tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10247184467541380412024-03-14T02:28:45.695-05:00Late Night Crafts & CreationsMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15157208426797495122noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024718446754138041.post-89154123635087538532014-05-12T15:55:00.002-05:002014-05-12T15:55:40.663-05:00Last Day of School Sign (+ Free Printables)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-olMBT_SjyIc/U3EJ8DCr4jI/AAAAAAAAA2w/D8LO8AftS2A/s1600/LastDay+of+School-Printables-Main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-olMBT_SjyIc/U3EJ8DCr4jI/AAAAAAAAA2w/D8LO8AftS2A/s1600/LastDay+of+School-Printables-Main.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My baby girl is getting ready to finish her first year of school this week! She absolutely loves preschool and she has learned so much since she started last August. I think she is excited for summer though - two-a-day park trips with daycare for the next three or four months - plus she can't wait for ball, the pool and a vacation to the zoo! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, to keep with the same theme as the <a href="http://latenightcraftsandcreations.blogspot.com/2013/08/preschool.html" target="_blank">First Day of School Printables</a> I made this past August, I whipped up a Last Day of School Printable over the weekend. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ig1g2cQ9IV4/U3E0-T5NY7I/AAAAAAAAA3o/8Nl18ZGNqMc/s1600/Last+Day+of+Preschool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ig1g2cQ9IV4/U3E0-T5NY7I/AAAAAAAAA3o/8Nl18ZGNqMc/s1600/Last+Day+of+Preschool.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And of course, I created a whole set of them to share with each of you for Preschool through 12th Grade! </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Click <a href="https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B31dv0JCE3vLOFZTa0NJc1p3dkk&usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a> to download the individual signs for both the FIRST and LAST Days of School!! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All you have to do is print it out and have your kiddo hold it up, or you can put it in a simple frame like I did (mine is from Wal-Mart). I put the year on the bottom, and you can write yours in if you'd like. It might make it easy to determine which year the photo is from later on!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In case you are curious or need a few ideas, here are a few additional school traditions we are doing:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">These <b><i>awesome</i></b> first and last day of school interview set from </span><a href="http://www.positivelysplendid.com/2012/08/first-day-of-school-interviews-for-kids-free-printables.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">Positively Splendid</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. We did one in August and I just printed out the interview for the final day of preschool. I can't wait to see the differences between the two! </span></li>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0NK53e1t26w/U3Eul2tY0rI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/wM3bKelV-3I/s1600/Hannah_FirstDayPreK_04-edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0NK53e1t26w/U3Eul2tY0rI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/wM3bKelV-3I/s1600/Hannah_FirstDayPreK_04-edited.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>You can download the preschool printable as well as the rest of the school years <a href="http://www.positivelysplendid.com/2013/05/first-and-final-day-of-school-interviews.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We are also having our daughter sign her name on this small chalkboard on both the first and last days of school. It will be so neat to see the difference that just a few months makes! </span></li>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qLo63A-8KEY/U3EWe2DjNeI/AAAAAAAAA3A/n-0AT4qVmiw/s1600/Hannah_FirstDayPreK.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qLo63A-8KEY/U3EWe2DjNeI/AAAAAAAAA3A/n-0AT4qVmiw/s1600/Hannah_FirstDayPreK.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I can't take credit for the idea - I found it on Pinterest of course! ;)</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hope you find the printables helpful! And be sure to share with your friends! What a great and easy way to capture these big days in your child's life!</span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15157208426797495122noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024718446754138041.post-62028554746960131702014-04-10T23:16:00.001-05:002014-04-15T14:54:17.315-05:0050 Non-Candy Easter Basket Ideas <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f85S-yj3-wA/U0dsbq16cgI/AAAAAAAAA2I/SMD9vRY-AfY/s1600/EasterBasket_Main-smaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f85S-yj3-wA/U0dsbq16cgI/AAAAAAAAA2I/SMD9vRY-AfY/s1600/EasterBasket_Main-smaller.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ah, Easter. The last holiday in the long line of candy-obsessed holidays that begin with Halloween and run through Christmas, Valentine's Day and finally Easter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well at our house, I guess I am the 'mean' mom that does not fill my kids' Easter baskets with candy. They get one big chocolate bunny and that's it. <i>Don't feel bad for them...they get plenty of candy from their grandparents, which is one of the main reasons why we don't include candy. ;)</i></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ryl3u61oY-c/U0drw7Zm_yI/AAAAAAAAA14/_SXOqcMkhF4/s1600/EasterBaskets_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ryl3u61oY-c/U0drw7Zm_yI/AAAAAAAAA14/_SXOqcMkhF4/s1600/EasterBaskets_01.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So...I thought I'd share some of my favorite items to include in their Easter baskets that do not involve candy:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Baseball Cap</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bath Crayons</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bike Accessories (Horn, Basket, Reflectors)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Books</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bouncing Balls</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bubbles</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bug Catching Kit</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Card Games</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Colored Pencils</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Coloring Books</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Crayons</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Doll</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fun Socks (holiday, character, polka-dot, etc.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Gardening Tools</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Glow Sticks</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hair Bands/Bows</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">iTunes Gift Card</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jump Rope</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Kids' Watch</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">LeapFrog LeapPad Games</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lip Gloss</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Magazine Subscription</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Markers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Matchbox Cars</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Movie</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Nail Polish</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Paint Set</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pajamas</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Personalized Pencils and Notebooks</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pinwheels</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Play-Doh</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Princess Wand/Tiana</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Puffs (for Babies…like the Gerber kind)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Puzzles</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Shoes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sidewalk Chalk</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Silly Putty</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Slinkie</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Stamp Markers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Stamp Set</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Stickers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Stuffed Animal</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sunglasses</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Superhero Cape</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Swimsuit</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Temporary Tatoos</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Toothbrush</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Travel-Sized Board Games</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Water Bottle</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yo-Yo</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hope that provides you with some great ideas for your children's Easter baskets this year! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Linked up to: <a href="http://www.mamasgotittogether.com/linky-parties/pin-it-party-pinterest-link-up-410/" target="_blank">Mama's Got It Together: Pin It Party</a>, <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2014/04/take-look-tuesday_14.html" target="_blank">Sugar Bee Crafts: Take a Look Tuesday</a>, <a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/04/one-project-at-a-time-41514.html" target="_blank">A Bowl Full of Lemons: One Project At a Time</a>.</i></span></div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15157208426797495122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024718446754138041.post-29974467534775397012014-03-31T21:16:00.001-05:002014-04-04T10:28:09.523-05:00One-Pan Monster Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i1oj0TUgql4/UzoczmULuiI/AAAAAAAAA0s/6K-Sqg52HDg/s1600/MonsterCookies_MAIN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i1oj0TUgql4/UzoczmULuiI/AAAAAAAAA0s/6K-Sqg52HDg/s1600/MonsterCookies_MAIN.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I know that I normally share crafty projects only, but I love this recipe so much that I just had to share it here on my blog. These cookies are just dying to be made by each of you! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Besides the easy Nestle Toll House chocolate chip cookies, this is my go-to recipe when I am craving some chocolate...or when I have to quickly whip up some cookies for a PTO Fundraiser. You can't beat a one-pan recipe that is super simple and delicious. Oh and did I mention they are DELICIOUS?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">RECIPE:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Preheat Oven to 350 degrees</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cooking time: 20 minutes</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ingredients: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 stick butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 cup brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 cup sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 tsp vanilla</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3 eggs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 1/2 cup peanut butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 tsp baking soda</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4 1/2 cups oatmeal</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1/2 bag of M&Ms</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cream together the butter, sugars, vanilla and eggs with your mixer. Then, add in the peanut butter, baking soda and oatmeal and mix together until well combined. Finally, add in the M&Ms and chocolate chips. Some people say to mix in with a spoon - I just use my mixer, it's just easier. <i>(It is a pretty generous amount of chocolate - which is what makes them so yummy!) </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Spread out onto cookie sheet. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HAgvAgbrDbw/Uzodxmp-nXI/AAAAAAAAA04/-Ql2b7Dv57Y/s1600/MonsterCookies_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HAgvAgbrDbw/Uzodxmp-nXI/AAAAAAAAA04/-Ql2b7Dv57Y/s1600/MonsterCookies_01.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. And there you have it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Easy one-pan monster cookies! Enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I think this kid sure did... :)</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ezr3d8acPh4/UzogfsogyRI/AAAAAAAAA1g/L2xlriD9DtU/s1600/MonsterCookies_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ezr3d8acPh4/UzogfsogyRI/AAAAAAAAA1g/L2xlriD9DtU/s1600/MonsterCookies_05.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Linking up to: <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2014/03/take-look-tuesday_31.html" target="_blank">Sugar Bee Crafts: Take A Look Tuesday</a>, <a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/04/one-project-at-a-time-4114.html" target="_blank">A Bowl Full of Lemons: One Project At A Time</a>,<a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2014/03/31/made-by-you-monday-197/" target="_blank"> Skip to My Lou: Made By You Monday</a>, <a href="http://www.scatteredthoughtsofacraftymom.com/2014/03/inspiration-monday-and-huge-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Scattered Thoughts of A Crafty Mom: Inspiration Monday</a>, <a href="http://www.thatswhatchesaid.net/2014/10-diy-projects-2/" target="_blank">That's What Che Said: Monday Funday</a>, <a href="http://www.mamasgotittogether.com/linky-parties/pin-it-party-43/" target="_blank">Mama's Got It Together: Pin It Party</a></span></i>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15157208426797495122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024718446754138041.post-12390956899909304022014-03-23T22:54:00.001-05:002014-03-27T22:19:19.580-05:00Chalkboard Pantry Doors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jNAPkdMXHmg/Uy-qrvY8KBI/AAAAAAAAA0I/DjcItMNBLMo/s1600/PantryDoors_Main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jNAPkdMXHmg/Uy-qrvY8KBI/AAAAAAAAA0I/DjcItMNBLMo/s1600/PantryDoors_Main.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Have you ever finished a quick and easy project, and completely underestimated the significance</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> it would have once it was finished?