tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54175060735516833512024-02-25T14:12:55.601-07:00Handmade HomebodyJennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01829623306615752411noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417506073551683351.post-24093165908446233642017-06-12T23:26:00.000-06:002017-06-12T23:26:20.799-06:00My Own Fixer Upper?<div style="text-align: center;">
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Welcome to my little house!<br />
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That tree may be obstructing the view a bit, but it sure is pretty. This picture was taken in 2008. The house has been painted since then, but I will save the recent pictures for later. </div>
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After renting my house out for eight years, I am getting ready to move back into it. And by getting ready, I don't mean packing up my belongings and renting a truck. I have decided to do some work inside, including a complete renovation of the kitchen, new flooring throughout, and painting, quite literally, every square inch of the interior! It is turning out to be quite an undertaking, as I'm using a slow, but hard-working and economical painting team consisting of me and my dad! I seem to have inherited his painting perfectionist gene; he is so proud!</div>
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Here are a few pictures of my house in 2008, after I moved out, and before my tenants moved in. </div>
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I'll start with the kitchen. This kitchen is functional, and the cabinets are cute and cottage like, especially since these were the builder grade default cabinets. I like that the kitchen is white, as I love white kitchens! You can bet that my new kitchen is going to be white, too. </div>
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The living room is adjacent to the kitchen. In the model home of this floor plan, this room next to the kitchen was the dining room. However, since this space is larger than the actual "living room" space, many homeowners, myself included, swapped the dining and living spaces. The entire downstairs area is completely open concept, and on the small side, so swapping the living and dining room isn't that big of a deal.</div>
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Living Room</div>
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Dining Room</div>
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And now to head upstairs. At the top of the landing is a cabinet, presumably for linens, and a laundry closet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjazNYHLKUrrVVKusEOzEqHQFrPhuXr_LklmxEfEFW-F11aZEd4RhsOmG1aTG0qd2pCxT2jbZUtNPEcukzB0VFFDKwiu4W3VFjJNa0j3iFCiaTKixGHM5V8mbKQtqwLe7o4ktz6mPoeji/s1600/IMG_1228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjazNYHLKUrrVVKusEOzEqHQFrPhuXr_LklmxEfEFW-F11aZEd4RhsOmG1aTG0qd2pCxT2jbZUtNPEcukzB0VFFDKwiu4W3VFjJNa0j3iFCiaTKixGHM5V8mbKQtqwLe7o4ktz6mPoeji/s640/IMG_1228.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStPYDL5Pbwey_dyD3BMFw2hyphenhyphenMNu-3B7x1RaaI9q9WC6E9du7Hmpd-gHj_jiU5qlRNoymzFjSaJmyu7xmWom6PNXrCgDdgENGySfu_QP52TKMZz2qR15kO3V6DQa9NAhC6sqB9oHYShtZc/s1600/2008+553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStPYDL5Pbwey_dyD3BMFw2hyphenhyphenMNu-3B7x1RaaI9q9WC6E9du7Hmpd-gHj_jiU5qlRNoymzFjSaJmyu7xmWom6PNXrCgDdgENGySfu_QP52TKMZz2qR15kO3V6DQa9NAhC6sqB9oHYShtZc/s640/2008+553.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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To the left is the master bedroom, complete with a large bathroom and walk in closet. The bedroom looks small in this picture. It's not a gigantic room, by any means, but it's a pretty good size. And I have no idea why they put carpet in the bathroom!<br />
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This red room is my office. I loved this red paint - all four coats of it! If memory serves, it is Cherry Cobbler, by Behr.<br />
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The guest bedroom is small, but has a nice closet!<br />
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The guest bedroom and office share a Jack & Jill bathroom.<br />
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The only area that is getting major work done is in the kitchen. However, it feels like I'm renovating the entire house, with the new paint and flooring throughout. So, even though I'm the original owner, and my house is in pretty good shape, I'm considering it to be my own Fixer Upper!! It is so much work, but I know it will be worth it!<br />
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Cheers!<br />
JennJennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01829623306615752411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417506073551683351.post-53817243770705766342017-05-08T23:10:00.000-06:002017-05-08T23:10:28.579-06:00Reviving the blog!Well, it's been 5 years since my last post! I won't make excuses, I just stopped posting. In the past five years, I've graduated from nursing school, moved back to California from Colorado, and have been working as an RN in clinical research. I have a pretty major project coming up and thought it would be fun to blog about it! I'm going to be moving back into my house, which has been rented out for about 8 years. But, before I do, it is going to get a pretty major overhaul. Some of the projects that I have planned include:<br />
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<li>Repainting EVERY room. My tenants painted all three of the bedrooms in colors that are just not my style. Everything needs to be refreshed and painted.</li>
<li>Replacing the flooring.</li>
<li>Replacing the baseboards.</li>
<li>A complete renovation of the kitchen! This will include altering the footprint, new cabinets, a new backsplash, new countertops, and a new dishwasher.</li>
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I have quite a few <i>before</i> pictures from when I first rented my house out. I want to take some current <i>before</i> pictures, and of course, <i>progress</i> and <i>after</i> pictures.<br />
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More to come!!<br />
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Cheers!<br />
JennJennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01829623306615752411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417506073551683351.post-64018965005804613792012-04-08T13:19:00.000-06:002012-04-08T13:19:19.285-06:00One Wreath, Two WaysGreetings and Happy Easter!<br />
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I wanted to share a simple wreath that I made that I used for both St. Patrick's Day and Easter. I used the same technique with fun fur that I used on my <a href="http://handmadehomebody.blogspot.com/2011/09/spooky-door-decor.html" target="_blank">Halloween wreath</a>. But instead of using black, I opted for this lovely spring green shade. I think it looks like grass. <br />
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For St. Patrick's Day, I hug it with a green houndstooth ribbon and suspended a shamrock in the middle.<br />
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Once it was time for Easter decor, I switched the ribbon, and added some foam eggs and the cutest little rabbit.<br />
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This wreath is really a lot of bang for the buck! For the rest of spring, I might remove the rabbit and eggs and add some flowers. But for now, it looks pretty with some other simple Easter decorations.</div>
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Wishing you and your family a very Happy Easter!</div>
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Cheers!<br />
Jenn<br />
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<br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01829623306615752411noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417506073551683351.post-32627932452279958112012-03-21T19:59:00.002-06:002012-03-21T19:59:44.705-06:00Signs of SpringHappy Spring!<br />
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I'm afraid I've been neglecting my blog for awhile. I could say that I've been busy with school, which is somewhat true, but honestly, I just haven't felt very inspired to write posts lately. I do have a bit of good news, though...I got in to nursing school!<br />
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It was a beautiful day today and I just couldn't help but take a few pictures.<br />
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I am taking a class on Saturday to learn how to use my camera, so hopefully my pictures will keep improving.<br />
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Cheers!<br />
Jenn<br />
<br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01829623306615752411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417506073551683351.post-41691225616208086452012-03-17T10:34:00.001-06:002012-03-17T10:34:12.859-06:00An Irish Blessing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAdfkKZ3sgSMd30Ykl0RGeKN2f0KI1UTrsd6BM4v2gL7a5DcazsgxD0hQH0XAy3y-fMEE6hYK-MXv1HMeaFsnv2IqsBa_G-gfxyYdNwN77Ui2l_6fbuIY6r749u2kAcuUxyyFCuu4lAsm/s1600/IMG_0293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAdfkKZ3sgSMd30Ykl0RGeKN2f0KI1UTrsd6BM4v2gL7a5DcazsgxD0hQH0XAy3y-fMEE6hYK-MXv1HMeaFsnv2IqsBa_G-gfxyYdNwN77Ui2l_6fbuIY6r749u2kAcuUxyyFCuu4lAsm/s320/IMG_0293.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'comic sans ms', verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-left;">May the road rise to meet you,</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'comic sans ms', verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
May the wind be always at your back.</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'comic sans ms', verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
May the sun shine warm upon your face,</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'comic sans ms', verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
The rains fall soft upon your fields.</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'comic sans ms', verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
And until we meet again,</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'comic sans ms', verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.</div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'comic sans ms', verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
May God be with you and bless you:</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'comic sans ms', verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
May you see your children's children.</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'comic sans ms', verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
May you be poor in misfortune,</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'comic sans ms', verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Rich in blessings.</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'comic sans ms', verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
May you know nothing but happiness</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'comic sans ms', verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
From this day forward.</div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'comic sans ms', verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
May the road rise up to meet you</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'comic sans ms', verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
May the wind be always at your back</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'comic sans ms', verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'comic sans ms', verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
And may the hand of a friend always be near.</div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'comic sans ms', verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
May green be the grass you walk on,</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'comic sans ms', verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
May blue be the skies above you,</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'comic sans ms', verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
May pure be the joys that surround you,</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'comic sans ms', verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
