tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56470302867973790012024-02-18T19:48:22.883-06:00Throw Open the WindowsThrow Open the Windowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641970912239492435noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647030286797379001.post-81557142798457740142011-04-13T14:55:00.001-05:002011-04-13T14:59:03.472-05:00Outdoor Fun this Spring<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">The weather here has been SO nice this spring that I’ve been spending most of my time outdoors. And my indoor projects (and blog) have taken a backseat.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Here are some of the fun projects I’ve been doing outside.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"><strong>The Garden</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">We put in a large garden this year (1200 sqft) with carrots, asparagus, corn, beets, okra, cauliflower, squash, beans, cucumber, tomatillos, peppers, tomatoes, and lettuce. Oh and did I mention weeds? Yes, they seem to grow faster and better than anything else. Go figure!</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TaXzO0h1kKI/AAAAAAAAAxA/4isKQikpr1Q/s1600-h/garden%5B13%5D.jpg"><img alt="garden" border="0" height="344" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TaXzSjcPIzI/AAAAAAAAAxE/X-1mLrh4wRM/garden_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="garden" width="504" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">I built some pepper “cages” out of bamboo sticks. We have bamboo growing on the edge of the orchard so they were free.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ieswPcnFvk8VV3S14QuN2GEKmMutC22zT9FSCJPb7MxvYFoOHmfZileZNbELWqiwPrglVcIR5XbSuAVK2q4efO1xFht_7ZwsngWvBk_G51g2ylYGQ1aUyfuReOafl9eKVp9oJ-f0J9hN/s1600-h/bamboo%20for%20peppers%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="bamboo for peppers" border="0" height="385" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TaXzbLsxYAI/AAAAAAAAAxM/WM8QiOPlFBg/bamboo%20for%20peppers_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="bamboo for peppers" width="285" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">I’m waiting <strike>im</strike>patiently for these tomatoes to turn red and show up on my supper table.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TaXze74GHJI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/GpuPdiZaJwk/s1600-h/green%20tomatoes%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="green tomatoes" border="0" height="323" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TaXzjQvcKtI/AAAAAAAAAxU/SnEFJX-m5qU/green%20tomatoes_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="green tomatoes" width="429" /></a></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"><strong>Roses</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">I also spent the better part of a Saturday putting up some trellis and getting my rose bush to climb it. This display was sure worth it!</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TaXznJppDfI/AAAAAAAAAxY/x79kBfeAT3Y/s1600-h/rose%20trellis%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="rose trellis" border="0" height="483" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wrCH7On8neKU9qSHZOIOLrO-r2zs3F-Gm59SZR4H27aAkxQD9pt8bp0v-IFzp7jL98tP3ozGA1iqtgwbVcFAzG6KAocAoGpERrR3YPmHd4svnsZLMHOR00_jTAx2Cer-tio9sufyjB65/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="rose trellis" width="351" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"><strong>Yard fence and gate</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Hubby, my dad, and I also spent some time putting in a back gate out to our pond.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TaXzxsUQxiI/AAAAAAAAAxg/5tocRkVzrKk/s1600-h/back%20gate%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="back gate" border="0" height="373" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TaXz0fXLruI/AAAAAAAAAxk/Ie1chF0auYk/back%20gate_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="back gate" width="488" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Then I started work on our yard fence. </span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TaXz4F4P7HI/AAAAAAAAAxo/ilOvLtZZfB8/s1600-h/yard%20fence1%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="yard fence1" border="0" height="323" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TaXz8OdWrFI/AAAAAAAAAxs/ClLIzbnY8qU/yard%20fence1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="yard fence1" width="429" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwmUJPGHB_kbl_11Qagat6qMCbLNwX3Woc0iCFgif_IgW71KkTdQFFrr4VE_5F2ui6GT3UbeItAqrWsvG-JCiEruDHqVpLTVhg9DuRE4B-BvKBRU2rAnLnPxifSyYUdTHSIObhZVnX40Q/s1600-h/yard%20fence%203%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="yard fence 3" border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKaerjibm01hQI9ZY3XBQGuXFYo-AT6qD478XAhxmaid811OgQOphNW0tE6iBx6XsX2E3LZpj6CCtJWZOn6382UxAmE6TxgSGTOzabHH8WfoTvDyiqBFZoqvFSYhUtlDmUnF3NT4fiUSz/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="yard fence 3" width="429" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Each post has an 80 lb bag of concrete and about 15 lbs of rock in it. Good thing I’ve built my strength carrying kids around all day!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TaX0Idz91OI/AAAAAAAAAx4/hUoL2pHBJcA/s1600-h/yard%20fence%202%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="yard fence 2" border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjXDBgiYwI9rtBztjnFIFxovYgwehoLGxlccc_7vkIFHleaMlwkVCOKgqa4EhBib7kkq6XZd9q7j5C-7C9Eyo6GlCb2YtCJyWl6pd-7iCx72uiFUEDDtLqjElGdj88etHSQXsrkVuNL-7/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="yard fence 2" width="289" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">As you can see, I still have a ways to go. Thank goodness hubby will be home all weekend! Btw, he’s the one that rented an auger and dug all the holes. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpktZfxCjQM_Xioep_DL7-QTukt5wONPfv4G8CTruWLTBD08HGpe-Juy9sPqBqjWiyVR4Ifau7W4Rj_XHMsizNwRro5xYTe8behimLHJSRoiX7TVz1zFV9Ra5F0NjBQbwdrlJRy7I3rbI/s1600-h/more%20to%20do%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="more to do" border="0" height="399" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TaX0UOlO9VI/AAAAAAAAAyE/rHyY1Tmvs5U/more%20to%20do_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="more to do" width="522" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Hope you’re finding some outdoor fun this spring too. Get some vitamin D, but be sure to protect your skin from the UV.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #9c85c0; font-family: Pavane; font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span>Throw Open the Windowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641970912239492435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647030286797379001.post-31337800626039502042011-03-11T14:54:00.004-06:002011-03-11T15:59:34.824-06:00Bringing Spring Inside<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Leen over at <a href="http://leenthegraphicsqueen.blogspot.com/2011/03/forcing-forsythia.html" target="_blank">Leen the Graphics Queen</a> did a fabulous post about forcing Forsythia. I’ve always wanted to try this and loved her easy explanation.</span><br />
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<a href="http://leenthegraphicsqueen.blogspot.com/2011/03/forcing-forsythia.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kHbV-Cs8yHmtLvypdsTZ0Yog3NMWady7VCMFzHMIoKhKd2zDA366ykPueCOE2CwHrwCv7lcp03o9kC9hVtWA5YjzfxWTMIGPoQj1J-lGvqTgVwm3bJGxlhRZS5Y9Eyto3Y_uj47EmoS5/s640/forsythia5.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="295" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But when I went out into MY orchard, we live so far south that this is what I found on my trees.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGlbovFiHRkQq0sqq7n-Y2wWzAnxG8QXHxZ2Wk7fxz-UpW5xiJDJ9TAfuTFTINAPWtt-kCfMZRYbHYqSDApRY9vqVu-qirg2kJduOL_3iVTb9qXl74HPOFs6Dm9c1w0LohxPEuuGx1VmSM/s1600-h/blossoms%5B6%5D.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="blossoms" border="0" height="381" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TXqJal4R5fI/AAAAAAAAAtc/lPXaryGJbcI/blossoms_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="blossoms" width="275" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TXqJdqfQ0NI/AAAAAAAAAtg/JTWttYEjrW8/s1600-h/pear%5B4%5D.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="pear" border="0" height="451" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TXqJh6kf91I/AAAAAAAAAtk/VaMQNXml3xI/pear_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="pear" width="334" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TXqJmeoPsKI/AAAAAAAAAto/MS0kJRklRhM/s1600-h/plum%20and%20pear%5B3%5D.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="plum and pear" border="0" height="323" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TXqJquW8o6I/AAAAAAAAAts/xP-tOwMp5IQ/plum%20and%20pear_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="plum and pear" width="422" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TXqJugYojfI/AAAAAAAAAtw/pRwlwas4Ug4/s1600-h/plum%20outside1%5B3%5D.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="plum outside1" border="0" height="323" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TXqJy-kONWI/AAAAAAAAAt0/Ljx3mRL0Qro/plum%20outside1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="plum outside1" width="429" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The pear and the plum trees have already started blooming!! Well maybe next year I’ll get to try forcing, but for now, I have beautiful flowers to put around the house. And just in time for my parents to come visit. We’re celebrating the baby’s 1st birthday and my dad’s 77th birthday this weekend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Enjoy!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TXqJ1y09L4I/AAAAAAAAAt4/4J_84nyBOaI/s1600-h/plum%20cut1%5B5%5D.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="plum cut1" border="0" height="429" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TXqJ8oK7WoI/AAAAAAAAAt8/1ct5sUz4F9g/plum%20cut1_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="plum cut1" width="332" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TXqJ_Tm9FCI/AAAAAAAAAuA/QjnEYYS1XwI/s1600-h/vase%20blossoms1%5B4%5D.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="vase blossoms1" border="0" height="429" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TXqKDd0UUQI/AAAAAAAAAuE/-Tt2HOfcdLs/vase%20blossoms1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="vase blossoms1" width="285" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TXqKILAXiSI/AAAAAAAAAuI/snVt6jNz4q4/s1600-h/vase%20blossoms2%5B4%5D.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="vase blossoms2" border="0" height="429" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TXqKLVYFWCI/AAAAAAAAAuM/iOVgwO3n3s0/vase%20blossoms2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="vase blossoms2" width="322" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TXqKNI7t2tI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/gEbeXCBbQMM/s1600-h/vase%20blossoms3%5B4%5D.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="vase blossoms3" border="0" height="429" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TXqKQDBF_QI/AAAAAAAAAuU/oPYLDOtC7zg/vase%20blossoms3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="vase blossoms3" width="328" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TXqKTa8BRcI/AAAAAAAAAuY/cM6QTrG8nvM/s1600-h/pitcher%20blossoms2%5B4%5D.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="pitcher blossoms2" border="0" height="429" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TXqKYO4nb-I/AAAAAAAAAuc/1nlfnDt-PIM/pitcher%20blossoms2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="pitcher blossoms2" width="306" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TXqKjcS1_BI/AAAAAAAAAuo/HcFD2-rvwU8/s1600-h/pitcher%20blossoms3%5B21%5D.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="pitcher blossoms3" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TXqKoHqWwJI/AAAAAAAAAus/CTt6DdMSUrg/pitcher%20blossoms3_thumb%5B18%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="pitcher blossoms3" width="454" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="color: #9c85c0; font-family: Pavane; font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span><br />
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Linking up at:<br />
<center><a border="0" href="http://naturallymecreations.blogspot.com/search/label/Who%20made%20What%3F%20Weekends%20Linky%20Parties" target="_blank"><img src="http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn97/DollyJellyB/BlogLogo2-1-3-1.png" /></a> <a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx89/cindy95131/showandtellfridays.jpg" width = "140"/></a> <a border="0" href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://hadfield.smugmug.com/photos/978446890_7b2ZN-O.png" /></a></center>Throw Open the Windowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641970912239492435noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647030286797379001.post-90301424976533037072011-03-07T15:44:00.009-06:002011-03-11T15:46:04.488-06:00Jumping on Board (and Batten)It’s my turn to try out the delicious look of the board and batten in my home. I’ve been stalking any blog post I could find that mentioned it and really loved how easy <a href="http://itsthelittlethingsthatmakeahouseahome.blogspot.com/2009/02/how-to-board-and-batten.html" target="_blank">Karla @ It’s the Little Things</a> and <a href="http://www.decorchick.com/paint/multipurpose-room-progress-board-and-batten/" target="_blank">Décor Chick</a> made it sound. Then I procrastinated for about a century because I was sure the texture on my walls would be too obvious and look awful!<br />
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So to help convince myself, I Photoshopped some pics of my walls.<br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_FT24YnKhfw/TXU91UUYlQI/AAAAAAAAArQ/CVdzhr_iNtE/s1600/before+right%255B42%255D" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_FT24YnKhfw/TXU91UUYlQI/AAAAAAAAArQ/CVdzhr_iNtE/s320/before+right%255B42%255D" width="320" /></a><br />
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Before - right wall<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-U1EjMV9Qpkw/TXU99h-BG8I/AAAAAAAAArY/e-vxoKyEOME/s1600/fam+room+batton1%255B26%255D" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-U1EjMV9Qpkw/TXU99h-BG8I/AAAAAAAAArY/e-vxoKyEOME/s320/fam+room+batton1%255B26%255D" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TXU-LqMgtLI/AAAAAAAAAro/ZLvbFAPHREQ/s1600-h/fam%20room%20batton2%5B22%5D.jpg"></a></div>Photoshopped - right wall<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HVdGs3QNHdU/TXU-HQf49wI/AAAAAAAAArg/m_nkEbhwmBc/s1600/before+left%255B28%255D" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HVdGs3QNHdU/TXU-HQf49wI/AAAAAAAAArg/m_nkEbhwmBc/s320/before+left%255B28%255D" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Before - left wall<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-D7HeD0YJpZQ/TXU-LqMgtLI/AAAAAAAAAro/p61xJwIYJL8/s1600/fam+room+batton2%255B22%255D" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-D7HeD0YJpZQ/TXU-LqMgtLI/AAAAAAAAAro/p61xJwIYJL8/s320/fam+room+batton2%255B22%255D" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Photoshopped- left wall<br />
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(<a href="http://throwopenthewindows.blogspot.com/2011/02/cpr-anyone-family-room-resuscitation.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Did I not warn you before that this room is usually covered with toys?</span></a>) <-- Follow this link for more before pics too.<br />
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Still unsure, I cut strips of paper and hung them on the wall. I’m a very visual person and this really helped me to decide placement and size. I moved the strips around until I was happy and felt a little more confident. In the end I decided on 2-1/2 inch wide battens and placed them 16 inches apart - each one on a stud. By doing this I knew they were evenly spaced and securely attached. For the header, I picked a 3-1/2 inch wide board.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXw9_tozJa6aFMxHaRCJfelIBddCC5iJUxQcNp801OtWHtc8RYMoMDV86-OQzhejrF7QnbS8aATe4BSAgEH2ZScI2Yw_JnfONmInhjaEAIuX55a10F90bj4aMorGVH4CR8WF0vO8LpE7nP/s1600-h/paper%20strips%5B10%5D.jpg"><img alt="paper strips" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TXU-UIm5ahI/AAAAAAAAAr0/JhkhTu6dzyU/paper%20strips_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="paper strips" width="454" /></a><br />
