tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47500811475188872072024-03-12T22:07:32.044-05:00J & A and Co.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685723743221422945noreply@blogger.comBlogger799125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750081147518887207.post-6581840896315607092018-03-26T11:28:00.000-05:002018-03-26T11:28:01.189-05:00New Blog<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I can't believe it has been almost a year since I have posted here at JandA&Co. This place has been my home for many years, and I have shared so much of my life, and so many of my thoughts here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I have thought about this little corner of my heart almost every day this year, and God has been tugging on my heart strings to get back here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">It's with that tugging that I'm here to share the announcement that I am starting a new blog. A sort of collaboration between JandA&Co. and what I has been going on with my Instagram feed called Valley View Abode. It was time for the two of them to come together, because it's what I love most; sharing my home with my family.</span></div>
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<a href="https://valleyviewabode.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1055" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ga40QEm1UzQ/Wrke8sGRY0I/AAAAAAAA4p0/5-MZEBWbtygNbio6rjQZBr9JTAIfXbN3QCLcBGAs/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-03-26%2Bat%2B10.08.45%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="https://valleyviewabode.com/" target="_blank">Valley View Abode</a> is what we have named our new recently built home, so I will be sharing some fun insights about that over on the the new blog.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">However, I will continue on in JandA&Co. spirit and share all the other things I used to share here as well. My thoughts on Motherhood, cooking, keeping a home, trying to keep up with life, and any other fun activity we are trying to squeeze in to our household. All those family things we love to do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">So as you can see it is a simple marriage of Home and Family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I do believe in keeping records of our greatest memories. I am grateful to share some of that with you here. I know that has been a gift over the last 10 years, and I have met many wonderful friends along the way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Please come follow along at Valley View Abode, because if you don't; I will miss you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Also, please be patient as we work out all the kinks with the new website. Just a few little things just have to settle in, but that will better as I get more and more posts up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Please note that at the bottom of my site, you can follow along with what I am doing on Instagram, and please feel free to become a follower on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/valleyviewabode/" target="_blank">@valleyviewabode</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I look forward to seeing you over at the new <a href="https://valleyviewabode.com/" target="_blank">Valley View Abode</a>, sister website to JandA&Co.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Thank you so much for all your years of following me here,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Andrea</span></div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685723743221422945noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750081147518887207.post-51268974895068707782017-04-07T23:17:00.001-05:002017-04-08T00:09:44.202-05:00Don’t stand back and watch, get creative and dive in.<p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">This year for Spring Break, we took the kids to Southern Utah for a few days.  Then we have spent the rest of the time at home having an awesome STAYCATION!!!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I love Staycations.  I NEED more time with my kids just being at home.  I LOVE having all our activities and sports canceled for the week, and having time to just chill; and cross some things off <strike>our list</strike>.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Plus, I don’t love our kids thinking that we always have to big or go home!! It’s ok to just be together @ home. …or go small and travel via car to places closer to where we live.  I grew up that way, and I had a great childhood.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1091_zpstjhymwhl.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Egg Decorating APril 2017-1091_zpstjhymwhl.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1091_zpstjhymwhl.jpg" width="1051" height="703" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">This was the perfect week for us to dye Easter Eggs.  Since the kids are older now, it was finally time to break out the magazines and try some of the fun stuff we have seen other people try.  I thought it would be fun to show you what we did. I thought it would spark some ideas for you for this upcoming Easter Holiday.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I was ready to dive in and get creative too.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"> I thought I would give each project we tackled a level of difficulty.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Then you could assess if you want to attempt it with your age of children and decide if it would work with your family.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">You don’t have to do all of these that we did.  You could just choose one to try if your looking for something fun and new.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><em>Level 1 being Easy- 5 being Advanced.  </em></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><em>1) means it’s something that a 5 year old could manage </em></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><em>2) something that my 7 year old can do on her own</em></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><em>3) something that my 7 year old can do but might need help with in some areas</em></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><em>4) something that my 9 year old can manage on his own</em></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><em>5) something that my 12 year old can do, but she is super capable </em></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><em>(these all really need ADULT supervision)</em></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">OK.  Lets dye eggs</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1028_zpsw3nyhtkt.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Egg Decorating APril 2017-1028_zpsw3nyhtkt.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1028_zpsw3nyhtkt.jpg" width="1120" height="747" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">We had such a great time together.  Usually I stand back and photograph, but mostly I participated this time. Oh! and I just realized that the girls and I decided that it was a bun day today.  It is going to storm today so why do your hair? Buns for the hair it is!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1057_zpsng411p66.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Egg Decorating APril 2017-1057_zpsng411p66.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1057_zpsng411p66.jpg" width="851" height="1277" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">  Jex didn’t join us, because it is the last day of ski season.  Skiing is everything to that boy, so we let him pass this time.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I found that these mini muffin trays, hold the eggs so well.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1046_zpsbkafi7ez.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Egg Decorating APril 2017-1046_zpsbkafi7ez.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1046_zpsbkafi7ez.jpg" width="903" height="1355" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I picked this one up at our local thrift store this last week.  I even spray painted it to make it look adorable, not even knowing I would use it for this purpose.  So go search out your thrift stores.  I’m going to use it for jewelry or little craft supplies when I’m done with this.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1045_zpsv9g0dmx4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Egg Decorating APril 2017-1045_zpsv9g0dmx4.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1045_zpsv9g0dmx4.jpg" width="1184" height="789" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">We just used the normal dyes that you buy at the grocery store for egg dying.  I made a few fun colors out of vinegar and food coloring too. I always buy two egg dying kits because none of the kids are patient enough to wait on colors.  I also never like the process to take hours.  That was a trick I learned a long time ago.  It’s worth the extra $1.50.   </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">We made sure to leave a few eggs white, because we had some plans for those.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1054_zpss5abtwm1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Egg Decorating APril 2017-1054_zpss5abtwm1.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1054_zpss5abtwm1.jpg" width="820" height="1230" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The kids and I liked trying to make some of them hombre, and dipping in two colors and seeing what happens.  We tried all sorts of fun things when it comes to the dying part.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1058_zpssirgek3r.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Egg Decorating APril 2017-1058_zpssirgek3r.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1058_zpssirgek3r.jpg" width="844" height="1266" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="5">THE GOLDEN LETTERED EGG</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Ok!  One of our favorite decorating tricks was actually with spray paint.  We took a white egg, and added a sticker.  Make sure to press it down hard.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1096_zps5zw5pb1o.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Egg Decorating APril 2017-1096_zps5zw5pb1o.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1096_zps5zw5pb1o.jpg" width="1084" height="723" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Then we took the egg outside and spray painted them gold.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1098_zpsoeddp0lp.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Egg Decorating APril 2017-1098_zpsoeddp0lp.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1098_zpsoeddp0lp.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Once they were dry we took the sticker off</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1119_zpsxnnff3up.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Egg Decorating APril 2017-1119_zpsxnnff3up.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1119_zpsxnnff3up.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"> Seriously so much fun!!  These would make great place cards at the dinner table on Easter. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><strong>Level:</strong> 5 because of Spray paint</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="5" face="Courier New">GOLD SPONGING</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">We did another fun one with some Gold Paint.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">We did some sponge painting on the eggs.  We used gold paint and some sponge brushes.  If you don’t have sponge brushes, you could use sponges cut in strips.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20April%202017-1122_zps2pekbjmy.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Egg Decorating April 2017-1122_zps2pekbjmy.