May true be the hearts that love you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy St. Patrick's Day!</div>
</span>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01829623306615752411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417506073551683351.post-67172423132522508602012-01-27T17:15:00.000-07:002012-01-27T21:55:16.152-07:00God Save the Queen<b>Question:</b> Where do you buy a Christmas present for a friend who has everything and wants to be British?<br />
<b>Answer:</b> Nowhere. You make a Union Jack pillow for her!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHC4a22r3avTtsRWMDfDMt1zFyL1Ws4-41wqxZCH7ed6Za65vt6fgeSV0gXBEd6B4PQ8uu7yIZSvDzkLqgqD3kftiHZaAGafyEOl3LJyPaJhgBTuPGyxNC9UE7rm8eFsSI0feInZcXg6oE/s1600/IMG_3970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHC4a22r3avTtsRWMDfDMt1zFyL1Ws4-41wqxZCH7ed6Za65vt6fgeSV0gXBEd6B4PQ8uu7yIZSvDzkLqgqD3kftiHZaAGafyEOl3LJyPaJhgBTuPGyxNC9UE7rm8eFsSI0feInZcXg6oE/s320/IMG_3970.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I got to use my Mom's sewing area for this project. It's a great place to spend an afternoon. You can't see it in this picture, but the view is really of the hills behind my parents' house.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRMEgr-e_jchCTz5y2VwOvIK2amy6QlXFTBQqYk3tFXamWBQqS_8bBpU7_DmPELPGDbChk3LClQ0i1nJYnDIaiEL0xS4RKOQ4VYbk5VLqbPMKma6ELdNTySTLFKH9qMyydMIGlBkOX98i/s1600/IMG_3899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRMEgr-e_jchCTz5y2VwOvIK2amy6QlXFTBQqYk3tFXamWBQqS_8bBpU7_DmPELPGDbChk3LClQ0i1nJYnDIaiEL0xS4RKOQ4VYbk5VLqbPMKma6ELdNTySTLFKH9qMyydMIGlBkOX98i/s320/IMG_3899.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I started with a 16-inch pillow form and red, white and blue fabrics. For a little added fun, I purchased a red on red patterned fabric.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERg3ofSrDm3O3FVovaF4_zFUXMt2hanGNF5CXVqx4sm7nIu6U5tndc1DDt-rOg-TZrRC5YVGP4UdX1blcbNO2l5nahQnkvryuHa-SzriW4sMf8BaMEN4KWKF076hO6O8zVIhmLqjfKDWm/s1600/IMG_3884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERg3ofSrDm3O3FVovaF4_zFUXMt2hanGNF5CXVqx4sm7nIu6U5tndc1DDt-rOg-TZrRC5YVGP4UdX1blcbNO2l5nahQnkvryuHa-SzriW4sMf8BaMEN4KWKF076hO6O8zVIhmLqjfKDWm/s320/IMG_3884.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I didn't free-hand this project, but I didn't have a pattern, either. I based it on an image that I found on Google. Here it is on my new iPhone!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaFj_UJnngUZ8vyhyphenhyphen-OdOBynvv6Skrl0-__z9sCvnimmnjF6xBSTTyMH98XFcm5DoVdcmAFqKbdcrh_58izvSiK25nXyn0NA41Fx1KmiiJqveY_IsF2hAuQyq2BLT-Tb1nxcyxH38mnIH/s1600/IMG_3903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaFj_UJnngUZ8vyhyphenhyphen-OdOBynvv6Skrl0-__z9sCvnimmnjF6xBSTTyMH98XFcm5DoVdcmAFqKbdcrh_58izvSiK25nXyn0NA41Fx1KmiiJqveY_IsF2hAuQyq2BLT-Tb1nxcyxH38mnIH/s320/IMG_3903.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And then I measured. A lot.</div>
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These are the approximate measurements I used:</div>
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<ul>
<li>blue fabric</li>
<ul>
<li>18 x 18 inch square for the front</li>
<li>2 - 18 x 12 inch rectangles to create an envelope opening on the back</li>
<li>144 x 6 inch piece for the ruffle. I sewed together three 48 x 6 pieces.</li>
</ul>
<li>white fabric</li>
<ul>
<li>2 - 18 x 5 inch strips for the horizontal and vertical strips</li>
<li>2 - 25 x 3 inch strips for the diagonal strips</li>
</ul>
<li>red fabric</li>
<ul>
<li>2 - 18 x 3 inch strips for the horizontal and vertical strips</li>
<li>2 - 25 x 2 inch strips for the vertical strips</li>
</ul>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjou5-Kpo9L4eTA_4MFUoHSxi7Qh3KQdaQK1YlxhAsCwFsgX9mjuCbVN6A7S4aoih2SkUzANpiislEk4bwm6rnIfPho3U4vJ9I6VzH9EjIy7pZbFA_ufBhWW1jVmUZWR77UlwQHn5_E6ifJ/s1600/IMG_3888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjou5-Kpo9L4eTA_4MFUoHSxi7Qh3KQdaQK1YlxhAsCwFsgX9mjuCbVN6A7S4aoih2SkUzANpiislEk4bwm6rnIfPho3U4vJ9I6VzH9EjIy7pZbFA_ufBhWW1jVmUZWR77UlwQHn5_E6ifJ/s320/IMG_3888.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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After all of the measuring, I cut everything. And then I ironed. A lot. I ironed each strip with a half an inch on each side, so the finished pieces measured 18 x 4 and 25 x 2 inches for the white strips and 18 x 2 and 25 x 1 inches for the red strips. </div>
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For the diagonal strips, I sewed the red on top of the white off-centered. If you look at the flag image, you can see that the strip from the upper left to lower right corner is the same all the way across. However, the strip from the upper right to lower left corner is different on the top half than it is on the bottom. To achieve this, I cut the strip in half so I could invert it before I sewed it to the blue fabric. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHPY_XOQg5ifAORYG8FfHsC9Pwh4DNq69N8S8in5dlC5-n7c622hbfKTr7KbBmtKRj3Svc08hcBPCb4TEhULAN-8dNoxOr7G_9cPywaqdCPVjZarTgeQVW31-YtBfSw8Pyc0qGTo3xBML/s1600/IMG_3902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHPY_XOQg5ifAORYG8FfHsC9Pwh4DNq69N8S8in5dlC5-n7c622hbfKTr7KbBmtKRj3Svc08hcBPCb4TEhULAN-8dNoxOr7G_9cPywaqdCPVjZarTgeQVW31-YtBfSw8Pyc0qGTo3xBML/s320/IMG_3902.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I stitched both pieces to the blue fabric, and then I pinned and stitched the other diagonal piece to the blue fabric.<br />
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Next, I pinned the horizontal white strip over the diagonal strips and sewed it to the blue fabric.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLh5m8UsbSpw8kEI-LlP75G_Pe0j-M_QF7m6v7Jz-a6N1bggtgZZb1lJE-eMPeFILW9LKrVa9nrSFG7Fv1Top2K0bWToPetqdf6L4AMBvGKvg1olVb8VS9BcNVyEu_DddRh5TqaeqNgGOy/s1600/IMG_3909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLh5m8UsbSpw8kEI-LlP75G_Pe0j-M_QF7m6v7Jz-a6N1bggtgZZb1lJE-eMPeFILW9LKrVa9nrSFG7Fv1Top2K0bWToPetqdf6L4AMBvGKvg1olVb8VS9BcNVyEu_DddRh5TqaeqNgGOy/s320/IMG_3909.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The next step was to stitch the vertical white strip perpendicular to the horizontal strip. Once this was done, I pinned and stitched the horizontal red strip. I measured carefully to ensure that it was centered on the white one. <br />
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Finally, it was time to affix the vertical red strip. Again, I measured carefully to make sure that it was centered.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KHwGTHCSviC-TPnorL8ucn9iK65xBo-37U5Qz9TSd1dQqiMilLokDZjSUy3IawiQLVCgP1flGELKBsvARC3HXp58R__AgG9TP2wp3E9fFFT7eB2KYFYa_xxYrL6wGKp9f97skrfLGV-m/s1600/IMG_3923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KHwGTHCSviC-TPnorL8ucn9iK65xBo-37U5Qz9TSd1dQqiMilLokDZjSUy3IawiQLVCgP1flGELKBsvARC3HXp58R__AgG9TP2wp3E9fFFT7eB2KYFYa_xxYrL6wGKp9f97skrfLGV-m/s320/IMG_3923.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love how the pattern turned out! <br />
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Next, it was time for the ruffle. I folded the ruffle piece in half so it was 144 x 3 inches. Then I ironed it to keep the fold nice and crisp. My Mom's sewing machine has a really cool gathering foot, so I used that to help gather the ruffle together.<br />
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I pinned the ruffle around the edges of the front piece and sewed with a 1-inch seam allowance around the edges.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRtMF11dvPQlAug-jUUKkbWNBt4qple_thkw3oI1zsnYiyEK_Zu6qlJtM5kaIdfK0tTJb2JV5Ih1hgwgebKStePxxhNeTTb7Z6m5lEB6L70gyVuOE-DKkJXmp1W2WQGMbn1RQ7LKYcfEm/s1600/IMG_3938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRtMF11dvPQlAug-jUUKkbWNBt4qple_thkw3oI1zsnYiyEK_Zu6qlJtM5kaIdfK0tTJb2JV5Ih1hgwgebKStePxxhNeTTb7Z6m5lEB6L70gyVuOE-DKkJXmp1W2WQGMbn1RQ7LKYcfEm/s320/IMG_3938.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is what the pillow front looked like with the ruffle attached:<br />
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For the back, I folded, ironed and stitched each piece on one side, to ensure a finished look. I pinned each piece over the ruffles to create the envelope back. Make sure that the back pieces overlap each other by a couple of inches. When I sewed the back on, I used the seam from the ruffle as a guide of where to sew the pieces together. I'm not going to lie - the corners were a bit difficult to sew through, because the fabrics were so thick. I love how the back of the pillow front looks with the different colored threads!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0RSru4ZpRdi-SssD1Y6LJ1HKo2Y4b1xKO8OTgQ8CDbUcQiFDEnWBKltr8h2_vtQQbuf9Dx4CXnnw6d_TuWmDc_hGTI9GEHUTrvhddSCgGQ2ZHqQ14kBVhbDpbE7ghbMcUV3EVHS9yFfs/s1600/IMG_3943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0RSru4ZpRdi-SssD1Y6LJ1HKo2Y4b1xKO8OTgQ8CDbUcQiFDEnWBKltr8h2_vtQQbuf9Dx4CXnnw6d_TuWmDc_hGTI9GEHUTrvhddSCgGQ2ZHqQ14kBVhbDpbE7ghbMcUV3EVHS9yFfs/s320/IMG_3943.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOF9fgf-BbW3FWhM9mJldDzb_63q0Mjy5oy2DCNgSEg2wwfm-LJqRsnX8MfxutEFyoT54edizPNOOrj6GJITMizjCAQK4YzfFJNZYPXT90opEton2PDF4_M556WNzO60jbgLLNlkuzWuk7/s1600/IMG_3946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOF9fgf-BbW3FWhM9mJldDzb_63q0Mjy5oy2DCNgSEg2wwfm-LJqRsnX8MfxutEFyoT54edizPNOOrj6GJITMizjCAQK4YzfFJNZYPXT90opEton2PDF4_M556WNzO60jbgLLNlkuzWuk7/s320/IMG_3946.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Before I turned the pillow right-side out, I trimmed all of the edges so they weren't so bulky.<br />
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And...voila!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6ZZO46JBPIWjm0ubmiSOxtIbYLA4YvZho44K-rgUw7kIiiYbQKOflAEcVRsRCRLtRhvPwiK3TFTmWt7vDjsV2-cm0fQvzH8HVd1E-I4Fj4YRYvosuHB-dV3JFFC-00qm98vpnUfDidWe/s1600/IMG_3950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6ZZO46JBPIWjm0ubmiSOxtIbYLA4YvZho44K-rgUw7kIiiYbQKOflAEcVRsRCRLtRhvPwiK3TFTmWt7vDjsV2-cm0fQvzH8HVd1E-I4Fj4YRYvosuHB-dV3JFFC-00qm98vpnUfDidWe/s320/IMG_3950.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This pillow turned out to be so beautifully. I am a little sorry that I didn't make one for myself! </div>
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And my friend, well, she loves it, too! Here is a picture of the pillow on her couch. You can see it is in good company.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHA94fPaIunxGkPt7E9dUa7yLQReixaclgagX0NsuC46W2EC8LqCRX3vIByi89mq4jmy6BmbqIdF0a6zDxlran9FqNkY_ryn4NRMK2QcPVbBDCgF-lHgq_hHEhG5UOloa0486SrpvgvdC/s1600/IMG_0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHA94fPaIunxGkPt7E9dUa7yLQReixaclgagX0NsuC46W2EC8LqCRX3vIByi89mq4jmy6BmbqIdF0a6zDxlran9FqNkY_ryn4NRMK2QcPVbBDCgF-lHgq_hHEhG5UOloa0486SrpvgvdC/s320/IMG_0096.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And a picture of my friend, Heather, posing with her Christmas gift.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DJ5hffirMM9Zy_de3hCnJDldMvUw6fqdFjb1hAbDlaTtHMGejHOs7Znq-LUoQ_z9Kxk4WN-GX_yZMjyPavv5H8jptZuo2l_F3dFZdJ8Aj3jnl6BtKDT3jV9KHhf3xvi3ridm2hhpWXEe/s1600/IMG_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DJ5hffirMM9Zy_de3hCnJDldMvUw6fqdFjb1hAbDlaTtHMGejHOs7Znq-LUoQ_z9Kxk4WN-GX_yZMjyPavv5H8jptZuo2l_F3dFZdJ8Aj3jnl6BtKDT3jV9KHhf3xvi3ridm2hhpWXEe/s320/IMG_0093.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Cheers!<br />
Jenn<br />
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<center><a href="http://homesavvyatoz.com/"><img border="0" src="http://www.homesavvyatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Freshmen-Friday-Button-e1314966899981.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo161/CalamityAnne/debbiedoosnewbieparty1.jpg" /></a></center><center><br /></center>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01829623306615752411noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417506073551683351.post-87704789016805362022012-01-13T00:20:00.000-07:002012-01-13T00:22:07.487-07:00Welcome 2012Greetings Blog Friends!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2011/12/30/desktop-wallpaper-calendar-january-2012/" target="_blank">source</a></span></div>
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With three weeks off from school, I had every intention of catching up on blog reading and writing a few posts of my own. But I didn't factor how busy I would be with all of the fun things that I would be doing while visiting family and friends in California. Some of the highlights included:<br />