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I wanted something more substantial than the lattice board that Décor Chick used. Instead I chose 3/4 inch thick primed mdf board in the widths I wanted. Per sqft the price was actually less than the lattice and it was pre-primed!<br />
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So, finally I took the plunge and put three coats of semi-gloss white paint on the walls. There was no turning back.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TXU-XPm1x6I/AAAAAAAAAr4/dIbiGzpEbTY/s1600-h/painted%20walls%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="painted walls" border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomb7jt9gPp10muNDZDoaY02nqqOnJ1dI4v7xT2bhtEj96MFjt4c-Vd3t9DI4SnTWHaRrSvjdmtA7pwD1TlRFx60iqe9On6Z_RlBfZpijSdLdGtEmQNk_eFedlP7Wo_7DCCmjkNa4-vz3Q/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="painted walls" width="454" /></a><br />
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I had pre-painted the battens a few weeks ago. Then after lying in bed with the flu (and a million episodes of Rehab Addict later) I finally got them nailed up this weekend. We love them!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXuOaCGGDCuv96Rm08y4PG1vJqa5qsV1NS1mA0p2hWQ99vPuTmSan-NyoFzrqD3fFE78IpTrxObF2cV8D_quhyphenhyphentdbObi2gK1kpLMz3_0CiVSpxsK5Sers8bKwbgL2GBxuXZ8o08tTyhtgo/s1600-h/B&B%20wall%20left%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="B&B wall left" border="0" height="359" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TXU-kfvAwvI/AAAAAAAAAsE/M3ZdMeOGh_k/B%26B%20wall%20left_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="B&B wall left" width="454" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TXU-rdSLWKI/AAAAAAAAAsI/Z-xrlVtet1M/s1600-h/B%26B%20wall%20right%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="B&B wall right" border="0" height="387" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TXU-u3qH3QI/AAAAAAAAAsM/O0P1pbbwASU/B%26B%20wall%20right_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="B&B wall right" width="454" /></a><br />
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I’m still considering to add a small plate ledge on top to place things on as Karla and Décor Chick did, but I couldn’t wait to show you this completed step in our family room redo! More ideas in store…<br />
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<span style="color: #9c85c0; font-family: Pavane; font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span><br />
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Linking up at...<br />
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<a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Making" border="0" src="http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo119/tiffhewlett/plain-button.png" /></a> <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2011/03/home-office-renovation-update-welcome.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Making" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_x908CSKJhI4/TUX7UBvTgEI/AAAAAAAAW7k/MVgnfNcOk7I/s400/Pic_for_Body_of_Blog.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://thegirlcreative.blogspot.com/search/label/Just%20Something%20I%20Whipped%20Up" target="_blank"><img alt="The Girl Creative" src="http://i456.photobucket.com/albums/qq286/happielife32/JSIWU_BUTTON.png" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTNzgTWnTe9EPO0ItmjDIRvtXxromaRBlMXhbb1vnz8NvLUfrYpu_REJyys1_DybZedH5HQMacg18ggzq6izdv7NCGlVZu1EFlqOMFhjqBTwNaJes1tOIG_yPX5BU4hisCQOJd4HP6Ic/s270/beforeAndAfterButton.gif" /></a> <a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Domestically Speaking" border="0" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/2nrd6ip.gif" /></a><br />
<center><a border="0" href="http://www.elements-interiors.net/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r87/mmoo1978/whassup1.png" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://naturallymecreations.blogspot.com/search/label/Who%20made%20What%3F%20Weekends%20Linky%20Parties" target="_blank"><img src="http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn97/DollyJellyB/BlogLogo2-1-3-1.png" /></a></center><br />
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</center>Throw Open the Windowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641970912239492435noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647030286797379001.post-65890793916579608922011-02-19T13:15:00.004-06:002011-02-21T22:14:31.002-06:00CPR Anyone? - Family Room ResuscitationWell, I gave you a sneak peak of some trim I was painting the other night. And I will tell you that it’s for our family room. That room is in need of resuscitation. It just feels dead and dingy to me. Here is a before pic of the room (try not to cringe). It looks very bare because it’s cleaned up. Usually it is <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Australian Sunrise'; font-size: medium;"><strong>covered</strong></span> </span></span>with toys from the kids. I don’t bother putting décor items out (they’d just destroy them). The tables are usually covered with books and puzzles anyway.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TWAQjzvzqSI/AAAAAAAAAnk/WNjERPXV9_E/s1600-h/before%20room1%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="before room1" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ggHE4eykM9LjdHxKaZIL2WairK0EfermXFalSbirMSIdlzeZ7FHFCG71uGPSSFGY8Rsic0yD_VIezQMjmdsQdH7_lLaRdG3yBkKZN5u3T0-hj-V4enx0cDCnMKuRvKZxj3vf_vH0qvLF/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="before room1" width="454" /></a></span><br />
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The first stop in my family room revitalization is the sofa.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TWAQrJJeYZI/AAAAAAAAAns/9m4aKsvTIl8/s1600-h/before%20sofa%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="before sofa" border="0" height="370" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TWAQucZS_qI/AAAAAAAAAnw/sUVquAZ_1Ck/before%20sofa_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="before sofa" width="454" /></a><br />
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Actually the first stop was IKEA. Hubby and I made a pilgrimage to the huge store and picked up a few things including <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20168913" target="_blank"><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">this</span></em></a> slip-cover for their Hovas sofa.<br />
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I don’t actually have a Hovas sofa, but I have a sofa that is the same shape and just slightly smaller than IKEA’s sofa. And for a price of $49 I couldn’t resist buying this beautiful white canvas slipcover and doing a little of my own tailoring to make it fit. So with a little nip here and a little tuck there…<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TWAQx6ucEBI/AAAAAAAAAn0/98TWTqOlWsA/s1600-h/nip%26tuck%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="nip&tuck" border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3J49D9P0LWH85tPBeGzoRF6B_z6XhsHHkll1ySIolf302s6wK36dfP28TBeMrAE9rc30tofG9mgZBHLgdz9RhW6rpkddHHA_lMLSnU9GX2C70k-dSEmk9iQ0xMHUW0ZtPzdtrTg7Laur/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="nip&tuck" width="243" /></a><br />
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… I now have a new (did I mention easy) IKEA slipcover to fit my Lazy Boy sofa. Shhh.. don’t tell. ;)<br />
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Next I needed to recover my pillows. I pulled some colors out of my fabric stash. I wanted some with texture and remembered a blog post by<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"> <a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2010/01/fuzzy-pillows-from-a-surprising-source/">Censational Girl</a> </span>about using a bath rug to make a pillow cover. As it happens, hubby and I had JUST bought some great bath rugs at Home Goods. And every time I go in the bathroom, my two year old runs in to lie down on the new rug. It’s comfy looking! So I thought this would, indeed, make a good pillow cover. Oh, and hubby’s response? “Go ahead; I know where I can get another rug.” Isn’t he great?!!<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TWAQ4V6y1bI/AAAAAAAAAn8/k8pAtUVtB5c/s1600-h/bathmat%20pillow3%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="bathmat pillow3" border="0" height="312" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TWAQ8LaF97I/AAAAAAAAAoA/Kr9N1amVrm8/bathmat%20pillow3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="bathmat pillow3" width="454" /></a><br />
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I also found some inspiration for another pillow from a ruffled duvet cover at <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=18612630&pushId=A_FURN_BEDDING&popId=A_FURN_BEDROOM&navCount=126&navAction=push&itemCount=80&itemdescription=true&parentid=A_FURN_BEDDING&startValue=1&sortProperties=+subCategoryPosition,+product.marketingPriority" target="_blank"><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">Urban Outfitters</span></em></a>. I’ve included a tutorial for you below.<br />
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<div align="center"><strong>~ Ruffled Pillow Tutorial ~</strong></div><br />
1. Cut out two squares of fabric the size of your pillow plus seam allowance.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TWAQ-p17shI/AAAAAAAAAoE/RxvMhavXNLY/s1600-h/PillowTutStep1%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="PillowTutStep1" border="0" height="408" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TWARCKKt4oI/AAAAAAAAAoI/4Ju_HpeoYnk/PillowTutStep1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PillowTutStep1" width="429" /></a><br />
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2. Cut strips of fabric and make ruffles. Then, using a string attached to a fabric marker, draw an arc on the corner of the fabric as a guide for your first ruffle.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TWARGM7AVZI/AAAAAAAAAoM/otSf2fFGo9U/s1600-h/PillowTutStep2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="PillowTutStep2" border="0" height="338" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TWARJ-hKbfI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/9j5tQBmhRG8/PillowTutStep2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PillowTutStep2" width="429" /></a><br />
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3. Place your ruffle on the line and pin to keep the gathers from moving as you sew.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TWARNpMDecI/AAAAAAAAAoU/7Vdn0SShDKo/s1600-h/PillowTutStep3%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="PillowTutStep3" border="0" height="392" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TWARRELFYYI/AAAAAAAAAoY/yjqLSkHH2kQ/PillowTutStep3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PillowTutStep3" width="429" /></a><br />
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4. Sew the ruffle on.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TWARUh901uI/AAAAAAAAAoc/YyUWfPkc3eA/s1600-h/PillowTutStep4%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="PillowTutStep4" border="0" height="334" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TWARcd3cS9I/AAAAAAAAAog/c2pYJeVRezo/PillowTutStep4_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PillowTutStep4" width="429" /></a><br />
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5. Repeat steps 2-4 until you have as many ruffles as you like.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TWARfQvjKsI/AAAAAAAAAok/fjudZ53MOHo/s1600-h/PillowTutStep5%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="PillowTutStep5" border="0" height="370" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TWARixjG4_I/AAAAAAAAAoo/qTja-fpzaqA/PillowTutStep5_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PillowTutStep5" width="429" /></a><br />
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6. Sew the two pieces together (right sides facing). Either add a zipper as I did or sew the fourth side after inserting the pillow.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUYcD3zc7l5dNe97Lik5Ml6vKcAjm39nJeo2H663SaEDRJ7IVrzCNam2H16FUcRboN6DAawPNJkidvBAuv7IfmQCmmgZbCj1zrCi5eTMBLdceUw411xtG6We1Q1IVcnFxvrDQq-UJQs8B/s1600-h/PillowTutStep6%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="PillowTutStep6" border="0" height="337" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TWARpzbiLxI/AAAAAAAAAow/zhrtENDG1nY/PillowTutStep6_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PillowTutStep6" width="429" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TWARtLGkhCI/AAAAAAAAAo0/TbdgGstlY3U/s1600-h/Ruffled%20Pillow%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="Ruffled Pillow" border="0" height="388" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TWARw_NWFXI/AAAAAAAAAo4/Aegrb9u12aU/Ruffled%20Pillow_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Ruffled Pillow" width="429" /></a><br />
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<br />
So after all that, here are the current updates to the room. Still many more to go.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TWAR1aOgiaI/AAAAAAAAAo8/LzPaYFdkAc4/s1600-h/sofa%20update%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="sofa update" border="0" height="343" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TWAR4js0ccI/AAAAAAAAApA/bZU3I6_1Rbg/sofa%20update_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="sofa update" width="454" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TWAR9Xvb1WI/AAAAAAAAApE/W-g5RHTNCBU/s1600-h/bathmat%20pillow2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="bathmat pillow2" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TWASBeswC5I/AAAAAAAAApI/z4m2HBaY9wI/bathmat%20pillow2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="bathmat pillow2" width="454" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TWASEUAjG6I/AAAAAAAAApM/XSL74rThJtE/s1600-h/pillows1%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="pillows1" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TWASHQO5-YI/AAAAAAAAApQ/UwUAwmMp978/pillows1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="pillows1" width="454" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TWASLnrM6_I/AAAAAAAAApU/wznm1oge-O0/s1600-h/pillows2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="pillows2" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TWASPnbJKjI/AAAAAAAAApY/sRnrEkHRGSU/pillows2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="pillows2" width="454" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TWASTvHKp5I/AAAAAAAAApc/aEvBOf780is/s1600-h/pillows3%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="pillows3" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TWASW_ZtCMI/AAAAAAAAApg/WuzLwFu9A4Y/pillows3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="pillows3" width="454" /></a><br />
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Hopefully I can get the trim up on the wall this week and show you. It’ll be a <b><i>HUGE</i></b> change for the room! Can’t wait!!<br />
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<span style="color: #9c85c0; font-family: Pavane; font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span><br />
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Linking up at:<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://j-a-girl.blogspot.com/"> <img src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z104/danielle982/2010%20Blogs/Just%20a%20Girl/jagblogbutton.png" /> </a> <a href="http://www.iamonly1woman.blogspot.com//"><img border="0" src="http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad29/retrolove80/AVisiontoRememberMcklinkyButton.png" /></a><a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwI0kpWquG7v3Mb1zc12TtisN_c-n3NpoBzPQyo6PW2IjVp61ARKkfjNHHfpmYXSFrGqITwN63_JycSP7I2Oy4y6F5o_MCV6NgXrLu1wWe2I2Kiifcd5l3yyowcVjTNWKQr1-gsxmr5M/" /></a><br />