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20April%202017-1122_zps2pekbjmy.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">They give the eggs such a fun feel.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><strong>Level:</strong> 3 for sure.  Tess did this mostly on her own.  For sure needs a good hand washing after.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="5" face="Courier New">PUFF PAINT POLKA DOT EGGS</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">We have had a good stash of puff paint on hand for a while, so I thought why not?</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The important thing to remember with this is that it takes a while to dry.  </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1102_zpsxlyxfcms.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Egg Decorating APril 2017-1102_zpsxlyxfcms.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1102_zpsxlyxfcms.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">So you can only do about half of the egg at a time.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1120_zpshzltclsi.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Egg Decorating APril 2017-1120_zpshzltclsi.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1120_zpshzltclsi.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">We did polka dots mostly, and even wrote a few words like Stella’s IDK for I don’t know.(cause she ran out of things to say)</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Notice how only half of the egg is polka dotted.  This is the kids tray.  They need to come back and finish the egg.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><strong>Level</strong>:I would say this is between a 3 and 4 for difficulty.  Tess needed some help with this, and Isaac just needed help getting started.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="5" face="Courier New">WASHI SHAPES AND STRIPES</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"> Can you say WASHI?</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">We use it for everything at our house.  We put washi tape on everything.  We decided to put it on the eggs to.  It made them look awesome.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1100_zps5wtebdbe.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Egg Decorating APril 2017-1100_zps5wtebdbe.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1100_zps5wtebdbe.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Some we just put around the middle of the egg as a stripe around the middle.  I cut teeny tiny triangles, and put them all over an egg. </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/cropped%20eggs%204-1107_zpsbdra0n1n.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo cropped eggs 4-1107_zpsbdra0n1n.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/cropped%20eggs%204-1107_zpsbdra0n1n.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Depending on what you are doing with the washi depends on the level.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><strong>Level</strong>:1 for just a simple wrap around stripe.  Difficult shapes would be a 5.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="5" face="Courier New">GLITTER EGGS</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Glitter is just too fun not to be added to the mix.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">This was simple.  We just used a simple glue pen and added it to our egg where we wanted the glitter to be.  You can draw shapes, symbols, letters or words.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1103_zps9fczhujr.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Egg Decorating APril 2017-1103_zps9fczhujr.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1103_zps9fczhujr.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Then with the help of a big person, the glitter was added.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Tessa wrote the number 8, because she is turning 8 this year.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/cropped%20eggs%205-1120_zpswgutvahm.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo cropped eggs 5-1120_zpswgutvahm.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/cropped%20eggs%205-1120_zpswgutvahm.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">8 is a big year in our church.  It is the year you are baptized, and she is excited about that.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><strong>Level</strong>: 1 for using a glue pen and drawing the design, 5 for adding the glitter</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><strong>NOTE:</strong> I like the Heidi Swapp glitter it can be found at Hobby Lobby or Michaels.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="5" face="Courier New">MARBLE EGGS</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The last one the kids loved was the marble eggs.  It seemed to work best with white eggs; not dyed.</font><font size="4" face="Courier New"> </font><font size="4" face="Courier New">I tried it on a colored egg, and it worked but not as well.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/cropped%20eggs-1120_zpsjafrsztk.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo cropped eggs-1120_zpsjafrsztk.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/cropped%20eggs-1120_zpsjafrsztk.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">It involves fingernail polish and a bowl that you don’t care to keep.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Fill the bowl with warm water, and add a few drops of finger nail polish.  Then stir with a small straw.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/cropped%20eggs%202-1120_zpsgzqsavto.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo cropped eggs 2-1120_zpsgzqsavto.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/cropped%20eggs%202-1120_zpsgzqsavto.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Drag egg through the polish until it is completely covered.  Then just allow the polish to dry.  </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/cropped%20eggs%203-1107_zpsl0agpyhj.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo cropped eggs 3-1107_zpsl0agpyhj.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/cropped%20eggs%203-1107_zpsl0agpyhj.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The pink one in the center is mine with mint nail polish on it.  It didn’t work as well.  You can see though, how we have done a few of these different techniques together on one egg.  This pink egg is dyed, it’s got mint polish, and gold glitter on it.  So try doing a few together and see what happens.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">These polish ones look really cool and have a great marble effect.  If you want to use another color when using the polish, just rinse out the bowl, and then pick a new polish color. Start the process over.  When you are finish, throw the bowl away.  You may want to use rubber gloves for this technique.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><strong>Level:</strong> 5 for sure!! Stella did these all by herself.  She even did mine. I just supervised.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">So… here is a little taste of how mine came together:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1110_zpsnnhimuku.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Egg Decorating APril 2017-1110_zpsnnhimuku.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1110_zpsnnhimuku.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I do have a couple words written on mine with puff paint, but I am saving those for a later date. You will have to stay tuned to see what those say. It was fun writing on them in cursive with cursive handwriting and puff paint.  That is something to try also.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1104_zpsgtaamksm.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Egg Decorating APril 2017-1104_zpsgtaamksm.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1104_zpsgtaamksm.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The kids did awesome too!!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1120_zpshzltclsi.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Egg Decorating APril 2017-1120_zpshzltclsi.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1120_zpshzltclsi.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">…and I had so much fun hanging out with them.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1050_zpsqikuhbzx.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Egg Decorating APril 2017-1050_zpsqikuhbzx.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1050_zpsqikuhbzx.jpg" width="747" height="1121" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I love spending time with my kids being creative.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I hope this sparks a few ideas, and makes you want to dive into the egg dying process with your kids this year.  It really was so much fun.  </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1070_zpsooyk59mo.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Egg Decorating APril 2017-1070_zpsooyk59mo.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Easter%20eggs%20dying%202017/Egg%20Decorating%20APril%202017-1070_zpsooyk59mo.jpg" width="1160" height="775" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I am so glad I joined in this year!!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"> </font></p>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685723743221422945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750081147518887207.post-54180150352692612482017-02-02T14:28:00.001-06:002017-02-02T14:33:33.007-06:00Delicious Chicken Curry.<p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">It’s time to share one of my favorite recipes.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O11mBsU7a0A/WJOWQWYmicI/AAAAAAAAlaY/IAqwI9jtdAQ/s1600-h/Chicken%252520Curry%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Chicken Curry" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Chicken Curry" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fxg0h3lUEeY/WJOWRHOil8I/AAAAAAAAlac/PTYsN7yG8xI/Chicken%252520Curry_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1132" height="770" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I’m sharing this because It’s cold outside, and I’ve caught a cold that has made me feel awful.  I’m at that point in the winter where I am ready for it to be over.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">This nice little recipe totally warms me up on a cold yucky day. It is full of those yummy good for you veggies, and it’s one that my kids beg for.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">This is a recipe that I put together when we lived in the Caribbean.  I put it together because that’s when I discovered how much I loved curry, and I wanted to learn how to make it.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Every recipe that I read was different, so I took several recipes and took what I loved from each and put them all together.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">What I love about this recipe is that it is a one pot recipe.  You can make everything except for the rice in one pot.  I hate when I have to dirty lots of pots and pans for one meal, so this one is awesome.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I love making this recipes in this pot.  It is my Pioneer Woman enameled Dutch oven.