<ul>
<li>My birthday dinner with friends and family. My Mom made a delicious dinner, and I made peppermint cupcakes and set up a <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/272678952408118184/" target="_blank">hot chocolate bar</a>.</li>
<li>Learning to use (& play) with my new iPhone!</li>
<li>Starting <u>and</u> finishing my Christmas shopping and wrapping gifts.</li>
<li>Baking <a href="http://handmadehomebody.blogspot.com/2011/12/mmmmmmcookies.html" target="_blank">M&M cookies</a> and making <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/272678952408070082/" target="_blank">Salted Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bark</a>.</li>
<li>A Christmas concert at my church.</li>
<li>Fun & Festive Christmas parties.</li>
<li>Christmas Eve at my brother's house.</li>
<li>Helping my Mom in the kitchen with Christmas dinner.</li>
<li>Figuring out the basics of my new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Canon-T3i-Digital-Imaging-18-55mm/dp/B004J3V90Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326437634&sr=8-1" target="_blank">camera</a>!</li>
<li>Going on a <a href="http://www.tmz.com/tour" target="_blank">TMZ Tour</a> with friends in Hollywood.</li>
<li>Attending the Holiday Bowl in San Diego and a <a href="http://ducks.nhl.com/index.html" target="_blank">Ducks</a> game from the 3rd row - thanks, Heather!</li>
<li>Enjoying the performance my talented friend in a holiday dinner theatre show. </li>
<li>A delicious dinner at <a href="http://www.mastrosrestaurants.com/" target="_blank">Mastro's</a> for my brother's birthday.</li>
<li>A special New Year's Eve dinner at <a href="http://www.370common.com/" target="_blank">370 Common</a> in Laguna Beach. The Sous Chef is my friend's brother!</li>
<li>Karaoke with friends.</li>
<li>Read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Tattoo-Movie-Vintage-Lizard/dp/0307949486/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326438318&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo</a>.</li>
<li>And, of course, plenty of quality Auntie time with my 9-month-old nephew, including a couple of days of babysitting!</li>
</ul>
Now that I am home, and school has started, I have a bit more time to get caught up! I'm sure that won't last long, so I am going to enjoy it while I can. I thought I would also share a few of my goals for this year.<br />
<ul>
<li>Learn how to use my new camera and improve my photography skills.</li>
<li>Eat more vegetables and fruits.</li>
<li>Finish some of the projects around my house that I had planned for <u>last</u> year (like paint my bathroom)!</li>
<li>Organize my pantry.</li>
<li>Be more consistent with writing blog posts.</li>
<li>Exercise regularly (at least 3 times/week).</li>
<li>Start a vegetable garden.</li>
<li>Read more books for fun, but not at the expense of the massive amounts of reading for school!</li>
</ul>
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I'm sure I could add a lot more to this list, but I think this is a pretty good start for now. </div>
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I have a project to share with you, but I'm having trouble getting a couple of the pictures off of my phone, so hopefully I'll get that resolved and posted in a few days. It was a Christmas present, so I used my point & shoot Canon for most of the pics, because I didn't have the new one yet.</div>
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I hope that your new year is off to a great start!</div>
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Cheers!</div>
<div>
Jenn </div>
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<br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01829623306615752411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417506073551683351.post-34096691072469553552011-12-31T09:25:00.000-07:002011-12-31T09:25:10.101-07:00Happy New Year<div style="text-align: center;">
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Wishing you and your family blessings and joy in 2012.</div>
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Cheers!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Jenn</div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01829623306615752411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417506073551683351.post-84639565515478949982011-12-23T17:48:00.001-07:002011-12-23T17:48:38.450-07:00mmm...mmm...Cookies!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhlgDF68uBIUZFWl0rJNW2JJKrsFZsRMPiWe6vgWlzRVcRt9o_o1m6fPCYVXy5nhsW_SJmoUjY9CbfyflY0HkumnFkzsVBj3cgDZV8n69bFpHkZS8jlMJwZRnC5oypLUizi9XgQj6XEjO/s1600/IMG_3987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhlgDF68uBIUZFWl0rJNW2JJKrsFZsRMPiWe6vgWlzRVcRt9o_o1m6fPCYVXy5nhsW_SJmoUjY9CbfyflY0HkumnFkzsVBj3cgDZV8n69bFpHkZS8jlMJwZRnC5oypLUizi9XgQj6XEjO/s320/IMG_3987.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Holiday Greetings!<br />
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I've been enjoying time in California with my family and friends. I've been quite busy this week finishing my shopping and a last minute craft, wrapping presents and holiday baking. Today I baked some of my favorites, M&M Cookies. I've loved these cookies since I was a child, and I make them every year during the holidays because they are so easy, but very festive. They are basically glorified chocolate chip cookies. The real treat for me was being able to bake them in my Mom's beautiful new kitchen!<br />
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M&M Party Cookies<br />
1 cup shortening<br />
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar<br />
1/2 cup sugar<br />
2 tsp vanilla<br />
2 eggs<br />
2 1/4 cup flour<br />
1 tsp baking soda<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1 1/2 cup plain M&M's (3/4 lb)<br />
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees.<br />
Blend shortening, brown, and granulated sugars in a large bowl.<br />
Beat in vanilla and eggs.<br />
Sift remaining dry ingredients together and add to the sugar mixture, blending well.<br />
Stir in M&M candies.<br />
Drop from teaspoon on an ungreased cookie sheet.<br />
Bake 10 minutes or until golden brown.<br />
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I never measure the M&M's. I just buy a regular sized bag and pour them all in.<br />
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I also use parchment paper on the cookie sheets which helps to make clean up so easy!<br />
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The shortening makes these cookies both crisp and chewy at the same time. Yum!<br />
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Be sure to share your cookies with family and friends, as they are very addictive! Santa might appreciate a cookie or two as well.<br />
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Hm...would one of these before bed inspire visions of M&M Cookies dancing in my head?<br />
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Cheers!<br />
Jenn<br />
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</div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01829623306615752411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417506073551683351.post-80167172934630125252011-12-14T07:00:00.000-07:002011-12-14T18:21:08.588-07:00O Tannenbaum...Holiday Greetings!<br />
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Today is a wonderful day. There are just eleven days until Christmas; we are expecting highs in the low 40s; and at 3:00 I will be done with finals! <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Shameless update - I got an A in anatomy - Merry Christmas to me!*</span><br />
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I am so excited to showcase my Christmas tree for you. I have had my tree up since the Sunday after Thanksgiving and have been enjoying the glow of the lights and Christmas memories all month long.<br />
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The best part of decorating my tree is that it is like looking through a scrapbook. I have amassed quite a collection of ornaments through the years.<br />
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Many are from my childhood.</div>
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Many are from my travels.</div>
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And of course, there is my collection of Wallace Candy Canes (thanks Mom!).</div>
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I decided to highlight some of my favorites, new and old. </div>
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I love this dollhouse.</div>
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I don't even remember how long I've had it, but it always gets a prime location.</div>
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The best part is that it reminds me of the pink dollhouse that my Dad made for me.</div>
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My brother gave me the RV from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.</div>
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(He knows it's my favorite Christmas movie!)</div>
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My friend brought me this ornament of George Frederick Handel, from London.</div>
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(She knows he's my favorite composer!)</div>
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Such a cute little ballerina.</div>
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A handblown glass choral singer!</div>
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I can't put up my tree without hanging a picture of my sweet Harley.</div>
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I miss him a lot.</div>
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Le Tour Eiffel, mais oui!</div>
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Sleeping Beauty's Castle at Disneyland, all decked out for the holidays!</div>
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This one harkens back to my days as a Disneyland Cast Member.</div>
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A Venetian glass Santa, imported from Venice, by me!</div>
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My friend's Mom made me this cute mouse in a mitten.</div>
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I had a friend bring back this ornament from London,</div>
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commemorating the marriage of William & Kate.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLSHzN221GUdvNU43o-oNA6tLdQCmL7v4MMLIOA_emkVpTYxu0PC6VbS6QLuI2u4O7ORhxsIoBD8OFvXNQuBIce7kz7BPL1u-i5KbjtZ88LLlQKjSU6xz26SWuraPfNb3Zie5xxWsdmIg/s1600/IMG_3751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLSHzN221GUdvNU43o-oNA6tLdQCmL7v4MMLIOA_emkVpTYxu0PC6VbS6QLuI2u4O7ORhxsIoBD8OFvXNQuBIce7kz7BPL1u-i5KbjtZ88LLlQKjSU6xz26SWuraPfNb3Zie5xxWsdmIg/s200/IMG_3751.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ljBtG5QDZV80F27GoNRI6DxbJ4f1Ge_Aa_I98X02iQktwyztDiMveld51qo_yp7e9UBzeok-PyaJKNuw6zVnkX2H0IrHwPqirrJTSvWuMqQgiTv86QinKFSloFifdCNNopiIYAf-lOUF/s1600/IMG_3753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ljBtG5QDZV80F27GoNRI6DxbJ4f1Ge_Aa_I98X02iQktwyztDiMveld51qo_yp7e9UBzeok-PyaJKNuw6zVnkX2H0IrHwPqirrJTSvWuMqQgiTv86QinKFSloFifdCNNopiIYAf-lOUF/s200/IMG_3753.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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I bought this wooden carving of the Globe Theatre when I was in London with my Mom.</div>
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I love to fill in small spaces with these sparkly snowflake ornaments.</div>
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I bought them at the cutest shop in Chesterfield, MO, with my Mom.</div>
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Glittery words, like peace, joy, noel, ho ho ho and merry & bright also adorn my tree.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79w2TmcPV4SS_H4yiejRdCwbPITXGUR_C6Ohyphenhyphena36hPQcgHdazKh47W55a_GBuJK6NiYKBGMTvwx5z6OTmFaz4gdwK8WVmZXZmdTXzioIslnJPvHfCvLFuiRpByxss1HIztlwtqc1aDVa6/s1600/IMG_3842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79w2TmcPV4SS_H4yiejRdCwbPITXGUR_C6Ohyphenhyphena36hPQcgHdazKh47W55a_GBuJK6NiYKBGMTvwx5z6OTmFaz4gdwK8WVmZXZmdTXzioIslnJPvHfCvLFuiRpByxss1HIztlwtqc1aDVa6/s320/IMG_3842.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And don't forget the hidden pickle!</div>
