8KoNnymOL_ra66ca2HTZFmvnDQM0VNjaD9_Kv4DR1NS_DuUvIOmcclw6UKzR6m9EOm_-DQPhPd9vOk9YcDLk5mjhnPxw2VGn5vDHOCEMmETAk9wL3b-Z9XS2nn4Ew/s1600/mia11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3zPGmsGiIJmMR_8KoNnymOL_ra66ca2HTZFmvnDQM0VNjaD9_Kv4DR1NS_DuUvIOmcclw6UKzR6m9EOm_-DQPhPd9vOk9YcDLk5mjhnPxw2VGn5vDHOCEMmETAk9wL3b-Z9XS2nn4Ew/s200/mia11.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOinq_ZUpkGNote-NzO7heC9-pETasaA2b9bpbOT69zvx7Um66eWX1J9pOM1AIYolMjp8FEKDSGKrLSYlUdcpy0lzQsh5VwgFaDpUIsuATzLqClnhEmNgtrEs2iBrbY1aJHJ5F9UHy9IA/s1600/mia13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOinq_ZUpkGNote-NzO7heC9-pETasaA2b9bpbOT69zvx7Um66eWX1J9pOM1AIYolMjp8FEKDSGKrLSYlUdcpy0lzQsh5VwgFaDpUIsuATzLqClnhEmNgtrEs2iBrbY1aJHJ5F9UHy9IA/s320/mia13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just used a combination of fabrics and ribbons (all nice, sturdy grosgrain), snaps, and suspender clips. I may be adding these to my etsy store soon! I <i>love</i> making them!</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I've made these stretchy baby headbands before, but I always just sewed on a little fabric yo-yo (like in the 3rd picture below). My friend was hoping for bows on alligator clips for some mixing and matching. I think that is such a great idea! Then I can make bigger bows as baby girl grows, and she can use them as hair clips separate from the headbands. They also work for the big sisters! So versatile.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0HetUTk0dNkX2dnLKXEn00ue-4OIeGUF0AYGIZkQYOcHLaszpIznNUV6RmE4Frs7evUmwcpBLNZ7PqBK2UA8ccBXOvfHbheHvL6VAQA-TRkcg2NXl6FZ7bkzGtSCVSaml-5ScDL_GPY/s1600/mia14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0HetUTk0dNkX2dnLKXEn00ue-4OIeGUF0AYGIZkQYOcHLaszpIznNUV6RmE4Frs7evUmwcpBLNZ7PqBK2UA8ccBXOvfHbheHvL6VAQA-TRkcg2NXl6FZ7bkzGtSCVSaml-5ScDL_GPY/s400/mia14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAchH5Bi8QGr_ytPR_bzaPKAEL_w-0CCqhp0ani5iA_7DzBPbsNkjZex9A58jVD8DJV7DgkwmVFYL1FlpB5-QZQEv0HjgdEPFtC4249fYIk25tEaZpsfrFe_ZR8B2afuKJnhgCkV-SSmE/s1600/mia15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAchH5Bi8QGr_ytPR_bzaPKAEL_w-0CCqhp0ani5iA_7DzBPbsNkjZex9A58jVD8DJV7DgkwmVFYL1FlpB5-QZQEv0HjgdEPFtC4249fYIk25tEaZpsfrFe_ZR8B2afuKJnhgCkV-SSmE/s400/mia15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPK7yHan20E3oY2dffenP-AxTnPkKgzDaCC_EYEKQSp8MI-qE7wzhGBqqoUdNVzs7Wh42aDCcbUN95iJA4wNxarPD1NM5cRh-27_t4Qk2P78i99BZCm1BYHr-8Bkc_54X9HU6NmZxTas/s1600/mia16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPK7yHan20E3oY2dffenP-AxTnPkKgzDaCC_EYEKQSp8MI-qE7wzhGBqqoUdNVzs7Wh42aDCcbUN95iJA4wNxarPD1NM5cRh-27_t4Qk2P78i99BZCm1BYHr-8Bkc_54X9HU6NmZxTas/s400/mia16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNA1QAX92pELYoz_3yEpDLOU1TBJoC4Z3QtmpI_u2ccuXieEwTDLTV84lj56fBzjRNU8dtPU4neFaMaCZY9sDVoPtrukxreZAavEsBSyNy3ZhP-DGSfif6x_F7fhrFulhmbibi6yMUeSE/s1600/mia17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNA1QAX92pELYoz_3yEpDLOU1TBJoC4Z3QtmpI_u2ccuXieEwTDLTV84lj56fBzjRNU8dtPU4neFaMaCZY9sDVoPtrukxreZAavEsBSyNy3ZhP-DGSfif6x_F7fhrFulhmbibi6yMUeSE/s400/mia17.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;">The bow clips were more time-consuming than I thought, but very fun. I wanted the metal parts to be covered in ribbon for comfort, so I used grosgrain again for a bit of grip on baby's fine hair. Plus it just looks pretty!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8b9inNiGIYfwVJjaC-QnZWPJjl4b6nDnp_mrmmaUQXS37aNRq9MKYbLs1bspCIyVibSiPXXvbmmILz1DZmrHhTiKY_QdXiIuZxi6zdLNooKCteEU-m_21sdI-encBTg7dJVPNYantko/s1600/mia18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8b9inNiGIYfwVJjaC-QnZWPJjl4b6nDnp_mrmmaUQXS37aNRq9MKYbLs1bspCIyVibSiPXXvbmmILz1DZmrHhTiKY_QdXiIuZxi6zdLNooKCteEU-m_21sdI-encBTg7dJVPNYantko/s200/mia18.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9y1Xz26DBC0TVyr2seNUeaeDVeKvsf8Z5pIu2l3IPs52XCBENXvDpHqQ78tzxWlSjzwAmc4bVC3-7Qg40c2QgqC8GUFAGYyag4kguil8QIqz5AEPuR0It5SDGnaQoXcHRcBjgj6W0B0o/s1600/mia19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9y1Xz26DBC0TVyr2seNUeaeDVeKvsf8Z5pIu2l3IPs52XCBENXvDpHqQ78tzxWlSjzwAmc4bVC3-7Qg40c2QgqC8GUFAGYyag4kguil8QIqz5AEPuR0It5SDGnaQoXcHRcBjgj6W0B0o/s200/mia19.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVsNc16BdSMhV3HIf2nm6d94fyIyMeCSBwY-o_vXfAjX7_YWG26cCWqNOdIO6YJbq20v9AGRFptfVMD1lctuESwlFJZkvDcDAGG97BNz52RQOUYOpvRzaBp5HG3e2w9DJpSBdT3elkp0/s1600/mia20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVsNc16BdSMhV3HIf2nm6d94fyIyMeCSBwY-o_vXfAjX7_YWG26cCWqNOdIO6YJbq20v9AGRFptfVMD1lctuESwlFJZkvDcDAGG97BNz52RQOUYOpvRzaBp5HG3e2w9DJpSBdT3elkp0/s320/mia20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQv15gy5Z8uE1BE_8oP1Ykb3RjR7pu8XGxum-nXRaY0gthiPjF3Pi9VaXMj0493iSrieInrl3-CWU4xd5BnGbNJOwx3cNalk8DxNUpQGIMItHxzt__yXRyl53NdndMOG4uSAHYtdoh-l8/s1600/mia21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQv15gy5Z8uE1BE_8oP1Ykb3RjR7pu8XGxum-nXRaY0gthiPjF3Pi9VaXMj0493iSrieInrl3-CWU4xd5BnGbNJOwx3cNalk8DxNUpQGIMItHxzt__yXRyl53NdndMOG4uSAHYtdoh-l8/s320/mia21.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;">These also may appear in my etsy shop at some point; although etsy is saturated with baby headbands and hair clips. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really haven't put as much time and effort into my etsy store as I'd like, but I do intend to focus more strongly on it eventually. Perhaps early 2012. For the last year (almost) I've been using most of my spare time to brand and promote what has turned into a wholesale coffee cozy business. With tons of hubby's help. It's all been very exciting, and I'm thrilled to be able to finally share more with you very soon! Check back!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And best wishes to you, J & C, for a happy, uneventful birth tomorrow, and a speedy recovery. Mia is such a blessing from the Lord and I can't wait to see what she brings to your family!</div>Genellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476356716619935798noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204942171574599280.post-38606698738816662512011-10-10T13:41:00.000-07:002011-10-10T13:41:22.386-07:00My new favorite mac n cheese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A good, homemade, creamy macaroni and cheese is one of my favorite things ever. Especially on these chilly fall evenings. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My mom made this version for us recently and I did not believe her when she told me it's pretty low in calories! 390 for a hearty 1 1/3 cup serving, 10.9 grams of fat... oh, it's still sinfully cheesy, but a lot healthier than most.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The secret? The sauce is made with pureed butternut squash! It makes it delicious and rich, with no butter, no flour, and no cream.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFv1Y7r_m41Jq8Rk5ee0aOOdKOz0HqRQWV6XFv9OQMe7I-cgf-MU0PxLRQPaP9D-U0ji_s874-WyplZ2wfb7LqGl7TdNPj_zENzaH1QaQFgmOUkjj25Nqi0zyiUSg_x7OUoqSsbEtq7ng/s1600/mac11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFv1Y7r_m41Jq8Rk5ee0aOOdKOz0HqRQWV6XFv9OQMe7I-cgf-MU0PxLRQPaP9D-U0ji_s874-WyplZ2wfb7LqGl7TdNPj_zENzaH1QaQFgmOUkjj25Nqi0zyiUSg_x7OUoqSsbEtq7ng/s400/mac11.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;">Here's what you'll need:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3 cups cubed peeled butternut squash (about 1 1lb squash)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 1/4 cups vegetable broth (you can use chicken broth, but of course we make it vegetarian)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 1/2 cups fat-free milk</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 garlic cloves</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 tsp kosher salt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 tablespoons fat-free greek yogurt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 1/4 cups (5 oz) shredded gruyere cheese</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 cup (4 oz) grated pecorino romano cheese</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/4 cup (1 oz) grated fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 pound uncooked cavatappi (I used penne)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">cooking spray</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 tsp olive oil</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/2 cup panko</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmiSH-2kUTrRQ-w1MaIgUxBv-N9Z0nDW10luwiUr3TqhwJ6ureaUhZClegfwN9M8qaQY5f6PjjaseJKAQJInx5xp6di19our-X2LDOXjASxTz5Jc8J8N7tsXQ9OJYHs_7nvOZ6ioBlDc/s1600/mac1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmiSH-2kUTrRQ-w1MaIgUxBv-N9Z0nDW10luwiUr3TqhwJ6ureaUhZClegfwN9M8qaQY5f6PjjaseJKAQJInx5xp6di19our-X2LDOXjASxTz5Jc8J8N7tsXQ9OJYHs_7nvOZ6ioBlDc/s400/mac1.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;">Combine squash, broth, milk and garlic in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium, and simmer until squash is tender when pierced with a fork, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3uPHbmRP7KZahyphenhyphenMoHEkfppeJ7fIrygpuCviN06gvuYNaZDAUfDNQ83qqnGEobV2NdkPAWSl2BkN4lTgVWK8pn5XQwoQcSVL7i4I8xJr-UCIPUHUOhlZap6mZ18KTzXbuyykQX3ifuEJk/s1600/mac3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3uPHbmRP7KZahyphenhyphenMoHEkfppeJ7fIrygpuCviN06gvuYNaZDAUfDNQ83qqnGEobV2NdkPAWSl2BkN4lTgVWK8pn5XQwoQcSVL7i4I8xJr-UCIPUHUOhlZap6mZ18KTzXbuyykQX3ifuEJk/s400/mac3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Place the hot squash mixture in a blender. Add salt, pepper and greek yogurt. (My greek yogurt was expired-oops... so I made a last minute substitution and used mascarpone cheese instead. ) Remove the center of blender lid (so steam can escape); secure lid on blender, then cover the opening with a towel. Blend until smooth. Place blended squash mixture into a bowl; stir in gruyere, romano, and 2 tablespoons parmesan, stir until combined. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUD1k-P3Q0LS2Lnsf7vs9bTwt5ddWZYY9HLlBYNHHUvFArpbYFDIivFsXONfmoHwwqQQ38vSm5alwqdJhvyiuWbDyhcn0bmymHhZ8jV1v7lP7GFwjULXbJIZeBhbz4_8qRHdaG2HGZkY8/s1600/mac4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUD1k-P3Q0LS2Lnsf7vs9bTwt5ddWZYY9HLlBYNHHUvFArpbYFDIivFsXONfmoHwwqQQ38vSm5alwqdJhvyiuWbDyhcn0bmymHhZ8jV1v7lP7GFwjULXbJIZeBhbz4_8qRHdaG2HGZkY8/s400/mac4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cook pasta according to package, drain well. Add to squash mixture and stir to combine. Spread mixture evenly in a 13x9 baking dish (I used a 9" round ceramic dish instead- worked out fine) coated with cooking spray.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZO8gaCuXCVRgC77RVUO8iM8WRsw4innt0vcf4DPs-CKFpz3CIK7j4oodUU9R1j3UWZzmfddHn95rdv7e6d4pDgRS0djPT-pOo9Q7Q4bK6xX46t6iSPI8R51QCTvU1mktBQRtDI4YH3l8/s1600/mac8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZO8gaCuXCVRgC77RVUO8iM8WRsw4innt0vcf4DPs-CKFpz3CIK7j4oodUU9R1j3UWZzmfddHn95rdv7e6d4pDgRS0djPT-pOo9Q7Q4bK6xX46t6iSPI8R51QCTvU1mktBQRtDI4YH3l8/s400/mac8.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;">Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add panko and cook for 2 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from heat and stir in remaining parmesan cheese. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2ee0I6O7jFq_PxjCFWxDxFEqyhqOE3yKn59qGpovHAVUIRbps26KSJYAgh5roIPZioQPgCrK-SReUyRSputgkc6eHibsrPUIJp3nOzUbkIIx2FowQumP6AMcwO9_ntMDO0OIeq1eZKI/s1600/mac5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2ee0I6O7jFq_PxjCFWxDxFEqyhqOE3yKn59qGpovHAVUIRbps26KSJYAgh5roIPZioQPgCrK-SReUyRSputgkc6eHibsrPUIJp3nOzUbkIIx2FowQumP6AMcwO9_ntMDO0OIeq1eZKI/s400/mac5.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;">Sprinkle evenly over the hot pasta mixture. Lightly coat topping with cooking spray.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bake at 375 for 25 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle with parsley.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTy0mveN78GQ8YY1XOLtrFq-4VA-I7jFZLQG7nb5IZMQAvhFHUCzuFbK5wFcDNPat_-YeLiqOmObIXRoigP7rONnOd12tnWt91MlyYj7yByQMiX664BgawPVRFcLV4VUbh2kOhLskbGk/s1600/mac6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTy0mveN78GQ8YY1XOLtrFq-4VA-I7jFZLQG7nb5IZMQAvhFHUCzuFbK5wFcDNPat_-YeLiqOmObIXRoigP7rONnOd12tnWt91MlyYj7yByQMiX664BgawPVRFcLV4VUbh2kOhLskbGk/s400/mac6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRMfI7mNCrL5FLDylu23f9GgAEHxEqsXcSEaWoZadG3e2tuXTS5TGrnNddqwTJBSswBkBUpvK8za98DEXEGndDXLzVh2YtY90_q8Yr0LU_CRH8nAyzqfRVPf8DTP4JMeoB_YEgyEdcEc/s1600/mac9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRMfI7mNCrL5FLDylu23f9GgAEHxEqsXcSEaWoZadG3e2tuXTS5TGrnNddqwTJBSswBkBUpvK8za98DEXEGndDXLzVh2YtY90_q8Yr0LU_CRH8nAyzqfRVPf8DTP4JMeoB_YEgyEdcEc/s400/mac9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHC3U57DLNmlkZVr__0GD6Xyy0hnrpvLu0bR-VKXM9fn9l9Zf8aUvYWzlBQOGC6KTezNoYJkX4Ibkm1Y_Kkq7tQCmQ6NGFGbeAACcJsEIvJvJl4o2kOk3yOlLW9fxq-XXNZvzD5cVCgoo/s1600/mac10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHC3U57DLNmlkZVr__0GD6Xyy0hnrpvLu0bR-VKXM9fn9l9Zf8aUvYWzlBQOGC6KTezNoYJkX4Ibkm1Y_Kkq7tQCmQ6NGFGbeAACcJsEIvJvJl4o2kOk3yOlLW9fxq-XXNZvzD5cVCgoo/s400/mac10.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;">This stuff is seriously so good. The butternut squash is not obvious when you eat it; it just adds a richness and a hint of sweetness. Yum. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Genellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476356716619935798noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204942171574599280.post-91549815186359408972011-10-02T15:05:00.000-07:002011-10-02T15:05:40.991-07:00Margaret's tomato jam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is fall comfort food at its best!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My friend Margaret shared this recipe with me, after I tasted hers and absolutely <i>had</i> to make my own.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's really easy! My recipe yielded 6 pints.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's what you'll need:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5 pounds tomatoes, finely chopped (got some fab looking ones at a local farm stand since mine haven't even <i>ripened</i> yet!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3 1/2 cups sugar (I know. But it's <b>so</b> worth it.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">8 tablespoons lime juice</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 teaspoon cinnamon</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/2 teaspoon ground cloves</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 tablespoon salt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 tablespoon red chili flakes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In my opinion, it could use a bit more ginger and chili flakes... but that's just me. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You'll also need 5 or 6 pint canning jars, plus rings and new lids, a boiling water canner, and basic supplies as desired (jar lifters and funnels sure are handy).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I imagine you could freeze this if you don't want to can it... let me know if you try it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEito3s_u9VaQoh8jgN5Bk9XAQ1ACS-NWKQtYg-qhErjM8kY-RWEO5Ic6CIw9-SiRI7ZThvZInbU11lQVpq0qAZ6p9xNUAblPMX0SIWoBrzYJIjO42l24CvjmuuwtXdmYNd4Bi_onSdK9ks/s1600/jam1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEito3s_u9VaQoh8jgN5Bk9XAQ1ACS-NWKQtYg-qhErjM8kY-RWEO5Ic6CIw9-SiRI7ZThvZInbU11lQVpq0qAZ6p9xNUAblPMX0SIWoBrzYJIjO42l24CvjmuuwtXdmYNd4Bi_onSdK9ks/s400/jam1.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;">Combine all ingredients in a big ole pot.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibM4bIYoPu3unMIWcsSJk6eZV2NUVGcrO6sxP8-pHWg1i7bH4XB1sLzbMxqdFlCvJpG8I5j79niqbOxM2i3J-l8fMRLc_lPsw3UBE1PJPaPy15RND6-H9EmLNsBtAzsnH74v5D-ZSw_0A/s1600/jam2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibM4bIYoPu3unMIWcsSJk6eZV2NUVGcrO6sxP8-pHWg1i7bH4XB1sLzbMxqdFlCvJpG8I5j79niqbOxM2i3J-l8fMRLc_lPsw3UBE1PJPaPy15RND6-H9EmLNsBtAzsnH74v5D-ZSw_0A/s400/jam2.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;">Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Stirring regularly, simmer until it becomes a sticky, jammy mess. The recipe says this will take between 1 and 1 1/2 hours depending how high you keep the heat. Now, when I'm told to simmer, I set my gas stove about as low as it goes. After a good two hours at this temperature, my jam was more like tomato juice. So I kicked that heat up to about 3 on my range, and within a half hour or so it thickened up beautifully. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESXEIYRleiEpWnOplv8rEw5Lz4wqawlFLqeHo8ViR2qTue8MVD1ZyUX3M0NhCqgHfCH5PF8eY2E35muQ-0uBPqhxe_dsFnstMVg6DxOEZwwcs3BjYb8Shn_m4mpvOd50K0CWFzglt0Ig/s1600/jam3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESXEIYRleiEpWnOplv8rEw5Lz4wqawlFLqeHo8ViR2qTue8MVD1ZyUX3M0NhCqgHfCH5PF8eY2E35muQ-0uBPqhxe_dsFnstMVg6DxOEZwwcs3BjYb8Shn_m4mpvOd50K0CWFzglt0Ig/s400/jam3.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;">Maybe simmer means something different to me that it does to you, but I'd raise that temp a bit or this will take all day! Which is fine, if you have all day. Because, wow, does it make your <b>whole</b> house smell amazing! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcKHkoqPrcGn5SIalXitQXgBKttUTkGM1F80a8ZWYWOj3qrTWXu5i1_QDl7N2SiyYkDwvbGdcNK-h38225IZSVv-Ju8s69TPO7v_AJr4Qw-SS1bOFBsja9zKtNuy7-w6ZiZokh2JR_dA/s1600/jam4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcKHkoqPrcGn5SIalXitQXgBKttUTkGM1F80a8ZWYWOj3qrTWXu5i1_QDl7N2SiyYkDwvbGdcNK-h38225IZSVv-Ju8s69TPO7v_AJr4Qw-SS1bOFBsja9zKtNuy7-w6ZiZokh2JR_dA/s400/jam4.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;">So, once it's cooked down to where you'd like it, remove from heat and fill (clean, hot) jars, leaving 1/4" of headspace. Wipe rims, apply lids and twist on rings (not too tight!). Process in boiling water canner for 20 minutes. If you are new to canning or need more detailed instructions, the canning jars usually come with some handy little instructions. It really is easy. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixx_DnO02hN_eIKgIVFeNiLmVB4C7KUE8utr9UZM7zfIvSGaY7PYLm4tfQ0AMPnYsnC_MVHDr-k11sGBh5vmXeqrLrtuAyr0HhEhC1jY11SCHBv5B1HrxmY5BkI6VC0Qkhnl9QehNXgDY/s1600/jam5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixx_DnO02hN_eIKgIVFeNiLmVB4C7KUE8utr9UZM7zfIvSGaY7PYLm4tfQ0AMPnYsnC_MVHDr-k11sGBh5vmXeqrLrtuAyr0HhEhC1jY11SCHBv5B1HrxmY5BkI6VC0Qkhnl9QehNXgDY/s400/jam5.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;">Something about having jar after jar of summer delights stacked up in my pantry makes me so happy. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVG4vvm9iZsxP9eZEozu3YuSEvzBbPY9isujBYpmBsvXtw5Y9vWs7Efl0H47RaO-37VRnrZygq-VKsUPx9uNYzvIc-JxRoBlRubA50nA2zH8AaY21-ORf2yfFbVBSR8SbayHYv5mcaqUU/s1600/jam6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVG4vvm9iZsxP9eZEozu3YuSEvzBbPY9isujBYpmBsvXtw5Y9vWs7Efl0H47RaO-37VRnrZygq-VKsUPx9uNYzvIc-JxRoBlRubA50nA2zH8AaY21-ORf2yfFbVBSR8SbayHYv5mcaqUU/s400/jam6.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;">The first time I tasted this jam, Margaret had poured it over a brick of cream cheese and served it with crackers. It was to die for. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today I spread a bit on my grilled cheese sandwich for a simple rainy day lunch, and that sweet/savory/spiced combo was phenomenal. I can't wait to find more ways to use this delicious stuff! Wondering if it would be good on some grilled chicken for hubby? Or tossed with pasta and a little cream? Any other ideas?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Genellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476356716619935798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204942171574599280.post-6942967053192151402011-09-27T08:54:00.001-07:002011-09-27T08:54:00.849-07:00Homemade flubber!<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This rainy day project was all hubby's doing! Ty wanted to make a "potion"... so Mike did a little googling and found this recipe for flubber, or "slime". </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN28J31YKWByc_J111Y1_1c_csx4KyknnUorAxeL-0jidqeC3IFtqBFmcBnSPeuV9I5xZgLiLXA0dMR1dxEw3r_v4YmTk15PrKCLEF4IWu5vItiqOXJe4BbyyOe1HTZ9BdCB2elb57e78/s1600/flubber6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN28J31YKWByc_J111Y1_1c_csx4KyknnUorAxeL-0jidqeC3IFtqBFmcBnSPeuV9I5xZgLiLXA0dMR1dxEw3r_v4YmTk15PrKCLEF4IWu5vItiqOXJe4BbyyOe1HTZ9BdCB2elb57e78/s400/flubber6.jpg" width="297" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All you need is Elmer's school glue and borax! If you've ever made the <a href="http://sleeplessinsandy.blogspot.com/2010/11/laundry-detergent-challenge-recipe.html">homemade laundry detergent</a> I've posted in the past you'll have borax on hand. If not you can find it in the laundry aisle at most grocery stores for a few dollars. One box lasts forever. We also happened to have several bottles of the school glue because I like to stock up when the stores have it ridiculously cheap for back to school. I think I got ours for 25 cents or something crazy like that. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUX2PjIROPegGk4E4zP-jg9bNrcJK8_EA4nCT8haqmWw0pp6HM8QLK1gHYfjSL1hcOJ5liYzxaBtiT0Gk0hnmggClYgo93RPckhvsceP_Y0dBBiPOaJapVEZmdYyyw9USv77TBEmz0nc/s1600/flubber1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUX2PjIROPegGk4E4zP-jg9bNrcJK8_EA4nCT8haqmWw0pp6HM8QLK1gHYfjSL1hcOJ5liYzxaBtiT0Gk0hnmggClYgo93RPckhvsceP_Y0dBBiPOaJapVEZmdYyyw9USv77TBEmz0nc/s400/flubber1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the recipe:</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In one bowl mix one bottle elmer's school glue (the white bottle- 4oz) with 4 oz water. Set aside.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In another bowl mix 1 tablespoon borax with another 4 oz water (warm is better). Stir until borax is dissolved. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then add the borax mixture to the glue mixture. Stir and knead until incorporated. Add food coloring if desired! This green turned out so cool!</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mike ended up adding a bit more borax to his recipe, and the longer you work with it the better it gets. So keep kneading!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oIYq85Tk-2YlfpSSL0n25vK1erM3BISCHnvuzPqhYN-QbO4JGBDKV1N9vqLviQ5E01FQJQFgqwu-5_BRvvUPzNtU6G6HW3y88CfGxhFQbg1KdNVGN3WHlA__Ix_PtibwwB3clOCuvh0/s1600/flubber2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oIYq85Tk-2YlfpSSL0n25vK1erM3BISCHnvuzPqhYN-QbO4JGBDKV1N9vqLviQ5E01FQJQFgqwu-5_BRvvUPzNtU6G6HW3y88CfGxhFQbg1KdNVGN3WHlA__Ix_PtibwwB3clOCuvh0/s400/flubber2.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;">Store in a lidded container and it will keep for several weeks! Our boys had so much fun with this! It's really cool how it sort of stays together in one glob. Ty especially loved it, and asked to play with it again after Beckham went to bed, then again the next day. It keeps him occupied forever. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I sat down to play for a while too, and it really is fun stuff!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qIMAo_9Blz5ERKvAUOcSymiDFCXoOsS_OE3KnTg0byqAeOBbxVpQ6EEXGHQE9AfzNnexOKfJcOM6PabW2DU9-UwDubTtpda7GfYIlsj3YqajOWb5EWmmgUP2H3oEbkwNHdVHkidkM8g/s1600/flubber3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qIMAo_9Blz5ERKvAUOcSymiDFCXoOsS_OE3KnTg0byqAeOBbxVpQ6EEXGHQE9AfzNnexOKfJcOM6PabW2DU9-UwDubTtpda7GfYIlsj3YqajOWb5EWmmgUP2H3oEbkwNHdVHkidkM8g/s400/flubber3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It really doesn't make much mess either. Better than play-doh in my opinion. I gave him a placemat to use, but the globs that slipped off were no problem. They just lift right off the table. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hubby thinks we should make a few big batches of different colors and package them individually to hand out to trick or treaters on Halloween! With a 'do not eat' label of course. Fun idea I think!</div>Genellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476356716619935798noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204942171574599280.post-72373602980935029892011-09-26T10:48:00.000-07:002011-09-26T10:48:24.179-07:00Beckham's rag quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've wanted to attempt a rag quilt forever. I love the way the frayed seams look. This was one of those accidental projects, completely unplanned. One day I was killing time at one of my favorite craft stores and saw this line of cozy flannel fabric as I was walking by. I didn't need it for anything, and wasn't even shopping for fabric, but I fell in love and had to buy some fat quarters. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOlRaEESXV3RLTfvEB2_y8iM5et-sZTkzfdyEeHInReTBveYFFt5vWs2OfIiFediZYfCsH5TX7BADoPEdreL2xGSyHi-KPi4ctTBR9OECcnhOY8wg_4TFrjzNvCGDIHtGWycYw0G8vu8/s1600/quilt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOlRaEESXV3RLTfvEB2_y8iM5et-sZTkzfdyEeHInReTBveYFFt5vWs2OfIiFediZYfCsH5TX7BADoPEdreL2xGSyHi-KPi4ctTBR9OECcnhOY8wg_4TFrjzNvCGDIHtGWycYw0G8vu8/s400/quilt1.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;">I envisioned it as a rag quilt right away, but really thought I'd make a baby gift or something. But I loved the fabric too much and decided to make it for Beckham. As if he needs another blanket...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXdjACN1r2VYW-nk9XSxu33jbp4pxR-1N2xpgHFgOFkx0fY_NLKsnWlGRQ_9TVVArpnvrQRY-egGmaAQvDkVGp4Af3OMaHKYpSgm8KZonUKltB9MBYVqaZqwM2sd1EjrB0Xl_5z11xUg/s1600/quilt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXdjACN1r2VYW-nk9XSxu33jbp4pxR-1N2xpgHFgOFkx0fY_NLKsnWlGRQ_9TVVArpnvrQRY-egGmaAQvDkVGp4Af3OMaHKYpSgm8KZonUKltB9MBYVqaZqwM2sd1EjrB0Xl_5z11xUg/s400/quilt3.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;">He loves it though!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3ccK7G6OjBSXo-gbNmtM9gK0XUPtxwc47jwnTQpMcWn4rP2Ho9Ew_E8Ey71RwPTR90Lv2xJP3qwByxSrfw1QfrZrOZUcIMPeRn4_nscgeoHx5ywGMUJVgeOoMIlqIy0buslIlFUTsew/s1600/quilt4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3ccK7G6OjBSXo-gbNmtM9gK0XUPtxwc47jwnTQpMcWn4rP2Ho9Ew_E8Ey71RwPTR90Lv2xJP3qwByxSrfw1QfrZrOZUcIMPeRn4_nscgeoHx5ywGMUJVgeOoMIlqIy0buslIlFUTsew/s400/quilt4.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;">He wouldn't leave it alone long enough for me to snap some pics! Oh well. They are cuter with him anyway. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fBoeLRoaHxzfryOAQV-Q2wov4b5JKzMby1ZBl8lZg9HGnEsm2DIArNF5qMkfpIeUwxeagnzitIoq8sk0CfWSxOmFast5cXlUtLGgq_TTsTrsVGWtkQqpqfcgxp4Dcj77VlH58xF-gp8/s1600/quilt5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fBoeLRoaHxzfryOAQV-Q2wov4b5JKzMby1ZBl8lZg9HGnEsm2DIArNF5qMkfpIeUwxeagnzitIoq8sk0CfWSxOmFast5cXlUtLGgq_TTsTrsVGWtkQqpqfcgxp4Dcj77VlH58xF-gp8/s400/quilt5.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;">I backed it with some dark gray satin, and used the satin quilt binding as well. He loves satin blankies. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLr62L6X5v2-21keS_47N2RipXP1WWQ_nafLlnhEcqxLqb0OsPEDcy7FJ8gQmAm0i6zswkUlJCUdbawMb80fzH3SW9roqhgcJbTvwjTiyFGF2oqJnd8ekb6_vIVH8OErKL43rCuwWVhs/s1600/quilt6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLr62L6X5v2-21keS_47N2RipXP1WWQ_nafLlnhEcqxLqb0OsPEDcy7FJ8gQmAm0i6zswkUlJCUdbawMb80fzH3SW9roqhgcJbTvwjTiyFGF2oqJnd8ekb6_vIVH8OErKL43rCuwWVhs/s400/quilt6.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;">I kept the quilting super simple- just two concentric rectangles. I wasn't really sure how to quilt around all those fuzzy seams. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqgdIGPloW_oCd6Ek-Rcf3WN4w7MWi_2aA9VEdc0KUPXdN3FWcnJjaruq-RQdTdZfy84qw726rTKuzVKenZw74n3W2sF9b-smXJEhrB47ehPJ71MdVYji47hqewVz60S7OYOsAZ7qILs/s1600/quilt7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqgdIGPloW_oCd6Ek-Rcf3WN4w7MWi_2aA9VEdc0KUPXdN3FWcnJjaruq-RQdTdZfy84qw726rTKuzVKenZw74n3W2sF9b-smXJEhrB47ehPJ71MdVYji47hqewVz60S7OYOsAZ7qILs/s400/quilt7.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;">I love this funny little guy.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XVW6D8ifqYpPde0D7JmZX2eCVm99EIQbsK4zZL_ss1M7W7LPHzpKxeQO_hIFL8jY_1lGVIM1t02xmS4EDEgbZeXi_0O4E5k9lWodjFJkGAOZecgbxpl8mjC7tTRCy6Y8o-h368IK2Vg/s1600/quilt8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XVW6D8ifqYpPde0D7JmZX2eCVm99EIQbsK4zZL_ss1M7W7LPHzpKxeQO_hIFL8jY_1lGVIM1t02xmS4EDEgbZeXi_0O4E5k9lWodjFJkGAOZecgbxpl8mjC7tTRCy6Y8o-h368IK2Vg/s400/quilt8.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;">Can you see the ragged edges here? I washed it so they would fluff up a bit. I imagine it will get fluffier with each wash. I love this look!</div>Genellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476356716619935798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204942171574599280.post-39950332741715623852011-09-13T14:40:00.000-07:002011-09-13T16:41:55.734-07:00Peacock cakeThis last weekend I celebrated my 32nd birthday (on 9/11... ) and decided to make my own cake. I just finished the third session of cake decorating classes at Michaels, which focused on fondant and gumpaste, so I was itching to practice! I knew there would be some birthday festivities, so I could serve the cake to friends and family. I have a horrible sweet tooth, but ironically don't enjoy cake all that much. Oh, I'll eat it- I'd rarely turn down sweets! But give me ice cream any day. I had to bake a cake to decorate for our final night of class, which was super fun. I enjoy the baking, but especially love the decorating. I brought it home afterward, hubby admired it, I posted pics on facebook, then had a little slice. The cake sat in the fridge for a week before I threw it out. Still just once slice gone. Hubby doesn't have a sweet tooth at all, so cake doesn't go quickly in our house. As long as the kids don't know it's there... and I made sure they didn't. ;) Otherwise they'd be hounding me day and night for more cake!<br />
So anyway. I was thrilled to have an occasion to make a pretty cake where it may actually get eaten! Even though it's a bit... sad? pathetic?... to make my<i> own</i> cake. I didn't really care. It was mine and I got to do whatever I wanted- so I went for a peacock theme.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4TZV5OjEd98NtTlWWlaWR0qoX-y_Ms2bW080Ggl5GCiqq0ta141HrEax3yhknUhGBXJvfUA09hIGcuSMyWCbteM-rZmkTznNodbTN8ypQVcL_zGn1PfLTu16-NTZ5Xd8uKmpAi7DizQ/s1600/cake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4TZV5OjEd98NtTlWWlaWR0qoX-y_Ms2bW080Ggl5GCiqq0ta141HrEax3yhknUhGBXJvfUA09hIGcuSMyWCbteM-rZmkTznNodbTN8ypQVcL_zGn1PfLTu16-NTZ5Xd8uKmpAi7DizQ/s400/cake1.jpg" width="347" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Feathers and all. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My original design called for a third layer, but then I thought, "that's a <b>ton</b> of cake...and a ton of work". Two was plenty.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Ol3OoAHA31VTFMRFtYu3h9J8PXsV7NQX7L9au3SnCi0u8u2gWjCJHlrUxjh-tYYG5eyEH2zzA6I5C2kFCUJQo7J3_cxZn0CxOXxCYB45VZy3l0EgArDvnH8zsDjoh2uJy2efmtd7lYM/s1600/cake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Ol3OoAHA31VTFMRFtYu3h9J8PXsV7NQX7L9au3SnCi0u8u2gWjCJHlrUxjh-tYYG5eyEH2zzA6I5C2kFCUJQo7J3_cxZn0CxOXxCYB45VZy3l0EgArDvnH8zsDjoh2uJy2efmtd7lYM/s400/cake2.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;">I covered the whole thing in fondant, then made the decorations out of a combination of fondant and gumpaste, plus the little edible pearls. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKgl2uikZ2LWqrKGZ1ScHoepTurP2nSN8SI-QIgYgsQfpFlK_dZWpcq-3zBUwSkjNaXXS8zoFam0MLnWlRleQQ5IrEoEzhFx7qqRfGzTEAUmoqpgsjCL4afwebkbRYGrRNPi0IWey-wI/s1600/cake3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKgl2uikZ2LWqrKGZ1ScHoepTurP2nSN8SI-QIgYgsQfpFlK_dZWpcq-3zBUwSkjNaXXS8zoFam0MLnWlRleQQ5IrEoEzhFx7qqRfGzTEAUmoqpgsjCL4afwebkbRYGrRNPi0IWey-wI/s400/cake3.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;">You can really see the gold shimmer dust I added to the chocolate layer in this photo!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh, and those are supposed to be mums. Apparently they resemble either pinecones or artichokes. I may just make them green and do a vegetable theme cake someday. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFex-NVUza6wLRZJ7rRBP63wKvvN1_T-_xE2CtETkO-yhU9vovNB9i39_H9rOJS5Zv94WAIV0lRbFQdNfbKZ0FFpzrFl2KlrlQplmhfYVg3OmLChbFO7mEzWNdQPim3Nu3OAp2oHnDNO8/s1600/cake4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFex-NVUza6wLRZJ7rRBP63wKvvN1_T-_xE2CtETkO-yhU9vovNB9i39_H9rOJS5Zv94WAIV0lRbFQdNfbKZ0FFpzrFl2KlrlQplmhfYVg3OmLChbFO7mEzWNdQPim3Nu3OAp2oHnDNO8/s400/cake4.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;">On the inside I attempted doing a zebra cake! You basically just alternate layering small amounts of chocolate and white cake batter into your pans, no swirling or mixing- then bake. It really did look like zebra stripes when we sliced into it! Too bad I forgot to take photos.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1K0JWP89l5VzJLSvAvNbbywY2enVGC2JVyw6cAXpBSJE5cLq43eHJtqRoXzWiqBG5C94ThEIjb6D757I50-AnkOMvcZVyG7d0eQTfLfOm-4pT7UKQxP6v44lGEVKeYMdkYDVCU-Y56s/s1600/cake5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1K0JWP89l5VzJLSvAvNbbywY2enVGC2JVyw6cAXpBSJE5cLq43eHJtqRoXzWiqBG5C94ThEIjb6D757I50-AnkOMvcZVyG7d0eQTfLfOm-4pT7UKQxP6v44lGEVKeYMdkYDVCU-Y56s/s400/cake5.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;">This was (obviously) my first attempt at quilting the fondant. I love the look, but need some practice! I used my clear fabric quilting ruler and a butter knife! There must be a better way. :)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1qLSJX3NmAC8ypeqWFeoMRcX7YtSyAJ-y0r20OdTKAfHhoFH16TTt-Qo-55USv1i9sfPkR25t8T5q3LkLA7uHcoW3OK4gk9xqSMpS9r6h9sB-EHmpZwunBInS7vFddP3BcyQb1Y7Tp34/s1600/cake6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1qLSJX3NmAC8ypeqWFeoMRcX7YtSyAJ-y0r20OdTKAfHhoFH16TTt-Qo-55USv1i9sfPkR25t8T5q3LkLA7uHcoW3OK4gk9xqSMpS9r6h9sB-EHmpZwunBInS7vFddP3BcyQb1Y7Tp34/s400/cake6.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I sort of wish I could just decorate cardboard boxes in the shape of cakes. The baking is alright, but wasteful if there is no occasion! And I really just want to practice! I'm thinking perhaps a halloween cake?!