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7rN-IEfkA0c/WJOWSCPc7hI/AAAAAAAAlag/I8pd3N1Nnoc/s1600-h/cooking%2525202017-0115%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="cooking 2017-0115" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="cooking 2017-0115" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1nZnWHhfg2I/WJOWS_Q9V5I/AAAAAAAAlak/4UttQh6x0iA/cooking%2525202017-0115_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="744" height="1147" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Here is are the steps to this deliciousness:</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">What you will need:</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">2 T. olive oil</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">1 Large onion</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">2 cloves garlic</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">4 t. ginger</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">8 t. coriander</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">8 t. curry powder</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">2 t. cumin</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">1/4 t. turmeric</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">1/4 t. cayenne pepper</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">1/4 t. black pepper</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">3 t. salt</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">1 can petite diced tomatoes</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">3 cups water</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">3 t. chicken bouillon powder</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">8-12 chicken tenders or 4 chicken breasts</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">4 potatoes</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">1 yellow squash</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">A handful or two of baby carrots sliced in half</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">1 zucchini</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">1 sweet potato</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">3 cans coconut milk</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Basmati Rice(must use basmati; this is what makes the curry taste so wonderful)</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Chop onion into fine pieces, and heat oil.  Cook chopped onion until brown.  Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute.  Add all the spices and cook for one minute more.  It will get really fragrant.  This will look like a lot of spices. </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CPAX0zFCraY/WJOWTm1Em0I/AAAAAAAAlao/AV_j-S1GATI/s1600-h/cooking%2525202017-0094%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="cooking 2017-0094" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="cooking 2017-0094" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--NkXq-5YAU4/WJOWUn0csgI/AAAAAAAAlas/KO7rZF54xKE/cooking%2525202017-0094_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="989" height="673" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"> This is what makes it sooooo good. </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F4HXaklvGv8/WJOWVtlkj9I/AAAAAAAAlaw/H9aDPHVbRFM/s1600-h/cooking%2525202017-0089%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="cooking 2017-0089" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="cooking 2017-0089" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fmHW7pywCuY/WJOWWueHv0I/AAAAAAAAla0/F2c3VTgOv6Q/cooking%2525202017-0089_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="932" height="634" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I like to gather all the spices before I begin so that I’m not running around looking for them when it’s time to dump them in. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Add water, and thinly sliced potatoes, with chicken bouillon.  We like to slice the potatoes with a mandolin so they slice really thin, and cook faster.  </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QsgKua1LSbE/WJOWXTNbeqI/AAAAAAAAla4/6uBNUyHui6I/s1600-h/cooking%2525202017-0100%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="cooking 2017-0100" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="cooking 2017-0100" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YyNrBoyV9ss/WJOWYbwVknI/AAAAAAAAla8/bn3KFJX5tps/cooking%2525202017-0100_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="616" height="943" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">If you don’t have one, just chop them into smaller pieces.  Add the squash, zucchini, sweet potatoes, baby carrots, all the same way, and at the same time; and then add <strong>2 cans of</strong> coconut milk to it.  </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1oVKwJPKR1Q/WJOWZMZjzVI/AAAAAAAAlbA/G6Sc_7w4DYw/s1600-h/cooking%2525202017-0105%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="cooking 2017-0105" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="cooking 2017-0105" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DHC_iOJ7ibQ/WJOWaP01ZoI/AAAAAAAAlbE/gdIYnDcV-es/cooking%2525202017-0105_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="750" height="1155" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Cover it for about fifteen minutes and let it cook down and simmer over medium heat until the vegetables soften.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">After 15 minutes, add the chicken.  The chicken needs to be added in small pieces as well.  You can slice it, or I like to use kitchen shears and cut it in to small chunks.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E5zajKdRa_Q/WJOWaxjFfvI/AAAAAAAAlbI/h3xKYz-DQgk/s1600-h/cooking%2525202017-0109%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="cooking 2017-0109" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="cooking 2017-0109" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q11R2GLvRpQ/WJOWbveKRdI/AAAAAAAAlbM/RHFGL6-ddZg/cooking%2525202017-0109_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1004" height="683" /></a>  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Cover it again, and let it stand for 15 more minutes.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Once you add the chicken, you should start preparing your rice in your rice cooker.  If you don’t have a rice cooker, you can just prepare this in a normal pot.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Add your last can of coconut milk to the pan, and add  2 more cans of water to the rice cooker or your pot.  Then add 2 cups of rice to the rice cooker, or the pan.  Hit cook on the rice cooker or follow the cooking instructions for the stovetop on the rice bag for the stovetop.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Basmati rice can be found in the grocery store by all the other rice.  It is a little bit more money, but it is so worth it. I promise!!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">After fifteen minutes and your chicken is cooked, stir in the can of tomatoes; and serve over the hot rice.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Vrq75pmABM/WJOWcbgP0OI/AAAAAAAAlbQ/-2PznAVEW14/s1600-h/Chicken%252520Curry%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="Chicken Curry" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Chicken Curry" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wrV0qHzHucI/WJOWdXCw5kI/AAAAAAAAlbU/t6UyDlJ1MwQ/Chicken%252520Curry_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1188" height="808" /></a>  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">You guys will die this is so good.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">It is even better the next day.  It makes great leftovers, and I really don’t even like leftovers.</font></p>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685723743221422945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750081147518887207.post-41831566458854733482017-01-26T15:02:00.001-06:002017-01-26T15:02:34.200-06:00One of the prettiest girls I know…<p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I had sooo much fun a few weekends ago.  My darling sister asked me to shake the dust off my camera, and do a photoshoot.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Kristins%20Maternity-0734_zpsa8kzi54f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt=" photo Kristins Maternity-0734_zpsa8kzi54f.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Kristins%20Maternity-0734_zpsa8kzi54f.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I was so excited to take her maternity pictures.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Kristins%20Maternity-0686_zpsvwf5vdbb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Kristins Maternity-0686_zpsvwf5vdbb.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Kristins%20Maternity-0686_zpsvwf5vdbb.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Right after she asked me, she ended up in the hospital because of her Placenta Previa.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Kristins%20Maternity-0655bw_zpsl9dl5pqt.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Kristins Maternity-0655bw_zpsl9dl5pqt.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Kristins%20Maternity-0655bw_zpsl9dl5pqt.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I rushed down there as fast as I could, and hoped she would be better and feel up to photos.  I prayed that all would be well.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Kristins%20Maternity-06132_zpsfyx8qhbt.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Kristins Maternity-06132_zpsfyx8qhbt.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Kristins%20Maternity-06132_zpsfyx8qhbt.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Luckily they got everything calmed down, put her on a mild bedrest and…</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Kristins%20Maternity-0752_zps4qgwkerm.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Kristins Maternity-0752_zps4qgwkerm.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Kristins%20Maternity-0752_zps4qgwkerm.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">told that baby to stay put for a while longer.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Kristins%20Maternity-0653_zpskwt9ireu.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Kristins Maternity-0653_zpskwt9ireu.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Kristins%20Maternity-0653_zpskwt9ireu.jpg" /></a></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">He needs to bake a little longer.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Kristins%20Maternity-0038_zpsxkwdvr7s.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Kristins Maternity-0038_zpsxkwdvr7s.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Kristins%20Maternity-0038_zpsxkwdvr7s.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">We also did some photos of the whole fam showing their love to the babe in the belly.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Kristins%20Maternity-08652_zpsrtavpmgx.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Kristins Maternity-08652_zpsrtavpmgx.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Kristins%20Maternity-08652_zpsrtavpmgx.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Hank was not showing his love.  He was kinda mad, but that’s a 3 year old</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Kristins%20Maternity-0911_zpswad6gcb0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Kristins Maternity-0911_zpswad6gcb0.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Kristins%20Maternity-0911_zpswad6gcb0.jpg" /></a></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">He was mostly mad about his sweater.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Kristins%20Maternity-0936LOVE_zpsnwkkarra.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Kristins Maternity-0936LOVE_zpsnwkkarra.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Kristins%20Maternity-0936LOVE_zpsnwkkarra.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">We finally got him to perk up at the end, after we found a dog for him to pet.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Kristins%20Maternity-0936LOVE_zpsnwkkarra.jpg.html" target="_blank"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Kristins%20Maternity-0022_zpsudvzujbh.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Kristins Maternity-0022_zpsudvzujbh.