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Meet my 'updated' pantry doors.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eI0DF8q8DlI/Uy-nZ8TBCCI/AAAAAAAAAzk/k2FqyGKna6s/s1600/Pantry_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eI0DF8q8DlI/Uy-nZ8TBCCI/AAAAAAAAAzk/k2FqyGKna6s/s1600/Pantry_03.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I don't have a before photo (I know, bad blogger), but just imagine the doors all the same nice wooden color as it is below.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I wanted to utilize these doors to house my weekly menu plan and never-ending grocery list. But, I knew that I didn't want to paint over the doors with any sort of chalkboard paint that I couldn't eventually remove.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As luck would have it, while browsing the back-to-school clearance at Target, I found a role of chalkboard contact paper for 72 cents. Yep, back up and rewind. You read that right: 72 cents.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I don't have a photo of the box to tell you what kind it is, but just search for <u><i>chalkboard contact paper</i></u> on amazon - lots of options pop up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I left it blank for for quite a while (actually I wrote in 'Groceries' and 'Weekly Menu'), and then of course I decided I needed to spruce it up with my trusty Silhouette. I think the words took like a quarter sheet of vinyl, which probably cost about another 72 cents.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mb3WWwiejJY/Uy-q-rji45I/AAAAAAAAA0U/bX9-vxfof_w/s1600/Pantry_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mb3WWwiejJY/Uy-q-rji45I/AAAAAAAAA0U/bX9-vxfof_w/s1600/Pantry_02.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I might be exaggerating just a little, but for a project that cost less than $1.50, it has been sorta life-changing. Ok, maybe not life changing...but it has definitely increased my organization...and my sanity. ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Each week, I fill out my menu plan while consulting my trusty family's schedule on my <a href="https://www.erincondren.com/referral/invite/michellewhitesell" target="_blank">Erin Condren planner</a>. <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(On a side note: seriously, if you don't have one of these things, you are MISSING OUT. Love, love, love my EC Planner!!)</span></i></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pap6wnL71EM/Uy-nFXaHCbI/AAAAAAAAAzU/l9p3jnhHd9I/s1600/Pantry_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pap6wnL71EM/Uy-nFXaHCbI/AAAAAAAAAzU/l9p3jnhHd9I/s1600/Pantry_06.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Now if i can just teach my four-year-old to read, and that way she'll stop asking me, "What are we having for dinner tonight?". Ha-Mothers everywhere are laughing at me now.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As for my grocery list, I love having a running list right there in the busiest part of the kitchen, that way I (my hubby) have no excuse not to write something down when we run out of something. Then when I am headed to the grocery store, I can just snap a photo of the list with my phone and head out the door.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cOnApHtlCqk/Uy-nMQrkGsI/AAAAAAAAAzc/6jkJbVYoaGE/s1600/Pantry_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cOnApHtlCqk/Uy-nMQrkGsI/AAAAAAAAAzc/6jkJbVYoaGE/s1600/Pantry_05.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VL_55ruHbj4/Uy-okjAT9KI/AAAAAAAAAzw/RDI8HIlal5w/s1600/Pantry_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VL_55ruHbj4/Uy-okjAT9KI/AAAAAAAAAzw/RDI8HIlal5w/s1600/Pantry_04.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Wow - you can really tell the menu plan gets used the most - huh?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>No matter how hard I tried - I couldn't get it 'clean'. Anyone have any suggestions?<br /><br />Oh and does anyone else notice my M&M stash on top of the pantry!?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That hallway on right heads straight to the garage - so I see my grocery list every time I walk out the door to leave. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">See - a small project can really make a big difference! </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jNAPkdMXHmg/Uy-qrvY8KBI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/6VPZCDiINgI/s1600/PantryDoors_Main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jNAPkdMXHmg/Uy-qrvY8KBI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/6VPZCDiINgI/s1600/PantryDoors_Main.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Anyone out there have a similar experience? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now onto organizing the junk drawer... :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Linking up to: <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2014/03/take-look-tuesday_24.html" target="_blank">Sugar Bee Crafts: Take A Look Tuesday</a>, <a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/03/one-project-at-a-time-32514.html" target="_blank">A Bowl Full of Lemons: One Project At A Time</a>,<u> </u><a href="http://www.waittilyourfathergetshome.com/2014/03/27/creative-connection-7/" style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Wait Til Your Father Gets Home: Creative Connection</a>, <u><a href="http://www.mamasgotittogether.com/linky-parties/pin-it-party-327/" target="_blank">Mama's Got It Together: Pin It Party.</a></u></span></i></span></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15157208426797495122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024718446754138041.post-26059605551351466592014-03-03T15:37:00.002-06:002014-03-27T22:19:32.786-05:00Personalized Fleece Tie Blanket + 'Chemo Survival Kit'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MWfaDrTSqjs/UxTsmBvf9CI/AAAAAAAAAyM/WW0Nhhnk6XM/s1600/Blanket_MAIN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MWfaDrTSqjs/UxTsmBvf9CI/AAAAAAAAAyM/WW0Nhhnk6XM/s1600/Blanket_MAIN.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wow. It is March already. It's cliche, but time really does fly. Seems like you plan to do something (aka blog) and then life gets in the way and you don't get it done. And honestly, since this little blog of mine is just for fun, it isn't even in my top five in terms of priorities, so it most often gets shoved to the back burner. And that is completely fine. </span></div>
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<br />In January, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. She's already a more than 30-year survivor of Hodgkin's lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph tissue. Her prognosis is good, but if you are the praying type, prayers are MUCH appreciated. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7qSxJ4SE3Xk/UxTlsoGGA8I/AAAAAAAAAx8/ikSoscYstqE/s1600/SchmitzFamily-1462+low+res+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7qSxJ4SE3Xk/UxTlsoGGA8I/AAAAAAAAAx8/ikSoscYstqE/s1600/SchmitzFamily-1462+low+res+cropped.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Me and my momma. Isn't she beautiful?!</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Most of you don't know me, but for those out there that do, you know that I am a 'do-er'. I never sit still and I am always multi-tasking. <i>Ask my hubby - I can't even watch TV without working on something else - which is why I can't keep up with what is going on in our favorite shows</i>. I always have to keep busy, especially during times of stress. It is a control thing - when I am in 'control' of even the smallest things, I feel better. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, when my mom was diagnosed, I went into crazy 'do-er' mode, trying to help plan meals, rides, etc....anything I could do to make her life easier. One of my good friends, <a href="http://bccarpenter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Courtney</a>, is also a breast cancer survivor, and I enlisted her help in thinking of all the things my mom might need as she started chemotherapy. She listed off some great ideas, but in the back of my mind, I just wanted to do something more, something personal. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I really wanted to make her a blanket. Ever since I can remember, my mom has always been cold. It can be 90 degrees outside and my mom will want a blanket over her legs outside. So, I thought she might enjoy a blanket she can take with her to chemo. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--6DioUxw420/UxTweNuUjoI/AAAAAAAAAyg/umINGhZLEEE/s1600/Blanket_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--6DioUxw420/UxTweNuUjoI/AAAAAAAAAyg/umINGhZLEEE/s1600/Blanket_03.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Isn't it cute? Definitely bright & cheery!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I just did the typical fleece tie blanket (if you don't know how - there are tons of tutorials online - just Google it). I've made literally dozens of these for my family and friends over the years. </span></span></div>
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I like to make them really long (3 yards) so you have plenty of blanket at the bottom to tuck underneath your toes. :)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GHGWhjBX4AY/UxTxWdDJ1vI/AAAAAAAAAys/ptrkhwVcyXI/s1600/Blanket_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GHGWhjBX4AY/UxTxWdDJ1vI/AAAAAAAAAys/ptrkhwVcyXI/s1600/Blanket_06.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">It is really long....it's folded several times in this photo.</span></i></div>
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It is bright and cheery, but also practical. But I still wanted it to be more. </div>
<br />So...with my trusty Silhouette, I decided it would be neat to have the signatures of all of her immediate family members on the blanket so she would always have the six of us with her at all times during her treatment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had each person sign a sheet of paper - my Dad, my brother, my hubby, and my daughter, who also signed my 18-month old son's name. I scanned that sheet into the computer and traced it in the silhouette software. I thin printed it out on white heat transfer vinyl and adhered to the blanket. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is the result:</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JKGZ0p0JtKI/UxTxxDnIwFI/AAAAAAAAAy0/j6-AamGqcEM/s1600/Blanket_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JKGZ0p0JtKI/UxTxxDnIwFI/AAAAAAAAAy0/j6-AamGqcEM/s1600/Blanket_02.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I put it at the top of the blanket so it would be closest to her heart. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It might be cheesy - but I think my mom was pretty happy about it. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-76yp68HXQqs/UxTwTpMhvXI/AAAAAAAAAyY/w6r6tGmEaNw/s1600/Blanket_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-76yp68HXQqs/UxTwTpMhvXI/AAAAAAAAAyY/w6r6tGmEaNw/s1600/Blanket_01.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In addition to the blanket, I made her a 'chemo survival kit', filled with items she might need during those visits. I put these all in one of those awesome Thirty-One bags with all the pockets. </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Chapstick</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hard candy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Cough drops</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hand sanitizer</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hand lotion</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Blank thank you notes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Pen and paper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Journal</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Photo of her family</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bottled water</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Crackers</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In the bag, she can also include a book and magazines, even her computer. </span></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">No I am not endorsed by Thirty-One, I just really like their bags. :)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Any cancer survivors or caregivers out there? What items were helpful to you during your treatment? Mom has just one chemo treatment down and many to go, so I'd love to hear what was important to you during that time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Linking up to: <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2014/03/take-look-tuesday.html" target="_blank">Sugar Bee Crafts: Take A Look Tuesday</a>, <a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/03/one-project-at-a-time-3414.html" target="_blank">A Bowl Full of Lemons: One Project At A Time</a>,<a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2014/03/03/made-by-you-monday-193/" target="_blank"> Skip to My Lou: Made By You Monday</a>, <a href="http://www.scatteredthoughtsofacraftymom.com/2014/03/inspiration-monday-plus-features.html" target="_blank">Scattered Thoughts of A Crafty Mom: Inspiration Monday</a>, <a href="http://www.thatswhatchesaid.net/2014/10-diy-projects-2/" target="_blank">That's What Che Said: Monday Funday</a>, <a href="http://www.waittilyourfathergetshome.com/2014/03/27/creative-connection-7/" target="_blank">Wait Til Your Father Gets Home: Creative Connection</a>, </span></i></span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><a href="http://www.mamasgotittogether.com/linky-parties/pin-it-party-327/" target="_blank">Mama's Got It Together: Pin It Party.</a></u></span></i></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15157208426797495122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024718446754138041.post-37491291951736828292014-02-07T22:19:00.001-06:002014-02-07T22:19:09.382-06:00Valentine LOVE Shirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-viuIQRzkzME/UvWvxeG8TBI/AAAAAAAAAxk/LaaFgN__ip0/s1600/LOVEShirt_MAIN+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-viuIQRzkzME/UvWvxeG8TBI/AAAAAAAAAxk/LaaFgN__ip0/s1600/LOVEShirt_MAIN+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I love my Silhouette for
many reasons, but one of the reasons I love it the most is being able
to make something when I can't find exactly what I want in the store....which
leads me to today's post.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My DIY Love Valentine
shirt. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I didn't like any of the
Valentine's Day shirts for little girls at our local mass retailer. But, they
did have blank white shirts that would be perfectly paired with some red vinyl.
