tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57771959796312466852024-03-15T20:09:40.942-05:00Laughing at the Days to ComeMy attempt to emulate the lady in Proverbs 31:25 in the Bible. "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." Laughing at the days to come means to me that I trust God with the days ahead, I enjoy life where I'm at and not worry too much about the future. I hope that this blog with keep me accountable for my life and time at home with baby, keep our friends and family informed of our life, and be an outlet to share my projects I'm doing at home.Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596387744449327094noreply@blogger.comBlogger121125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777195979631246685.post-14075501064963609242012-10-24T14:30:00.001-05:002012-10-24T14:30:12.215-05:00Ain't no party like a Liz Lemon party, cuz a Liz Lemon party is MANDATORY.Hi there,<br />
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We are still here, hanging in there. Overall things are going well! One big thing that happened is we picked a church. I think that'll go a loooooong way to feeling settled and also for actually BEING settled. Yay!<br />
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I've noticed that by the time Thursday rolls around, everyone in the family is just kind of DONE. We've had preschool, we've had dinner wars all week, we are just ready for some fun. So I've instituted Thursday Family Fun Night. <br />
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Week 1, we made a fort with the couch, some sheets and some duct tape, drew up a movie poster, made homemade pizza, and watched Tale of Despereaux. It was a blast. Kind of hard to find a G movie the whole family will like, but I think we pulled it off. <br />
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Week 2 was a bit of a cop out, as we pretty much just went swimming in the pool downstairs in our building. BUT it illustrates the power of presentation. We bought some of those noisemakers that you blow into and the little paper rolls out and in (I still don't know how to add pics from the internet. Well, at least you aren't paying for this read, right?) and "surprised" papa when he got home from work. And we called it a pool party. It's the little things, people.<br />
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This week I found my inspiration at TJ Maxx while Claire and I were killing time before picking up Ava from preschool. I noticed some cupcake liners and remembered that Ava had requested to make muffins the other day. Cupcake decorating party! It should be messy, messy fun. Let me know if you have any good ideas for Thursday Family Fun Night, week 4!Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596387744449327094noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777195979631246685.post-14365071751672636482012-10-03T14:33:00.001-05:002012-10-03T14:33:39.335-05:00Little handprints<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We put wall art up! We aren't done yet, but it made me feel more settled in, as I knew it would. Looking at this picture, I think we should put up the rest of the hoops. I was kinda thinking that we shouldn't bother putting up all our wall art since we're only probably going to be here for a year, but maybe I need to rethink that. ANYway, just a little snapshot of our our dining room (we have a dining room! Okay, okay, it's an eat-in.) <br />
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So, the nature of apartment living is dealing with a lot of builder grade fixtures, but this little area of this house makes me smile. The trim and fixtures don't bother me as much as I thought they might. It may not be to my taste, but it serves our family well, and it's only 12 months. (Actually, 10 1/2 now). Our hallway has closets on either side all the way down and they are covered with mirrors. So, I've just determined that there are going to be fingerprints on them pretty much all the time. My mom tells a story about my dad's mom, who passed away when I was about 6. She said that after we would visit my grandparents, my grandma wouldn't clean our little handprints off of the mirror because they reminded her of us. Little handprints don't stay little for very long, so I'm just going to treasure them while I can. :0)<br />
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<br />Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596387744449327094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777195979631246685.post-11196331724834308802012-09-23T15:24:00.000-05:002012-09-23T15:24:09.255-05:00FallLet's talk about fall, people. Or autumn. Autumn is such a nice word. Autumn always reminds me of college. I went to college in Maine, where autumn is just breathtaking. The colors, the crisp air. Ahhh. <br />
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We went back to Wausau this weekend to work around the house and visit friends. We didn't end up doing a whole lot of work, as the lawn didn't need mowing or raking, but we did some spackling and touch up painting. Our realtor did an open house on Saturday, and 3 or 4 groups went through, which was actually more than I expected. We saw a bunch of friends which was great, as we had to pack up and move so fast that we didn't get to visit everyone we wanted to. Good weekend.<br />
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We drove back this morning so we wouldn't miss a week of finding a church. It was so beautiful. The fall colors, the red barns. I was just taking it all in, wishing I had a steaming mug of tea in my hands, Thinking about college days and being thankful for my family. I don't want to miss out on my favorite season because I am transitioning. SO. I am determined to get out this week and enjoy it to the fullest. Not in a "must pin all the fall things!" way, but just chasing the beauty. I have my doubts that it's going to be as pretty here as it is in Maine or Wausau, (we were joking about how nice it was to see "free range" trees this weekend as opposed to the manicured ones we see here) but that's okay.Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596387744449327094noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777195979631246685.post-46001011975835469842012-09-13T21:01:00.000-05:002012-09-13T21:01:04.219-05:00Deep Breath.Hey,<br />
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It's getting a little easier. I had a couple of play dates, a nature class, and a preschool co-op meeting scheduled this week, so we have kept pretty busy. That has helped. It's no substitute for being settled, but it feels like a start. <br />
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I'm really excited about the preschool. It's a co-op that a friend got me plugged into where the moms take turns teaching. It's really organized with a curriculum and policies in place, and it's been going on for a few years now. I think it'll be really good. It's only once a week, which is great too. I'll be teaching or helping once a month. <br />
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The nature class was great--it was through the Three Rivers Park system. They did an excellent job. It was a puppet show, a couple of sensory games outside and then we walked down to the Mississippi River. Ava loved it. We stayed after and looked at the exhibits for about an hour too. It was a long drive, but I'm looking forward to taking in some other classes hopefully at the center in Bloomington. <br />
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On another note, I've been surprised at the amount of interest I've had in my childbirth classes. I know there are a lot of teachers here so I didn't expect much, but I think I'll actually be able to start a class soon! Like, with students in it. Maybe even more than one couple. Crazy!<br />
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So anyway, things are looking up a bit. Fewer breakdowns.<br />
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One of the things I enjoy about moving is getting to know the quirks of a community or region. For instance, I have lived in two different places where they call a water fountain a water bubbler. Well, one place (Wisconsin) called it a bubbler. In one place they called it a "bubblah" (Maine). One quirk about Edina is that there are a lot of places to get plastic surgery. In fact, I was going to write a whole post on this entitled "A Coupon for me to Poop on", but I know I'll forget to, so I might as well do it now. While perusing the coupons we got in the mail one day I came across one for a plastic surgery clinic. There were some pretty standard ones, face lift, tummy tuck, etc. But the last one was for something called a "vaginal rejuvination" or something like that. Wow. I mean, wow. We are not in Kansas anymore.Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596387744449327094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777195979631246685.post-11526971500795650662012-09-04T15:24:00.001-05:002012-09-04T15:24:31.091-05:00How it's goingJust going to be honest here--the move kinda stinks right now. I kinda hate it. I have a daughter who is missing her friends, and I have no power to change that. I panicked and almost signed her up for preschool, but am rethinking that right now. She hasn't found neighbor kids that she clicks with. I don't really love living in the city, even though I am enjoying how walkable our apartment is. We aren't really settled into our new place with our stuff put away, and it'll be that way until we can get rid of some stuff. Both of the girls have had digestive issues on top of Claire having a tough time with her new teeth. All of this adds up to make me kind of a basket case. <br />
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We went to my parents' lake place for Labor Day weekend and it was nice to get away from everything for a couple of days. I always have to temper my expectation that it'll be relaxing and once I do that I have a pretty good time. But we are back, and I'm just trying to truck along. Do the next thing, right?Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596387744449327094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777195979631246685.post-72393106754340525892012-08-27T14:43:00.000-05:002012-08-27T14:43:08.799-05:00We're Here!We arrived at our new place in Edina, MN last Wednesday. We pretty much unpacked the truck and crashed, so tired of having this deadline looming over us. Moving is the WORST. But we had a ton of help, and we are glad to finally be here. We didn't get to see the place before we moved--my awesome sister in law scoped it out for us. I was relieved to see that it is in a safe neighborhood, and it's really nice too. I mean, the apartment is relatively basic, but we are loving the indoor pool we splurged on. We figured as long as we are going to spend over $900/mo on rent, we might as well spend a little more and get a pool and a fitness center, etc. <br />
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Today is Pete's first day of work, and I think we're all happy to have some "normalcy" around here. In fact, I had a great time grocery shopping at Aldi the other day, because that's where we shop at home and it felt kind of familiar. I took the girls to a park today and that felt good too. <br />
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I never thought I'd live in a place where my corner grocery store was a Whole Foods. We live near a major retail area and it. is. fancy. Restoration Hardware (where, by the way, you can buy a sofa for five figures), West Elm, Pottery Barn, and the Container Store are all within walking distance, just to name a few. So much temptation! I thought Ikea would be my only problem. It's a very strange place to live. Pete went to Whole Foods in search of Pepsi the other day. He came home with a two liter of natural sugar cane root beer that he paid over 2 dollars for.<br />
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My other first impression is that it's really good to live in a building where I'm pretty sure we are an ethnic minority. I love hearing all sorts of different languages on a daily basis. It'll be great for the girls too.<br />
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Speaking of which, they are doing pretty well. Growing used to sharing a room. Claire is getting a couple of teeth that are really giving her trouble, and all of a sudden she is blowing out of her diapers left and right. Also, I am monitoring her wet diapers because I'm not totally convinced that she is getting enough milk and I'm considering supplementing with formula. And if you know me well, that's a huge decision. She didn't gain weight between her 6 mo. and 9 mo. appointment, and I feed her every 1-3 hours (3-5 hours at night). The same thing happened with Ava, and Ava ended up losing weight between 9 and 12 mo. <br />