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<a border="0" href="http://naturallymecreations.blogspot.com/search/label/Who%20made%20What%3F%20Weekends%20Linky%20Parties" target="_blank"><img src="http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn97/DollyJellyB/BlogLogo2-1-3-1.png" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://hadfield.smugmug.com/photos/978446890_7b2ZN-O.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx89/cindy95131/showandtellfridays.jpg" width="140" /></a> <a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Funky Junk's Saturday Nite Special" src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/signmakergirl/satnitenew150w-1.jpg" /></a> <a href=" http://theletteredcottage.net/spring-wreath-how-to" title="The Lettered Cottage"><img src="http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj29/LaylaPalmer/How%20To/How_Tos_Linky_Party_Button.jpg" alt="The Lettered Cottage" style="border:none;" /></a>Throw Open the Windowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641970912239492435noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647030286797379001.post-67354951903608861682011-02-14T20:04:00.000-06:002011-02-14T20:04:03.917-06:00Happy Valentine’s DayI hope you all had a lovely Valentine’s day. Hubby and I celebrated on Saturday in a rather non-traditional way. Instead of a dinner date, we got some discounted tickets from Groupon to our local Home and Garden Show this past weekend. Right up my alley! It was a lot of fun, especially since we put the kids in daycare and went by ourselves.<br />
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And since we went to the show on Saturday, I’ve been free all evening to work on one of my latest projects. I’ll tell you more about it later, but here’s a sneak peak.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TVna_jAOWRI/AAAAAAAAAnc/xq99t1fjC3I/s1600-h/painting%20trim%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="painting trim" border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBghrZAzWh49uvGoglF0B1bUuE1v8oatmfntYEb6XSZHrTLoK93q9And7Ei3WBZk5iQdCywoL-5EUajUUFrQTOcY5Ky_5T4twuw-tXveubRnykNb3c28PpSiOTls6X9gx-NOizX-RV9zAS/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="painting trim" width="429" /></a><br />
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Who would have ever thought I’d be ecstatic to spend my Valentine’s day painting trim?!? LOL!<br />
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<span style="color: #9c85c0; font-family: Pavane; font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span>Throw Open the Windowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641970912239492435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647030286797379001.post-22323713909695726942011-02-12T11:03:00.002-06:002011-02-22T22:52:14.600-06:00Chalkboard and Corkboard Cabinet Door<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TVa60Jt-TmI/AAAAAAAAAl8/OpXSPU8eqv0/s1600-h/chalkboard%20corkboard%20organization%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="chalkboard corkboard organization" border="0" height="460" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TVa65o9PHbI/AAAAAAAAAmA/0S09ymgRKx8/chalkboard%20corkboard%20organization_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chalkboard corkboard organization" width="429" /></a><br />
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I try to be organized. I <em><strong>really</strong></em> do. It just seems like I’m always taking one step forward and two steps back when it comes to keeping things neat and tidy. One of our (my husband and me both) worst problems is making lists, misplacing them and making more lists. Then of course we have ten lists all over the house with everything from honey-do’s to groceries to reminders. And of course there’s overlap between the lists. Yep it’s bad.<br />
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You might think that having a smart phone would help. But dang it, it’s not smart enough to read my mind!! I actually have to find the time to input appointments, reminders and such. Well, today I am making an attempt to at least have ONE place to put lists, important reminders and such. And best of all, it’s hidden away inside the cabinet.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TVa681uO2SI/AAAAAAAAAmE/Awsbq30ZpHk/s1600-h/cabinet%20door%20before%5B8%5D.jpg"><img alt="cabinet door before" border="0" height="429" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TVa7AKj2rMI/AAAAAAAAAmI/j_RqlkaGDQc/cabinet%20door%20before_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="cabinet door before" width="350" /></a><br />
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Check out the before pic… now that’s keeping it real. Papers, boxes, you name it, get shoved into any open space when company is coming. (Oh don’t pretend, you know you do it too!) Only Martha Stewart keeps the inside of her cabinets neat all the time. And if you do, wow, I am in awe!! You are my hero. Wanna come to my house? <img alt="Open-mouthed smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-openmouthedsmile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TVa7BVc7G3I/AAAAAAAAAmM/HytixtD-7rA/wlEmoticon-openmouthedsmile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /><br />
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So this actually turned out to be a pretty easy (as in during nap time) project.<br />
You need:<br />
* a cabinet door<br />
* screw driver to take it off and put it back on<br />
* chalkboard paint<br />
* painter’s tape<br />
* cork board tile<br />
* fabric of choice<br />
* glue<br />
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First I took the cabinet off it’s hinges and taped off the area I wanted to paint. Then I applied the first coat of chalkboard paint (I used three total) and let it dry. <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TVa7EnWzMcI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/gnXe37gGa4Q/s1600-h/taped%20and%20painted%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="taped and painted" border="0" height="323" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TVa7HmEUZ1I/AAAAAAAAAmU/PHeoULnALgQ/taped%20and%20painted_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="taped and painted" width="429" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TVa7K26lAFI/AAAAAAAAAmY/RrPHtxHL5Jk/s1600-h/first%20coat%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="first coat" border="0" height="323" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TVa7OAkyPXI/AAAAAAAAAmc/OQv6gH7gIGI/first%20coat_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="first coat" width="429" /></a><br />
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Meanwhile, I cut a cork-board tile down to size to fit in the door and a scrap of fabric a few inches larger.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TVa7R5wmqzI/AAAAAAAAAmg/yrPqDUoN1fg/s1600-h/cork%20tile%20and%20fabric%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="cork tile and fabric" border="0" height="323" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TVa7VOP6NWI/AAAAAAAAAmk/4-CLQHhcRXM/cork%20tile%20and%20fabric_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="cork tile and fabric" width="429" /></a><br />
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I glued the fabric onto the board with Elmer’s glue, cuz face it, it’s cardboard and fabric. No need for fancy glue… yet.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TVa7X2O3XSI/AAAAAAAAAmo/h-QIkRBv-Z0/s1600-h/glueing%20fabric%20to%20cork%20tile%5B24%5D.jpg"><img alt="glueing fabric to cork tile" border="0" height="181" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TVa7aG-WMxI/AAAAAAAAAms/7SbJ1UawVCI/glueing%20fabric%20to%20cork%20tile_thumb%5B24%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="glueing fabric to cork tile" width="202" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TVa7d5R6lLI/AAAAAAAAAmw/6XZEbHTq0bY/s1600-h/fabric%20glued%20to%20cork%20tile%5B19%5D.jpg"><img alt="fabric glued to cork tile" border="0" height="179" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TVa7fw-u0TI/AAAAAAAAAm0/AJ2lVZEVmd4/fabric%20glued%20to%20cork%20tile_thumb%5B16%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="fabric glued to cork tile" width="207" /></a><br />
Then I did two more coats of chalkboard paint. Actually, the first two coats I painted on with a brush to get a good coverage without a lot of overspray. The third coat I sprayed on so I wouldn’t have brush strokes. It worked marvelously. <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TVa7juh-rGI/AAAAAAAAAm4/oY0reYzYn_s/s1600-h/third%20coat%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="third coat" border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmWxgmHLGa3FZXGPpofNMuAmufNttKWe65paVX9n384cZ2-RyNrN5YtLSehPUs7AeVsCXXWP-4WixnxQG8JEfK9IlqrJbB53ns4X8znF7ULlZGz-eA5efQiKQyHrQvNpA6IwguXd-ftC7/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="third coat" width="429" /></a><br />
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I used wood glue to attach the covered cork tile to the inside of the door. You could use Liquid Nails or any other strong glue that’s good with wood.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfcHvTPoq4C2f93qZ8T__TRu5Q83Qbf-0xvpZD7Bo0VOgLsLW7eo02duv_xkwtQvM8O-_yvPP39df5wvtuTET5V_HGRiH_3jqaxbo7GKzl9oNzqroOaVHBsjNPkwc2WciqRanR51aR8wu/s1600-h/cork%20chalkboard%20door%5B10%5D.jpg"><img alt="cork chalkboard door" border="0" height="419" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TVa7woGuHXI/AAAAAAAAAnE/jUS-j0Cwe4I/cork%20chalkboard%20door_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="cork chalkboard door" width="315" /></a><br />
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And here it is with the door re-hung. LUV IT!!! Nope, I still haven’t cleaned that cabinet out. The kids are up from their nap. No time now. LOL!<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TVa7zp9748I/AAAAAAAAAnI/O2RKmZy1WLg/s1600-h/chalkboard%20cabinet%20door%20hung%5B10%5D.jpg"><img alt="chalkboard cabinet door hung" border="0" height="429" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TVa72iRzg8I/AAAAAAAAAnM/k4sX3h0-mv4/chalkboard%20cabinet%20door%20hung_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chalkboard cabinet door hung" width="262" /></a><br />
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Little by little I WILL get more organized!<br />
<span style="color: #8080c0; font-family: Pavane; font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span><br />
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Visit the party at:<br />
<center><a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Funky Junk's Saturday Nite Special" src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/signmakergirl/satnitenew150w-1.jpg" /></a> <a href=" http://theletteredcottage.net/spring-wreath-how-to" title="The Lettered Cottage"><img src="http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj29/LaylaPalmer/How%20To/How_Tos_Linky_Party_Button.jpg" alt="The Lettered Cottage" style="border:none;" /></a></center>Throw Open the Windowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641970912239492435noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647030286797379001.post-38112769104778598532011-01-28T18:35:00.001-06:002012-01-31T09:40:08.585-06:00Guest Room Bedside TableAside from an occasional overnight visit from one of my siblings or my husband’s folks, our guest room is mainly used by my mom and dad when they visit. In fact, after my grandmother passed away, my dad grabbed up his favorite bed and mattress from her home and brought it to me so he would always have a good place to sleep when he stayed with me. Well that was many years, a marriage, and several houses ago. And I’ve recently moved the bedframe and side tables to our master bedroom. Dad’s favorite mattress now sits on a metal frame and didn’t have any side tables… until now.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TUNRu6Gh54I/AAAAAAAAAk8/Jy-Yhcuazn4/s1600-h/IMG_2521%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2521" border="0" height="323" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TUNRygveA4I/AAAAAAAAAlA/-9Wch0M2hHA/IMG_2521_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2521" width="429" /></a><br />
I found a bed tray/side table online that I really liked. The top tray can be taken off and moved around. It’s great for eating in bed.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">~ I know because I got another one for my bedroom and </div><div style="text-align: center;">hubby has used it to bring me breakfast in bed. *big grin* ~</div><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TUNR1np7WjI/AAAAAAAAAlE/AO40jfx1gTs/s1600-h/IMG_2498%5B24%5D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2498" border="0" height="429" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TUNR5BYYc7I/AAAAAAAAAlI/Gy5wCdDRjCY/IMG_2498_thumb%5B21%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2498" width="323" /></a><br />
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I added a basket with extra soaps, lotion, and other toiletries in case my guests forget something. My mom, of course, is much more impressed by this than my dad. LOL! My dad is one who wrinkles his nose funny at fancy scented soaps.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TUNR8rKAmQI/AAAAAAAAAlM/ZjscMpPwne4/s1600-h/IMG_2500%5B14%5D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2500" border="0" height="323" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TUNSALnyFZI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/CRvdNDXlW04/IMG_2500_thumb%5B11%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2500" width="429" /></a><br />
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On the other hand, Dad is the one who gets up to drink water during the night. With this graceful decanter and tumbler set, he can now reach his water from the bed. No more getting up and finding his way to the kitchen.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNmL0vgqwj6CNq0R_Es2NErNP5Q7ifGy4KxfHP-iGzDpJHPB5a8eRZywspOLStlKBqkfmyIOEm99YnKMosIoFHBKaUDfoFVYmGBS05hJkbQjBvlWylheDjMgPpPd3uJLilAYxc4prijhQ/s1600-h/IMG_2518%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2518" border="0" height="323" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TUNSHuMzjoI/AAAAAAAAAlY/vvVMrEZuySM/IMG_2518_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2518" width="243" /></a><br />
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This bedside birdie is my little chipper chirper. It sits by a nest of sweet little egg-shaped soaps in a dish. <br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TUNSL546oLI/AAAAAAAAAlc/miN48-dnmwM/s1600-h/IMG_2501%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2501" border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAs_RZaE-CcJRySm27bQ3gyVAioq2QHA4BsRhOAkXkwhjk2VY9iKFEReFFJNApngcpvgHOSI-TPRffpP-AMrckJw_Y3JWCDSfvJRaJhiTtq2_7WfF-n5-DGaTKg9DWhPqMIIEtLY6r2Zq/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2501" width="429" /></a><br />
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But it ties in nicely with the bird theme on the pillow shams and blanket.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0Tx1blD6WHI_OcBASJFm7-GXaZORHr4scsYqwNqvhyphenhyphencBW9WieRzxrHeiedOZkfgMqg1NHcfBge5S6chyphenhyphenF7H-EczTOA9MvFyDefBCoR9rQGxMevmsONXOyLr550wzHIUmVfVk_XPuCIzM/s1600-h/IMG_2522%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2522" border="0" height="323" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TUNSW0mL5_I/AAAAAAAAAlo/AIL5h9toeag/IMG_2522_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2522" width="415" /></a><br />
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Do you like to provide a little extra touch when your guests come to visit?<br />
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<span style="color: #8080c0; font-family: Pavane; font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span>Throw Open the Windowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641970912239492435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647030286797379001.post-71851111450474116042011-01-23T11:37:00.000-06:002011-01-23T11:37:13.870-06:00New Year, New LookI’ve decided on a fresh new look for my blog. I’ve been wanting brighter colors in my life to inspire me. And maybe I’m just a <i><b>bit</b></i> ready for spring to be here already. But after an <u><b>obscene</b></u> amount of time trying to get the formatting to work, I’m finally happy with it. It gives me a renewed energy and a sense of creativity. I LOVE it!!!!<br />
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I’ve added a section on the right called <u><i>A Few of my Favorite Things</i></u>. Here I will post pictures of things that make me feel joy and peace. Things that make me truly happy.<br />
