tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47929294187177619152024-02-18T22:55:07.741-05:00Jar of Vintage Buttonslesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622852503264016425noreply@blogger.comBlogger137125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792929418717761915.post-45844601853005976062012-10-29T16:03:00.000-04:002012-11-05T14:23:39.076-05:00less blogging. more secrets...<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yup. You’ve guessed it, my absence in blogging = ONE HUGE SECRET!!! </div>
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So, I promise this is it for awhile, so maybe I can actually get back to blogging on a somewhat regular basis. Without further ado…</div>
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SURPRISE! </div>
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Baby number 2 will be here at the beginning of May…again! Ya’ll think I go overboard with birthday parties for Kate? What on EARTH am I going to do now! 2 parties, 2 kiddos. Oh man. Maybe 1 BIG party with lots of cake and sprinkles? That should do it. </div>
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We are just over the moon excited for this little one to arrive. Now that my lovely morning sickness has calmed down a tiny bit and my energy has returned a little bit, I can be even more excited. You might be wondering how Kate’s reaction was to the news? I’m pleased to present Kate’s YouTube debut. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/S4NeJUQyAJc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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HA! As an update, she’s super excited now, talks about the baby ALL THE TIME and asks me on a daily basis if it’s here yet. Perhaps we should have waited to tell her the news? </div>
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Next obstacle will be putting up Kate’s crib in the baby’s room. She loved her crib and every now and then still talks about it. Then the real test…first week of December, gender reveal. She won’t talk of a baby brother. No boys allowed, just girls. Oh geez. We may have bad reaction to baby - part 2 - to video tape. Stay tuned.</div>
lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622852503264016425noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792929418717761915.post-35900201009727106972012-08-14T12:56:00.001-04:002012-08-14T12:59:58.153-04:00Kate's birthday party feature! <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">
Because we allllll know I can't keep secrets, I've been negligent in blogging because I've been keeping a little secret of my own :) Last Friday, <a href="http://blog.hwtm.com/" target="_blank">Hostess with the Mostess</a> (my mostess favorite party blog!) did a full length feature of Kate's Schoolhouse birthday party!!! I've known for a few weeks now that the feature would be live sometime in August. Trust me,it was hard to not spill the beans! So, without further ado, run on over to Hostess with the Mostess and see the full run down of the party deets and beautiful pictures!!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Click on the picture to be directed to HWTM!!! </td></tr>
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I also wanted to share a few pictures with you of sweet baby L. My bestie, Misty and her husband welcomed him into the world on July 20th. He is absolute perfection! AND he seriously is the most advanced baby ever! Look at that smile! Pop over to <a href="http://www.mistyraeporter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Misty's blog</a> to see even more adorable pictures!</div>
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I just realized I promised a DIY that I was going to share with you. I'm going to blame my being over 30 and say I have no idea what DIY I was going to do. Maybe I already did it for a project over at <a href="http://www.stockpilingmoms.com/diy-ideas/" target="_blank">Stockpiling Moms</a>? I'm losing it folks. If so, then make sure you pop over and see all of the <a href="http://www.stockpilingmoms.com/diy-ideas/" target="_blank">DIY projects</a> that are posted every Friday by yours truly! </div>
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Over the weekend we finished painting our bedroom and master bath. I need a few more things to complete a wall vignette and after that's complete, I'll be sure to post pictures! </div>
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Hope everyone is enjoying what's left of summer and gearing up for back to school! </div>
lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622852503264016425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792929418717761915.post-28402908040841665232012-07-05T09:54:00.000-04:002012-07-05T09:54:03.931-04:00vaca!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last week we continued the birthday celebrations of not only myself, but my brother and his life long pal, Ryan, in Destin, FL. There were a grand total of 18 of us between 2 condos and a beach house. We did dodge a tropical storm, but it only rained on our parade for 1 day. Life was pretty darn good for the rest of the week on a beautiful white sand beach and crystal clear water :) Here are some of my favorite pics from the week. Hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July! I'm working on a DIY this weekend and can't wait to finish it up. I'll share more next week...until then enjoy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0YdkYwXPOHfrv25B6xz2JjeLOSFNTYpQbQSrupeeJLn0md0L7ZfNj7mCi5v6Y83wr32lh_6mjn3kC340zCvTZ6GefP_uIX5pVCnCObzdY2CL-En8XbL1SiUX1CDyfb0QVsBMreN62-J9O/s1600/IMG_0285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0YdkYwXPOHfrv25B6xz2JjeLOSFNTYpQbQSrupeeJLn0md0L7ZfNj7mCi5v6Y83wr32lh_6mjn3kC340zCvTZ6GefP_uIX5pVCnCObzdY2CL-En8XbL1SiUX1CDyfb0QVsBMreN62-J9O/s320/IMG_0285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622852503264016425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792929418717761915.post-38963981342605567222012-06-19T09:41:00.003-04:002012-06-19T09:41:57.126-04:00thirty.<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
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Thirty means I'm no longer in my 20's. Thirty means I've gained some perspective on my life. Thirty means I'm comfortable with myself. Cheers to thirty. I think I'm going to like this decade :) </div>
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</div>lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622852503264016425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792929418717761915.post-38589249718234300902012-06-18T17:00:00.000-04:002012-06-18T17:00:01.246-04:00finishing up the list<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lots of pictures in this post. Tomorrow I will be 30. My 20's will be gone and I will be left with lots of sweet memories of way too much fun and reflections of a decade of personal growth. </div>
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I might not have conquered everything on my list, but I'm looking forward to my 30's to continue setting goals for myself. </div>
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<u>Findlay Market</u></div>
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Saturday morning on the 9th we loaded up and headed to Findlay Market. It was a beautiful and HOT day. I was fighting some kind of stomach bug so our trip was short which makes me sad. But, we did manage to get some awesomely delicious asparagus and a sweet watermelon. Kate enjoyed the sights and really enjoyed her orange soft drink :) We'll be back again Findlay!</div>
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<u>Family Photos</u></div>
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Humidity is NOT a girls' best friend. Especially if your name is Kate, you are 3 and happen to have ENORMOUS curly hair. When Brittany of <a href="http://www.brittanybrownphoto.com/" target="_blank">Brittany Brown Photography</a> sent me a text with a preview of our shoot, I almost fell off of my chair from laughing so hard. Her hair was SO BIG! Ha!!! But, nonetheless, the pictures were perfection. Brittany really captured our family. We laughed a lot that day, like we do everyday. She captured the sweetness of Kate, and the craziness too. I still am having a hard time believe that this adorable little thing is 3 years old already. We love you our sweet Kate. </div>
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P.S. I also want to wish my love a very happy anniversary. Kate and I love you so much! It's been an amazing 7 years and I look forward to many, many more anniversaries with you!</div>
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</div>lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622852503264016425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792929418717761915.post-77371164399469035252012-06-14T15:00:00.000-04:002012-06-14T15:00:36.936-04:00mimi's baby shower<div style="text-align: justify;">
I want to share with you some of the details from Misty's (aka Mimi in "Kate speak"!) baby shower that I hosted a few weekend ago. </div>
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I had sent the info over to my pal, <a href="http://www.pnpflowersinc.com/2012/06/inspire-real-party-baby-shower-hosted.html" target="_blank">Jessica, at Pen n Paperflowers</a> who has a beautiful blog and is so crazy talented it hurts my head sometimes. I shared with her Misty's story (with Misty's permission) and Jessica was anxious to share Misty's story with the world. </div>
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Her post was so incredibly touching, elegantly written and inspiring! Go straight over there to view her post. <a href="http://www.pnpflowersinc.com/2012/06/inspire-real-party-baby-shower-hosted.html">http://www.pnpflowersinc.com/2012/06/inspire-real-party-baby-shower-hosted.html</a></div>
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While I'll let <a href="http://www.pnpflowersinc.com/" target="_blank">Jessica</a> and <a href="http://www.mistyraeporter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Misty</a> share those details, I wanted to share some other details about some good friends who stepped in to help me make this day as special as possible for Misty.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJW_IocC0yN9Z0N0zPtEzwCTQimLRXmTXUDwC3x_hgcCJYHJbSbPZyCPZFp-r76mqr4uS2mT2ZXLgV7A9HGaBhNUbSRLs5iP7Zf3yKzQaeOfc4NNvwvwWblp_LQdNDtSAXE8kLghuvqmYM/s1600/pic.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" pca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJW_IocC0yN9Z0N0zPtEzwCTQimLRXmTXUDwC3x_hgcCJYHJbSbPZyCPZFp-r76mqr4uS2mT2ZXLgV7A9HGaBhNUbSRLs5iP7Zf3yKzQaeOfc4NNvwvwWblp_LQdNDtSAXE8kLghuvqmYM/s1600/pic.png" /></a>I finally got to meet this lovely, lovely lady, <a href="http://www.mirabellecreations.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Deanna</a>, at the Birds of a Feather Fair. She was one of our vendors and I wish I could have stayed all day and chatted with her. She is so super talented and creative and awesome. As I began making my email rounds letting our vendors know that we would be holding off on the Fair while Misty recovered, Deanna emailed me back asking what she could do to help. I had told her that I would love for some of the vendors from the Fair to help me with some items for Misty for the baby shower and she offered to create the printables (invitations, signage, etc.). We ran with some ideas based on Misty's bedding she had picked out. Deanna is so easy and fun to work with! So next time you need invitations or party printables head on over to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MirabelleCreations" target="_blank">Mirabelle Creations</a>! To Deanna, thank you over and over again for helping me make this day so special!</div>
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I also wanted to send a special shout out and thank you to <a href="http://cristinwilson.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cristin of Hazelnut Designs</a>. I also met <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HazelnutDesigns?ref=seller_info" target="_blank">Cristin</a> via a craft show that Misty and I did a few years ago. We've stayed in contact and she's always my go-to girl for my sewing needs! I'm sure everytime she gets an email from me she cringes because I've always got some crazy project up my sleeve :) She produces gorgeous work and she shares my love for the bunting banner. You know, a real quality I look for in a friend! Ha! I sent the bedding Misty had picked out and of course Cristin knew exactly who the designer was and even had scraps to make a bunting banner that matched! Misty was SO excited about the banner to put in the baby's nursery! To Cristin, thank you so very much for your unwavering support for me AND Misty through the Fair and now through this. I really hope someday soon when you are visiting your sis that we can spend some more time together! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Cristin with her stash of fabric. Raise your hand if you are jealous. **both hands raised**</td></tr>
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I have a couple more post lined up before my birthday on Tuesday! We finally got to Findlay Market and got some family pictures/Kate's 3 year pictures taken over the weekend. I only had 1 entire year to get this stuff done :) </div>
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</div>lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622852503264016425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792929418717761915.post-43242203993552875402012-06-11T08:00:00.000-04:002012-06-11T08:00:03.576-04:005k<div style="text-align: justify;">
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I did it! It was almost a year ago that I told myself sometime within this next year, get your butt up and get outside. I had told myself from the beginning I didn't care if I walked all of it, ran all of it, or a combination of both. Just do a 5k. So, last weekend that's exactly what my friend Jill and I did.</div>
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I'm NOT a morning person by any stretch of the imagination. Unless its A) Christmas morning, B) the morning of a party, or C) an awesome yard sale you will find me still yawning and carrying on until probably close to 11:00 am. But, Saturday the 2nd, I was up with the birds. Even up before my hubby and Kate were up. I snuck out of the house to meet up with my friend. </div>
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Let me tell you about my friend/5k buddy Jill. She is this BURST of sunshine and energy. The funniest person I've ever met in my entire life. She can have me doubled over in stitches laughing and crying and unable to breath from laughing so hard within seconds of seeing her. Sometimes even just thinking about some of the crazy stuff we've done together makes me laugh out loud. She's just one of those kinds of people that just make your day when you see them or talk to them. Now my funny little friend Jill has worked her @#$ off this past year and has really accomplished some AMAZING fitness goals that I only wish I could/had the motivation to do! She is a total 5k pro. I couldn't have asked for a better person to have my first 5k experience with! </div>