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Ava has been asking to go home periodically, but seems to be coming around to this being our new home. Actually she refers to our Wausau house as "the blue house" (it's yellow). But she loves pushing the button for the elevator and she loves the pool. <br />
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There. Update. Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596387744449327094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777195979631246685.post-11302270260502012122012-08-02T08:36:00.003-05:002012-08-02T08:36:33.869-05:00The Whole Moving ThingWe have about 2.5 weeks until the big move. I think. Because we don't have anywhere to live yet! (mild freak out). We are planning to rent for a year so we can get settled, figure out if this is what we want, find a great house, and save up for a down payment. And sell our current house. I think God has definitely used this house to prepare me for apartment living. Actually almost all the apartments I've seen has higher square footage than our house, has a dishwasher *swoon* and a bathtub. Did I mention that my 3 year old still takes baths in an infant bathtub? Good thing she is in the 3rd percentile, no? And since having Claire, my desire to be crafty and diy-y has really diminished. I have time for that later, but right now I have 2 precious little girls to concentrate on. I am not crafty by nature, so it takes a lot of effort and time and I'd rather spend it on them. And not having to do maintenance on an old house for a year? Sign me up (and by that I mean sign US up. Mr. Wonderful is not crazy about home maintenance.) Especially after all the projects we're doing getting our house on the market. Not to mention all the money we've spent. <br />
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But we're making good progress. Our realtor comes today to list it as well as the carpet installer. Roofing this weekend. My sweet friend is watching the girls today so I can work. We have so much support. <br />
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It all kinda hit me a couple of days after Mr. Wonderful got the job offer. We were actually at my parent's house for a family wedding. My parents are kind of in the same boat right now, except they sold their house already and are closing on the 31st. I had to say goodbye to their house for the last time when we left--so many changes all at once. An uncertain future. But I'm so thankful I have a God who holds it! <br />
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Anywhooo, Ava is up. It's showtime!Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596387744449327094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777195979631246685.post-53121891167494626352012-07-30T21:47:00.000-05:002012-07-30T21:47:14.514-05:00I'm back! Or am I?Hi,<br />
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Well the 'ol blog has been pretty much shut down for a long while. I got a comment that my layout wasn't doing so hot. I changed it, but I noticed it still has some issues. I'm not much for html. What the heck is a widget? How do they expect anyone to use these things! <br />
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Anywhoo, I'm back to try and update it a bit. A few things have happened since I last wrote. a) we had a baby girl! Named her Claire. She is now 9 months old. Eeeep! b) We're moving! To Bloomington, MN. I repeat, I will be living in a town with an IKEA, people. <br />
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Is this the beginning of a new era in Laughing at the Days? I have no idea. This is probably a terrible time to try and start it again, as we are packing and moving in 3 weeks. Buuuut, who knows. Anyway.Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596387744449327094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777195979631246685.post-88114849510837030412011-09-05T12:59:00.003-05:002011-09-05T13:37:49.559-05:00Disaster AvertedI mentioned in my last post that we've had a lot of project fails around here lately, but here's one we were able to turn around. We brought some low bookshelves from Grandma's house that I thought we could turn into toy shelves for Ava. That way, I figured, I could put her toys in her room and get them out of the living room. Bonus! I knew the shelves weren't wood, but they certainly looked paintable. They were painted black, and I wanted to paint them white on the outside and green on the inside. First we tried to paint them without sanding them first. Not successful. The paint just beaded up. So Mr. Wonderful sanded them down lightly. This is what we got: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiranAfbbM_mvyN5Dc8PvIDgTGQI0KnMeG2yTq4NrXC7WvaPXb58zE5Df42L1UD7LuB9ZzlPJ0jw3CVv42GW8I_pQZou8jy8WjxFBzi3Kk7gYAwObKEMSNfImUrSG-rASUYP_lDX3gLFPYA/s1600/015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648939117117415106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiranAfbbM_mvyN5Dc8PvIDgTGQI0KnMeG2yTq4NrXC7WvaPXb58zE5Df42L1UD7LuB9ZzlPJ0jw3CVv42GW8I_pQZou8jy8WjxFBzi3Kk7gYAwObKEMSNfImUrSG-rASUYP_lDX3gLFPYA/s320/015.JPG" /></a> You can see that some random areas just would not take paint.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc97nWQEKIP-mBC9eBECllrJN_Kn4zxL8sgLa4k2A2xE-gCvJ3LBn44r9yrg1J4OO2V7VgK3UD7bKvnkywAevO_bmOcuK3V02wSatSM3eyfszcDPmgTlFRymUJ587XqkdsjZRw7JE0cLzj/s1600/016.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648939113566386466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc97nWQEKIP-mBC9eBECllrJN_Kn4zxL8sgLa4k2A2xE-gCvJ3LBn44r9yrg1J4OO2V7VgK3UD7bKvnkywAevO_bmOcuK3V02wSatSM3eyfszcDPmgTlFRymUJ587XqkdsjZRw7JE0cLzj/s320/016.JPG" /></a><br /><br />We tried sanding again, but didn't get much farther. I was about ready to throw the towel in, when Mr. Wonderful said "what about covering it with some kind of fabric?" (where does he come up with this stuff?) and I thought to myself "Duh! Mod Podge!" So, I picked out some fabric (I would have probably preferred to use just one kind of fabric, but I didn't have enough of any one fabric that I liked and I wanted to do this as cheaply as possible.) I just brushed the Mod Podge on the shelves first, then on the back of the fabric and stuck it up there. Then I Mod Podged over the top of the fabric.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGUb2HSKfpAJBblIV6krTzCaKW9dQCI9D6nSBsJVlqs60Z9sTWRBysYAPpowMDqOchiayM29cGrqDmsefzXhz-rYC_qoFjRr1bIDLzVfki63WAzJw4p-nT1CuNHAmHkjnP2a0jyoaJJKv/s1600/018.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648939107509370722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGUb2HSKfpAJBblIV6krTzCaKW9dQCI9D6nSBsJVlqs60Z9sTWRBysYAPpowMDqOchiayM29cGrqDmsefzXhz-rYC_qoFjRr1bIDLzVfki63WAzJw4p-nT1CuNHAmHkjnP2a0jyoaJJKv/s320/018.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />I ended up buying some twill trim from Joanne's (maybe $6?) to make it look more finished. In the end, we don't see too much of the fabric anyway. I like how they turned out and I love freeing up the space in our 10x10 living room!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_UDZJaKDK2IEM9dUJSiQzcEc81KTR5VwmOAhQKXpEjm2jcYyk6bDvVUc5FHCGjORRL_gy7esRbUuU0JmlAp0wUPVOOhgx_teYnyWEtaXkoyX-4CTf9R09lYBOkDnvnTtIBaiDVxOm3x-/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648939101313337138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_UDZJaKDK2IEM9dUJSiQzcEc81KTR5VwmOAhQKXpEjm2jcYyk6bDvVUc5FHCGjORRL_gy7esRbUuU0JmlAp0wUPVOOhgx_teYnyWEtaXkoyX-4CTf9R09lYBOkDnvnTtIBaiDVxOm3x-/s320/003.JPG" /></a><br />Thanks to Mr. Wonderful for saving the day!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JnGV-Ut_WrEGK_hrpg0uU9OG41xcl7xEEIKlw4i0l2Ge-67_xGruqteFAxW1F_28zwdspsAQz04_aqBzO97YuI3CVXeF9NdDvghZpTruVdP-HboPhCJArH0P3aRs6-UWd7LpwkfhCVph/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648939096582364706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JnGV-Ut_WrEGK_hrpg0uU9OG41xcl7xEEIKlw4i0l2Ge-67_xGruqteFAxW1F_28zwdspsAQz04_aqBzO97YuI3CVXeF9NdDvghZpTruVdP-HboPhCJArH0P3aRs6-UWd7LpwkfhCVph/s320/004.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596387744449327094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777195979631246685.post-84647851552672124652011-08-25T13:49:00.004-05:002011-08-25T14:13:42.683-05:00The Dresser That Got AwayHey, I'm back! I didn't mean to be away for so long, but I JUST found the little connector cord thingy for the computer. It was in a toy basket. The camera case was in the car, and the camera itself was in a random drawer in the living room. If you have a toddler, this will make perfect logical sense to you.
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<br />Things have been busy here at our abode. Since I last wrote we decided to look at houses. We looked at a bunch, figured out what we wanted, found a really nice one in our price range, got a loan approved at the bank, took one look at our budget and decided to wait 6 mo. or so to buy. We know it would be much better to wait, and darn that Dave Ramsey, he's been a good influence on us. SO, plans are moving forward to squeeze another baby into our 800 sq foot home. And we couldn't be happier about the decision--we truly love it here.
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<br />So anyway, I'll start back in with a major fail. Background on this is that Mr. Wonderful's wonderful grandmother passed away in June. We miss her already and have been remembering her in our hearts often. Since much of Mr. Wonderful's family does not live nearby, we had the opportunity to take some of her furniture home with us. I have always loved this little dresser:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6HsU3Lao_8tQrnLOdxNv-EfJMla4elXyvfgwkTPEQkEPtui1cZZgLaFfq7LRCEPJ_FpjUg9Jk_xxrUWE3NpAGYKGOxwjt1WAIblPHLqL0nSY3EjeyeTV8lAd8v-AoNNMSrSEXZsvbNLW/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644868417862143730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6HsU3Lao_8tQrnLOdxNv-EfJMla4elXyvfgwkTPEQkEPtui1cZZgLaFfq7LRCEPJ_FpjUg9Jk_xxrUWE3NpAGYKGOxwjt1WAIblPHLqL0nSY3EjeyeTV8lAd8v-AoNNMSrSEXZsvbNLW/s320/005.JPG" /></a> His family thought I was crazy, but I could see how easy it would be to put a shelf on the bottom and put a few baskets down there. Adorable hardware, chippy paint, and a slab of marble for the top (which held the memory of one of the last stories grandma ever told us. She was quite the story teller :0)
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<br />So, Mr. Wonderful single-handedly loaded that dresser up in the trailer we brought up and placed it in the nursery for me. I had planned on using it as the changing table. Maybe repainting it someday, but for now I loved that chippy paint. Wait....did I say chippy paint?....about an antique dresser....in the nursery? Red flags went up all over in my brain. Flags that said "lead hazard" on them.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAg5BzMhgpCGjd72cg48qYkNrs1Vg7AyLrm-FB7_W6LrZ-YH-XAHYZjyDQpNYseN6DwavH86dwn2UPMSxbfEbJAmm66YAOYznFe_3snzELG9dLmTR1XcCTG6ROPs_Qu1V0KF85s1Tq4IP/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644868410002028690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAg5BzMhgpCGjd72cg48qYkNrs1Vg7AyLrm-FB7_W6LrZ-YH-XAHYZjyDQpNYseN6DwavH86dwn2UPMSxbfEbJAmm66YAOYznFe_3snzELG9dLmTR1XcCTG6ROPs_Qu1V0KF85s1Tq4IP/s320/007.JPG" /></a>
<br />So, I tried doing some online research. I didn't find anything terribly conclusive, and that home based tests can be unreliable. So I emailed the lady who knows more about paint than anyone in the Blogosphere. <a href="http://missmustardseed.blogspot.com/">Miss Mustard Seed</a>. She was really sweet and emailed me back, letting me know that there isn't really a product for furniture that can "seal in" the paint like you might find for walls. And that painting over it wouldn't work for long if there was already chipping paint on the furniture. She advised me to move it out of the house with young kids around. Sad face, but I really appreciated the advice.
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<br />I took one last shot at home based lead tests and found one that seemed to be the most reliable.
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<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlFCQ_b8MeHPHc1xbz9oAZfyfC4UGmEFd_j5HyDYfdF8OzGIFwes08CloeHHCIVPePIdSXb14HY3mzE83riqR4JlHfFHcxDj2lkonqN60NZ2i3DyW5_sUZUB6DVtuGFU-IXVOzRFGD2Bp/s1600/009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644868367146960738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlFCQ_b8MeHPHc1xbz9oAZfyfC4UGmEFd_j5HyDYfdF8OzGIFwes08CloeHHCIVPePIdSXb14HY3mzE83riqR4JlHfFHcxDj2lkonqN60NZ2i3DyW5_sUZUB6DVtuGFU-IXVOzRFGD2Bp/s320/009.JPG" /></a> I just bent the test, squeezed it until some liquid came out and rubbed it on the paint. If the test turned pink within 2 hours, there was lead present. </div>
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<br /><div>Well the test turned RED almost instantly. Soooooo I sweetly said "Mr. Wonderful? Do you think you could use your muscles and take this dresser out to the garage for me?"