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Well here it is. I hope you like it too.<br />
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<span style="color: #9c85c0; font-family: Pavane; font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span>Throw Open the Windowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641970912239492435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647030286797379001.post-1341030295163125742011-01-13T12:39:00.001-06:002011-01-21T20:10:13.591-06:00Happy 1st Birthday<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TS9FCMNpcVI/AAAAAAAAAgs/miKGV4_HZ9g/s1600-h/cake_and_candle%5B2%5D.png"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TS9FCMNpcVI/AAAAAAAAAgs/miKGV4_HZ9g/s1600/cake_and_candle%255B2%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TS9FCMNpcVI/AAAAAAAAAgs/miKGV4_HZ9g/s320/cake_and_candle%255B2%255D" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Wow, I can’t believe it’s already been a year since I started my blogging journey. I had spent so long looking at other DIY blogs thinking, “I can do that.” It just seemed natural to start a blog and share the projects I was already working on. I’m so glad I did. I’ve “met” some incredible women. They keep me inspired and are so sweet. Looking back, I love the posts I have done, but I sincerely wish I had been able to spend more time sharing my adventures in making my house into the home we love. </div><div style="text-align: center;">(I blame my kids, ha ha!) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I’m a stay-at-home mom to a 4 year old, a 2 year old and a 10 month old. Obviously my life is about them. But my blog is <b>NOT</b>. My blog is about MY interests, joys, and hobbies (outside of my kids). It is a place where I can be me: creative, fun, and impulsive.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But, of course, being a mom of these three precious little ones also means that my posts are limited. And they get written over several <i><b>hours</b></i> or <i><b>days</b></i> with <b>MANY</b> interruptions.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have so many projects either in my head or actually started. I have taken lots of “before” pics. And I’m hoping that over this next year I will have more time to complete these projects and share them with you. Stay tuned. Lots of love to my followers and friends.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #8080c0; font-family: Pavane; font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span>Throw Open the Windowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641970912239492435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647030286797379001.post-70402234761906144602011-01-10T16:17:00.000-06:002011-01-10T16:17:40.742-06:00Lettuce in the Winter GardenComing home after spending the holidays with my folks always proves very fruitful. We bring home a lot more than we left with. My parents are so generous and we always have a great time with them on their little farm. This year, in addition to Christmas gifts, we came home with an ice chest full of fresh meat (mutton and venison), pecans, black walnuts, and a bunch of baby lettuce starter plants. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGPe83JQkyowweLOaxw5ZDAFgcXm2kus3I4ZQuDbR7LpCSGY2zSjBXO5H42LEqep9nueA5rF7_vjlasqGEXPHE7GlXQoB8SjJRKmL2k4I6_WFO6tHlI6SjDEscYbsYa_TXzVks8w_AGSX/s1600-h/cold%20lettuce%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="cold lettuce" border="0" height="143" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TSuDjCn2h1I/AAAAAAAAAgE/DXAoMslf4X0/cold%20lettuce_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="cold lettuce" width="156" /></a> <br />
One of the things I love about living so far south is the ability to plant a winter garden. We rarely get freezing temperatures and never far below freezing. While many areas of the country are covered with snow, we occasionally are lucky enough to have a steamy fog on our pond in the morning.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-23i6ksjqA1aj4DRJp3CbTfT877DRcHqaAX3NfkB_W68ssE6bHjNgsjcp4WY0I95ipGaMdhKXUiOvFq6m2mIcL3vRIgepBdKHtvcsd4bEvypREygWkRYbwE7CrBpGsY9SnGXgBSLsJ1p/s1600-h/cattleonpond3.jpg"><img alt="cattle on pond" border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jfc44jwr1RzAv8ub-e9x6FaeKiIpN35Pc7L04XyBg0FsTspmhNzCkILplMmVR3y7q1ryYCraBKOs18zj835YQ3FZY2zzm9VdwfZun5K8ubt7NV0It_aPkYycMp6I5ZawJ06ratLrgPy7/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="cattle on pond" width="420" /></a><br />
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More often we enjoy daytime temperatures in the 70s and great fun outside. But don’t you be jealous if you’re knee-deep in snow. Just remember how miserable and hot our summers are. Well, we’ve planted the lettuce in our garden now and are looking forward to many fresh salads.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TSuDuI4mp2I/AAAAAAAAAgQ/24oMAfy8mrU/s1600-h/baby%20lettuce%20plant%201.jpg"><img alt="baby lettuce plant 1" border="0" height="360" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TSuDzVnSe1I/AAAAAAAAAgU/lJS0JVljfhM/baby%20lettuce%20plant%201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="baby lettuce plant 1" width="420" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvi-imZ5lQoAf_sgM8u5jLUPW3-zq62RqA-y7H0aLBX1zCeLVpWo_UUtqimYZCkhHpa_TdyZjMvBuWLpPrER5WwEWLuygwd05DQCRCkTbV8PqraTe2G4ey5vEvoSR1lpU1F1UkYq_QNcCH/s1600-h/lettucebed3.jpg"><img alt="lettuce bed" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TSuD8aUxbnI/AAAAAAAAAgc/gNkvfNShW40/lettucebed_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="lettuce bed" width="420" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJE3Wapj2HCTpbu-1PzV0jgPWGEDZQvtLc-8Agb1nBeug7oqNrWxnmljlqd5GLIkwGiuZG9oblvAd9MGlb76nKUQYNkpMv3-6YzP4jwJwT0DNqNGp4C_656TuH5JCyuk1f1GiO8MQ_DmeE/s1600-h/baby%20lettuce%20plants%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="baby lettuce plants" border="0" height="394" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TSuEHpuaZqI/AAAAAAAAAgk/_z60K8uS9Ck/baby%20lettuce%20plants_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="baby lettuce plants" width="420" /></a><br />
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Looking forward to planting more things soon.<br />
<span style="color: #8080c0; font-family: Pavane; font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span>Throw Open the Windowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641970912239492435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647030286797379001.post-20755087165080314002010-12-23T17:14:00.000-06:002010-12-23T17:14:54.545-06:00Merry Christmas!!!<blockquote><br />
Well I had certainly intended to share so much more with you this December. Holiday traditions, decorations, and gift ideas, for example. But, alas, this blog is an outlet just for me. My family come first. So I spent the season very busy with the kids, family, and a little crafting.</blockquote><br />
I also found some time to do a little shopping at an antique store. That’s where I found this beauty! Merry Christmas to me from my mom and daddy. :)<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TRPVqqPNffI/AAAAAAAAAfM/-oVGykGxM40/s1600-h/bakers%20rack%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="bakers rack" border="0" height="480" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TRPVuOB7gsI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/DaKoIcmF8Iw/bakers%20rack_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="bakers rack" width="281" /></a> <br />
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I decorated her for Christmas as soon as she got in the door. I used ornament balls from the dollar store and the thrift store under the cake dome. The doily underneath was made by my late Aunt Martha. The tiny crochet stitches are so intricate and beautiful.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TRPVyVDdSSI/AAAAAAAAAfU/BduJUyd__9c/s1600-h/ornaments%20in%20cloche%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="ornaments in cloche" border="0" height="323" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TRPV2hr0RfI/AAAAAAAAAfY/y4WG4-bkA8I/ornaments%20in%20cloche_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="ornaments in cloche" width="420" /></a><br />
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The Christmas dishes I inherited from my sister when she no longer wanted them. Yes, there is a salad plate missing.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TRPV6PKW73I/AAAAAAAAAfc/TEhFEEY3QT4/s1600-h/christmas%20plates%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="christmas plates" border="0" height="315" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TRPV93FWl4I/AAAAAAAAAfg/iDzqdM6wVgE/christmas%20plates_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="christmas plates" width="420" /></a><br />
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And some tatted and crocheted snowflake ornaments. My mother is an avid tatter and made me a bunch of these. I did the round crocheted ones.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TRPWBdtPodI/AAAAAAAAAfk/qmj8ls8bh3I/s1600-h/tatted%20snowflake%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="tatted snowflake" border="0" height="370" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TRPWE_Eg3HI/AAAAAAAAAfo/DmhWkXhp2Gc/tatted%20snowflake_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="tatted snowflake" width="280" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TRPWIiOuz5I/AAAAAAAAAfs/-UOTuhD9Kuc/s1600-h/crocheted%20snowflake%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="crocheted snowflake" border="0" height="354" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TRPWMzutu_I/AAAAAAAAAfw/cy2IgqlQKYk/crocheted%20snowflake_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="crocheted snowflake" width="332" /></a><br />
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I love having another area to decorate for the holidays, but my favorite part of the bakers rack is the chicken wire mesh doors. Perfect place to store my home canned goods.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGF0dvJ30ekzCUAflt8X4QmzflfaCqVs6mOW3pQByEtYYO5uhIYyFRo43hHDGgfJ-5qEOj1_iPzJ0sQHxcjXZSt8yfJxmlOpUXHNixopiHLGTxI_hA2HGAq3W4axg-XQ0uahwaLKZBwTx9/s1600-h/wire%20mesh%20doors%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="wire mesh doors" border="0" height="285" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TRPWTdzHEeI/AAAAAAAAAf4/rnZqN8mLepA/wire%20mesh%20doors_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="wire mesh doors" width="340" /></a> <br />
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I wish all of you a very blessed Christmas. I pray the peace of the Christ child will fill you and your families in the coming year.<br />
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<span style="color: #8080c0; font-family: Pavane; font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span>Throw Open the Windowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641970912239492435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647030286797379001.post-64024292771011620622010-12-06T16:07:00.004-06:002010-12-10T01:51:15.892-06:00Christmas Stockings and Family Traditions<blockquote></blockquote><br />
Every year on December 6th my family celebrates a tradition passed down through our German heritage. We hang our stockings on the fireplace and St. Nick comes to fill them with fruits, nuts, candy, and small trinkets. The original tradition has children place a boot or shoe outside their door, but in America we seem to have combined it with the Christmas tradition of a stocking on the mantel. <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TP1bbXWDYFI/AAAAAAAAAec/KaXHnQof0CU/s1600-h/stockings%20hung%20by%20the%20chimney%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="stockings hung by the chimney" border="0" height="468" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TP1bfFXv-EI/AAAAAAAAAeg/J1qakaahhmQ/stockings%20hung%20by%20the%20chimney_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="stockings hung by the chimney" width="415" /></a> <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">~ These are all stockings I’ve made over the years. ~</div><br />
The first one I made for my husband before we were married. He loves hiking and the outdoors so of course he got a hiking boot stocking.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBPBSl9F4zcjGo7SiojPFkCqWc_JuLw4OPyJ1NFC0wc91JOvQLswtJ37ssyE57r7ASujypqYhoApHwRQbBNY04KtCzEX2YIkb9Si5BCD3FSSWnRefhmb5Sw_g29aBWpYON9HefohyphenhyphenICaN/s1600-h/hiking%20boot%20christmas%20stocking%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="hiking boot christmas stocking" border="0" height="511" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TP1blmnRdiI/AAAAAAAAAeo/Vb8bN9K6RpM/hiking%20boot%20christmas%20stocking_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="hiking boot christmas stocking" width="383" /></a> <br />
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For mine I took my love of quilting and made a crazy quilt stocking. I also added bells to mine to make sure no one would snitch my chocolate!! heh heh.. <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TP1bpWQnqtI/AAAAAAAAAes/1ZgvkUPdyG4/s1600-h/crazy%20quilt%20christmas%20stocking%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="crazy quilt christmas stocking" border="0" height="511" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TP1bsQXOSjI/AAAAAAAAAew/C0iAJExS5qY/crazy%20quilt%20christmas%20stocking_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="crazy quilt christmas stocking" width="383" /></a> <br />
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When my son was born I wanted to make him a cowboy boot stocking. I didn’t have a pattern and was a bit discouraged about making my own until my Nov/Dec 2006 edition of Country Woman magazine came and, Voila! There on page 16 was the perfect pattern. And just in time. Here’s my version.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesgkAILID2nVHepYcjPsKH8g9Bbv42pDEARKuspED6o2wDDJS9nHhsTAgxr7XGipfIRI0s3gB6iR5YiYCQDQoiwPq5eDPze_FXxDr1A3oCc9fETGlIhvcbtaZwfTAKIm5IuMLBdRTwSQI/s1600-h/cowboy%20boot%20christmas%20stocking%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="cowboy boot christmas stocking" border="0" height="511" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TP1bzOkU6TI/AAAAAAAAAe4/gvQi2ZMEjK8/cowboy%20boot%20christmas%20stocking_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="cowboy boot christmas stocking" width="300" /></a> <br />
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I took my love of all things Victorian and turned some of my favorite fabrics into a Victorian boot for sister #1. I love this one so much I almost made another for myself.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TP1b2WaF-7I/AAAAAAAAAe8/8d2vgwCpAhA/s1600-h/victorian%20boot%20christmas%20stocking%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="victorian boot christmas stocking" border="0" height="511" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TP1b6WACf6I/AAAAAAAAAfA/tjn0Dk9sBws/victorian%20boot%20christmas%20stocking_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="victorian boot christmas stocking" width="341" /></a> <br />
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And just in time for Saint Nick to come today, I finished the stocking for my 9 month old. It’s her first Christmas so I had to come up with another “boot” idea and find/make a pattern. She got a pretty ice skate stocking with hand embroidery and snowflakes.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgwgOX3ath10YJmdvlxnDNYH1iuh-gVuyhs6AxA1-eExJJMp6gUicJaKPlKetLh64WhBGPPB0Etxqg1pVTd9GjXQV1K1cLS2Zo6_fz62Aj6N0nVVXoIiiB0FcXPexbM6sT5JisoyyN6Dg/s1600-h/ice%20skate%20christmas%20stocking%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="ice skate christmas stocking" border="0" height="511" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TP1cA28-GCI/AAAAAAAAAfI/EF6XvBX902k/ice%20skate%20christmas%20stocking_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="ice skate christmas stocking" width="403" /></a> <br />
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This year, I also told my kids that this is when St. Nick comes to make sure they are being good and to pick up their Christmas wish list letters. You wouldn’t believe how good my 4 year old is being on account of Santa watching. :o)<br />