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We headed across the river to Cincinnati to our 5k destination. This particular 5k was in honor off a little gal named Becca. (More on that in a bit)</div>
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It wasn't a huge 5k, but just enough people that I didn't feel overwhelmed or super intimidated. They already had burgers cooking for the after party and that certainly motivated me to get back there as quickly as possible! </div>
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We started with the walkers and headed on our way. The course winded through a lovely, lovely neighborhood. We had almost as much fun talking about the houses we saw along the way as we did walking! We walked fast and ran some. My friend beat her personal best time, so for me that was a win! </div>
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At certain markers in the course, like at every .5 miles, they had yard signs with encouraging messages to the 5k participants. They also had some statistics about Becca's fight with Leukemia. Heart breaking to see the numbers on what that brave little girl went through and made you pick up your pace and take your mind off of your feet pounding the pavement. </div>
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It was a fun morning and Jill and I were proud to support childhood cancer research here locally at Cincinnati's Children's Hospital. You can watch Channel 5's story on the event here. <a href="http://race%20for%20cure%20inspired%20by%20young%20cancer%20patient%20%7c%20wlwt%20home%20-%20wlwt%20home/" target="_blank">Race For Cure Inspired By Young Cancer Patient | WLWT Home - WLWT Home</a></div>
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I thought a lot about Misty that day too. I hosted her baby shower that evening. Finishing that 5k couldn't have been a more perfect way to begin the day with helping raise money to find a cure for cancer and to end the day with such a fun celebration with Misty! </div>
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Only 9 more days in my 20's!</div>lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622852503264016425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792929418717761915.post-81734123151165770592012-05-31T12:50:00.000-04:002012-05-31T12:50:00.590-04:00Dear Pottery Barn: anything you can do, we can do better :)Are you singing the song in your head right now? Ha! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/" target="_blank">Pottery Barn - $149</a></td></tr>
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It's been a part of our DIY to-do lists for probably going on 2 years now. In a push to get some things around the house crossed off our list before Misty's baby shower (which is Saturday!) the hubby finally got going on making this fixture a reality. </div>
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I purchased the white cords from IKEA, I think in the same trip as the farmhouse sink, so as you'll remember that was well over a year ago. Joey make the wooden box from scrap materials he has lying around. I give him so much grief for keeping every piece of scrap wood, so I will admit it, it came in handy this one time. We stained it to resemble our kitchen table and countertops. I love the little beadboard detail that he threw in there too. </div>
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Our previous builder grade light fixture had 5 arms and produced plenty of light so I figured that we didn't need to add another 11 lights like this PB fixture. You would have to wear your sunglasses at the dinner table! </div>
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<a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/" target="_blank">Pottery Barn $399!</a></div>
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After some intense moments holding it up while standing on top of the dining room table we got it put into place and the power turned back on and PRESTO! Our glorious shining mason jar light fixture is operational. It gives off ample light and i think maybe even makes the room look a little bigger. I just love it!</div>
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Another project that has been on my to-do list for a long time is the wooden ruler growth chart. We bought the wood for this project back in February and it's been sitting in the basement for several months. I don't know why I wait so long to do stuff like this because it really was a quick project. I stained the wood with Aged Oak, let dry overnight. The next evening with the help of my math superstar husband we got to work on the ruler portion. I was a little scared, okay a lot scared, of messing it up. But, with this nifty gadget, square level thingy it was pretty easy. I used a sharpie marker so there was no dry time involved here! </div>
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Online the ruler sells for $59 and the mason jar fixture $149. The 16 jar fixture sells for $399!!! We tried to figure up how much we saved and we figured between the wood for the ruler (probably about $10, already had stain on hand and a sharpie marker) and the cords for the light fixture (maybe $20 total?, already had wood and stain) and I did buy new mason jars so they would be nice and clean (less than $10) we saved at the VERY least $168 and really more like $418 because our fixture is more like the $399 version! I wish someone would give me the $418 because think how much I could do in our house for that much! </div>
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In other house news, Joey is currently working on building a small deck that will eventually step down to a stone patio. I'm narrowing down paint colors for K's room. I picked about 5 different shades similar to the kitchen island and the laundry room and when I got them all home and held them against the laundry room wall I realized they were all almost identical. I guess that means I like that color? When the deck is complete we are going to get started on the screen door for the laundry room. </div>
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In other, other news, I am FINALLY completing the 5K off my 29th year bucket list. This Saturday, the morning of Misty's shower, because you know, why not? I will be the first to admit I am nowhere near ready to run it, but I know I can walk it. I can't believe it, just another 20 days left in my 20's! But, ready for a fun party and then ready for vacation! </div>lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622852503264016425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792929418717761915.post-2431974967638988872012-05-24T19:20:00.000-04:002012-05-24T19:20:40.578-04:00the benefit<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's taken me a week to finally get my thoughts together on the wonderful, marvelous night I experienced last Thursday. So glad to finally be writing these down. </div>
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I haven't give you much of an update on my bestie, Misty and her journey with cancer as she enters her last trimester of pregnancy. I hope that you have been keeping up with her blog too. If you haven't stopped over yet, do it right now! <a href="http://www.mistyraeporter.blogspot.com/">http://www.mistyraeporter.blogspot.com/</a> </div>
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For a brief update, Misty and baby boy are doing well. She's almost 2 months away from getting to meet his sweet little chunky face. I can't wait. I want to kiss his face and just tell him how much I love him and his mommy. EK! </div>
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I'm hosting Misty's baby shower next weekend. Misty requested an evening shower in an effort for it to resemble more of a girls night and I was more than happy to oblige! It's going to be a super fun and chill evening with lots of good food, laughter and lots of sweet memories made. </div>
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So, back to last Thursday. It was a night I'll never forget. Along with about 12 other girlfriends, we hosted a benefit in honor of Misty. The purpose was to raise some funds to give directly to Misty to help with her medical expenses. Our little planning committee only met twice, we had about a month to prepare, and together hosted probably the best damn benefit EVER! </div>
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We gathered the most incredible raffle items ever. People were going crazy buying tickets. My dear friend Beth made us girls who were selling tickets the most adorable aprons ever to wear that evening to hold the money from the raffle sales. I had so much money in my apron I could barely get my hand in there to get it all out. Times that by 12 girls with aprons. </div>
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The outpouring of love that was shown to Misty was incredible. The friends who drove hours to be there for Misty on a Thursday night was incredible. The random people who didn't know Misty from anybody that came anyway to support her was incredible. The waitress who emptied her pockets of her tip money for Misty was incredible. I don't think I can say it enough, it was just an unbelievably touching experience to be in that restaurant with so many wonderful people. </div>
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Misty was able to be at the benefit for a few hours. She looked radiant. And so happy. </div>
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The benefit was for Misty. It was to honor her as our courageous friend. On that night, it wasn't about cancer. Cancer didn't even get an invitation to the party. This benefit was a celebration of her friendship to all of us. It was created for her because each of us know that if we were ever in need she would have done the exact same thing for us and even better! </div>
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We sold (are are still selling) bracelets with the words Peace. Love. Hope. I wear this bracelet everyday with my watch. Every time I look at my watch I see those words and say a silent prayer of peace, love and hope for my best friend. I pray that she will find peace with her diagnosis someday. I pray that she feels the love of all of her friends and family around her all the time. I pray that she finds hope in something everyday. </div>
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A special shout out and thank you to my momma too. Your unwavering support of me and Misty throughout the years in the numerous "big ideas" that we've concocted means more to me than you'll ever know. </div>
</div>lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622852503264016425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792929418717761915.post-71344803629613701092012-05-09T16:39:00.001-04:002012-05-09T16:39:32.107-04:00cross it off the list - 2012 Kentucky Derby!<div style="text-align: justify;">
As I inch ever so close to the big 3-0 birthday, I'm also inching closer to finishing off my bucket list items. One big one was to attend the Derby, hat and all. This past Saturday, May 5, 2012 I did just that. It was fun, crazy and HOT. We made lots of memories that day and it was a day I won't soon forget! </div>
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Our chariot picked up our crowd of around 30 in the parking lot of a furniture store at 8am. I actually had to get up earlier than I do on a normal work day. Funny how I sprung out of bed this day, but can barely get it together to get out the door to work...</div>
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Anyway, we picked our seats on the bus, got cozy with some nutritious breakfast. Yup, that would be a sprinkled donut and a giant coke from McD's. What? Weight Watchers? Not TODAY! </div>
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Remember, another reason for this trip is my friend from high school who is married to one of my hubby's friends from high school was turning 30. And it was Cinco De Mayo. The trifecta of celebrations. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The birthday girl!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "fillies"</td></tr>
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We arrived at Papa John's stadium after 10am. We would park the charter bus here and then take a short shuttle ride to Churchill Downs. I had heard this is where a lot of the college kids go to "tailgate" before the Derby. Oh. My. Gosh. Tailgate they did. I still think of myself as a spring chick, but man did the sight of those college kids make me feel old. And apparently they thought we were celebrities. They swarmed our group. We were definitely the most dressed up group in the lot. And probably the oldest, like by 8-10 years. And they COULD NOT get over the idea that most of us had kids. But, nevertheless, it was fun to hang out there and thank my lucky stars that I'm no longer in college and that I can afford the finer things in life, like cold beverages in bottles and clothing that does not include cut off overalls. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This girl. Cut off overalls. Tiny sombrero hat. Hot. Mess.</td></tr>
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After heading into Churchill Downs we found our way to the paddock area soaked in the sights. We attempted to find Joey's brother and sister in law who made the trip from Miami, Florida. But, if you've ever been to the Derby you know that cell phone service is spotty at best and we never could connect with him. We even went as far as searching the infield for nearly 2 hours in the muddy disaster looking for a blue pop up tent with no avail. BUT, we did run into my friend from college in the tunnel leading to the infield! </div>
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We left the infield and joined back up with our group we traveled with and spent the rest of the day enjoying the Derby. We had a front row seat to the parade of owners and handlers as they made their way through the paddock area and to Millionaire's Row. </div>
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It was a loooooooooong day, my feet were throbbing, but I wouldn't trade that day for anything! We had SO much fun with our friends who we never get to do this kind of stuff with. To Nikki, you did 30 proud! Thanks for having a birthday and thanks to your awesome husband for getting it all together! </div>
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So what's left on the ol' to-do list? </div>
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Run/walk 5K - scheduled for June 2nd! Have I started training? Uh....no.</div>
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Take some video with my 8mm app. - can't believe I still haven't done that. </div>
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Try a yoga class.</div>
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Get to the Findlay Market </div>