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<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JqkEpRG02wAjD4zurJ23RPXzC1FYjNdb6c2WmzyvcCxDsKV8pjLxUWE-9smvCjwhaly-glmwS7USKcFUp4R0L-7aiCiPxHpOK5b2J8fWrc39JZkZMPdjL9k4uRoV3-JQ6zCr-yhC07KQ/s1600/011.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644868357491447986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JqkEpRG02wAjD4zurJ23RPXzC1FYjNdb6c2WmzyvcCxDsKV8pjLxUWE-9smvCjwhaly-glmwS7USKcFUp4R0L-7aiCiPxHpOK5b2J8fWrc39JZkZMPdjL9k4uRoV3-JQ6zCr-yhC07KQ/s320/011.JPG" /></a> That man. He endures so much for me. :0)</div>
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<br /><div>So, on to plan Q. I think I'll try to strip the dresser next spring and go from there. That's not the only fail we've dealt with this month. But I think I salvaged the next one. I'll have to post about that one next.
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<br />Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596387744449327094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777195979631246685.post-88211386426000251892011-07-12T12:40:00.004-05:002011-07-12T13:09:07.735-05:00Uhhhh...Pennant Duvet, part 2So I changed my plans. Originally I was going to make this into a quilt, but I decided on a duvet instead. There are several advantages of a duvet. First, I knew it would be mostly white, therefore I knew I'd be washing it a lot. As annoying as it is to restuff a duvet, I knew it would be easier to wash and dry. #2, I don't know how to quilt. That was a big one. And #3 I realized I had just donated any blanket that I could put in the middle of the quilt. And I'm trying to use things I have on hand. So anyway, as of the last post, I had pinned on the pennants. Next I sewed them on, first straight across, and then the rest of the little triangle. Last. Favorite. Part. I did it in probably 3 hour-long sessions. I decided to just straight stitch and let 'em fray, 'cause I thought it'd be cute and the zig-zag stitch and I are not BFFs.<br /><br />Once I had the front stitched, I picked out a vintage sheet for the back that I had on hand and pinned the top to the bottom. I hope you're not looking for a tutorial, because I made this up as I went along! I picked up some giant red rickrack at Joanne's for a trim between the sheets. I pinned it the best I could, but as I sewed, the sheets moved along and my sides did not match anymore--groan! So, I would re-pin the other sides and hope for the best. Which brings me to another reason a duvet cover was a better choice for me: they can be rumplier and not perfect and it's OK. Whew!<br /><br />Once I had them all toghether, I sewed some ribbon on the inside corners of the duvet and the corners of the down comforter I bought at Ikea. That way I can tie the comforter to the duvet and it won't shift around annoyingly. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdKmPBZT9t-tbhIsgszhnEhf3omDdAYEqbzXlhdDJHLoTSAlDiaKEZhVpc96fT2n3hAe5bLOUqnkDt3oJUZZ1ZnieMlwDHrqH9fzZRJ1phsKVC30m0-X_AaJdOd91rifxodcapAT7ZXN-/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628523278472463394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdKmPBZT9t-tbhIsgszhnEhf3omDdAYEqbzXlhdDJHLoTSAlDiaKEZhVpc96fT2n3hAe5bLOUqnkDt3oJUZZ1ZnieMlwDHrqH9fzZRJ1phsKVC30m0-X_AaJdOd91rifxodcapAT7ZXN-/s320/004.JPG" /></a> When I say this thing is not perfect, it isn't false modesty! Here you can see that on one corner the top sheet is about an inch longer than the bottom sheet. But when it's all tied up you can't tell. :0)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBI_EMecTOUXAh61d-k7NIsSayvcQ-RRPeZGjGVvnTYhovfToA7CfCpkX8cauCWR_jCvj69ybt3_Wp3n0WNY37QKUAn3her5Md5SDEZLz-3NlwLW7TWK1lj90FbfZPNEPKwDWBitn3B46A/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628522770047432434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBI_EMecTOUXAh61d-k7NIsSayvcQ-RRPeZGjGVvnTYhovfToA7CfCpkX8cauCWR_jCvj69ybt3_Wp3n0WNY37QKUAn3her5Md5SDEZLz-3NlwLW7TWK1lj90FbfZPNEPKwDWBitn3B46A/s320/005.JPG" /></a><br />Aaaaand here is a hole I accidentally snipped in the bottom sheet about 2 seconds after I finished the thing. Thankfully it's right at the bottom and when I stitch it up you won't be able to tell. Oy.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-20eLeycRKHSwNO91SKh_pUW68BtWg9H6ivtU0AA-L9zZenNDGHAx1r9XMhQIqmjwTUOoVZMABCXRzC5Xlc9j8ukAt1epl05SgFgaIoN4Sfxv5y31hww5YKr1dl1EZAv7ry_ngQF8OAFc/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628522759134884386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-20eLeycRKHSwNO91SKh_pUW68BtWg9H6ivtU0AA-L9zZenNDGHAx1r9XMhQIqmjwTUOoVZMABCXRzC5Xlc9j8ukAt1epl05SgFgaIoN4Sfxv5y31hww5YKr1dl1EZAv7ry_ngQF8OAFc/s320/007.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Instead of risking more uneven seams, I just made ties for the bottom out of the extra fabric from the top sheet. It'll be easy to get the comforter in and out this way, too.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2n3iL_ciJjQeO7xxyvUT_37ATCWH92BJaMdfFJUcR7YeXm1sY9Kwh8-l_gmhcz-PL7dy_LryguVkPM2-q7sAcPIWTtFgmUiijzkJ-3s-ncYK68aIhuSSO4vZOq8S6Ic52l3dgN0111zWD/s1600/008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628522747335246722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2n3iL_ciJjQeO7xxyvUT_37ATCWH92BJaMdfFJUcR7YeXm1sY9Kwh8-l_gmhcz-PL7dy_LryguVkPM2-q7sAcPIWTtFgmUiijzkJ-3s-ncYK68aIhuSSO4vZOq8S6Ic52l3dgN0111zWD/s320/008.JPG" /></a> This is the bottom of the duvet. I used a vintage sheet instead of the fabric I originally intended to use. It was easy to use because it was already finished. Plus, I figure if the top side gets smudged, the bottom side is pretty enough to become the top side until I can wash it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7a3PUf0uj2HTYzZaW9zRpRL1UmMCuUpg815hq4FFZLSmzUpn7P49efK6R0qb_yTFO_E-PySAjkCXeZIyssWOkDmoKhyCqe7_prYDrUlbgtfKFjQPBwsiQYh4CAfsqWeTzwYonyH_g9gh/s1600/009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628522745424104466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7a3PUf0uj2HTYzZaW9zRpRL1UmMCuUpg815hq4FFZLSmzUpn7P49efK6R0qb_yTFO_E-PySAjkCXeZIyssWOkDmoKhyCqe7_prYDrUlbgtfKFjQPBwsiQYh4CAfsqWeTzwYonyH_g9gh/s320/009.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />And here it is! I'm so glad I splurged on the rick rack. I think it really makes it. Can't wait to show you what it looks like on the Big Girl bed! Life has been busy, but we're making good progress on the room, and my grand to-do-before-the-baby-comes list. :0)<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zCly83bw9yQFmLxYWZm9RwJNMpf6uyNU9vPfN9SK304Zbu6NUbfTLlCaBAgLUGcjj8Vc8nY88Mw3UN1Urtu9Sbe-TVFYBAlQsatmGuLrzO6LnX_7C6tIx3kAUncKKaOO8gD42s6lQrG9/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628522736069326546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zCly83bw9yQFmLxYWZm9RwJNMpf6uyNU9vPfN9SK304Zbu6NUbfTLlCaBAgLUGcjj8Vc8nY88Mw3UN1Urtu9Sbe-TVFYBAlQsatmGuLrzO6LnX_7C6tIx3kAUncKKaOO8gD42s6lQrG9/s320/003.JPG" /></a> Cost breakdown:</div><br /><div>Top sheet: $2.50 on consignment (bonus, it's already been washed a bunch and is super soft)</div><br /><div>Bottom sheet: free, already had it</div><br /><div>Pennant fabric: about $7 for two fat quarters (only used about half of them, though)</div><br /><div>Rick rack: $11 with a 40% off coupon at Joann's. </div><br /><div>Down comforter: $14 at Ikea</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Total: $34.50.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596387744449327094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777195979631246685.post-20788814056819663072011-06-27T22:13:00.004-05:002011-06-27T22:41:06.480-05:00Pennant QuiltI have been thinking for awhile about making Ava a quilt for her new bedroom. I've seen a lot of really cute stuff online, and think I've found a way to make it easy enough for even me to do!<br /><br />A few weeks ago, the fam was in Ashland, WI where there is a really cute shop that carries aDORable fabric. I got this for 1/2 price. $4.50/yd! I think it's Moda? I'm not sure how I'm going to use this fabric. Maybe as the back of the quilt and it can be reversible???<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9cQ_slcSDn7e24TZFVJaRgVfzuVsyWpCFR_Oo6iS58fMAX7pxAh9YrD-Zi0Z7RcAH5SiAku3bTNQLkDIpUDGigBfSS5wajh7AUPcowKqS-x9o-czHr3qop6xxiapKIgtIZ4zLQKLnNZt/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623105043383915394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9cQ_slcSDn7e24TZFVJaRgVfzuVsyWpCFR_Oo6iS58fMAX7pxAh9YrD-Zi0Z7RcAH5SiAku3bTNQLkDIpUDGigBfSS5wajh7AUPcowKqS-x9o-czHr3qop6xxiapKIgtIZ4zLQKLnNZt/s320/005.JPG" /></a> Each panel is so sweet:<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5MK_gUKASNcqyiwKwb_r1oPkOlMAK4Pj0VpZgRcuqgMySrQ7wHEi1PlMbqFmywHKdbF5elSlI6k_tdKjmvKu0pMB4HS-debPEOP0baghT1YaHdJMKp-zOzQTfs-5kadz9wiJQ5WIMdAK/s1600/006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623105037174509554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5MK_gUKASNcqyiwKwb_r1oPkOlMAK4Pj0VpZgRcuqgMySrQ7wHEi1PlMbqFmywHKdbF5elSlI6k_tdKjmvKu0pMB4HS-debPEOP0baghT1YaHdJMKp-zOzQTfs-5kadz9wiJQ5WIMdAK/s320/006.JPG" /></a><br />I'm unashamedly copying <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/34907381/">this</a> quilt from <a href="http://www.aprettycoollife.com/">A Pretty Cool Life</a>. I kinda figured I'd make pennants using all the fabrics in my stash.