</div>Genellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476356716619935798noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204942171574599280.post-76529731227112954212011-09-07T14:10:00.000-07:002011-09-07T14:10:30.864-07:00My newest crafty attempt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hello. I'm back. For now, at least. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Summer was great, Ty has started Kindergarten (!), and I've been crafting up a storm. So much craftiness around here that I haven't wanted to take the time to share any of it! I am completely <i>hooked</i> on sites like <a href="http://pinterest.com/genelle/">Pinterest</a> and <a href="http://craftgawker.com/favorites/genelletilden/">CraftGawker</a>, both of which have handy iPhone apps, so I can get ideas constantly. There are seriously not enough hours in the day to try all the stuff I'm dying to try. </div><div style="text-align: center;">My latest attempt. which I am now obsessed with, is embroidery. It is <b>so</b> fun! I've been googling all kinds of different stitches to learn. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Recently I bought a box of Kleenex tissues, not because we needed them, but because the box was so adorable. It had the cutest monsters all over it. It occurred to me in the grocery store that they would make an awesome embroidery pattern... and so they did!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSzESxhze5lZUaX9_PZk2NWxc6_GgjHLlXb4uRl0JeBSPzMghhgjqLGjpEBjyOkmQrQtPJMwuvOae1z-3mQx7AO6W2Xe5Ji2_qTU0QNtnIg-svT0Cs7tPaIwike88Y3yEuOry7bsLN8Y/s1600/monsters1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSzESxhze5lZUaX9_PZk2NWxc6_GgjHLlXb4uRl0JeBSPzMghhgjqLGjpEBjyOkmQrQtPJMwuvOae1z-3mQx7AO6W2Xe5Ji2_qTU0QNtnIg-svT0Cs7tPaIwike88Y3yEuOry7bsLN8Y/s320/monsters1.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;">These were my four favorites. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMA1kOqFMgWdKWUnU2xBPsAZoE5Ggu0eY35HGNAf2pa9wIcCarbBexdy8vW6y3V-VyhxrGcJDkvOuHdKVi9bq2-SaK6Hbc8mwGju0WBpY78Wa2_iXKbBjqcz7sR4K8z4xNXv_fwmf9NHw/s1600/monsters2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMA1kOqFMgWdKWUnU2xBPsAZoE5Ggu0eY35HGNAf2pa9wIcCarbBexdy8vW6y3V-VyhxrGcJDkvOuHdKVi9bq2-SaK6Hbc8mwGju0WBpY78Wa2_iXKbBjqcz7sR4K8z4xNXv_fwmf9NHw/s320/monsters2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRczAMuczvYFVk9sy04yKzV1bvP26OulcLAn1pKtd9T11RFplSYWl5VyhabVC_VLkkulga6ofS0pVBaQR5e7iA3AKXZmvIa748kGiYZCtdQcUOaN-VJet-zea67ITjYaylyLaF1ioy7Js/s1600/monsters3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRczAMuczvYFVk9sy04yKzV1bvP26OulcLAn1pKtd9T11RFplSYWl5VyhabVC_VLkkulga6ofS0pVBaQR5e7iA3AKXZmvIa748kGiYZCtdQcUOaN-VJet-zea67ITjYaylyLaF1ioy7Js/s320/monsters3.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;">Love these silly little guys. I intend to sew up something for one of the boys out of the embroidered gray fabric, but have yet to decide what. Suggestions?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGapHivJovc-GlZsb0siVblh_hQLun-kRmQGTt_QZqfBZWWLDNYlPtLTgtYbVzlq-TpNVBiIxtQEgT925cjQy2F4fVlbkxkd4JjLg-tMH0lW-pyC9ENq53eHn3RHieV-SCkoh82L9INA/s1600/owls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGapHivJovc-GlZsb0siVblh_hQLun-kRmQGTt_QZqfBZWWLDNYlPtLTgtYbVzlq-TpNVBiIxtQEgT925cjQy2F4fVlbkxkd4JjLg-tMH0lW-pyC9ENq53eHn3RHieV-SCkoh82L9INA/s320/owls.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;">This owl I saw on craftgawker, and had to give it a try. It's a bit crooked because this was before I learned to trace the drawing onto the fabric, so I drew him freehand. He's perfect for Beckham's room. This wall with the wooden owl art was always missing something. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-I6cIXzEH_PuahcAgfN7efbPKSKLsX9otVjLOFWN9T5BHrjPiXa5hqOcbqCo1mon16Ymvd_8_ZujO8yN98mtI8G2wNbZtPa8Kd74NCkbhzBzGZp287IlAkQyVcp5_VkyR1WRbnDmmD0/s1600/owls2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-I6cIXzEH_PuahcAgfN7efbPKSKLsX9otVjLOFWN9T5BHrjPiXa5hqOcbqCo1mon16Ymvd_8_ZujO8yN98mtI8G2wNbZtPa8Kd74NCkbhzBzGZp287IlAkQyVcp5_VkyR1WRbnDmmD0/s320/owls2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love his eyes. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXD8Lxw5TDxick-zKz-PuUtCB-nA0a7RflxVR0SJu8HYlxFbw1N18M0WTe155hEqc98kpwYrorS-ZUXBHKMJDrDGqokHWsmJREXAVWbAmcHDGlsq6MIw-k-G5cK6_Voimfy1XB_Lk02f4/s1600/owls3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXD8Lxw5TDxick-zKz-PuUtCB-nA0a7RflxVR0SJu8HYlxFbw1N18M0WTe155hEqc98kpwYrorS-ZUXBHKMJDrDGqokHWsmJREXAVWbAmcHDGlsq6MIw-k-G5cK6_Voimfy1XB_Lk02f4/s320/owls3.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;">Becks loves him too. He loves "counting" all his owls before bed. "one, two, two, one."</div>Genellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476356716619935798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204942171574599280.post-76572945578434888952011-07-31T07:25:00.000-07:002011-07-31T20:59:32.933-07:00Garden updates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I planted a spring garden this year for the first time, and what a great year for it! Instead of the usual summer stuff, which would have sat in the ground rotting and barely growing due to the never ending rain and lack of sunshine, my cool weather crops thrived! I believe I started planting in March. Lettuce and snow peas were the first plants, and they did great! Got lots of early salads, and we've been picking the snow peas for a couple months. Then I planted broccoli and cauliflower- two of my favorite veggies. Both did so great!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is my third cauli, almost ready to pick. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWhejmeu5CkFp8svdWBzeye1F-2v5oTXLcNOlfMietnFUpGzjZQHRRIiZvAKP3-oQKok0rKx4cVVK0x27ChkW6_wc93juXjQ2Nq8dozht5SCROVLQZgHAmo_N_UBly2JloNV5gMBV-yQ/s1600/garden1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWhejmeu5CkFp8svdWBzeye1F-2v5oTXLcNOlfMietnFUpGzjZQHRRIiZvAKP3-oQKok0rKx4cVVK0x27ChkW6_wc93juXjQ2Nq8dozht5SCROVLQZgHAmo_N_UBly2JloNV5gMBV-yQ/s320/garden1.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;">These garden fresh cauliflower are <i>so</i> delicious. Can't believe I've never grown them before.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I never got photos of the broccoli but they did great too. Both are new favorites that I will plant every year. I think normally they would be ready much earlier... but the weather and all.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Z3qDvtMIK3_o9Lnq53rSmxr3E3APisWVDF1uwZ_q31Ma-MBkFOSe1zO3b-Qu6NczE04M1kmt78yyzq5xNWXqzzmYTRydz0DSoAq9hws_l169KjT16i9QJUu8zZexXOdz8q5FMuLS6Dg/s1600/garden2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Z3qDvtMIK3_o9Lnq53rSmxr3E3APisWVDF1uwZ_q31Ma-MBkFOSe1zO3b-Qu6NczE04M1kmt78yyzq5xNWXqzzmYTRydz0DSoAq9hws_l169KjT16i9QJUu8zZexXOdz8q5FMuLS6Dg/s320/garden2.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Walla walla sweet onions! Delish! These are almost ready too- I planted them in late April I think. I really ought to keep a garden journal or something so I can keep track of what I'm doing. But I can't <i>wait</i> to pick these and put them in something fabulous. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70cfrFEQFhm0ua7Z6NId2liyE9XwO0-1KGIN83JpVhV7bHjJ1SS6HWgYC4boEjrfhTWrC2g_kUU2Cx1GODjkooouLE7lFwVOqMaFUfKs3POm9PKB9nTQP7BVhsTSym70gfwYdZxBdg58/s1600/garden4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70cfrFEQFhm0ua7Z6NId2liyE9XwO0-1KGIN83JpVhV7bHjJ1SS6HWgYC4boEjrfhTWrC2g_kUU2Cx1GODjkooouLE7lFwVOqMaFUfKs3POm9PKB9nTQP7BVhsTSym70gfwYdZxBdg58/s320/garden4.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;">This is probably my tenth lettuce plant. I get a little too excited about beautiful vegetables, but isn't it gorgeous?! I've really tried hard to plant them successively all season, starting really early, and it's been so awesome having fresh salad whenever we need it! I've hardly bought any at the store and we eat a lot of salad.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've also planted endive and pepperoncini! Very excited about those. We shall see how well they do. And as always, an array of herbs and one lonely little tomato. I adore tomatoes- one of my favorite things. Especially fresh from the garden. But all my cool weather crops took so long to be ready that I didn't have a lot of space for my warm weather stuff! Need to plan better next year. Again, a journal would be handy. Or a much bigger garden. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Do you plant a spring garden? Anyone grow Kale? I've really wanted to grow that one. Also spinach! Maybe next spring. How are the tomatoes doing? Mine seems to only have a few little flowers so far- no fruit yet at all. Sure hope I get some ripe ones!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Genellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476356716619935798noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204942171574599280.post-35632280030805933312011-07-30T09:28:00.000-07:002011-07-31T20:59:13.936-07:00Repurposed chalkboard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This next project was all hubby's! He did it to surprise me; isn't he creative?! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He and Beckham went to the <a href="http://rebuildingcenter.org/">Rebuilding Center</a> (that place is SO fun!) and picked out an old, framed window. I think he said it was $2. Then he painted the glass with chalkboard paint! He even wrote the cute message himself. He says he isn't happy with his writing, but I think it looks great. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtS2bQdN8Cwn0YnGVc-m97ODelZ2eJuUC8qnne-2zX6akW-NiRoYqeL4Z6PZunrvPH1Ru63ZQZOHS2dUc70It3-FgB8VI1P-ce2YjOyTmZ0DGYThQaf8D43YmyrG_gF3Dv25Z8SLNMexo/s1600/chalkboard2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtS2bQdN8Cwn0YnGVc-m97ODelZ2eJuUC8qnne-2zX6akW-NiRoYqeL4Z6PZunrvPH1Ru63ZQZOHS2dUc70It3-FgB8VI1P-ce2YjOyTmZ0DGYThQaf8D43YmyrG_gF3Dv25Z8SLNMexo/s400/chalkboard2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Isn't it cool and shabby?! I absolutely love it. I think it'll be really fun to change the message for seasons and holidays. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljqAxUfGulMPFRQH-6W0bxyDtccvIPPwB17XkAyPieJ4ibbG-QZmYlP2Vv3TxdL7cY_wUbVmWhnv6zjxB3hBcPEzpT6JkeBeL8YfAZpZIGkz8rUGXPbb50C_hbqMj9p6MAZrz3ylqH-s/s1600/chalkboard1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljqAxUfGulMPFRQH-6W0bxyDtccvIPPwB17XkAyPieJ4ibbG-QZmYlP2Vv3TxdL7cY_wUbVmWhnv6zjxB3hBcPEzpT6JkeBeL8YfAZpZIGkz8rUGXPbb50C_hbqMj9p6MAZrz3ylqH-s/s400/chalkboard1.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;">When I was pregnant with Beckham I ordered a gorgeous wipes case on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">etsy</a>. It was one of my favorite things. But sadly, there was an unfortunate incident recently that may have involved a particularly messy diaper... I won't go into detail. And you can't really wash these fabric covered wipes cases. So I had to toss it. But I really missed it! So I decided to attempt my own. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnMtnLpPMfbeg7Cz3zklke89VrRyPw7xKNFCHh8Wr1qO043T2g8yqmTUdu4dANUviyEB2oWxKWLjQ3PQra4i5lwwGo6JiFPWy8mZuhKW9LQjNSYIKY0ugCxIbNtUzj0ciFQUSKMTxlSU/s1600/wipes1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnMtnLpPMfbeg7Cz3zklke89VrRyPw7xKNFCHh8Wr1qO043T2g8yqmTUdu4dANUviyEB2oWxKWLjQ3PQra4i5lwwGo6JiFPWy8mZuhKW9LQjNSYIKY0ugCxIbNtUzj0ciFQUSKMTxlSU/s400/wipes1.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;">I'm only a little bit happy with it. I hate that the case I happened to have lying around was a green one. Wish it was white. And I really like the fabric, but don't love the way the ribbon around the edge looks. But for just using supplies I had around the house, and for my first attempt, it'll work. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTR5WyECY-Ie0oxDrM5plAH7_daUtML_uCoUZo1GqU2JqSDyTbn-H2br5bo2rTTE_68pLiRNC97CKeqnsie9DHgPxJBXgINlHFlgWPlPv6JFMQ-hVUwv8asXxGsU6GO3AwtMVTZZvgO4/s1600/wipes2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTR5WyECY-Ie0oxDrM5plAH7_daUtML_uCoUZo1GqU2JqSDyTbn-H2br5bo2rTTE_68pLiRNC97CKeqnsie9DHgPxJBXgINlHFlgWPlPv6JFMQ-hVUwv8asXxGsU6GO3AwtMVTZZvgO4/s400/wipes2.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;">Here's the back. It's padded with a little batting under the fabric. I just used a lot of hot glue. We shall see how it holds up to everyday use! I may be making more of these... if I can perfect them I think they'd make a great little gift for mommas-to-be. And it seems everyone around me is expecting right now! Better not drink the water.... ;)</div>Genellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476356716619935798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204942171574599280.post-7026746037863668162011-07-29T08:33:00.000-07:002011-07-29T08:33:00.490-07:00Destination deck<div style="text-align: center;"> Our house backs up to a big greenspace, and our yard slopes steeply down towards it. It tends to be wet and marshy down there, due to a small creek. Soon after we bought the house, we brought in several dump trucks full of dirt to fill in the yard and make it a bit more usable. But it's still pretty small. It'll work for five years or so, but we are always looking for ways to get more use out of the space we have, because we love spending time outside.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hubby came up with the idea for a tiny, second deck near our new<a href="http://sleeplessinsandy.blogspot.com/2011/07/our-travel-sign.html"> sign</a>. It hangs over the steep edge of our yard and makes the useless space functional. The adirondack chairs we got on clearance at Joann fabric store for $27 each! And they even came whitewashed already. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRP76tEuZjEbIWYshkuOpO5wILvE8ORgEW1E11QdD-v1Bp-D2O3DK3wGY_8qhLyJBHqV8anJoMM0EG98fo0Jp-lHP1tsLW9JWzOehhteGC7Q0D7X78VDFw4aVCRUNCSdcAFJxRWZ6nOo/s1600/deck1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRP76tEuZjEbIWYshkuOpO5wILvE8ORgEW1E11QdD-v1Bp-D2O3DK3wGY_8qhLyJBHqV8anJoMM0EG98fo0Jp-lHP1tsLW9JWzOehhteGC7Q0D7X78VDFw4aVCRUNCSdcAFJxRWZ6nOo/s400/deck1.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;">We decided to paint the deck one of the colors in our sign to unify the look a little. The color we chose is called 'head to the beach'. Love it. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJK0cx-CeFXMzXVRIp63aFhe5wo4i301wFmPMMowEAktU58BpqE_U2Wi3zbY9XaLn86HjamIOCYutEAuY9dNxzC0wQmmwUAqUrLzdPLQlbkKB7Z5Zu2TGjaQrBYl19MMZ_p_5qIpfkss/s1600/deck2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJK0cx-CeFXMzXVRIp63aFhe5wo4i301wFmPMMowEAktU58BpqE_U2Wi3zbY9XaLn86HjamIOCYutEAuY9dNxzC0wQmmwUAqUrLzdPLQlbkKB7Z5Zu2TGjaQrBYl19MMZ_p_5qIpfkss/s400/deck2.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;">We are hoping to build a short railing of some sort across the back since the drop-off is pretty steep- but we aren't sure yet what would look good on this funny little deck. Hubby also plans to add some stairs to the left side to make it seem bigger. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxjdZ20b0CcFJ79o-qALZRBBZTEKNwOb2P5KcgvCgOnPWxZ9-mMZ8ZFTCLas2JAEktwUIqbMpheNVgsCYT0Pv4uR2kRednlbZPJndIgw3itgKj6lVPXs2IbGDuciffp3sZfKLenbc2B4/s1600/deck3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxjdZ20b0CcFJ79o-qALZRBBZTEKNwOb2P5KcgvCgOnPWxZ9-mMZ8ZFTCLas2JAEktwUIqbMpheNVgsCYT0Pv4uR2kRednlbZPJndIgw3itgKj6lVPXs2IbGDuciffp3sZfKLenbc2B4/s400/deck3.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;">There is a small, ornamental tree to the left of the deck that provides a bit of welcome shade during the hot afternoons- the only shade we have out back. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBX5IMopZqmtQTXRqWCwaA8oicx1fyvI7bnCB1B7sWdaMtW7Waz4NJXESlhZEAJCu7_SKLtwONq4bRuFzh0CWVMaANzqvYB3qv3dgQTwdi3Y9bRDhWamQ-ATVpMwtDHc3uTbhyphenhyphenew89mfo/s1600/deck4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBX5IMopZqmtQTXRqWCwaA8oicx1fyvI7bnCB1B7sWdaMtW7Waz4NJXESlhZEAJCu7_SKLtwONq4bRuFzh0CWVMaANzqvYB3qv3dgQTwdi3Y9bRDhWamQ-ATVpMwtDHc3uTbhyphenhyphenew89mfo/s400/deck4.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;">This spot provides a 180 degree view of the entire yard, so it's much easier to see the kids while they play than on our upper deck. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4-YzC_zpeuQn1oQJMaaVl6INwoHUYOPKIPAuQb4go15gJAIP_6fZUf_1TCMzn9QJRkMvmdS_DTCQ1tNJg0Mz4HX217DFkW0vWdjgYMzBfd0qULn2ZqXuyizqBPVGOazI3mKd7HKNa-o/s1600/banana1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4-YzC_zpeuQn1oQJMaaVl6INwoHUYOPKIPAuQb4go15gJAIP_6fZUf_1TCMzn9QJRkMvmdS_DTCQ1tNJg0Mz4HX217DFkW0vWdjgYMzBfd0qULn2ZqXuyizqBPVGOazI3mKd7HKNa-o/s400/banana1.