;)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TyKX-ddZbcU/UvWsZnRNCfI/AAAAAAAAAwk/yxtZHrM5R70/s1600/LOVEShirt_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TyKX-ddZbcU/UvWsZnRNCfI/AAAAAAAAAwk/yxtZHrM5R70/s1600/LOVEShirt_01.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, I literally took
five minutes, a cute font and one of this week's free shapes from <a href="http://misskatecuttables.com/" target="_blank">Miss Kate'sCuttables</a> and came up with this:</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cJ8suOtfTxk/UvWshHliLDI/AAAAAAAAAws/Ok09kd__UkI/s1600/LOVEShirt_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cJ8suOtfTxk/UvWshHliLDI/AAAAAAAAAws/Ok09kd__UkI/s1600/LOVEShirt_06.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Heat Transfer Vinyl is super easy to use. Just make your design in </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Silhouette Studio. Be sure to place the heat transfer vinyl shiny side down on your cutting mat and then mirror your image before you print. Then weed the design once it is printed. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ak06PQXXFo/UvWtv_chZyI/AAAAAAAAAw4/UFEJMPgYME4/s1600/LOVEShirt_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ak06PQXXFo/UvWtv_chZyI/AAAAAAAAAw4/UFEJMPgYME4/s1600/LOVEShirt_03.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xdc6kaGupGo/UvWuGMWREUI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/tPMe3pc45uk/s1600/LOVEShirt_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xdc6kaGupGo/UvWuGMWREUI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/tPMe3pc45uk/s1600/LOVEShirt_04.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Then center the design on the shirt, iron and you are done! So simple!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-btOKmvABgas/UvWuZrhq0YI/AAAAAAAAAxY/QnDpENK0_Ps/s1600/LOVEShirt_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-btOKmvABgas/UvWuZrhq0YI/AAAAAAAAAxY/QnDpENK0_Ps/s1600/LOVEShirt_02.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K7GHdVy1au0/UvWtyFwO_7I/AAAAAAAAAxA/vKO_R4kM7yw/s1600/LOVEShirt_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K7GHdVy1au0/UvWtyFwO_7I/AAAAAAAAAxA/vKO_R4kM7yw/s1600/LOVEShirt_05.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And this 4-year-old
LOVED IT! :)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Happy Valentine's Day!</span></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15157208426797495122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024718446754138041.post-82734692549061172452014-01-20T22:21:00.000-06:002014-02-01T22:42:01.396-06:00'Blowing A Kiss Your Way' Valentine + Free Printable! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fVTAAinLqFA/Ut3z5Rxj3JI/AAAAAAAAAwE/5swe9N_AouA/s1600/ValentineLips_Main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fVTAAinLqFA/Ut3z5Rxj3JI/AAAAAAAAAwE/5swe9N_AouA/s1600/ValentineLips_Main.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Well here we are already half-way through January! 2014 is already flying by! </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">February will be here before we know it, and soon it will be Valentine's Day! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I always like to do a handmade Valentine for the kiddos to take to daycare. And since this is Hannah's first year of school (pre-K), I thought I would try and do something a little more fun!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dSlmyWNsNQc/Ut3z14-dpfI/AAAAAAAAAvA/Gq8sSHyXWx8/s1600/LipWhistles_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dSlmyWNsNQc/Ut3z14-dpfI/AAAAAAAAAvA/Gq8sSHyXWx8/s1600/LipWhistles_01.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We found these lip whistle things on clearance at Hobby Lobby the day after Christmas. They were originally $5.99, and I think I paid right at $2.00 for them. There are 12 in there, so that's roughly 17 cents a piece - which I thought was pretty good.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CmhPnivx8gw/Ut3z2HsdGrI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/kILOhT-bTPQ/s1600/LipWhistles_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CmhPnivx8gw/Ut3z2HsdGrI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/kILOhT-bTPQ/s1600/LipWhistles_02.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">They came with some weird Santa beard - didn't use those of course. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqsVuWUs0kk/Ut3z2QKNCsI/AAAAAAAAAvU/2dAVB74xS3Y/s1600/ValentineLips_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqsVuWUs0kk/Ut3z2QKNCsI/AAAAAAAAAvU/2dAVB74xS3Y/s1600/ValentineLips_01.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I made up a cute little printable to go along with them.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AM45BZNhPUI/Ut3z20GR4aI/AAAAAAAAAvc/FqCUEoM2Iac/s1600/ValentineLips_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AM45BZNhPUI/Ut3z20GR4aI/AAAAAAAAAvc/FqCUEoM2Iac/s1600/ValentineLips_02.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And then cut them down to four pieces with my paper cutter. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-px2lBf9HsaQ/Ut3z3jDulKI/AAAAAAAAAvo/AhiOao_58JI/s1600/ValentineLips_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-px2lBf9HsaQ/Ut3z3jDulKI/AAAAAAAAAvo/AhiOao_58JI/s1600/ValentineLips_03.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I used an exacto knife and scissors to cut a whole in the middle just big enough that the whistle would fit but also wouldn't fall out. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XHjTnW8AEdY/Ut3z3w49zqI/AAAAAAAAAvs/TQW1nv9xNxc/s1600/ValentineLips_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XHjTnW8AEdY/Ut3z3w49zqI/AAAAAAAAAvs/TQW1nv9xNxc/s1600/ValentineLips_04.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: start;">Cute, huh?</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zAMOdOHQPT4/Ut3z5BI4PYI/AAAAAAAAAwA/-duaMIwM_Mg/s1600/ValentineLips_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zAMOdOHQPT4/Ut3z5BI4PYI/AAAAAAAAAwA/-duaMIwM_Mg/s1600/ValentineLips_06.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let's just say the parents at Hannah's school are going to love me... :)</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fVTAAinLqFA/Ut3z5Rxj3JI/AAAAAAAAAwE/5swe9N_AouA/s1600/ValentineLips_Main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fVTAAinLqFA/Ut3z5Rxj3JI/AAAAAAAAAwE/5swe9N_AouA/s1600/ValentineLips_Main.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You can download the file <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B31dv0JCE3vLc2JWZ2lNT2ZVQjQ/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>(I've never shared a printable before, so let me know if you have trouble downloading the file. For personal use only.)</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now to decide what to do for the little man's Valentines...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Enjoy!</span><br />
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<i style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Linking up to: <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2014/01/take-look-tuesday_20.html" target="_blank">Sugar Bee Craft's Take-A-Look Tuesday</a> and the <a href="http://www.mamasgotittogether.com/linky-parties/weekend-block-party-131-22/" target="_blank">Weekend Block Party at Mama's Got It Together</a>. </span></i></div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15157208426797495122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024718446754138041.post-49482767166229687832014-01-04T23:27:00.002-06:002014-01-07T22:25:11.466-06:00Old Dresser Turned Dress Up Clothes Station<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H1b21n8eTWE/Usjp_4Jv-BI/AAAAAAAAAsI/MrsnE7VNu9g/s1600/DressUpClothesStation_MAIN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H1b21n8eTWE/Usjp_4Jv-BI/AAAAAAAAAsI/MrsnE7VNu9g/s1600/DressUpClothesStation_MAIN.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Like many other crafters, I tend to pick up random items and pieces of furniture at yard sales with the goal of refurbishing them into something spectacular and new. And when I bring them home, my hubby usually gives me a supportive nod...but really inside he's probably really thinking "oh lord, not another piece of junk!" </span><br />
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I think that was the case when I brought home a particular dresser one evening after I stopped by a friend's yard sale. I think I paid like $7 bucks for it. It had been stored in a barn and was pretty dirty and had a bunch of lovely mouse pellets inside of it. It didn't look very good, but it was sturdy - and I had big plans for it.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hk3UJgVyBqc/UsjbKBH2JYI/AAAAAAAAAp0/UvOVAPklTNc/s1600/Dresser_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hk3UJgVyBqc/UsjbKBH2JYI/AAAAAAAAAp0/UvOVAPklTNc/s1600/Dresser_01.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now, I forgot to take a before picture (actually I forgot to take a lot of pictures - bad blogger), so imagine this dresser without the piece of plywood on top of the spot for the last drawer. It started out with four drawers and we kept just the bottom drawer to hold her accessories. <i>(And actually I kept the other drawers....any ideas on what I can do with them?) </i></span><br />
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We cleaned it up well with soap and water and removed the rusty old wheels off of the bottom. Then, the hubby cut down a few pieces of plywood to put around the inside to make it flat (and so nothing could fall through the dresser). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now we get into the fun part....the five coats of paint it took to cover this thing. <i>Yes, I said five coats. </i></span><br />
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I had read about Annie Sloan Chalk paint on many of my favorite blogs. A ton of people use it and love it, because you don't have to sand or prime it. So, that was our plan - go the easy route and use a plain white chalk paint. Well apparently we had chosen a special dresser with an extra special varnish on it, because we did two layers of chalk paint and it just kept bleeding through. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, we gave up on our idea and decided to use Kilz to prime it and then cover with just a plain white semi-gloss paint. Because we didn't paint it with normal matte paint initially, there is a little bit of 'texture' to the dresser, but honestly, it looks great regardless. Plus, this is a 'play' piece, not meant to be some fancy refurbished dresser. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, we (and by we, I mean my awesome husband who did all the painting while I was sick for a week right after Thanksgiving) gave it a coat of Kilz and then two coats of paint. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then we covered the insides and lined the drawer with this cute polka dot wrapping paper from Hobby Lobby. We were going to use contact paper, but it was going to be a lot more expensive. Plus, I liked the idea of being able to change the look of the inside when we re-do our daughter's room in a year or two.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The next step was to add the hardware. We added a rod on the inside to hold her dress up clothes on hangers.</span><br />
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We also added two of these satin nickel coat hooks to either side to hold her necklaces, purses, hairbands, etc. (the ones in the middle). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Finally, we added a satin nickel pull to the front for easy access to her princess accessories! </span><br />
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And wa-la! The final product for Christmas morning! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She was pretty happy about getting the biggest present of the group. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And at it's final spot in her room! We've been having lots of dress up parties in the past couple weeks! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Linking up to: <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2014/01/take-look-tuesday.html" target="_blank"> Sugar Bee Crafts' Take a Look Tuesday</a> and <a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/01/one-project-at-a-time-1714.html" target="_blank">A Bowl Full of Lemons' One Project at a Time.</a></span></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15157208426797495122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024718446754138041.post-10231653627133789332014-01-01T22:42:00.005-06:002014-01-01T22:42:52.778-06:00Happy New Year 2014! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://trendsimages.com/new-years-quotes-happy-new-year-graphic-2014/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">(Source)</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy New Year Y'all! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Wow - can you believe it's 2014 already? The last two months of the year flew by so fast! We had a bunch of the yucky stomach flu and respiratory stuff right after Thanksgiving, and that, combined with our goal of a 'handmade' Christmas (more to come on that later), kept us crazy busy over the last month! So I've been a little absent from the blog, but I can't wait to get back and share some of my crafting adventures with you! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In typical New Year fashion, I wanted to set a few 'goals' for the upcoming year. And what better way to be held accountable than to share them all with you (my 7 followers...lol! Hey - something is better than nothing, right?!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Let me start off by saying there are quite a few, which is probably a bad idea, and if I only partial accomplish a few of these, I'll still be very satisfied. I think this list was just a great way for me to reflect on last year and think of the things I'd like to see differently in 2014, in order to be a better mother, wife, blogger, Christian, etc. Acknowledging these things need to happen is the first step in the right direction! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So...here we go (in no particular order):</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Become CPR Certified </b>- I've had this in mind for several years and never completed it. Honestly, I am almost scared to do it. But for my children's safety, I need to get it done. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Grow my blog by 25 followers</b> - My blog is still in its infancy, but I want to grow my followers from 7 to 32...or more! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Read 12 books </b>- I used to read every day. Then I had kids. And I stopped with the exception of vacations and nights on the road for work. I think I am a happier person when I read - plus it is a great way to unwind at the end of the day instead of wasting time surfing Facebook. I want to read an average of one book a month this year. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Spend one full girls' day with Hannah</b> - Hannah's at such a fun age and I love spending one-on-one pampering time with her. I want to take a day, go shopping, get pedicures, eat ice cream and go to the movies with her. Honestly, that would be a PERFECT day. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Have monthly date nights with the hubs </b>- since Lucas was born, Joe and I just don't really go out to eat or movies very often. I want to do a monthly date night. It could even be a night in, but I want to plan something special each month. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Read more books to Lucas</b>- my little man is a total cuddler and loves to read. And too often I rush through books or put off reading to him because I think whatever I am doing is more important. Well it isn't, and I need to cherish this time before he grows out of it! </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Meal plan each week</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - I did this for most of 2013 but toward the end I got lazy, so hoping to keep it going throughout the whole year in 2014! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Have unplugged Sundays</b> - I spend way too much time on my iPhone. When the kiddos are playing, I way-too-often whip out my phone and jump on social media. I am missing out on such special time with my kids. I am going to blink and they'll be grown and I will have wasted more time checking on what my friends ate last night and what my favorite celebrity is up to than I did watching them grow! So - I want to unplug on Sundays and make sure I treasure every moment with them! Now I just have to get Joe on board too! :)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Send out more birthday cards</b> - I know this is vague, but I just want to send out more cards to my friends and family. I love getting cards in the mail, so I would love to make others' day! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Finally do a true Project Life</b> - a photo per day and write down journaling in my planner. I want to capture this time in our lives because it goes SO FAST!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Print more photos -</b> Shame Alert: I haven't printed photos for a family album since Hannah's first Christmas. See item above - I want to print weekly, monthly or at some set increment so I can complete a Project Life album and create something fro my family to look back at! W</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">e had professional photos taken last year like 4 times (we do newborn, 3, 6, 9 and 12 with our kids, plus yearly after that) and I think I printed Luke's newborn, 3 month and that is IT! I pay so much for great photos and they stay locked up in cyberspace and on my CD. Which leads me to my next item...</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Finish my living room gallery wall </b>- long story short: we put up photos and I hate the way they look, so I stopped and left it sort of in limbo. I want to finally finish it this year!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Buy a new bible</b> - I want to finally buy a 'study' type Bible so that I can do more than just read a chapter/verse, and instead truly understand what I am reading. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Complete a Will for Joe and I </b>- this is pretty simple. We don't have one, and we need one, especially now that we have two kids. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wow - that is quite the list. Honestly, it is scary and intimidating to think about what I want to accomplish this year. But you know what? You've gotta start somewhere! So, I encourage you to make a list of your goals for 2014. Don't be afraid to put them out there for others to see - we can hold each other accountable! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wishing you and yours a Happy and Blessed 2014!</span></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15157208426797495122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024718446754138041.post-2584121611224683632013-12-12T09:52:00.003-06:002013-12-12T09:52:43.875-06:0025 Days of Christmas Books<div style="background-color: white;">
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 20px;">Recently, I <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2013/11/25-days-of-christmas-books-late-night.html" target="_blank">guest posted over at Sugar Bee Crafts</a> on my family's 25 Days of Christmas Books tradition. Thought I would go ahead and share here as well! Enjoy! :)</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Looking for an easy and meaningful family tradition this Christmas? Start the 25 Days of Christmas Books and enjoy time with your family during the busy holiday season.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">I started this tradition three years ago after my daughter was born. I did it for two reasons: 1) As my husband and I were starting our family, I wanted us to start our own traditions as well. 2) In the midst of the craziness of the holidays, I wanted to ensure that we had something that would bring us together as a family each and every night.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Plus, I liked that the books would give us a countdown to Christmas (like an Advent calendar), without my kids receiving candy or small trinkets. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">So, we decided to start the 25 Days of Christmas Books. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Starting this tradition is really easy to do: just find 25 Christmas/holiday books, wrap them up and open/read one each day from December 1st to December 25th. Easy right? :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Finding 25 books might require a little bit of work, assuming you don't just want to buy 25 brand new books at your local bookstore or on Amazon. I picked ours up over the past four years at garage sales, local thrift shops, and from various retail stores. </span><span style="line-height: 20px;">I try to pick up at least one new one each year. </span><span style="line-height: 20px;">Several of them were given to our kiddos as Christmas presents as well. </span><span style="line-height: 20px;">You could also ask your friends and and family if they have some gently-loved books that their children have outgrown. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Some of our favorites include:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <u>The Classics</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>The Childhood Favorites</u><br />(so fun to read one of my old books to my kiddos!)</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3X2Mu_GZ93k/UomMPOx8uhI/AAAAAAAAAl4/LXq18REbHfM/s1600/ChristmasBooks_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3X2Mu_GZ93k/UomMPOx8uhI/AAAAAAAAAl4/LXq18REbHfM/s1600/ChristmasBooks_02.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>The Reason for the Season</u><br />(and another of my childhood favorites)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <u>Interactive Books</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(these Jingle and Bell books are my daughter's FAVORITE! I was so happy to see they put out two new books this year because we read the others at least once a week, year round!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <u>Modern Favorites</u></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v11RLpOy2oc/UomMSGHkRoI/AAAAAAAAAmc/X9M6uPqbPx0/s1600/ChristmasBooks_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v11RLpOy2oc/UomMSGHkRoI/AAAAAAAAAmc/X9M6uPqbPx0/s1600/ChristmasBooks_07.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Books For Every Age</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>And our two new books for 2013...</u></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GIyTqk-3p20/UomQ-gVZhiI/AAAAAAAAAm0/6-GtTS_Nryg/s1600/ChristmasBooks_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GIyTqk-3p20/UomQ-gVZhiI/AAAAAAAAAm0/6-GtTS_Nryg/s1600/ChristmasBooks_11.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you have more than 25 books, as we do, you could begin on Thanksgiving evening and read a book every night until Christmas.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">So just wrap up the books and throw them in a cute basket underneath the tree. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Most of the time, the hubby, kiddos and I will sit down after the kids have gotten ready for bed and will enjoy a book over a bedtime snack. Both of our children love to read, as do we, so it's such an effortless yet meaningful part of our night-time routine! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So there ya go! Hopefully this will inspire you to start your own holiday tradition! </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X8EhlioV5F4/UoWm76PTHhI/AAAAAAAAAj0/Wl9SehFjo6A/s1600/RagQuilt_Main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Thanks again to Mandy at Sugar Bee Crafts for the opportunity to guest post! </i></span></div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15157208426797495122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024718446754138041.post-16430121817342068512013-11-27T08:54:00.001-06:002013-11-27T08:54:04.119-06:0025 Days of Christmas Books: Guest Post at Sugar Bee Crafts<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hey y'all! I'm really excited to be doing my very first guest post on another blog today! </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ins_yU_p5A0/UpYFu-JAWDI/AAAAAAAAApM/W4Fz5itku-I/s1600/ChristmasBooks_Main-cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ins_yU_p5A0/UpYFu-JAWDI/AAAAAAAAApM/W4Fz5itku-I/s1600/ChristmasBooks_Main-cropped.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hop on over to <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2013/11/25-days-of-christmas-books-late-night.html" target="_blank">Sugar Bee Crafts</a> and check out my <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2013/11/25-days-of-christmas-books-late-night.html" target="_blank">25 Days of Christmas Books</a>, a fun tradition my family started three years ago! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving! Hope you have a wonderful holiday with your families! </span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15157208426797495122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024718446754138041.post-18147286351362817262013-11-22T12:06:00.000-06:002013-11-26T09:13:43.173-06:00Happy Birthday Balloon Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IgJQYCiWejE/Uo-aJCLOpDI/AAAAAAAAAnY/C3euoSf-GaQ/s1600/BdayWreath_Main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IgJQYCiWejE/Uo-aJCLOpDI/AAAAAAAAAnY/C3euoSf-GaQ/s1600/BdayWreath_Main.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We have a busy fall around here, especially when it comes to birthdays. We've got one in August, September, November and December. Add in K-State football, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas and we are running around like 'chickens with our heads cut off' for about 5 months."</span><br />
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So, in honor of each person's 'Birthday Week' I made this cute little balloon wreath to hang on the door. Now, when you pass by the Whitesell household you know when we have a birthday to celebrate! :)</span><br />