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There is a <a href="http://www.pickle-ornament.com/history-pickle-ornament.htm" target="_blank">German legend</a> of hanging a pickle ornament on the tree.</div>
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I'd like to say that I hang a pickle in homage to the part of my heritage that is German.</div>
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But I just bought it this year at Crate & Barrel!</div>
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It was difficult to choose just a few ornaments to share. And as you can see, even with a narrowed down list, it's still pretty long!</div>
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I don't have any presents under the tree, yet. Just a couple of pretty boxes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxCaTDKBC0XOpZKmYHmqUwcb5Ub8AxhmZxIyEX5RlLU5lJi8ctxYmxUqPyQZxqaR0bBTbjqJKOMhychJhisduRQgqLH_v500HgOYOk-y-oRb74YBJVAX-lzyY6TZ7bL-mVX-OLeHxDtG8/s1600/IMG_3881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxCaTDKBC0XOpZKmYHmqUwcb5Ub8AxhmZxIyEX5RlLU5lJi8ctxYmxUqPyQZxqaR0bBTbjqJKOMhychJhisduRQgqLH_v500HgOYOk-y-oRb74YBJVAX-lzyY6TZ7bL-mVX-OLeHxDtG8/s320/IMG_3881.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum, wie treu sint deine Blätter.</div>
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O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, how lovely are thy branches.</div>
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Cheers!</div>
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Jenn</div>
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<a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-tree-party.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QC_HwyOry625SQP2SV87H5qk0GgP5rTApKkQ-9PG8igB5kHNeezDSBkao-4hHcKXuvf3VojoUYEBbX8XCdcwgM3n9CVfkgKFCXRtlp4EsOAEmdnjHJ5cnAHtoI7ZZ51QiegBiWCAQ9p_/s200/tdc.png" width="157" /></a> <a href="http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo161/CalamityAnne/debbiedoosnewbieparty1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01829623306615752411noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417506073551683351.post-11165135565842823742011-12-12T07:00:00.000-07:002011-12-12T07:56:00.525-07:00Christmas Stockings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguALjPhDckQvcozNGxVGodYnXYHr4ufuhVC8kDkILhxxSBtt3imbFYYjJzsJeMoLV745EYdERxkafobFMzgvtbf50FKB6G54EYcyxBgan8MSDYGPCNbfsp9jiiv1dT4O1-kH3uhLOJNH3V/s1600/IMG_3512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguALjPhDckQvcozNGxVGodYnXYHr4ufuhVC8kDkILhxxSBtt3imbFYYjJzsJeMoLV745EYdERxkafobFMzgvtbf50FKB6G54EYcyxBgan8MSDYGPCNbfsp9jiiv1dT4O1-kH3uhLOJNH3V/s320/IMG_3512.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'll be spending Christmas with my family in California. It's always so nice to be home and close to my family. This Christmas will be extra special with the addition of my sweet little nephew. <br />
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My Mom always has stockings for each family member, so I decided that it would be fun to make a special one for little M. As I was thinking about this, I realized that my poor sister-in-law never got a nice stocking, just one of the generic red & white ones from the grocery store. I certainly couldn't make a stocking for my nephew and leave out his mommy! So, I made two new stockings for my parents to add to their fireplace this year.<br />
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I searched on <a href="http://pinterest.com/jechante/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> for stocking patterns, and I came up with a winner with this one.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/272678952408056102/" target="_blank">source</a></span></div>
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The tutorial given on <a href="http://fabricworm.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-stocking-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Fabricworm</a> is excellent. It's very clear and easy to follow. The most difficult part for me was choosing the fabrics!<br />
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I chose these darling penguins on a green background for my nephew. They sure are cute and I hope that he likes them!<br />
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I also bought some faux fur for the cuff. It looks great on the stocking, but it was very messy and not the easiest material to work with. I don't know that I would use it for another sewing project again.</div>
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I chose a red fabric with white dots to line the stocking. It looks much more vibrant in person.<br />
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For my SIL, I found this really pretty Christmas candy print. I think it's really whimsical, without being too childish. </div>
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For the cuff of this stocking, I went with a softer and more delicate fabric. This fabric is velvety soft and has pretty little dots. Ironically, it is the same type of fabric on my nephew's changing table (I didn't know this when I bought it)! </div>
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I love the light green and white dotted lining fabric. It complements with the green accents on the candy pattern.<br />
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These stockings were relatively simple to make. In fact, I completed this project in just a couple of hours.</div>
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I snapped these pictures when I was home for Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, the rest of the Christmas stockings were still up in the attic, so I wasn't able to get a picture of the entire fireplace filled with family stockings. But I think that these two will fit in nicely and be the perfect place for Santa to leave some goodies.</div>
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Cheers!</div>
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Jenn</div>
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<a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2011/12/diy-ornaments-holiday-craft-link-party/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQNPP3qO9up8VoqjAgivtRJVPPwtmGLCTCvrKRhraKxYwcUNYtJ6CAzS9ZEzXzsBSnl9D4Qq0N-OT1PeTZrboGi_Dm1XdqoOKCAgW7IXX58HX9hDMynfwiSE_iVZ5j_8IPdQ3HKBv5qtE/s200/holiday-home-button-centsational-girl.jpg" width="157" /></a><a href="http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo161/CalamityAnne/debbiedoosnewbieparty1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<center><br /></center>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01829623306615752411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417506073551683351.post-82926558540899984122011-12-07T08:00:00.000-07:002011-12-07T08:43:17.902-07:00By the Chimney with Care...Greetings Blog Friends!<br />
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I love decorating for Christmas. I'm still working on different elements both inside and outside of my house. For example, I had the brilliant idea yesterday of putting up my outdoor lights in sub-freezing temperatures. It took me a while to thaw out, and the sad part is that even though I checked them beforehand, some of the lights aren't working. My mantel, however, has been done for days, and I just love it.<br />
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Because of the TV niche above my fireplace, I must keep my mantel decor low profile. My lighted garland was the perfect starting point. And if you're wondering, that's the menu for "Love Actually" on my TV. It's one of my favorite movies, especially at Christmas time, and it was a real challenge to eject the disc hit the books instead! </div>
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The garland actually looked really pretty all by itself, but I decided to add a few accents anyway. I love these little votive holders that look like antique mercury glass. And for safety, I have battery operated tea lights inside, just in case I forget to put them out before bed time. </div>
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I found these little tree ornaments at Crate & Barrel. They add a little extra sparkle and whimsy.</div>
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The silver stocking holders finish off the top of the mantel. "Joy" and "Wish" are such nice holiday sentiments.</div>
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I made the small red stocking several years ago. It actually turned out a bit smaller than I expected, but I love it even more because it is petite. </div>
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The snowflake stocking matches my tree skirt. I like the classic look of red and white. </div>
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I like to accent my stockings with an ornament.</div>
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Finally, I hung some petite silver ornaments underneath the mantel. I love that they have a vintage look and add a little sparkle in an unexpected place.</div>
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My Christmas mantel gives a warm feeling of coziness to my living room. It's the perfect focal point for the room, and true to the stocking holder, provides me with a true sense of joy, knowing that I will be spending Christmas with my family.</div>
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And, yes, I changed it up a bit for these pictures with the menu for "White Christmas." This is a true classic and very appropriate with all of the snow that is currently on the ground!</div>
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Cheers!</div>
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Jenn</div>
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<a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/fresh-greens-mantel-in-silver-and-white/"><img alt="Holiday_Home_Button_2011_Rhoda" class="attachment-medium" height="200" src="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Holiday_Home_Button_2011_Rhoda-236x300.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Holiday_Home_Button_2011_Rhoda" width="157" /></a><a href="http://homesavvyatoz.com/" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.homesavvyatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Freshmen-Friday-Button-e1314966899981.jpg" /></a></div>
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</div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01829623306615752411noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417506073551683351.post-64253984631540836002011-12-05T16:57:00.001-07:002011-12-05T19:39:56.696-07:00Holiday Breakfast TableThe end of the semester is nigh, and I am currently up to my elbows studying for anatomy (literally - we are studying the upper limb!). However, I thought it would be fun to take a few breaks to participate in the Holiday Home Link Parties this week and next, hosted by some fabulous bloggers. Today, Layla is hosting <a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/tablescapes-for-christmas/">Holiday Table Decor</a> over at <a href="http://www.theletteredcottage.net/">The Lettered Cottage</a>. <br />
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I have linens that I use for more formal Christmas dinner parties, as I have hosted my family & friends several times on Christmas Eve. I also have holiday linens that coordinate with my every day dishes. Because I'm a little shorter on time, I decided to showcase a more casual look. And thus, I bring you, my Holiday Breakfast Table.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjat8zVbfOsOIC6IEYQFzZkLt6_psPjUS3qvUqu4qpyPhqRC0MGJyF2EwmhUhHNBY3rw8qPnSE8OdDeiF2UBzTg8Thtt92RUSp1RX6MrxpyuA7uLV3QLR03FXPXLVfw4G5PDO83eFVHlORq/s1600/IMG_3633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjat8zVbfOsOIC6IEYQFzZkLt6_psPjUS3qvUqu4qpyPhqRC0MGJyF2EwmhUhHNBY3rw8qPnSE8OdDeiF2UBzTg8Thtt92RUSp1RX6MrxpyuA7uLV3QLR03FXPXLVfw4G5PDO83eFVHlORq/s320/IMG_3633.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I bought these place mats and napkins from Crate & Barrel years ago. They are a deep blue with silver & white snowflakes. They work perfectly with my blue & white dishes, which are the <a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/brasserie-blue-banded-porcelain-dinnerware-place-setting/?pkey=cdinnerware">Brasserie</a> collection from Williams Sonoma.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErQ2vthG77rQmvNsmvr359j-V9UYJcUkrui34_1aHNSefH9Ezfdrm3pQ8djqaat5cauzjFvV4fwwo72aJnVuLmgNUZH2cFTNJxw2Lz6zt-JAvhxsXr7BUj7rkIjFUkEuNWRR3mFh2a5in/s1600/IMG_3637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErQ2vthG77rQmvNsmvr359j-V9UYJcUkrui34_1aHNSefH9Ezfdrm3pQ8djqaat5cauzjFvV4fwwo72aJnVuLmgNUZH2cFTNJxw2Lz6zt-JAvhxsXr7BUj7rkIjFUkEuNWRR3mFh2a5in/s320/IMG_3637.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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A note on these dishes...they are fabulous! I've had them for over 10 years, and use them every day. They go through the dishwasher beautifully and always come out looking brand new. These are porcelain dishes, and while they may be a bit more expensive than other dishes out there, the quality is amazing. Okay, my unpaid advertisement for Williams Sonoma dishes is now over!<br />