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Kristins%20Maternity-0022_zpsudvzujbh.jpg" /></a></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I am so amazed at the strength and beauty of this women.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Kristins%20Maternity-08202bw_zpssrzu0v4b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Kristins Maternity-08202bw_zpssrzu0v4b.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Kristins%20Maternity-08202bw_zpssrzu0v4b.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">She has been thru many hard things, and always comes through smiling and teaching me how to be better.  I learn to be a better wife and mother from her.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Kristins%20Maternity-0768_zpsqyoyfpym.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Kristins Maternity-0768_zpsqyoyfpym.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Kristins%20Maternity-0768_zpsqyoyfpym.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I am so excited to meet this new little guy.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Kristins%20Maternity-07962_zpsode8rhc1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Kristins Maternity-07962_zpsode8rhc1.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Kristins%20Maternity-07962_zpsode8rhc1.jpg" /></a></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I know he is a special little spirit.  He is so lucky to have Kristin as his Mom, and Jared as his Dad.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Kristins%20Maternity-0824_zpsnrszwt8o.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Kristins Maternity-0824_zpsnrszwt8o.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Kristins%20Maternity-0824_zpsnrszwt8o.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I am ready to hold him, but not yet!! He needs to stay put a little longer.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Kristins%20Maternity-0040_zpsm4nbz1fs.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Kristins Maternity-0040_zpsm4nbz1fs.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Kristins%20Maternity-0040_zpsm4nbz1fs.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">This was a fun day.  I loved capturing this moment in time.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Thanks for letting me a part of this, I love you sis.</font></p>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685723743221422945noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750081147518887207.post-68231161298042327892017-01-20T13:43:00.001-06:002017-01-20T13:59:22.943-06:00Tour of Valley View Abode(that’s what we call our new house): Our Great Room<p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I think it’s time to start sharing some photos of our new house.  It’s taken me some time to be ready to share.  This house is our dream home.  We put all our thoughts and energy into building this.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">When we started this process, we started an Instagram account and named this house Valley View Abode.  We named it that because of the great views of the valley that we have.  If you want to follow along with what we did, you can follow us <a href="https://www.instagram.com/valleyviewabode/" target="_blank">@valleyviewabode</a> on Instagram.  I am still posting fun design ideas, and things that make me happy there.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">How did this process start?  I sketched it out on a piece of paper exactly how we wanted our floor plan to be, and then we took that to a drafter.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">She drafted it for us, and did an amazing job.  It’s exactly how I sketched it, except with a few of her suggestions that made things better.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Once your house is drafted, then it has to be engineered.  Then you pick or bid builders, and start the process.  That whole process, start to finish, drafting to finish build; took us about 20 months.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YSYwhF6MDko/WIJoYl0CR_I/AAAAAAAAlY4/oZQKhzzQTM0/s1600-h/IMG_42714.jpg"><img title="IMG_4271" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4271" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lNoPsHKKrZg/WIJoZ6BZFsI/AAAAAAAAlY8/XSavPb_w0aQ/IMG_4271_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1016" height="780" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">All along the way, we made every decision.  We decided where every light switch would be, and which direction our doors would swing.  It was an exciting process.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I am excited to show you some of the decisions we made.  I will just throw little tours of the house in here and there.  Today, I am going to share a tour of our great room:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Great%20Room-00592_zpsufle4cbr.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Great Room-00592_zpsufle4cbr.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Great%20Room-00592_zpsufle4cbr.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The feeling we are going for in our house is coastal.  We are trying let little pieces of our life in the Caribbean leave a mark on this house.  We chose colors for this house that reflect the colors of the ocean, and we did beams to represent driftwood.  We did tongue and groove ceilings because that's what they have in homes in the Caribbean.  I also chose champagne bronze/brass fixtures because they have a very nautical feel to them. You will see some stripes in a few of the patterns because I also feel a sense of being at the beach when I see stripes.  I don’t know why, but stripes also feel very nautical and coastal to me.</font> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">This room is on the main floor, and at the back of the house to the left, once you walk through the entry way.  </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Great%20Room-0055_zpsfodtyzto.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Great Room-0055_zpsfodtyzto.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Great%20Room-0055_zpsfodtyzto.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">As you can see, we have this beautiful transomed entry way that you walk through to get to the great room.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">…and you are welcomed by and adorable Yorkie!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">A lot of people have asked me what transoms are.  In architecture, transoms are a horizontal crossbar separating a door from a window.  Most of the time you see transoms above doors.  Sometimes you have transoms in cased openings, or doorways, which is how mine are.  I have four here.  I will do a post that shows more of the entry soon.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">You can also see the kitchen, as they are connected.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Great%20Room-0050_zpssuqgshda.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Great Room-0050_zpssuqgshda.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Great%20Room-0050_zpssuqgshda.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">We were so lucky to score some old wood beams from an old barn here in the valley that was being torn down.  My builder new I wanted beams in my house.  He didn’t disappoint when he brought me the real deal.  </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Great%20Room-0049_zpslcvqkesr.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Great Room-0049_zpslcvqkesr.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Great%20Room-0049_zpslcvqkesr.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Between the wood beams, we did a tongue and groove ceiling out of pine.  I love how it looks, and gives the ceiling another texture. As I said before, the homes in the Caribbean have tongue and groove on their ceilings.  It also defines the great room from the kitchen.  I painted my walls a nice light blue/green color.  The color is <strong>Sherwin Williams Sea Salt 6204</strong>, but I had the color diluted by 75%.  I hope that makes sense, so it is only at 25% strength.  I wanted it to be very subtle.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Great%20Room-0047_zpsvrvr5oll.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Great Room-0047_zpsvrvr5oll.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Great%20Room-0047_zpsvrvr5oll.jpg" /></a></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">…And the Windows!! This house has a lot of windows. 74 windows to be exact!! I’m so nervous to call a window cleaner. Ugh!!  Natural light is super important to me, like I’m mean without it.  I am also not a huge fan of covering them up so I’m not one to do blinds.  I love these windows, and huge doors.  The big floor to ceiling windows in the great room are sliding glass doors that open up to a massive deck.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Great%20Room-0054_zpscoonzrpj.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Great Room-0054_zpscoonzrpj.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Great%20Room-0054_zpscoonzrpj.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">When we were wiring the electrical in the house, I made sure to do three things in this space:</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">1. put an outlet in the floor here, because I knew I would want a lamp.  The outlet is hidden right under this table. Right behind the cute sleeping dog.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Great%20Room-0068_zpsckgl4eif.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Great Room-0068_zpsckgl4eif.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Great%20Room-0068_zpsckgl4eif.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Lamp and Pillows TJ Maxx, Couch a local store called 8th & main, <a href="http://www.target.com/p/franklin-lamp-base-large-walnut-aged-brass-threshold/-/A-17319963" target="_blank">Lamp similar</a>, <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/Meridian-Furniture-USA-Ferrara-Nailhead-Sofa-MRUS1281.html" target="_blank">Couch Similar</a>)</p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">2.  put outlets on the side of the fireplace for lamps, and Christmas lights. I also had them switched so I just have to turn them on with a light switch.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Great%20Room-0079_zps1choaixr.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Great Room-0079_zps1choaixr.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Great%20Room-0079_zps1choaixr.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Lamps from TJ Maxx, <a href="https://www.jossandmain.com/Kaela-Table-Lamp-CM9182-BL8071.html?piid%5B0%5D=14415573" target="_blank">something similar</a>)</p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">3.  wire for sconces.  I knew that this space needed some other lighting element.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Great%20Room-0081_zpsvgb0pgbg.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Great Room-0081_zpsvgb0pgbg.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Great%20Room-0081_zpsvgb0pgbg.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center">(<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Permo-Industrial-Vintage-1-light-Antique/dp/B015NVTUAG/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1484936026&sr=8-11&keywords=lighting+sconces+brass" target="_blank">sconces</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Belham-Living-Allover-Tufted-Ottoman/dp/B01MS4GVMX/ref=sr_1_72?ie=UTF8&qid=1484936267&sr=8-72&keywords=gray+tufted+ottoman" target="_blank">ottoman-TJ Maxx one similar</a>, <a href="https://www.eighthmain.com/" target="_blank">Chair- 8th & main</a>, <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/iNSTANT-HOME-Chrisanna-Club-Chair-C9-ITHO1000.html?piid%5B0%5D=16554137" target="_blank">one similar)</a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">This great room light here came from one of my favorite lighting places.  