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Why December 6th you ask? It’s the feast day of Saint Nicholas, the true Santa Claus.<br />
I can’t wait to see what he brings us!<br />
<span style="color: #8080c0; font-family: Pavane; font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span><br />
<span style="color: #8080c0; font-family: Pavane; font-size: x-large;"><br />
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<span style="color: #8080c0; font-family: Pavane; font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Celebrating at the following parties:</span></span><br />
<a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/">Tools are for Women Too!</a><br />
<a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/12/before-and-after-party-festive-outdoors.html">Thrifty Decor Chick's Before and After Party</a><br />
<a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/search/label/DIY%20Project%20Parade">DIY Showoff Project Parade</a><br />
<a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.blogspot.com/2010/12/making-world-cuter-monday.html">Making the World Cuter Mondays</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/">The Girl Creative</a><br />
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2010/12/deck-halls-christmas-holiday-decorating.html">Between Naps on the Porch Met Monday</a><br />
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<a href="http://thecsiproject.com" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://thecsiproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/thecsiproject.com-logo-150.png" alt="Visit thecsiproject.com"></a><br />
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<a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/search/label/Holidays" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="The DIY Show Off" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAKL0F-lxunVEC7FMRx0p62raX6SFSBmZhvHzvLVvor4lxVPtsEIygm3-9EWgqDy_BavteJk_Peya0stgzeT1drtNjb3rxo10cpuZPjhJa9ZYUAxSaet8-Jbxg1BwgBa5PlZNlf4exzk/s230/holidaybutton.jpg" /></a><br />Throw Open the Windowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641970912239492435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647030286797379001.post-35155229721542797292010-11-24T13:52:00.000-06:002010-11-24T13:52:58.074-06:00Harvesting the Pumpkins<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TO1dlcJtD8I/AAAAAAAAAdo/vT0tGzBqN5A/s1600-h/Garden%20Pumpkins%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="Garden Pumpkins" border="0" height="318" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TO1dpQld6FI/AAAAAAAAAdw/Ph-Eb_20byk/Garden%20Pumpkins_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Garden Pumpkins" width="425" /></a> <br />
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In October we picked the biggest pumpkin from our garden for a Halloween jack-o-lantern and left the rest in the garden to keep growing. This week we picked several more to make pies and side dishes for Thanksgiving. They weigh about 25 lbs!<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TO1dtn9DeBI/AAAAAAAAAd0/iCcTaPw2aXA/s1600-h/rouge%20vif%20d%27Etampes%20pumpkin%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="rouge vif d'Etampes pumpkin" border="0" height="297" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TO1dyjHP_wI/AAAAAAAAAd4/ydEdnZONVe8/rouge%20vif%20d%27Etampes%20pumpkin_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="rouge vif d'Etampes pumpkin" width="411" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TO1d3fdfYLI/AAAAAAAAAd8/nKLEcRqIByU/s1600-h/cinderella%20pumpkin%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="cinderella pumpkin" border="0" height="338" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TO1d7yJWdtI/AAAAAAAAAeA/L4ft_dbEE1w/cinderella%20pumpkin_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="cinderella pumpkin" width="411" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TO1eAiDI-wI/AAAAAAAAAeE/DT7x7jiVbQo/s1600-h/pumpkin%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="pumpkin" border="0" height="308" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TO1eFCvnRBI/AAAAAAAAAeI/xGXZurm00Cc/pumpkin_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="pumpkin" width="411" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TO1eKgqpLVI/AAAAAAAAAeM/sH_EMaLhvvI/s1600-h/rouge%20vif%20d%27Etampes%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="rouge vif d'Etampes" border="0" height="308" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TO1eP3ozLxI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/YjiaqfNAap0/rouge%20vif%20d%27Etampes_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="rouge vif d'Etampes" width="411" /></a> <br />
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I love having such fresh produce. This year one of the things I am most thankful for is all the progress we’ve made in turning our bare property into our dream hobby farm. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLuzic1EZJhMOl4X0z6loysXXbPee8zLqz_Nh2WBpuil3s5CBkXBQv6DXCHp6-iTPxkHaHbWhkwjs7UvXDanEHA9qkkpUEeqiLr-94t6Qp2PwwYBcAcjlCLg425xvqtFdGyky0ApAVMS_U/s1600-h/pumpkin%20harvest%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="pumpkin harvest" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TO1eYz_2kvI/AAAAAAAAAeY/4oeLeCfFCZw/pumpkin%20harvest_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="pumpkin harvest" width="411" /></a> <br />
Thank you God for the many blessings!!<br />
<span style="color: #8080c0; font-family: Pavane; font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span>Throw Open the Windowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641970912239492435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647030286797379001.post-77187638199669705452010-11-24T00:20:00.000-06:002010-11-24T00:20:20.112-06:00Persimmon CookiesI submitted this recipe for a contest today and since I had already taken pictures, I decided to share it with you too. It’s a great fall dessert and will be accompanying the pumpkin pie after our Thanksgiving feast.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TOytwu2tTxI/AAAAAAAAAdY/85m3_A48apQ/s1600-h/Persimmon%20Cookies%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="Persimmon Cookies" border="0" height="327" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TOyt0jgU-4I/AAAAAAAAAdc/bkzAK8jkla4/Persimmon%20Cookies_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Persimmon Cookies" width="425" /></a> <br />
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My parents have had a persimmon tree for as long as I can remember and my mom still shares the fruit with us when they ripen in autumn. This recipe came from my aunt and has been a tradition in our family for a long time. They are moist, chewy dollops of heaven!!<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TOyt4R5e30I/AAAAAAAAAdg/qflr7SGyzdA/s1600-h/Persimmon%20Cookies%202%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="Persimmon Cookies 2" border="0" height="319" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TOyt6uaykZI/AAAAAAAAAdk/zHl6LCEG_H8/Persimmon%20Cookies%202_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Persimmon Cookies 2" width="425" /></a> <br />
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<h1><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: medium;"></span></h1><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: medium;"><strong>Persimmon Cookies</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: medium;"></span><br />
<h6><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: medium;"></span></h6><blockquote><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: medium;"><strong>Ingredients</strong>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: medium;">1/2 cup shortening</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: medium;">1 cup sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: medium;">1 beaten egg</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: medium;">1 cup persimmon pulp</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: medium;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: medium;">1 cup chopped pecans</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: medium;">1 cup chopped dates</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: medium;">2 cups sifted flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: medium;">1 teaspoon baking powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: medium;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: medium;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: medium;"><strong>Directions</strong>:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">Cream shortening and sugar; add egg, persimmon, and vanilla. Beat for 1 minute. Add pecans and dates. In a separate bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt. Stir into creamed mixture. Drop by teaspoons onto greased cookie sheets. Bake at 375</span>°</span> <span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: medium;">F for 12 minutes. (yield: 4 dozen)</span></blockquote><br />
Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!<br />
<span style="color: #8080c0; font-family: Pavane; font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span>Throw Open the Windowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641970912239492435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647030286797379001.post-49858565229296280592010-11-10T10:57:00.001-06:002010-11-10T10:59:37.007-06:00Garden SpigotThese cooler temperatures have been great for some outdoor projects.<br />
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My garden is about 40 feet from the house and until now I’ve had to run a garden hose down to it from the house. Of course this means picking the garden hose up every time we mow which, face it, becomes a hassle. Anyway, I’ve been wanting a more permanent solution and a chance to show my muscle… ha ha... j/k!!<br />
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As a kid I remember helping my dad run a waterline out to our barn so I felt confident I could do it. To tell you the truth it was relatively easy. Digging the trench was probably the hardest part, but I did it in sections and even enlisted hubby’s help for part of it.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqIyVuK1lH0l1Qs7yagrEt3xJ0420Ng8dMCkmUuKEM_q3CN6A1LkFFajqI2dnbK4reZBBO8fh4XVEo9mtLgB0-W3Were53n0HeVrZqpgWlg6tu_o9EpPb0Mio1LalGAK3sV69KokzUA_i/s1600-h/02%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="02" border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NPgac0UIpqx43h8KD9G8MfkoIi9gP8zHsA6gmC-J6QNMJdOgfKI5VXos32iuKiM2H5zpM7dWGcACdVgmFUFNrmVIbgTYIZxFrmJgGuSnVIcH1YXofPbwX9f3Ugrxm1aKZ-9a8H7XsBxN/?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="02" width="405" /></a><br />
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Made a trip to Home Depot for some PVC pipe, various connectors, and of course a hose bib.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TNq2H3gQXlI/AAAAAAAAAb4/JTbsPNf25Ao/s1600-h/01%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="01" border="0" height="303" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TNq2N8QansI/AAAAAAAAAb8/u3ugsi8nVEM/01_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="01" width="405" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TNq2RmdWA9I/AAAAAAAAAcA/NVsjxQQsG1g/s1600-h/03%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="03" border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6XwIthgw3Wf-eTJoklh_9uds_b3mZw3y0uAetqRO3VJCtN3NXZHXWnPXj_5raSmHr6aP6zpzsg8yEw8H1juN8G_BvUGw5ptB3i3jBJP3eSFMnZvQO_R0iI1k79oIAK0HaqA1iILLQhdN/?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="03" width="405" /></a> <br />
Measured and made my cuts with a zip saw.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1z-MvXYQ5eQl6a4kAT1x3OJgFQGkluUPR1XIeVfKrXhmd-FmMlERzvXsr1QNlXqizFzL8oNy8ft7_dm7DHCIZhr8b2_bs0saMYbLW8R0H5ChuBycNAZVNiT6PVrAnaq5zs0Yvii_fCusL/s1600-h/05%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="05" border="0" height="303" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TNq2bvh5wYI/AAAAAAAAAcM/60p6Cwa6fp8/05_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="05" width="405" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFBmNJYjVX_wmprQXQa79oEQk0L31KTiCQi7EY3peBiaRdnxfT0XpaZjHAqfInzvyAOWmMhclLeCNtIyOddr5rq8WnX6k4hXbUisGsRJ336jh1wPkd-SMVjG1afnKwKX06TUAH-5eF4we/s1600-h/04%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="04" border="0" height="405" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TNq2hhhJUXI/AAAAAAAAAcU/gMEf3838Db0/04_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="04" width="303" /></a><br />
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Then used PVC primer and cement to attach the plastic pieces together. And used PTFE seal tape on the metal joints or where metal connected to plastic.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TNq2mpKrq2I/AAAAAAAAAcY/-OvIAyOiHsE/s1600-h/06%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="06" border="0" height="303" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TNq2qK5ysrI/AAAAAAAAAcc/jEsZmzB0qLw/06_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="06" width="405" /></a> <br />
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Purple primer on both pieces first.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TNq2tt7OrYI/AAAAAAAAAcg/Le05KG3Da_A/s1600-h/09%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="09" border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiniuFZHcNz9uSqCG1wuM-BlDeqb6iUT8CM9I058oi24pqnUvAa8U5mYuIhS4VvoqGRTBoOcEW1M3QdmdmE1ocvDjYPK_dk_yl3BE8Z0XYlJZTzpd_HwFYnwOI2-_VIRX7MdMVMQnYTv5IP/?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="09" width="405" /></a><br />
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Then clear cement on both pieces and hold together for a few seconds. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TNq20u-jmhI/AAAAAAAAAco/mHZ3G4aXUzg/s1600-h/10%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="10" border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYG3S-bs90JGkoco8XTvYomZJGcyJ5XJoEmmZOY0foiTdbnGmofLHXzXUKMkm46YfoVJ0hV3SRDIjOx5GVxF4veXwmP2rWBYVErl2pUgCcHn-uROmivnh17f3bw9FreedKPU-SLICDu4pF/?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="10" width="405" /></a> <br />
Wrap the seal tape around the threads on the metal pieces about four times to prevent water leaks. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TNq28L5KQpI/AAAAAAAAAcw/4-a7omz1AA0/s1600-h/13%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="13" border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCUuiUx7gpvwO-ozLDBcqvdzdSqtVbdxp2pRDyTnGnA_2dFm9DE82_aiGHgKLv5Tw5NYg5GvRk1HnEXSDXgvx5kupHdI11ugNKTO_eKQ2Wt4ulUOGG-ierfmlffHnWPHvdsRBcFCQa9M-/?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="13" width="405" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TNq3DOheUII/AAAAAAAAAc4/sUpftSDXK7g/s1600-h/14%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="14" border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KdJFyMQsdFiQa2_0FAsUiB3lcCRxgiTuC4oflNDuli1WTiZW5Ze_FZpUJPdRnEncg8kaQXa1LS3WufnqRLD60Xw6mY_uXsqaoLHGBMb480fquIX-Q4SPruHTMN1b9VpTOn9ILCq7auvK/?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="14" width="405" /></a><br />
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Here’s a view from the spigot on the side of the house that I tapped into and down the hill to the one I added at the edge of the garden. (Yes, this end of the garden is bare in this picture.)<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TNq3K8iTFzI/AAAAAAAAAdA/ZLFYPSohgTE/s1600-h/15%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="15" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggqgMt_3BZUDlAxIL-LTDGGgKQtrd4xkeBcU7FTNFUi4FxKyalOJl-t674jcK7qjRxYWQ9lR0j09oRMqF2fc2bRSkaFW8xF-3cN5EkOBGgkybrwqycp_UslW2F7kYd4aHr3hGr7ofceEF/?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="15" width="304" /></a><br />
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I added an on/off switch at the house so I could empty the pipe during freezing weather to prevent it from bursting somewhere in the ground.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TNq3SOo9hMI/AAAAAAAAAdI/3mCZcbSL0uM/s1600-h/IMG_1486%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1486" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TNq3WGGJsrI/AAAAAAAAAdM/mGe8QCVne-k/IMG_1486_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1486" width="304" /></a><br />