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On a side note, here's our pretty new banana tree from my parents! It's a hardy banana, so it grows here in the NW but doesn't produce fruit. Just gives a great tropical look. They get super tall, too- and if you plant them in the ground they multiply like crazy. Even in the pot ours already has three baby shoots starting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Genellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476356716619935798noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204942171574599280.post-71562555847149894082011-07-28T15:30:00.000-07:002011-07-28T15:30:26.090-07:00Front porch makeover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Busy, busy summertime + camera memory card on the fritz = long blogging hiatus. But I fixed the card today! So here is our front porch makeover. This post isn't as fun as it would be had I remembered to take before pics... But I'll just paint ya a little picture:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Imagine shapeless, faded cushions and throw pillows... no cute curtain... and horribly stained Trex decking since I'd never pressure washed it before!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzWACsBnAKdPPN_ATVyMN3qadEB3mBGIK6QpBjrOQFVXMHQyzywPtVIBbI1PFSikFGyNAHqvrU46ESqMDOxcQmbIGxqgKQAefwwoFFPF333XPXLt_tahkH4wpQvSz8HI-WeBhO89RDCo/s1600/porch1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzWACsBnAKdPPN_ATVyMN3qadEB3mBGIK6QpBjrOQFVXMHQyzywPtVIBbI1PFSikFGyNAHqvrU46ESqMDOxcQmbIGxqgKQAefwwoFFPF333XPXLt_tahkH4wpQvSz8HI-WeBhO89RDCo/s400/porch1.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;">Can I just say how much I<b><i> love</i></b> pressure washing? Best thing ever. I did the porch and the driveway, then halfway down the sidewalk before I realized I had to stop somewhere. What a difference! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyJinTij22g5-W4so0tMQN3Rbl2gshoeKRtBasdE-aa2RXIyFqWzKya4N3mMmMytshx7JdH-ZlC5ymh8slz66xgTfuAB1IyaimbNz-SqIVS_k58vJdCTuJuL69AS15pFluLyzMek-YZ8/s1600/porch3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyJinTij22g5-W4so0tMQN3Rbl2gshoeKRtBasdE-aa2RXIyFqWzKya4N3mMmMytshx7JdH-ZlC5ymh8slz66xgTfuAB1IyaimbNz-SqIVS_k58vJdCTuJuL69AS15pFluLyzMek-YZ8/s400/porch3.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;">In the background you can see the curtain I sewed to make our little porch feel cozy and private, since our neighbors' house is<b> rightthere. </b>We spend a lot of time out here, since it's east facing and gets lots of morning sun. It's our breakfast and coffee spot on sunny days. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We bought these outdoor fabrics so I could sew the curtain, then the two throw pillows on each chair. They are actually the existing pillows that I just recovered. Saves some money not having to buy new pillow inserts. The seat cushions we just happened to find on sale at World Market and I love the way they look with these fabrics.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi944Eij48FGl77gl4Qhtz5_ItMGu8PBQ5wHm8jeZeV5TXJdWn0tML17pwphe0SdFOW8WqvhpNfiTi5REmEpnEUqcrZBmAmni12ltWD8wvLAsWVmTPf4L5sC1jeX3J0BMvfMTRBNh7AH24/s1600/porch4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi944Eij48FGl77gl4Qhtz5_ItMGu8PBQ5wHm8jeZeV5TXJdWn0tML17pwphe0SdFOW8WqvhpNfiTi5REmEpnEUqcrZBmAmni12ltWD8wvLAsWVmTPf4L5sC1jeX3J0BMvfMTRBNh7AH24/s400/porch4.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;">I even sewed piping for the first time! It was so much easier than I thought! And really gives the big pillow a finished look.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_f1Lft5x1taXQavIpN4UAyxWs95PmWJW6q6TP7kGwhsXg4mG9WDmkjh15rWE4j4j8E2bq6AzimUtuwCpM9PWjsAOagQ6R2KTDbohu0iytDjiCRy_0vfBGAfgcmi9VTLuAV_PTRxO68E/s1600/porch5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_f1Lft5x1taXQavIpN4UAyxWs95PmWJW6q6TP7kGwhsXg4mG9WDmkjh15rWE4j4j8E2bq6AzimUtuwCpM9PWjsAOagQ6R2KTDbohu0iytDjiCRy_0vfBGAfgcmi9VTLuAV_PTRxO68E/s400/porch5.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;">Hubby got a set of four of these chairs on uber-clearance at Target a while back. One fits perfectly by our front door and gives us a little more seating. We've started another project out back that may make room for these chairs at some point... but for now the other three are still in boxes in the garage. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBp1n09OjMKL0BfiQMK5GEOuNOv_9u_PcLBvY5lDMiG4CJpZMtE1zcalBpfuxvdtGiED-1q9uvj-BoTRTzjDBHt7U5SknHoPTh5Z1JBenyMldh4pZtf1uDqit8nxVoADsR0teXvXaCLCM/s1600/porch6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBp1n09OjMKL0BfiQMK5GEOuNOv_9u_PcLBvY5lDMiG4CJpZMtE1zcalBpfuxvdtGiED-1q9uvj-BoTRTzjDBHt7U5SknHoPTh5Z1JBenyMldh4pZtf1uDqit8nxVoADsR0teXvXaCLCM/s400/porch6.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;">And... off the subject but here is my test photo from when I was attempting to fix the memory card:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKvU5Iui9acLd31Tywa_Bp6ulS9phzyB3QA1jkQwOBcYwbdk1bhFIN2CXwJXRZ5WjCuNdRAQXPNyI0xvWvkuMMYw_qmiGbMNUV8sPSe7SaYeZ7jd8Zt4tSsB_onCgcFoJe31A3FwpjYU/s1600/quinn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKvU5Iui9acLd31Tywa_Bp6ulS9phzyB3QA1jkQwOBcYwbdk1bhFIN2CXwJXRZ5WjCuNdRAQXPNyI0xvWvkuMMYw_qmiGbMNUV8sPSe7SaYeZ7jd8Zt4tSsB_onCgcFoJe31A3FwpjYU/s400/quinn.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;">Quinn got all cozy on some recycling I was sorting. Isn't she pretty? Love these kitties of ours. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Check back tomorrow for another project! Lots of catching up to do, now that I can actually import photos. </div>Genellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476356716619935798noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204942171574599280.post-27542767198234549352011-07-05T19:58:00.000-07:002011-07-05T19:58:18.356-07:00Our travel sign<div style="text-align: center;">Finally I get to share our sign with you! We seriously started this project over a <i>year</i> ago! It is a labor of love for sure. Buy wood... cut wood... paint boards... google mileage from Sandy... paint letters, making sure the arrow points the right direction... then figure how on earth to put the thing together. Not to mention making it stand up straight and stay put. Phew. </div><div style="text-align: center;">But then we stood back and surveyed all our hard work and it was <b>so</b> worth it!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbwv8dRT-dWRkhXbarVPDojgEI5OCXasEpzVaLKUy-RrpKayCbSC6bJwu2c5M-TtLYc2aTmSpNGHAzhazudwi-vgmdh_jeFJDN15qxP6RMijbEscbQQEdcjH3HTp2YRhrXqknzdwWuI4/s1600/sign3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbwv8dRT-dWRkhXbarVPDojgEI5OCXasEpzVaLKUy-RrpKayCbSC6bJwu2c5M-TtLYc2aTmSpNGHAzhazudwi-vgmdh_jeFJDN15qxP6RMijbEscbQQEdcjH3HTp2YRhrXqknzdwWuI4/s400/sign3.jpg" width="222" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are some of our favorite places. We obviously couldn't list every city we've visited together, so we picked the most memorable. We stuck our new masterpiece on the edge of our yard and I snapped some photos. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My parents gave us this idea. They <a href="http://sleeplessinsandy.blogspot.com/2010/07/mysterious-sign.html">made one a few years ago</a> and we loved it so much. <b>Had</b> to make our own. Ours is more neutral colored than theirs, which blends better in our smallish yard. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TqInoaCx6fm7f4KFEb26TxVOyMRU60jc6jHqsTNzCwSscd4Z4ekEOn-8_DfLjvDjCpVxQRADSazs6g8Q-cpBmzImVO-P8AEEeOSF1e2XVLqx_T7NUEZoIuenvrjkJL5b50NywwylEiI/s1600/sign2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TqInoaCx6fm7f4KFEb26TxVOyMRU60jc6jHqsTNzCwSscd4Z4ekEOn-8_DfLjvDjCpVxQRADSazs6g8Q-cpBmzImVO-P8AEEeOSF1e2XVLqx_T7NUEZoIuenvrjkJL5b50NywwylEiI/s400/sign2.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;">Traveling has taken a backseat to raising children; one of the sacrifices made so I can stay home and raise them myself. Worth it. But I love sitting on our deck and looking at all these great memories. Some made with the kids, many before we had them. We look forward to adding to our sign, as life permits... not a lot of space for more boards, however. Guess a longer 4x4 post would have been wise. ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jCNNTRKq5Qr2nuU6Djl0-OGayDAkJ1zDaXjLRYmDO01gThAvv3yJpOm41I0yotsbxmSEwKkZkIoeVMijIcL3Eqn3_d7YxAWw5rtpxbZFMiVJUedrRK-RqhkVu8sX2c7SW6yvf4hbKi8/s1600/sign1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jCNNTRKq5Qr2nuU6Djl0-OGayDAkJ1zDaXjLRYmDO01gThAvv3yJpOm41I0yotsbxmSEwKkZkIoeVMijIcL3Eqn3_d7YxAWw5rtpxbZFMiVJUedrRK-RqhkVu8sX2c7SW6yvf4hbKi8/s400/sign1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Genellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476356716619935798noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204942171574599280.post-60837569455696933652011-07-02T10:31:00.000-07:002011-07-02T10:31:03.641-07:00Tissue pom pom tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ok, here's a fun and easy tutorial. My sis-in-law and I made these for a <a href="http://sleeplessinsandy.blogspot.com/2011/06/big-baby-shower-post.html">baby shower</a> we hosted, and they were so cute hanging as decor!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNk48NoEQCrJkshqz1kNNcY-JHqpXliGSSQPgf6zrP7Ms_eyjp3bGzBsdvsDzW0MjYwI0xwIWOe3OYh30sGUM3hrJx2KGeBvU455c2k7vAuLp__PxO41Owl2ahyphenhyphenyfAVp9IRo3pgpecIws/s1600/poms16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNk48NoEQCrJkshqz1kNNcY-JHqpXliGSSQPgf6zrP7Ms_eyjp3bGzBsdvsDzW0MjYwI0xwIWOe3OYh30sGUM3hrJx2KGeBvU455c2k7vAuLp__PxO41Owl2ahyphenhyphenyfAVp9IRo3pgpecIws/s400/poms16.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;">Here's what you need:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">tissue paper</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">scissors</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">floral wire (or any wire, really)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBmMS5wX3NY1bPXmfQZj5prKNC7OQXVVuy5q88oVqBRj_yijnBMZ37j0OjwFyXvJHesX3kkNyrQfH5QxrcbEthUlq4OFjbbPP3UMtaxxBOstw5qCAti2ucTvtr-my5ZzHbKEbClAL4vA/s1600/poms3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBmMS5wX3NY1bPXmfQZj5prKNC7OQXVVuy5q88oVqBRj_yijnBMZ37j0OjwFyXvJHesX3kkNyrQfH5QxrcbEthUlq4OFjbbPP3UMtaxxBOstw5qCAti2ucTvtr-my5ZzHbKEbClAL4vA/s400/poms3.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;">Lay out a stack of tissue paper, 8-10 sheets. The paper I used came in packs of 20 sheets, about 20"x25". I was able to make four pom poms per pack. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipozGvy620QeRZgnfiUtTrLLuSelTqFrQj-Rtzu2cxeNsAX53FD8VGOhjP2DqIJ5Kv-eSo_PbK9tuqLK1Kgc0qjdYyk34BOXsirn224ggHGjKcTSt0oYkjXbEOalqq9hOFaugTG-ZqDjo/s1600/poms4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipozGvy620QeRZgnfiUtTrLLuSelTqFrQj-Rtzu2cxeNsAX53FD8VGOhjP2DqIJ5Kv-eSo_PbK9tuqLK1Kgc0qjdYyk34BOXsirn224ggHGjKcTSt0oYkjXbEOalqq9hOFaugTG-ZqDjo/s400/poms4.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;">Cut your stack in half so you have two stacks of around 20"x12.5". This doesn't have to be exact- different brands are different sizes. You just want rectangles, basically. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCVaQsErpB6n-kGpg3XWH28jKTGp8iPpwRd6YSgcdSqUM2DzMk3TkaHgvGnPX9meBBfvKzVEjtc4bYTdu6OcO2DvQYU4_odoF400ubJg0ew4AyePXE1vBEnmQyp-00o_m3ZAsTYVdrg0/s1600/poms5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCVaQsErpB6n-kGpg3XWH28jKTGp8iPpwRd6YSgcdSqUM2DzMk3TkaHgvGnPX9meBBfvKzVEjtc4bYTdu6OcO2DvQYU4_odoF400ubJg0ew4AyePXE1vBEnmQyp-00o_m3ZAsTYVdrg0/s400/poms5.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;">Set aside one stack for your second pom pom. Then start accordion folding a stack, starting at the short end. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOgwAc3sxgF6H3kFxHv2IUswetw1R5nMFQsERxChA13FAO6TnYZKvjuR-WODI73YII5pSGjM5QRTYg2NI8rJaU43jVyH7O1t7iI6b6a8Kptcxl8pMEB7dqGREbP1Vs-cd2ytJJB7wS7M/s1600/poms6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOgwAc3sxgF6H3kFxHv2IUswetw1R5nMFQsERxChA13FAO6TnYZKvjuR-WODI73YII5pSGjM5QRTYg2NI8rJaU43jVyH7O1t7iI6b6a8Kptcxl8pMEB7dqGREbP1Vs-cd2ytJJB7wS7M/s400/poms6.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;">Your folds don't have to be perfect, but I think the narrower the folds, the prettier the pom turns out. Maybe an inch or so. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOgwAc3sxgF6H3kFxHv2IUswetw1R5nMFQsERxChA13FAO6TnYZKvjuR-WODI73YII5pSGjM5QRTYg2NI8rJaU43jVyH7O1t7iI6b6a8Kptcxl8pMEB7dqGREbP1Vs-cd2ytJJB7wS7M/s1600/poms6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKp8mm6YxESlol5ulHPXcP0pkT4vjEZi7iFy1A6OqsiZ1XSu64Ll-dluDObVvxxy3F7_s8tOySo0ijYGipd7CHNS9c3nwKf_CdQe-z0OZ7tCrCh1OjA6QFoiMK5daeBuvqJoQhvV3Pizs/s1600/poms7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKp8mm6YxESlol5ulHPXcP0pkT4vjEZi7iFy1A6OqsiZ1XSu64Ll-dluDObVvxxy3F7_s8tOySo0ijYGipd7CHNS9c3nwKf_CdQe-z0OZ7tCrCh1OjA6QFoiMK5daeBuvqJoQhvV3Pizs/s400/poms7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj876RhDlI3PZhi3-VOxDaueapjc7nsJwEsxrO3Q8qMrOCL8PeMoy_Yd4wSvBVzoTnJZAwUv4ofWmVu2WhU4FPlKaymdNH77HvfmG99zhWpJYbTjeJB7-wi6K7inMMNRZ2IdKehyJtKfzs/s1600/poms11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj876RhDlI3PZhi3-VOxDaueapjc7nsJwEsxrO3Q8qMrOCL8PeMoy_Yd4wSvBVzoTnJZAwUv4ofWmVu2WhU4FPlKaymdNH77HvfmG99zhWpJYbTjeJB7-wi6K7inMMNRZ2IdKehyJtKfzs/s400/poms11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While holding your accordion, cut the ends into a curve. You can also cut them into a V shape for pointy petals. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGXwX3Wxp1vw7lBSDStVyVu4VgM-SqJOs2BQzC5YFy52H3FmDRLblhuSdt3AEu5PHhks4ejFjIT6qLFRCuWQLcLcAqE-cwa7ymNRLIsvurw9NGn4NgmzNJKIXTWUNkGZOUY7ryS6LVpc/s1600/poms8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGXwX3Wxp1vw7lBSDStVyVu4VgM-SqJOs2BQzC5YFy52H3FmDRLblhuSdt3AEu5PHhks4ejFjIT6qLFRCuWQLcLcAqE-cwa7ymNRLIsvurw9NGn4NgmzNJKIXTWUNkGZOUY7ryS6LVpc/s400/poms8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now find the center and cut a small notch on each side. This makes it easier to fluff once it's held by the wire. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoGN9_nDVzsX-fEA4nR7_YJRkwSd14KdolGSYKvmxzP9hAHDKpOyK93-fdkR00qQACjF8OR2V4uXm6HTIhC6nvv_KYByooOqUVnmucaTpCjbBpo8b8-2vl0VTTHHXWK_3jV0jqkyYaUk/s1600/poms9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoGN9_nDVzsX-fEA4nR7_YJRkwSd14KdolGSYKvmxzP9hAHDKpOyK93-fdkR00qQACjF8OR2V4uXm6HTIhC6nvv_KYByooOqUVnmucaTpCjbBpo8b8-2vl0VTTHHXWK_3jV0jqkyYaUk/s400/poms9.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;">Now bend a piece of wire into a hook...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoGN9_nDVzsX-fEA4nR7_YJRkwSd14KdolGSYKvmxzP9hAHDKpOyK93-fdkR00qQACjF8OR2V4uXm6HTIhC6nvv_KYByooOqUVnmucaTpCjbBpo8b8-2vl0VTTHHXWK_3jV0jqkyYaUk/s1600/poms9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHO2gcJB2U2AusX0JOdBCUtmP0v8LVT0Scc05e1s5j1Pf7zrHu6HWqlS_BZlNRwSYYav0ls4XGcNCgkQf2_iOqixgjIPOPXp65vIuRW54EDkEkAcEmBt4H7vN14o8GpyHq0etq79iL4NY/s1600/poms10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHO2gcJB2U2AusX0JOdBCUtmP0v8LVT0Scc05e1s5j1Pf7zrHu6HWqlS_BZlNRwSYYav0ls4XGcNCgkQf2_iOqixgjIPOPXp65vIuRW54EDkEkAcEmBt4H7vN14o8GpyHq0etq79iL4NY/s400/poms10.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;">...and wrap it around the tissue into the notches you cut. Twist the end around the rest of the wire to secure. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq76ud74D9TPa6TWeyRHCS2CLKqeCR2NPjZD6hoPMuV2vEZ_Fvpda-1cVZLutewh4f7xmh3vKfYHYwu19l6YIYkg1HK-f6nppAr1halq8NUjDMKvbgcP6MXxkklvXt9El5yFTvuoD30eo/s1600/poms12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq76ud74D9TPa6TWeyRHCS2CLKqeCR2NPjZD6hoPMuV2vEZ_Fvpda-1cVZLutewh4f7xmh3vKfYHYwu19l6YIYkg1HK-f6nppAr1halq8NUjDMKvbgcP6MXxkklvXt9El5yFTvuoD30eo/s400/poms12.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;">Open it up into a nice little fan...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7Hm8Ff5ZeV420z1xaphanLC9ZmWlmoHJyvStPTui6nAmjk2GGyqgOrKX8uctpHIRwVjMgsLBn6EeQD-AJV4R3sjjX0qV6ab1ywPUlaU8d4UWxX4yHi5gmDJft60BgSMgjKkYeskOv3g/s1600/poms13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7Hm8Ff5ZeV420z1xaphanLC9ZmWlmoHJyvStPTui6nAmjk2GGyqgOrKX8uctpHIRwVjMgsLBn6EeQD-AJV4R3sjjX0qV6ab1ywPUlaU8d4UWxX4yHi5gmDJft60BgSMgjKkYeskOv3g/s400/poms13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">....and start gently peeling each layer away from the rest of the fan. Peel all the way down to the wire so your pom gets really fluffy. Peel a few layers one direction, then switch and pull from the other side so you get an even sphere. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40aevWxMGsyr0qY4prEdSGOVlaPBnJfymSUc-FPjdOjlDX2E_sd8ZOFflDAjOIYMBfYIDl5FSbbFuK_NLkdrzTER3b1AviMc5As_t542Sko4QeHrt8b4jqLk2GbmITb9Q4Eq3hD3ILM4/s1600/poms14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40aevWxMGsyr0qY4prEdSGOVlaPBnJfymSUc-FPjdOjlDX2E_sd8ZOFflDAjOIYMBfYIDl5FSbbFuK_NLkdrzTER3b1AviMc5As_t542Sko4QeHrt8b4jqLk2GbmITb9Q4Eq3hD3ILM4/s400/poms14.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;">Shoo the kittens away over and over and over...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRAK5Xw2cuuiYFDIejzq6lcDTSvi5E67l3vrnY-N3h0DRyNLNE4dtqK5O7kX4zK-6r5Z9BmvZ4h_bsV9KYJFlOMQG8Jo5wmOdYhJ1TPM-FerB8VpyvvrrThfeteORUB5JNBa1VXaiKDo/s1600/poms1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRAK5Xw2cuuiYFDIejzq6lcDTSvi5E67l3vrnY-N3h0DRyNLNE4dtqK5O7kX4zK-6r5Z9BmvZ4h_bsV9KYJFlOMQG8Jo5wmOdYhJ1TPM-FerB8VpyvvrrThfeteORUB5JNBa1VXaiKDo/s400/poms1.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;">Keep peeling and fluffing until you have a gorgeous pom! Bend your wire into a loop so you can hang it, then fluff the tissue around it to help hide the wire. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can really experiment with variations... Use the entire stack of 8-10 tissues without cutting it in half for a giant pom. You may need more than 10 to keep it nice and full when it's that large. You could also cut a six inch strip off your big stack to make one big pom, then cut the 6" strip into two for mini poms! I've discovered the smaller the pom, the fewer tissues you need to make it full. So the minis could be made with less, but the giant ones will need more. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can also peel your layers just one direction to make more of a flower rather than a full sphere. In that case keep the wire straight and use it as a stem. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm thinking these could be really fun July 4th decor! Also Christmas!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fun fun! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Genellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476356716619935798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204942171574599280.post-41339161320591807672011-06-27T15:22:00.000-07:002011-06-27T15:22:49.517-07:00The BIG baby shower post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh my word, this is a <b>lot</b> of photos. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But I just had so much fun I wanted to share every detail with you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My SIL Christie asked a few months ago if I would help her plan a shower for our friend who is expecting her first little one in August. Once the big ultrasound revealed a sweet baby girl, we got to planning. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Momma-to-be likes purple, so we instantly decided to go with varying shades- eggplant to orchid to lavender. I had a few theme ideas but we decided to go with 'dresses'.... what could be more girly?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So here is the day, in photos. First of all, praise the Lord for the fabulous weather that day! Bright sunshine, warm, just a light breeze. Perfect.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyHDgeWqbBMFW1SzlAzxEAN9mT2PyzBkxcb2HYQ9u-Xt-T2iOKPi8p1-gchZeMFIrBVPDDXifLIQBjQE4P0ZG183Ow3LkmL_0Btd-IZzIQQJ6aaCC-7IeDJm3k-uZ_EbCnnOdC-G9DzY/s1600/shower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyHDgeWqbBMFW1SzlAzxEAN9mT2PyzBkxcb2HYQ9u-Xt-T2iOKPi8p1-gchZeMFIrBVPDDXifLIQBjQE4P0ZG183Ow3LkmL_0Btd-IZzIQQJ6aaCC-7IeDJm3k-uZ_EbCnnOdC-G9DzY/s400/shower.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;">This is the gift table, before most guests arrived. It ended up very full!! Baby Skylar is loved and blessed already!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMjFa7VBxkTPxwb1t5UASrOTqakMHZwTs9YtyFUvT15lLJluvjycSUOOmoD062uy9kxGTzd0Y6ewwSHjp_uyQ8XggIIhYJozDErTswfQxr-0Se_TTjP7xl10ApLz5foAU22xQIYB6vGc/s1600/shower1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMjFa7VBxkTPxwb1t5UASrOTqakMHZwTs9YtyFUvT15lLJluvjycSUOOmoD062uy9kxGTzd0Y6ewwSHjp_uyQ8XggIIhYJozDErTswfQxr-0Se_TTjP7xl10ApLz5foAU22xQIYB6vGc/s400/shower1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLz1tjmdG-Dr44B88xR-xstHZdLHq4qAgfaqMz7-qPyJ4twjWkfDyP0IXsy67BezLiwTZIycAPr1ROociA8hlJr6tLnp44MJr8rIQsCjcMDiv-tz0fnn9vVVsy-x6Bps9pw96Xeo_MoU/s1600/shower2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLz1tjmdG-Dr44B88xR-xstHZdLHq4qAgfaqMz7-qPyJ4twjWkfDyP0IXsy67BezLiwTZIycAPr1ROociA8hlJr6tLnp44MJr8rIQsCjcMDiv-tz0fnn9vVVsy-x6Bps9pw96Xeo_MoU/s400/shower2.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;">We knew right away we wanted to decorate with actual dresses, and my mom found this gorgeous skirt that demanded a prominent location. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTyd4r4G963UPtfpB_c_twVAjBZvyPKrmNtLBa8kNqDkIIwdBYHC6wHwbdAgIUTDbKJKMOVcH-8i1IN75V1gsQ-woFiBQSU7iIZdJNmCUUA3YYwJnMOr6vvOkQdMxAobgM45EA0lS3i0/s1600/shower3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTyd4r4G963UPtfpB_c_twVAjBZvyPKrmNtLBa8kNqDkIIwdBYHC6wHwbdAgIUTDbKJKMOVcH-8i1IN75V1gsQ-woFiBQSU7iIZdJNmCUUA3YYwJnMOr6vvOkQdMxAobgM45EA0lS3i0/s400/shower3.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;">These are some of the prize bags I decorated, because what's a shower without games? And what are games without great prizes in pretty little bags?!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4ohR21-dqMiCS9hUjgV3H2okYmGkRK8IvQhiUtUZQn1kiPtfRPAgNAzcQgAem6ozIUyg8iOfSTHaRO6QGmoNQnNxb-OW62Ryn5G-Korm62_3C546TnU2m-ltuEG8u-PcRKIgv9QGAqg/s1600/shower4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4ohR21-dqMiCS9hUjgV3H2okYmGkRK8IvQhiUtUZQn1kiPtfRPAgNAzcQgAem6ozIUyg8iOfSTHaRO6QGmoNQnNxb-OW62Ryn5G-Korm62_3C546TnU2m-ltuEG8u-PcRKIgv9QGAqg/s400/shower4.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;">Christie and I had great fun on baking day, making the hydrangea cupcakes above, and of course- purple <a href="http://sleeplessinsandy.blogspot.com/2010/11/cake-pops.html">cake pops</a>! On a side note, I've started using my stand mixer to crumble the cake and mix in the frosting when I make cake pops, and man do they get smooth and lovely! It really helps!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxDdow7NlHVsZfFvYBMeQJOJ8XHKnyun0YVB0MlEyeB1FrvQwWfQPMjUGG7sFWp-VNWbP5EzV9MreM_Ptev1E9EAmd0KjLR66wJntGz45573vDKcus89DkHKCOVdzmIQDpqlVNFkuB6A/s1600/shower5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxDdow7NlHVsZfFvYBMeQJOJ8XHKnyun0YVB0MlEyeB1FrvQwWfQPMjUGG7sFWp-VNWbP5EzV9MreM_Ptev1E9EAmd0KjLR66wJntGz45573vDKcus89DkHKCOVdzmIQDpqlVNFkuB6A/s400/shower5.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;">These were devil's food cake with chocolate fudge frosting, coated in vanilla candy melts with purple sugar sprinkles. They tasted like fudge-y brownies. Mmmm.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNoYL5-6qmyZPxZV6dK__YLQu0G3uk2EGfFSP3zk0cmcQp9Hcg065yO2bKghttACmAPqHjiaV_TRx90G68iVhLd-RnAbdvzbjywVq6jRdW4jjdqD7y-5QaWJj9Cq3hwv9PEfwn3epawOU/s1600/shower6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNoYL5-6qmyZPxZV6dK__YLQu0G3uk2EGfFSP3zk0cmcQp9Hcg065yO2bKghttACmAPqHjiaV_TRx90G68iVhLd-RnAbdvzbjywVq6jRdW4jjdqD7y-5QaWJj9Cq3hwv9PEfwn3epawOU/s400/shower6.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;">Here is the food table, complete with Skylar banner. It's a bit hard to see, but its held together with tiny wooden clothespins. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQ89G42VdCFi3Hfyo8BC58PaCmtKyNlNbU8uubhwIIzFntEUbEY7h-2-PfpTEnrq0sS3Bel309vpfiEDjvtHcveUbqV5hHdXp0xyQ72oCrd1E2F3IFl971I6t7U3AoOe3D41PdbPrxNc/s1600/shower7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQ89G42VdCFi3Hfyo8BC58PaCmtKyNlNbU8uubhwIIzFntEUbEY7h-2-PfpTEnrq0sS3Bel309vpfiEDjvtHcveUbqV5hHdXp0xyQ72oCrd1E2F3IFl971I6t7U3AoOe3D41PdbPrxNc/s400/shower7.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 closeups of the cupcakes- We jazzed up lemon mix with sour cream and pudding... then topped them with vanilla raspberry frosting. A funny little story: We filled one with extra frosting as a game; whoever gets the filled cupcake gets a prize. A nice, girly prize. Well, no one found the winning cupcake. Until after the shower was over and my aunt called to say the leftover cupcake she brought home for her hubby just happened to be the winner. So, Uncle Aaron, we have some nice vanilla body spray with your name on it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmG3DsrSUuK_Sm6_YHKZRUEjRntHck7Vh87cyUMRoXLKwRJqG9dv8mYnee162AoBWfEALFZGu-IbfiX3NFhQ8j8uXJbJKmQtwQC_Ysky26VR3gtTqsjdVDOkVLsNT8dh4LpjRYercx8dc/s1600/shower11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmG3DsrSUuK_Sm6_YHKZRUEjRntHck7Vh87cyUMRoXLKwRJqG9dv8mYnee162AoBWfEALFZGu-IbfiX3NFhQ8j8uXJbJKmQtwQC_Ysky26VR3gtTqsjdVDOkVLsNT8dh4LpjRYercx8dc/s400/shower11.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;">Frosting these was so easy! I was surprised. Saw them originally on Pinterest, and found the corresponding blog that posted them, along with a tutorial- which of course I can't find now. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtFJBb1hbG8Y_lCzkkCXLhlx50pRxwQGJmnTewFpX98BGUwfLrj-hKFP1OKNciVL6Hvoa2wgRoG3WOKLyHM6ODO_IP6gmN9k2cvl3t6Uu1T2NQhhT1zFV2nPFodlBbhF6YkZwm5Q3SJw/s1600/shower8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtFJBb1hbG8Y_lCzkkCXLhlx50pRxwQGJmnTewFpX98BGUwfLrj-hKFP1OKNciVL6Hvoa2wgRoG3WOKLyHM6ODO_IP6gmN9k2cvl3t6Uu1T2NQhhT1zFV2nPFodlBbhF6YkZwm5Q3SJw/s400/shower8.jpg" width="332" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I decorated a glittery wooden 'S' that we sent home for Skylar's nursery. And the pic above is a bit washed out, but Christie and I folded the napkins into little dresses with bows. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfAAAo0k_XmQDOGdDLaRcEfM5ZrA1oHU3WnAQy8R78LCtNeM9rTMi2k3MvxFK6_tuVb_GTUzQqfPNf5WQZMvDuJXOmq8mpg8H_RnZqZNAPvtc8p0_xddWpBxc_XvhTfDdNOKYIXJbPEQ/s1600/shower9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfAAAo0k_XmQDOGdDLaRcEfM5ZrA1oHU3WnAQy8R78LCtNeM9rTMi2k3MvxFK6_tuVb_GTUzQqfPNf5WQZMvDuJXOmq8mpg8H_RnZqZNAPvtc8p0_xddWpBxc_XvhTfDdNOKYIXJbPEQ/s400/shower9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3H-3bbitf786TxzaSVtpVpsE2zUz8hyyBhvXOhApfaxPNYEMdafcNig432tEmMToFGEeqv8ZG_7G4gYRqLSz-GcHMRfl7UdZnSaNmCFKyT7fOkzpG_ORobA7-I6wzB9cgeouE6mw00s/s1600/shower10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3H-3bbitf786TxzaSVtpVpsE2zUz8hyyBhvXOhApfaxPNYEMdafcNig432tEmMToFGEeqv8ZG_7G4gYRqLSz-GcHMRfl7UdZnSaNmCFKyT7fOkzpG_ORobA7-I6wzB9cgeouE6mw00s/s400/shower10.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;">Creamy pasta salad cups- because cupcakes and champagne floats aren't always enough.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sJwPSWzZVEfe2wVTaetlAN2iBACwuCjvzK2TBD0HujE84B4Xe8CA5VyVV5BrewMqubA5KH5TdlNhxpiEjUi6alCNoIKeA_ZfzF0_3ZhxhLg0Aji0lonnkleuK_xbu8WSppNGVPiIRdc/s1600/shower12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sJwPSWzZVEfe2wVTaetlAN2iBACwuCjvzK2TBD0HujE84B4Xe8CA5VyVV5BrewMqubA5KH5TdlNhxpiEjUi6alCNoIKeA_ZfzF0_3ZhxhLg0Aji0lonnkleuK_xbu8WSppNGVPiIRdc/s400/shower12.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;">I had a lot of fun making these little dress cupcake toppers. Cardstock, tulle, ribbon and lots of hot glue. Fun stuff. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFB1AM3Oekl2t6vAoqA1ThdZzk5QOhGgVm3JNHNsKWQYLUaKLw22bqKzOz8aRDmPtqm2G-9w4sKebKMVyp-cwoiaYF6jOBeOLYbhJ8xio222Y7cd3wftQi6wv2A0TXB2_QQx0fKwMGNjw/s1600/shower13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFB1AM3Oekl2t6vAoqA1ThdZzk5QOhGgVm3JNHNsKWQYLUaKLw22bqKzOz8aRDmPtqm2G-9w4sKebKMVyp-cwoiaYF6jOBeOLYbhJ8xio222Y7cd3wftQi6wv2A0TXB2_QQx0fKwMGNjw/s400/shower13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love individual portions of food in little cups. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVzn3iayXM8QCuXsBVoZRC13JVs0NHdwFyk2u59H8SxzP4hZp_w9ugiBtaErr_3JX_makKbXDI-iE4QajzQbXC3GcZN-sGsIoqhj6x9erc8O2e4iG6h1ciCGK_PRkyFhkGDp67MsUg3g/s1600/shower20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVzn3iayXM8QCuXsBVoZRC13JVs0NHdwFyk2u59H8SxzP4hZp_w9ugiBtaErr_3JX_makKbXDI-iE4QajzQbXC3GcZN-sGsIoqhj6x9erc8O2e4iG6h1ciCGK_PRkyFhkGDp67MsUg3g/s400/shower20.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;">And something about these sweet/salty dipped pretzels just gets me. Plus they are pretty and easy to make. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSfgZpbHfv0xlI6QlB97ZbeyHNxtPVn-sh5yaCkoj060WQaRC50Ktjv6uqM6ZJ4HzpMwo_our1NLZQlFqUWWKI59Y23Hn3_BRlWXGshEb0lRaGaR3ehJ_P67v3ykIbA3kYVDVOub5AR8/s1600/shower14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSfgZpbHfv0xlI6QlB97ZbeyHNxtPVn-sh5yaCkoj060WQaRC50Ktjv6uqM6ZJ4HzpMwo_our1NLZQlFqUWWKI59Y23Hn3_BRlWXGshEb0lRaGaR3ehJ_P67v3ykIbA3kYVDVOub5AR8/s400/shower14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The non-alcoholic drinks. For the poor preggo. ;) I somehow forgot to snap a pic of the champagne float, but it was nummy. Champagne with lots of melty, cold tropical sherbet. Kinda wish I had one right now...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5c_toy6_sypvzygQRKqFE6Jsi0G2nTWV0B6itOolGP-HeZBOsppaxWB0_QdHdJtPZQXhmrMoVLAaj6os05VoqIj3iewOTIp1HxKPaiO_9nfrYz-X0JM6yPXTc2ELwdfmNZlfJH2h0fLk/s1600/shower15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5c_toy6_sypvzygQRKqFE6Jsi0G2nTWV0B6itOolGP-HeZBOsppaxWB0_QdHdJtPZQXhmrMoVLAaj6os05VoqIj3iewOTIp1HxKPaiO_9nfrYz-X0JM6yPXTc2ELwdfmNZlfJH2h0fLk/s400/shower15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also love indoor furniture brought outdoors. And pregnant mamas need comfy chairs with ottomans. Decorated with tulle.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SI5W9rGoiDuVWOuypNzFdvlViDXS49tugtixJ1vppauwOUIYX4D_kfz17EymBtgqwAJBp8yq7bklj47CGVmly9P71aEApFQnls8t3jHSVbJ0eJlK-hbInMORidYrvVF1-iGFT0X7pos/s1600/shower16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SI5W9rGoiDuVWOuypNzFdvlViDXS49tugtixJ1vppauwOUIYX4D_kfz17EymBtgqwAJBp8yq7bklj47CGVmly9P71aEApFQnls8t3jHSVbJ0eJlK-hbInMORidYrvVF1-iGFT0X7pos/s400/shower16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My sweet friend, who has two beautiful girls, lent me these tiny dresses she had saved. Well, four of them are hers, the others were gifts for baby Skylar. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG46lNtnJQhZ1ZSIcFbJjG5g9bIlT5uQF0hQh1djgJQxZewjmfQPcEl-MUYv4NX20z2j7E9ytYAoOGQA_es1ZTSEZjE-rnVrGvzF9STOPMfCXnt7jE8zOJz-6z8F9rOPLEqoiHZiKuTcA/s1600/shower17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG46lNtnJQhZ1ZSIcFbJjG5g9bIlT5uQF0hQh1djgJQxZewjmfQPcEl-MUYv4NX20z2j7E9ytYAoOGQA_es1ZTSEZjE-rnVrGvzF9STOPMfCXnt7jE8zOJz-6z8F9rOPLEqoiHZiKuTcA/s400/shower17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had tons of fun sewing two of these dresses. The second and fourth from the left- I forgot to take closeups of them.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81qcLlLPlHtknKJGLyk7cvVTwWNnhOgDc-au0mrj4-mHCouWpglvUZWXV7QzXJjd5vF0sh02VVD8bV4q4g_egZGg9vqG4pyqd6Utu17JMJ3O5e1YKXX-yEIeEMGH9t99H_JjLWuWI2Lw/s1600/shower18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81qcLlLPlHtknKJGLyk7cvVTwWNnhOgDc-au0mrj4-mHCouWpglvUZWXV7QzXJjd5vF0sh02VVD8bV4q4g_egZGg9vqG4pyqd6Utu17JMJ3O5e1YKXX-yEIeEMGH9t99H_JjLWuWI2Lw/s400/shower18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are the tissue pom poms Christie and I made- I'll be posting a tutorial for these in the next couple days. They are surprisingly easy to make, and would be perfect for a wedding! Or mini ones for a baby mobile! I sent these home for Skylar's nursery as well. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqeEcw4X7GvYpechpHU_80Zec6W6f-xUQF5gBUNJAHP9xezw6AcSaVJ_Z0jmXqX3NgAwuhfxh7W-Iw7WvbCrUSVafW8tTuOqiRYqNVv6wRBf0L0xkP4KjegVA4VHgjWKBfwb4OUszD48/s1600/shower19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqeEcw4X7GvYpechpHU_80Zec6W6f-xUQF5gBUNJAHP9xezw6AcSaVJ_Z0jmXqX3NgAwuhfxh7W-Iw7WvbCrUSVafW8tTuOqiRYqNVv6wRBf0L0xkP4KjegVA4VHgjWKBfwb4OUszD48/s400/shower19.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you so much to my mom and dad, for letting us take over your gorgeous house for the day and all help with this event. To Christie for letting me help plan and for all your hard work! And to Jessica and Jenna, for the ideas and setup help...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Also to Stacey- thanks for having a girl! I got to immerse myself in ruffles and ribbon and tulle and dresses. Congrats on baby and thanks for letting me be a part of this day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To my fab hubby who had kid duty <b>all</b> day Saturday- thanks babe. Love ya. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Check back soon for a fun pom pom tutorial!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Genellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476356716619935798noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204942171574599280.post-75422185318227385402011-06-10T10:54:00.000-07:002011-06-10T10:54:39.334-07:00Barbie cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First, let me apologize for the horrid quality of these photos. I snapped them quickly with my phone and meant to take more with the good camera... but never did. So this is what you get. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last weekend we celebrated my husband's and my sister-in-law's birthday. Their birthdays are actually three days apart, so we just did big fun weekend sleepover at my parents. Beautiful weather (finally!!), great food, lots of playing and relaxing. I love spending time there. It's almost like going on vacation. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, this SIL of mine (my brother's wife) <i>loves</i> barbie. Can I just say how stinkin' lucky I got with my two SILs?! Growing up I only had a brother (whom I absolutely adore- but I always wanted a sister too!). So when I married Mike I inherited his brother and his brother's wife- <a href="http://sleeplessinsandy.blogspot.com/2010/06/sweet-baby-girl.html">Ruby</a>'s mom. LOVE her. I was so excited to finally have a sister. <i>Then </i>my brother married his love, and I got <b>another</b> sister! Two fab ladies that I can't imagine not having in my life. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So. My brother suggested the idea of making a barbie cake for birthday girl last week, and I was instantly thrilled by the idea. It's like designing a dress and decorating a cake all at once! Luckily Ty's awesome teacher happened to have a barbie skirt pan, so I borrowed it and got to baking.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDytHunaBjbtrmAZvjcbR-kMCnQghvvSvmY8gf4mJF8G9v9DZ-aMFTjo9f1sKmaTtRXcdftOdnzzLGbZ8-vvQb1hGhCPK7gZYuNb5lIW0zi7hH6ee8I5ckjEcmWBcFlRzXsom4hiBbwE/s1600/barbie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDytHunaBjbtrmAZvjcbR-kMCnQghvvSvmY8gf4mJF8G9v9DZ-aMFTjo9f1sKmaTtRXcdftOdnzzLGbZ8-vvQb1hGhCPK7gZYuNb5lIW0zi7hH6ee8I5ckjEcmWBcFlRzXsom4hiBbwE/s400/barbie1.jpg" width="311" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wanted to use a real barbie instead of those barbie torso-on-a-stick things you can buy in the cake aisle. But sadly she was too tall. So an amputation was necessary. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMG4GUlN6tTZUX_aKWIFgpX4W4cYOXIKVpNw3VH6aeSCYxwzvpzswDOxlE0K5Bkzlf4wCScfEQ3ggoQPazCDaleXBz3TydwNP0tX4cTU8tQGt0ZDa1lA_mrA1FjmXhKNn2JBrE1OadtiE/s1600/barbie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMG4GUlN6tTZUX_aKWIFgpX4W4cYOXIKVpNw3VH6aeSCYxwzvpzswDOxlE0K5Bkzlf4wCScfEQ3ggoQPazCDaleXBz3TydwNP0tX4cTU8tQGt0ZDa1lA_mrA1FjmXhKNn2JBrE1OadtiE/s400/barbie2.jpg" width="311" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made a bunch of roses with royal icing to sort of match the painted-on bodice barbie is wearing. Then did her skirt in fondant layers. I added some white "beads" around her (tiny. kinda hate her.) waist, then had some fun piping a "pearl" ring and bracelet on her. Of course she needed an icing flower in her hair. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh, my this was fun.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsfZ2_vi4dUKhsF-WH484XdRRXrwQjQwR3nkzPl3Dc4Fl9MJHjYoXUkGWs1WiRUNVl8JB9kxr8grS_ykMV5z7o3ToQpkIrqWX3g35L9rE1piGnUKeSmMPG2NCELtUlyg5g9L6C3I2d5Y/s1600/barbie3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsfZ2_vi4dUKhsF-WH484XdRRXrwQjQwR3nkzPl3Dc4Fl9MJHjYoXUkGWs1WiRUNVl8JB9kxr8grS_ykMV5z7o3ToQpkIrqWX3g35L9rE1piGnUKeSmMPG2NCELtUlyg5g9L6C3I2d5Y/s400/barbie3.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't see a lot of barbie cakes in my future, so thank you sister, for your endearing barbie obsession that allowed me to have some girly fun with edible gorgeousness. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Speaking of girly fun, I am in the midst of planning, with my barbie-loving SIL, a baby shower for a friend who is having a GIRL! I am ridiculously excited. We are full of ideas and can't wait to put them all together. I've been working on a super simple, but <i>so</i> pretty craft that I will share soon!</div>Genellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476356716619935798noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204942171574599280.post-69349502483869140852011-06-02T09:57:00.000-07:002011-06-02T09:57:28.077-07:00Keepin' it real<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a post I've wanted to do for a long time. I think as women, and moms in particular, we tend to compare ourselves to others. I do this all the time, and it's never good for the self esteem. There is always going to be someone that does something better than I do. This was especially the case as I adjusted from working part time and having one child to staying home full time with two. Life gets crazy. Days fly by in a blur of laundry and baby care and feeding little mouths over and over. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I feel much more comfortable now with this <s>job</s> life I've chosen. I've (mostly) accepted that all things cannot be as they were pre-kids. There are messes every time I turn around. I drive myself crazy picking them up. But that's just how I am. I know I function much better in neat, organized spaces. Clutter stresses me out. I'm a better mom if my house stays relatively clean. I know we all aren't wired that way, and it may appear that I have it all figured out. But let me tell ya, I never post pics on my blog of the constant messes that pop up (and sometimes stay) in my home. So that's what I'm gonna do today. I'm gonna keep it real. Because as fellow moms we should encourage, not compare. And we should be able to laugh at ourselves and embrace our quirks. Here are mine. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AmoNNz-Eqfm8_sBVGnM09HlnQy9hZwZZxqrV7SD5SsLkcdbPM00JiNuCxjhl4fXSCBoa41wbi6g-Zqk_EPgm1zKH1p2ZXQtNeXdZkerDpUSZllpcrOePJzAlPkSPx0vIa_U-dv83TwQ/s1600/house6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AmoNNz-Eqfm8_sBVGnM09HlnQy9hZwZZxqrV7SD5SsLkcdbPM00JiNuCxjhl4fXSCBoa41wbi6g-Zqk_EPgm1zKH1p2ZXQtNeXdZkerDpUSZllpcrOePJzAlPkSPx0vIa_U-dv83TwQ/s400/house6.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;">This is an example of how I'm wired. I physically cannot have magnets or artwork on the fridge. It just doesn't work for me. I know to some of you that seems selfish, but it's just how I am. We painted a magnetic wall in the playroom where the boys can hang their art, so my kitchen stays clutter free. And I promise, my boys are still happy and functioning. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMlN7Q9mXv7NdQgRbhiBOztr78-RzJFTVXwMFr3085LKpXZH9OBP9S0A0cMPC-EslEH_ISZzxF93Hrv__0uBEcQXgE9ops0ayq_nm1ukFR5w7zDcwVL3Un7_9YYHcqexTgqhpD9aD1ms/s1600/house2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMlN7Q9mXv7NdQgRbhiBOztr78-RzJFTVXwMFr3085LKpXZH9OBP9S0A0cMPC-EslEH_ISZzxF93Hrv__0uBEcQXgE9ops0ayq_nm1ukFR5w7zDcwVL3Un7_9YYHcqexTgqhpD9aD1ms/s400/house2.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;">Also, my bed must be made every morning. With many pretty pillows. It just makes me happy so I do it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And when my bed is neat, it makes the whole upstairs seem cleaner. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMjYTKLIGJWw9MUYJctQPlUugf2eEgkB3rt7JGvlI8WYfEu8-W_LbTgfSTZDOxARWHDq2FG2mTu4q_yG7zq8A8sS5t6a9X44MKgvJV_quXF_fVt5E7yfuSWjHOjePnOl-xyvCiRT2cSc/s1600/house4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMjYTKLIGJWw9MUYJctQPlUugf2eEgkB3rt7JGvlI8WYfEu8-W_LbTgfSTZDOxARWHDq2FG2mTu4q_yG7zq8A8sS5t6a9X44MKgvJV_quXF_fVt5E7yfuSWjHOjePnOl-xyvCiRT2cSc/s400/house4.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;">However, I do not make Ty's bed for him. This drives me absolutely bonkers, but I just don't go in his room very often. He is technically supposed to make it, but it doesn't happen. So there ya go; a messy, not pretty, real photo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4GIW0b2AZ6N2lBew7rNVIZoum5rq9g_wn3rSgfdTe-k58_d-9LUumW_h7G8_ZjS6jUuMmGyDK4LPDOUx5gGe0iQ7zgx4iJKABQ1L66yXIMMZiky6rbGSgbNhB4i3BXJBjD6WOqWHhec/s1600/house3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4GIW0b2AZ6N2lBew7rNVIZoum5rq9g_wn3rSgfdTe-k58_d-9LUumW_h7G8_ZjS6jUuMmGyDK4LPDOUx5gGe0iQ7zgx4iJKABQ1L66yXIMMZiky6rbGSgbNhB4i3BXJBjD6WOqWHhec/s400/house3.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;">My bathroom cannot have stuff on the counters. That's what drawers and cupboards are for. Plus, I need a peaceful escape from...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxOprDYN-dTUQmKz4BgHSh-MDWh1ZC-TYDOntFiANs6GxHih-KUvVMOTclzPNrSdlgMtuFcgEtsz7eqTVMUvcCEALbdxZOGRActVZX7yYr_vMufxOe0stOuAzwmQom2sE0RacGs-gKfU/s1600/house1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxOprDYN-dTUQmKz4BgHSh-MDWh1ZC-TYDOntFiANs6GxHih-KUvVMOTclzPNrSdlgMtuFcgEtsz7eqTVMUvcCEALbdxZOGRActVZX7yYr_vMufxOe0stOuAzwmQom2sE0RacGs-gKfU/s400/house1.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;">Yup. Here it is. The worst of my "real" photos. Our playroom on a very bad day. Hubby and I were just discussing this morning how awful it is right now. It stays pretty neat for a while, then somehow everything just explodes in there. So I close the door. This room is tucked in the farthest upstairs corner of our house, so it's easy to forget about the mess. Until I walk by to do laundry. Which is why I close the door. This works for maybe a week, then I can't sleep and I <i>have</i> to spend a morning in there putting everything back. And the cycle begins again. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQs2aWIoNShshx08mXslcPNVZhpBhdOsPwfP7s8gPNx1I-ZdKFO3WsG4YArqZrhj7J3c3Dhk_AIFBd-58gk18dUou97MBT9I-RiEaEXL5XQHCpunnpMTd4BA4DfUsINo-GvNS9faD9lGs/s1600/house5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQs2aWIoNShshx08mXslcPNVZhpBhdOsPwfP7s8gPNx1I-ZdKFO3WsG4YArqZrhj7J3c3Dhk_AIFBd-58gk18dUou97MBT9I-RiEaEXL5XQHCpunnpMTd4BA4DfUsINo-GvNS9faD9lGs/s400/house5.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;">This is our 'bottom of the stairs basket'. Back before we had kids it was filled with pretty silk hydrangea and served no function. Now I can't live without it. All day long I'm picking up things that don't belong downstairs, so they go in the basket. Then it gets embarrassingly full like this, I walk past and pretend not to see it for a while, and finally cart the thing upstairs and find all kinds of stuff we were missing. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgpXFO_DdzEdJaT9ucGmewdVCIwg0twvtQWu6_I6espekwfmbcUbBFr3nAB2EJJd4zmg_7JIVCEIaVDxxP6-EYTP-y_r6fxv_72j_mpYE08zC1vrPYF88cyXUMfoa5Qd1lxgkwkOrhRE/s1600/house7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgpXFO_DdzEdJaT9ucGmewdVCIwg0twvtQWu6_I6espekwfmbcUbBFr3nAB2EJJd4zmg_7JIVCEIaVDxxP6-EYTP-y_r6fxv_72j_mpYE08zC1vrPYF88cyXUMfoa5Qd1lxgkwkOrhRE/s400/house7.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;">But as long as my kitchen table is clear I can live with the stair basket. It's all about balance. ;) Or, well, keeping one's OCD habits to just a few areas. By the way, no children are allowed to sit on the red chairs. That's why we have the bench. I'm not a fan of the "ugly furniture until the kids move out" policy. Just another quirk. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiim_kqs871_ea7ZniYwN5r4qlCmmWngdgvl2x2rxPdu7zFDMPrUbw6eGxuqtPLW5wK2P-xvsCkiS-xABkcsr5v9bNUDtesn3XRWfhJsq-ENISFzdArYzUC_n_GjpnQvnyR72akeGrew24/s1600/house8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiim_kqs871_ea7ZniYwN5r4qlCmmWngdgvl2x2rxPdu7zFDMPrUbw6eGxuqtPLW5wK2P-xvsCkiS-xABkcsr5v9bNUDtesn3XRWfhJsq-ENISFzdArYzUC_n_GjpnQvnyR72akeGrew24/s400/house8.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;">But then look at this. Hubby bought me this desk so I could close it up and make it look pretty when not in use. But even when I'm not sewing much it seems to always be in use. Do you like the linty bits all over the top? And the fabric scraps? And the unsewn coffee cozies? This is why I need a craft room. Then this mess can hide from the rest of the house. Creativity needs a <i>little</i> freedom... my type A, OCD-ness doesn't always carry over into my craftiness. Sometimes. But not always. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK1yEPnqMvtf-mumVkLLT2uG-bXJVnPK0aGF6RVO1QbgYZSkhmQyEAoiTXIap8703QQ6xlv1jb_smkwg3yUMeI1rlL4ZTOSSpZtm1nnVXQrSQZbd7U1InIom7KZprcul5NpxnVKy5gl8E/s1600/house9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK1yEPnqMvtf-mumVkLLT2uG-bXJVnPK0aGF6RVO1QbgYZSkhmQyEAoiTXIap8703QQ6xlv1jb_smkwg3yUMeI1rlL4ZTOSSpZtm1nnVXQrSQZbd7U1InIom7KZprcul5NpxnVKy5gl8E/s400/house9.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;">Yikes. I still can't believe I'm posting this pic. I very well may chicken out and delete it before I publish this post. Our pen/junk drawer is usually messy. But at least my counters are not cluttered. That's the problem, I think.... all the stuff that gets left on the counter I stick in this drawer. Nail files, lipgloss, headphones, checkbook, hairbands, lotion, sunglasses.... I don't want to look at it so into the drawer it goes. I'll clean it out next week. Or the next. Weird how we have our hot spots like this. Please tell me you have them too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I vacuum my hardwoods four to five times a week. Mop them at least twice. Two to three loads of laundry every day, and each load is almost always folded and put away immediately. All shirts are hung up by category. Everything else gets put neatly into drawers. Myself, because if I let my five year old put it away, the drawers would be messy. Heck, if I let my husband put it away the drawers would be messy. And clothing drawers have to be neat. But this drawer. <i>This</i> drawer can be messy. Why is that? And my car. My car is always messy. Is it because I don't love my car? I don't love my toilets and they are always clean. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tell me about your OCD habits. And tell me what's messy in your house. Please.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And I hope you enjoyed seeing my messes. :)</div>Genellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476356716619935798noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204942171574599280.post-83615111278197939962011-05-30T09:56:00.000-07:002011-05-30T23:13:24.910-07:00DIY succulent terrarium<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm obsessed with <a href="http://sleeplessinsandy.blogspot.com/search/label/succulents">succulents.</a> Many of you know this. They are just so adorable! And <i>so</i> easy to grow. Plus they grow just about anywhere, and if you plant little clippings they grow into a new plant! I know I've mentioned this, but it thrills me to no end. Guess I'm easily amused.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfA8FEM100r_h2YcR3Cv5ktSuMhpqd8SUrWlIcvqtw3c23VhoduO56vv9XMKWtb06onvHmQwMStzMqWZERMMXRNUwDWBjAkCY7hw7wvo_V3KEa-zw0G3p5J-gGlFmx5UV8jh5bHUZDjCk/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfA8FEM100r_h2YcR3Cv5ktSuMhpqd8SUrWlIcvqtw3c23VhoduO56vv9XMKWtb06onvHmQwMStzMqWZERMMXRNUwDWBjAkCY7hw7wvo_V3KEa-zw0G3p5J-gGlFmx5UV8jh5bHUZDjCk/s400/photo.JPG" width="297" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bVEWREZ6kRFzGgDf-Frngg0yy6u2sGbHBhVtQXN_BjRqjaeBh0iAuYX0TwlxPIHiiwFNPH5Hp_UgHDqdN3gPPLOB4Bm4mwFj01tyePf1zXwvgJu4z2Djqg_t7oAYcve1NKZPJXAl660/s1600/terr1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bVEWREZ6kRFzGgDf-Frngg0yy6u2sGbHBhVtQXN_BjRqjaeBh0iAuYX0TwlxPIHiiwFNPH5Hp_UgHDqdN3gPPLOB4Bm4mwFj01tyePf1zXwvgJu4z2Djqg_t7oAYcve1NKZPJXAl660/s400/terr1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I came across this glass container today while cleaning out a cupboard. I never really use it for anything. </div><br />
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</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So I put a little potting soil in the bottom, then a nice layer of moss (left over from my <a href="http://sleeplessinsandy.blogspot.com/2011/05/moms-day.html">mother's day creation</a>... which by the way is so happy it's <b>blooming!!</b>). I added a bunch of water, then poured out the excess. Then I clipped a few stems of succulents from my existing plants, and pulled off one hen. Or chick. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTENwPVDNgaE9ha_msZVuBbeuwVUY_aPh4vgC5Ysc6JD2Y9_NFbkGPGcRrTu5X9mMZnF8xXV6EM9Wx8r8IpisAeWoCyUR0go54tTcYImPnIpQNDeaDrD5PQpUbZykH0Gs-4Mfo4p7F1E/s1600/terr3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTENwPVDNgaE9ha_msZVuBbeuwVUY_aPh4vgC5Ysc6JD2Y9_NFbkGPGcRrTu5X9mMZnF8xXV6EM9Wx8r8IpisAeWoCyUR0go54tTcYImPnIpQNDeaDrD5PQpUbZykH0Gs-4Mfo4p7F1E/s400/terr3.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;">I tucked them into the moss and added some cute little pebbles for a rustic look.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Et voila! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Super simple, took about five minutes, and looks <b>so</b> cute. I've been meaning to check the thrift stores for interesting containers to fill like this. I just love instant gratification. Especially when it's basically <i>free</i>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is <b>way</b> off the subject, but I thought you'd like an update on our <a href="http://sleeplessinsandy.blogspot.com/2011/03/i-am-super-excited-to-announce-our.html">new kittens</a>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmmLDMR1CPphFx0TJQ0zeB4e4pCrbjpgDKcMGFzAnpSamfFH2bvh7y2Cg9B_UmHasn11h0yyuzfYixwWlOMflDrqaMnxQst5_xAGhUImi7RNSiZwUYgjJII07KrT_85_tQSbSMPev-Nc/s1600/cats2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmmLDMR1CPphFx0TJQ0zeB4e4pCrbjpgDKcMGFzAnpSamfFH2bvh7y2Cg9B_UmHasn11h0yyuzfYixwWlOMflDrqaMnxQst5_xAGhUImi7RNSiZwUYgjJII07KrT_85_tQSbSMPev-Nc/s400/cats2.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;">On the left is Cleo and on the right is Quinn. They are almost 5 months old and driving us crazy! In that wild, chaotic, into everything kitten way. But oh, how I am enjoying them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEggF76wHMZH_nb03ynfnTwZVTddKwWq9jhU_AFvoTNM8DSDXt4oprNkD9r-Pe7x7vNFcrfnwE_NsE4n1SE8hnUxwRbZEOyPkPjvomSxt1zqhSfWSZLfzqbarkqbnZ4IioaYba_dWgvFM/s1600/cats1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEggF76wHMZH_nb03ynfnTwZVTddKwWq9jhU_AFvoTNM8DSDXt4oprNkD9r-Pe7x7vNFcrfnwE_NsE4n1SE8hnUxwRbZEOyPkPjvomSxt1zqhSfWSZLfzqbarkqbnZ4IioaYba_dWgvFM/s400/cats1.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;">They play hard, then crash. Often on our laps. Usually together. I just love having these little sisters. They have so much personality, and they are each so different from the other. Just like kids I guess. Love them. :)</div><br />