It’s actually a local place here where I live.  It’s called </font><a href="http://thevalleyoutlet.com/" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The Valley Home Store.</font></a><font size="4" face="Courier New">  Follow them on Instagram for some great inspiration. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thevalleyhomestore/" target="_blank">@thevalleyhomestore</a>  I seriously got so many lights from them.  Every time I went in, I got so much design help.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I’m a very symmetrical girl, so having built-in book shelves on either side of the fireplace was a must.  I’m still filling them, and messing around with them, but they are here; and I love them.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Great%20Room-0073_zps5n5bzf94.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Great Room-0073_zps5n5bzf94.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Great%20Room-0073_zps5n5bzf94.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">OK!! I know you are dying to talk about my shiplap fireplace.  I am too.  Yes! I do swoon and melt every day that I see it.  I love the design of it!! I love how it is different and unique!!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Great%20Room-0062_zpswlfuv6wm.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Great Room-0062_zpswlfuv6wm.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Great%20Room-0062_zpswlfuv6wm.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center">(Mirror Hobby Lobby <a href="http://www.hobbylobby.com/Home-Decor-Frames/Mirrors-Wall-Decor/Wall-Mirrors/Round-Wood-Wall-Mirror/p/80643951" target="_blank">out of this one but this one is fun</a>, <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/recycled-glass-pillar-candleholders.do?&from=Search" target="_blank">Candlesticks World Market</a>, Plants Homemade by me)</p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"> </font><font size="4" face="Courier New">I gave a picture of what I wanted to my builder and he was awesome about it.  I told my builder I wanted lots of shiplap in this house and he was so good to deliver.  In fact, he didn’t know what I meant by shiplap.  He has only heard tongue and groove so he went to a lumber source, and found out about it; and got me the real deal.  I love Shiplap!!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Great%20Room-0063_zpsd9lagmuf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Great Room-0063_zpsd9lagmuf.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Great%20Room-0063_zpsd9lagmuf.jpg" /></a></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">  I also wanted a very deep mantle so I could put bigger things on it.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">He made it happen, and I am so happy with that decision.  For example: look how fun and awesome it is to put my putz houses on it at Christmas:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zm689Ph4FUc/WIJobGy5U6I/AAAAAAAAlZA/EHMqqQwkJRQ/s1600-h/Christmas%252520decor%252520at%252520our%252520House%252520at%252520night-0195%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img title="Christmas decor at our House at night-0195" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Christmas decor at our House at night-0195" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g_DwL4_-uK0/WIJocPw0Z9I/AAAAAAAAlZE/TcwgB8DG0ZE/Christmas%252520decor%252520at%252520our%252520House%252520at%252520night-0195_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1039" height="711" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I am just now figuring out what to put on my mantle, because for months, it has been seasonal stuff. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">….and anyone swooning over the sea green glass tile surround in my fireplace too?  Yes me too.  This was the very first choice I made for my house.  I knew it had to go in my house.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Great%20Room-0051_zpscghxjju3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Great Room-0051_zpscghxjju3.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Great%20Room-0051_zpscghxjju3.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">So the fireplace shape is repeated in the kitchen to keep it flowing.  The fireplace shape is repeated in the hood in the kitchen, and the glass tile is repeated in my back splash.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The piano managed to stay in this space.  The kids practice in here.  I’m grateful I painted it all those years ago, cuz it looks great in here.  I painted it by making my own chalk paint.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Chalk paint:</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">8oz paint color of choice(buy a sample), mixed with 4 T. Hot water and 4 T. Plaster of Paris</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Yep!! That’s it!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Great%20Room-0074_zpskfoxwyxa.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Great Room-0074_zpskfoxwyxa.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Great%20Room-0074_zpskfoxwyxa.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I love this print above the piano.  This scripture means a lot to me. Especially right now, I am teaching Gospel Doctrine in our church.  I’m grateful for this scripture, as I learn as study more about our Savior.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Great%20Room-00742_zpsbqohizh8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Great Room-00742_zpsbqohizh8.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Great%20Room-00742_zpsbqohizh8.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"> I picked this print up at Swiss Days in Midway.  If you live in Utah, this is a must; it’s so much fun.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Great%20Room-0071_zpsnbmyxa9q.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Great Room-0071_zpsnbmyxa9q.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Great%20Room-0071_zpsnbmyxa9q.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Let’s talk carpet and hardwood flooring.  This carpet you are seeing in my great room is inlayed like a big rug.  We had it set in and the hardwood picture frames and wraps around it, and then hardwood throughout the rest of the main floor(mostly).  I chose a really fun diamond shape pattern carpet for this inlay.  It is the same color as the rest of my carpet, it’s just a different pattern.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fNHxEzEbjO8/WIJoc21Iz-I/AAAAAAAAlZI/z8VwDnO08Ks/s1600-h/IMG_6211%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6211" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6211" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DgmyJpL8xT4/WIJoe9BXdHI/AAAAAAAAlZM/yQAMPBOBdN4/IMG_6211_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="769" height="1085" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">For Hardwood, we did the real deal.  I wanted sand and finish hardwood.  So we picked 6 inch planks, and we picked a maple.  Maple is a really hard hard wood, and has a really fun character to it.  Our intent was to stain it a light gray and then finish it with a matte finish.  Every day when I would come to check the on the floors, I would get sick to my stomach at the thought of staining these beautiful floors.  Jonathan would come and feel the same way, but we were both nervous to tell each other.  When the stain guy came, he said the same thing.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Just to make me feel better he showed me what it would look like with the gray stain.  I couldn’t do it.  I am so happy with our floors.  I love the look of the natural wood.  I might change my mind someday, but for now we have nice beautiful unstained maple floors.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Great%20Room-0047_zpsvrvr5oll.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Great Room-0047_zpsvrvr5oll.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Great%20Room-0047_zpsvrvr5oll.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I think that’s it for now.  I hope you enjoyed your tour of the great room.  If you have any question about anything you have seen please feel free to email me, or better yet; follow my instagram that is all about our design process and what’s going on now, and leave your question there.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Great%20Room-0078_zpsle6rpdsm.jpg.html" target="_blank"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Great%20Room-0069_zps3fremr4s.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Great Room-0069_zps3fremr4s.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Great%20Room-0069_zps3fremr4s.jpg" /></a></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Follow me @valleyviewabode </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Great%20Room-0078_zpsle6rpdsm.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt=" photo Great Room-0078_zpsle6rpdsm.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Great%20Room-0078_zpsle6rpdsm.jpg" /></a></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Thanks for stopping by today!!</font></p>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685723743221422945noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750081147518887207.post-48472256390133413792017-01-16T10:55:00.001-06:002017-01-16T10:58:31.782-06:00Currently for January<p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Praying for: my children(they just need it right now)  It seems as though the needs of our children is always changing, and I almost can’t keep up with it.  We are constantly praying that we do what is right for each of them individually.</font><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Swenson%20Family%20Photos%202016-0011_zpskor0qpf4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Swenson Family Photos 2016-0011_zpskor0qpf4.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Swenson%20Family%20Photos%202016-0011_zpskor0qpf4.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Planning to: blog more and take more pictures</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Wearing: anything that keeps me warm.  We have had negative degree weather lately  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Ugh!!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Excited to: get back on my exercise routine, It has been a little lost since the move</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Using: </font><a href="https://www.amazon.com/e-l-f-Lip-Exfoliator-0-16-Ounce/dp/B009YO56WK/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1483825645&sr=8-1&keywords=elf+lip+exfoliator" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Elf lip exfoliator</font></a><font size="4" face="Courier New"> to help shed the dry lips this season, and I’m in love</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Reading: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Magnolia-Story-Chip-Gaines/dp/0718079183/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483826528&sr=1-1&keywords=the+magnolia+story" target="_blank">The Magnolia Story.</a>  You guys!! So inspiring.  Ok.  so I’m not reading, I’ve just read it.  What neat people they are.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Watching: Just finished watching lots and lots of Hallmark movies.  During the month of December I had my tonsils out!! I did lots of Hallmark movie watching.  Now, during January, I have promised myself that I will do less tv watching and more creative ME stuff!!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Cooking:  Soups!!!  It’s that time of year.  This <a href="http://www.shugarysweets.com/2013/04/chicken-pot-pie-soup" target="_blank">one</a> and this <a href="http://simplymadewithlove.blogspot.com/2013/12/easy-crockpot-potato-soup.html" target="_blank">one</a> are my fav. right now.