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At the garden’s edge I popped the PVC pipe up out of the ground and added the spigot. I also added an old bucket (turned upside down with a hole in it) to keep grass from growing right around the pole. I’ll back fill a little more dirt around this and it should make mowing around it a lot easier. (LOL, although not from the looks of the tall grass in this picture!)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNfxyqP8bjWxH96OHcgB1ROsqhDICUKSewEdlGab9DfQkgVM34iCzU8k73H84DHr6e2ZQCLvlfpvPQAKlwtGrUOBRbcE-ukwI-i_PIVYqOw4mXrSXq-3fN_1HFeArIf3COKGU14HJXWzy/s1600-h/IMG_1485%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1485" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5R5gIjPrIAPnCM32TDmszjSdJR01nDiLvKHMhgmmDpbY7Fe3jNzoIPODXfyPlhuxcBGRppVbKuHVPW4qKF7yv_XGvUuwmxJK6m2n6pziLzUdYkHVM6_7U3OE6I7bynK8SgZexITtrX75/?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1485" width="423" /></a><br />
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I’m just glad for no more hoses dragged across the yard. Hope you’re enjoying the cooler weather and finding some fun outdoor projects as well.<br />
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<span style="color: #8080c0; font-family: Pavane; font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span>Throw Open the Windowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641970912239492435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647030286797379001.post-71974323627781593002010-10-26T09:59:00.000-05:002010-10-26T09:59:23.520-05:00More Pumpkin Decor<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TMbq73MtGEI/AAAAAAAAAbc/4nZ1u5TZTm4/s1600-h/sewapumpkindisplay4.jpg"><img alt="sew a pumpkin display" border="0" height="452" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TMbq_i0t6HI/AAAAAAAAAbg/XsbZYL9DZOo/sewapumpkindisplay_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="sew a pumpkin display" width="404" /></a> <br />
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It’s definitely starting to look like fall around here. Today I had the windows open all day and you know I love that! LOL!<br />
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I’m sure you’re like me and have been reading all the fall decor blogs out there. And you may have had it up to here with pumpkins by now, so I’ll make this quick and painless. <br />
Here’s one more you haven’t seen. Did I mention that Autumn is my favorite season for decorating? I think this is my fourth post about fall decor. :o)<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TMbrD5lcTgI/AAAAAAAAAbk/vS7oHhy75wc/s1600-h/sewapumpkin3.jpg"><img alt="sew a pumpkin" border="0" height="426" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TMbrHQnH3tI/AAAAAAAAAbo/5EykQYBLdZw/sewapumpkin_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="sew a pumpkin" width="404" /></a><br />
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I made this cutie out of elongated oval fabric pieces sewn together. Then a little “knob” for the stem with a fake leaf and bow for another quickie decor piece.<br />
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Happy Halloween!<br />
<span style="color: #8080c0; font-family: Pavane; font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span>Throw Open the Windowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641970912239492435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647030286797379001.post-34656808501909125192010-10-15T10:24:00.000-05:002010-10-15T10:24:05.342-05:00Quick, Easy TasselsThis week we made the bed transitions with our little girls. The two year old moved from the crib to a mattress on the floor. The six month old moved from the co-sleeper to the crib. Luckily it’s been a pretty smooth transition. <br />
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But as we moved furniture around, I no longer had a bed to stand on to reach the light and fan pulls. I know - <em><strong>bad</strong></em>. My four year old “scolds” me for standing on the bed since he’s not supposed to. Lol! So I whipped up a cute tassel for the girl’s room and then another for my son’s room.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TLhulovxQ5I/AAAAAAAAAa8/C1edePf0FAE/s1600-h/girlstasselfar9.jpg"><img alt="girls tassel far" border="0" height="266" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TLhunbtf0EI/AAAAAAAAAbA/qTT1IAYQwnY/girlstasselfar_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="girls tassel far" width="200" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TLhuqWZISYI/AAAAAAAAAbE/voCce1KOwqw/s1600-h/bluejeanfantassel5.jpg"><img alt="blue jean fan tassel" border="0" height="266" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TLhusvOEqVI/AAAAAAAAAbI/E69htVzkq5Y/bluejeanfantassel_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="blue jean fan tassel" width="193" /></a><br />
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Some purple ribbon left over from the curtains and a little *BLING* for the girls.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TLhuvvwplgI/AAAAAAAAAbM/OeFVDYdD0Qg/s1600-h/purpletasselbling5.jpg"><img alt="purple tassel bling" border="0" height="433" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TLhuyQqB38I/AAAAAAAAAbQ/T3-PfZIv4GY/purpletasselbling_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="purple tassel bling" width="329" /></a><br />
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And some blue jean strips for the boy. Cute and super functional. But best of all, EASY!!<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TLhu0TWZPgI/AAAAAAAAAbU/FIhk-FauF9Y/s1600-h/bluejeantassel5.jpg"><img alt="blue jean tassel" border="0" height="437" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TLhu3Lq8SkI/AAAAAAAAAbY/sBjohuvhADE/bluejeantassel_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="blue jean tassel" width="329" /></a><br />
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Oh, and free!<br />
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Later,<br />
<span style="color: #8080c0; font-family: Pavane; font-size: x-large;">Rebecca </span>Throw Open the Windowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641970912239492435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647030286797379001.post-19913978796700327832010-10-04T22:05:00.001-05:002010-10-04T22:05:00.939-05:00Pick A Pick A PumpkinPumpkin month is upon us. I felt like a mouse in a maze just trying to get into the grocery store today. Pumpkins, pumpkins, everywhere!! But I didn’t buy any this year. This year I decided to grow pumpkins in my garden. I really wanted that whimsical look of the pumpkin in Cinderella.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TKkC2lUqpzI/AAAAAAAAAak/9il_QSLU29A/s1600-h/cinderellapumpkin2.jpg"><img alt="cinderella pumpkin" border="0" height="252" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TKkC5ebGMjI/AAAAAAAAAao/zMUgrbN08Sw/cinderellapumpkin_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="cinderella pumpkin" width="384" /></a> <br />
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It was modeled after a variety called <em><strong>Rouge Vif d'Etampes</strong></em> so last spring I ordered some seeds and planted. Well they got planted in May. That’s a little late for around here, but I spent “prime” planting time bringing a new life into this world <but I digress>. So the pumpkins were planted a little late. After a hot and wet summer the plants have actually survived and have little pumpkins on them.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TKkC9EspidI/AAAAAAAAAas/fEGxv-5G000/s1600-h/pumpkinplant3.jpg"><img alt="pumpkin plant" border="0" height="220" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TKkDAVzq5LI/AAAAAAAAAaw/hL_OCaeqqDo/pumpkinplant_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="pumpkin plant" width="404" /></a> <br />
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Here is one of my little beauties. <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TKkDEcqzLCI/AAAAAAAAAa0/Lie8jOJU0OI/s1600-h/rougevifdeEtampes10.jpg"><img alt="rouge vif deEtampes" border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTn7wBRaUhavOikcGkY3OadRoL7b0ZlazLI9_HsarM1vlR4kvQdJ0tjl1JDcOqJaJmKivLbEVQdMCCiXQZAA_f4W8ws2oLj4L93Lt7uWIfmXY4pIV-sb30_0qCDtJyylNtv8GH_mNstF4l/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="rouge vif deEtampes" width="384" /></a> <br />
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It’s still kinda small (only about 8 inches across) so I’m hoping it grows a lot between now and Halloween. And I’m excited that this variety also makes a good pie. YUM!!<br />
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Have you ever heard this song? My mom used to sing it to me when I was little.<br />
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<div align="center"><em>Pick a pick a pumpkin</em></div><div align="center"><em>From the pile</em></div><div align="center"><em>We can make it’s eyes</em></div><div align="center"><em>And a great big smile.</em></div><div align="center"><em>Pick a pick a pumpkin</em></div><div align="center"><em>Round and clean.</em></div><div align="center"><em>Then we’ll be ready for</em></div><div align="center"><em>Halloween.</em></div><br />
Happy Autumn!!!<br />
<span style="color: #8080c0; font-family: Pavane; font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span>Throw Open the Windowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641970912239492435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647030286797379001.post-76276915110270233552010-09-30T23:00:00.004-05:002010-09-30T23:19:22.659-05:00Fall Mantel Decor<blockquote></blockquote><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TKVWjxjV69I/AAAAAAAAAZ0/RrlGxPbTi-A/s1600-h/autumn%20mantel%20fantel%5B15%5D.jpg"><img alt="autumn mantel fantel" border="0" height="572" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TKVWnfWZnGI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/bhOvjS_Me70/autumn%20mantel%20fantel_thumb%5B13%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="autumn mantel fantel" width="430" /></a> <br />
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I finally got my mantel decorated today. I LOVE it!! (And so do my little ones, which could mean trouble!!)<br />
I didn’t have a chance to buy anything new this year, because I refuse to spend the time I need to bargain shop when I have the kiddos with me. Their patience doesn’t last nearly as long as mine for such things. These are the same pieces I’ve been using for years, but I completely rearranged how I usually decorate with them so it feels new to me. I also shopped the house and added a few pieces like my pickle crock and my old watering can.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TKVWrJfLInI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/QlnuZZfQx-E/s1600-h/autumn%20flower%20display%5B9%5D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="autumn flower display" border="0" height="363" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TKVWuGSqDiI/AAAAAAAAAaA/s-2c7XTLBHc/autumn%20flower%20display_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="autumn flower display" width="283" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TKVWxk79ntI/AAAAAAAAAaE/YZEtgHNSAQQ/s1600-h/dried%20arrangement%20watering%20can%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="dried arrangement watering can" border="0" height="331" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TKVW0ktKY7I/AAAAAAAAAaI/UAevQIQFmVY/dried%20arrangement%20watering%20can_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="dried arrangement watering can" width="294" /></a> <br />
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I also pulled out my cake dome for a cloche and scattered nuts around my candles on a serving platter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVM4Xmkd_MyGg4wMClNxCeaP81o7ZjUSHgF4EfH3CdNVrXu8GIaFJScdJFQ4Q8u39onHSCLEx2E25pqC6PMMiSDXPsR2Ws3p-prQHCkV7Cps8W9B_8HqIZvKlecBwr6-iXxvcRrPVKfYdp/s1600-h/autumn%20cloche%5B12%5D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="autumn cloche" border="0" height="410" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TKVW8HXyWgI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/TNhiqgzqx98/autumn%20cloche_thumb%5B10%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="autumn cloche" width="350" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TKVW_rC_FkI/AAAAAAAAAaU/SpwXqv8AGcw/s1600-h/autumn%20candles%5B8%5D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="autumn candles" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXsJXCFYoheWgcffyD3wkBmu0Kb8a8VnTU13S8wxmoigkYQaGlL2n1cboudfaTuqDKoR87DzYNNIwpjvPBqGm037LWMQfulgHf4TgUfO0VwQZf21pJx6zjpPIWJkRBK9-Mk1LHHAqPE23/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="autumn candles" width="400" /></a><br />
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I can already hear the many times I will have to tell the kids not to take the nuts and leave them all over the house.<br />
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Their favorite is, of course, the scarecrow. He gets a special place up high. My son is convinced the house is now safe from birds. Little does he realize that he and his sister have probably already scared all the birds away for MILES! :o)<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TKVXGGv2KsI/AAAAAAAAAac/IIqih0BmUSk/s1600-h/scarecrow%20pumpkins%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="scarecrow pumpkins" border="0" height="361" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TKVXJSNaX0I/AAAAAAAAAag/pOlEPyWSj38/scarecrow%20pumpkins_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="scarecrow pumpkins" width="350" /></a><br />
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There are still a number of things at lower levels. Let’s see if my two year old will listen when I tell her not to touch. I hope I get to leave this up for longer than it takes me to get the pictures.<br />
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How do you decorate when you have little ones in the house?<br />
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<span style="color: #8080c0; font-family: Pavane; font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span><br />
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Out par-TAY-ing at:<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.thenester.com/2010/09/fall-mantel-party.html"><img alt="Nesting Place" border="0" class="button" height="100" src="http://cdn.thenester.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/nestingplacebutton8.png" title="thenester.com" width="200" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://hookedonhouses.net/2010/09/28/fall-open-house-show-us-how-you-decorate/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.hookedonhouses.net/wp-content/themes/thesis_16/custom/images/HOHbutton1.gif" /></a> </center>Throw Open the Windowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641970912239492435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647030286797379001.post-79328948161624784662010-09-28T19:45:00.001-05:002010-09-30T22:58:33.791-05:00Fall Decor Fillers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KXkYhd0yl58LkNGzApS4cKeQENEFKX9rJX9a3PBxPLesquFQPcNNBrkusT6H-nnLXAy5yXK45wNgvljICSoFeiFVAxJgmuM8bp26RRXc6_U6lvdhLTJoDvZp-HEwkivBI_sqxTYUvf0E/s1600-h/autumn%20table%20display%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="autumn table display" border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3gqWMouj2qVCEG69_msc3xHpU7pqeYIZkfPjs4wzSenKr2Ic71RhdWqYjKJvrQ29yF_c5PXorymgOPZi3dhffnBfVxrnBd77CY_j_aqYRx1YPZ3uaBVWYBFtl8QKSy66RhZoCZGzVXXC/?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="autumn table display" width="434" /></a><br />
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I’m so excited autumn is here and the cooler weather is starting to hit. While spring is actually my favorite season, fall is my favorite season for decorating. I usually have my fall decorations up by early to mid-August, but really got behind this year. <br />
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If you’re looking for some cute but cheap fillers for your jars, bowls, and baskets, try some of these ideas.<br />
Most of the fillers I used are natural things I found on our farm (I’m sure you could find stuff on the sides of roads or in your yard. I did make these little vine balls out of covered wire. I bought it for a different project, so I consider it free for this one. :) Just pretend you’re making a yarn ball and wrap until it is as big as you want it. Simple!<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TKKClNBR88I/AAAAAAAAAZE/yC1zjKT1U-w/s1600-h/vine%20wire%20balls%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="vine wire balls" border="0" height="325" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TKKCpDER1PI/AAAAAAAAAZI/TA4ANwnv7So/vine%20wire%20balls_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="vine wire balls" width="384" /></a><br />