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And the birthday wreath is up right now for the hubby's birthday! </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m03m6vVsq5Y/Uo-axn_XmdI/AAAAAAAAAow/YjF9ZdOUwP4/s1600/KstateFamily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m03m6vVsq5Y/Uo-axn_XmdI/AAAAAAAAAow/YjF9ZdOUwP4/s1600/KstateFamily.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Here we are at a K-State basketball game last week. I've told you we bleed purple! :)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This wreath is super easy to make. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MFz1c1IstwE/Uo-awAekU0I/AAAAAAAAAog/GD6_xLWCW7I/s1600/BdayWreath_09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MFz1c1IstwE/Uo-awAekU0I/AAAAAAAAAog/GD6_xLWCW7I/s1600/BdayWreath_09.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The supplies you need for this project are:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Foam or straw wreath</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Floral pins (available at any craft supply store)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Balloons in a variety of colors</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fabric to cover wreath (optional)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I used a straw wreath for mine, but foam will work fine too. I left the wrapping on my wreath, which worked well. But if I could do it all over again, I would wrap the whole wreath in fabric to ensure that none of the straw will show through at any angle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, grab your wreath and start pinning the balloons on in no particular order. The best part of this wreath is that you just put the balloons on however you'd like. I used multiple colors so I kind of just threw them on there and didn't really have to worry about colors being too close together or anything. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Add one...</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AWBk2agtIiM/Uo-atK9FYpI/AAAAAAAAAoE/e1mU09jHyLA/s1600/BdayWreath_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AWBk2agtIiM/Uo-atK9FYpI/AAAAAAAAAoE/e1mU09jHyLA/s1600/BdayWreath_02.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And then add another...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And a few more...</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LOnuRNUiCz0/Uo-auFTKSLI/AAAAAAAAAoA/uOJ_rUf9A-Y/s1600/BdayWreath_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LOnuRNUiCz0/Uo-auFTKSLI/AAAAAAAAAoA/uOJ_rUf9A-Y/s1600/BdayWreath_05.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ujkJ0xqY4I4/Uo-aus2NmqI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/Qyod43lYkrQ/s1600/BdayWreath_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ujkJ0xqY4I4/Uo-aus2NmqI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/Qyod43lYkrQ/s1600/BdayWreath_06.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Until the whole thing is covered...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Isn't it cute?! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It helps to brighten up my sad little porch... ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And Happy Birthday Joe! :)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Linking up to: <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2013/11/take-look-tuesday_25.html" target="_blank">Sugar Bee Crafts' Take a Look Tuesday</a> and <a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2013/11/one-project-at-a-time-112613.html" target="_blank">A Bowl Full of Lemons' One Project at a Time.</a></span></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15157208426797495122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024718446754138041.post-29251896223093304002013-11-15T12:16:00.001-06:002013-11-19T11:15:47.756-06:00Christmas Card Shutter Display<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--NGW92NgmFU/UoZdRxDT2zI/AAAAAAAAAkE/h4puBoT10nw/s1600/Shutters_Main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--NGW92NgmFU/UoZdRxDT2zI/AAAAAAAAAkE/h4puBoT10nw/s1600/Shutters_Main.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Christmas is my favorite time of year. I could honestly listen to Christmas music from about September to January. And once Halloween is over, I am begging the hubby to let me decorate for Christmas. There is something about this time of year that just leaves me feeling so happy and so blessed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And one of my favorite things about the holidays is sending and receiving Christmas cards. Though I always struggled with how to display them...until now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The first year after we got married the cards were throw in a basket. The second year I tried hanging them over some twine on the wall and that didn't work so well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The next two years I tried taping them up all over a wall with painter's tape <a href="http://www.beckyhiggins.com/blog/tag/christmas-card-wall/" target="_blank">Becky Higgins' style</a>. They just kept falling down...and then my toddler kept playing with them.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-22NwhMbRZKY/UoZe67FjKXI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/vebmdrEPGf4/s1600/ChristmasWall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-22NwhMbRZKY/UoZe67FjKXI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/vebmdrEPGf4/s1600/ChristmasWall.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">See? Plus it doesn't look very full so it was kinda awkward on the wall. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So last year I decided to DIY a solution to my Christmas Card display woes. And I came up with this: </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHkUggsRBSc/UoZg6Ys5rhI/AAAAAAAAAk4/JHTxBei7ZgI/s1600/Shutters_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHkUggsRBSc/UoZg6Ys5rhI/AAAAAAAAAk4/JHTxBei7ZgI/s1600/Shutters_06.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This holds the cards wonderfully and it also allows me to keep them up all year long, which was one of my main goals.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jq1gRcAiiSc/UoZg6IEDCII/AAAAAAAAAk0/JfmL7Lyvavg/s1600/Shutters_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jq1gRcAiiSc/UoZg6IEDCII/AAAAAAAAAk0/JfmL7Lyvavg/s1600/Shutters_07.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I love it because I can also put up other cards, birth announcements and special photos from all year long. The cards fit in there well great, though once in a while if the card is too thin or slick I have to use a piece of tape to keep it up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All I used for this project was a set of white shutters, some red spray paint and four picture hangers. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zRhsZs3v3_k/UoZg3bgb0SI/AAAAAAAAAks/n_NvbdEOYKs/s1600/Shutters_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zRhsZs3v3_k/UoZg3bgb0SI/AAAAAAAAAks/n_NvbdEOYKs/s1600/Shutters_02.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is what the back looks like - I didn't bother painting it since it wouldn't show, plus wasn't sure if the red would mark up the wall at the edges. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jIu4-KEh1WE/UoZg17EQAuI/AAAAAAAAAkg/iIHc8eFxl9g/s1600/Shutters_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jIu4-KEh1WE/UoZg17EQAuI/AAAAAAAAAkg/iIHc8eFxl9g/s1600/Shutters_03.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The hubs added the photo hangers and hung it on the wall for me.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zHtUnWOQUkQ/UoZg33r3d7I/AAAAAAAAAkw/kqnjPokyhVc/s1600/Shutters_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zHtUnWOQUkQ/UoZg33r3d7I/AAAAAAAAAkw/kqnjPokyhVc/s1600/Shutters_04.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A few months ago I added the vinyl to the top and I think it just completes the whole area. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I love to look at these photos and think about all the blessings in my life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I actually have a second set of shutters that came with these two when I bought them. Pinterest has so many great ideas, I just can't decide how to use them! </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--NGW92NgmFU/UoZdRxDT2zI/AAAAAAAAAkI/DxzPtTYV95c/s1600/Shutters_Main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--NGW92NgmFU/UoZdRxDT2zI/AAAAAAAAAkI/DxzPtTYV95c/s1600/Shutters_Main.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'll be so sad to take down these cards as new ones come in, but it will be fun to see how each family has changed! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, how do you display your holiday cards? </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Linking up to: <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2013/11/take-look-tuesday_18.html" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sugar Bee Craft's Take-A-Look Tuesday</a> and <a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2013/11/one-project-at-a-time-111913.html" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A Bowl Full of Lemons One Project At A Time</a> and <a href="http://iamonly1woman.blogspot.com/2013/11/check-me-out-saturday-craft-link-party_15.html" target="_blank">A Vision to Remember's Check Me Out Saturday Link Party</a>. </span></i></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15157208426797495122noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024718446754138041.post-39086013186206472152013-11-07T23:08:00.002-06:002013-11-07T23:08:13.752-06:00Thankful Thursday<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In honor of November and the Thanksgiving Holiday, I am changing my weekly Throwback Thursday to Thankful Thursday.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hLJS6XYu1fo/UnxwQy9pKPI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/5odBg8Yzg9Y/s1600/ThankfulThursday_11+07+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hLJS6XYu1fo/UnxwQy9pKPI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/5odBg8Yzg9Y/s1600/ThankfulThursday_11+07+2013.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Today and everyday I am thankful for the amazing people in this photo with me! I have been so greatly blessed to be the wife to such a wonderful man and a mom to two wonderful children.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">How about you? What are you thankful for? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(And if you have a minute, head on over here and check out our awesome photographer Kayla at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/capturebykayla" target="_blank">Capture</a>! She's amazing and always gets such great shots of my kiddos! Love that girl!) </span></i></span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15157208426797495122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024718446754138041.post-50795777280403874372013-10-31T21:35:00.006-05:002013-10-31T21:35:41.782-05:00Throwback Thursday<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tonight's Throwback Thursday features my Little Wildcat...who is not so little anymore! </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She's four now and loves her Wildcats almost as much as her Mom does! Makes me so happy to hear her singing along to the K-State fight song!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">EMAW! </span></div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15157208426797495122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024718446754138041.post-64123636268953462062013-10-31T00:36:00.001-05:002013-11-05T09:18:02.060-06:00Homemade Halloween Costumes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qSOmA5lhF80/UnMYGSAssiI/AAAAAAAAAi8/rUppGN_LpU4/s1600/Header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qSOmA5lhF80/UnMYGSAssiI/AAAAAAAAAi8/rUppGN_LpU4/s1600/Header.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Since today is Halloween (as of 30 minutes ago), I thought I would go ahead and post pictures of the kids' costumes this year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Since the kids were born, I've always made their Halloween costumes. I really enjoy coming up with a creative idea and seeing it move from idea to reality. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hannah was just a month old for her first Halloween and she went as a lobster.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rpCQjmbc_js/UnHqREFNmnI/AAAAAAAAAho/Zx_EogQ25xI/s1600/Halloween2009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rpCQjmbc_js/UnHqREFNmnI/AAAAAAAAAho/Zx_EogQ25xI/s1600/Halloween2009.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was really cute. I put her in a big stock pot (around blankets of course) and labeled it as 'Tonight's Special'. I threw on a chef (aka lab) coat and made a chef's hat out of posterboard and tissue paper. It was so fun to put together. She won first place at the costume contest at our town's annual Halloween event. And after that, I was hooked. It was fun to make the costume...and even more fun for my kiddo to win! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Since then, she's been an owl...</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sESv57C6uM0/UnHqSFlXTqI/AAAAAAAAAh8/Yq_kYJq9VYE/s1600/Halloween2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sESv57C6uM0/UnHqSFlXTqI/AAAAAAAAAh8/Yq_kYJq9VYE/s1600/Halloween2010.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />...a cupcake...</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N0dXm53d49o/UnHqRk036NI/AAAAAAAAAh0/eiqhmadELwA/s1600/Halloween2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N0dXm53d49o/UnHqRk036NI/AAAAAAAAAh0/eiqhmadELwA/s1600/Halloween2011.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> ...and 'raining cats and dogs' (last year).</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4IrR5qKM2eU/UnHqTYw6a0I/AAAAAAAAAiM/M7JustUy6QU/s1600/Halloween2012_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4IrR5qKM2eU/UnHqTYw6a0I/AAAAAAAAAiM/M7JustUy6QU/s1600/Halloween2012_01.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Super cute, right?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This year, after always choosing for her - and trying to pick the most creative costume I could come up with - I let her pick her costume. It wasn't as 'homemade' as I usually go - but it's what she wanted, so we had fun piecing it together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She chose to go as Doc McStuffins. Cute, adorable doctor of toys and stuff animals. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Isn't she cute?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was hard to find a simple purple and white stripped shirt, so I settled on one from Old Navy with a little pink in it. I bought a cute pink skirt from Kohls and created my own purple, white and pink leggings with heat transfer vinyl cut on my Silhouette.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m6JuS6wQRyk/UnHknj9Nx9I/AAAAAAAAAg8/S_KwZmf6Bdk/s1600/Halloween2013_07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m6JuS6wQRyk/UnHknj9Nx9I/AAAAAAAAAg8/S_KwZmf6Bdk/s1600/Halloween2013_07.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DbrYNZiYxy0/UnHkrQtrysI/AAAAAAAAAhU/fBXC2-yWWUA/s1600/Halloween2013_09.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DbrYNZiYxy0/UnHkrQtrysI/AAAAAAAAAhU/fBXC2-yWWUA/s1600/Halloween2013_09.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I ordered her a lab coat off of Amazon, as well as the official Doc McStuffins doctor kit. I could have let her use the one she had at home or made her something from scratch, but I was being realistic in thinking 1) It would be nice to have two doctor kits since my kids seem to fight over everything right now and 2) I'd rather spend money on something she could use over and over versus a stethoscope made from a yarn and a headband that would fall apart while trick or treating. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-91BYGzAAlLg/UnHkl_m9NuI/AAAAAAAAAgs/LlkNnT4nmk4/s1600/Halloween2013_06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-91BYGzAAlLg/UnHkl_m9NuI/AAAAAAAAAgs/LlkNnT4nmk4/s1600/Halloween2013_06.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Finally, I picked up the perfect headband at Children's Place, which made my daughter one happy little gal. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nlt4SiYT0dg/UnHkmg75PlI/AAAAAAAAAg0/5q8IHDX8nyM/s1600/Halloween2013_08.JPG" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nlt4SiYT0dg/UnHkmg75PlI/AAAAAAAAAg0/5q8IHDX8nyM/s1600/Halloween2013_08.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I missed taking a photo of just her shoes...but you can see them below. They are glitter swirled purple Toms. A-dorable! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now, onto Lucas. Since he is only one, Momma still gets to choose for him. :) Last year (his first) he was a burrito. He always loved to be swaddled up so tight, so we made lettuce, tomato, bacon, meat, cheese, etc out of felt and used brown-ish colored felt for the burrito. Adorable. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This year, he went as an old man. I had found the idea on Pinterest right after Halloween last year, and as soon as I saw it, I knew that's what I wanted Luke to dress as. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Isn't he cute?! </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0DSdM_yzarw/UnHksZu3kHI/AAAAAAAAAhc/NSDa0U6-uF8/s1600/Halloween2013_12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0DSdM_yzarw/UnHksZu3kHI/AAAAAAAAAhc/NSDa0U6-uF8/s1600/Halloween2013_12.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had the cordoroy pants already, and then I purchased a grey sweater at Old Navy and borrowed a bow tie from a friend. I ordered his little glasses on Amazon and they were adorable. And he REFUSED to wear them of course....he's one. So we tied a little chain on them and hung them around his neck. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aT1-XXlg1Jg/UnHkkIbZLvI/AAAAAAAAAgk/h4anaNq2Qrk/s1600/Halloween2013_05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aT1-XXlg1Jg/UnHkkIbZLvI/AAAAAAAAAgk/h4anaNq2Qrk/s1600/Halloween2013_05.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The hubby made the walker out of PVC pipe.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WBl4ddVptdw/UnHkhFY8YXI/AAAAAAAAAgM/TblhNUX2XqM/s1600/Halloween2013_02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WBl4ddVptdw/UnHkhFY8YXI/AAAAAAAAAgM/TblhNUX2XqM/s1600/Halloween2013_02.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ha-ignore my messy basement in the background. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The wheels are actual walker wheels and the tennis balls just make it even more realistic. :)</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5B5BvO_L8Fc/UnHkgfBf8nI/AAAAAAAAAgE/Ufof46WKfV8/s1600/Halloween2013_03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5B5BvO_L8Fc/UnHkgfBf8nI/AAAAAAAAAgE/Ufof46WKfV8/s1600/Halloween2013_03.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I sewed the little walker bag and threw in a sippy cup and a remote - a one-year-old's most important accessories! I didn't have a pattern - just kinda threw it together. If I could do it over, I would make it wider. I miscalculated when I measured how wide I could make it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So...here's hoping they are well-behaved for trick or treating tonight. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5pIzz9YymmQ/UnHkqQkG0nI/AAAAAAAAAhI/ZWsxUS475aE/s1600/Halloween2013_11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5pIzz9YymmQ/UnHkqQkG0nI/AAAAAAAAAhI/ZWsxUS475aE/s1600/Halloween2013_11.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Feel free to share your best homemade Halloween costumes! </span></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #222222;">Linking up to: </span><a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2013/11/take-look-tuesday.html" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sugar Bee Craft's Take-A-Look Tuesday</a>, <a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2013/11/one-project-at-a-time-11513-2.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">A Bowl Full of Lemons' One Project At A Time</span></a><span style="color: #222222;"> and </span><span style="color: #999999;"><a href="http://www.waittilyourfathergetshome.com/2013/10/31/creative-connection-18/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">t</span></a>he Creative Connection at Wait Until Your Father Gets Home.</span></span></i></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15157208426797495122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024718446754138041.post-89359552643404561542013-10-30T22:44:00.001-05:002013-10-30T22:44:18.505-05:001,200 Page Views + Thank You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j1OxuIj4ID8/UnHRnvix_VI/AAAAAAAAAfg/QWPn-rKFTK4/s1600/ThankYou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j1OxuIj4ID8/UnHRnvix_VI/AAAAAAAAAfg/QWPn-rKFTK4/s1600/ThankYou.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"We interrupt our regularly scheduled blog posts to bring you this Announcement."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thank You.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My blog post on the DIY Rag Quilt I made for my niece has has more than 1,200 views. Yes, you read that right: 1,200 views!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Only a few of my friends and family know about my blog...it's kind of a quiet, therapeutic thing for me right now. So that means that more than 1,200 strangers have viewed my lowly little blog. And that makes me smile. And makes me realize that this 'whole blogging thing' can be very fun...especially in the era of Pinterest! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, thank you to all who have stopped by! For anyone that stops by and reads that post or any other, I'd love it if you'd say hello! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cheers!</span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15157208426797495122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024718446754138041.post-26189203673607105542013-10-25T15:15:00.003-05:002013-10-25T15:15:57.348-05:00Halloween Flag & Fall Front Porch<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm a little behind in decorating for Halloween and for the fall season. Between chasing after the two kiddos, K-State games every Saturday, the craziness of work and other commitments, I've barely done a thing to show the change from summer to fall. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So last night, I decided I wanted to change that. We went to the pumpkin patch last weekend, so my porch had been given a little facelift but I wanted something more Halloween-y to add to it. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g8t2T0gztnc/UmrN_xrBgNI/AAAAAAAAAeg/3LlbbBzHn7k/s1600/DSC_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g8t2T0gztnc/UmrN_xrBgNI/AAAAAAAAAeg/3LlbbBzHn7k/s1600/DSC_0081.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And this is what I came up with:</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zSBrag8tIHY/UmrOCSPURrI/AAAAAAAAAes/5A7kx-qlT7o/s1600/DSC_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zSBrag8tIHY/UmrOCSPURrI/AAAAAAAAAes/5A7kx-qlT7o/s1600/DSC_0084.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Isn't it cute? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's my first layered vinyl project...as well as the first true thing I've made for myself with my Silhouette.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fDlD_qX9raM/UmrOEuMygOI/AAAAAAAAAfA/htlAfSmP8aA/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fDlD_qX9raM/UmrOEuMygOI/AAAAAAAAAfA/htlAfSmP8aA/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I thought it was a nice little addition next to the pumpkins. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And here's a few shots of the front porch. Pardon the shadows - I should have taken photos closer to noon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My mums aren't the best...but I guess that's what you get when you buy $1.99 mums from Wal-Mart! Wish we had a nice greenhouse closer to home! </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kXEFfDOu64U/UmrQKZDwtDI/AAAAAAAAAfI/LfTE7jvWBds/s1600/DSC_0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kXEFfDOu64U/UmrQKZDwtDI/AAAAAAAAAfI/LfTE7jvWBds/s1600/DSC_0086.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x4iw4Sjc3kk/UmrOEUz5FvI/AAAAAAAAAe8/TZFUNbaPhPQ/s1600/DSC_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x4iw4Sjc3kk/UmrOEUz5FvI/AAAAAAAAAe8/TZFUNbaPhPQ/s1600/DSC_0088.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The porch (well the entire front exterior) is something we haven't touched since we moved in last summer. It is a large project on my to-do list, and probably one of the most expensive. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I can't wait to re-do the crumbling brick, rickety handrails, dated door, and need-to-be-painted shutters, and create an amazing entryway into our house. We have so much space, which means so much potential! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy Fall Ya'll! </span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15157208426797495122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024718446754138041.post-39820852561205512012013-10-17T11:09:00.002-05:002013-10-17T11:09:52.981-05:00Throwback Thursday<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today's Throwback Thursday is in honor of the upcoming Halloween holiday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not sure what year this is from...I am guessing about 1993-ish. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Check out my loving family:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There is so much I love about this photo, including my adorable little bro. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ya'll have any TBT Halloween photos you want to share? </span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15157208426797495122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024718446754138041.post-48157534878846906412013-10-10T13:26:00.001-05:002013-10-10T13:26:12.087-05:00Throwback Thursday<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For a long time, I've thought that it would be fun to do the Throwback Thursday photo that the rest of social media seems to participate in.....</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So without further ado and with the risk of humiliating myself and my husband (though I don't think he reads this blog... in fact, not sure that anyone reads this blog...lol) here is my very first Throwback Thursday photo:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">March 2004.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We'd been dating about a month when my Grandma passed away. It was a very difficult time for me, and Joe was by my side the entire time, traveling home with me and meeting my very large extended (and often crazy) family for the first time. I'm talking like more than 100 people in three days. That weekend, I decided that if Joe could voluntarily throw himself into that craziness just to support me after only dating for one month, that he was the guy for me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I know, I know...cheesy story. I'll try and go for a funny one next week. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Any other Throwback Thursday-ers out there? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?</span></div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15157208426797495122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024718446754138041.post-20784636828244984522013-10-07T23:25:00.002-05:002013-10-07T23:29:37.651-05:00Hannah's 4th Birthday Art Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JqmQZnatrCw/UlOIXK7TxAI/AAAAAAAAAc4/k_9q8Rk2Jac/s1600/ArtParty_Main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JqmQZnatrCw/UlOIXK7TxAI/AAAAAAAAAc4/k_9q8Rk2Jac/s1600/ArtParty_Main.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have quite the little artist at my house. Seriously, this girl would paint or color all day, every day if she could. So when we talked about what she wanted to do for her fourth birthday, we decided that we go with an art theme. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Per my usual fashion, I went Pinterest crazy on decorations, food, etc. It was really fun to put together, so here are some highlights from the party:</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NH0Pa2DHgk8/UlN_R8TaTPI/AAAAAAAAAaA/bEoCnVgqlTQ/s1600/ArtParty_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NH0Pa2DHgk8/UlN_R8TaTPI/AAAAAAAAAaA/bEoCnVgqlTQ/s1600/ArtParty_03.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The hubs always makes the kiddos special Mickey Mouse pancakes on their birthday!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-piIs9PRjTok/UlN_LHmWt7I/AAAAAAAAAZk/BY8S5yxdNAk/s1600/ArtParty_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-piIs9PRjTok/UlN_LHmWt7I/AAAAAAAAAZk/BY8S5yxdNAk/s1600/ArtParty_04.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A little vinyl always jazzes things up!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zf0ZzFyzGSI/UlN_TrkR7FI/AAAAAAAAAaM/stI0YzVQ-6A/s1600/ArtParty_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zf0ZzFyzGSI/UlN_TrkR7FI/AAAAAAAAAaM/stI0YzVQ-6A/s1600/ArtParty_06.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Welcome to the pARTy! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our backdrop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Loved the tablecloths for the backdrop (and so great that I can re-use them) and the balloon banner was so cute! If I can find the link of the tutorial I used, I will update the post. I want to be sure to give credit - all the guests loved it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We had a little mini birthday photo-shoot. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I made her that shirt with printable heat transfer vinyl. Truthfully it was a total fail and didn't transfer correctly, but I actually kinda liked the 'faded' look and I figured since it didn't really turn out as planned, it wasn't a big deal if she got paint on it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I set the tables up in the garage so that it wouldn't be a big deal if they made a mess on the floor. We just used washable kids' paint from Michaels. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Each kid had a personalized smock, canvas (aka foam board) paintbrush, palette and cup to rinse their brush.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />And I used crayons, colored pencils and paint brushes in mason jars as decorations on the tables. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My 'palette' of cupcakes. Don't mind that there are only three purple cupcakes - apparently I'm not very good at math. The hubs cut the palette out of carboard. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My favorite creation for the party: rice krispee paintbrushes dipped in 'paint' (aka frosting). DELICIOUS!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I will be so sad when chevron goes out of style. I LOVE it!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_AO1jXK3CXI/UlN_Xj3F-vI/AAAAAAAAAbA/k-_T4Q0SpXA/s1600/ArtParty_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_AO1jXK3CXI/UlN_Xj3F-vI/AAAAAAAAAbA/k-_T4Q0SpXA/s1600/ArtParty_13.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some 'creative juice' to inspire the kiddos. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My little artist.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I think the parents thought I was nuts for inviting 12 kids over to paint, but it turned out really well! I was so glad some of the moms stuck around to help - it was nice having extra hands to combat the messy paint! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All the kids' art.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I also took photos of each kiddo painting and with their final artwork and am planning on throwing them in Hannah's thank you cards.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My supplies - included a large number of paper towels and baby wipes! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had planned some additional 'activities' - making a group piece of art using the big roll of paper on the right, and then just letting them color on the plain paper on the left, but it was such a nice day and the kiddos just wanted to play outside on this:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My hubby had just finished it the night before as a birthday present for Hannah. The kids were all over it. I am surprised we were able to get them to stand for a photo. Maybe we bribed them with cupcakes - I can't remember. ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Love that grin. Pure joy right there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am going to try and remember to take a final photo in this same spot each year at the kiddos' birthday parties! Will be nice to see how they change each year!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy 4th Birthday Boo!</span></div>
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<i style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Linking up to: <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2013/10/take-look-tuesday.html" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sugar Bee Craft's Take-A-Look Tuesday</a> and <a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2013/10/one-project-at-a-time-10813.html" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A Bowl Full of Lemons One Project At A Time.</a></span></i></div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15157208426797495122noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024718446754138041.post-17308734052554347342013-10-04T09:40:00.002-05:002013-10-07T23:31:14.760-05:00DIY Rag Quilt<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RydPfSEjUT4/Uk7PtnhimVI/AAAAAAAAAZE/AJEWKbMEqak/s1600/RagQuilt_Main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RydPfSEjUT4/Uk7PtnhimVI/AAAAAAAAAZE/AJEWKbMEqak/s1600/RagQuilt_Main.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When my niece was born this summer, I knew that I wanted to give her something handmade as a gift. My sister-in-law had mentioned once that she liked the look of "those rag quilts" and what a coincidence - I had recently pinned a few rag quilt tutorials on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/mwhitesell32" target="_blank">my Pinterest page</a>! After seeing the beautiful colors my sister-in-law picked out for her nursery (a sort of teal or aqua color with pink and white accents - it is gorgeous!) I knew a quilt in those colors would be a perfect gift!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For the most part, I followed <a href="http://www.poofycheeks.com/2013/02/strip-rag-quilt-sewing-tutorial.html" target="_blank">this tutorial</a> by Poofy Cheeks. I didn't follow it completely, </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">but it was my 'inspiration'. Check it out - her rag quilt is beautiful!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Disclaimer: As a beginner to sewing, I am not the best with the terminology and explanation. I'm working on it though! </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I recommend making a diagram, indicating the placement of each strip. I had five different types of flannel and I didn't want to accidentally put the wrong color on and have to take it back off. Because that's something that I would do! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Also-I washed all of my fabrics before I started, because I knew from experience that they could run and/or shrink up a little. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I cut my strips of fabric to be 38 long (because that was the length of the shortest fabric) and 5 inches wide. You actually loose two inches on each side of the strips due to the part that is cut up and 'ragged'. I did five strips of each of the five different pieces of fabric.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You put the backsides of two pieces of fabric together and sew one inch in. This gives you your 'flap' between each piece that will be cut into little strips and 'ragged'.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8tHzt3EVtPM/Uk7PloKdceI/AAAAAAAAAYM/cgTYs7ImEnU/s1600/RagQuilt_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8tHzt3EVtPM/Uk7PloKdceI/AAAAAAAAAYM/cgTYs7ImEnU/s1600/RagQuilt_02.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Little Miss wanted to help me sew! Please ignore my needs-to-be-organized craft area!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This quilt took me quite a while to make, especially since I am such a beginning sewer. However, it was the perfect first big project for me because it was very forgiving if the seams weren't perfectly straight, due to the 'rag' part of the quilt. I had only previously sewn some curtains, a few basic Halloween costumes and some rice-filled heat packs, so this was a big step for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Instead of putting two pieces back to back and both side of the blanket being made of strips, I decided to do one solid-colored piece on the back. I thought maybe if she used it for sleeping and not just for play, that the solid part might be more comfy to lay on. I used the sort-of-flowered teal fabric for the back. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uvIX5Xilyrg/Uk7Pnh-PzqI/AAAAAAAAAYU/0m77M8OL2VU/s1600/RagQuilt_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uvIX5Xilyrg/Uk7Pnh-PzqI/AAAAAAAAAYU/0m77M8OL2VU/s1600/RagQuilt_03.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Because the strips weren't exactly even, I had to do some 'touch up' on each side to square them up. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LmZN7jWPwfQ/Uk7PpIIlVNI/AAAAAAAAAYc/Udo8YO-Jg54/s1600/RagQuilt_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LmZN7jWPwfQ/Uk7PpIIlVNI/AAAAAAAAAYc/Udo8YO-Jg54/s1600/RagQuilt_04.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The sewing part was tough (for me, anyways) but the 'ragging' part was easy. It just takes a long time to do. The woman at the fabric store found out what I was making and directed me to a special pair of scissors that would work well for this part. I think they were these Fiskars Micro-Tip scissors. I couldn't find mine in my (messy) craft area to take a real photo of them.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8hwBvLyz2A/Uk7PteQ6X9I/AAAAAAAAAZM/ofmlGR0IEv4/s1600/Titanium-Micro-Tip-Easy-Action-Scissors-No.-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8hwBvLyz2A/Uk7PteQ6X9I/AAAAAAAAAZM/ofmlGR0IEv4/s320/Titanium-Micro-Tip-Easy-Action-Scissors-No.-5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You just take the part of the fabric to be cut and cut every 1/2 inch or so. Cut almost all the way to the seam. And really - however you decide to cut it is fine, just be consistent in the distance between each cut. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sorry - I didn't take photos of this process!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ddIE9h5Wjw/Uk7PqRFJeqI/AAAAAAAAAYs/WUWSMmiA7JQ/s1600/RagQuilt_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ddIE9h5Wjw/Uk7PqRFJeqI/AAAAAAAAAYs/WUWSMmiA7JQ/s1600/RagQuilt_06.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When you are done, you need to throw your blanket in the dryer for a bit in order to make it look more 'ragged'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And of course Hannah had to copy Mama and take her own photos of the quilt! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Again, sorry for the confusing directions above. I highly recommend visiting <a href="http://www.poofycheeks.com/2013/02/strip-rag-quilt-sewing-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Poofy Cheeks</a> and checking out her tutorial - much better explanation! </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rKC9IRqemOc/Uk7P-IMlOXI/AAAAAAAAAZU/rKvIX53B-q4/s1600/RagQuilt_09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rKC9IRqemOc/Uk7P-IMlOXI/AAAAAAAAAZU/rKvIX53B-q4/s1600/RagQuilt_09.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And her is a photo of me meeting my beautiful niece for the first time at the hospital! Love you Baby K!</span><br />
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<i style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Linking up to: <a href="http://www.waittilyourfathergetshome.com/2013/10/03/creative-connection-14-2/" target="_blank">The Creative Connection</a> at <a href="http://www.waittilyourfathergetshome.com/" target="_blank">Wait Til Your Father Gets Home</a> and </span></i><i style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2013/10/take-look-tuesday.html" style="color: #999999;" target="_blank">Sugar Bee Craft's Take-A-Look Tuesday</a> and <a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2013/10/one-project-at-a-time-10813.html" style="color: #999999;" target="_blank">A Bowl Full of Lemons One Project At A Time.</a></span></i><br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15157208426797495122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024718446754138041.post-66533266583950680882013-10-03T09:39:00.003-05:002013-10-03T09:39:27.384-05:00Luke's First Birthday<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My little man turned one in August (I'm behind I know - better late than never right?). I always try and throw a nice little party to celebrate my kids' first birthdays...and to celebrate Joe and I surviving that first year! ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My theme was simply 'One' - I did the same thing for Hannah's First Birthday - and I used the colors blue and green. Simple and easy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We've been in our house a little over a year now, and we love having a space (the garage) to use for parties. We used to have parties at a local park, and it was a pain driving things back and forth. The garage isn't the perfect backdrop but it works great and is perfect during nice weather. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r1b1fFdTSbo/Ukzx45DO9NI/AAAAAAAAAVg/rD2yJmqflYU/s1600/LukeBday_05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r1b1fFdTSbo/Ukzx45DO9NI/AAAAAAAAAVg/rD2yJmqflYU/s1600/LukeBday_05.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Simple banner made, of course, with my Silhouette. Love the chevron paper! </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbovRzELiwk/UkzyCnkfFwI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/Go-L5kwZnbw/s1600/LukeBday_06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbovRzELiwk/UkzyCnkfFwI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/Go-L5kwZnbw/s1600/LukeBday_06.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: left;">Sorry for the awful photo - the lighting in the garage is awful. </i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I made a banner with photos of him month by month. I just mounted them on cardstock and used the same patterned paper as above to accent on the sides. We took his photo in a white onesie with monthly stickers in his 'Lucas' chair from Pottery Barn (LOVE those). There may have been a few tears shed while I made this - I had forgotten how fast they change! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I saw this idea for a chalkboard type poster on Pinterest <i>(search 'First Birthday Chalk Sign')</i> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and took it and made it my own. I picked up the huge frame at Hobby Lobby for 9.99 on clearance (again - I love my clearance finds!). One of the posts on Pinterest mentioned that you could print in black and white for just a couple dollars at Staples (it is called an Engineering Print). I opted to do that instead of making some of it in color and paying an outrageous price to get it printed. I think the board is 40x32. I also could have drawn all that on there with regular chalk or a chalk pen, but let's just say I'm not that patient. ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I also used the frame for his one-year photos. Isn't he cute?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I had a lady in town make his the cake and smash cake</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. I would have normally tried to make it myself, but my high school class reunion was that weekend as well and things were a little hectic.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VS45rRMAsSA/UkzyAWF4e-I/AAAAAAAAAV0/UT8PUTQ4Grw/s1600/LukeBday_03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VS45rRMAsSA/UkzyAWF4e-I/AAAAAAAAAV0/UT8PUTQ4Grw/s1600/LukeBday_03.