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The snowflake napkin rings are another C&B find. I have a set of 8 with 2 of each design. They look perfect with the napkins and add a festive holiday flair.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyCz7Rq_rQlt10RQb7dz2Zk9_GWQGGHYwdeY_ZyloInhCQhd6j1wwUk91I3DvFxajLCwXZWL-rKD1nhj2ABnXFwSTAp1k-yGTmMhHLMDe7H_uFeRw0kH3YRfASKOPULp3EAt4n_d3VchO/s1600/IMG_3662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyCz7Rq_rQlt10RQb7dz2Zk9_GWQGGHYwdeY_ZyloInhCQhd6j1wwUk91I3DvFxajLCwXZWL-rKD1nhj2ABnXFwSTAp1k-yGTmMhHLMDe7H_uFeRw0kH3YRfASKOPULp3EAt4n_d3VchO/s200/IMG_3662.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZc4S-3ENcRDlZprQZJMz_bPQHoZQNfFsVyMFzWEKgggGtDj-sKVVlYiTv-LsQccU622A-bScjXqg8-8UCxrdN0QfGKh0KWOsyCsl2l_tO5i8-V-KJYugLBP3sqCmpgBLIEln7IfFZiHm/s1600/IMG_3665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZc4S-3ENcRDlZprQZJMz_bPQHoZQNfFsVyMFzWEKgggGtDj-sKVVlYiTv-LsQccU622A-bScjXqg8-8UCxrdN0QfGKh0KWOsyCsl2l_tO5i8-V-KJYugLBP3sqCmpgBLIEln7IfFZiHm/s200/IMG_3665.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Because this is a casual breakfast table, I used my every day, dishwasher-safe flatware! There is enough going on during the holiday season, that hand-wash only items aren't used in my house unless it's for a special dinner. For breakfast, everything must be able to go in the dishwasher. I'm sure that many of you feel the same!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBz81QzpcFRPPxkuw8J0pGSQtM7sJAnmCDKAhQkoQpitNvzguXx6AfYS4QaYxKYgh6-Zet0TRC7QiZI4J17ERLDkzJBdrfd8MfpXY0Ut_2FkGMo8CAydng6qDUZnH0arOtlUuh3VLYyV1/s1600/IMG_3670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBz81QzpcFRPPxkuw8J0pGSQtM7sJAnmCDKAhQkoQpitNvzguXx6AfYS4QaYxKYgh6-Zet0TRC7QiZI4J17ERLDkzJBdrfd8MfpXY0Ut_2FkGMo8CAydng6qDUZnH0arOtlUuh3VLYyV1/s320/IMG_3670.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I included these cute little pedestal dishes for serving fresh fruit.<br />
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And what breakfast table would be complete without coffee cups and juice glasses?<br />
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In that vein (ha ha - I had to sneak in more anatomy!), I had set up coffee service as well. I love to use a French Press for coffee. It's a simple and delicious way to brew coffee.<br />
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On the opposite end of the table, I have a bowl for baked goodies. I'd like to think that there are fresh croissants in there right now, but alas, it's just tissue paper! A girl can dream, right?</div>
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I finished off the table with a simple but fun centerpiece. I filled the bottom of my hurricane with snow (epsom salts) and then added some silver ornaments adorned with snowflakes. I purchased these at Target a few years ago during an after-Christmas sale! </div>
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On either side of the centerpiece are star-shaped glass dishes to hold tea lights.<br />
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One of the things that I really love about this tablescape is that it can be used all winter long. I might remove the ornaments after Christmas, but then again, I might not! </div>
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Because they are in the same area, I decided to include a few photos of my buffet and my cute snow dog plates on the wall. Except for my table, I tend to decorate for Christmas with a lot of red, silver and white.</div>
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I hope that you've enjoyed my Holiday Breakfast Table. I sure had fun putting it all together, even if I don't have time to cook a breakfast worthy of this table setting right now!</div>
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I'll be back on in a day or two to show off my Holiday Mantel. Until then, it's back to the books for me!</div>
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Cheers!<br />
Jenn<br />
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<a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/tablescapes-for-christmas/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" height="200" src="http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj29/LaylaPalmer/Linky%20Buttons/Holiday_Home_Button_2011_Layla.jpg" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4b4d51; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;" width="157" /></a></div>
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<br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01829623306615752411noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417506073551683351.post-28004061818649086382011-11-24T09:29:00.001-07:002011-11-24T09:30:48.665-07:00Give Thanks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/275614/halloween-centerpieces-and-tabletop-idea/@center/276965/halloween#271814"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">source</span></a></div>
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Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving.<br />
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Cheers!<br />
JennJennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01829623306615752411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417506073551683351.post-82886910487441197132011-11-15T15:46:00.001-07:002011-11-15T16:59:46.740-07:00My Would-Be Thanksgiving TableAs Thanksgiving approaches, I am feeling very thankful for many things, especially my family and friends. I am also quite thankful that I only have two more days of classes until Fall break and I get to go home to California for a week. My little nephew is 7 months old now, and I can't wait to see him and how big he's gotten since I last saw him a few months ago. <br />
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Since I will be enjoying Turkey Day at my Aunt's house, I thought it would be fun to set my table as if I were hosting my own Thanksgiving dinner.<br />
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It's a pretty simple table. I laid the foundation with some plain green place mats and my burlap table runner.<br />
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I inherited the most beautiful china from my Grandparents, but it's at my parents' house in California. So, I went with these plain white dishes, as my everyday dishes are white with a blue band. I like the white, because it looks pretty with some of my milk glass pieces.<br />
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I mixed and matched my <a href="http://handmadehomebody.blogspot.com/2011/07/safekeeping-for-silver.html">Goodwill silverplate flatware</a>.<br />
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I got these napkins from Pottery Barn a few years ago. I love that they are all different patterns. <br />
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I love the napkin rings, because they coordinate with my wire cake stand that I used as a centerpiece.<br />
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I used my favorite wine glasses, which I use for special occasions because I they are hand wash only! For water, I put out my French bee glasses.<br />
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I set out both of my milk glass hens. I know they aren't turkeys, but I love them so much!<br />
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I also included this cute little turkey that I picked up at Target for $3.99!<br />
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He doesn't seem to mind the hens on the table!<br />
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I put some golden pine cone candles in milk glass candy dishes for a little sparkle.<br />
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I'm so pleased with how my table turned out. It's simple and elegant.</div>
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And my oh my, I am already starting to get hungry for Thanksgiving dinner!</div>
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Cheers!</div>
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Jenn</div>
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<a href="http://www.newlywoodwards.com/"><img alt="Dare to DIY" height="160" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2733/4060076946_f42bf7d673_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo161/CalamityAnne/debbiedoosnewbieparty1.jpg" /></a><a href="http://homesavvyatoz.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://www.homesavvyatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Freshmen-Friday-Button-e1314966899981.jpg" /></a><br />
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<br /></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01829623306615752411noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417506073551683351.post-92018008145111492011-11-01T09:00:00.000-06:002011-11-01T09:00:00.206-06:00Pumpkin Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What could be better on a chilly morning than a nice slice of pumpkin bread and a hot cup of coffee? I love to make pumpkin bread this time of year. Aside from its deliciousness, it gives me an excuse to use my pumpkin loaf mold.<br />
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I bought this years ago from the Crate & Barrel Outlet. I love the pumpkin design, the fluted sides and the rich, warm color. <br />
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I've been using <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/downeast-maine-pumpkin-bread/detail.aspx">this</a> pumpkin bread recipe for years, and it is truly delectable. <br />
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1 (15 oz) can of pumpkin puree<br />
4 eggs<br />
1 cup of vegetable oil<br />
1/2 cup of water<br />
3 cups of sugar<br />
3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour<br />
2 tsp of baking soda<br />
1 1/2 tsp of salt<br />
1 tsp ground cinnamon<br />
1 tsp ground nutmeg<br />
1/2 tsp ground cloves<br />
1/4 tsp ground ginger<br />
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease & flour three 7x3 inch loaf pans.<br />
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In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water and sugar until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended. Pour into the prepared pans.<br />
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Bake for about 50 minutes in the preheated oven. Loaves are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.<br />
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This pumpkin bread is moist and delicious and makes the entire house smell amazing.<br />
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This recipe makes a lot, but that's okay, because it's a real crowd pleaser!<br />
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You won't be sorry if you make this delightful fall treat!<br />
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Cheers!<br />
Jenn<br />
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<br /></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01829623306615752411noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417506073551683351.post-82394371534514570882011-10-29T15:02:00.001-06:002011-10-29T15:02:32.836-06:00Do you BOO?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been BOO-ed!</div>
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The other day I found this friendly little ghost by my front door. When I peeked inside, I found a Halloween treat along with this cute little poem.</div>
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And, a Boo sign for my front door!</div>