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHWKy6CFB93JqPsrJSS-GTwe8ETKAJ3Y-25RC6z5JsiKsoj-EMhC7_xLk1Vv0IUKEZAXx8Nploj70-hwgRw5nkmIy6mdZM-v5gcjDqO2oCYviIDjaQaN4DvrPXeXOkahtC2Z5ljRZllNs/s1600/009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623104809616552290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHWKy6CFB93JqPsrJSS-GTwe8ETKAJ3Y-25RC6z5JsiKsoj-EMhC7_xLk1Vv0IUKEZAXx8Nploj70-hwgRw5nkmIy6mdZM-v5gcjDqO2oCYviIDjaQaN4DvrPXeXOkahtC2Z5ljRZllNs/s320/009.JPG" /></a> But then I realized that part of the cuteness of the quilt inspiration is how she picks the colors and puts them together. So I decided to do some experimenting.<br /><br /><br />I was kinda liking this, but not getting very far with it:<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73KEDLvkcrRP-AIQKMhcw7F0U_z_NnuIbqluJ_h6LW4pyM_sGaThKY61Pr_tygbINvrKjw0fe_X1u_YX1VNASKm7onv-Q0hgSgX7OwaRzWFpuTmc20yNYWphBwaLP9qPab1EjvJQXOqJH/s1600/011.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623104801808809634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73KEDLvkcrRP-AIQKMhcw7F0U_z_NnuIbqluJ_h6LW4pyM_sGaThKY61Pr_tygbINvrKjw0fe_X1u_YX1VNASKm7onv-Q0hgSgX7OwaRzWFpuTmc20yNYWphBwaLP9qPab1EjvJQXOqJH/s320/011.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I originally thought I wanted more primary colors, but it wasn't doing it for me:<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9FF_egUST9XaF7YL9q737I1izi8thNK0r0F0gd0lC3EMSC9Nj4up_dMUxYtPTbWB5FnisnCS6LSfYs90vVKR_TUV_V_-ADEKztlwcEAARVkuZ93o0keShonwCgCukYlEeTlNDwBZ1SH4/s1600/012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623104795771832706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9FF_egUST9XaF7YL9q737I1izi8thNK0r0F0gd0lC3EMSC9Nj4up_dMUxYtPTbWB5FnisnCS6LSfYs90vVKR_TUV_V_-ADEKztlwcEAARVkuZ93o0keShonwCgCukYlEeTlNDwBZ1SH4/s320/012.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Another try:<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5tgph78NVVTksm58CsoMvp4QhYv_V_Z8ofeQkPju9HwQRBsP2SBIkL8WTvZFcmEt3dIO8JIE082MzD87u_yejMTBCZR1iCTKKZPirvxHYntBHI00IcYuohxFDXCsn-Ic7Kdz_RfkAwmp/s1600/013.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623104789458177490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5tgph78NVVTksm58CsoMvp4QhYv_V_Z8ofeQkPju9HwQRBsP2SBIkL8WTvZFcmEt3dIO8JIE082MzD87u_yejMTBCZR1iCTKKZPirvxHYntBHI00IcYuohxFDXCsn-Ic7Kdz_RfkAwmp/s320/013.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Then I remembered the fat quarters I had also gotten from the store in Ashland (I think it's called the Painted Cottage?)<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoo5dWT-JiT6BJuDNE09H1s0IQt6Ysj4CDywjGk0_uZeHMU0cVxrZMFw2y6LGA_ukpSV89ltpub_Ci1sT213gDdA6q8Pd3mTq57_2_YtEUsIyoHgKL_B2ZmdfEG3UDYMwlOZC18JU-_5jf/s1600/015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623104785026889730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoo5dWT-JiT6BJuDNE09H1s0IQt6Ysj4CDywjGk0_uZeHMU0cVxrZMFw2y6LGA_ukpSV89ltpub_Ci1sT213gDdA6q8Pd3mTq57_2_YtEUsIyoHgKL_B2ZmdfEG3UDYMwlOZC18JU-_5jf/s320/015.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I also got some giant yellow rick-rack that I kept nearby for inspiration. It may or may not be used on the bed, but I liked the general feel of it<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4U1L8MDOT9n_K52Nbglqb_x3MFGBOuBvxVUNPidVJThjWYug8YaMltHI1fe-p-Y0M-Sxz8lsVoZ9LAGR_khAh5KkIhgRPIsQGUu7O5P1nHLfp2dU77z7OsAqZuB6VVcwXmOcvo5D3jrKI/s1600/017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623104264189464258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4U1L8MDOT9n_K52Nbglqb_x3MFGBOuBvxVUNPidVJThjWYug8YaMltHI1fe-p-Y0M-Sxz8lsVoZ9LAGR_khAh5KkIhgRPIsQGUu7O5P1nHLfp2dU77z7OsAqZuB6VVcwXmOcvo5D3jrKI/s320/017.JPG" /></a><br />Once I pulled out those fabrics, I found I didn't need to be limited to 4 or 5 fabrics, but that I could add more. I found that using one pattern to pull colors out of made it alot easier to put them together. I got the darker blues out of there and it started to come together. I also found that a mix of large and small patterns made a big difference.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60HKgRqn1NgbE639dJ3qLptY6k1PKZFaPxImkh2BC3Z1IUnSD7Y8tLHx1Gcj8yUUxH2XBgT6FABe-sXcs3CoICYlL2yE7WajCSydDi0O7gbfZJ4DxQwx_dI7X_tthWM80iYWFmYqZzMGx/s1600/020.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623104260452736738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60HKgRqn1NgbE639dJ3qLptY6k1PKZFaPxImkh2BC3Z1IUnSD7Y8tLHx1Gcj8yUUxH2XBgT6FABe-sXcs3CoICYlL2yE7WajCSydDi0O7gbfZJ4DxQwx_dI7X_tthWM80iYWFmYqZzMGx/s320/020.JPG" /></a><br />For the main part of the quilt, I found an off-white king sized flat sheet at a local consignment store. It was 70% off at $2.50. I just cut off the embellishment. Then I cut the sheet to 68x88 (ish.)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzPlWbjy8JPmI-NKQheWIC42P1PYwft8PwVxelrOHss4HgJo5UB50kbAeOm4GecMpCShZ5dWWogUzmxmFhXxwyE3D_4YpRq7nadepBUSctFmV7EUEqKSH1f4orFy1e_BJOWEikXDXuPlV/s1600/021.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623104252886449730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzPlWbjy8JPmI-NKQheWIC42P1PYwft8PwVxelrOHss4HgJo5UB50kbAeOm4GecMpCShZ5dWWogUzmxmFhXxwyE3D_4YpRq7nadepBUSctFmV7EUEqKSH1f4orFy1e_BJOWEikXDXuPlV/s320/021.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />To make the pennants, I made a template from a piece of paper. It's totally not perfect. And the cutting wheel sliced off pieces of the template as I went along, so I know some of my pennants are smaller than others. But I don't mind. I think it'll only add to the final product. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I eyeballed what I wanted it to look like, and laid out the pennants. I found that different orders of the fabrics made a difference to me too, so I just played with it until I liked it. Then I pinned it. That's as far as I've gotten. Here's how it looks now!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMv_RIhVSk1A_LPLVkfc7YldtuZU0mMi2OGcFaiif5a2tOjGFi5yt7_HilDaK9kW0gkZlX8yPmSyqz5SwCFsbY64hvARPpf6aoHrDio8dV5PR1eC2iSVzJfi689A4CmpCjRKeh1Y_7W0fs/s1600/023.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623104242291454370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMv_RIhVSk1A_LPLVkfc7YldtuZU0mMi2OGcFaiif5a2tOjGFi5yt7_HilDaK9kW0gkZlX8yPmSyqz5SwCFsbY64hvARPpf6aoHrDio8dV5PR1eC2iSVzJfi689A4CmpCjRKeh1Y_7W0fs/s320/023.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBq9XDaf24mqrJYkF5xdFxGm45kFV07LKev_bwI52b28ajv9-10UKT_wo7sl_LP5H4CiqRH1uB0hKMlppNxOd5TBdDbTBebMaycCui9MauST_uOpOjtEib3_5pu85WIxeuP6Y1rXUALvZ/s1600/022.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623104239619119042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBq9XDaf24mqrJYkF5xdFxGm45kFV07LKev_bwI52b28ajv9-10UKT_wo7sl_LP5H4CiqRH1uB0hKMlppNxOd5TBdDbTBebMaycCui9MauST_uOpOjtEib3_5pu85WIxeuP6Y1rXUALvZ/s320/022.JPG" /></a> I'm pleased at how it's turning out so far! I won't be able to get back to it for at least a week, but I'm excited about how it's coming together. :0)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596387744449327094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777195979631246685.post-75529182848649590032011-06-21T14:13:00.004-05:002011-06-21T14:36:02.004-05:00The Great List and a Great WeekendWe just had a big weekend at our house. First off, Grandma and Grandpa arrived on Friday! They were gracious enough to offer to watch Ava so Mr. Wonderful and I could have a little getaway. We went up to a town called Minocqua--a pretty little town situated in the lakes of central WI with all of the trappings a tourist could want! We spent a day going out to eat, antiquing, lazing on the beach and playing putt-putt. Despite the fact that I got a hole in one and 3 birdies, Mr. Wonderful still beat me by 5 strokes. You might say he's a little more consistent than me. :0) It was an awesome day!<br /><br />My parents are also uber productive, so they helped me get started on my list of things to do before the baby comes! Ava helped too:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjY8HXH7KpDK-16L6DMUUc0-GvL4CX8hT87rMeQ7B3OyXKOrBmCOPpOTZ67b3unkRJfk9avh1waLhk0I9fGOQujLDRObf_xUUc8k2Z6I5DNuNMq6dmpCGD8lQXk5VuTIWXX-ot74I3pdG/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620753642500129730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjY8HXH7KpDK-16L6DMUUc0-GvL4CX8hT87rMeQ7B3OyXKOrBmCOPpOTZ67b3unkRJfk9avh1waLhk0I9fGOQujLDRObf_xUUc8k2Z6I5DNuNMq6dmpCGD8lQXk5VuTIWXX-ot74I3pdG/s320/004.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiuZjkaylyfUonY1Akk7n_55QSY6tC79DPf4b8vy-nddG03MZwUw9L8sX3u7omDIUjYZI7MdgtWKatj1ckU-aTSthVWxZsie54f-ep_Fjrzyc6AJfngssdg58j8X975tRksgF9bXh5O2sy/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620753634741234178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiuZjkaylyfUonY1Akk7n_55QSY6tC79DPf4b8vy-nddG03MZwUw9L8sX3u7omDIUjYZI7MdgtWKatj1ckU-aTSthVWxZsie54f-ep_Fjrzyc6AJfngssdg58j8X975tRksgF9bXh5O2sy/s320/005.JPG" /></a> She's good with a hammer :0). Here's the Great List:</div><br /><div>1. Paint and modify wardrobe</div><br /><div>2. Move wardrobe into the living room to be the entertainment center </div><br /><div>3. Move current "entertainment center" (shelving) to Ava's new closet (and paint it) for storage</div><br /><div>4. Make play kitchen for Ava (in process)</div><br /><div>5. Modify built-ins in Ava's new room to be bookshelves (in process)</div><br /><div>6. Move stripe-y chair from basement into nursery for late night feeding</div><br /><div>7. Pare down Mr. Wonderful's wardrobe (in process)</div><br /><div>8. Pare down my wardrobe (check!)