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Get some kiss my 20's goodbye pictures taken. - I'm chickening out, these might turn into family portraits :) </div>
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And yet again, my 30th birthday party is being taken down another notch. Life just got BUSY. I am headed to my favorite restaurant on Sunday to check out their party room. Let's face it, this way I won't have to clean up! HA! </div>
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Hope ya'll had a fun Cinco de DERBY weekend!</div>
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<br /></div>lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622852503264016425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792929418717761915.post-82823118770749883962012-04-30T16:25:00.000-04:002012-04-30T16:25:42.746-04:00the best day ever!<div style="text-align: justify;">
I can't believe how quickly these birthday parties come and go. It's already over! I stopped myself during the party and just sat down and really tried to soak up everything that was going on. I usually find myself worrying if there is enough food, if everyone is full, what is Kate doing and/or bothering, but not yesterday. Once the guests started arriving I told myself to just relax and enjoy. Enjoy the company of our closest friends and family and just enjoy this day with Kate. She only turns 3 once and will only be a little girl for just a little while longer. </div>
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My mom was gracious enough to keep her after church to let her get in a nap and so I could work on finishing everything up uninterrupted. My mom dropped her off about 3:30 and I wish I would have gotten her sweet little reaction on video because it was priceless. Although she knew it was her birthday party and I had been setting up for several days already, when she saw that cake she got SO excited! It was so stinking cute. I can't tell you how many times she thanked me and Joey for her birthday party and hugged and kissed everyone at the party several times and thanked them over and over. It just made my heart soar to hear how polite she was! And more than once she actually said this was the best day ever!</div>
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My awesome friend Vonnie took lots of awesome pictures and I should have those in a few weeks, but here is just a little sneak peek of some I took with my phone :) Happy Monday! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYfA7_pq8WXdhf3EbEblXVdCAWFAlItLwjoe4SrpwGxFgmrx-stRCrmNsDiRWdIRrRomBh16WBpLDyo-xxuz903NQB7NkJX5JRLoxpTPi1oMyAW6aMYJ7TLQ8gtN0mJuqOmAlotUJX6o5/s1600/575944_3936625820898_1437434854_3561083_46272122_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYfA7_pq8WXdhf3EbEblXVdCAWFAlItLwjoe4SrpwGxFgmrx-stRCrmNsDiRWdIRrRomBh16WBpLDyo-xxuz903NQB7NkJX5JRLoxpTPi1oMyAW6aMYJ7TLQ8gtN0mJuqOmAlotUJX6o5/s320/575944_3936625820898_1437434854_3561083_46272122_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03Ox5f31Md2o8FTX5tx4xkwrqdmwisg_5NefdEMyWBhCAs6XX8To57h1XLO9lqvWuHpaZBRpCobI1BvB6H0ISA51RnasWIYL_CCh7MHxrEwwfoIge4dykQP2rR8f7mxSaVESGZtQ13iWY/s1600/538592_3936623060829_1437434854_3561082_1436888947_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03Ox5f31Md2o8FTX5tx4xkwrqdmwisg_5NefdEMyWBhCAs6XX8To57h1XLO9lqvWuHpaZBRpCobI1BvB6H0ISA51RnasWIYL_CCh7MHxrEwwfoIge4dykQP2rR8f7mxSaVESGZtQ13iWY/s320/538592_3936623060829_1437434854_3561082_1436888947_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsF_LO0Y-TKhF63PkAr_LigNg01LrJFudnAOe_y0lF0HwxkCcaWT3YKIAOfAjucWdDnqgz2F_lSuTQMSjwqX-A2iFAnNL2D7I6f9hlZ-DYLWm8xIAU-1lB3q2GywS07WxEnHeJIJCy32nN/s1600/535827_3936690782522_1437434854_3561115_1359983117_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsF_LO0Y-TKhF63PkAr_LigNg01LrJFudnAOe_y0lF0HwxkCcaWT3YKIAOfAjucWdDnqgz2F_lSuTQMSjwqX-A2iFAnNL2D7I6f9hlZ-DYLWm8xIAU-1lB3q2GywS07WxEnHeJIJCy32nN/s320/535827_3936690782522_1437434854_3561115_1359983117_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622852503264016425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792929418717761915.post-82413452027390547702012-04-24T11:27:00.000-04:002012-04-24T11:27:25.826-04:00instagram, how I love thee<div style="text-align: justify;">
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome myself into 2012. I finally broke down and got an iphone. Up until last Thursday evening I felt like Carrie in the first Sex and the City movie when she was still rocking her pink flip phone circa 2004. I love the scene where she is at the library about to get married with that big bird on her head and she's freaking out because Big wasn't there yet and she asks for a phone and Samantha gives Carrie her iphone and she just looks at it and hands it right back to her with "I don't know how to use this thing." {Thank you for indulging me. I still love SATC.} </div>
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Anyhoo, my contract for my pink flip phone was over so I took the plunge. Now, I can say, how did I ever get along without it? The apps, Siri, the music, the camera! I'm already smitten! </div>
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Given that the iphone 4S camera is 10000000000000 times better than the digital camera we currently own, most of the photos on this blog from here on out will probably be thanks to my phone. Or until I actually break down and buy a real fancy pants camera. </div>
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I ahhhhhdore Instagram and the vintagy feel it can give to any photo, making it instantly awesome. You can follow me or find me or whatever you do on there: @leslielm </div>
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Also, get ready because the movie producer in me is about to come out. <a href="http://www.jarofvintagebuttons.blogspot.com/2011/06/birthdays.html" target="_blank">Remember last year when I said I wanted to get my hands on an 8mm camera and make some classic old school home videos</a>? Well, it's going to happen! I downloaded the 8mm app and the imovie app so I can start cranking out some cool home movies too! I may start this weekend at lil bits birthday party! </div>
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I promised an updated picture of our fireplace and you guessed it, thanks to Instagram, you shall receive! Plus some other photos I took over the weekend just for fun! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHeK_xsGDMX-wBuQnuC0FQVbbsjFtvwOGrGIsKhA4IbghnIRc_y15SLTVO3C2V3qYjqOqJUE1jktgRu2xpNMVbsV0zJuWmuoNU5fQ81M8yHves0ikubZZKlthQMvBq7IAWtILEI9uLMvb/s1600/385742_3865185154926_1437434854_3530906_1520385300_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHeK_xsGDMX-wBuQnuC0FQVbbsjFtvwOGrGIsKhA4IbghnIRc_y15SLTVO3C2V3qYjqOqJUE1jktgRu2xpNMVbsV0zJuWmuoNU5fQ81M8yHves0ikubZZKlthQMvBq7IAWtILEI9uLMvb/s320/385742_3865185154926_1437434854_3530906_1520385300_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chevron faux fireplace</td></tr>
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Just a few more days till the paaaarrrtttay! Getting excited!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9EUynCM24I-Zi0c73DsJEbQ8MdCJ1dpc7UWFVBaCllLeOYEZ7AEizSlKFbJBn6VB_Xlmk1AvwyoSQjFlQEUxXcnaxub8CUhq1O-bX1qFPaKrBQBWaNDGtdHbmkhZQuHEtkGtbJmCPJ6K/s1600/49b8625e8afc11e1af7612313813f8e8_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9EUynCM24I-Zi0c73DsJEbQ8MdCJ1dpc7UWFVBaCllLeOYEZ7AEizSlKFbJBn6VB_Xlmk1AvwyoSQjFlQEUxXcnaxub8CUhq1O-bX1qFPaKrBQBWaNDGtdHbmkhZQuHEtkGtbJmCPJ6K/s320/49b8625e8afc11e1af7612313813f8e8_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The soon to be birthday girl!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrSV-Bxs-o11XuunUzZYf7Zcq_wKUrRv0plohF-kTt6TPiU2AXu_XvUEe77guUBMjln3X4mu_pstcVDGjLxtLEstvG_Y5QERfsNAPN8qTZunCWg-6HsYbn_sH5UfVyYeAnc7ixeFCFMqZ/s1600/75564_3865187714990_1437434854_3530911_268839354_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrSV-Bxs-o11XuunUzZYf7Zcq_wKUrRv0plohF-kTt6TPiU2AXu_XvUEe77guUBMjln3X4mu_pstcVDGjLxtLEstvG_Y5QERfsNAPN8qTZunCWg-6HsYbn_sH5UfVyYeAnc7ixeFCFMqZ/s320/75564_3865187714990_1437434854_3530911_268839354_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign we picked up in South Africa. Right by our front door :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQMFzdHSHsH_W29RKy5d0P4CL_7gBgLAoW2YTT7HjrkV-pDYGOFSTj8am3Sh5ZCKNTUirTOQcTmCYfsSKaMmIHaGCGF45kuYQkvobwPvbKmb_92iysFrKIG7a0OyqVjcAytc56WsJch6t/s1600/314227_3865099592787_1437434854_3530838_750158826_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQMFzdHSHsH_W29RKy5d0P4CL_7gBgLAoW2YTT7HjrkV-pDYGOFSTj8am3Sh5ZCKNTUirTOQcTmCYfsSKaMmIHaGCGF45kuYQkvobwPvbKmb_92iysFrKIG7a0OyqVjcAytc56WsJch6t/s320/314227_3865099592787_1437434854_3530838_750158826_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">K's big girl room</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenL8RszDWISPwy3NFjx15RCy6ByDPiZCFkWRi8WR42cLPhaVKhrAtzIOphTYIDq1Oyl4RS9ypKjEULeH6cVzh-pe9i6WtEBKvKq6w4PtKpnP7O6KUJ54j93JLoBHlwf_VQvqilgOka6oW/s1600/576418_3856087607493_1437434854_3527027_2007730168_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenL8RszDWISPwy3NFjx15RCy6ByDPiZCFkWRi8WR42cLPhaVKhrAtzIOphTYIDq1Oyl4RS9ypKjEULeH6cVzh-pe9i6WtEBKvKq6w4PtKpnP7O6KUJ54j93JLoBHlwf_VQvqilgOka6oW/s320/576418_3856087607493_1437434854_3527027_2007730168_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Party prep underway!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Uc4F43_xsH63_QkVAxfa7NmRg_vZq6buj5bRXhN1mSm6QgjR5yqi9lhFoMT6VUhAEGdAxYk1aryZY2WaL-LxTgWufJGCqlE_zWZG3QdAZ1XGyCWIl1sZ9UNNLUhTsAzwKeTI1TwwSrl-/s1600/577661_3865192795117_1437434854_3530919_252216105_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Uc4F43_xsH63_QkVAxfa7NmRg_vZq6buj5bRXhN1mSm6QgjR5yqi9lhFoMT6VUhAEGdAxYk1aryZY2WaL-LxTgWufJGCqlE_zWZG3QdAZ1XGyCWIl1sZ9UNNLUhTsAzwKeTI1TwwSrl-/s320/577661_3865192795117_1437434854_3530919_252216105_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mamaw's typewriter</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAQqcdmVokDpylUUg2c_IYilB7N11PonhKXp68GqzpSt78Ktr9ac9tRocwozWcXt5BLEjw-aRxwhol-IW76hf3zLSblQTEDmV6PnGU7ay3zsy3TdJAndOGRlJbCLCIctosAImo0OPMgLS/s1600/578534_3854381124832_1437434854_3526288_1657746768_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAQqcdmVokDpylUUg2c_IYilB7N11PonhKXp68GqzpSt78Ktr9ac9tRocwozWcXt5BLEjw-aRxwhol-IW76hf3zLSblQTEDmV6PnGU7ay3zsy3TdJAndOGRlJbCLCIctosAImo0OPMgLS/s320/578534_3854381124832_1437434854_3526288_1657746768_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good morning!</td></tr>
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</div>lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622852503264016425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792929418717761915.post-46041611609117950722012-04-17T21:03:00.000-04:002012-04-17T21:03:57.890-04:00hellllllooooooo preschool!<div style="text-align: justify;">As mentioned, this year's birthday theme will be all about school!! You've probably never met someone as excited about school as my Kate and she has never even been to school before! I think all of the awesome school supplies might have something to do with her excitement. Ask my mom or dad and they will tell you that I too was a lover/hoarder of school supplies in my day. I would make my weary, exhausted mother traipse out to every office supply store on the very first day of school with my list of school supplies. She was a teacher and I know fighting swarms of kids and their parents trying to find school supplies after the first day of school was not a fun activity for her....but man, I l-o-v-e-d it. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's definitely crunch time around here with Kate's party next Sunday! AH! How does time get away from me so quickly? I promised lots and lots of DIY projects. Since it's getting so close, I'll have to post more DIYs even after the party. {insert sad slacker face here} I also owe you an update on the 1/2 bath revamp before too long. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here's we go. Let's start with the invitations. Wouldn't you agree that the invitation sets the stage for the whole entire party? Get an awesome invitation in the mail and you can almost guarantee and awesome time to come at the party. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rx2FizIMlsYA5KMTHD3eEANSlWNifY_7TGyUjvkL1jHHO1R8D5pwGwB8ERfwfg4KDdpaaUxzmViGkROAwdaCo3z3kBSMP5MYazatqi4hwf7a6wDzj_mZq8fyMeepoMpqSOhiK8uQJsY2/s1600/101_3667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rx2FizIMlsYA5KMTHD3eEANSlWNifY_7TGyUjvkL1jHHO1R8D5pwGwB8ERfwfg4KDdpaaUxzmViGkROAwdaCo3z3kBSMP5MYazatqi4hwf7a6wDzj_mZq8fyMeepoMpqSOhiK8uQJsY2/s320/101_3667.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Since I'm sure Kate will be just like her momma and be completed OCD when it comes to organization I thought a lil file folder to keep all of the party invitation information would be totally appropriate. I found this template <a href="http://www.erinvaledesign.com/leo_on_the_loose/2009/06/diy-free-printable-mini-file-folder-labels.html" target="_blank">here</a> and embellished the outside cover. I traced the tag onto some pink graph paper and added a flower and this cute little number 3 and some baker's twine. Just so everyone what was clear what was inside that folder, I typed on the label :) </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyqeQgjR6u9FoYpYSWEUdbVXCZW2ifCIa0AvBvT9GicrtFg7zoTvP-HXHWnso3JldOq3fl7WXS6Lyh8jb3MbzWh37qfL_tfoTmMmv2p0KYRbmqUY7VIcz00HmShow-1UcD9UYf3G-5Oq7/s1600/101_3668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyqeQgjR6u9FoYpYSWEUdbVXCZW2ifCIa0AvBvT9GicrtFg7zoTvP-HXHWnso3JldOq3fl7WXS6Lyh8jb3MbzWh37qfL_tfoTmMmv2p0KYRbmqUY7VIcz00HmShow-1UcD9UYf3G-5Oq7/s320/101_3668.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I recruited my hubby to design the guts to the invitation with a less than elementary sketch/idea of what I had in mind. Good thing we are a good team because what he came up with was WAY better than what I had in my brain. 2 flash cards and a class schedule fit perfectly in their folder. I found some cute glassine envelopes at Hobby Lobby and sealed the back of the envelope with a strip of old school tape I bought on etsy which I also used to make flags for the yellow paper straws above. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KMmMKlR49ZJVh4ef2VmfxdumjQZr2I5ZftKyadhq0bnLusLtvJyEikZg6MdksftXkjy_e_UMjWLwIiqW0SQ1UhIxyHv24xtNhAPZs4CMvsqFwP2oc9F_YJv8ObNWleEzkBDiAdhkWruz/s1600/101_3669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KMmMKlR49ZJVh4ef2VmfxdumjQZr2I5ZftKyadhq0bnLusLtvJyEikZg6MdksftXkjy_e_UMjWLwIiqW0SQ1UhIxyHv24xtNhAPZs4CMvsqFwP2oc9F_YJv8ObNWleEzkBDiAdhkWruz/s320/101_3669.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The invitations did exactly what I wanted them to do. I got a text from my lovely sis in law as soon as her mail arrived and said that the invitation made her smile :) Mission accomplished :) </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4T9zy1n5gzpAiUzmQDmDGq_OMiP4haI1xo2mFOgKA3iWezPw6xpm9ShaAIzo2AhPB8gWZtoZNTOZb0njcdBbOsTCoCgvFQN8CksO1pvVG0qmmoiylE5c2R7UAtuzuRgv8hBDi3doy8fxi/s1600/101_3670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4T9zy1n5gzpAiUzmQDmDGq_OMiP4haI1xo2mFOgKA3iWezPw6xpm9ShaAIzo2AhPB8gWZtoZNTOZb0njcdBbOsTCoCgvFQN8CksO1pvVG0qmmoiylE5c2R7UAtuzuRgv8hBDi3doy8fxi/s320/101_3670.