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Here I have them mixed with nuts in a <a href="http://throwopenthewindows.blogspot.com/2010/02/thrifting-at-new-thrift-store.html" target="_blank">thrift store jar</a>. In the other jar are some dried lemon eucalyptus leaves from a tree I used to have. When it died I saved the leaves and use them for decorating. After many years they still have a nice fragrance and a great autumn color.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcQehvOQ-X_0FOkjb65y5l55Jhyphenhyphen-By1Mt230DjMuOd8Xh50W1AefpEeYlerQ7hrq-_J330BZWFcwHsuO1VH9OomiGSxUCASJs0B7Ymg0pmYj1S-8YlyEiNd6W32AsBfeM7cu26knFZgQa/s1600-h/fall%20jar%20fillers%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="fall jar fillers" border="0" height="394" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TKKCwewJgiI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/JkwQt3Vc618/fall%20jar%20fillers_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="fall jar fillers" width="296" /></a><br />
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I cut tall pampas grass for the pitcher. I went outside looking for something to give the table height and remembered these beauties on the far fence-line. I swear there was an unidentified animal rustling in the plant when I went to cut them. <i>*Shivers at the thought that it may have been a snake*</i><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TKKCzaG3XWI/AAAAAAAAAZU/LcBo6We1Umc/s1600-h/fall%20jar%20fillers%20and%20grass%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="fall jar fillers and grass" border="0" height="394" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TKKC2rqA1OI/AAAAAAAAAZY/0_xG_dlc_vA/fall%20jar%20fillers%20and%20grass_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="fall jar fillers and grass" width="235" /></a><br />
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The bowl has a layer of cheap potpourri with large pine cones, cinnamon sticks, and decorative apples on top. The apples were from wally-world, but years ago. I don’t know if they still carry them.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TKKC6hWsb6I/AAAAAAAAAZc/kmoupZP37w4/s1600-h/fall%20bowl%20filler%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="fall bowl filler" border="0" height="306" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TKKC9oasy9I/AAAAAAAAAZg/fDdoN_E_nKs/fall%20bowl%20filler_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="fall bowl filler" width="384" /></a><br />
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Using the Pottery Barn catalog for inspiration, I tried to fill under the table with a few more things. I didn’t have any large pieces like I would have preferred to use, but I also didn’t want to go spend $$$ to replicate the look. <br />
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Clustered on one side is a few fall harvest decorations I got from Hobby Lobby last year during the 70% off after-season sale.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TKKDB9Idy-I/AAAAAAAAAZk/wPi7tAPamdc/s1600-h/fall%20decor%20harvest%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="fall decor harvest" border="0" height="289" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TKKDFUHLpOI/AAAAAAAAAZo/jjyigftySI8/fall%20decor%20harvest_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="fall decor harvest" width="384" /></a><br />
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On the other side is an old picnic basket that’s been in the family for years.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TKKDJlLkGgI/AAAAAAAAAZs/u1umwTMxBSw/s1600-h/fall%20decor%20picnic%20basket%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="fall decor picnic basket" border="0" height="297" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TKKDNSxYkyI/AAAAAAAAAZw/QI9_Dlj0c-s/fall%20decor%20picnic%20basket_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="fall decor picnic basket" width="384" /></a><br />
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Doesn’t this weather make you want to go have a picnic?<br />
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<span style="color: #8080c0; font-family: Pavane; font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span><br />
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Joining the fun at:<br />
<center><a border="0" href="http://hookedonhouses.net/2010/09/28/fall-open-house-show-us-how-you-decorate/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.hookedonhouses.net/wp-content/themes/thesis_16/custom/images/HOHbutton1.gif"/></a></center>Throw Open the Windowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641970912239492435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647030286797379001.post-10043413320047590622010-09-24T16:02:00.001-05:002010-09-24T17:47:15.653-05:00Birthday CastleIt’s been a while since I last posted. I’ve been working on an appliqué quilt for my nephew, but I don’t have any pics to show you. My sister is only giving me pieces of it at a time to work on. We’ll put them all together later.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TJ0QQL_ozKI/AAAAAAAAAYk/irKM8wfr7Ak/s1600-h/sleeping%20beauty%20cake%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="sleeping beauty cake" border="0" height="354" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TJ0QUHyN8JI/AAAAAAAAAYo/SgkLifyuvBg/sleeping%20beauty%20cake_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="sleeping beauty cake" width="404" /></a> <br />
But we did have a double birthday here recently and I wanted to show you the fun cake I did. My son turned 4 and my daughter turned 2. Their birthday’s are one day apart and we have been celebrating them together… at least until they’re old enough to want their own day and theme. Last year I did a train cake from Wilton’s puzzle cupcake forms.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TJ0QYhl5wOI/AAAAAAAAAYs/D_kZxzR-_DU/s1600-h/train%20cake%5B5%5D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="train cake" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WfadNGznzPuLF11gFm13Gv7TOOq01gqGPCpBALzSE8bpL02B7SNcEjE2voCYHUD9LRwjoJKdASXIuTsoqO3w-W03DpkFesqwz82gb2MA62_JCzZwpozVUMQfRiiJB8cLKsOwuynro2cY/?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="train cake" width="350" /></a> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=throwo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B00188CIWG" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
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This year I thought surely I’d have to do two different cakes. Something pink and girly for my daughter and ??? for my son. So when my son came to me with a book about a farmer who had a birthday and told me he wanted a PINK cake just like the farmer, I figured I’d lucked out. :)<br />
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Here’s <strike>his</strike> their pink cake that he and his 2 year old sister love!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmnu6zryydCLJflhvw05IyDRtpkGejgPjhd0Z-tQ-IJlZpPLrcVFi7xTao2sjUT2O9n4WjB9ULFjvqhaX-x2UKmNYxNHrvymjQGypwB7NE-cheQiSmzIuf-bK4iLuLR0L6LrphSfhpHkp/s1600-h/sleeping%20beauty%20castle%20cake%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="sleeping beauty castle cake" border="0" height="349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8kFgjrjo-mkx2bRQqb764mjPUS5rGYe0wB5GwSxF8-zLVyObyQ4UKzgGDCL9KQ6rkDGv7aHfhxIGqb3h7dfY1S9wwA-3yT58WOETjp6P07Nsa9RrxxfL2_CDiaW7pW3_DC1VzYMgMkSe/?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="sleeping beauty castle cake" width="404" /></a><br />
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I’m not the greatest cake decorator. I’m certainly not a professional, but I love that I can create something myself and give from my heart. Happy Birthday to my little ones!<br />
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<span style="color: #8080c0; font-family: Pavane; font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span>Throw Open the Windowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641970912239492435noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647030286797379001.post-30375733565283359792010-08-24T00:42:00.002-05:002010-09-24T20:38:44.178-05:00Pears, Pears, Pears!!<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/THNVg_0-sEI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/LmnriPfOHVI/s1600-h/pear%20tree3%5B15%5D.jpg"><img alt="pear tree3" border="0" height="389" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/THNVliY3IkI/AAAAAAAAAXU/WxP8YmxfK2g/pear%20tree3_thumb%5B11%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="pear tree3" width="354" /></a> <br />
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The other day, my sister came to help me out with the kids so I could spend the day processing and canning the pears from our pear tree.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/THNVotA-5DI/AAAAAAAAAXY/ID-_v2CMVv8/s1600-h/pear%20tree1%5B14%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pear tree1" border="0" height="320" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/THNVsDDHhwI/AAAAAAAAAXc/VuiBK-_Dshk/pear%20tree1_thumb%5B10%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="pear tree1" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/THNVyVwQNJI/AAAAAAAAAXk/HvIT3eUg0Iw/pear%20tree2_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pear tree2" border="0" height="320" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/THNVyVwQNJI/AAAAAAAAAXk/HvIT3eUg0Iw/pear%20tree2_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="pear tree2" width="238" /></a></div>It’s a variety of Asian pear that is similar to a Bartlett, but juicier and ripens earlier in the season. With all the rain we had this past winter and spring, we are enjoying a bumper crop from all of our fruit trees. So I was happy to have some time for putting away the pears to enjoy throughout the year and to share with others.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/THNV2GKE0AI/AAAAAAAAAXo/FhFFYi8wJyk/s1600-h/fruit%20trio2%5B10%5D.jpg"><img alt="fruit trio2" border="0" height="427" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/THNV5yCvETI/AAAAAAAAAXs/J4nQWU6PaxM/fruit%20trio2_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="fruit trio2" width="434" /></a> <br />
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As a child I helped my mom process the apples from the big apple tree, so doing the pears was very similar. I cut some into halves or quarters and canned them in a light sugar syrup. <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/THNV9CZL27I/AAAAAAAAAXw/r2N7xg5BKnU/s1600-h/cut%5B11%5D.jpg"><img alt="cut" border="0" height="424" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/THNWAbfUtBI/AAAAAAAAAX0/_187QqKD36w/cut_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="cut" width="291" /></a> <br />
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Then I made a big batch of pear sauce (just like apple sauce). I saved some sauce to feed my little ones, but the rest I made into pear butter and pear leather.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/THNWDk4g47I/AAAAAAAAAX4/JHNcjQkofNE/s1600-h/butter%5B10%5D.jpg"><img alt="butter" border="0" height="424" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/THNWG3_gNeI/AAAAAAAAAX8/wd3znrs4z2w/butter_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="butter" width="319" /></a> <br />
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I love to eat the pear butter on toast in the morning.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/THNWLJxwa-I/AAAAAAAAAYA/-yBM6WaGxJs/s1600-h/breakfast%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="breakfast" border="0" height="373" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/THNWO08IsfI/AAAAAAAAAYE/7lCVb6XM9qc/breakfast_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="breakfast" width="424" /></a> <br />
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Pear leather is just like the fruit roll ups you buy at the store, only this is organic with no sugar added.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/THNWSZmlgtI/AAAAAAAAAYI/dOFTqb4vCFU/s1600-h/leather%5B10%5D.jpg"><img alt="leather" border="0" height="337" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/THNWV_MZReI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/PyQm5Nb-9xE/leather_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="leather" width="434" /></a> <br />
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To make it, I flavored some of the pear sauce with cinnamon and cloves and spread it into a tray on my dehydrator. A few hours later and I have a great snack that’s easy to take on the go or pack in lunches.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtD5aMVTapPslZ4JmpTGD-pwCPQC0y2wvDe_3fbM1cwqK4aCxSTS3KYJR21LQPoFqXrh2Te4U7U_fPNQa4g-UK-emGOUUMhUQX9fasvRAy0GoWPTdVQv4nmKyb8VwNtOvG7BzZcxUgiY_W/s1600-h/dehydrator%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="dehydrator" border="0" height="289" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/THNWcslR_tI/AAAAAAAAAYY/1u7K7eHJ7qQ/dehydrator_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="dehydrator" width="384" /></a><br />
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This dehydrator was a wedding gift and I don’t use it enough. I love it! And I love to share homegrown foods with my family and friends.<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=throwo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B003I4F7EY&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=throwo-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B00004W4V9&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
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Fun fact: Pears are best when they are picked a little green and allowed to ripen indoors in a cool dry place. This gives them a less gritty texture.<br />
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Blessings,<br />
<span style="color: #8080c0; font-family: Pavane; font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span><br />
<div style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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<span style="color: #8080c0; font-family: Pavane; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">join me:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><center><a href="http://thetrendytreehouse.blogspot.com/2010/08/creative-share-blog-hop_24.html"><img alt="CreativeShareWednesdays" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3524/4561181478_1fab8d377c_o.jpg" /></a></center> </span></span></span><br />
<center><a href="http://thehillsarelivin.blogspot.com/" title="A Few of My Favorite Things"><img alt="Favorite%2BThings%2BFridaybig%2Bbutton.jpg" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JXoofG01VRc/S6PxWGvCa3I/AAAAAAAABnY/4vI_4pJfxZQ/s1600/Favorite%2BThings%2BFridaybig%2Bbutton.jpg" /></a></center>Throw Open the Windowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641970912239492435noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647030286797379001.post-41669714009466786892010-08-10T22:57:00.001-05:002010-08-12T23:08:44.033-05:00Earn Spending $$ for your DIY Projects <br />
I wouldn’t normally use my blog as a way to advertise or promote something, but knowing these are hard times and everyone is looking for more ways to make an extra buck I thought I’d share.<br />
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<center><a href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/jorologrl" target="_top"><img alt="Search & Win" border="0" src="http://prodegebanners.sitegrip.com/images/swagbucks-173x63Alt3.jpg" title="Search & Win" /></a></center> <br />
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Now, I’m usually a VERY skeptical person when it comes to online money making deals. I do my research and almost always realize it’s not worth entering my personal information or risking being scammed. But a friend turned me on to one and I’ve been trying it for the last few months. I’m very pleased and wanted to share it with you. <br />