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I made the party hat above with my patterned paper, a pom-pom and some ric-rac, but he refused to wear it (shocker) so I just sat it on the table.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He wasn't sure what to do with it at first. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He wouldn't dive into the smash cake so I gave him a fork...</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J64rXsjgfcU/UkzyDR9ad9I/AAAAAAAAAWc/W_57ks1FbG8/s1600/LukeBday_08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J64rXsjgfcU/UkzyDR9ad9I/AAAAAAAAAWc/W_57ks1FbG8/s1600/LukeBday_08.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Even then he still wasn't sure...</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kDoiduS9pus/UkzyD6mWhyI/AAAAAAAAAWk/8i-mu4rJ-hk/s1600/LukeBday_09.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kDoiduS9pus/UkzyD6mWhyI/AAAAAAAAAWk/8i-mu4rJ-hk/s1600/LukeBday_09.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He ate a little, but mostly just played with the fork. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TZb9rmmAJNY/UkzyEihu18I/AAAAAAAAAWw/2ic7YoOC8BA/s1600/LukeBday_10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TZb9rmmAJNY/UkzyEihu18I/AAAAAAAAAWw/2ic7YoOC8BA/s1600/LukeBday_10.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I don't think he really knew what was going on as we opened up his presents. Big Sis was there to guide him of course. ;)</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7e8ItkGXF4g/UkzyG_jut_I/AAAAAAAAAXM/bss-BB0d2ns/s1600/LukeBday_13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7e8ItkGXF4g/UkzyG_jut_I/AAAAAAAAAXM/bss-BB0d2ns/s1600/LukeBday_13.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Though he did seem excited about these cars. :)</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZPrq4CkBiE/UkzyHC4iInI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/Wz14Uou53kc/s1600/LukeBday_14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZPrq4CkBiE/UkzyHC4iInI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/Wz14Uou53kc/s1600/LukeBday_14.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I think everyone enjoyed themselves. The weather was gorgeous.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Can't believe my little guy is ONE! </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j6JloDifigE/UkzyH26T7RI/AAAAAAAAAXc/lp5qEfPbXhY/s1600/LukeBday_16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j6JloDifigE/UkzyH26T7RI/AAAAAAAAAXc/lp5qEfPbXhY/s1600/LukeBday_16.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here's a pic of him later on that night when he finally dove into the cake. What a goober!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I love party planning! Have you hosted any great parties?!</span></div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15157208426797495122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024718446754138041.post-90521739443952660522013-09-24T12:01:00.001-05:002013-09-24T12:13:39.060-05:00How to Make a Candy Bouquet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WMPhrAWdhKs/UkHDgrkIRvI/AAAAAAAAAVA/SCzjzUX0lhs/s1600/CandyBouquet_Main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WMPhrAWdhKs/UkHDgrkIRvI/AAAAAAAAAVA/SCzjzUX0lhs/s1600/CandyBouquet_Main.jpg" /></a></div>
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The hubby recently became a partner at work and they just made the big announcement to all the staff. We had known about it for quite a while, but they were announcing it to others for the first time last week, so I thought I would try and whip up something special for him to celebrate. I knew I didn't want to go with something traditional like a nameplate for his desk, and he's not really a flowers kind of guy - he would have said I bought them for myself. ;) I had seen those fruit and candy bouquets before and thought I'd give it a whirl. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I stopped by our local Dollar General and grabbed a ton of candy in varying sizes and shapes. I didn't really know how I was going to set it up, so I bought a lot of candy (and didn't end up even using half of it).</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dy-jpy_gyoQ/UkGq24fFJyI/AAAAAAAAAUU/CT73PeKG4M4/s1600/CandyBouquet01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dy-jpy_gyoQ/UkGq24fFJyI/AAAAAAAAAUU/CT73PeKG4M4/s1600/CandyBouquet01.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I also grabbed an insulated cup from the summer clearance section (always a win) to use as the base. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At first, I thought I could use some straws I had lying around</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(in photo above) </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and hot glue the straws to the candy. Wrong! The straws weren't strong enough to hold the candy up. I started looking around my craft area (aka craft mess) and saw some popsicle sticks that Hannah and I had left over from one of our many crafting adventures. Those worked much better and held the candy upright nicely.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vr1EeY5GCz0/UkHBbtfaBVI/AAAAAAAAAUs/HC437GSqvHI/s1600/CandyBouquet03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vr1EeY5GCz0/UkHBbtfaBVI/AAAAAAAAAUs/HC437GSqvHI/s1600/CandyBouquet03.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He loves the little butterscotch candies, so I wanted to use those as the filler to keep the candy standing upright. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I just tried to arrange the candy in a way that was pleasing to the eye. No real strategy. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T1HgC0E7cqk/UkHBcTidvYI/AAAAAAAAAU0/gpG-jOow2Vo/s1600/CandyBouquet02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T1HgC0E7cqk/UkHBcTidvYI/AAAAAAAAAU0/gpG-jOow2Vo/s1600/CandyBouquet02.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had the shredded green paper left from a basket we received at Christmas last year. Not sure what it is called - but it looked good and added some nice color and texture.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I added the little suckers to the front to give it some more 'depth'.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And that's it! Very easy and the hubby loved it! A</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">nd it only cost a few dollars! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I will definitely do this again! </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nRJ6gByzQ_I/UkHDqClnWVI/AAAAAAAAAVI/LgTgy8QQ_94/s1600/CandyBouquet07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nRJ6gByzQ_I/UkHDqClnWVI/AAAAAAAAAVI/LgTgy8QQ_94/s1600/CandyBouquet07.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Anyone out there ever made a candy bouquet? If so, please share! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Linking up to: <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2013/09/take-look-tuesday_23.html" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sugar Bee Craft's Take-A-Look Tuesday</a> and <a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2013/09/one-project-at-a-time-92413.html" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A Bowl Full of Lemons One Project At A Time.</a></span></i></span></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15157208426797495122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024718446754138041.post-89567121125866860072013-09-22T22:27:00.000-05:002013-09-24T12:17:23.603-05:00DIY KC Royals Tshirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C_o98Vyik8s/Uj-vqcQuywI/AAAAAAAAASw/MdmSdvk9n7I/s1600/RoyalsShirt_Main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C_o98Vyik8s/Uj-vqcQuywI/AAAAAAAAASw/MdmSdvk9n7I/s1600/RoyalsShirt_Main.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here in Kansas, we not only bleed K-State Purple, but also Royals Blue. We are big KC Royals fans...which is often tough because they haven't won the World Series since 1985...the year after I was born. Tough as sometimes is to be a Royals fan, we try to make it to the 'K' to watch at least one or two games a year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With the possibility of the Royals making it to the playoffs for the first time since 1985, the family and I bought tickets to today's game - the last home game of the season. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Joe, Luke and I all had Royals shirts we could wear to the game, but Hannah did not, so I thought I would see if I could whip something up for her to wear to the game with my trusty Silhouette. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />I found a blank t-shirt at Wal-Mart on clearance for $2 (Score!!) that was the PERFECT Royals Blue. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aeUrO4Fuvsc/Uj-wMFRAupI/AAAAAAAAAS4/TcNuyqXpV_s/s1600/RoyalsShirt_Blank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aeUrO4Fuvsc/Uj-wMFRAupI/AAAAAAAAAS4/TcNuyqXpV_s/s1600/RoyalsShirt_Blank.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I googled and found a Royals logo, and then converted the JPEG into a PNG in Adobe Photoshop in order to input it into the Silhouette software. I then opened it up and traced it in the Silhouette software.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It took a little while to erase some of the extra 'lines' that showed up and fill in a few spots with the pencil, but it was relatively easy overall.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ws2BVcYAzkg/Uj-xRpUzW4I/AAAAAAAAATI/0V-odvwwaEs/s1600/RoyalsLogo_Done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ws2BVcYAzkg/Uj-xRpUzW4I/AAAAAAAAATI/0V-odvwwaEs/s1600/RoyalsLogo_Done.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When using Heat Transfer Vinyl, it is important that you 'mirror' your image (Right Click + Flip Horizontally). Otherwise, when you place it against your shirt it will be the wrong direction. It will look backwards when it cuts put will read correctly when finished.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Learning from <a href="http://latenightcraftsandcreations.blogspot.com/2013/09/first-birthday-uno-shirt.html" target="_blank">the first time I used HTV</a>, I was sure to put the HTV shiny side down on my cutting mat. I used the existing HTV settings in the Silhouette software and let 'er rip.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8PinFIQDL_Y/Uj-yRsGaf6I/AAAAAAAAATg/LhXeJ27PdSg/s1600/RoyalsShirt_Vinyl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8PinFIQDL_Y/Uj-yRsGaf6I/AAAAAAAAATg/LhXeJ27PdSg/s1600/RoyalsShirt_Vinyl.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Note: When cutting small pieces of Vinyl (Adhesive or HTV), I normally use some painter's tape to keep it in place. it works like a charm and doesn't damage the vinyl. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The HTV cut just perfectly and was really easy to weed with the little Silhouette tool that came with my vinyl starter kit. It's just my opinion, but HTV seems a lot easier to weed than regular adhesive vinyl. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Rii8CONq9Y/Uj-xp_nIDYI/AAAAAAAAATQ/mWM3X2YDN6s/s1600/RoyalsShirt_Weeding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Rii8CONq9Y/Uj-xp_nIDYI/AAAAAAAAATQ/mWM3X2YDN6s/s1600/RoyalsShirt_Weeding.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here's how it looked all weeded and ready to place on the shirt. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-atAomAD9bAQ/Uj-z66FOuAI/AAAAAAAAAT4/8nKBYWnuDx8/s1600/RoyalsShirt_Weeded.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-atAomAD9bAQ/Uj-z66FOuAI/AAAAAAAAAT4/8nKBYWnuDx8/s1600/RoyalsShirt_Weeded.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I just eye-balled it to center it on the t-shirt, laying it with the shiny side up. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xXwgg7JWiIA/Uj-0iSTB3_I/AAAAAAAAAUE/iN-Jr4UHT_k/s1600/RoyalsShirt_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xXwgg7JWiIA/Uj-0iSTB3_I/AAAAAAAAAUE/iN-Jr4UHT_k/s1600/RoyalsShirt_02.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I used a regular iron to adhere the HTV to the shirt. That's one thing I love about the Silhouette - I don't need some fancy heat press to make personal t-shirts; I just use my regular iron and it works great! </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6MWLuqpxTY0/Uj-y7EkWOcI/AAAAAAAAATo/Um7zt2cI_ZU/s1600/RoyalsShirt_Iron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6MWLuqpxTY0/Uj-y7EkWOcI/AAAAAAAAATo/Um7zt2cI_ZU/s1600/RoyalsShirt_Iron.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I use the iron on medium-high heat and place one of those 'flour sack towels' in between the vinyl and the t-shirt. I think I pressed it for about 60 seconds or maybe a little longer. Be sure to get all of the corners and intricate details of the design with the iron or it will start to peel on the edges (I know this from experience). </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C_o98Vyik8s/Uj-vqcQuywI/AAAAAAAAAS0/wwM4PG-HUtE/s1600/RoyalsShirt_Main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C_o98Vyik8s/Uj-vqcQuywI/AAAAAAAAAS0/wwM4PG-HUtE/s1600/RoyalsShirt_Main.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And here is the happy little girl with her shirt! She was so excited!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aBvYNKE6p_k/Uj-zfw_UutI/AAAAAAAAATw/Q9kxRTEH5HM/s1600/RoyalsShirt_Hannah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aBvYNKE6p_k/Uj-zfw_UutI/AAAAAAAAATw/Q9kxRTEH5HM/s1600/RoyalsShirt_Hannah.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">GO ROYALS!!</span><br />
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<i style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Linking up to: <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2013/09/take-look-tuesday_23.html" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sugar Bee Craft's Take-A-Look Tuesday</a> and <a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2013/09/one-project-at-a-time-92413.html" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A Bowl Full of Lemons One Project At A Time.</a></span></i></div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15157208426797495122noreply@blogger.com2