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622852503264016425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792929418717761915.post-83227765655121652812012-04-09T15:58:00.000-04:002012-04-09T15:58:56.687-04:00diy and laundry room redo<div style="text-align: justify;">As I mentioned in my last post, I wanted to knock out a few projects around the house before Kate's birthday party. About 3 weeks left to go and I'm proud to say I conquered both of my projects with plenty of time to spare! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">A side note quickly, I wanted to pass along the link to one of my favorite DIYs that I've done on Stockpiling Moms so far. I used this same technique to make the EAT letters in our kitchen. This post was Easter themed, no judging that I'm already a day late. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jSRwkwQ8vxmzPXaOJIzyCwZXDSOdBOLzwSorSSrRpLTROZFD6Zhun8RPmq-j8wgnduAftQJ9nI1HxOIiXlsFuW0LWPrxW9UADkzFeG9-tKHFHcQjGoxUNmhltus_EM1iseZ4d9-O5MYo/s1600/101_3633-225x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jSRwkwQ8vxmzPXaOJIzyCwZXDSOdBOLzwSorSSrRpLTROZFD6Zhun8RPmq-j8wgnduAftQJ9nI1HxOIiXlsFuW0LWPrxW9UADkzFeG9-tKHFHcQjGoxUNmhltus_EM1iseZ4d9-O5MYo/s1600/101_3633-225x300.jpg" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.stockpilingmoms.com/2012/04/diy/ </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Okay, back to room redos. The first room I tacked was the laundry room. Our laundry room is a small room right off the garage so not only do we do our laundry there, it's a mud room of sorts, I keep a calendar handy so I can see as I'm walking out the door what bills need to be paid, and last but certainly not least, it houses my husband's kegerator. It's not my ideal spot for it, but until we can tackle the garage and get it organized and cleared out I was informed it has to stay there for the time being. Trust me, I've already got big plans for that tiny space it will free up when the kegerator is back in its rightful place...in the garage. I have a little wire rack for laundry detergent and dryer sheets and such and if I can swing it, I wouldn't mind having a little stool or some kind of small chair so you can sit and take your shoes off. Or, let's be real honest, it will serve as a place to dump stuff (i.e. my purse). But, anyhoo, until the day when the kegerator triumphantly makes its return home, I'll deal with the hops and barley smell that greets you everytime you walk in from the garage. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYy2g70FbYpdy025uKKSyQduVmRKGYdp5AuBxHL_EEOijh-TCGK-dEznR9_gAcvpRXu6Pwm59SNky14kIaHmQ2i8qURa2ousfphdZepTEQ99IBtJGP_oimW7l8KuLXlMWrpuNRxFd5Szh4/s1600/101_3566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYy2g70FbYpdy025uKKSyQduVmRKGYdp5AuBxHL_EEOijh-TCGK-dEznR9_gAcvpRXu6Pwm59SNky14kIaHmQ2i8qURa2ousfphdZepTEQ99IBtJGP_oimW7l8KuLXlMWrpuNRxFd5Szh4/s320/101_3566.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before....blah</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfPRGRa2xvIKDsGFgXzZMnFCiCzFtK8IloXf0WWeuHZ_PEKQCWoylUfo7m5N0oI7ma_YEycGzMRdmo7h0TeOuX0SIKQ5gGgkKYdNUx5X0U2yk5ZaJSOPzyrq49GEVVcwooldpGs3b8rBT/s1600/101_3567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfPRGRa2xvIKDsGFgXzZMnFCiCzFtK8IloXf0WWeuHZ_PEKQCWoylUfo7m5N0oI7ma_YEycGzMRdmo7h0TeOuX0SIKQ5gGgkKYdNUx5X0U2yk5ZaJSOPzyrq49GEVVcwooldpGs3b8rBT/s320/101_3567.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other side before</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">First order of business was paint. I used the paint that I had left over from the kitchen peninsula and barely squeezed out enough to do this room. Thank goodness it was a small room and the paint covered well, I got away with only 1 coat. The color is Grand Hotel Mackinac Blue by Valspar. I'm starting to get a crush on Valspar paint too. It covered our new construction drywall well and costs way less than my other crush on Sherwin Williams paint. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I already made hubs put up this message board wall when we moved in so I could keep track of everything, so the frame just got a quick coat of Martha Stewart's Punch mixed in whatever the cheapest paint they had at Home Depot. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwxFKVJgDIp00i6Xlw5lncvriN4YEyxGPeID7GFJ4hgBXbWSFUL_YVdJIxok8oUTxY6X2rVU9Pd0Eg0iyfN5ZcjtA5tYZLoFe53A8JL8fZSCYbWuSucdj4UlaLQMe2V_Ki1eT1yGXStjh/s1600/101_3605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwxFKVJgDIp00i6Xlw5lncvriN4YEyxGPeID7GFJ4hgBXbWSFUL_YVdJIxok8oUTxY6X2rVU9Pd0Eg0iyfN5ZcjtA5tYZLoFe53A8JL8fZSCYbWuSucdj4UlaLQMe2V_Ki1eT1yGXStjh/s320/101_3605.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Next we took down the ugly white wire shelving that was in the laundry room. Since the laundry room can be seen from the kitchen I wanted it to look as pretty as the kitchen. I bought 3 corbels and a 6 foot piece of MDF board from Home Depot and painted those bad boys with the same Punch by Martha Stewart paint. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSOshbMyt52e8ShtFJ1XSuzMOEVTCsbTAKcehqtFXckvryaA70ZILrlJLJt9oyDJ6qV6DB5idf2w_XDeZGbGHY10VkHhT-ZbTb3TbCD9AqSdlnKgbrT0_eiGbkrp-yM-_Cunu3ymqcqub/s1600/101_3608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSOshbMyt52e8ShtFJ1XSuzMOEVTCsbTAKcehqtFXckvryaA70ZILrlJLJt9oyDJ6qV6DB5idf2w_XDeZGbGHY10VkHhT-ZbTb3TbCD9AqSdlnKgbrT0_eiGbkrp-yM-_Cunu3ymqcqub/s320/101_3608.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Once the paint was dry on the walls and on my shelf, Joey got busy and hung everything back up on the wall. I put some laundry room-ish items in jars for the shelf and put some rolls of paper towels in that basket that I spraypainted yellow. It's actually a refrigerator basket that I found on the side of the road by someone's house when we lived in Erlanger. Their trash, my treasure. I love that thing. It's already been several colors, but yellow has by far been my fav! </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The rug is from Urban Outfitters and they must have read my blog post about that tree shower curtain and how mad I was and must have been scared. I swear I ordered that rug on a Thursday and it may have been on my doorstep by Friday. If not Friday, for sure Saturday. Crazy. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJBmDjRBgy4fw2D5xtqoKf_K5Fv0GZQWnDeZ_5JyGFAl7qGXyTo0sX_U3-CW0Ny-13KI3-eFFj-k54quVpNd4DvEjUueM-3PUDAod0nxbozW89VmgNdTvgpvJrIpxau7OwUAT_fbxYv2i/s1600/101_3603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJBmDjRBgy4fw2D5xtqoKf_K5Fv0GZQWnDeZ_5JyGFAl7qGXyTo0sX_U3-CW0Ny-13KI3-eFFj-k54quVpNd4DvEjUueM-3PUDAod0nxbozW89VmgNdTvgpvJrIpxau7OwUAT_fbxYv2i/s320/101_3603.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">To finish off the room I added this friendly little reminder as we walk out the door every morning. I totally think it's worth seeing everyday, because sometimes let's face it, I just don't want to be nice. But, as I've learned, there are lots of people out there who are facing some things in their life that are really not nice, so if I can be nice to just one person who's otherwise having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, then it makes it worth while. I saw the tutorial for these letters over at <a href="http://lifeasathrifter.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2012-01-15T21:31:00-05:00&max-results=7&start=21&by-date=false" target="_blank">Life As a Thrifter</a> and actually may need to go to rehab to curb my addiction to silver spraypainted/anthro knockoff letters. You will see them again in a little room tour of Kate's bedroom to come sometime soon.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpu5t-hQ9F2ckl_2LcaFdpMUH44TZvTVfy2yxxLikHkIurM8w7wcVsEzPBV8w0z_yAA8y1MCRPpxbBKlc3Ntlm843RmzLJVVhfjB7bFo21jE3KP24iobRpUJIc6Ym4OEY37250TCeh5Uu/s1600/101_3607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpu5t-hQ9F2ckl_2LcaFdpMUH44TZvTVfy2yxxLikHkIurM8w7wcVsEzPBV8w0z_yAA8y1MCRPpxbBKlc3Ntlm843RmzLJVVhfjB7bFo21jE3KP24iobRpUJIc6Ym4OEY37250TCeh5Uu/s320/101_3607.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgf9uetelQlBrfVtHuSOdT1ghUhWUClN4V26-Oe8eAP4ugCBgtvpnCgR5LFVnlblNFA08Ix864IqHfV_2Bzr_hGLBpfeDUnU2ZGcjiLEkAMF_G3XkHOk5NC7Wlb5a4WZwNwgqGeeyNYFp/s1600/101_3609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgf9uetelQlBrfVtHuSOdT1ghUhWUClN4V26-Oe8eAP4ugCBgtvpnCgR5LFVnlblNFA08Ix864IqHfV_2Bzr_hGLBpfeDUnU2ZGcjiLEkAMF_G3XkHOk5NC7Wlb5a4WZwNwgqGeeyNYFp/s320/101_3609.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, that's it for now. Phase II of this project will be to replace the white 6 panel door leading into the hallway of the house (not the one leading into the garage) with an old friend. Yes lovelies, the screen door is making a come back. We had a screen door on our pantry in our old house and it is patiently waiting for a new paint job and some new hardware. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Phase III of the redo, several years down the road, will be to replace the flooring from linoleum to some fun black/white hexagonal tile. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, there you have it! Way too much information about our lil ol' laundry room! Next up, a powder room revamp. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622852503264016425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792929418717761915.post-72424187569484969912012-03-31T11:37:00.001-04:002012-03-31T11:38:28.799-04:00what's next?<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">So, I know you are probably asking, what’s next? What project are those crazy Marshall kids going to tackle now? Oh trust me, I’ve got a list, but first things first. Our sweet lil crazy Kate is about to be 3! So for the next few weeks I am in full party planning mode. It’s sick, but I even took some PTO days last week to get everything bought and begin getting things in order and ready. Most people take PTO days to relax, get a mani, lay around and do nothing. I wish I could but my brain won’t allow it. My brain is booked with ideas from now until the end of the year already, so no time for relaxing. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div align="justify">We’ve already signed Miss Kate up for preschool beginning in September and she couldn’t be more excited. In honor of her birthday and her embarking on new adventures in preschool we are having a school themed birthday party! I’m planning on mixing in elements of school days of yore but still keeping it bright, cheerful and fun! I’ve got plenty of DIYs lined up too, so I’ll start with the invites and work our way onward. Lots of pressure this year too. I mean, how can you top last year’s party? I don’t know if I can top it, but it will certainly just be different and just as fun! Check out my <a href="http://pinterest.com/leslielm/more-kate-party-ideas/" target="_blank">Pinterest board here</a> for my collection of inspiration. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">But, speaking of projects, before her party (which is in late April) I hope to:</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Paint and install new shelving in the laundry room and actually make it an organized space instead of the catch all of crap area, which is what purpose it is currently serving. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">At the very least paint the powder room and finish my silver platter installation in there. We want to replace the flooring with tile and swap out the sink, but that might be pushing it. We’ll see how motivated my hubs is. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">There you have it. Get ready to be schooled. Old schooled. Whatever that means?! </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Here’s a sneak peek of the invites. So fun! </div><div align="justify"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8VtPA6x__JErj8lbn0DHIdcDrjV3xls3Vk9en6MlCRo8J_OhuAIvVfvx46tpd-R9hA8TQcWFqNoPrD_JbtP_B9MRnkadpnmCsz9woloT13ezIrfpameAI08wkokZsnT6KfAH359SPbOC/s1600/101_3635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8VtPA6x__JErj8lbn0DHIdcDrjV3xls3Vk9en6MlCRo8J_OhuAIvVfvx46tpd-R9hA8TQcWFqNoPrD_JbtP_B9MRnkadpnmCsz9woloT13ezIrfpameAI08wkokZsnT6KfAH359SPbOC/s320/101_3635.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622852503264016425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792929418717761915.post-18176152502172353822012-03-26T08:00:00.002-04:002012-03-26T09:14:27.481-04:00the "c" word<div style="text-align: justify;">Most of the time I can find the words to write on this blank screen. They usually flow pretty well and I'm able to form complete sentences to explain and detail my day to day ramblings, crafty adventures, home improvement project and other nonsense. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">For this post however, I'm having trouble finding the right words to say. Having trouble finding the keystrokes to put sentences together. So, instead of making sense, maybe it won't today. Maybe it won't make sense, because there is something else that doesn't make sense to me. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">My best friend. Her name is Misty. We met in 7th grade when our new middle school opened. I don't quite remember the exact sequence of events, but I do know it probably wasn't before the end of the school day that we had become best friends. Since that first day of school in 7th grade we've remained the best of friends. We have been best friends through high school, high school drama, boyfriends (well, for Misty, just one, who's she's now married to :), graduation, we were college roommates, graduation again, she was my maid of honor in my wedding, I was her matron of honor in her wedding. She was at the hospital with me the day Kate was born. She helped me create the Birds of a Feather Fair. There is really just not a whole lot of my life that hasn't involved her in some way.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was a week day. Misty had been acting a little strange. I knew something was up with her. Finally, it was in her time to tell me that she had been to the doctor and she was pregnant!!!! I was over the moon. I remember what my mom told me after she found out that I was pregnant with Kate and that was exactly how I felt. I had a warm little circle around my heart. My best friend was having a baby! EK!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have always insisted that Misty keep me up to date on her doctor's visits and my heart was pitter pattering all day the day she was scheduled for her ultrasound to find out the sex of her baby. We giggled like 7th graders when she told me she was having a boy and that she had boy parts growing inside her. Silly. But, that's us. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This was also the day she told me she had found a lump in her breast. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We figured it was something clogged, a cyst? Something that happens to crazy hormone pregnancy boobies. She was scheduled for a check up with the doctor and said she would keep me posted.