</div><br /><div>9. Combine our clothes into one closet (in process) </div><br /><div>10. Move guest room bed into basement</div><br /><div>11. Move twin mattresses into Ava's new room</div><br /><div>12. Move an end table into nursery next to stripe-y chair</div><br /><div>13. Make bedding for Ava's room</div><br /><div>14. Make curtains for Ava's room</div><br /><div>15. Make a bunting for Ava's room</div><br /><div>16. Move a dresser into baby's closet</div><br /><div>17. Move guest dresser (and paint it) into nursery to be new changing table</div><br /><div>18. Put a shelf above the changing table</div><br /><div>19. Find a different way to deal with diapers (Diaper Champ, etc.)</div><br /><div>20. Put up a second rod in Ava's new closet.</div><br /><div>21. Find a way to store Ava's toys in her new room.</div><br /><div>22. Paint the beige "accent" wall in Ava's new room Cottage White</div><br /><div>23. Paint the wall behind the built-in bookshelf something fun. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Yeah, I know a TON of stuff. But I'm excited for the way everything is going to come together. I think Ava's new room is gonna be super CUTE. Speaking of cute, here is what I picked up in Minocqua for Ava's new room:<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmmYl6iFammYQkZOnksj-MEDiRusEkTHX5-bN-0htP_B5oBATkyTUJygJjNHF19_qKkxQYSrx-E6ugzoAEB-o6yT624BJo1QLP0lqohMhaSsA1iJPy0AyGiFW7RkK3Evi0XGixf6UA0xr/s1600/008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620753628759080962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmmYl6iFammYQkZOnksj-MEDiRusEkTHX5-bN-0htP_B5oBATkyTUJygJjNHF19_qKkxQYSrx-E6ugzoAEB-o6yT624BJo1QLP0lqohMhaSsA1iJPy0AyGiFW7RkK3Evi0XGixf6UA0xr/s320/008.JPG" /></a><br />Sooooo stinking cute. Especially since we call her Ava Bird. If one of you could tell Ava that this two week phase of not napping isn't cool that'd be great. If she went from 2-3 hour naps every day to no nap at all in the snap of a finger, I'd be sad. And please don't insert stories of how so-and-so's baby dropped their nap at 18 months, m'kay? Last week, I figured she was overtired because of VBS, last weekend I figured it was Grandma and Grandpa excitement, but now I don't have a reason!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596387744449327094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777195979631246685.post-44603285501721931252011-06-17T15:50:00.005-05:002011-06-17T16:02:33.907-05:00A feature, Pinterest and a Crazy Nesting Pregnant Lady<div>Majorly quick post here, but I wanted to let you know that I'm so excited--Laurie from Tip Junkie featured my filing cabinet on her blog! It was really sweet of her. Here's the <a href="http://decorate.tipjunkie.com/how-to-wallpaper-a-file-cabinet-wallpaper/#comment-7184">link</a>. Tip Junkie is a great site that compiles great blog posts. Kinda like a one stop shop--there's so much awesome stuff to wade through in Blogland, it's nice to let other people do the wading sometimes!</div><br /><br /><div>In other news, get ready because my second trimester bod is ready to NEST. I made a list of things I need to do to get ready for baby, also known as Ziggy #2 (Ziggy being short for zygote, of course.)</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9K6pEGY2RAvLkigmV_PJHNW6Ve5DvREAGhL1jj8FGFYRRnRIvY-2fyKYKI8rzHAUKXueHjcMhzMLsgTQgaSQR6O3YeuoevI1KakXEDe6M05lr0br7vmBOlaewaXjy-Skx5n45zCRNSLN/s1600/STRYCHARSKEALLYSONN20110606160352856.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619294764572348018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9K6pEGY2RAvLkigmV_PJHNW6Ve5DvREAGhL1jj8FGFYRRnRIvY-2fyKYKI8rzHAUKXueHjcMhzMLsgTQgaSQR6O3YeuoevI1KakXEDe6M05lr0br7vmBOlaewaXjy-Skx5n45zCRNSLN/s320/STRYCHARSKEALLYSONN20110606160352856.jpg" /></a> The list is SUBSTANTIAL, but I know many of my 3rd trimester friends would encourage me to start NOW. I'm definitely heeding the advice, because it doesn't look like we're moving any time soon so we gotta make this house work for us!<br /><br />I've been compiling ideas on my new Pinterest, and have been particularly excited to outfit Ava's big girl room. If you are interested in checking out my boards, here's the <a href="http://pinterest.com/albopp/">link</a>!Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596387744449327094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777195979631246685.post-42656474971991846572011-06-09T13:48:00.004-05:002011-06-09T14:07:40.703-05:00We're From the Island of...We have this window in our bedroom. It's kind of a misfit. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9nCCx7DoyDfBELqoTD7H8g-n_Cueil6ZEC-mSEizWpeoewab2kS2u3yIZj4GogW-GlOEVkCLw1pnV5xcwADqmtUtAagHmaahE442htFOExwxT4E_FW-uFU5g01GY1ACsEUvliwXQpn3Q/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616294288357443746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9nCCx7DoyDfBELqoTD7H8g-n_Cueil6ZEC-mSEizWpeoewab2kS2u3yIZj4GogW-GlOEVkCLw1pnV5xcwADqmtUtAagHmaahE442htFOExwxT4E_FW-uFU5g01GY1ACsEUvliwXQpn3Q/s320/004.JPG" /></a> It's not shaped the way the other windows are. It's wide but short. To make matters crazier, the window is practically flush with the trim, which means we can't mount anything inside. Any window covering or shade we put up has to be mounted on the wall or on the trim itself. It's just not like the other windows. It's okay. It was born that way.<br /><br />Mr. Wonderful is not a good sleeper. Lots of light can make it harder for him to sleep in (sleeping in is not really in his vocab, you might say) So last fall I pinned up some dark fabric over the windows. This made Mr. Wonderful very glad, but I was not so enamored. It was UG! So I started sifting through my options.<br /><br />Shades were not going to be SUPER effective due to the mounting issue. Then I looked at blackout curtains. Most of them have vinyl, which is supposed to off-gas terribly. Then I thought maybe I could just find some thick fabric. But I didn't want it to be severe and dark. Then I found this fabric at Joanne's. (back view)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqYLvtMrPXRI7JsRRAFWryi0pOpGtpXD-8eOLeNAFS_mmcCMOnVWCT7cE7FPFVmWu6Z_cyBJErAHzOgL2IHyv5ciPPfezuw6Fh544H5Yg9PO0bXzDbvohdQJkDSX0YF70cu1ZEP_Ow0GY/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616294024771514578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqYLvtMrPXRI7JsRRAFWryi0pOpGtpXD-8eOLeNAFS_mmcCMOnVWCT7cE7FPFVmWu6Z_cyBJErAHzOgL2IHyv5ciPPfezuw6Fh544H5Yg9PO0bXzDbvohdQJkDSX0YF70cu1ZEP_Ow0GY/s320/005.JPG" /></a> It was $21/yard down from $35 a yard. It doesn't look terribly thick in the pics, but it really does block a lot of light, and manages to not look dark or depressing. I ended up buying just a yard and hemming all sides, one of which being a long hem so I could have a little rod pocket.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKLPPcnBjwfWdiFRXy-8MWT_WqCkGP43DlfLw1IDOp8pYdfsQOOI4mYrieRx2r3Q9oXSGJH0oYrXiXR9VzP_QektDCGMutwINcIz4p9gagLxQ_NUS5hCdMKPKewcNl6MOZ92rKbL7hCHK/s1600/006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616294017297576194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKLPPcnBjwfWdiFRXy-8MWT_WqCkGP43DlfLw1IDOp8pYdfsQOOI4mYrieRx2r3Q9oXSGJH0oYrXiXR9VzP_QektDCGMutwINcIz4p9gagLxQ_NUS5hCdMKPKewcNl6MOZ92rKbL7hCHK/s320/006.JPG" /></a> I ended up buying some brown grosgrain ribbon so I could tie it up and let the light in during the daytime.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdcsvf6-cg0ZXqBozAlmbWYkaHXYsbpclVDs_1Un7YKptzaCLgHbBWnoyUFWt87uZQGjZg8w_Vh0NAqDiEAF1cqkZX1EM0Xj7EEfEXtNmKpAv9B4txwK8tizG4lDoaF0HitRD_sFdBIza/s1600/009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616294003767458306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdcsvf6-cg0ZXqBozAlmbWYkaHXYsbpclVDs_1Un7YKptzaCLgHbBWnoyUFWt87uZQGjZg8w_Vh0NAqDiEAF1cqkZX1EM0Xj7EEfEXtNmKpAv9B4txwK8tizG4lDoaF0HitRD_sFdBIza/s320/009.JPG" /></a> I safety pinned the ribbon to the curtain in back so when I let it down the ribbons don't fall off. Totally <a href="http://www.thenester.com/window-mistreatments">mistreated</a>. Awww, yeah. Also, the window is not crooked, the ceiling is slanted. Do not adjust your monitors. :0)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rBHThI8NzvO4nEMv0itksZPW1VD-dpeeS85tVTuh6CH9D_BXxt1Op8ib5zf9sli0xYU6zis1JFmhCEVmS6_vgCgS8pF5Lh4-r9vkqdGjl-j6jiHPANhWat5xicFAwFv-_65MShTCRwAT/s1600/010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616293993431465554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rBHThI8NzvO4nEMv0itksZPW1VD-dpeeS85tVTuh6CH9D_BXxt1Op8ib5zf9sli0xYU6zis1JFmhCEVmS6_vgCgS8pF5Lh4-r9vkqdGjl-j6jiHPANhWat5xicFAwFv-_65MShTCRwAT/s320/010.JPG" /></a><br />Not as pretty down, but it's gonna help the mister and much improved from what we had. What's that you say? The bed is not centered on the window? Some of us are pregnant and need a little extra space, mkay?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Oh, and speaking of pregnant, we had our ultrasound on Monday--baby is looking good, and we can't wait to be surprised when he or she is born!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596387744449327094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777195979631246685.post-80301079128669537572011-06-09T13:45:00.002-05:002011-06-09T13:47:59.015-05:00Uh Oh.Do you see that hinge at the top of the cupboard? Do you see how there are still screws left in it? Looks like the door hanging on them was stripped...maybe open shelving is in our future???<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJm67lxjBSwKvtrRoxKtJcMmfiqDsLdTc5EWvzPXdMtYlscGtfjBjy2AbsifBgpumEwdq3aEvcit-KDMhohdXF16cK603SEf95EdQXMjdyAaOQhu6Ye6hV3202MhlaQJGJJFF80Vx51Zj/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616293257865397202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJm67lxjBSwKvtrRoxKtJcMmfiqDsLdTc5EWvzPXdMtYlscGtfjBjy2AbsifBgpumEwdq3aEvcit-KDMhohdXF16cK603SEf95EdQXMjdyAaOQhu6Ye6hV3202MhlaQJGJJFF80Vx51Zj/s320/001.