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It’s an easy way to earn a little spending money that’s actually safe, easy and free. It’s a search tool called <a href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/jorologrl" target="_blank">Swagbucks</a>. By using this search tool, I can “win” points which I use towards prizes and gift cards. In just a few months time I’ve already cashed in for $75 in Amazon gift cards. <br />
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Woohoo!! That’s not bad for free money!!<br />
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<center><a href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/jorologrl" target="_top"><img alt="Search & Win" border="0" src="http://prodegebanners.sitegrip.com/images/swagbucks-200x200Alt.jpg" title="Search & Win" /></a></center> <br />
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Of course, at I first I didn’t want to leave my beloved Google search engine. We’d been besties for the last several years and got along great. But then I found out that <a href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/jorologrl" target="_blank">Swagbucks</a> is powered by Google. Woot! This means that I get the same search results back from my searches. The layout is just different on the <a href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/jorologrl" target="_blank">Swagbucks</a> page. <br />
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So, now I’m doing my searches just like before AND getting MONEY, MULLAH, DINERO, BUCKS!!!<br />
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(btw, I just used my <a href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/jorologrl" target="_blank">Swagbucks</a> search engine to lookup how to spell dinero and won 11 swagbucks!! It's so easy!)<br />
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I love free money.<br />
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<center><a href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/jorologrl" target="_top"><img alt="Search & Win" border="0" src="http://prodegebanners.sitegrip.com/images/swagbucks-468x60.jpg" title="Search & Win" /></a></center> <br />
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So, if you think this is something you’d like to try, please click on any of the links in the blog post or the link in the sidebar. That way <a href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/jorologrl">Swagbucks </a>can thank me for referring you.<br />
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Thanks gals and happy earning!!<br />
<span style="color: #8080c0; font-family: Pavane; font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span>Throw Open the Windowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641970912239492435noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647030286797379001.post-72057851768270507012010-07-26T21:06:00.001-05:002010-08-18T16:38:06.749-05:00Fun Little Summery CocktailsI really love summer time. Especially all the bright festive colors and cool summer drinks. This week red, orange, and yellow peppers are on sale at the grocery store so I stocked up. I’m using some with supper tonight, and putting the rest in the freezer.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCaINLxUMUFiz_he33a_TCgQmnoC3q8YW1nnoUGAbBzT0bxeqcujlQ-vvD1gEU7SfLdvETIDCSsrMHLubNh6QK1eU_4IraK18-p5c4mDVL7pHyRNg30aIKZgFCog2YcnE1U7QuXOQLy3I/s1600-h/01-pepper%20basket%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="01-pepper basket" border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHGeLlFY6bFwCkqEZn4U2hU0gya7pyIoAPKVHhebCrwCTwsxVnO-cAccmggzWPiNAnZhkE1vy1D1J-jUuldj3DlE-kLD8piCL3Q9olLGSqjmpKseeecoZOTCnZW0mQdIi9AG1ku0Ae19S/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="01-pepper basket" width="434" /></a><br />
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I decided to use them in a salad to be paired with pork chops marinated with pineapple and OJ. That’s when I got an idea to make up some pre-dinner drinks using the peppers as cocktail glasses. Then, after they’ve soaked up a little of the fruity flavors, I’ll chop them up and add them to the salad.<br />
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First, I picked out peppers that had nice flat bottoms and stood up well by themselves. You don’t want your yummy cocktail falling over. :) <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TE47SJ6YMhI/AAAAAAAAAWo/sqVJX1zjqMk/s1600-h/02-flat%20bottoms%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="02-flat bottoms" border="0" height="326" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TE47W7gtk0I/AAAAAAAAAWs/qS9Od3Cjyno/02-flat%20bottoms_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="02-flat bottoms" width="434" /></a> <br />
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Then I cut around the tops and twisted out the seeds. (Think stuffed peppers). Make sure all the seeds are out.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixXLcaN5bOtVff0WUkHse1Pis-vEAzOsFZKx4TGK70X4JzRUkLxmvrFyxkDqDGMuP_zk8Ur_v64CglV3hWqv7_wOVBAv4I2ZBCu7GtYXfE4Phz__kQg9OAVg1Pu6xJoBu-9uvarXIZnB-/s1600-h/03-empty%20peppers%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="03-empty peppers" border="0" height="326" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TE47ngEgbvI/AAAAAAAAAW0/aw_a2PVJd8M/03-empty%20peppers_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="03-empty peppers" width="434" /></a><br />
In the blender I mixed up a favorite rum punch with OJ, fresh pineapple and a tad of cherry juice. The rum is optional if you prefer a mocktail. I like Malibu Caribbean Rum in this drink.. It has a fresh coconut flavor.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TE47r2OWvWI/AAAAAAAAAW4/vN1fGY5eTac/s1600-h/04-blender%5B8%5D.jpg"><img alt="04-blender" border="0" height="326" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TE47viKjVTI/AAAAAAAAAW8/nISJigIxfHg/04-blender_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="04-blender" width="434" /></a><br />
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Then just fill your hollowed out peppers and add a straw. You can get creative with the garnishes too.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVhLcwnPRn3bAG89PiOmD5yXF0z8XZyqbg4fszZQMULTADw7cHVahY7Gvo4nRGrmio26RTaN1SxC6ohhAalnYOwvFHA6XhJAbZyCsGC4s9yRgsSneBxSmTKX6hOk7NoA6zhUeWTtaKrgzN/s1600-h/05-%20drinks%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="05- drinks" border="0" height="326" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TE4776WIHeI/AAAAAAAAAXE/dCdj93YgiQg/05-%20drinks_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="05- drinks" width="434" /></a> <br />
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So after our drinks were finished. I grilled the pork chops and tossed up some salad - baby lettuce mix, fresh mozzarella, pineapple, basil, and the chopped peppers which I topped with a homemade lemon basil dressing. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TE48A5_-M5I/AAAAAAAAAXI/M7GG_ybVqZI/s1600-h/06-dinner%5B9%5D.jpg"><img alt="06-dinner" border="0" height="350" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TE48EiiQH2I/AAAAAAAAAXM/sePFhkRKofk/06-dinner_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="06-dinner" width="434" /></a> <br />
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Superb!! I hope this inspires you to enjoy some of summer’s fresh, colorful foods.<br />
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<span style="color: #8080c0; font-family: Pavane; font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span><br />
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Gonna catch a party at:<br />
<a href="http://thegirlcreative.blogspot.com/search/label/Just%20Something%20I%20Whipped%20Up" target="_blank"><img alt="The Girl Creative" src="http://i456.photobucket.com/albums/qq286/happielife32/TGC_linkyparty.png" /></a> <a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The DIY Show Off" border="0" height="157" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ydn4kd0aaEY/SvO1EQ53tuI/AAAAAAAABt0/h5tFf_uXQiY/S990-R/DIY+Blog+button.jpg" width="133" /></a> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Making" border="0" src="http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo119/tiffhewlett/Crafty%20Stuff/MondayCuter.png" /></a><br />
<center><a href="http://thetrendytreehouse.blogspot.com/2010/08/creative-share-blog-hop_17.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="CreativeShareWednesdays" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3524/4561181478_1fab8d377c_o.jpg"/></a></center>Throw Open the Windowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641970912239492435noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647030286797379001.post-6274736633583500522010-07-22T18:03:00.006-05:002010-07-26T20:56:09.977-05:00The Closet is FinishedSure enough, I knew that if I blogged about an <a href="http://throwopenthewindows.blogspot.com/2010/07/custom-master-closet.html" target="_blank">unfinished project</a> it would be just the motivation I needed to find time to get it done. I promise my family has not suffered as a coincidence. They are still well fed, loved and nurtured. (But I probably ought to vacuum and do some laundry now.)<br />
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And of course it helped that several times this week all three kids napped at the same time!!<br />
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So, at last, I got the closet finished. If you missed how I’ve been without a master closet for the last two years, go <a href="http://throwopenthewindows.blogspot.com/2010/07/custom-master-closet.html" target="_blank"><i><here></i></a>. Before this project, it was just a bare, empty room. I used ClosetMaid Selectives shelving and rods from Home Depot in a nice cherry finish.<br />
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After pulling our clothes out of boxes, bags, and the kid’s closets, I populated the new rods and shelves. I’m thrilled with how much space <strike>I, um,</strike> we really have now.<br />
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<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5-ltYusjA3zWo7-UrAwTmnv6EySlajM9KtFXsCdVmhzNKiuFegQcbRXwRVIHaNMuLnbTYLgj8ranTPbd4ksMJ8w1Od5w7AJ26mtLvVbspVvQuNqclAeY_w9CXAJ_7Y8HBGtrAk3zon6_/s1600-h/his%20side%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="his side" border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDPteHuzMSAX1ZQay3czqj62TmMzu94FRWBaMsX2rGwQz4Z-DA6Ukw8IgJCyTBhUN80ZNg0ksTAyP_WOsTqZRQCIgI07TCXMpFwxGmaAhvY2Jgxz2HqODOEy2KMQwU07waNwE8eMD7jwJ/?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="his side" width="342" /></a>His Side</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TEjB1UyAJRI/AAAAAAAAAVw/IPobZEA2Pw0/s1600-h/backside%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="backside" border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZu34kHdrhQG3oqpxSvIAlWeNAke8yGn89FCabpZ7ABVzq7v-T2nf3iz0kHGhjmuxXGw9fprM3_ehXGeuBy1LUablnD60oOM5qd0-icsRHnbE_YAmnGMdmQIqOl6U4eObNyUiK7gg_nDn/?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="backside" width="342" /></a>Back Side</div><br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TEjB8oaUWyI/AAAAAAAAAV4/q-MIZvBF7WM/s1600-h/her%20side%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="her side" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TEjCAzmOGwI/AAAAAAAAAV8/Dj0Hz4biSm8/her%20side_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="her side" width="342" /></a> Her Side</div><br />
The room seemed so small before (well it really is small), but now it seems so much bigger with all the custom shelves and hanging rods. <br />
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I did spend a few bucks on a fabric box for laundry. I chose Martha Stewart's because it had a place for a label.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TEjCEFAnfoI/AAAAAAAAAWA/_298qWuz25I/s1600-h/laundry%20label%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="laundry label" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TEjCKDvIOfI/AAAAAAAAAWE/Hr12iFmJxyk/laundry%20label_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="laundry label" width="456" /></a> <br />
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Then I considered buying more nice boxes for storing other things, but decided I couldn’t justify spending the money when we have tons of cardboard boxes in the garage. After all it’s just a closet… with a door… and a dim light to boot…<br />
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But then on second thought, who wants to see ugly cardboard boxes in such a nice closet?!? <br />
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Not me. So I pulled my creative brain out of it’s hiding place, dusted it off, and went to work crafting. First I covered the boxes with some textured wallpaper I got free. Then I put pretty fabrics on for lids and printed labels. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO50WkQULmcdNxGsgjaJiJk0w7ibui3bFPQbxeyC5E62Yb21FP0d6IBGBR0xcqN7TP7J3tmwAh7TUt3_BfEu6BBMgE-QMtOQsiNS2ds4GTGu_6rbDgVhZaAXiXweV475HICwHCQxf7z87M/s1600-h/box%20labels%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="box labels" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TEjCYRiHThI/AAAAAAAAAWM/vKBmjaBfT_k/box%20labels_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="box labels" width="299" /></a> <br />
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There! Pretty <i>and</i> functional. I love the brown fabric and the “Winter” box just has a scrap of burlap tied over the top.<br />
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Ooh, me so happy!!!<br />
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So then today while I was reading back in my blogroll I saw <a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/2010/07/closet-makeover-1.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FpuSM+%28The+DIY+Show+Off%29" target="_blank">Ronda’s closet makeover featured at The DIY Show Off</a>. I loved the His and Her signs she did but wanted something a little different. I’ve had these frames tucked away for a while and her post inspired me to use them in our closet. Here’s where the inspiration took me.<br />
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On hubby’s side a daily reminder of my love from Uppercase Living.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OlUsqmrL4VU/TEjCcQ29GMI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/AmuXQ0ODkFU/s1600-h/his%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="his" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rkiplAlolfEEYdxjjUyoY0f2avgRacGt8kbJz_iyToY9g3SgPTrYM0eiFur7IJe9s1UmOjUltMUQEdSehXkPch3_1SM-TaHeEwzWkyK9lscIL_peaX5qbJRdqfBwL8dkOqeZwWhdH6NR/?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="his" width="479" /></a> <br />
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On my side, a daily reminder of the kind of woman I should be. (First saw this quote by Maya Angelou on my friend Dawn’s FB page. Love it girlie - had to borrow.)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfSzhE8qn5hKtizWmsJn0vdrIauCfXwN0zdre2OEIyzH2nStaS8XMoDLpJl2BcQO2-sDhEIp8uirfi2BcrWJF5GWmrpYNv0dJbrkfGC_EvcpvsZx-F2Myk1lhOao-SMTjLqFupvG7WP3A/s1600-h/hers%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="hers" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFsUJoxBykFg-Xo1TPvfjFzOUgb_mQLJNzkdwSAqs-58lrXl7ecBQ3nZJZF8H594oqGrBSxyOBjAa_mTtbKc8cZr4Be1UM3pOZH3JIiJBfDadeYMLLvsny4YsREoBCgnSmkWPQw80WncV/?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="hers" width="537" /></a> <br />
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Organization feels so good.<br />
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<span style="color: #8080c0; font-family: Pavane; font-size: x-large;">Rebecca</span><br />
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<span style="color: #8080c0; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Check out this project and tons of other great talent at <a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/2010/07/diy-project-parade_25.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FpuSM+%28The+DIY+Show+Off%29">The DIY Showoff's Project Parade</a>, <a href="http://thegirlcreative.blogspot.com/2010/07/just-something-i-whipped-up_25.html">The Girl Creative</a>, and <a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.blogspot.com/2010/07/making-world-cuter-monday-july-26.html">Making the World Cuter Mondays</a>!</span></span>Throw Open the Windowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641970912239492435noreply@blogger.com5