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That brings us to last Thursday. I'm at work. It's mid-morning. I see a number come up on my caller id and I immediately recognize the number I've known by heart since we have been old enough to even have cell phones. I think we might have even chit chatted for a few minutes. I don't really remember. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">She said to me, "Leslie, I have breast cancer." I'm pretty sure I might have laughed out loud or otherwise said something inappropriate because I just didn't believe it. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, my best friend is 30, pregnant and now has breast cancer? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The days to come were a whirlwind of constant prayers and worry. Misty, I know you are reading this, and please rest assured that I have a much better handle on this now! Of course, I'll always worry because it's in my DNA to worry about everything, everybody, all the time, but I don't want you to ever worry about me! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Misty starts chemo next Wednesday. It's going to be a long, tough road ahead for her, her husband, her baby and her family. I am not going to share all of the details with you because it's Misty's journey to share with you. She has decided to start her own blog to document this time in her life. <a href="http://www.mistyraeporter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">I hope that you will click over to her blog and keep up to date with it</a>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Be sure to follow her journey. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Be sure to pray for her. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Be sure to leave words of encouragement. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Be sure to forward her blog on to anybody else you know who may need some uplifting during their journey with cancer. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Be sure to continue giving to those organizations who make it their mission in life to fight this stupid disease. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Be sure to be kind to everyone you meet, because you never know who's fighting a hard battle. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0ZjlkiK3io_gEol0JgwZlCK_Wy5IYm7hce_n9S0wbNScTv5XOpyh0ryYxrur72CbZjfSusyFpdiBS-Ox41xbfgSjgZBDIMPD-n6gkrIMP_vjWKYNXNHeA4eFh1G3eg37lYLvFjGpKRaq/s1600/misty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0ZjlkiK3io_gEol0JgwZlCK_Wy5IYm7hce_n9S0wbNScTv5XOpyh0ryYxrur72CbZjfSusyFpdiBS-Ox41xbfgSjgZBDIMPD-n6gkrIMP_vjWKYNXNHeA4eFh1G3eg37lYLvFjGpKRaq/s320/misty.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Aunt Mimi" with Kate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Cancer is so stupid. And cancer, you better watch out, because you just messed with the wrong girls.lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622852503264016425noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792929418717761915.post-19387705910993526112012-03-23T09:03:00.000-04:002012-03-23T09:03:41.362-04:00a kitchen revamp part 3 wrap up<div style="text-align: justify;">In this post I'll be <span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">wrapping up some loose ends on the kitchen revamp. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Or am I deliriously tired. That’s probably it. </span></span> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvgdVvFrkzgEIgjHIDQNAu5I061ge4mdbXluCrcVcZ2aNW9ZrPy_06M7fUhJlNoqhSEETbKC1OUe788imo4orjwweZk2caAT1PQim4f2v7uGtVDubCPudurFoES2RKmcg5EybVzg_bchb/s1600/IMG_2953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvgdVvFrkzgEIgjHIDQNAu5I061ge4mdbXluCrcVcZ2aNW9ZrPy_06M7fUhJlNoqhSEETbKC1OUe788imo4orjwweZk2caAT1PQim4f2v7uGtVDubCPudurFoES2RKmcg5EybVzg_bchb/s320/IMG_2953.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This may be jumpy and random, but bear with me! I’m going to try and provide as much info as I can in this wrap up! Especially with the pictures. I'm about to lose it with my laptop and trying to drag these pictures in the right place. URGGGGGGGG..... So, here are the pictures of our finished kitchen...in no particular order because I don't even know how to get them in a particular order. Enjoy!</span> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFdk1UG0Z7DSQ4tZ_XrXaXeiFPoamLqPX1Bc_O-j_S4gJdVngr6IjaHOISB5snJkcQzSaWC332hKd26VXhHIapCxQTeOwPdP4Q2InHJQQB2bG5GJYH6aLZvVx7GDZ4T0CjOTbwxUH9uAq/s1600/IMG_2944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFdk1UG0Z7DSQ4tZ_XrXaXeiFPoamLqPX1Bc_O-j_S4gJdVngr6IjaHOISB5snJkcQzSaWC332hKd26VXhHIapCxQTeOwPdP4Q2InHJQQB2bG5GJYH6aLZvVx7GDZ4T0CjOTbwxUH9uAq/s320/IMG_2944.jpg" width="213" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdWUF0TPHPRdwDjbuX9RE1EOuDfEjLwyh-1yKhgHS3bEFJPQOjZOFyjny-L7VLoJDHG7FpzCF6iHRthvUcTUcoFQlUMeJx0oYkVQYZsxP5BirwBVgTT0O22rvVaINq9aS5MJAJddC4MMj/s1600/IMG_2924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdWUF0TPHPRdwDjbuX9RE1EOuDfEjLwyh-1yKhgHS3bEFJPQOjZOFyjny-L7VLoJDHG7FpzCF6iHRthvUcTUcoFQlUMeJx0oYkVQYZsxP5BirwBVgTT0O22rvVaINq9aS5MJAJddC4MMj/s320/IMG_2924.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Menu on chalkboard wall</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yfGsmHVA0R2Az7evNGzatXttVfw9TggcfU9_MOw5D8CMo_sopiYBc91e2qXO8Mhv48fU6558qQ0xBQ3dvkn6pzbUX_KsAkrWtHRACvqBitf6trdkvW9IM0y0IAqYMEqe3qtXWzKaH0vo/s1600/IMG_2927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yfGsmHVA0R2Az7evNGzatXttVfw9TggcfU9_MOw5D8CMo_sopiYBc91e2qXO8Mhv48fU6558qQ0xBQ3dvkn6pzbUX_KsAkrWtHRACvqBitf6trdkvW9IM0y0IAqYMEqe3qtXWzKaH0vo/s320/IMG_2927.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq260GKQBEZxN-mPRTIu9Siv-ybW7pjJyOkavrEb6bAkHCzOcW_9dn3IxZGVwXNgBXs67wBMwb51MXOGmSM0JjQHw3ngw-lN1_XEPJjNS3KmUWnd0zORnWzLR2fOapBjadSeEXS3ReOBGm/s1600/IMG_2935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq260GKQBEZxN-mPRTIu9Siv-ybW7pjJyOkavrEb6bAkHCzOcW_9dn3IxZGVwXNgBXs67wBMwb51MXOGmSM0JjQHw3ngw-lN1_XEPJjNS3KmUWnd0zORnWzLR2fOapBjadSeEXS3ReOBGm/s320/IMG_2935.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7ZiuAQ0iO_3bmdzP9P-7qxXKgDeugNXUticyUnpfz_lbm4_ffpv8jQv53o0HV-AnK73oGNUoqFoeEYRNeG0pyhm3l9nx8ZlrIM5bXX4Zze_yDRoWthyphenhyphenyVjMzhsdpm4VkRodmTqkt4-4l/s1600/IMG_2930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7ZiuAQ0iO_3bmdzP9P-7qxXKgDeugNXUticyUnpfz_lbm4_ffpv8jQv53o0HV-AnK73oGNUoqFoeEYRNeG0pyhm3l9nx8ZlrIM5bXX4Zze_yDRoWthyphenhyphenyVjMzhsdpm4VkRodmTqkt4-4l/s320/IMG_2930.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdoe2qqDyO8rEdq40UHHg6V_G0wrfBPMuTXgRDi2Jcnhng9U4wCub1Tm6cUlMwWcDMbp5Zjg2d5_Yr_11BJBgKT1Aj4eHt9McFq8JN47k1RRRhH-sQHF4bqSs4JjO9a8yPcVJWA9Vh1jy/s1600/IMG_2943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdoe2qqDyO8rEdq40UHHg6V_G0wrfBPMuTXgRDi2Jcnhng9U4wCub1Tm6cUlMwWcDMbp5Zjg2d5_Yr_11BJBgKT1Aj4eHt9McFq8JN47k1RRRhH-sQHF4bqSs4JjO9a8yPcVJWA9Vh1jy/s320/IMG_2943.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvgdVvFrkzgEIgjHIDQNAu5I061ge4mdbXluCrcVcZ2aNW9ZrPy_06M7fUhJlNoqhSEETbKC1OUe788imo4orjwweZk2caAT1PQim4f2v7uGtVDubCPudurFoES2RKmcg5EybVzg_bchb/s1600/IMG_2953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvgdVvFrkzgEIgjHIDQNAu5I061ge4mdbXluCrcVcZ2aNW9ZrPy_06M7fUhJlNoqhSEETbKC1OUe788imo4orjwweZk2caAT1PQim4f2v7uGtVDubCPudurFoES2RKmcg5EybVzg_bchb/s320/IMG_2953.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">C<span style="font-family: inherit;">halkboard wall: Wasn’t really planned. I was inspired by this green chalkboard wall. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MOeGsGVtOqcb6RUpYBMFo6SRmeOOM42SAbz94vk54C7fJKpSe_A0t614JeYS8aFGKf1NZDMydv62OEqZqgRCBiOK5pigpoOUv7iRMn-8q3YBvDKWmtAmGwnCNQWlHn8EYWGFHEoj3r-3/s1600/chalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MOeGsGVtOqcb6RUpYBMFo6SRmeOOM42SAbz94vk54C7fJKpSe_A0t614JeYS8aFGKf1NZDMydv62OEqZqgRCBiOK5pigpoOUv7iRMn-8q3YBvDKWmtAmGwnCNQWlHn8EYWGFHEoj3r-3/s320/chalk.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gypsypurplehome.tumblr.com/page/2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gypsypurplehome.tumblr.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I loved the soft green tint and thought it would be an awesome change from the normal black chalkboard paint. I also thought it would be a good contrast against the blue island cabinets. Dead wrong. I mean, like made me cringe it was so bad. While I loved the vintagy green chalkboard with the countertops and yardstick backsplash, did NOT love it with the blue cabinets. And because repainting a wall was MUCH easier than repainting cabinets, the green had to go. Major paint fail. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I went with the black chalkboard paint instead, but it is now a nice shade of gray from the chalk dust which is how you "prime" the chalkboard paint before using it. I'm doing a little exchange with my friend Katie, she writes awesome stuff on my chalkboard wall and helps me with anything that needs nice writing and I'm helping her style her wedding in August. Nice little trade off :) </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXF6NLJaKt7NYVl1sNgIOJ6LzTQaKY22pSz9bhUZ1DkplBozbcslssiLDlCfs7WZYkcDpKYwj7eXk-i7xvdsfYt8l1pnFpXnk4KcV3hstlFAJgeT_7QFcC_lKLg22PQYiBNqyIcW_rabB/s1600/IMG_2961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXF6NLJaKt7NYVl1sNgIOJ6LzTQaKY22pSz9bhUZ1DkplBozbcslssiLDlCfs7WZYkcDpKYwj7eXk-i7xvdsfYt8l1pnFpXnk4KcV3hstlFAJgeT_7QFcC_lKLg22PQYiBNqyIcW_rabB/s320/IMG_2961.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7j_shsbowk-c5cNzU3aCMiYFqa8mK_kALdn5_VNQYNgrSZ5OYmH9kbCnMgw8482fflmAEmq-FSA4qCPyQJy_WY3FWa6WcbKYi90nEIAuy-ejl860wcumR_qf5Z_ZSgtZ77h2NKeuo2GXk/s1600/IMG_2960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7j_shsbowk-c5cNzU3aCMiYFqa8mK_kALdn5_VNQYNgrSZ5OYmH9kbCnMgw8482fflmAEmq-FSA4qCPyQJy_WY3FWa6WcbKYi90nEIAuy-ejl860wcumR_qf5Z_ZSgtZ77h2NKeuo2GXk/s320/IMG_2960.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chalkboards are kind of my thing so it seems fitting. Plus, lil bit loves drawing on it. These are mommy and daddy caterpillars. And Baby Jesus. She seemed appalled that I even had to ask what they were. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAgBizZULdsv5ZhE8r3i27OBf6WzMTw3Wxq1ZOgbqW50KGJ5J2b_9_zJu6NxZlE9tFHDqkyK8-HeVEeUC-QybAODG7pfS9cp01OtKFm0foGy3WBKv_zsgrel6dKEe4aat_TBEE5PUqIiJ/s1600/IMG_2934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAgBizZULdsv5ZhE8r3i27OBf6WzMTw3Wxq1ZOgbqW50KGJ5J2b_9_zJu6NxZlE9tFHDqkyK8-HeVEeUC-QybAODG7pfS9cp01OtKFm0foGy3WBKv_zsgrel6dKEe4aat_TBEE5PUqIiJ/s320/IMG_2934.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wall color: I scoured every paint store imaginable to find a perfect shade of gray. I wanted a warm gray, not too cool, no blue tint, no green tint. That is a very tall order let me tell you. Just when I was about to settle for something I wasn’t really even wild about, a new Sherwin Williams store opened right in our neighborhood. I tell you the paint chip couldn’t have been more aptly named. Perfect Greige. Perfect mix of gray, beige, warm and fabulous. Looks even better on the walls! </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Farmhouse sink: We’ve owned this sink for nearly a year. Just waiting for the day it would make its glorious appearance in our new house. I can’t believe we hauled that nearly 130 pound sink from Erlanger to Walton, from Walton to Union. Crazy. But, good grief, she’s a beauty. It’s the farmhouse sink from Ikea. We initially thought it wouldn’t fit, but a little maneuvering of filler strips and clever cabinet cutting and it’s the star of the show. The faucet is an ebay purchase also about a year ago. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Light: Allen + Roth for Lowes. Awesome. I've been stalking this light for a long time now and I'm so glad it finally got to come home with me! We've had to change the lightbulb out to something a little brighter since this is our only light in the kitchen for right now. We'll probably have to work on that because it can get pretty dark in here. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzo7Tuvz4tZpl3jS9iZXtcM-COoGjxAucyGZKkm8uk4PxUrlnvktuMYLzXCU1j3Ew13hoOmItUn8GKOJkyUKDkp-jbb4dM6S-MrSSeYlfxAwyrYoNZ1IPEydb16jrOpvkq1_G0B6set9pU/s1600/IMG_2949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzo7Tuvz4tZpl3jS9iZXtcM-COoGjxAucyGZKkm8uk4PxUrlnvktuMYLzXCU1j3Ew13hoOmItUn8GKOJkyUKDkp-jbb4dM6S-MrSSeYlfxAwyrYoNZ1IPEydb16jrOpvkq1_G0B6set9pU/s320/IMG_2949.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Knick knacks: I have a pretty stellar collection of crap already so I mainly used stuff I already owned. I have a very bad habit (or so the hubs thinks) of rearranging stuff on a pretty regular basis, so I’m sure these items have not landed in their final destination. I totally blame it on my merchandising background. I did purchase a new sugar container (the bright yellow one) and a new utensil caddy (the bright colored one next to it) from Pier 1 to help brighten up the countertops. The phone was a Christmas gift from Joey and Kate a few years ago, do they know me or what? The rug runner is from Crate and Barrel. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6B7HtBaWlOajPd-PAqlAS4IiX-ZyBiEJcn2480TwQImutCb77H9DdkS0Mh-um3SMfVyZ_wdjWD2wjTnU6v1LyMkaMuZKEqwRrzaZL3IKwl9EzZqPVy0m9bttablEsXBuruZGO1dUnhd77/s1600/IMG_2937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6B7HtBaWlOajPd-PAqlAS4IiX-ZyBiEJcn2480TwQImutCb77H9DdkS0Mh-um3SMfVyZ_wdjWD2wjTnU6v1LyMkaMuZKEqwRrzaZL3IKwl9EzZqPVy0m9bttablEsXBuruZGO1dUnhd77/s320/IMG_2937.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxMXhBQ17jwXnzwNL2pwpfQVduetP58DqSSTLM3gGGJjeW7eK9RtY6so87pk5Cj0dgvrR7Sz9g42hOPIAprfAxc_s6q45Gk1iszQYiqcQvPxy_5NXsHiDL2nbc-setgEOd1zGqVVycypJ/s1600/IMG_2976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxMXhBQ17jwXnzwNL2pwpfQVduetP58DqSSTLM3gGGJjeW7eK9RtY6so87pk5Cj0dgvrR7Sz9g42hOPIAprfAxc_s6q45Gk1iszQYiqcQvPxy_5NXsHiDL2nbc-setgEOd1zGqVVycypJ/s320/IMG_2976.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of countertop</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUU_IBZJ8-Aklj98wfL5a10D3bBOgY5DG4hPH8btZ3WxvcLw5q0lI4Hqwnfa8DTL3DAwlTcS-ftF9z84mpQezXfArfCSTPWT9nuLbMPN3A0A9j3Pdd9yn09XOpobXhP_8Q5pbl1G8lfX3/s1600/IMG_2917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUU_IBZJ8-Aklj98wfL5a10D3bBOgY5DG4hPH8btZ3WxvcLw5q0lI4Hqwnfa8DTL3DAwlTcS-ftF9z84mpQezXfArfCSTPWT9nuLbMPN3A0A9j3Pdd9yn09XOpobXhP_8Q5pbl1G8lfX3/s320/IMG_2917.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xPyDiL1mDdyPd5a4FeHL4Grs5B_uU3kxKeGK2RXMo6FdqwoNm5yysnLfQGf0pyhv-ZeXXhLXpev8yN_ULXjmhJgdjvXCw7y-zuxAwd-C3cZK3k1dKhWq1WSjAu77BGQsJnRkYS0aoIBI/s1600/IMG_2915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xPyDiL1mDdyPd5a4FeHL4Grs5B_uU3kxKeGK2RXMo6FdqwoNm5yysnLfQGf0pyhv-ZeXXhLXpev8yN_ULXjmhJgdjvXCw7y-zuxAwd-C3cZK3k1dKhWq1WSjAu77BGQsJnRkYS0aoIBI/s320/IMG_2915.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6isYWC1WZl88V1lDP4CszrafuYCGdT_AsD49y-H01bEgpwDwIaFivq692nxydGGFkMpnfSkfPAN3L6PY29kapUv8aQkMH-1tgKbjV750n2XEk8b2YuevW_1bbVdzBb5KPsf0LvC5nSb0Z/s1600/IMG_2916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6isYWC1WZl88V1lDP4CszrafuYCGdT_AsD49y-H01bEgpwDwIaFivq692nxydGGFkMpnfSkfPAN3L6PY29kapUv8aQkMH-1tgKbjV750n2XEk8b2YuevW_1bbVdzBb5KPsf0LvC5nSb0Z/s320/IMG_2916.