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div></div>Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596387744449327094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777195979631246685.post-44288845128545958322011-05-31T12:05:00.004-05:002011-05-31T12:25:15.354-05:00Lovely LanternsI finished my garden project! It was super cheap, fast and easy and I'm so glad I took the time to figure it out and do it. I have been collecting aqua Ball jars for awhile now, so those were free, as well as the candles I already had. All I bought was some wire and sand at Joanne's (on a gift card!) So it was fa-reee! Here is how it ended up (in daylight):<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZzjdf5rVoLVAH85mynJndS8rcJwGeRJ4gN93vdrrXLbDctuEnIUWxi9BoTJL-hmr5F_TCEQEbAupt-JEGH4Ab8p_roVIyJEKNfAbCS_xhbOmq0Tw3tTLNakZ2D9D-O0wf0U1F9CBW94l/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612927938181788578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZzjdf5rVoLVAH85mynJndS8rcJwGeRJ4gN93vdrrXLbDctuEnIUWxi9BoTJL-hmr5F_TCEQEbAupt-JEGH4Ab8p_roVIyJEKNfAbCS_xhbOmq0Tw3tTLNakZ2D9D-O0wf0U1F9CBW94l/s320/001.JPG" /></a> Here is the early evening glow:<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNpfXYvgbh9fKdzwem6jE86RA_QH4FHco3rTcSIHAr2FaVKdQZbCdpFnis4T4HIDKDTd03eiONeZ-TowAc9nlJd5krL4XEhXrJiuwoRjRv8sTbl3c2g9AeCHkUFyp4HWXY3afnFqL3Aza/s1600/009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612927930115559042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNpfXYvgbh9fKdzwem6jE86RA_QH4FHco3rTcSIHAr2FaVKdQZbCdpFnis4T4HIDKDTd03eiONeZ-TowAc9nlJd5krL4XEhXrJiuwoRjRv8sTbl3c2g9AeCHkUFyp4HWXY3afnFqL3Aza/s320/009.JPG" /></a> I ended up getting the sand because I wanted the candles to stay put. I wiggled them down in the sand so they wouldn't shift around and get by the glass and break it. It also helps me reach the candles in the bigger jars. In the biggest jar I first put a bunch of rocks in the bottom to save on sand. I wrapped the wire around underneath the threads and then looped it over to make a handle before securing it on the opposite side.</div><br /><br /><div><br />Here's what it looked like from the ground later:<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFw00tIS5OX7-7xVJIGhuE9oWWXNMFgv-IR_IMLKfELzlhEOl9oDdWYbQHOvkuE1vpOVsRV2A9US4vxID4mnBtCnzX34x9Mo2I-vHe8p8iuW0Ol0dCRV-oqT8NTpdrZOW5Pa9eKyiPnH1/s1600/014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612927922736053842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFw00tIS5OX7-7xVJIGhuE9oWWXNMFgv-IR_IMLKfELzlhEOl9oDdWYbQHOvkuE1vpOVsRV2A9US4vxID4mnBtCnzX34x9Mo2I-vHe8p8iuW0Ol0dCRV-oqT8NTpdrZOW5Pa9eKyiPnH1/s320/014.JPG" /></a> And of course, the pictures don't do it justice. It is really pretty and it made us want to linger as we sat underneath.<br /><br />I really wanted this to be a low maintenance project. Something I could put up and leave up all summer without having to worry about rain or bugs. I spent a day racking my brain trying to figure out a way that I wouldn't have to take them up and down. And then I realized, duh, put the lids back on! Now they'll be super easy to care for. Another advantage to these lanterns is that they are totally kid proof. We don't have to worry about Ava getting into them.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgpM464cp702oeIYuUUXjptbT68Jwk7Phq8RJQEEnmrlzeZFvDd4O-cKNKFVgF1kN7XX3_vAb-jE32ZVn_u35BqqlfwHe9c7pS-cGfwjUiJJwHPjIarIWERWMgVlwY-Ms-n-ggQF3wpoe/s1600/018.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612927915668517810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgpM464cp702oeIYuUUXjptbT68Jwk7Phq8RJQEEnmrlzeZFvDd4O-cKNKFVgF1kN7XX3_vAb-jE32ZVn_u35BqqlfwHe9c7pS-cGfwjUiJJwHPjIarIWERWMgVlwY-Ms-n-ggQF3wpoe/s320/018.JPG" /></a> So there they are--our romantic, free, ambient lighting for these beautiful summer nights!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Linking up to the<a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/diy-art-how-to?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheLetteredCottage+%28The+Lettered+Cottage%29"> Lettered Cottage<br /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596387744449327094noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777195979631246685.post-63059099153119091492011-05-27T12:47:00.003-05:002011-05-27T12:57:29.581-05:00Yay for spring! It's finally starting to be consistently pretty nice outside (despite freezing temps the last two nights) and I'm trying to be really proactive about being outside a lot. So last night I was driving back from teaching my <a href="http://www.bradleybirth.com/TeacherSite.aspx?id=s782">class</a>, and even though it was a little chilly outside, I decided I'd invite Mr. Wonderful for an outdoor date. We took out the lawn chairs, grabbed a couple of blankets and sat right in front of these guys: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-50AYcFO8UdkEchDTHoCECf1XwIr43twbA7e1uJ5p02fDq7czSDm6T2TlzGFxa8cKUrPuAVd7pn0Fx_Gb1iz9UoccHb7kg-hZqDbflzAmeZqmOnsumO1IPPZMwMKU1kmU09b4Pv_pKtj/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611454384210258786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-50AYcFO8UdkEchDTHoCECf1XwIr43twbA7e1uJ5p02fDq7czSDm6T2TlzGFxa8cKUrPuAVd7pn0Fx_Gb1iz9UoccHb7kg-hZqDbflzAmeZqmOnsumO1IPPZMwMKU1kmU09b4Pv_pKtj/s320/002.JPG" /></a> Lilacs have always been a favorite of mine. In fact, in high school my mom and I redecorated my room with one of those ridiculously HUGE wallpaper borders with lilacs on it.<br /><br />Anyway, I have been wanting to make our backyard a little more interesting and romantic in the summer, and last night's date gave me the motivation to start DOING something about it. I don't have all the tools and materials I need yet, but here's a sneak peek:<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0SCWjEgq0gfJUl7X6hUsMz7uuB4GgX6g1k26j3DEM_1Vq8H6_XC8Aan9ZRSNMt4pnPurN5GdUgo0hqNowp3uuqsORVYl8aWrgVLLtdr_yVF_k0JEoMYnfUrzm_ifPJqGsA5Phc6tiC8s1/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611454376097986882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0SCWjEgq0gfJUl7X6hUsMz7uuB4GgX6g1k26j3DEM_1Vq8H6_XC8Aan9ZRSNMt4pnPurN5GdUgo0hqNowp3uuqsORVYl8aWrgVLLtdr_yVF_k0JEoMYnfUrzm_ifPJqGsA5Phc6tiC8s1/s320/001.JPG" /></a> I'm excited to see how it will turn out and how it will encourage us to spend more time outdoors this summer!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Speaking of lilacs, we also have a white lilac bush in the front yard. (how awesome is that?) It doesn't look like much from the front:<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0jkpav11FuXjk7IqSrMeFPDr8Gq2U-_NmZOr36TEcNdEEjrqUQIpZzypP6Uw-Yzq55JrKSpoInRtxRT7vA7_YFYRFkaSF-k3RbEXNyfRfyUQ9UAEM7O6yq_jR3-IX9AqxhUS2ZjehELm/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611454374686533682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0jkpav11FuXjk7IqSrMeFPDr8Gq2U-_NmZOr36TEcNdEEjrqUQIpZzypP6Uw-Yzq55JrKSpoInRtxRT7vA7_YFYRFkaSF-k3RbEXNyfRfyUQ9UAEM7O6yq_jR3-IX9AqxhUS2ZjehELm/s320/003.JPG" /></a><br />But my favorite part is that it always seems to have the best blooms in the back, right outside my bedroom window. It's so wonderful to sleep with the window open and smell those beautiful blossoms!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaBTm3TJCmxLLEMtyj2ZEXtkAMIQjp_l_CbEyjnMrPKNNtWbEgIim_ebiiVa3gF23UR_avSmfwAX8ddXbS7ibQYat7nq427l6bOPNyzoen07KqWQ6rC7Bj9_ooFClp3kpOa1GT7YzjhrY/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611454364914911138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaBTm3TJCmxLLEMtyj2ZEXtkAMIQjp_l_CbEyjnMrPKNNtWbEgIim_ebiiVa3gF23UR_avSmfwAX8ddXbS7ibQYat7nq427l6bOPNyzoen07KqWQ6rC7Bj9_ooFClp3kpOa1GT7YzjhrY/s320/004.JPG" /></a> So there's a little spring tour of my favorite parts of the yard! I'll post more pics of my new project once it's done!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596387744449327094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777195979631246685.post-7941695786269617882011-05-19T21:05:00.003-05:002011-05-19T21:19:08.332-05:00Update on our *almost* 2-year-oldTime for another episode of pictures for Grandma!<br /><br />Ava had a run in with the driveway this week. Poor thing had a lip out to here! She's doing much better just three days later. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8DDXeRxR8SIFF-ii6ftKHRneZpA84-SDV6xrwBx3ZC4qgYPRbVnky9CgenNXj2aGhDcIYo1FS-edgxdSzHjm2lqhg_aK3V0Sd4qPC2UzYsUs0y12OvhB5jwwIuVMxJz1Mc-QbXxVqhYv/s1600/025.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608614560092541874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8DDXeRxR8SIFF-ii6ftKHRneZpA84-SDV6xrwBx3ZC4qgYPRbVnky9CgenNXj2aGhDcIYo1FS-edgxdSzHjm2lqhg_aK3V0Sd4qPC2UzYsUs0y12OvhB5jwwIuVMxJz1Mc-QbXxVqhYv/s320/025.JPG" /></a> One of Ava's new hobbies is putting shoes on. Putting my shoes on me, putting her shoes on her, putting her shoes on Papa, no one is safe!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOB0jgb-ATyz2ziHzOZDREachbe77POOafpy-uKs_CE-rUEktFBWWAEX6FYiI20jipDb2oDWkkKoiAJyjoF3bmc3eyTfqeyH-nUrjOataeLQoqJjUbVekXsEkXovTKo1yVLW7R8UtxMSf/s1600/014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608614552392751138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOB0jgb-ATyz2ziHzOZDREachbe77POOafpy-uKs_CE-rUEktFBWWAEX6FYiI20jipDb2oDWkkKoiAJyjoF3bmc3eyTfqeyH-nUrjOataeLQoqJjUbVekXsEkXovTKo1yVLW7R8UtxMSf/s320/014.JPG" /></a><br />She was really into sitting on the potty and even went poopy once! So, I got her some big girl underpants. But she's over it now. Totally not interested.