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ztvDlKkZr1o/WHz6157PeII/AAAAAAAAlX4/Bt5cSbif8Bc/s1600-h/chicken-broccoli-pot-pie-soup-2-600x%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="chicken-broccoli-pot-pie-soup-2-600x896" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="chicken-broccoli-pot-pie-soup-2-600x896" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KqXs94IfZi4/WHz62_kRQvI/AAAAAAAAlX8/mDAZ7jKQdo4/chicken-broccoli-pot-pie-soup-2-600x.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="908" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Eating:  I just finished a month of eating lots and lots of ice cream.  I am glad my tonsils are healed and I can start eating more normal again.  I am ready to get off the band wagon of unhealthy Christmas junk, and start eating some salads or something(right after I link you too some unhealthy soup ideas) wink wink!!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6DC0hxPoCR8/WHz63lwhhmI/AAAAAAAAlYA/W72cmQo5MRY/s1600-h/IMG_90899.jpg"><img title="IMG_9089" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9089" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-56kcjGC-deQ/WHz64Dgpp2I/AAAAAAAAlYE/UCdnck8_3ko/IMG_9089_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="857" height="1228" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Crafting:  I have enjoyed putting together little pots with succulents in them.  They are so fun to stash around the house.  They can go in any room. I will do a tutorial soon.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xad_sE40jo0/WHz64zk66UI/AAAAAAAAlYI/U4Dy5z1a3O8/s1600-h/IMG_90885.jpg"><img title="IMG_9088" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9088" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_moApX6ZH4Q/WHz65-jwoGI/AAAAAAAAlYM/0g55g7gghTc/IMG_9088_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="857" height="1226" /></a></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Loving: to sit in front of the fireplace this time of year</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Dreaming: Of warm Caribbean waters</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Feeling: blessed</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Listening: to all things Apple Music it is seriously the best. thing. ever.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Celebrating: being settled in our new home</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2tE9H4F_qQw/WHz66iY9zmI/AAAAAAAAlYQ/gi33dyI2XlU/s1600-h/IMG_83415.jpg"><img title="IMG_8341" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8341" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vBTYlNzx9Ls/WHz67UX5EkI/AAAAAAAAlYU/7g_rZMV8MvI/IMG_8341_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="787" height="1070" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Enjoying: keeping a paper planner, it’s a little place for me to be creative, and plan {2 things I love; creativity & planning}</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FCU0hJhmMNk/WHz6745hfQI/AAAAAAAAlYg/VQeJjxoU3u4MNR5iDHdv4Dgt4U4yzbV9wCHM/s1600-h/IMG_9090"><img title="IMG_9090" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9090" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8UF3E45CWQw/WHz68khBoEI/AAAAAAAAlYk/EBNhNLg5O3QU82B4qRZkGglYgJIud4F5gCHM/IMG_9090_thumb?imgmax=800" width="900" height="697" /></a></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Do you prefer keeping a paper planner, or are a phone planner; or both?</font></p>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685723743221422945noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750081147518887207.post-49981448072912044672017-01-09T12:19:00.001-06:002017-01-09T12:19:05.118-06:00Lost…<p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">If you noticed or even cared, I took a six month hiatus from blogging.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">It was for many reasons.  One reason was to do some thinking but, probably among the biggest reasons was building our new house, and moving.  It took a lot of time and energy.  We built a custom home.  I started by sketching out a design on paper, and ended by picking out every last detail inside.  Needless to say, we were here for every step of the process.  <font size="5">IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!!</font>  I want to share more about the process here, so more on that to come.  Here is a pic of the finished product:</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Winter%20Snow%20and%20January%202017%20Blog%20post/house_zpsib7yvly8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo house_zpsib7yvly8.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Winter%20Snow%20and%20January%202017%20Blog%20post/house_zpsib7yvly8.jpg" /></a></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">We moved in at the end of October, and had just enough time to get our front yard in.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">If you want to follow more of the process, you can follow us on Instagram @valleyviewabode It has originally been a private account, but I have felt very led to make it more public, and have it be a design and creative Insta account for me.  I will still keep our family Insta acct. private however.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">After all those house decisions, my brain was a little tired.  I tried to tell myself that I would blog about the process.  At night, when I thought I would have time to blog, I couldn’t.  I could not think about one more thing.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I blamed my lack of blogging on no brain power.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Then we moved in to this new house, and settled in.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Winter%20Snow%20and%20January%202017%20Blog%20post/front%20door_zpsvmzskpvp.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo front door_zpsvmzskpvp.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Winter%20Snow%20and%20January%202017%20Blog%20post/front%20door_zpsvmzskpvp.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">  I realized that I was lost on this blog and the true me, long before that.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I lost myself somewhere between Pennsylvania and Utah.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">When I look back over my blog posts, the frequency and even my heart seemed to diminish somewhere between Pennsylvania and Utah.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">When I would sit down to blog, my heart wasn’t in it.  I was lost.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I went out a few days ago and took a few pictures after a huge snow storm we had, and I realized I felt a little like this bird.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Winter%20Snow%20and%20January%202017%20Blog%20post/Winter%20snow%20storm%20scenery%202017-0499_zpsk2ifgdow.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Winter snow storm scenery 2017-0499_zpsk2ifgdow.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Winter%20Snow%20and%20January%202017%20Blog%20post/Winter%20snow%20storm%20scenery%202017-0499_zpsk2ifgdow.jpg" /></a></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">  <font size="5">Lost. </font></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Winter%20Snow%20and%20January%202017%20Blog%20post/Winter%20snow%20storm%20scenery%202017-0496_zpsmwonf6v5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Winter snow storm scenery 2017-0496_zpsmwonf6v5.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Winter%20Snow%20and%20January%202017%20Blog%20post/Winter%20snow%20storm%20scenery%202017-0496_zpsmwonf6v5.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Why is this bird here in all this snow?</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">As I started taking pictures, I remembered how much I love having this camera around my neck.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Winter%20Snow%20and%20January%202017%20Blog%20post/Winter%20snow%20storm%20scenery%202017-0510_zpsnzhsdikb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Winter snow storm scenery 2017-0510_zpsnzhsdikb.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Winter%20Snow%20and%20January%202017%20Blog%20post/Winter%20snow%20storm%20scenery%202017-0510_zpsnzhsdikb.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">  I remembered how much seeing a scene through my view finder brought a quickness to my heart that I almost can’t describe.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Winter%20Snow%20and%20January%202017%20Blog%20post/Winter%20snow%20storm%20scenery%202017-0484_zps6cdrghkw.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Winter snow storm scenery 2017-0484_zps6cdrghkw.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Winter%20Snow%20and%20January%202017%20Blog%20post/Winter%20snow%20storm%20scenery%202017-0484_zps6cdrghkw.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">When we moved in this new home, I started feeling bits of the old creative me coming back, and wondered where she had been.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I am beginning to feel more like me again.  I haven’t been a full Andrea since we got to Utah.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I’ve been half an Andrea.  I’ve been a mom and a wife, but not a photographer, a blogger, a creator.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Winter%20Snow%20and%20January%202017%20Blog%20post/Stella%20WInter%20Photoshoot%202017-0516_zpswu49fx1z.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Stella WInter Photoshoot 2017-0516_zpswu49fx1z.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Winter%20Snow%20and%20January%202017%20Blog%20post/Stella%20WInter%20Photoshoot%202017-0516_zpswu49fx1z.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I think I figured out why.  Some of the reasons why are very personal, and I will keep to myself, and some are as simple as I forgot to find time to be creative.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Winter%20Snow%20and%20January%202017%20Blog%20post/Stella%20WInter%20Photoshoot%202017-0523_zpspn1sbkl9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Stella WInter Photoshoot 2017-0523_zpspn1sbkl9.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Winter%20Snow%20and%20January%202017%20Blog%20post/Stella%20WInter%20Photoshoot%202017-0523_zpspn1sbkl9.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I need time to be creative and use my creative brain each day.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Sure, I have gotten away for a weekend here or there to scrapbook, but once I came home; I was lost again.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Now that we are in our new home, I have my own space to find myself each day.  I have my own craft room/office.  It is amazing how that space has brought me back to life.  I can just walk in to that room and my eyes light up.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">It helped me realize that creativity is so important for me.  15 minutes in there can do my heart good.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">When I was blogging frequently, I used to make time for photography.  That was a huge outlet for creativity for me.  When we moved here, I told myself I didn’t need to work anymore so I kind of just tucked my camera away, and started using my iPhone.  That makes me really sad.  I need to use my brain, I want awesome pictures of my kids.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Winter%20Snow%20and%20January%202017%20Blog%20post/Stella%20WInter%20Photoshoot%202017-0565_zpsqjudedvs.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Stella WInter Photoshoot 2017-0565_zpsqjudedvs.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Winter%20Snow%20and%20January%202017%20Blog%20post/Stella%20WInter%20Photoshoot%202017-0565_zpsqjudedvs.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">  I need to remember how to use my big girl camera, and stretch myself with it.  