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dooeXac3FDQ1lpGejVHR-ujKxvuxO2rGo-WsGOiE6dOX4cyusi6INc3udOYYJndhxSveJ5Y8DKkAXEP5dRSEVfGCqLMD9wePT9eQnhqgXsAgDgviCU_Vc_LuqLHiRuG13Orl6nOiTBeZ/s1600/IMG_2920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dooeXac3FDQ1lpGejVHR-ujKxvuxO2rGo-WsGOiE6dOX4cyusi6INc3udOYYJndhxSveJ5Y8DKkAXEP5dRSEVfGCqLMD9wePT9eQnhqgXsAgDgviCU_Vc_LuqLHiRuG13Orl6nOiTBeZ/s320/IMG_2920.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3KMjcm-lZCkmlsouNFKTIQ5eVJz5iJ80NhOUTMPLjgnAf5E1KWxtxUgRIVTRRFq4GCd-mXhdsRW_XTjMtGYsS2hmj4TRsBNOohFTLXHg1jWQ2NRHq2hbRiXwLkVZi9sSzvAJSNXfgaowp/s1600/IMG_2919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3KMjcm-lZCkmlsouNFKTIQ5eVJz5iJ80NhOUTMPLjgnAf5E1KWxtxUgRIVTRRFq4GCd-mXhdsRW_XTjMtGYsS2hmj4TRsBNOohFTLXHg1jWQ2NRHq2hbRiXwLkVZi9sSzvAJSNXfgaowp/s320/IMG_2919.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Well..that about wraps it up for the Marshall Kitchen Revamp! Hope you've enjoyed our journey in new house remodeling! If there is anything I missed and you would like to know the how to, the color of or where something was purchased, give me a shout and I’d be happy to oblige!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622852503264016425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792929418717761915.post-42234233429898651752012-03-14T08:30:00.000-04:002012-03-14T08:30:03.707-04:00kitchen revamp part 2<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">White cabinets were not an option for us at the design center. They were considered an upgrade, and a rather expensive one at that. We picked a kitchen cabinet that would be both simple to paint, but also looked good while they weren’t painted. We chose a super flat profile with not a lot of wood grain. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oLyeIb9l8JXcp7YcUmwGqG_68Ke7PkYiFQvT8DVwRz_y9QCYcs5W6LBPNav3V5TsXo5eBn3llxvVDEZyBeVN1jyE1lP-ouFDpb2QoADUmpSsRWbpZW2nLhSXaQncylK-N4WiJcvtNJaB/s1600/cabinets" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oLyeIb9l8JXcp7YcUmwGqG_68Ke7PkYiFQvT8DVwRz_y9QCYcs5W6LBPNav3V5TsXo5eBn3llxvVDEZyBeVN1jyE1lP-ouFDpb2QoADUmpSsRWbpZW2nLhSXaQncylK-N4WiJcvtNJaB/s320/cabinets" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was in charge of painting the cabinets while Joey was working on the countertops. Scared out of my gourd. What if I mess them up? What if they look like garbage? I can’t tell you how many times I watched <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn_dLgTWuM8&feature=player_embedded">this video</a> on <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/">Young House Love</a> to make sure I was even doing it right. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I started with the smallest cabinet in the kitchen. It took me an entire week. Not. Cool. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">I slowly started to find my stride and found that doing several doors at a time is the way to go. I knew there was no way I could tackle all of them at the same time since I was doing most of my work on the weekends and in the late evenings after the kiddo went to bed. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">I chose a Benjamin Moore color "Mascarpone" which is a soft white and had it mixed in Clark & Kensington paint found at Ace. I wanted the island to have a pop of color so I used "Grand Hotel Mackinac Blue" by Valspar there. It’s on the same paint color swatch with Aqua Glow but I talked myself right out of the Aqua Glow long ago. </div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9TD_38XWQXbenBVaQYpx4r7BtHf8LXHXu7XnYoINFf0WDayTRDKGdhfl_04yaQ3NBqKSvfREDCKWdLsm-Z-vukkxJeLKUmEn-07vRQWtdgOmxzuv4-ADDaKWJCw9vMdqfz5-BBN2eoW9R/s1600/paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9TD_38XWQXbenBVaQYpx4r7BtHf8LXHXu7XnYoINFf0WDayTRDKGdhfl_04yaQ3NBqKSvfREDCKWdLsm-Z-vukkxJeLKUmEn-07vRQWtdgOmxzuv4-ADDaKWJCw9vMdqfz5-BBN2eoW9R/s320/paint.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.myperfectcolor.com/en/color/90321_Valspar-5007-9A-Grand-Hotel-Mackinac-Blue#!prettyPhoto">http://www.myperfectcolor.com/en/color/90321_Valspar-5007-9A-Grand-Hotel-Mackinac-Blue#!prettyPhoto</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">I sanded, used liquid sandpaper, 1 coat of primer and 2 coats of paint. They paint covered well and I’m hoping for several years of enjoying our white cabinets. For those of you (aheeemmm, dad) who I know are naysayers about painted cabinets that they scratch or whatevs, I think the paint will hold up just fine! Plus, I’ve already had to wipe down a few of the doors due to lil’ sticky fingers trying to get to her goldfish in the cabinet and it seems to wash well too. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gcuX57-xdRaD-T5dr3oAa2TalWWOHXA__gF2Od70f91PUad6h6JubDGyNuBxTw61cQr5g_jdqgDav9iin5WDSdUemINuURs4JKwkFbAx-iFdm_87K3QacHhc1Z1F5xIJexNnxo1oytbC/s1600/painted+cabinets.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gcuX57-xdRaD-T5dr3oAa2TalWWOHXA__gF2Od70f91PUad6h6JubDGyNuBxTw61cQr5g_jdqgDav9iin5WDSdUemINuURs4JKwkFbAx-iFdm_87K3QacHhc1Z1F5xIJexNnxo1oytbC/s320/painted+cabinets.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">I love the end result! The knobs and drawer pulls are from Home Depot, Martha Stewart and if you live in the tri-state area I do apologize because we’ve cleaned out just about every Home Depot store in the area of this particular type. (I don't know why the knob looks so much bigger than the pull, but that's not the case in real life.)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWfQA6w6T_-BRxwF4yLeKoyWi3aMQ8aKGJHU3FFbKt318islkOSznSHDzRPkRKncUZE0FGoXvA5VdK6b53Hhd-qV2NBgemK9A_yC81czLFwgZgWu_p3EG7zG42Q56sTK2vC9Kz3fKjXRg/s1600/pull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWfQA6w6T_-BRxwF4yLeKoyWi3aMQ8aKGJHU3FFbKt318islkOSznSHDzRPkRKncUZE0FGoXvA5VdK6b53Hhd-qV2NBgemK9A_yC81czLFwgZgWu_p3EG7zG42Q56sTK2vC9Kz3fKjXRg/s1600/pull.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJV8Mfyxq4rmojqCtYfJJLBUutc5b7QBV46XasNlL7fVFl-UioYr8cZWFkz1K9PYYTYU-XFtuO7xlrALpk3MpmCs0II1Z8YEqqHi5bGmVUNvuXdukYvoIQww7GO-OTIQRdx-NwDrHnyICs/s1600/knob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJV8Mfyxq4rmojqCtYfJJLBUutc5b7QBV46XasNlL7fVFl-UioYr8cZWFkz1K9PYYTYU-XFtuO7xlrALpk3MpmCs0II1Z8YEqqHi5bGmVUNvuXdukYvoIQww7GO-OTIQRdx-NwDrHnyICs/s200/knob.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So there you have it folks. Thirty-something (I lost count) drawer fronts, doors and cabinet bases painted. My adventures in cabinet painting are officially over. And let’s just for the record keep it real because it’s my blog and I’ll complain if I want to. Hands down this was the worst DIY project I’ve ever tackled. I hope it doesn’t discourage any of you from doing it, just be very prepared for this to consume your life and take nearly f-o-r-e-v-e-r. Waaahhh wahhhh. Rich people problems, huh? </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Speaking of rich people problems, and not that we are rich. Trust me. Not even close. But, we will have a few extra pennies in our account every month because our days of being real estate moguls and having 2 lovely mortgage payments monthly are OVER! We sold our beloved house and closed on March 6th. What a gigantic sigh of relief. We had been waiting for our house to sell to get some of the finer things in life, like a landline and the internet. Hence why all of the bloggy posts all of a sudden :)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Next kitchen post, tying up the loose ends. It’s almost done!</div>lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622852503264016425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792929418717761915.post-45092040018221976692012-03-13T12:37:00.000-04:002012-03-13T12:37:30.331-04:00kitchen revamp part 1<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">WARNING: This post is not for the faint of heart. I know the thought of totally tearing up a brand new kitchen probably gives some of you heart palpitations. Proceed with caution. Also, please note that while we certainly do use our kitchen to cook and entertain, we are not big foodies and don’t spend hours preparing fabulous meals like some. This kitchen will totally work for us because generally we can knock dinner out from prep to eating to cleanup in about 30 minutes. So, maybe not be a groovy kitchen for some, it fits our lifestyle perfectly :) </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbqgk5upBlksHq1vTpU_cc6n7D6GYatdkcVy_WzBxuHi9HpIZszEC25atlzCY_3MXs3K-USYSGV3wBCbd2YGaKHcIw2JbWdsQVKIvia9B24JAP-CzkP-wc646s9e0hPOvzFNbXPnsD9ubF/s1600/before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbqgk5upBlksHq1vTpU_cc6n7D6GYatdkcVy_WzBxuHi9HpIZszEC25atlzCY_3MXs3K-USYSGV3wBCbd2YGaKHcIw2JbWdsQVKIvia9B24JAP-CzkP-wc646s9e0hPOvzFNbXPnsD9ubF/s320/before.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQn4cGG5jrmbgBpmYCmJhDoyO7WQm4AjK026ohryc6-p4f1Auj_oTcbyMsmCYOyV-p8KApUEEJeZ-MYrFr_EJYGLUwnOeyXuPJDO_8pdi2PdL8_sjbTiNRBf5zxNvkN8VJ2srjCUT97L-/s1600/before+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQn4cGG5jrmbgBpmYCmJhDoyO7WQm4AjK026ohryc6-p4f1Auj_oTcbyMsmCYOyV-p8KApUEEJeZ-MYrFr_EJYGLUwnOeyXuPJDO_8pdi2PdL8_sjbTiNRBf5zxNvkN8VJ2srjCUT97L-/s320/before+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Our lovely builder stock kitchen)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">So…you mean not everyone remodels a brand new kitchen in a brand new house? Just us? Oh. Well that’s kind of weird. Or maybe we are? The latter is probably true, but let me plead my case. It all began back in 2007, yes, nearly 5 years ago that this magazine came to our little house on Spruce Tree Lane. We oooohhhhed and awwwwwed over every last detail in this kitchen. From the white cabinets to the super dark countertops we knew this kitchen (or parts of it) would someday be ours. There may have even been a small Wayne’s World quote said (You will be mine..oh yes..you will be mine.) We’ve hung on to that magazine and still look at it frequently. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4MoNjiFGuMUJ217WwwZveg225PxW2JknozDsUFM2rCSBm-eMz3WniXDRqsllzeeKfvXrRZrq9hUhwvjRJPi8IK7hfCLAuBPggW3W4HfLP6CC5ZcDr-iRBnuqpX7zjnfQIOTEQKorhM0j/s1600/TOH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4MoNjiFGuMUJ217WwwZveg225PxW2JknozDsUFM2rCSBm-eMz3WniXDRqsllzeeKfvXrRZrq9hUhwvjRJPi8IK7hfCLAuBPggW3W4HfLP6CC5ZcDr-iRBnuqpX7zjnfQIOTEQKorhM0j/s320/TOH.jpg" width="253" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/bonus/0,,1592336,00.html">http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/bonus/0,,1592336,00.html</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Fast forward to several years later and we finally have a kitchen worthy of this kind of greatness. You may recall that back when we were <a href="http://www.jarofvintagebuttons.blogspot.com/2010/10/decisions-decisions.html">picking out some details for our newly built house</a>, we kept our choices very basic knowing that a remodel would be in store. I figured we would live with the builder’s stock kitchen for a few years and then start working on making it our own Marshall vintage/modern, colorful, playful, whatever type thing we have going on in the rest of our house. Apparently my hubs had a different idea. I wake up one lovely Sunday morning to find this. Joey with an iron in one hand, a putty knife in the other. He has half of laminate peeled up in one section of the countertop. So...okay...guess we are getting started? That’s the good thing about my hubby. If you’ve never met him, he’s a quiet lad, unless prompted to talk about the UK Wildcats, his Derby glass collection, beer making or bourbon. Since countertops don’t top this list, it’s no wonder he didn’t tell me he was starting. But, it’s okay. I like change. So, let’s do this!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcP_zRb5ewhrpqIj9oAZaA-7HVM2dL_SA593bakDRYDlBmrDZuUeQd9fwqDdMYduPYE6f23UTV5umRCBtynOIwh01CUQul79ySeB2C_NlCGl_65WQMxVfaCTfxxvrspr00xV4AKBT7BruU/s1600/island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcP_zRb5ewhrpqIj9oAZaA-7HVM2dL_SA593bakDRYDlBmrDZuUeQd9fwqDdMYduPYE6f23UTV5umRCBtynOIwh01CUQul79ySeB2C_NlCGl_65WQMxVfaCTfxxvrspr00xV4AKBT7BruU/s320/island.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Because I wasn’t participating in this mess, I don’t have super technical steps on how to do this. If you have questions, email me and I’ll get an answer from the household carpenter.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Step 1 in the process was to completely remove the laminate from the countertops. A hot iron, the putty knife and some elbow grease seemed to do the trick. Then your countertop is this ugly redish scary mess. The rounded parts of our countertops were trimmed off with a router. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLFeDyKxEHUPUph78XNLsB4HBKtgjIz7GyBYTkWdxFyO5VY9jjXpeF8Q26ee_L4GbI5jUyLhBkWi-Ig9m2Z8GrJdPdTDPIVs8CxJZATTUQqJxsDBg8jJdF-7QzS0dgaEnvmhhxekBWsz0/s1600/red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLFeDyKxEHUPUph78XNLsB4HBKtgjIz7GyBYTkWdxFyO5VY9jjXpeF8Q26ee_L4GbI5jUyLhBkWi-Ig9m2Z8GrJdPdTDPIVs8CxJZATTUQqJxsDBg8jJdF-7QzS0dgaEnvmhhxekBWsz0/s320/red.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">That led us to step 2 where hubs ripped down strips of plywood. Yes, you read that right. Just straight up ol’ plywood. Comes in a sheet for like $10. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhciUI9SuH69j48WhUNAQCU5fksMPaS62nA9L70HDSOQVpgxxEkOKqRQNcqkcYBVTOphucFuBe2dQAq-KB-0fqFZWTwzXoMvVQ8fJWVizaB7Qlufnkziw6-qPqypO-q0vcmy78lsN3WYy6z/s1600/wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhciUI9SuH69j48WhUNAQCU5fksMPaS62nA9L70HDSOQVpgxxEkOKqRQNcqkcYBVTOphucFuBe2dQAq-KB-0fqFZWTwzXoMvVQ8fJWVizaB7Qlufnkziw6-qPqypO-q0vcmy78lsN3WYy6z/s320/wood.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">He then used cement contact glue to glue the strips of plywood to the countertop.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvm40kWYDZgmdIZ9g_LEyhbVcfjjpS0eGM_RKp61T1anMkC0bmreYuaFf7o3i56VpHuYF-G6vb6yOtzdeBhIYqBBVLRa8wVjutoQncoMiZjbfMVJbHd7yhx7pGIn7MnW1YHOr4vcDFnu1/s1600/wood+countertop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvm40kWYDZgmdIZ9g_LEyhbVcfjjpS0eGM_RKp61T1anMkC0bmreYuaFf7o3i56VpHuYF-G6vb6yOtzdeBhIYqBBVLRa8wVjutoQncoMiZjbfMVJbHd7yhx7pGIn7MnW1YHOr4vcDFnu1/s320/wood+countertop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Then came lots and lots of wood filler to seal up some gaps between the strips of plywood. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">He also trimmed pieces of wood to wrap around the edges of the countertop to make it look finished.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">After its all dry, sanded and smooth came several rigorous rounds of staining. Dark walnut, mahogany, dark walnut, mahogany, then ebony around the edges to give it that "smokey" look. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJheaEWurLJplXGSUNW4-BIZvO50ZKaqHpnMyCbf0IO0eNWjT-EQtDAk9f54Wi5eyH7bDa53iROOwriLfivCoz8DG-7gZ9RCMgze-y1QfLFXzZGdGk4HrxGqUOcqUEY9sGDddh43qgnc2n/s1600/stain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJheaEWurLJplXGSUNW4-BIZvO50ZKaqHpnMyCbf0IO0eNWjT-EQtDAk9f54Wi5eyH7bDa53iROOwriLfivCoz8DG-7gZ9RCMgze-y1QfLFXzZGdGk4HrxGqUOcqUEY9sGDddh43qgnc2n/s320/stain.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">He then used a satin polyurethane to seal the countertops. 6 coats. Steel wool in between each coat to smooth it out. The finish is a smooth as glass. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The backsplash is a compilation of mostly vintage yardsticks we’ve been collected for a few years. We needed a few more, so Ace, Home Depot and Lowes got in there too, but we sanded them down and stained them as well so they fit in with the oldies. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoR3UC__pCcMkz0FJ9rDolTW4wLhsxOUqhPv86wWL2LzfxKmTK0JtqiHFTL15nP6QFp2qWnKGbQH0wfCIVZK2aPYSSypDcfUDS3U17Y2etffS7l2Aze_79KkzGzC58HqLJ2Ky6p3iWIOR8/s1600/rulers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoR3UC__pCcMkz0FJ9rDolTW4wLhsxOUqhPv86wWL2LzfxKmTK0JtqiHFTL15nP6QFp2qWnKGbQH0wfCIVZK2aPYSSypDcfUDS3U17Y2etffS7l2Aze_79KkzGzC58HqLJ2Ky6p3iWIOR8/s320/rulers.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