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It's a bit blustery today, so my wreath just would not stay still and pose for the camera!</div>
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To return the favor, I decided to stick with Reese's Pieces, because they're peanut butter, and well, the bag is orange! I went to the <a href="http://christmas.organizedhome.com/seasonal-gifts-crafts/halloween/boo-youve-been-booed-poem-signs">Boo site</a> and printed out new signs and poems. They have several to choose from. I thought this pumpkin design with the black background was cute.</div>
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Then, being very sneaky, I dropped off my Boo bags for a couple of my neighbors.</div>
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I Boo...do you? </div>
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Although not related to BOO-ing in any way, this picture was too good not to share. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/coloradostateuniversity?sk=wall">source</a></span></div>
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We had quite a bit of snow earlier this week. As a former Cali girl, it's still quite the novelty for me and I love it! Many of the trees around town, however, did not fare so well. Those leaves are falling in a hurry now, especially on this blustery fall day! </div>
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Have a great weekend. </div>
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Jenn</div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01829623306615752411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417506073551683351.post-43083513030824383192011-10-15T11:35:00.000-06:002011-10-15T11:35:28.843-06:00Canyon Drive<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #c0a154; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"></span><br />
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I had a huge anatomy test this week, which is why this post is a bit late. Fortunately, my test went well - yippee! To celebrate, I decided to take a little drive through the canyon along Cache La Poudre river in search of changing leaves. It was a beautiful day and very peaceful. </div>
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Have a great weekend!</div>
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Cheers!</div>
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Jenn</div>
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<br /></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01829623306615752411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417506073551683351.post-74727256145288359082011-10-03T18:14:00.001-06:002011-10-04T13:04:30.467-06:00Create Your Own Pumpkin PatchHurray for October! Now is the time for apple cider, leaf-strewn streets and, of course, pumpkins. Last week I created my own little pumpkin patch for my <a href="http://handmadehomebody.blogspot.com/2011/09/fall-mantel.html">Fall Mantel</a>. I love how my pumpkins turned out and they were surprisingly easy to make. <br />
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I found the instructions for these charmers care of that crafty lass, <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/how-to/fabric-pumpkins">Martha Stewart</a>. I used the three sizes that she suggested on her site, with fabric cut to 5x10, 8x16 and 11x22 inches. Based on this formula, you really could make your pumpkins as big or small as you'd like, just cut your fabric so that the length is twice the width.<br />
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A note on cutting your fabrics. Martha suggests cutting the fabric on the bias, which is great, but can be wasteful. The fabrics that I used included a velour-type, a printed cotton and suiting plaids. The velour-ish fabric was pretty stretchy, so I just cut it with the grain. For the smaller plaid pumpkins, I cut them on the bias, but I didn't have enough for the large one, so I cut that one on the grain, too. I think varying whether you cut on the bias or not helps to add variety to the sizes and shapes of your finished pumpkins.<br />
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As you can see in the photo below, my rotary cutter slipped a bit and I didn't end up with completely straight lines. This project is extremely forgiving, so if you end up with lines that are a bit crooked, just go with it!<br />
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Fold your fabric right sides together, with the short ends meeting up. I used a couple of pins before sewing, but it's just a straight seam, so it's not really necessary. Stitch down the edge, leaving about a 1/4 inch seam allowance.<br />
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I purchased several colors of embroidery floss to create the "lines" of the pumpkins. I ended up using the floss to gather both the bottoms and tops of the pumpkins, and to attach the stems. A larger needle works nicely.<br />
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To gather the bottom, simply stitch about 1/2 inch from the open edge going all the way around. I started and ended at the side seam. I used larger stitches on the larger pumpkins and smaller stitches on the small ones. Your stitch sizes do not need to be exact - remember, this is a forgiving pumpkin!<br />
Once you've gone around the entire edge, cinch the fabric together and tie it off.<br />
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Now is a good time to turn the fabric right-side out and admire your lovely gathers.<br />
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Add some poly-fil (or a similar product) and pack it in so it's somewhat compact. Leave about an 1 1/2 inches of fabric at the top. Repeat the stitching like you did on the bottom so you can cinch up the top of your pumpkin.<br />
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Once you've pulled the gathers together, tie it off, but don't cut the floss. Go ahead and leave the edges of the fabric on the outside. It makes a sort of stump that you can attach your stem to. With this red fabric, I think mine looks a little like a pomegranate!<br />
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Start wrapping your floss around the outside to form the "lines." I made a small stitch on the bottom for each line. I think this helps to keep the lines in place. Pull the floss a little tighter so that it starts to create that traditional pumpkin shape.<br />
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I know that real pumpkins aren't symmetrical, but I think that 8 lines creates a really cute shape. When you've finished with the lines, be sure to tie off your floss, but don't cut it just yet.<br />
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Squish your pumpkin as much as you can and pass the needle from the center of the top to the center of the bottom and back a couple of times. This helps to pull the stem toward the bottom and create ridges on the top.<br />
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Now it's time to add the stem. To create the stem, I just cut out "stem" shapes freehanded from a piece of folded brown fabric.<br />
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I stitched the edges together on the sewing machine and turned it right side out. You may need to use something to help push the corners out. I carefully used my closed scissors. Add a little poly-fil to the inside and fold the bottom edge under.<br />
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Fit your stem around the "stump" at the top of your pumpkin and stitch it on with your embroidery floss.<br />
I had a hard time getting a picture of this, sorry it's kind of blurry (another job for my dream camera!!).<br />
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Once the stem is completely attached, tie off your floss and then pass through to the bottom one last time. Now you can tie off the floss at the bottom and cut off the excess. You can kind of squish around the filling a bit if it's a little lopsided. Your pumpkin is now finished and super cute!<br />
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I only used my sewing machine for the initial straight seam and the stem. The rest is done by hand. If you don't have a sewing machine, I'm sure the entire thing could be done by hand.<br />
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Now all that's left to do is decorate with your pumpkins.<br />
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Pumpkins in a wire basket.<br />
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Pumpkins on a wire cake stand.<br />
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Pumpkins in a patch.<br />
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These little cuties can grace your home all Fall long.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGT_MXTjFEBWe_rtmSBzWxEgD-7u84HYCdIRvLhv-CLOcnCpWa7Z8Ni2YVU4aWmixPxn0iN8vlnTglUJoCwuLDraRw6nCU9t_LazaFg8VcbBLHPOgvugq8OcJ7Dxk4ofkLuVBmmyyVzKPV/s1600/IMG_3386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGT_MXTjFEBWe_rtmSBzWxEgD-7u84HYCdIRvLhv-CLOcnCpWa7Z8Ni2YVU4aWmixPxn0iN8vlnTglUJoCwuLDraRw6nCU9t_LazaFg8VcbBLHPOgvugq8OcJ7Dxk4ofkLuVBmmyyVzKPV/s320/IMG_3386.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Happy pumpkin season to you!<br />
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Cheers!<br />
Jenn<br />
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<a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2011/10/three-easy-fall-crafts-link-party/"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcWJwtSChDt4kJXjR_VSuXQyyUr7fwz2aq4Ye6_2jOO4xSN-jZo5v_RNUZgYTJO-qwVEFHsrauEF8-ml7iQRZUcBRQOI78eneYh51HHf9KkRZZpCuR9Vx3nCivU0l0NeBksnc3Iv8hzMl/s200/Fall_Link_Party_Kate1.jpg" width="166" /></a><a href="http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo161/CalamityAnne/debbiedoosnewbieparty1.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://homesavvyatoz.com/"><img border="0" src="http://www.homesavvyatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Freshmen-Friday-Button-e1314966899981.jpg" /></a></div>
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Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01829623306615752411noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417506073551683351.post-83201523723541226022011-09-29T07:57:00.000-06:002011-12-07T20:49:08.633-07:00Spooky Door Decor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I finally took my <a href="http://handmadehomebody.blogspot.com/2011/06/patriotic-wreath.html">patriotic wreath</a> off my front door a few weeks ago, and it has been bare (gasp!) until now. I had big plans for a Fall wreath idea that haven't quite materialized yet. Since there are just a few days left in September, I figured that I could get away with putting up a Halloween wreath now, and buy myself another month to work on my other idea! </div>
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This wreath was so easy to put together, although it was a bit time-consuming. The materials I used were a straw wreath form (left in the plastic), some Lion Brand Fun Fur in black, a thick, black satin ribbon, and these cute little spiders and bats that I found at Hobby Lobby.</div>
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I started off with a coat of black spray paint on the wreath form. This helped to conceal any missed spots with the Fun Fur. It actually looked like it was wrapped in a black garbage bag! To affix the Fun Fur, I wrapped and wrapped and wrapped and wrapped and wrapped... <br />
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You get the picture. I'm not going to lie; using the Fun Fur turned out to be a bit hairy (pun intended). It tangles very easily. If you are planning to do a project with Fun Fur or a similar type of yarn, I highly recommend wrapping it around something to keep it from tangling. I used a small piece of cardboard, about 1 1/2 x 6 inches, using it as a paddle. This really made the tedious chore of wrapping the yarn around the wreath form go much more smoothly.<br />
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I ended up using a little over 2 skeins of the Fun Fur to completely cover the wreath. If I were to do this again, I would probably wrap the yarn a little tighter, as I had plenty of yarn left over. <br />