It’s what makes me happy.  </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Winter%20Snow%20and%20January%202017%20Blog%20post/Stella%20WInter%20Photoshoot%202017-0544_zpsx87netdc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Stella WInter Photoshoot 2017-0544_zpsx87netdc.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Winter%20Snow%20and%20January%202017%20Blog%20post/Stella%20WInter%20Photoshoot%202017-0544_zpsx87netdc.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">{Photos of Stella from our impromtu photoshoot, on a snowday this week, oh be still my heart; this is true happiness for me.  My children + photography = happiness}</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">When I share my thoughts here, when I share a pretty picture here, or a creative idea; all these things bring me true happiness.  We all need to find what it is in our heart that brings us our personal happiness.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">For you it might be soccer, or a good book, painting, or exercise.  Let’s not forget to make TIME.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I have lots of things in life that bring me happiness; my kids, my husband, my church.  This, however, this one is about ME!!  This one is about spending time with me.  Doing what <strong><u>I</u></strong> love.  I kind of lost that for a while.  I let some of my anxieties, the world, some health challenges, being busy, and telling myself that I didn’t have time, take away some of that happiness.  I’m kind of tired of being lost.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Winter%20Snow%20and%20January%202017%20Blog%20post/Me%20and%20camera_zpsemhao5le.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Me and camera_zpsemhao5le.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Winter%20Snow%20and%20January%202017%20Blog%20post/Me%20and%20camera_zpsemhao5le.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">{Photo Circa 2011- taken by: Krysta Moes}</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">So… my camera is back around my neck.  My desk is a mess again, and my computer is open once again…. and your gonna have to listen to me ramble here at own little corner of the world wide web. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Well… I guess that’s if you want to.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Thanks for being here.</font></p>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685723743221422945noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750081147518887207.post-16727466283076495662016-06-30T23:46:00.001-05:002016-07-01T01:17:30.112-05:00What’s their story?<p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I have been avoiding being here.  It’s true.  I just keep putting it off.  It’s on my list of things I want to do.  I love blogging.  It clears my head, and I know God wants me to be here; but I’ve been avoiding it.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I have so many thoughts rolling around in my head that sometimes it’s so hard to put them on paper, or computer, or the world wide web.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Even now, when I had a house that was full of peace and quiet; I was still avoiding it.  I went out and started weeding my flowers.  Yep!! I was weeding instead.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/summer%20flowers-0414_zps3pg4u3kr.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo summer flowers-0414_zps3pg4u3kr.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/summer%20flowers-0414_zps3pg4u3kr.jpg" width="1180" height="787" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Here I am tho.  After talking with my son today, I finally know the words I want to say.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I have had so many thoughts and feelings the last few weeks.  It has been an overwhelming June for me.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Summer hit me like a ton of bricks and I wasn’t ready.  I will say I had some big life factors that came into play that affected some of my emotions; but it’s all good now.  One of which was not being able to drink soda anymore.  That’s a big deal around these parts, and it affected me big time!!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">After a good long heart to heart with Jex this morning about some of his own struggles with life and teenagerhood, I knew what I needed to share here.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Jexs%20Birthday/Jexandmom.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Jexandmom.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Jexs%20Birthday/Jexandmom.jpg" width="840" height="604" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">(umm.  ok.  He was nine in this photo.  he is almost fourteen.)</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I knew how I wanted to sum up my life lesson, and I finally knew how to put into words how I had been feeling.  It’s funny.  I was trying to teach Jex, but somehow God was teaching me too.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Jex is a teenager.  He is awesome!! We love him!!  You know how teenagers live in this bubble of not even realizing what is going on outside themselves. It’s a little bit about me and little bit about me!!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Today, we talked about taking a moment to ask himself anytime he comes into contact with someone, “What’s their story?”</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Courier New"><font size="4">It’s something that I have been thinking a lot about.  This last April during our churches General Conference meeting Sister Linda K Burton gave a talk titled <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/04/i-was-a-stranger?lang=eng" target="_blank">“I was a stranger.”</a> I have thought and thought about that talk. I keep hearing a particular phrase from it over and over in my mind and have for months.  I heard it again today.   </font></font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Courier New"><font size="4">Sister Burton related this story in her talk: <em>“Last summer I met Sister Yvette Bugingo, who at age 11 fled from place to place after her father was killed and three of her brothers went missing in a war-torn part of the world. Yvette and the remaining family members eventually lived for six and a half years as refugees in a neighboring country until they were able to move to a permanent home, where they were blessed by a caring couple who helped with transportation, schools, and other things. She said they “were basically an answer to our prayers.”</em></font></font><em><font size="4" face="Courier New"> Her beautiful mother and adorable little sister are with us tonight, singing in the choir. I have wondered many times since meeting these wonderful women, “What if their story were my story?”</font></em></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">That phrase, What if their story were my story, has gone through my mind many times.  It was brought to my mind again this morning as I was talking to Jex.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I used it to remind him that everyone has a story.  Every single person has a story every. single. day. We wake up, and our story starts over.  Sometimes we have a good story one day , and sometimes we have a not so good story the next.  And over the course of a life time, those little stories add up to become our story. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"> It’s important to reach outside ourselves and ask what’s your story?  How are you? Have you had a good day? Can I do anything to help you today? </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Jex really is very good at this.  He has also been very good at spotting when I have had a bad day without me even needing to say anything.  It was just a good reminder to him today, that sometimes we just have to stop and reach outside ourselves a little.  The use of electronics, becoming a teenager, and a little bit of worry about fitting in may have caused him to look a little inward the past few months.  That’s ok.  We all do that at times.  Sometimes we need to do that.  There are times when we have to take care of ourselves.  It was a good reminder for Jex and myself that it is so important to find true happiness by looking outside ourselves.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I have been working hard over the last couple weeks to look out side myself. I know that is what God wants me to learn. All of the those things I have been working on, I think truly can be summed up just by asking myself, what’s their story? and even asking myself at times when I need to be even more sympathetic, “What if their story was my story?” </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Family%20Pictures%20%20by%20Nicole%20Leavitt/EC2A2774CROPa_zpsdmuo9tyx.jpg.html" target="_blank"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Family%20Pictures%20%20by%20Nicole%20Leavitt/EC2A2793BWCROP_zps776mgqm5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo EC2A2793BWCROP_zps776mgqm5.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Family%20Pictures%20%20by%20Nicole%20Leavitt/EC2A2793BWCROP_zps776mgqm5.jpg" /></a></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Life as a whole can be summed up by learning to maneuver through relationships.  We have to learn to work with our spouses, and be the best parents we can be.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"> <a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Family%20Pictures%20%20by%20Nicole%20Leavitt/EC2A2774CROPa_zpsdmuo9tyx.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo EC2A2774CROPa_zpsdmuo9tyx.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Family%20Pictures%20%20by%20Nicole%20Leavitt/EC2A2774CROPa_zpsdmuo9tyx.jpg" /></a> </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">We have relationships with our parents, our siblings, neighbors, and friends.  </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NZSCzerbA34/V3X1oXm6TOI/AAAAAAAAlPY/_O9rN6VOe5Y/s1600-h/Kristins%252520Wedding%252520032%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Kristins Wedding 032" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Kristins Wedding 032" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qvxSe5fyMk0/V3X1oz6vFcI/AAAAAAAAlPc/JTXYQVQFW50/Kristins%252520Wedding%252520032_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="859" height="663" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">God wants us to learn how to be the best we can be as learn how to maneuver through relationships.  I think we could all do better in each facet of this if we took the time to ask, “what’s their story today?”  We can even ask, “What if their story where my story?”  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Most of the time people try to be kind and good.  We hope that people don’t go through life trying to hurt or ruin us.  When we feel like we are being hurt, it might be good to ask, “what is their story?” Is there more to this story, because I’m sure they didn’t hurt me on purpose.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I learned a big lesson with this over the past month.  I let my emotions get the best of me.  I am going to call myself out on it, and tell you all about the mistakes I make. I do this in hopes that you know that I am real, this blog is real, and that we all make mistakes.  It’s important that we learn from them.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"> It was such a dumb mistake that I needed to apologize to someone that takes such great care of a few of my children.  I saw something with blinders on.  I didn’t ask myself if there was more to the story.  I just got sad and emotional(because we women do that sometimes), and then after the emotions got the better of me; I found out the whole story.  Boy!! did I feel dumb.  So I went.  I apologized.  I took her a treat, and hugged her, and said I am so dumb; please forgive me.  