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</div>Genellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476356716619935798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204942171574599280.post-23650298948110164452011-05-29T13:04:00.000-07:002011-05-29T13:04:43.509-07:00Curtains for Beckham<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My perfect sleeper went through an unwelcome phase a month or so ago, when the sun would beat through his many bedroom windows (2 of which face east) and wake him promptly at 6am. This does not work for me. Nor for him- he would be ultra cranky <i>all</i> morning and need an earlier nap, which made for a longer and crankier afternoon... not a good schedule for us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So I decided to sew some curtains to help darken his room in the mornings. Also for bedtime, since it's still light out at 7 when he goes to bed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I found this adorable owl fabric quite a while ago and bought a yard of it, knowing it would be perfect in <a href="http://sleeplessinsandy.blogspot.com/2010/04/tour-of-beckhams-nursery.html">Becks' owl room</a> but without a plan in mind. One yard isn't enough to cover his three windows but I thought this owl fabric would make a great accent for curtains. So I headed to my local fabric store in search of something sort of neutral to complement it, and also match his room. I wanted something heavy to block the light, but not too expensive... tough criteria!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My husband stumbled upon this celery green fabric on the clearance rack... it was home deco weight and width, and lined- <i>just</i> what I needed! Plus it has this great velvety texture, almost chenille-like. And the best part? There were exactly 4 yards, clearance priced at around $3 a yard!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So here is what I put together with my fabrics: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3pyQkEDGJz1V6SrvpVg3soIZdyML7qXk8CibfmdeyzgStoI06wOHSbcljFV10OE7H657CO_Gfa0qD-qKuGlbvQiodu4HXmjMgH3lLpRAAjoVbzRGgTm6XOv1njvo-_K6tKhT26Q3Faa0/s1600/curtains2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3pyQkEDGJz1V6SrvpVg3soIZdyML7qXk8CibfmdeyzgStoI06wOHSbcljFV10OE7H657CO_Gfa0qD-qKuGlbvQiodu4HXmjMgH3lLpRAAjoVbzRGgTm6XOv1njvo-_K6tKhT26Q3Faa0/s400/curtains2.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;">This is his single window, and I could've used a bit more than the 4 yards of fabric to make the curtains more ruffly when closed, but I think it looks great as is. Beckham loves these owls. He points at them whenever I change his diaper and makes hooting sounds. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88wZkWP7JhUUdgNXKoy6h6kiBJl-533AStzy9QXxbqdu5-KsHowWI4DB3qNyOY1MfZ7KpYdr5FqsZ5Vh5VSLZKpHDpRaEjxMYgCay2zbt1_XLxkQxpOglsI-Bo1XI2IrTOHcsE-Eoluw/s1600/curtains1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88wZkWP7JhUUdgNXKoy6h6kiBJl-533AStzy9QXxbqdu5-KsHowWI4DB3qNyOY1MfZ7KpYdr5FqsZ5Vh5VSLZKpHDpRaEjxMYgCay2zbt1_XLxkQxpOglsI-Bo1XI2IrTOHcsE-Eoluw/s400/curtains1.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;">Here they are opened. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBuGMHzVH5ZA1LQKUfm90NxJmmhQnfIJDPhC43GHguXN550AWAPGkslx1AzmWL3PyCU2ZiDMXCZSn0IGhSWG6wgPjUQJkRQF9th075lSd0isi6PInpENaK0A8KkBVH8D3pANT67dlNns/s1600/curtains4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBuGMHzVH5ZA1LQKUfm90NxJmmhQnfIJDPhC43GHguXN550AWAPGkslx1AzmWL3PyCU2ZiDMXCZSn0IGhSWG6wgPjUQJkRQF9th075lSd0isi6PInpENaK0A8KkBVH8D3pANT67dlNns/s400/curtains4.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;">This is the double, east-facing window wall. This heavy fabric really does block the light- completely solved the 6am problem.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG28ZbBQSDoCpkB9yAkIOVMqg2DwvSuJI5242BNM9urgVTLcpkiwmb2ljE5O9cTqp95gItNBwP9HKAXKD8Tl4x1_lGP9eVpU6a7urGnLIU80Cm5LRSGZAMmwU7qiYTuJBz7hihQ1eq7ig/s1600/curtains5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG28ZbBQSDoCpkB9yAkIOVMqg2DwvSuJI5242BNM9urgVTLcpkiwmb2ljE5O9cTqp95gItNBwP9HKAXKD8Tl4x1_lGP9eVpU6a7urGnLIU80Cm5LRSGZAMmwU7qiYTuJBz7hihQ1eq7ig/s400/curtains5.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;">Aren't they cute?! Most owl fabrics I find are super girly. I was thrilled when I saw this one in neutral, woodsy colors. It's a pretty heavy, canvas-like texture. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJnUEWChSbiCCggYlmHjoRZe2BWMa6k3seuyqO-o2rx7I2VyqNO9RD6f_Xrd-axnWra2qGqM_EwbkGI5wT97KAXmSdPrqnBRYlZQ77LAx1lLAyYEb9m9cuf0TqEJvyjV8_4NcTZcci4o/s1600/curtains6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJnUEWChSbiCCggYlmHjoRZe2BWMa6k3seuyqO-o2rx7I2VyqNO9RD6f_Xrd-axnWra2qGqM_EwbkGI5wT97KAXmSdPrqnBRYlZQ77LAx1lLAyYEb9m9cuf0TqEJvyjV8_4NcTZcci4o/s400/curtains6.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;">Lined! You can see the texture of the green fabric pretty well in this pic. It almost looks like some kind of upholstery fabric to me. I could see a fab vintage love seat recovered in this. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSMUpt_C5L9dG0VOK09hiLEkTIAs-hju7sHhGEEiS1TsUWoq0paTCkNuxVpftm-dz0TDgVBkVLmroKYhyphenhyphenwF6kVb6dd3emHvX2RwhLMlM8QeLM5GRpiFw1cIcG05tdNEo3sbvtJUsYlNIA/s1600/curtains7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSMUpt_C5L9dG0VOK09hiLEkTIAs-hju7sHhGEEiS1TsUWoq0paTCkNuxVpftm-dz0TDgVBkVLmroKYhyphenhyphenwF6kVb6dd3emHvX2RwhLMlM8QeLM5GRpiFw1cIcG05tdNEo3sbvtJUsYlNIA/s400/curtains7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I had a couple small pieces of the owl fabric left over so I sewed up a simple little pillow for Beckham's chair...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9EgIoy-ZJSz4dNz5seVg2NNsRq3VEsYyvtqa9YqfobwlZD9CooW3TZgJBsOtczrMv3LRSLuOHriGofln6Mr64MVuvb3REGx-IcvzDRzxGEU4njqDKMo7Ix6JVwT_Y0SKNEdTHGshF2E/s1600/curtains8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9EgIoy-ZJSz4dNz5seVg2NNsRq3VEsYyvtqa9YqfobwlZD9CooW3TZgJBsOtczrMv3LRSLuOHriGofln6Mr64MVuvb3REGx-IcvzDRzxGEU4njqDKMo7Ix6JVwT_Y0SKNEdTHGshF2E/s400/curtains8.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;">...and backed it in green with a little appliqued owl.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVr0MYHHzUxAw8xwkwsFNq_2MYTLNUjLBeOOAS4XMnl0xWsLAmBLnMTUtD8zacjpyS7PmYgsgxJB1iK14F374fA_uQXQkb7EoxpSvrI3clL3iWN7rED4afQuf97_ELBsaABDNO1Ig-VN4/s1600/curtains9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVr0MYHHzUxAw8xwkwsFNq_2MYTLNUjLBeOOAS4XMnl0xWsLAmBLnMTUtD8zacjpyS7PmYgsgxJB1iK14F374fA_uQXQkb7EoxpSvrI3clL3iWN7rED4afQuf97_ELBsaABDNO1Ig-VN4/s400/curtains9.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;">My baby loves it. I love when I can sew things for my boys; it's so much harder to find cute handmade ideas for boys. </div>Genellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476356716619935798noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204942171574599280.post-34404354868698432912011-05-27T08:59:00.000-07:002011-05-27T08:59:16.824-07:00Simple pasta recipe<div style="text-align: center;">Well hello! I'm not exactly sure why, but I've just not been in the blogging mood lately. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Ironically, since my blog is '<i>sleepless</i> in Sandy', I couldn't sleep anymore this morning. Baby (who's almost two, but he will always be baby to me) sleeps like a perfect angel. Goes to bed at 7pm happily, awake, and without a peep... and sleeps ALL night long until usually 8 or 8:30 am. Love him. He's been sleeping like this for at least the last 6 months... probably since I weaned him at 14 months. And Ty gets up early, but gets himself breakfast and watches a show on daddy's iPad. But my blog will always be 'sleepless'. It reminds me of those exhausting nights and tired mornings with young babies and makes me thankful for my sleep. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway, I found myself awake much earlier than normal today. The house was quiet, the coffee was hot, and blogger was calling. I don't think I mentioned this before, but last month sleepless in Sandy turned a whole year old!! This was exciting for me, and I wanted to do something special to celebrate.... but I just never came up with the perfect thing. Ah, well...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is a great recipe I wanted to share, taught to me by my mama. Simplest pasta ever. And great timing too, because I just scored 41 boxes of free pasta at Albertsons with coupons. Probably my best coupon deal ever. And no, I don't plan to eat pasta every night to "use it up"... We eat pasta probably twice a week, so this should last close to six months for our family. Visit <a href="http://frugallivingnw.com/">frugal living</a> (my fav couponing website) to learn more.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> My mom knows the fancy italian name for this traditional pasta recipe, but I can't remember it... and she's probably still asleep. :) So I shall not wake her. And we shall call it Butter Parmesan Spaghetti. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Ready?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Melt butter in large frying pan. I used about 3 tablespoons here, plus a couple tablespoons of olive oil. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTinPsJvUJ-qbTeXuKAL2Mwa1A5EuMpqwg2BYzQ047Z4k3O9pz4oZUK-8mMoDs8wQK1Wsm7GDUQLnPRK0n5bhkPsxdyjka2UwDfytZfYhuNjYKnEqdJWgG7jMdklJ5-8trvmX5uHF1W4/s1600/pasta2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTinPsJvUJ-qbTeXuKAL2Mwa1A5EuMpqwg2BYzQ047Z4k3O9pz4oZUK-8mMoDs8wQK1Wsm7GDUQLnPRK0n5bhkPsxdyjka2UwDfytZfYhuNjYKnEqdJWgG7jMdklJ5-8trvmX5uHF1W4/s400/pasta2.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;">Add lots of fresh ground pepper. The fancy italian name is something about pepper... So this is important. And yummy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVcs9C8wI7cgko2MsI4BWvylXKi9SX-65-s1yLOKQe1dihktQMlIOmehZ5YU45SfwSIB1GnRkp5mAEK-wdozm1PArIKOVdqEQ2lWumySEzeGeND85iRboPYrNzTmgVmnYi_wwF8RJFL4/s1600/pasta3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVcs9C8wI7cgko2MsI4BWvylXKi9SX-65-s1yLOKQe1dihktQMlIOmehZ5YU45SfwSIB1GnRkp5mAEK-wdozm1PArIKOVdqEQ2lWumySEzeGeND85iRboPYrNzTmgVmnYi_wwF8RJFL4/s400/pasta3.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;">Meanwhile, your noodles should be boiling... make <i>sure</i> to reserve about 1 cup of the cooking water. That's the secret, apparently.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wd_O8RDcUGS0r1W5SFmbFYjJpjVooNN06QyD7lxP8VK26QKy2YP4W3R-P9DFDxg9x_eXO22Q5yvo0b-X3bXX0qmcbne0z85eSho2VppaVgMl73jtsw_sO8t_Bam5_xPpQvHAfj1744E/s1600/pasta4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wd_O8RDcUGS0r1W5SFmbFYjJpjVooNN06QyD7lxP8VK26QKy2YP4W3R-P9DFDxg9x_eXO22Q5yvo0b-X3bXX0qmcbne0z85eSho2VppaVgMl73jtsw_sO8t_Bam5_xPpQvHAfj1744E/s400/pasta4.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;">Add your cooking water to the butter and pepper. I didn't add the whole cup right away. You can always add more if you need it saucier. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcz5XDLQHSMPxUzXZXP1e4Fc6Rjlfrl6HwEucJ3M8EPQgotSzT-onSRb2zUhCdIAANvoGTiTiEBl-clhzzJfaseCpyLXOof302wx4m3uX1xn8Rnyl-RNe2fKffQZUU9TOfJu0ExM9Bc3Y/s1600/pasta5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcz5XDLQHSMPxUzXZXP1e4Fc6Rjlfrl6HwEucJ3M8EPQgotSzT-onSRb2zUhCdIAANvoGTiTiEBl-clhzzJfaseCpyLXOof302wx4m3uX1xn8Rnyl-RNe2fKffQZUU9TOfJu0ExM9Bc3Y/s400/pasta5.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;">Toss your (drained) noodles into the butter mixture. These are the free noodles I got, Ronzoni garden delight, or something. They actually have veggies in them- something like a whole serving of veggies per serving of pasta. Why not? And they are yummy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsxEh95yVt5BfMQX0u8Zwu7bUbANgTbSGCe7tCtL4xn3L2UIuS12kjsU8YpdLzXkiOHURfvKokgkYgDZWeBlphcmtr-pETb6BKwDMni26cF4wnXTv6pt68Te4l7P0TugNO-zrvz0_Qs0/s1600/pasta6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsxEh95yVt5BfMQX0u8Zwu7bUbANgTbSGCe7tCtL4xn3L2UIuS12kjsU8YpdLzXkiOHURfvKokgkYgDZWeBlphcmtr-pETb6BKwDMni26cF4wnXTv6pt68Te4l7P0TugNO-zrvz0_Qs0/s400/pasta6.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;">Now add lots of grated parmesan cheese. Start with a little and stir really good... the pasta water thickens up as you add the cheese, and you don't want it too thick. It's all about the right balance of cheese to pasta water. So add slowly. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1G9UJ7p37QJDAhJE8XtaiFympBXuEzklbQKh7A2TNQtiEVAHBnMA5xF3KqNUjsE1yBuSQKzUnRwTbttrajZxjmBX57NWFRTf3k4bM6sgXF-3PlrQKco_03CnG8nLnD5Cx6C3AXRhyphenhyphenWs/s1600/pasta7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1G9UJ7p37QJDAhJE8XtaiFympBXuEzklbQKh7A2TNQtiEVAHBnMA5xF3KqNUjsE1yBuSQKzUnRwTbttrajZxjmBX57NWFRTf3k4bM6sgXF-3PlrQKco_03CnG8nLnD5Cx6C3AXRhyphenhyphenWs/s400/pasta7.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;">You should end up with lovely saucy noodles. My sauce was a bit too thick in this pic. I went a little cheese crazy. Add extra pepper now too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh, here's a secret- use freshly grated parmesan, <i>or</i>..... if you are out and you have the shake can of parmesan (my hubby loves that stuff so we always have it and it keeps forever in the fridge), use it and it tastes just as great! This makes it a perfect recipe for just before I need to grocery shop again and I'm out of everything. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1G9UJ7p37QJDAhJE8XtaiFympBXuEzklbQKh7A2TNQtiEVAHBnMA5xF3KqNUjsE1yBuSQKzUnRwTbttrajZxjmBX57NWFRTf3k4bM6sgXF-3PlrQKco_03CnG8nLnD5Cx6C3AXRhyphenhyphenWs/s1600/pasta7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3SG0JtF52ivYoLr-xHTVZBHB4EeZ5ORonNxtU6k7nsrdSFUk-WnVNO4cHkREmjURv6WgZ7EBCWtYk561e5u4FtSJy_7Z2KD87U2qD9LvmshRPmXlmLlS7tj8FffRcWoR1gEBO-b2XTA/s1600/pasta1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3SG0JtF52ivYoLr-xHTVZBHB4EeZ5ORonNxtU6k7nsrdSFUk-WnVNO4cHkREmjURv6WgZ7EBCWtYk561e5u4FtSJy_7Z2KD87U2qD9LvmshRPmXlmLlS7tj8FffRcWoR1gEBO-b2XTA/s400/pasta1.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;">My chives are growing like weeds right now. They must love rain. We've had <b>lots</b> of rain. I know I <a href="http://sleeplessinsandy.blogspot.com/2011/05/hello-spring.html">mentioned that recently</a> so I won't elaborate. Anyway. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwji-8-kCNV8-AWMwsJAACU2PARYo5vvev1j8DUUs-oM1cZ7lhu9LShhXxAPtXMWtzxy9FEmZ4iP5YM-lRZUL3syH7NYyA4p3ATmq-idhAvx7A_ITZmXymL9cxQg3EzFH-20ryPsAP6o/s1600/pasta8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwji-8-kCNV8-AWMwsJAACU2PARYo5vvev1j8DUUs-oM1cZ7lhu9LShhXxAPtXMWtzxy9FEmZ4iP5YM-lRZUL3syH7NYyA4p3ATmq-idhAvx7A_ITZmXymL9cxQg3EzFH-20ryPsAP6o/s400/pasta8.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;">Chives taste fab snipped on top of this simple pasta. As does a little lemon zest. You can even stir a little fresh squeezed lemon juice into your sauce. Or citrus vodka as my mother does. I plan to try it next tossed with some roasted veggies. Broccoli perhaps? Yum. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Genellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476356716619935798noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204942171574599280.post-59153764077277465372011-05-08T14:46:00.000-07:002011-05-29T13:15:29.419-07:00Mom's day<div style="text-align: center;">I love mother's day. I've had some great ones in my five (this will be my sixth) years of being a mama! I love hanging with my little family and getting to relax a bit, but my favorite way to spend mother's day is with my own mom. It seems we've been lucky enough the last few years to get some great weather so we often enjoy some time on my parents' amazing patio, playing games and lounging. Sadly, that won't be the case this year due to the Season Of Endless Rain. But we will make our own (indoor) fun. My mom makes everything fun. She is smart and beautiful and loves to laugh. She adores my boys. She is an amazing cook. There's never a dull moment when she's around. She is my best friend. Love her. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's my gift to her this year:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jiWu8if_QlJVEhfZYu7wJ22SnaoBH28tQyeG0KyPnSO0Os3CviDbq69J1NXm_h03jh0AVKdhu524wH3vSq2gG60DejLUuYNz5piooeGrKF8fdlk33tc1QG3qo3smj8OGvCSWPOpPkj0/s1600/wreath8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jiWu8if_QlJVEhfZYu7wJ22SnaoBH28tQyeG0KyPnSO0Os3CviDbq69J1NXm_h03jh0AVKdhu524wH3vSq2gG60DejLUuYNz5piooeGrKF8fdlk33tc1QG3qo3smj8OGvCSWPOpPkj0/s400/wreath8.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 living succulent wreath, handmade by me! My mom and I both adore <a href="http://sleeplessinsandy.blogspot.com/2010/06/sweet-little-succulents.html">succulents</a> and have eyed these wreaths in magazines and at the home and garden shows lately. I've been wanting to attempt to make one since I don't have $100 to spend on one, gorgeous though they may be. I'm hoping she will love this gift.