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Once the wreath was completely covered, I was so pleased with how it turned out. In fact, I considered hanging it on my door right then. But my little Halloween creatures were too cute to leave behind. I wrapped the satin ribbon around the top and tied the bow when I attached it to my door. For the creatures, I trimmed the wires they were attached to, bent them and stuck them into the wreath at various places. Easy peasy. <br />
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I just love the finished product.<br />
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The little creatures are so whimsical and cute.<br />
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I think that my new Halloween wreath will be very welcoming to all of the cute little ghouls and goblins who come around on October 31st. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6i7ezZEO4y2rCZb9NboLWHt43Kg0JIr1fVavTEK3R-M5oJU2dzIN-pPkEuNIbh0CO5EcadfYDm2lXJTjIkGtz0wc8fB13MvlmvZkWvn9PntVarI8AMayECI_S5yBZLVtqYVCaxaJlmSa/s1600/IMG_3294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6i7ezZEO4y2rCZb9NboLWHt43Kg0JIr1fVavTEK3R-M5oJU2dzIN-pPkEuNIbh0CO5EcadfYDm2lXJTjIkGtz0wc8fB13MvlmvZkWvn9PntVarI8AMayECI_S5yBZLVtqYVCaxaJlmSa/s320/IMG_3294.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cheers!<br />
Jenn<br />
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<a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/door-decor-fall-linky-party/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XOoD_rKfO39HfYFwCWXjcvHG09BoLoFfKwftbDJn_TQWv8l29jFFuMQXwj9gHuLVQ43A9bmd2uDRlfBwTasxRHZJpjnTOUPwLXW18P9h2_8OphHdRzQXlvtSGSAnRTkP_9kQ9nLFBnwn/s1600/Fall_Link_Party_Rhoda.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo161/CalamityAnne/debbiedoosnewbieparty1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<center><a href="http://homesavvyatoz.com/"><img border="0" src="http://www.homesavvyatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Button-for-Blog-Hop-Flattened-e1311629690581.jpg" /></a></center><center><br /></center>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01829623306615752411noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417506073551683351.post-72540560815255810532011-09-26T22:16:00.000-06:002011-09-26T22:16:55.518-06:00Fall MantelI decided to participate in the Fall Mantel party over at <a href="http://www.theletteredcottage.net/">The Lettered Cottage</a>. I have a really pretty mantel and would love to put up some fantastic decorative items, but because my television niche is above it, I have to keep my decor low profile.<br />
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So I decided to go with pumpkins.</div>
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Many pumpkins.</div>
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Pumpkins of different shapes, sizes and colors.</div>
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Fabric pumpkins, to be more specific. I had the felt off-white pumpkins already. I bought them years ago at a fun little store called the Old House in Hog Hollow in Chesterfield, Missouri. But I knew that three pumpkins were simply not enough, and I wanted to add in some nice Fall colors.</div>
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A trip to Joann's was in order. It was a lot of fun picking out fabrics. I found some crushed velour-ish fabric in a gold, olive green and crimson first.</div>
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Then I added in some suiting plaids.</div>
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The plaids remind me of the sport coats with leather patches on the elbows, popular professorial attire of the 80s. And what is more iconic in the Fall than Back-to-School? </div>
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I rounded out my mantel with these music candles.</div>
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I'm really happy with how everything turned out. And the best part is that my mantel represents some of the things that I love the most: Fall, school, and music!</div>
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I'm looking forward to spreading more and more bits of Fall decor around my house.<br />
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Cheers!</div>
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Jenn</div>
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*I apologize for the poor picture quality. I took these at night, and had to use the flash for some. I love my point & shoot camera but I'm dreaming of a digital SLR!</div>
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Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01829623306615752411noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417506073551683351.post-65310520932192833622011-09-25T15:23:00.001-06:002011-09-30T09:41:46.502-06:00Butternut Squash Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Fall is officially upon us. This is, by far, my favorite time of year. The leaves start turning, the nights are cooler and I start craving delicious Autumn dishes. I have been making Butternut Squash Soup every Fall for years, and this one is no exception. Although our days have still been warm, my head was turned by a display of butternut squash at the entrance of Whole Foods the other day. So, of course, I had to buy one, and then went straight to the produce section to buy some ginger and leeks.<br />
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The recipe I use comes out of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/1997-Joy-Cooking-Irma-Rombauer/dp/0684818701/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1316976947&sr=8-3">The Joy of Cooking</a>. My book practically falls open to this recipe - that is how much I love it!<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
1 medium to large butternut squash<br />
3 T unsalted butter or vegetable oil<br />
2 large leeks, chopped (white part only)<br />
4 tsp minced, peeled fresh ginger<br />
6 C chicken or vegetable stock<br />
1 1/2 tsp salt<br />
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Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Cut the squash in half and remove the seeds. You can save the seeds for roasting, if you'd like. Drizzle a little oil on a baking sheet and bake the squash, face down, for an hour.<br />
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Mmm...your kitchen will be filled with the delicious aroma of roasted squash! Look at the beautiful color of the squash. It starts to caramelize, just a bit, adding a nice sweetness to the soup. <br />
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In a large pot, melt the butter or oil over medium to low heat. I usually use olive oil and I like to use my Staub Coq au Vin pot because it heats so evenly and can accommodate all of the ingredients nicely.<br />
Now it is time to add the leeks and ginger. Cook for about 5 minutes until they are tender, but not browned. If you thought your kitchen smelled good when the squash was roasting, you are in for a real treat now.<br />
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Scoop the squash out of the skin and add it to the leeks and ginger. Add 4 cups of stock and stir well, breaking up the pieces of squash as you go. I like to use a low sodium vegetable stock. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. <br />
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Now it is time to puree your soup mixture. I remove the pot from the heat, and use an immersion blender to do this. I think this is the easiest way to go. However, if you don't have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender and then return the pureed soup to the pot when you're done.<br />
I'm not sure about the rules for using a traditional blender with hot liquids, so be careful!<br />
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Add the remaining 2 cups of stock and the salt, and stir well. The soup is now smooth and luxurious.<br />
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You can garnish your soup with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, croutons or toasted squash seeds. I like to go with homemade croutons.<br />
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To make the croutons, cube some french bread, into pieces of approximately the same size. Drizzle with just a bit of olive oil, add some salt and fresh ground pepper and toss to coat. Spread the bread cubes onto a baking sheet. Pop them into a 400 degree oven for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through. <br />
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They come out gold brown and deliciously crunchy.</div>
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I like to add a bit of fresh cracked pepper to my soup before topping with croutons.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Bon Appétit!</span></span></div>
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This soup is so incredibly flavorful, largely due to the leeks and ginger. Butternut squash soup makes a great meal on a crisp Fall night. Aside from tasting great, it's pretty darn healthy, with the bulk of the soup coming from veggies, so second helpings are encouraged and guilt-free!<br />
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Cheers!<br />
Jenn<br />
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<a href="http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo161/CalamityAnne/debbiedoosnewbieparty1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<center><a href="http://homesavvyatoz.com/"><img border="0" src="http://www.homesavvyatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Freshmen-Friday-Button-e1314966899981.jpg" /></a></center><center><br /></center>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01829623306615752411noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417506073551683351.post-69598989279241121432011-09-11T11:44:00.000-06:002011-09-11T11:44:11.185-06:00A Day of Remembrance and Reflection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVQOcwd0tGq8hGBPKwW8ZeI5nr3YSVoXOXiv2VlM0L_sAqegAdeYGjWCxScfP6WbcowwTYD6m5NaLuBuMJFDMuQniF3BrtO2-JEGXVpie_DoEIBWExNvGtpT7bmfh9oAGSHUX0HAzqSoO/s1600/IMG_2864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVQOcwd0tGq8hGBPKwW8ZeI5nr3YSVoXOXiv2VlM0L_sAqegAdeYGjWCxScfP6WbcowwTYD6m5NaLuBuMJFDMuQniF3BrtO2-JEGXVpie_DoEIBWExNvGtpT7bmfh9oAGSHUX0HAzqSoO/s320/IMG_2864.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pausing to remember all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Keeping in mind all of the service men and women who have</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">sacrificed their lives to protect our freedom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://youtu.be/p6yLQRF-cEU">Darryl Worley - Have You Forgotten?</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRgXomMOl_AaQOCMpTOMN5toGcMu_VbRRBC1Ca4_tyaQEev7srXp4CqnGxw3_prxS0CHmSHkXHj5JzAXWTwtI8n5RxqrY3Tbyk3m0p1-yBkIQufKtHXWoJRxIpT0_Suvbqtz__FNbxAjb/s1600/IMG_2859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRgXomMOl_AaQOCMpTOMN5toGcMu_VbRRBC1Ca4_tyaQEev7srXp4CqnGxw3_prxS0CHmSHkXHj5JzAXWTwtI8n5RxqrY3Tbyk3m0p1-yBkIQufKtHXWoJRxIpT0_Suvbqtz__FNbxAjb/s320/IMG_2859.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b>9-11-01</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Never Forget</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01829623306615752411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417506073551683351.post-27400503054884901672011-09-05T14:04:00.000-06:002011-09-05T14:04:37.061-06:00Pretty Dry Erase CalendarWe can all use a little help to stay organized. I've discovered that even with everything that technology has to offer, I still like to have a calendar that I can write on in my kitchen. Until now, I've had a dry erase calendar from an office supply store hanging on my refrigerator. It's been quite functional and easy to access, although not very attractive. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAvsWeDBYQ5yN6CDw1Dbge60KMTIUbSs_6Y5LK71NkRKpZL1KL6hsCBK73U-D7JvrRcuQRcqoePhZzlSR_sKz3Add2tfUa8FedEzb33XgRcU69zk9mERS4QNmqhYX7ROKSr5iD3d-wzvf/s1600/IMG_3145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAvsWeDBYQ5yN6CDw1Dbge60KMTIUbSs_6Y5LK71NkRKpZL1KL6hsCBK73U-D7JvrRcuQRcqoePhZzlSR_sKz3Add2tfUa8FedEzb33XgRcU69zk9mERS4QNmqhYX7ROKSr5iD3d-wzvf/s320/IMG_3145.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
One night, while browsing through <a href="http://pinterest.com/jechante/">Pinterest</a>, I came across this super cute idea of making a white board out of a picture frame.<br />