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvFRezfnPwD8UHIiFHImD_juCtevm-hntzrDlwWzHV18WGRl5rtEDGQZ7p7uHcNxMwmguf349KixqvdIEq_bQ0ltpB8rhR1kJaySINvrXrF4olYToMCOL2b4PLHXOjL_WMJ7oBgnaXZ-I/s1600/012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608614547435416882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvFRezfnPwD8UHIiFHImD_juCtevm-hntzrDlwWzHV18WGRl5rtEDGQZ7p7uHcNxMwmguf349KixqvdIEq_bQ0ltpB8rhR1kJaySINvrXrF4olYToMCOL2b4PLHXOjL_WMJ7oBgnaXZ-I/s320/012.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Here she is on Easter! Amazingly, she wore the same 12 month dress she wore last year. We pretty much squeezed it on her.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuxEoyLtIVY79dubjAKDbXj7qZO48jzlChjeWbYi2vN5TvC2NCHIJd_yPj4qWom70Zo_n-vZVn9uk1rOHQooDF6Tx2MYZtC9AWFL_OWBtpG3O2dM7vw0-dwqzPmXtX1vv583tzCeZkMi8/s1600/011.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608614231132322818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuxEoyLtIVY79dubjAKDbXj7qZO48jzlChjeWbYi2vN5TvC2NCHIJd_yPj4qWom70Zo_n-vZVn9uk1rOHQooDF6Tx2MYZtC9AWFL_OWBtpG3O2dM7vw0-dwqzPmXtX1vv583tzCeZkMi8/s320/011.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />Ava got some Easter eggs to paint from Auntie Jen. She definitely favored the blue paint and...sampled it. Found blue paint on her teeth.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8_dZ9rgKTk-ghcnBRTZb5fF8lRQglCRitxQtiwC9Gv3gMA8MNkc3Noi_JhMGLWF-3bJZwEhvbSpk557ZvRSugGkaYt4GAaZcdIwRrXVcuI9fuDvdqoU1Pr340N1zwbWGW1ZjKwdbT2UT/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608614224246373282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8_dZ9rgKTk-ghcnBRTZb5fF8lRQglCRitxQtiwC9Gv3gMA8MNkc3Noi_JhMGLWF-3bJZwEhvbSpk557ZvRSugGkaYt4GAaZcdIwRrXVcuI9fuDvdqoU1Pr340N1zwbWGW1ZjKwdbT2UT/s320/007.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Her new signature look. Pigtails!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gDT5HmsYETI2AxonGCB68FuBaNZSoLwsfmZPmEH6yur8cFDhA06byPNXUKqui9-ZV9cVBKyRdTZTVwxBhfQ9I7iSltqZGyCfBg0Khn4jxKCfOqze4LKGHxNAxfekgjOOvpFAKwK8ZUSn/s1600/006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608614217609073426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gDT5HmsYETI2AxonGCB68FuBaNZSoLwsfmZPmEH6yur8cFDhA06byPNXUKqui9-ZV9cVBKyRdTZTVwxBhfQ9I7iSltqZGyCfBg0Khn4jxKCfOqze4LKGHxNAxfekgjOOvpFAKwK8ZUSn/s320/006.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Okay, so we've been considering a major bathroom project and this is the biggest reason why. I used to just take her in the shower and she liked it first, but gradually began to dread it. So we moved operations to the kitchen sink. She barely fits!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqNii5jhrEWWavsPyJ3ss5rVko5B-20DmQHOzCNo1VzHiMSxqCTc4GvBJ-rjjOPh2c5j9c-1R35zPa5zleykypFaya6QnWxLEgys3KYGxPsiSeIb9Xj6DhO4ctP1GYRmrfBK_wAgH-H7E/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608614210922254642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqNii5jhrEWWavsPyJ3ss5rVko5B-20DmQHOzCNo1VzHiMSxqCTc4GvBJ-rjjOPh2c5j9c-1R35zPa5zleykypFaya6QnWxLEgys3KYGxPsiSeIb9Xj6DhO4ctP1GYRmrfBK_wAgH-H7E/s320/003.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Completely unintentional artsy pic:<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxX5OrVxlbSQ6CyUI5y1bMq9H_Qr41qdall2xWswscESaf8Rvl3etrp3TVsujF6MQ5atCyK5pdAXvwz6qzSjvkE7biIy-ar3hEnP9uhqaL0BX6wMXBySOoLgNZ2uvtIvnq_pV6bKIKkrrG/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608614200999703106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxX5OrVxlbSQ6CyUI5y1bMq9H_Qr41qdall2xWswscESaf8Rvl3etrp3TVsujF6MQ5atCyK5pdAXvwz6qzSjvkE7biIy-ar3hEnP9uhqaL0BX6wMXBySOoLgNZ2uvtIvnq_pV6bKIKkrrG/s320/001.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596387744449327094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777195979631246685.post-44785044731009275782011-05-17T14:51:00.002-05:002011-05-17T15:02:51.200-05:00Free LanternLast summer I scored this lantern for free at a rummage sale:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7asUq3OijWVZK1QGXeROTJQZZWmGlSGlYGyp854QC_VxJzMbY8wthykmrkfHP7OJvv11KCG6cSih54jgM4g9RTuwQDJj8Qx869sNqFYr87TdqoFZA8w2q47faBWHwx_Oi_fMWX5Mgqf2f/s1600/017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607776236683130146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7asUq3OijWVZK1QGXeROTJQZZWmGlSGlYGyp854QC_VxJzMbY8wthykmrkfHP7OJvv11KCG6cSih54jgM4g9RTuwQDJj8Qx869sNqFYr87TdqoFZA8w2q47faBWHwx_Oi_fMWX5Mgqf2f/s320/017.JPG" /></a> I took this pic after removing the glass. Anway, he said I could have it 'cause it doesn't work. Psssh. Details. I had it on our front steps, but it couldn't even be seen because our steps are black, too. So I bought some yellow spray paint at Joanne's....and I brought it back. Almost as soon as I got in the car, I knew I should've gotten red. When I brought it back, I found some red on sale for $.97!!!!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsz1JXLlwWDBQ5u8BRqbC4qG4h02W7Yi1NoroY2Sg-hi6IXin80o88AZsJKiY7-BBAMj33ixo4mAI_7z78I67sjcwU_fhsg3kuoUIzH9s94D8q-eSkRRVP1eVbaZix7nOvAYpIS5tIdFH/s1600/018.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607776229070748434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsz1JXLlwWDBQ5u8BRqbC4qG4h02W7Yi1NoroY2Sg-hi6IXin80o88AZsJKiY7-BBAMj33ixo4mAI_7z78I67sjcwU_fhsg3kuoUIzH9s94D8q-eSkRRVP1eVbaZix7nOvAYpIS5tIdFH/s320/018.JPG" /></a> I used lots and lots and lots of thin layers. Many trips out to our (very ventilated!) garage.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuf2WOPRaCAtaAfQIR_w_0MXihuzxQzuKpcTOdBkknIZ3OhRLO9rgUOxKjEV0JfgNr_waI_7MuaQnS3c2vKlVA9ZZjhX0xIV8mqBU1VHNiO6gpp-J8B9Hl5g4x9VhePeKDFnV9uNXvzwp/s1600/019.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607776224084013058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuf2WOPRaCAtaAfQIR_w_0MXihuzxQzuKpcTOdBkknIZ3OhRLO9rgUOxKjEV0JfgNr_waI_7MuaQnS3c2vKlVA9ZZjhX0xIV8mqBU1VHNiO6gpp-J8B9Hl5g4x9VhePeKDFnV9uNXvzwp/s320/019.JPG" /></a><br />I don't know exactly what to do with it. But I've been meaning to paint it forever, so thanks <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/">Sarah</a> for the motivation!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/05/spray-paint-party.html">Linking up to the Spray Paint Party</a>!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596387744449327094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777195979631246685.post-71894995504389431722011-04-19T08:08:00.003-05:002011-04-19T08:16:41.266-05:00Latest DIY ProjectAva and I did an impromptu photo session the other day to deliver a very special message:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-cfuOTQPotAui0WzaTbEbMeTOEtj0qkvKV2JEKO6WRlBQFsJl1cK76SXjIjbF_N_SWZRYazvKc8Umi2BtGawuR-MIy_Xin1a81uTuEFCfeRBjiZcxo8n33xXsSC-hQFtmxjkxN6sB3aa/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597281427470367442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-cfuOTQPotAui0WzaTbEbMeTOEtj0qkvKV2JEKO6WRlBQFsJl1cK76SXjIjbF_N_SWZRYazvKc8Umi2BtGawuR-MIy_Xin1a81uTuEFCfeRBjiZcxo8n33xXsSC-hQFtmxjkxN6sB3aa/s320/001.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFc94IoZNXcY7dyUQZB3U_YFygtwUTksJx-s-o1kull4tvB7Xkih9UW491G4TbLQ6Yx2BDZYo0Q092-3UZ36qe_zOP_jXVsCaV9Qy5G-ig1hmHxnV8xexjSDnNPSdUfmgD9_dMNprBAfW/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597281416600812786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFc94IoZNXcY7dyUQZB3U_YFygtwUTksJx-s-o1kull4tvB7Xkih9UW491G4TbLQ6Yx2BDZYo0Q092-3UZ36qe_zOP_jXVsCaV9Qy5G-ig1hmHxnV8xexjSDnNPSdUfmgD9_dMNprBAfW/s320/002.JPG" /></a> Did you get it?<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsGI7O64gKqFYMeIK3yFNNCP88Mf9xDbcf-0W_cLw3GGvNgZQwQu9wjkFTRq9c7Rhq2L3ee4JViO3pTSJGaQWR1c82jIyqFwXZ06XCClA_GvvyEzroDPw8eKWtVT0lk7NZXyWXMRQ_lWY/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597281407690616226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsGI7O64gKqFYMeIK3yFNNCP88Mf9xDbcf-0W_cLw3GGvNgZQwQu9wjkFTRq9c7Rhq2L3ee4JViO3pTSJGaQWR1c82jIyqFwXZ06XCClA_GvvyEzroDPw8eKWtVT0lk7NZXyWXMRQ_lWY/s320/003.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597281402157742034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-GwVPYKZ4F6QewEdn7hGAUoMAoB5y6uihYm0KstWpkcgEjBqR7Dc5BG-4_LwFnq1TiDhLtOTcBbwiDco-Muk2QuIdnfdQuhP6HdxT2iyOo5dKa1sMgXDd1SxVJ2x7n0STIT8NdpBtzFc/s320/004.JPG" />How 'bout now?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbs0p6nrpolkMTJw0OwKTBHyh7UmwxQYgHn9DqaTW4cLfxXW4JaBK6JvnM5CJyvyVByZlPaJgZBVJK6GPlk59lwbn1ee_RtBXlzZAVOhoIJsmB6hpg9Mh_rDuK-wralRqbIGUoGE_Zic90/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597281386884126706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbs0p6nrpolkMTJw0OwKTBHyh7UmwxQYgHn9DqaTW4cLfxXW4JaBK6JvnM5CJyvyVByZlPaJgZBVJK6GPlk59lwbn1ee_RtBXlzZAVOhoIJsmB6hpg9Mh_rDuK-wralRqbIGUoGE_Zic90/s320/005.JPG" /></a><br />She's gonna be a big sister! We are due at the end of Oct./early Nov. We got to see "Ziggy 2" on ultrasound yesterday and he/she is looking great. We're not sure if we will find out whether baby will be a little brother or a little sister yet. I haven't been too sick (well, except that week I had a stomach bug--ugh), just tired and nauseous. Hopefully, that'll be over with soon. :0)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We are so excited about this addition to our family, and excited to watch Ava become a big sister!