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I found an easy tutorial at <a href="http://www.prudentbaby.com/2010/12/diy-simple-stunning-living-succulent.html">prudent baby</a> and followed it pretty closely. Here's what I bought:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">wreath form, craft store </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">bag of moss, fred meyer's </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4 succulent plants to supplement my clippings</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">floral wire, fred meyer's </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 packages of bobby pins </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigd7SJjpULlK8A5u7I9jrdWoEMgHxV-0u7lY_bAE4mBIUZZeK0401Q-gHlGJR9-xLgC2aHeqa796cqRPV2QxfF_Lg5ygrr9JMQiAj8Y5FBmMEedDBB7lh4jf4RInrfF_gb0zU6Efsq4eg/s1600/wreath1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigd7SJjpULlK8A5u7I9jrdWoEMgHxV-0u7lY_bAE4mBIUZZeK0401Q-gHlGJR9-xLgC2aHeqa796cqRPV2QxfF_Lg5ygrr9JMQiAj8Y5FBmMEedDBB7lh4jf4RInrfF_gb0zU6Efsq4eg/s400/wreath1.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;">First I wandered around outside (in the pouring rain) with a bag and some scissors and took little clippings of all my existing succulents. You can plant these little sections and they will each grow into a new plant! This is how my little collection has grown over the last year or so. I don't have a ton of variety yet, which is why I bought some from the store (which I separated and also clipped) to add to the wreath. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let these clippings air dry for a day or two to form a sort of scab over the cut part.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next I soaked the moss in a big bowl of water for ten minutes or so, then started stuffing it into the back side of the wreath form. I made sure it was stuffed really full and tight, then wrapped the floral wire all around the moss to hold it in place. Then I did the same for the front side and added more wire. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PYmz8ZRXVMsDtlU9QNTad_o9nuh32zPp02Kylarc1fSQXvKFch_bUXK_-BGv0u44uyi6jYFH1k2jgOZm3YqU3Jx97QYMV8f1c3RjtYyV69-Ur4fp-iMQEuTmeaGjWC7rWdJ9tEi5UbE/s1600/wreath2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PYmz8ZRXVMsDtlU9QNTad_o9nuh32zPp02Kylarc1fSQXvKFch_bUXK_-BGv0u44uyi6jYFH1k2jgOZm3YqU3Jx97QYMV8f1c3RjtYyV69-Ur4fp-iMQEuTmeaGjWC7rWdJ9tEi5UbE/s400/wreath2.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;">To add the plants I used a pencil to "drill" a hole into the moss, then placed the little stem into the hole and used a slightly bent open bobby pin to secure the stem. Don't poke the bobby pin through the stem, just around it. Repeat a zillion times with all your little succulents! They look pretty arranged in sections of similar plants. The wreath on Prudent Baby is <i>so</i> gorgeous... she has such an amazing variety of colorful succulents. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yyf6HUf-ZPABPYmhTJIiAjzPVeVg5DWQFnHKnuuhA5PmbG7KuA7NPTZ5taCHIqwrprgGG2DLDOiZuivd5dR5mnXDxRP4IOfplG5yfdEqhpy0PXwN3z_qbNbGE8PwN04QlJyEaxeEtzA/s1600/wreath3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yyf6HUf-ZPABPYmhTJIiAjzPVeVg5DWQFnHKnuuhA5PmbG7KuA7NPTZ5taCHIqwrprgGG2DLDOiZuivd5dR5mnXDxRP4IOfplG5yfdEqhpy0PXwN3z_qbNbGE8PwN04QlJyEaxeEtzA/s400/wreath3.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;">Mine are a bit more basic, but it still turned out so pretty! I started with the bigger plants...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvFFs5B7Wc0wk1TdXWxsd9H-D8Eh2spyAvcNDC6HVQ-VniEnZO0xb3LTg8vUkUxXmXfs-J2ICs-022AO82gZvK1ujC9iHgopJ-QaK_TcZOUuVEtIPedbEEA9ts9v9jywMr4Au-WCZvw4/s1600/wreath5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvFFs5B7Wc0wk1TdXWxsd9H-D8Eh2spyAvcNDC6HVQ-VniEnZO0xb3LTg8vUkUxXmXfs-J2ICs-022AO82gZvK1ujC9iHgopJ-QaK_TcZOUuVEtIPedbEEA9ts9v9jywMr4Au-WCZvw4/s400/wreath5.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;">...then filled in with smaller ones.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2Du6RlU4gTer-R0uO9Beo3qQ2ByK6jlIXZpiVaYJ0TsHjZk9kCZBttdo6GaW01jGDMnXG5Too-q8POeotAWljLp45rs6fKdyCIr6bapIktZ6Q-b_2RAF_qq7gwxWPgA9lwNrjxSpoVw/s1600/wreath7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2Du6RlU4gTer-R0uO9Beo3qQ2ByK6jlIXZpiVaYJ0TsHjZk9kCZBttdo6GaW01jGDMnXG5Too-q8POeotAWljLp45rs6fKdyCIr6bapIktZ6Q-b_2RAF_qq7gwxWPgA9lwNrjxSpoVw/s400/wreath7.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;">Ta-da!! All finished. This took a couple hours to make, but I had a lot of fun with it. Got pretty dirty though. It would be a much better outside project, but when its 45 and raining sideways the kitchen counter and lots of newspaper will just have to do.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlsRGrLSkBAuSJJfJcz7JZb1aH-46pClGGy9V1gIdsNe_1NUqSxxa4kKS9GnCkgxmNU9oPHmMfrYBm6hUBP_GaPgk-DA0GeR7yDxDIu0jR8bZJ8TNUxNTydPiuv5QASLfolQ5NdNdVNw/s1600/wreath9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlsRGrLSkBAuSJJfJcz7JZb1aH-46pClGGy9V1gIdsNe_1NUqSxxa4kKS9GnCkgxmNU9oPHmMfrYBm6hUBP_GaPgk-DA0GeR7yDxDIu0jR8bZJ8TNUxNTydPiuv5QASLfolQ5NdNdVNw/s400/wreath9.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;">Happy mother's day to my mom and all the other amazing mamas out there!</div>Genellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476356716619935798noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204942171574599280.post-83635643313352688992011-05-04T08:18:00.000-07:002011-05-04T08:18:00.580-07:00Finally, some sewing!Well, I dusted off my sewing machine after a long, unanticipated break. All because I saw the cutest little zippered pouches in the <a href="http://mcmenamins.com/98-edgefield-gift-shop-espresso-bar">Edgefield gift shop</a>. You just never know where inspiration will be found! I've been searching high and low for the last couple months. Guess it had to find me. <a href="http://mcmenamins.com/54-edgefield-home">Edgefield</a> is so fab, by the way. I know I've said that before, but if you are local and haven't been, you must. On a sunny day.<br />
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Anyway, these pouches I saw were made of several gorgeous fabrics, with a gusseted bottom, zippered opening, and some embellishments on the front- mostly little appliqued felt pieces and fun buttons. Super cute. I kept going back to look at them, thinking I must attempt making one.<br />
Here is my interpretation:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9VJIjdosLJEWndJY13EODYoWSKaV47-skzGObymSyBAscxNQtvZotmPASWKh6xmFt78mogmx9xrswu1qU0jiOOOMKEiNdWTXJiw6ChF4yXWcCSm2zMkTr3sGE-Q6OvX0yqn8WNfdFT8/s1600/pouch1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9VJIjdosLJEWndJY13EODYoWSKaV47-skzGObymSyBAscxNQtvZotmPASWKh6xmFt78mogmx9xrswu1qU0jiOOOMKEiNdWTXJiw6ChF4yXWcCSm2zMkTr3sGE-Q6OvX0yqn8WNfdFT8/s400/pouch1.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;">I forgot to take a pic of the inside, but it's lined in turquoise. I just love these colors together. I think it'll make a perfect little cosmetics bag. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So a while back I attempted to make a simple little reusable snack pouch lined in ripstop nylon (my original <a href="http://sleeplessinsandy.blogspot.com/2010/10/picnic-bag-and-sandwich-wraps.html">sandwich wraps</a> were lined in PUL which apparently may not be food safe... oops). It turned out ok, but I've been meaning to make more and try and perfect the pattern. Because I <i>love</i> using these! I've always got snacks for the boys stashed in my bag, and this way I'm not constantly throwing away plastic zipper bags!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwL5wzxfXnduaUp0sit_k6jFH31OxF2btAj7fmXBZAHv6HWX6kxHdXuMMyitk7Vk5yo8TjMjpaqnjsRqbGqR0OhecAtqJjvXk-4r9_HbVDpH13SzqK5RV4GKhH4tA2sN7iNV9qfqTCuM/s1600/pouch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwL5wzxfXnduaUp0sit_k6jFH31OxF2btAj7fmXBZAHv6HWX6kxHdXuMMyitk7Vk5yo8TjMjpaqnjsRqbGqR0OhecAtqJjvXk-4r9_HbVDpH13SzqK5RV4GKhH4tA2sN7iNV9qfqTCuM/s400/pouch2.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;">These are a tad girly for my boys... but I'm the one who has to carry them, right? They may as well be pretty. The nylon lining makes it easy to brush out crumbs, and when they get really messy I just throw them in the wash. I'm hoping the bigger one will be a good size for sandwiches. Picnic season is upon us!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsn9yviqj1gSzrPe7cLFtvUDkSnMxSlQnxB_8TviZZZ8AwmndXKvJsZAjVtZdpOOT3CPExVaJ-TK3fN-nWMYxPEtFX6GZWzaFAwToWN7M4jH4rgbuKs-0p55MQoQFjEd72WRWTEZsoXW8/s1600/pouch3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsn9yviqj1gSzrPe7cLFtvUDkSnMxSlQnxB_8TviZZZ8AwmndXKvJsZAjVtZdpOOT3CPExVaJ-TK3fN-nWMYxPEtFX6GZWzaFAwToWN7M4jH4rgbuKs-0p55MQoQFjEd72WRWTEZsoXW8/s400/pouch3.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;">I got a bit lazy at the end and didn't use pink thread for the bias tape on the small pouch. Really should have. Also I was out of the wider bais tape (1/2"?) and had to use the super narrow stuff... the wider would be so much easier to catch all the layers. If I can manage to streamline this little project, I'll attempt to post a pattern/tutorial so you can make your own! They are super simple. </div>Genellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476356716619935798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204942171574599280.post-40277807440394606152011-05-03T08:20:00.000-07:002011-05-03T10:58:14.021-07:00Hello, spring...?Are you there? I've been waiting patiently. Enjoying the snow. Embracing sweater and scarf weather. But it's May now and I'm ready for your much anticipated arrival. I've planted a spring garden for the first time, and what do you do? Snow on it. Twice. Please bring some of your warmth and sunshine for my poor little plants. I'd like to go for walks outside. The kids would like to play in the dirt. I'd love to dust off the barbecue, and put my outdoor cushions back on the deck furniture. It would sure be nice to wash my car and have it stay clean for more than one day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9WprI-7JVrc1rPyQoBgg7NN4-15wui972MfcxPY_Gj3kciMJm4_9bmnG0Jqq3BcDbZevRaMY4-tUgk_85z5swUp1gfmawFhwayCZl5dAdBm6dK8ttW8HdHbYHp1WNRzguKkCEoNVwjw/s1600/garden1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9WprI-7JVrc1rPyQoBgg7NN4-15wui972MfcxPY_Gj3kciMJm4_9bmnG0Jqq3BcDbZevRaMY4-tUgk_85z5swUp1gfmawFhwayCZl5dAdBm6dK8ttW8HdHbYHp1WNRzguKkCEoNVwjw/s400/garden1.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;"><i>my sad little plants</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4B0zCeKenjEAxanGAJU9aKOAwC1P_kUaWynL8IsKz3GktKTb35X9VibtvNgbhxMCTwE-ap_EWKpFDsZ2vpmXk6lfezao9imc6ivwpe3bhRspHTaAJW8kbwzeUWxVo3Vzm7ZntHYpaqD8/s1600/garden2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4B0zCeKenjEAxanGAJU9aKOAwC1P_kUaWynL8IsKz3GktKTb35X9VibtvNgbhxMCTwE-ap_EWKpFDsZ2vpmXk6lfezao9imc6ivwpe3bhRspHTaAJW8kbwzeUWxVo3Vzm7ZntHYpaqD8/s400/garden2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I know, it's still a bit early for our little corner of Oregon. But could you just show your face? A few more times so we know you're still there? It's been <i>very</i> wet and cold here. I guess Winter is just enjoying his <b>long</b> visit a little too much. You've overstayed your welcome, Winter! Time to pack your bags and "visit" someone else! We are ready for farmer's markets, bike rides, and a little color on our frighteningly pale faces. Mother's day lunch outside would be nice. Yard work and picnics. Gardening. Coffee and music on the front porch on lazy Saturday mornings. Bare feet. Yes, please.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUCn2dr3zke5opcYDGe4RrJwVeDKm7Wck6ZQBgExasM-GKbkz3erZyBDvzxNZIJHC4eTL1bnLeANHjTpP5fgoCw13jrN7CNfgqirr3Ol5maP0JcDGYnoHQG7HpijfH8EKNng8K3D7dnE/s1600/spring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUCn2dr3zke5opcYDGe4RrJwVeDKm7Wck6ZQBgExasM-GKbkz3erZyBDvzxNZIJHC4eTL1bnLeANHjTpP5fgoCw13jrN7CNfgqirr3Ol5maP0JcDGYnoHQG7HpijfH8EKNng8K3D7dnE/s400/spring.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;">I see the signs! Please tell me you're almost here! I think this year is worse than others since it's the first in a <i>long</i> time that we haven't traveled somewhere sunny to break up the winter, due to the Baby Who Does Not Travel Well. Also that nagging little, relatively new thing called One Income. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Um, thanks for letting me vent. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Genellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476356716619935798noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2204942171574599280.post-26705127370054725902011-05-02T13:14:00.000-07:002011-05-03T10:58:35.205-07:00upcycled baskets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Can I just say I love Family Fun magazine? One of my fabulous aunties gets an extra copy at her office and always brings it to me. Here is a great upcycling craft I found in the March issue: weaving cut up strips of t-shirts into baskets! Love it! The <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/hula-hoop-rug-995304/">original tutorial</a> is for a rug made of t-shirt strips using a hula hoop for a loom. I was fresh out of hula hoops, so I skipped on to the tutorial for making <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/embroidery-hoop-basket-995321/">smaller baskets</a> using an embroidery hoop. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJlUo8pF9B5Fj4pOrpNGg8f3Yq-trQduecseTwvSR4EgJuaxx68Sp2tIr_hMD7JnyMWe4ZTayvCopSQAei6T8aqhbnXumaECYEqMzsdd-RLGrTFhFvrH15v7cfux7zek6TotUfjoR_Ts/s1600/basket1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJlUo8pF9B5Fj4pOrpNGg8f3Yq-trQduecseTwvSR4EgJuaxx68Sp2tIr_hMD7JnyMWe4ZTayvCopSQAei6T8aqhbnXumaECYEqMzsdd-RLGrTFhFvrH15v7cfux7zek6TotUfjoR_Ts/s400/basket1.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;">Here is my first basket! I used one 4T undershirt, a 4T t-shirt, and one of my own tees. For this size (3" tall by about 4" at widest point) I used a 14" embroidery hoop and still had some strips left over. I loved this project so much that I attempted to do the same thing with cut up strips of plastic grocery bags. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qDxc41u5WOguJGtFxsf5cSG4dtyqjSorEC9voG4G2bLfLgHkgar6e9Y1GzSgf1-XQvdrlwS4VUp1wUzWLtmB0fgQWRQl68HqpNbB532AmjtxGhr9a2qIxjmpHTQGGcT5zGisdsyAX0w/s1600/basket2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qDxc41u5WOguJGtFxsf5cSG4dtyqjSorEC9voG4G2bLfLgHkgar6e9Y1GzSgf1-XQvdrlwS4VUp1wUzWLtmB0fgQWRQl68HqpNbB532AmjtxGhr9a2qIxjmpHTQGGcT5zGisdsyAX0w/s400/basket2.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;">I love the idea of repurposing them! I always use my own shopping bags when grocery shopping, but hubby forgets... and I tend to forget at places like Target if I'm just stopping for a few things. I cut off the top handle portion and the very bottom and discarded those. The rest I cut into about 1 1/2" strips. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68RvHllGk7MFkupo12SibzlVpTpDEMnC52I9_dR5biAveSvWeoDmZVbkvRmvS58tYDltMyzmClTyTK_fQNF0QkZfl42SJbFqbB3wocBDETJTs0xMRPoTK6ugYD5Y8KPAZ_I3tEGh76zs/s1600/basket3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68RvHllGk7MFkupo12SibzlVpTpDEMnC52I9_dR5biAveSvWeoDmZVbkvRmvS58tYDltMyzmClTyTK_fQNF0QkZfl42SJbFqbB3wocBDETJTs0xMRPoTK6ugYD5Y8KPAZ_I3tEGh76zs/s400/basket3.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;">I followed the same instructions, and ended up using about 5 or 6 bags for this little basket. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicImUHS2ZHwngxyEOcoRhyErpyFFylO9kKMYiTtSz8OPr8d7gmgV3DkwFZTFpktqaeuGeii0r3HWsO_iBTg4HYDg_CtfKSTYiZ392Q6Cbt-qL9CkC_PHZr1QZfyKQaKfXw5jQtkqxcje8/s1600/basket4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicImUHS2ZHwngxyEOcoRhyErpyFFylO9kKMYiTtSz8OPr8d7gmgV3DkwFZTFpktqaeuGeii0r3HWsO_iBTg4HYDg_CtfKSTYiZ392Q6Cbt-qL9CkC_PHZr1QZfyKQaKfXw5jQtkqxcje8/s400/basket4.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;">It's much tinier than my t-shirt basket, about 2" tall by 3" in diameter. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoMLsauEYwT4BPAO1NG0j0MKK4EuSnMToiPhuqe4UPWPdsY-TFXNCCNNqkLNTzFOlkWCs0sVR3l3knCM3mFD8QJt6uhh3gKlxQRKaPRMhS-mn_UCfym0Spb56tcHDlQj5_qKA6g-6kv8/s1600/basket5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoMLsauEYwT4BPAO1NG0j0MKK4EuSnMToiPhuqe4UPWPdsY-TFXNCCNNqkLNTzFOlkWCs0sVR3l3knCM3mFD8QJt6uhh3gKlxQRKaPRMhS-mn_UCfym0Spb56tcHDlQj5_qKA6g-6kv8/s400/basket5.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;">Perfect for holding the elastics I use for my coffee cozies! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'd really like to try a fun, colorful rug for the boys' playroom if I can find a bargain hula hoop. Again, here are the links for the tutorials if you'd like to weave your own:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/hula-hoop-rug-995304/">Rug</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/embroidery-hoop-basket-995321/">Basket</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Genellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476356716619935798noreply@blogger.com1