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<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/123115522/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img 367'="" border="0" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/123115522_z5S53dSq_c.jpg" width="554 height =" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.makeandtakes.com/wipe-off-weekly-menu-board?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+allaboutthemakeandtakes+%28Make+and+Takes%29" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">makeandtakes.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/jhm3/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jessica</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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I decided that with a little tweaking, I could make my own calendar that would look prettier in my kitchen.<br />
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I found a frame at a thrift store for $1.99. It was just a plain, wood frame, but the right size, and not too heavy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-L0iCo__iJTiuXIxBI5Y3vCxjn4MXMZDJJIYIeIZB8ngeAgc9Jskfor97O6BJ7Gf7Ys_3gnroQgn2gv3RxvGiDT2BTDSq2tK6B9QY0RgabuBMwdiZt4aiTPDueCUzOMufq0zTI4NDAcN/s1600/IMG_3132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-L0iCo__iJTiuXIxBI5Y3vCxjn4MXMZDJJIYIeIZB8ngeAgc9Jskfor97O6BJ7Gf7Ys_3gnroQgn2gv3RxvGiDT2BTDSq2tK6B9QY0RgabuBMwdiZt4aiTPDueCUzOMufq0zTI4NDAcN/s320/IMG_3132.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I had some left over spray paint from another project, so I gave it a couple of coats of black paint.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgity1X45SwnwV-ABtNW_0JOePkt5ZlmY2h9neJQ4K5EurrIUb9tmxG0DuxQr75ccI7Cx_Li-MLdOD38H5x7u21s2ybw1uEt0hL9k46Yte5Sidn_FbaisLNBrFpLccEI910c-0n6EYcIAql/s1600/IMG_3136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgity1X45SwnwV-ABtNW_0JOePkt5ZlmY2h9neJQ4K5EurrIUb9tmxG0DuxQr75ccI7Cx_Li-MLdOD38H5x7u21s2ybw1uEt0hL9k46Yte5Sidn_FbaisLNBrFpLccEI910c-0n6EYcIAql/s320/IMG_3136.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I used a scrap of burlap that I had left over from my <a href="http://handmadehomebody.blogspot.com/2011/07/skirting-issue.html">island skirt project</a> to cover the back of the frame. <br />
After cutting it a little larger than the size of the frame, I ironed it, and attached it to the cardboard backing piece with packing tape.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5yS5O3JIFxqb1AJECAzQU8bDvtHBItKefhoSVKzay-q54o5Z4tysxCh0MhgZaH6EFAIQ82EQP7aICQGgCGJMWYeEYinTYmaHTtmZrK0k3OpzXpXDIkDTOWEjT_M33R9RE6ORdXajLU8I/s1600/IMG_3139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5yS5O3JIFxqb1AJECAzQU8bDvtHBItKefhoSVKzay-q54o5Z4tysxCh0MhgZaH6EFAIQ82EQP7aICQGgCGJMWYeEYinTYmaHTtmZrK0k3OpzXpXDIkDTOWEjT_M33R9RE6ORdXajLU8I/s320/IMG_3139.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I created a blank calendar template and printed it onto a piece of scrapbook paper. I attached it to the burlap backing with double stick tape.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcd4tNK0o0I6thbUW1MzNUf0Glu7Zk8nZiZR_OXAM4Z12xKwD0ZfWFclAwLnl84nZD_kkVM2hxfPM5oMggjZ2DlpF4GhwJRr5Yq2v0RX85bLZcJSf-n9QHGVCKR7K_67RxUD0_iiHAuzyV/s1600/IMG_3142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcd4tNK0o0I6thbUW1MzNUf0Glu7Zk8nZiZR_OXAM4Z12xKwD0ZfWFclAwLnl84nZD_kkVM2hxfPM5oMggjZ2DlpF4GhwJRr5Yq2v0RX85bLZcJSf-n9QHGVCKR7K_67RxUD0_iiHAuzyV/s320/IMG_3142.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
After putting the frame back together, I attached adhesive magnets to the back of the frame.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmH9j6ShFE4rDKfl0sjkrp_x6qjXk5Ao7TMuatfSwX9Arap2_9xl-YZjniRxd4VuLuFL7ty42Mx_zox_ubyFe7_xYEFU2Q_mzDnRKJiGlX3ourl-hFlSzSnblx5wcfdRcAT8fRUWecbWXy/s1600/IMG_3144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmH9j6ShFE4rDKfl0sjkrp_x6qjXk5Ao7TMuatfSwX9Arap2_9xl-YZjniRxd4VuLuFL7ty42Mx_zox_ubyFe7_xYEFU2Q_mzDnRKJiGlX3ourl-hFlSzSnblx5wcfdRcAT8fRUWecbWXy/s320/IMG_3144.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And voila - an pretty calendar for my fridge!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi65u8I_nmKF5ht80WdhdrA8zyxBG4cZdkNPZsPA5qQEzZQdDoMQlBiTr9kWHIT87JjftWkuN94kRgg_J9BPn3mKcle9uNJrRK2Su5DbS1dTsrGSO3PEyHN56hNH201JeGnUCl5YOTQcsB/s1600/IMG_3150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi65u8I_nmKF5ht80WdhdrA8zyxBG4cZdkNPZsPA5qQEzZQdDoMQlBiTr9kWHIT87JjftWkuN94kRgg_J9BPn3mKcle9uNJrRK2Su5DbS1dTsrGSO3PEyHN56hNH201JeGnUCl5YOTQcsB/s320/IMG_3150.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I like how the burlap and the black frame are harken back to the island skirt.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0ZPQkeAHGCP_Gvjkzs1Hg5Ilw8HZ-5v-ZtpnyOPDMt9u7CDjIIHY_9HCLxn5yWksTFC8W_JcldL4wvAqoOq3CdwO3dAnXze6-RzKaxS8UnODw0Lpxu5koAd7SDQNmfVwnHNGGw596U2M/s1600/IMG_2885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0ZPQkeAHGCP_Gvjkzs1Hg5Ilw8HZ-5v-ZtpnyOPDMt9u7CDjIIHY_9HCLxn5yWksTFC8W_JcldL4wvAqoOq3CdwO3dAnXze6-RzKaxS8UnODw0Lpxu5koAd7SDQNmfVwnHNGGw596U2M/s320/IMG_2885.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikN-GKxxzMXa6iXZ4cTOsoA8ueEwpedVT0L1V9dqC6FxOgmL9rNJnqaNPqNhsWWicxOFtzBQ19To4d0sDWq1pWzSN1AFAackvOR-HjVJjMkn6NbpSi5iwbvLTBm1BNzKO4ID1osPQZii3s/s1600/IMG_3154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikN-GKxxzMXa6iXZ4cTOsoA8ueEwpedVT0L1V9dqC6FxOgmL9rNJnqaNPqNhsWWicxOFtzBQ19To4d0sDWq1pWzSN1AFAackvOR-HjVJjMkn6NbpSi5iwbvLTBm1BNzKO4ID1osPQZii3s/s320/IMG_3154.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So all in all, a simple and inexpensive way to keep track of important dates.<br />
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Cheers!<br />
Jenn<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo161/CalamityAnne/debbiedoosnewbieparty1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01829623306615752411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5417506073551683351.post-9756392464734995692011-08-30T18:46:00.000-06:002011-08-30T18:46:09.825-06:00Shades of GrayI started painting my bedroom while the movers were still unloading the truck. The previous owner had painted it a periwinkle color, which wasn't terrible, but did not coordinate with any of my bedding. Not knowing what color to choose, I ended up going with Antique White, which is a light, creamy color. <br />
There is nothing wrong with this color; it is light and bright, and goes with everything. But lately, I have been thinking about a change. So, I'm thinking of going with gray. In seeking inspiration in shades of gray, I thought I would share some bedrooms that I've <a href="http://pinterest.com/jechante/dreamworthy-bedrooms/">pinned</a> for their gray goodness.<br />
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<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/150452329/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img 268'="" border="0" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/150452329_FyZ2qCJ7_c.jpg" width="400 height =" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://glamorousinteriors.blogspot.com/2009/12/gray-bedrooms.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">glamorousinteriors.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/jechante/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jenn</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><div style="color: #76838b; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">I love the crisp white linens and accents with this darker gray paint. </span></div></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/150440125/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img 814'="" border="0" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/150440125_8Vc1Cw5P_c.jpg" width="553 height =" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://www.desiretoinspire.net/blog/2011/5/6/nathan-and-brandis-bedroom-makeover.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">desiretoinspire.net</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/jechante/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jenn</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The white rose pillows on this bed are amazing! I like the yellow accents, too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/58800418/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img 433'="" border="0" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/58800418_ilTa0195_c.jpg" width="400 height =" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://finegreendesign.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/gray-bedroom.jpg&imgrefurl=http://finegreendesign.com/blog/2010/09/what-to-do-with-gray/&usg=__d5cTg14joLgdCIqbbH3YuDv77AY=&h=433&w=400&sz=136&hl=en&start=81&zoom=1&tbnid=sy4xKBeCU7PHNM:&tbnh=125&tbnw=113&ei=22f1TYHPFMKcgQe0h5y1DQ&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dgray%2Bbedroom%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26biw%3D1272%26bih%3D602%26gbv%3D2%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=584&vpy=203&dur=1112&hovh=234&hovw=216&tx=118&ty=105&page=5&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:17,s:81&biw=1272&bih=602" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">google.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/jechante/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jenn</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This dark gray paint is so dramatic.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/150436744/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img 550'="" border="0" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/150436744_rrTPyr2l_c.jpg" width="554 height =" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2011/08/master-bedroom-update/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">centsationalgirl.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/jechante/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jenn</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/">Centsational Girl's</a> master bedroom is beautifully tailored. I love her accessories!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/150452954/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img 640'="" border="0" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/150452954_xsz1XmDb_c.jpg" width="429 height =" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://dearlillieblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/good-bye-guest-bedroom.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">dearlillieblog.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/jechante/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jenn</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This room looks fit for a princess, or two! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/150453923/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img 400'="" border="0" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/150453923_cxWgjsUK_c.jpg" width="400 height =" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://elegantinterioirdesign.tumblr.com/post/9254677552" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">elegantinterioirdesign.tumblr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/jechante/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jenn</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ooh la la - check out this bed! I think this might be a bit too fancy for me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/150444681/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img 415'="" border="0" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/150444681_UUVXlhk4_c.jpg" width="554 height =" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/10-divine-master-bedrooms-by-candice-olson/pictures/index.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">hgtv.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/jechante/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jenn</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm loving these built-ins!</div><br />
I guess I can just dream about these beautiful bedrooms until I'm ready to take the plunge into gray paint in my own.<br />
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Cheers!<br />
Jenn<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo161/CalamityAnne/debbiedoosnewbieparty1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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</div></div>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01829623306615752411noreply@blogger.com4