The countertops should hold up beautifully and the only maintenance we should have to perform is a yearly coat of poly. We will have to be cautious about hot items on the countertop, but we’ve got trivets galore. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Are you exhausted? I am. This is only the beginning. Next post...over 30 cabinet doors and drawers to be painted. Oh and working full time, being a mom to a toddler, keeping up with other general household tasks..exhausting I tell you. So tired. Did I already say that? </div>lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622852503264016425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792929418717761915.post-54659345981390510172012-03-12T09:58:00.000-04:002012-03-12T09:58:32.449-04:00let's back track...home sweet home<div style="text-align: justify;">***Disclaimer*** I've had this post in draft mode since November. I can't believe I haven't been better about blogging! Sorry. Again. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It only took one and a half years for our dream to come true. It’s done. We are blessed beyond belief with this beautiful structure we FINALLY get to call home! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbIFPjsOZqU4Fz0qDjIuFeMsvXIlAU3eDyBu1yAkM6fwvAiVSD5ff1J_dxdXeJnjV9hHpeoEFkHHuJEmB_3IilAUBVxOde_Qn7j_h83Q3f_1xcomJvTPgIg6IALKYNCPPoRejif6UGkyB/s1600/house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbIFPjsOZqU4Fz0qDjIuFeMsvXIlAU3eDyBu1yAkM6fwvAiVSD5ff1J_dxdXeJnjV9hHpeoEFkHHuJEmB_3IilAUBVxOde_Qn7j_h83Q3f_1xcomJvTPgIg6IALKYNCPPoRejif6UGkyB/s320/house.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>We closed on November 17th, and by November 24th we had a house full of family and friends! 22 of them to be exact! We were seriously still unpacking boxes the morning of and Joey was installing the mailbox while the turkey was in the oven. But, we got it all done and had a wonderful time. The food was amazing that everybody brought, Joey made a delicious turkey, I made lil’ mini apple pies with my handy dandy new pie maker and we had lots to toast to. What a wonderful way to break in the new house! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Now that things are settling down a bit I’ve had time to put some personal touches on things. We already finished one big project that you may remember the beginning of <a href="http://www.jarofvintagebuttons.blogspot.com/2011/09/little-bits.html">here</a>. We have always wanted a fireplace, well maybe not a fireplace per say, but definitely a mantle. I scoured the internet for a chevron tile and while I did find some that was huge and WAY out of our price range, my husband once again came up with a brilliant solution. He quite simply said, “I’ll just cut tile to make the pattern.” Whaaaat? Well, okay then, knock yourself out. And he totally knocked it out of the park. It looks AMAZING! I owe you a more updated shot of this as well. Maybe a little more non-Christmasy. On the to-do list now. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbq28wB4Pm-jroapBhcSp3qbaPrHf83OkVw4ahHU4nu5CK7Mf9_9aKhJTGarNMTZSNP0kWeDWs1X5uFT_e5mIwsri62NayDeym1K67EY4-PGKXJ2ZjmW1qs__Cz-0K8hwFZZpQvZUxhC4/s1600/fireplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbq28wB4Pm-jroapBhcSp3qbaPrHf83OkVw4ahHU4nu5CK7Mf9_9aKhJTGarNMTZSNP0kWeDWs1X5uFT_e5mIwsri62NayDeym1K67EY4-PGKXJ2ZjmW1qs__Cz-0K8hwFZZpQvZUxhC4/s320/fireplace.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>I will admit that it did scare me a bit that we had the carpet ripped up in the living room after 9 days of living there. But, the outcome is better than I imagined. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Since then we've tackled the mother of all DIY projects. Our kitchen. I know, I know. We just moved in. But, from the date on our This Old House magazine that was our inspiration, it's been 5 years of drooling over this kitchen that we've always wanted. I've got lots to post on that soon. It may even have to be over several posts too. Crazy town and the most disruptive project to my life to date. <br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I also owe you a quick update on my 29th year bucket list. I can’t even believe I have like 3 months to get going on some of this!!! Better get moving a little quicker! </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Cross 6 more items off of my Pinterest boards. I made this wrapped letter (wish I would have read the tutorial first), made a grouping of embroidery hoops, made bags for the Favorte Things edition at my house (more on that soon), repurposed <a href="http://www.jarofvintagebuttons.blogspot.com/2008/06/hostage-situation.html">this</a> shower curtain into wall art, got around to making some yarn wrapped wreaths, and fashioned this cute little stand for Kate’s toothbrushes and toothpaste. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbb7W2TR44yTH4ZrejTrB3UoSkOTkNk6zCbT2y0CAqPbbDQGr8Yh7ufq8viXwQW2TI99udWj-5vc3_px9w8FFSRbHif2xaP3UcjcxAdreMgkUAt2N3KpznfMA3yOpqcGXPgw7mNhoigOdO/s1600/101_3556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbb7W2TR44yTH4ZrejTrB3UoSkOTkNk6zCbT2y0CAqPbbDQGr8Yh7ufq8viXwQW2TI99udWj-5vc3_px9w8FFSRbHif2xaP3UcjcxAdreMgkUAt2N3KpznfMA3yOpqcGXPgw7mNhoigOdO/s320/101_3556.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKyKQ2MAdsaNtYmp3ctN97Xb7tm9A_CEOEtPs992f_ScCo0fo0bA330CgPoQpStWCogHe2sz0hVv2fi3U1C-K-aOlODqldZC5ccfShLAXOy8MuRbbzvmhhAPEcRg3lKmaWS0vxtkMjSWm/s1600/101_3558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKyKQ2MAdsaNtYmp3ctN97Xb7tm9A_CEOEtPs992f_ScCo0fo0bA330CgPoQpStWCogHe2sz0hVv2fi3U1C-K-aOlODqldZC5ccfShLAXOy8MuRbbzvmhhAPEcRg3lKmaWS0vxtkMjSWm/s320/101_3558.JPG" width="240" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCY32ZHGiBXcx0qlr0Dfwbh6AT0su1BHuntmVo15ELC54U6Wq67yBsGy_BlhwMqV6v5zbc80S8p5I922wTrsELhgIB8KUopOSpisPu6kqqGy8Bz64IKohZR2upmMs-ZRsM8lXoRUhSjVf8/s1600/bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCY32ZHGiBXcx0qlr0Dfwbh6AT0su1BHuntmVo15ELC54U6Wq67yBsGy_BlhwMqV6v5zbc80S8p5I922wTrsELhgIB8KUopOSpisPu6kqqGy8Bz64IKohZR2upmMs-ZRsM8lXoRUhSjVf8/s320/bags.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFU0UCnIGF3gefrl4RVEGthzHuVvT8wHhPYUvsR3k_ovpGYQFoGRFTXWLcRlNK8IOHGfpeBtwMVrrvGELHDr-GHhLvTTCy-u0aELiVc-uuBOwM0yndg712-Mf49BMoKNtlVzLY50VXGE-c/s1600/tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFU0UCnIGF3gefrl4RVEGthzHuVvT8wHhPYUvsR3k_ovpGYQFoGRFTXWLcRlNK8IOHGfpeBtwMVrrvGELHDr-GHhLvTTCy-u0aELiVc-uuBOwM0yndg712-Mf49BMoKNtlVzLY50VXGE-c/s320/tree.jpg" width="240" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5JbaI4UlsDD4AytBr1TdaIoNek_i9lX_CUgPMABdL7oY1nM2Zji_paVUNsdrPnqpww1dqqjbxe4-RvD84gFpPj-s2R8WBaaBq-hv69fKWi3xomt-bnC5KC1CZuRy9_oYcJfVT6GyVZAz/s1600/101_3559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5JbaI4UlsDD4AytBr1TdaIoNek_i9lX_CUgPMABdL7oY1nM2Zji_paVUNsdrPnqpww1dqqjbxe4-RvD84gFpPj-s2R8WBaaBq-hv69fKWi3xomt-bnC5KC1CZuRy9_oYcJfVT6GyVZAz/s320/101_3559.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1siZ15hbd2U6R5FiwKzPi6gaZYWq70LHWcOAkqjWMgqlA0xrqnfJz9126OKB2PGN1730JXf7_sBTgQGnvzj-syURCkfiRYXs726-nADAEh2sDQUvRCJcu2SENMhd6zkdLxutJPvgtqpF/s1600/stand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1siZ15hbd2U6R5FiwKzPi6gaZYWq70LHWcOAkqjWMgqlA0xrqnfJz9126OKB2PGN1730JXf7_sBTgQGnvzj-syURCkfiRYXs726-nADAEh2sDQUvRCJcu2SENMhd6zkdLxutJPvgtqpF/s320/stand.jpg" width="240" yda="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I hit up the local farmer’s market this fall for some ridiculously awesome apples for myself and gifted some baskets as well. This spring I’ll venture to Findlay to do some serious shopping. </div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">For the last ½ of my 29th year I need to:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Take a yoga class</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Run or walk (or both) a 5K</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Make at least one trip to Findlay Market</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Get those pictures taken! AK! Scared! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">D-E-R-B-Y (the plans are in the works, must find awesome hat and outfit or fascinator?)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Get to Chicago on the megabus - plans have actually changed for this. My BF, is expecting her first little bundle of joy in August and she just celebrated her 30th in February. We've made a pact that after she has the baby we are going to go to Chicago together, sans children, and celebrate our birthdays all over again. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Start planning this glamping trip - hold the phone. Those plans have also been altered. After much soul searching I decided that a farm dinner would be much more up my alley. Let's be real honest. I don't even like camping. Why would I want to spend a big birthday celebration doing so? So, we are just going to have a good old fashion farm fresh dinner party, and any dad's bluegrass band is going to provide the entertainment. Lots of long tables end to end, all the way out into the field. Candles. Flowers. Bluegrass music. Sounds perfect. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Find some peace, somewhere, somehow…although, I do already feel a sense of peace walking into this house every night. Ahhhhh....home sweet home.</div>lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622852503264016425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792929418717761915.post-32619762992648814882012-03-08T10:47:00.000-05:002012-03-08T10:47:01.147-05:00finally, my favorite things<div style="text-align: justify;">I remember when my group of friends hosted the first Favorite Things party. It was back in July and we were neck deep in a trench working to get a utility pole moved. What a nightmare that and really the whole summer was. Anyway, fast forward to January and I finally got the opportunity to host the Favorite Things party at our new house. Yay! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you are new, see <a href="http://www.jarofvintagebuttons.blogspot.com/2011/08/my-new-favorite-thing.html">this post</a> on how to host your own Favorite Things party. Our party this time was held at brunch and I was excited to try out lots of fun ideas from Pinterest. One thing that was really fun was not only to spend the morning/afternoon with my favorite gals, but that we all got to actually sit down and eat. Together. At one table. It was so fun to chat and drink coffee and mimosas. We also themed this party and everybody brought their favorite beauty item for under $6. I loved this because I think there are amazing products at the drugstore that you might not even know about! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, anyway, on to the pictures. Hope some of you all have been able to host your own favorite things parties!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg942d9ImBWyiJCJJCw6NyNqtVUgZkKsQ4LSWcRKuXN86NsIv5_EyDkeeT9BRqObo2AOTB4qoRP-GzybHp2d6ryqH5FAA6NAboLOb81HAVItiGxhlmR3eh6cetlKgJ_CkcEjC1G7HPjTeYR/s1600/400141_305177706201544_132315443487772_966345_1057180390_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg942d9ImBWyiJCJJCw6NyNqtVUgZkKsQ4LSWcRKuXN86NsIv5_EyDkeeT9BRqObo2AOTB4qoRP-GzybHp2d6ryqH5FAA6NAboLOb81HAVItiGxhlmR3eh6cetlKgJ_CkcEjC1G7HPjTeYR/s320/400141_305177706201544_132315443487772_966345_1057180390_n.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZcgB3aSkVzzz7uVEmIrPn1F2r4E3QoJU_EaPvQiCxmuSkhzeVApi7soF_PHKJ9lpQ_FGB7N-R2uR7RAUrzwNBdlcyj3VHhZiZwwLOtL7BLapYZHvLQrs5tKKVDTtYao8WGhMRgTFOqYs/s1600/406889_305177926201522_132315443487772_966351_1056160112_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZcgB3aSkVzzz7uVEmIrPn1F2r4E3QoJU_EaPvQiCxmuSkhzeVApi7soF_PHKJ9lpQ_FGB7N-R2uR7RAUrzwNBdlcyj3VHhZiZwwLOtL7BLapYZHvLQrs5tKKVDTtYao8WGhMRgTFOqYs/s320/406889_305177926201522_132315443487772_966351_1056160112_n.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSaBR48VuDJTPzxvqEjQtP7jp8jRD4zuaYOSidscxW17ynroQeeAJjBg7VMPjQRRMbmTlndksGZGOVB-x-m904P3RTyVore_mDSMiRWYs16MR7_5ZH_8I0HI2V-ySWRg7wt5f8FPCxZPC/s1600/407588_305178056201509_132315443487772_966355_1121525383_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSaBR48VuDJTPzxvqEjQtP7jp8jRD4zuaYOSidscxW17ynroQeeAJjBg7VMPjQRRMbmTlndksGZGOVB-x-m904P3RTyVore_mDSMiRWYs16MR7_5ZH_8I0HI2V-ySWRg7wt5f8FPCxZPC/s320/407588_305178056201509_132315443487772_966355_1121525383_n.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_TJ9-JCUuxmxLCWHmqSF_oP_yIdSdZpUWfx66lWoR1nTGSSEPuEzelkU8hT10H7dP8shgVC_fL7itWAhW1DVGzOSnztDW85BSE1rDpvazipEhIH5SSpA-OENGO306IuECf8t-OxqGe14/s1600/398745_305177832868198_132315443487772_966348_1365061683_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_TJ9-JCUuxmxLCWHmqSF_oP_yIdSdZpUWfx66lWoR1nTGSSEPuEzelkU8hT10H7dP8shgVC_fL7itWAhW1DVGzOSnztDW85BSE1rDpvazipEhIH5SSpA-OENGO306IuECf8t-OxqGe14/s320/398745_305177832868198_132315443487772_966348_1365061683_n.jpg" width="214" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hxo3Zkjuc4gpuTAL5oHhvO6JloXJ9XAB_LiL5kEJ8cwR1t4PyTScCRpTI-CqfJYeGrhqkK199F7DD7Z_QK2srNQP9F0_Tt2yhj9wFyZ1pKj6B5SBW-0DmEhhdPdMoHZpH_lE8f_-HCt7/s1600/409495_305177986201516_132315443487772_966353_2085506291_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hxo3Zkjuc4gpuTAL5oHhvO6JloXJ9XAB_LiL5kEJ8cwR1t4PyTScCRpTI-CqfJYeGrhqkK199F7DD7Z_QK2srNQP9F0_Tt2yhj9wFyZ1pKj6B5SBW-0DmEhhdPdMoHZpH_lE8f_-HCt7/s320/409495_305177986201516_132315443487772_966353_2085506291_n.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7mnhT9-1Otkn867EAgyOVMAjZGioG3tLlhJ69zVm3BUJIlVYMdcrZZrwO8sS8ZkAKAHFvNODkADXcHXLiUe_RiU8CRbpRWAfjwYZHMj34QpX2TWHzKOCFZvR2vtxMILgdwNSUBe7UG12/s1600/407654_305177856201529_132315443487772_966349_288508250_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7mnhT9-1Otkn867EAgyOVMAjZGioG3tLlhJ69zVm3BUJIlVYMdcrZZrwO8sS8ZkAKAHFvNODkADXcHXLiUe_RiU8CRbpRWAfjwYZHMj34QpX2TWHzKOCFZvR2vtxMILgdwNSUBe7UG12/s320/407654_305177856201529_132315443487772_966349_288508250_n.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> ***Take a good look at that kitchen. Cause, it don't look like that anymore! Haha!