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596387744449327094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777195979631246685.post-50440253227419901592011-03-30T14:59:00.003-05:002011-03-30T15:06:57.577-05:00Personalized OnesiesI have two Wendys in my life, and both of them had babies recently! So, of course, I turn to my new friend, applique, to make adorable onesies. I actually copied these from a onesie I saw on my friend's baby. On the first one, I handstitched around the outside with embroidery thread to help the lettering to come out a little better.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBUsPd4l1jmkPFNd0-DfsKtAwbHBBU3G8nCMPemkb-LsobHtOSYmaDLzOFjHiuOfhGy054RoiDRHBEdpBRvuBtA0NJVe2L29XY6dhlY1Wh3OkY2Y5De8o22JV6NYjuljpBwIYhCo8tYx_/s1600/019.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589965531716188178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBUsPd4l1jmkPFNd0-DfsKtAwbHBBU3G8nCMPemkb-LsobHtOSYmaDLzOFjHiuOfhGy054RoiDRHBEdpBRvuBtA0NJVe2L29XY6dhlY1Wh3OkY2Y5De8o22JV6NYjuljpBwIYhCo8tYx_/s320/019.JPG" /></a> On this one, I machine stitched right down the middle. That was really hard! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAJDpGLiuWKn1tWCV6QFhoEZLINa9RX1Z4sUQWrvDZSwEDYnUG0hgizAxOPoW4PNR44kMU5ibKSsvs4phIgd6l_yC3nBzDSic-P5pFxuAcZ_UMWLV7B5_oB9XQdjTrKZebWxN0pHDXH7n/s1600/018.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589965524567382578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAJDpGLiuWKn1tWCV6QFhoEZLINa9RX1Z4sUQWrvDZSwEDYnUG0hgizAxOPoW4PNR44kMU5ibKSsvs4phIgd6l_yC3nBzDSic-P5pFxuAcZ_UMWLV7B5_oB9XQdjTrKZebWxN0pHDXH7n/s320/018.JPG" /></a> Can't wait to meet the babies that wear 'em! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYDVyAta_7OFSbgpTdRzfFirCJP1mZyzjvoqA9lVND3aev8CotBH7wkBN4jZB3EP_1BJ61f-Xte2dX_x0twq25fu_G1jXbRssmeo5R671eJ4yBTwiPOQJ9Pi9Qx6NArmW5wgJCn-lWSBi/s1600/017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589965523498677058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYDVyAta_7OFSbgpTdRzfFirCJP1mZyzjvoqA9lVND3aev8CotBH7wkBN4jZB3EP_1BJ61f-Xte2dX_x0twq25fu_G1jXbRssmeo5R671eJ4yBTwiPOQJ9Pi9Qx6NArmW5wgJCn-lWSBi/s320/017.JPG" /></a> <br /><div></div></div></div>Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596387744449327094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777195979631246685.post-73664510452884053052011-03-25T14:54:00.004-05:002011-04-04T21:25:21.344-05:00Post #101!!!Okay I know it's been a long time since I posted, but blah, blah, blah you get the picture. Right? :0) Anyway, I know you'll forgive me, because I have HUGE news! We got our couch! We bought it about 8 weeks ago at Ikea, had it delivered to my brother's house and then patiently waited for my parents to come visit us (and pick up a huge couch, haul it on a trailer and bring it to us). No biggie right? They are the nicest. The trip was postponed a couple of times, but we finally got Big Red (yes, it has a name) about three weeks ago. I snapped a quick pic of the living room before the big day:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0O_ufmpfWN6hZWLdZZOG-F2VV6-4HH2hDi3knpqOxCZWCscivf9IBVW_CyiCsNkNVUcKTgMKvL9dl3y2eDRm0fZmxq-GZgBj94N-IltUrwU7xts62slIHy7UwJue6-5y8YrnshyphenhyphenfPt8hn/s1600/009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588108817644802514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0O_ufmpfWN6hZWLdZZOG-F2VV6-4HH2hDi3knpqOxCZWCscivf9IBVW_CyiCsNkNVUcKTgMKvL9dl3y2eDRm0fZmxq-GZgBj94N-IltUrwU7xts62slIHy7UwJue6-5y8YrnshyphenhyphenfPt8hn/s320/009.JPG" /></a> Not bad at all, but the furniture was too big and most of all, not ours. The owner of the couches is getting married tomorrow and needed them back for his new home. You may know that I obsessed over...I mean...hemmed and hawed a bit over the color I wanted, but I took a chance and went for red! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoqOmpz2B20eQPeWqDuQahml7zNtGiZIM1UE9T_6IrqmD2Z_1ekCofK0F4drP0AFwaVzA6ZpNOatqaQgKhSNiws_oEn6Lxh2vYor5YLBFyBQbAXol8mutSTJA1QIvKQrrrXnCK-MjX5dMy/s1600/025.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588108813463844130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoqOmpz2B20eQPeWqDuQahml7zNtGiZIM1UE9T_6IrqmD2Z_1ekCofK0F4drP0AFwaVzA6ZpNOatqaQgKhSNiws_oEn6Lxh2vYor5YLBFyBQbAXol8mutSTJA1QIvKQrrrXnCK-MjX5dMy/s320/025.JPG" /></a> I know it's not a great picture, but the amazing Mr. Wonderful cleaned the house for me and I took my chance while I had it. I knew when Ava woke up it was all over :0) BUT, I really like it! It fits great in the space, makes the room feel bigger and it picks up the red on the rug. We might replace the coffee table with something less elongated, but overall we're really happy. So after MUCH ado, there you have it! Linking up to: <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/04/before-and-after-party-one-of-my.html">Thrifty Decor Chick</a> Before and After partyAllyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596387744449327094noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777195979631246685.post-27589248599867100852011-02-05T13:29:00.006-06:002011-02-05T14:05:18.752-06:00Hybrid WreathEver since Christmas was over, I've been needing a new wreath on our front door. Since the decor around the doorstep was all red, it made sense to keep it all and just switch it out with a Valentine's Day wreath. Aaaand it was blank for about a month, but no more! I made a hybrid of <a href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2010/01/whimsical-valentine-wreath.html">this</a> wreath and<a href="http://www.theidearoom.net/2010/01/felt-heart-wreath.html"> this </a>wreath.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEfss9REkMv-atRHfXfr9gjWU12W4l6jdkbHvERbMY54X8imccaoQimjItMW9DgHhFodb3dwBL48FkCGIwdcCGVMBbj06CQprl0-gZRlOW9Ky_-rlrLgcbn1Umfw5khqsL6HSxwByajZ-e/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570290295416343282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEfss9REkMv-atRHfXfr9gjWU12W4l6jdkbHvERbMY54X8imccaoQimjItMW9DgHhFodb3dwBL48FkCGIwdcCGVMBbj06CQprl0-gZRlOW9Ky_-rlrLgcbn1Umfw5khqsL6HSxwByajZ-e/s320/004.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />I had these great Valentine's Day cupcake liners, but I didn't know if they would be enough to cover the wreath form. Curiously the packaging didn't mention the square footage they would cover. Odd.<br /><br />But I knew I had some red felt around and I would make it all work out in the end, so I went for it.<br /><br />Kinda cutesy, but I like it. I got the wreath form at Joanne's (with 40% off coupon, of course) for about $2.80. Everything else was free!<br /><div></div><br /><br /><br />Linking up at Tatortots and Jello <a href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2011/02/weekend-wrap-up-party-and-twig-creative.html"></a>Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596387744449327094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777195979631246685.post-19613738983921699202011-01-28T11:09:00.003-06:002011-01-28T11:21:53.620-06:00I finally did it! I've been thinking about this for at least a year. Sometimes my momentum for a project is slow to build and then I just HAVE to do it and there is no stopping me. It's kind of like trying to get children out the door to run errands. When I get to the threshold of no return I can't turn back, even if it means my child is wearing socks for mittens. Oh yes, I've done it.<br /><br />ANYway, here she is!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KEbM-7-TolU0awLIZU8EBL0geDyjqzTecFHpx52fnRKBgERQciVRNCfO1o8stiQ33S9GrUagvlsbrRDQ5wRQrYudd5qcpodUmwuBQYj1z18no6Dq7Zi8vuSOERxwL5mHAiNb64-cnpKJ/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567285572801869234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KEbM-7-TolU0awLIZU8EBL0geDyjqzTecFHpx52fnRKBgERQciVRNCfO1o8stiQ33S9GrUagvlsbrRDQ5wRQrYudd5qcpodUmwuBQYj1z18no6Dq7Zi8vuSOERxwL5mHAiNb64-cnpKJ/s320/002.JPG" /></a> I always knew those shapely legs would look good in white.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Am8mvwtFYxEcXHt4odHTVsaXKsFPFlTPMWFd2Iozoju71ubkfTGFPVgbiIyMqTiElr9Udg_XNYCAy3X8wSn1njFeQAzb8nlmEhw3OiMxxO5sfvDMQ8pubk5koPs3DZ77i5yHPOT1sOuA/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567285566105920498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Am8mvwtFYxEcXHt4odHTVsaXKsFPFlTPMWFd2Iozoju71ubkfTGFPVgbiIyMqTiElr9Udg_XNYCAy3X8wSn1njFeQAzb8nlmEhw3OiMxxO5sfvDMQ8pubk5koPs3DZ77i5yHPOT1sOuA/s320/003.JPG" /></a> One of the reasons it took me so long is this top. It's a formica or laminate or something. Which I KNOW I could paint, but a) I LOVE the kid friendliness of the wipeable surface, and b) the paint would scratch easily on a surface this smooth and that we use so much.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IvAoZkI9HcNZcrfU-kscLpLA04p69625-L3yAH4YYRINZTVqLBRp02JwVASks_-aETgmLEmnvgMTexP_szF7P6SaOi3JxCX4HGRerfYVEHVr1EMY2m2OzGQq126zy3kgneFUZjNuKhCV/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567285554440165314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IvAoZkI9HcNZcrfU-kscLpLA04p69625-L3yAH4YYRINZTVqLBRp02JwVASks_-aETgmLEmnvgMTexP_szF7P6SaOi3JxCX4HGRerfYVEHVr1EMY2m2OzGQq126zy3kgneFUZjNuKhCV/s320/004.JPG" /></a> So I'm going to live with it for awhile before I decide whether to keep the top, try to paint it, or replace it with something else. And whether to distress it. In any case, it is really nice and bright and brings out the colors in the<a href="http://allylaughingatthedays.blogspot.com/2010/01/so-here-is-infamous-rug-i-got-idea-to.html"> rug</a>. And I think it'll look great with our new sofa! I'm excited to get rid of some of the brown in the room. Not a bad color, just overpowering right now.<br /><br />What do you think, should I distress those beautiful curves?<br /><div></div></div></div>Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14596387744449327094noreply@blogger.com2