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNmQ5T3y1lTo2kEs9kcrifY8cUerKxjYZL_tFDr440_iGMcncizEJkjpRfTpeuBUV15o9qanQMCHOb72jUSz3w48Rg_ksyVU7jN0zmu5onWefH0d2q4tBpnmPObsmIEKTtgGJG1f461A_/s1600/403847_305177806201534_132315443487772_966347_2028279207_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNmQ5T3y1lTo2kEs9kcrifY8cUerKxjYZL_tFDr440_iGMcncizEJkjpRfTpeuBUV15o9qanQMCHOb72jUSz3w48Rg_ksyVU7jN0zmu5onWefH0d2q4tBpnmPObsmIEKTtgGJG1f461A_/s320/403847_305177806201534_132315443487772_966347_2028279207_n.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1MR1rkpvvxnDbVUU4-nA0fSFq6of9zoy8TR7Hy2BOlbXiQzILGqXjcCle2y4Pq2bPg4_80W7OjGPgQ5dnCezxJxDR0XYU0vJatYiYH2-e5wkOZgoPFA4i1wRarWNfP_QdHbJ5zkmqJm9/s1600/405556_305177759534872_1011280709_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1MR1rkpvvxnDbVUU4-nA0fSFq6of9zoy8TR7Hy2BOlbXiQzILGqXjcCle2y4Pq2bPg4_80W7OjGPgQ5dnCezxJxDR0XYU0vJatYiYH2-e5wkOZgoPFA4i1wRarWNfP_QdHbJ5zkmqJm9/s320/405556_305177759534872_1011280709_n.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAI5-t5V80-dwTGQqf3Wttui_DS2kZedKDhgmFVNF1KLN_48Fcf9pTApggfh53vn92isQnnbJHGxZbgGc3Qyz949MYnipIZUkVc_McMUpmsn6QCL97R1GGs_2cvxr0o5i9KeWsV7r_UZr5/s1600/405803_305178186201496_132315443487772_966358_852194543_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAI5-t5V80-dwTGQqf3Wttui_DS2kZedKDhgmFVNF1KLN_48Fcf9pTApggfh53vn92isQnnbJHGxZbgGc3Qyz949MYnipIZUkVc_McMUpmsn6QCL97R1GGs_2cvxr0o5i9KeWsV7r_UZr5/s320/405803_305178186201496_132315443487772_966358_852194543_n.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMto7VYQNFijwvj-Kxw240A3049h0_3J_NuIwzz24tbkpbJ1Gw2KGobi9ya6EcLmeCUMZF74_IkQrA3qINQYCjFcUA0RClWcKdH6juQLKkh_ihkCWrsXj_l_ffZcagW6n34vsCE120OVZg/s1600/407816_305177956201519_132315443487772_966352_1860875651_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMto7VYQNFijwvj-Kxw240A3049h0_3J_NuIwzz24tbkpbJ1Gw2KGobi9ya6EcLmeCUMZF74_IkQrA3qINQYCjFcUA0RClWcKdH6juQLKkh_ihkCWrsXj_l_ffZcagW6n34vsCE120OVZg/s320/407816_305177956201519_132315443487772_966352_1860875651_n.jpg" width="214" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKBCBe_OQIKa32aQhTY-9Weh1CL5CpWCj7oypyLwOocYmzNeVN26XIrkZJKfhZPCKrM1JpXCC_-ne_iGTrFYuCbiOOOOmLnbUF9uDqU6lwKUEnOFtlq1Ph23tF-Yjkt8iceDvDHuXeJkS/s1600/409522_305178086201506_132315443487772_966356_1284551613_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKBCBe_OQIKa32aQhTY-9Weh1CL5CpWCj7oypyLwOocYmzNeVN26XIrkZJKfhZPCKrM1JpXCC_-ne_iGTrFYuCbiOOOOmLnbUF9uDqU6lwKUEnOFtlq1Ph23tF-Yjkt8iceDvDHuXeJkS/s320/409522_305178086201506_132315443487772_966356_1284551613_n.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div>lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622852503264016425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792929418717761915.post-17779409460425867612012-02-17T18:40:00.000-05:002012-02-17T18:40:23.661-05:00check me out on stockpilingmoms.com!!!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Hi. Remember me? I'm the gal with the new house and apparently the inability to find time to blog these days!!! Gosh guys, I'm so sorry. And I miss you! We still are sans internet, but that's about to change! I have a new gig and I'll be doing lots of blogging soon! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxd7tRpqXwhwgHsqAPv1i-KM3z4Qu8opBASlYRSDkjv3nhlnVAOXOzOvco21l88hlkpfk8QiHTsEk3zuE3Ru7L2RVw5Sxr6hXgXct6Q8UDFC3h3Xex_Sw5ApfPg-hvShYG26syMioXWiEB/s320/logo.png" width="320" yda="true" /></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Every Friday you will find me over at <a href="http://stockpilingmoms.com/">Stockpilingmoms.com</a> with a fun and frugal DIY project! The lovely ladies that are the masterminds behind navigating the couponing world and being fabulous at the same time have asked lil ol' ME to be their DIY expert!!! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Run over there right now and check out my <a href="http://www.stockpilingmoms.com/2012/02/diy-vintage-postcards-garland/">first project</a>. Some of them you might remember from previous projects here on the Jar, so get refreshed on those and get ready for some new and exciting projects soon. Hope you all are well and can't wait to get back to blogging really soon. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">P.S. You won't even believe what project we've gotten ourselves into...3 months almost to the day of moving in. We are on our way to a new kitchen. Crazy? Perhaps :) More to come soon! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div>lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622852503264016425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792929418717761915.post-14433214344966884982011-12-13T14:56:00.000-05:002011-12-13T14:56:12.790-05:00holiday presents for YOU!<div style="text-align: justify;">I'm back! It's been WAY too long since my last blog post and I do apologize! I have so much to catch up on and I promise to do that soon, but I have more exciting stuff to tell you about now :) On to the fun stuff!</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Sara of In Small Spectacles is hosting an AMAZING giveaway on her blog! Don't miss your opportunity to enter to win a beautiful pair of earrings! All you have to do is follow the link below to be directed to her blog to sign up to win. You have multiple ways to enter by following her blog, Facebook page and Twitter. She will draw a winner on Saturday so be sure to enter! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://insmallspectacles.blogspot.com/2011/12/giveaway.html?spref=fb">CLICK HERE TO ENTER!</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrvx3Jufeoy4bfDPWntXgp3K0KvlgZxfLGJx0r-U2A8wATObKhsT1JB1xaxPCPOsW3jVKkWpYAzF56a6zPxSFc8h4uMrX1pKLwFGj9k96jKxyPa_aEByvY80-Mp5fc43ILHsLONr1366N/s1600/Giveaway_Earrings_December4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrvx3Jufeoy4bfDPWntXgp3K0KvlgZxfLGJx0r-U2A8wATObKhsT1JB1xaxPCPOsW3jVKkWpYAzF56a6zPxSFc8h4uMrX1pKLwFGj9k96jKxyPa_aEByvY80-Mp5fc43ILHsLONr1366N/s1600/Giveaway_Earrings_December4.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">I also have some super adorable FREE printables from <a href="http://mirabellecreations.blogspot.com/2011/12/mirabelle-creations-party-vintage-red.html">Mirabelle Creations</a>! Stop on over to Deanna's blog and see all of her insanely awesome party ideas! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbyfWg-Zt5s_Pq0EyPOrf-6_noDQ7aPlzRKTJ_N-JUC7iF0E-p-ord09dW8I_qvAwNiYxaSSJdw_6XiRRJADzudTRchBrgfMZjThtiOKA7JpJvS9OJpYaPcBGpZNdaGUpFW_7onC-dzru_/s1600/mirabelle" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbyfWg-Zt5s_Pq0EyPOrf-6_noDQ7aPlzRKTJ_N-JUC7iF0E-p-ord09dW8I_qvAwNiYxaSSJdw_6XiRRJADzudTRchBrgfMZjThtiOKA7JpJvS9OJpYaPcBGpZNdaGUpFW_7onC-dzru_/s320/mirabelle" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We should have internet connection at our new house soon and I'll be back in business then! Hope you all are having a wonderful holiday season!</div>lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622852503264016425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792929418717761915.post-1468914091446790312011-10-23T11:02:00.000-04:002011-10-23T11:02:18.695-04:00a little glitch<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I read last week that a set back is only a set up for a comeback. Since the quote was from the back of my Weight Watchers magazine I assumed it was in reference to personal weight goals, food or something related to that. The quote stuck with me and I keep reminding myself of this. So, why the set backs and comebacks? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well....a few weeks ago on another dreadful Monday morning I got to work, powered on the computer, checked my email and jumped on Facebook. I had a message from one of our old neighbors on Spruce Tree. The message simply said, "Call me regarding your tenants." Uh oh. My heart sank. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I called him right away and he told me that a moving truck was in our driveway over the weekend late at night. Our tenants had left. Vanished in the night. Seriously? My first thought was, how do you even do that with 2 kids? I can barely go to the grocery store with only 1 kid, let along move out of a house in the middle of the night. Unbelievable. Anyway, there I was 8:45 am on a Monday with an empty house and a new house that will be done. Like soon. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">We spent the entire weekend that weekend cleaning, painting, cutting the grass and replacing the locks. I suppose we should be thanking our lucky stars that they didn't do a lot of damage. Although they were only there 4 months anyway. But, a Bengals' orange and pepto bismol pink room needed to be painting along with just a general good deep cleaning of the house. So, the house looks amazing now and its back on the market to hopefully *fingers crossed* find a buyer. We are also entertaining the thought of another lease purchase IF things get too rough with the double mortgage situation we are about to be in. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">So, to all of my lovely readers, know anybody looking for an awesome house in Erlanger, KY? Totally move in ready! And, boy, are we ready to make a DEAL.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">With all of that "excitement" going on we haven't been as focused and agonizing over our new house as much. I felt like we went from 5 weeks left when the renters moved out to now we only have 2 weeks left. Nothing like a good distraction right? The new house has been locked up recently now that the cabinets are installed and appliances going in soon. I did get to sneak in one afternoon and snap a few pics. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8E3SVj3KfjX-yhxSp8hpeLGiCYtcXtGCqJ2AmWuDiZSXHzmkgjxfFF1uZwfDK7EQu_TZPBag8bgFIi4jZ1Rsw4kDmOLQ0LOPSD9wZ0ZfXOYFOJq9OvvA5Ec0uf4uDk35Nrs_ORr9xkol/s1600/101_3340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8E3SVj3KfjX-yhxSp8hpeLGiCYtcXtGCqJ2AmWuDiZSXHzmkgjxfFF1uZwfDK7EQu_TZPBag8bgFIi4jZ1Rsw4kDmOLQ0LOPSD9wZ0ZfXOYFOJq9OvvA5Ec0uf4uDk35Nrs_ORr9xkol/s320/101_3340.JPG" width="320px" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawLSFMUZDhXPTlDrR6N_B505IsV3r8SIruesufOjb7uTPpwZqcJ_VyMkMAlq-02x7wGYsRPVY3_kF73aYvpyGkVP35wLPIr3HJQlt7VQBVpO824v47GTlZja3k2oKs92eNvmoYpoMP-s3/s1600/101_3338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawLSFMUZDhXPTlDrR6N_B505IsV3r8SIruesufOjb7uTPpwZqcJ_VyMkMAlq-02x7wGYsRPVY3_kF73aYvpyGkVP35wLPIr3HJQlt7VQBVpO824v47GTlZja3k2oKs92eNvmoYpoMP-s3/s320/101_3338.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">We've been slowly getting our things organized at my parents' house so our move-out will hopefully go smoother than our move-in! Monday we should have a better time frame for closing, but it still looks like we are on track and will have a little bit of time before Thanksgiving to get settled. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In other news....I've been blogging away over at <a href="http://www.birdsofafeatherfair.blogspot.com/">http://www.birdsofafeatherfair.blogspot.com/</a> 6 DAYS a week! We had so many vendors send us bios that in order to have them all featured before the Fair, I've had to post 6 per week. Crazy! Things are coming together and the checklist is really dwindling down. I've been having crazy dreams about the Fair almost every night! I'm so excited and absolutely cannot wait to see everybody together in one place. I'm telling you the shopping is going to be amazing! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Actually, unless something super exciting comes up, this may be my last post until the Fair is over. I may be able to pop in with a super short update between now and then. Take care and I'll see ya'll REAL soon!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYw_t5X0LzR5cBsxaSe9Dr5_K1H88p2A7tQoLa6TQrUFwKjo075JTcsLJyl25fCGbOQqcrNWjA2fk0ZCFGUIfFR3w4Y1E7ji1g1kYzXrUgoQV3z928t3LQtzmdhyphenhyphen-00CEcegV1ubMk41xx/s1600/101_3349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYw_t5X0LzR5cBsxaSe9Dr5_K1H88p2A7tQoLa6TQrUFwKjo075JTcsLJyl25fCGbOQqcrNWjA2fk0ZCFGUIfFR3w4Y1E7ji1g1kYzXrUgoQV3z928t3LQtzmdhyphenhyphen-00CEcegV1ubMk41xx/s320/101_3349.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622852503264016425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4792929418717761915.post-38736702052124444542011-10-07T14:31:00.001-04:002011-10-07T14:34:56.527-04:00living the lulu life!<div style="text-align: justify;">Happy Friday everyone! If you aren't in Kentucky today, then I actually feel sorry for you. It is October 7, 2011 and it is 80 DEGREES!!! We don't get many days like this in the fall so we've been soaking it up at the park this morning. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I wanted to share a link with you all today. It's still so funny that through blogging I have a network of people who I feel like I've known forever, and really for the most part, have NEVER even met them in person!!! However, I'm sure that will certainly change in less than a month when I will officially be meeting some of these women that I feel like I've already shared so much with! The Birds of a Feather Fair is bringing some of these ladies together and I absolutely cannot wait to meet them in person! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrQzZ4vTZahscxedHf8okzhIgT0-xCJRbcCoJ20sxiYyN4WVYZ8iPXCr_MxOkqY7kEBBNhv4uEArbrmJ75MhIK5SYrMK_Y3HW2ZxzP4AJorSCyJgNhFan7J53L21eQGUq3Im68D6NCC3k/s1600/bracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrQzZ4vTZahscxedHf8okzhIgT0-xCJRbcCoJ20sxiYyN4WVYZ8iPXCr_MxOkqY7kEBBNhv4uEArbrmJ75MhIK5SYrMK_Y3HW2ZxzP4AJorSCyJgNhFan7J53L21eQGUq3Im68D6NCC3k/s320/bracelet.jpg" width="320px" /></a>One of them is Natalie. I first "met" Natalie from reading an old college sorority newsletter that had updates of all of our sisters. I always love to read them to see what everybody is up to and how they are doing. While I had never met Natalie in college because she was a few years older than me, we automatically shared a bond. I read that Natalie was designing jewelry for her own company, Lulubelles. I checked out her website and bestill my beating heart. Vintage pieces mixed with modern, classic flair. Uh...YES PLEASE! Anyway, I emailed her right away to see if her an her business partner, Gretchen, would have any interest in being a vendor at the Fair. They said YES! I'm so excited that they will be a part of our show and that they are the essence of what we started the Birds of a Feather Fair for! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Stop over at <a href="http://lulubelles.com/archives/464">Lulubelle's blog today, The Lulu Life</a> and check out a feature of yours truly, Jar of Vintage Buttons. Natalie and Gretchen, you both are amazingly talented and I can't wait to meet you at the Fair! And I want to buy everything you make. Thanks. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4xUBcad_a3X3ax9fhxQbKtBLIbgD6cod8kLVmNc6TsTgfD1d7S2wQ5nNmja0M6xk898y1EeQzmvWxw5kVrzjV4Xh6_B9xkSSANmNqHQzPHuZQjpfhsXJCKsltRxx0OPNAbUU_6uwdAFz/s1600/necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4xUBcad_a3X3ax9fhxQbKtBLIbgD6cod8kLVmNc6TsTgfD1d7S2wQ5nNmja0M6xk898y1EeQzmvWxw5kVrzjV4Xh6_B9xkSSANmNqHQzPHuZQjpfhsXJCKsltRxx0OPNAbUU_6uwdAFz/s320/necklace.jpg" width="213px" /></a></div>lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622852503264016425noreply@blogger.com1