I ate my humble pie, but you know what?  It tasted good. It is good to be humble.  When we humble ourselves, God teaches us.  God taught me a great lesson about using my emotions to tell a story.  Emotions never tell the whole story.  I learned to ask myself, “what is the whole story, what is their story?”  The story is this woman is beautiful and kind and good. I am thankful that I can say that I know her better now, and I appreciate her even more.  I am grateful for her forgiveness.  I am thankful for the atonement that allows me to say “I’m sorry”, and that I know that I am forgiven.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/summer%20flowers-0384_zpsqvg2v9dr.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo summer flowers-0384_zpsqvg2v9dr.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/summer%20flowers-0384_zpsqvg2v9dr.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">This has also had me thinking about “What if their story, were my story?”  It’s a good reminder not to judge right? It’s a good reminder to lend a helping hand.  This particular talk that I stole this line from is talking about the thousands and thousands of refugees who need love and support.  What if their story were our story?  It makes you stop and think about how blessed you are.  What more you can do for others?  How you can judge less?  How we can take the time to learn more about others, and were they have come from? </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Family%20Pictures%20%20by%20Nicole%20Leavitt/EC2A2847BW_zps3oxwhisk.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo EC2A2847BW_zps3oxwhisk.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Family%20Pictures%20%20by%20Nicole%20Leavitt/EC2A2847BW_zps3oxwhisk.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I want to also take this approach in my parenting and my relationship with my spouse.  Sometimes I get so caught up in my own day and my to-do list, that I forget to ask, “what is their story?” Better yet, listen to their story.  My kids always have a story to tell, and am I really listening?  When they are grumpy about something, do I know the true source?  The story behind it?  It is hunger, are they tired? </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Family%20Pictures%20%20by%20Nicole%20Leavitt/EC2A2798_zpstagicima.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo EC2A2798_zpstagicima.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Family%20Pictures%20%20by%20Nicole%20Leavitt/EC2A2798_zpstagicima.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Did I take the time to catch up on my husband’s story today?  Am I meeting the needs of his story?  Did I really listen to what he was feeling, and then figure out how I could help?</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">During my summer month one(June) of soul searching, humbling myself, listening to God, and learning.  I decided to make a list of 10 habits to happiness.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">These are my habits that I want to work on to be happy.  I shared them on Instagram.  I thought I would share them here too.  I thought it might get you thinking a little about what makes you truly happy.  These are not things I am perfect at.  They are habits I am working toward.   Now it’s going to have to be 11 habits because I need to add, “ask myself what’s their story?”</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">My <strike>10</strike> 11 Habits to Happiness</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">1.  Be Humble</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">2. Boldly trust in God</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">3.  Say something kind to everyone I come in contact with</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">4.  Live in the moment/find happiness in the moment</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">5.  Put family above all other obligations</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">6.  Never Worry!! It’s not worth it!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">7.  Expect the best of others</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">8.  Always be kind- never gossip</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">9.  Be proud of my kids in all things</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">10.  Believe I am deserving because I am His, but never forget to express gratitude in all things</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">11.  ask, “What’s their story?”</font></p>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685723743221422945noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750081147518887207.post-26464842140641881562016-06-13T19:45:00.000-05:002016-06-13T19:48:20.636-05:00Designing on a Budget<p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">As we have been building our new house, I have been thinking a lot about the best way to get the designer look on a budget.  What areas should I spend money and what areas should I be brave and bold in, and what areas should I play it safe in?  There are so many times that I have bought something for my house, and then thought weeks later, “well that was a mistake.”  I am hoping to avoid that as much as I can.  How can we do that?  What are some budget friendly tricks that I have learned in all the many decorating mistakes that I have made that might help me in the journey of putting the new house together? </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I thought it might be good to write a few ideas down.  For myself, and I thought you might benefit from them too!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I think when decorating any space it is good to start with a budget.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">It is so important to be realistic about the budget as well.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Do you need new furniture in the space?  If so, the budget will need to be higher?  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I like to start by making a list of what I need for the space with a rough estimate of how much it will cost for each item.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Where should you spend your money?</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I think it’s good to put your money into your furniture.  It’s like a good pair of jeans.  You will wear them every day.  With that being said.  Don’t buy furniture that will date itself in 2 years.  Buy neutral furniture and spice it up with fun pillows.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">We had this gray couch for over 8 years and it has seen it’s share of colors, and patterns. </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6756N1vIguY/V19TxAlcjbI/AAAAAAAAlH0/Exo3Tofz1c4/s1600-h/LIving%252520Room%2525201%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="LIving Room 1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="LIving Room 1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-frJD0tUPv_g/V19TxyM1mUI/AAAAAAAAlH8/MPWr_QZVbg4/LIving%252520Room%2525201_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="969" height="663" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">(Ok Y’all this is like Circa 2008.  When we first bought this couch and I thought the chair we bought to go with it was awesome.  You know when RED was awesome!!)  This was the very first home we owned in Arkansas in a place where it is cool to say Y’all!!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--9m7LYaGZiw/V19TygmGzzI/AAAAAAAAlIE/hM9Lo_POO7c/s1600-h/Living%252520Room%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="Living Room" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Living Room" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0GrkcdYuMjU/V19TzQ49ReI/AAAAAAAAlIM/4vxEbxY4T_A/Living%252520Room_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="991" height="678" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Then as then months went along it was easy to switch out the pillows and add a new color, because my couch was neutral!!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eLGxiRXg9Bg/V19T0A-7QAI/AAAAAAAAlIU/4KTZ5i0I4_8/s1600-h/Living%252520Area%252520%2525283%252529%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="Living Area (3)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Living Area (3)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F8NDcXSVSNs/V19T01IXDtI/AAAAAAAAlIc/jDQ4V7hc5gI/Living%252520Area%252520%2525283%252529_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="992" height="679" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Then I changed that paint on that red wall in the back, and went a completely different way with the pillows and decorations, but I kept the couch.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">….and then we moved, but the couch came with us:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W-oKxjyY4DI/V19T1i_t7NI/AAAAAAAAlIk/U3ds3VBLHGs/s1600-h/New%252520house%252520in%252520PA%252520%25252818%252520of%25252035%252529%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="New house in PA (18 of 35)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="New house in PA (18 of 35)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CfnkREX5-RU/V19T2TaA05I/AAAAAAAAlIs/-1pcW-q4w4U/New%252520house%252520in%252520PA%252520%25252818%252520of%25252035%252529_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="970" height="663" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">This was our rental house in Pennsylvania. Then we moved to our current house in Utah, and once again we brought the couch:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R5yl650E3GE/V19T2-LLzjI/AAAAAAAAlI0/6pVHBfq20Gg/s1600-h/House%252520tour%252520Kitchen%252520and%252520Great%252520Room-0287%25255B19%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="House tour Kitchen and Great Room-0287" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="House tour Kitchen and Great Room-0287" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-akIs8sA8KZg/V19T3k5FhNI/AAAAAAAAlI8/r0jC56eBA_I/House%252520tour%252520Kitchen%252520and%252520Great%252520Room-0287_thumb%25255B16%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="768" height="1183" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">and that’s changed too:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VqQeDU-mzhk/V19T4TKEumI/AAAAAAAAlJE/aXXYc5bZVHo/s1600-h/for%252520sale-0625%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="for sale-0625" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="for sale-0625" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TY-rD9cTYDY/V19T5DVzg1I/AAAAAAAAlJM/axmoltEMHa8/for%252520sale-0625_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1102" height="754" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">See what you can do with a neutral couch?</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Spend your money on good furniture, that has a nice finish, that will last through your children, and can stand the trends!!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">It has been so nice to just be able to change the pillows, or the room decor, but never have to worry about making room in the budget for a big piece like a couch.  This couch has been through 3 homes and several different styles; all of which worked.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">We did just get this fun new furniture set for our new home.  Navy is the new neutral so I was so excited to find this with the brass nail heads.  It will fit our coastal home style very well.  Which brings me to my next point.  </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TWekY7lT6iA/V19T5wkzfmI/AAAAAAAAlJU/KRoOuLrSnOg/s1600-h/house-0337-2%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="house-0337-2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="house-0337-2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dQjG_DT8BaY/V19T6k0BjfI/AAAAAAAAlJc/qn5gZ2g3E48/house-0337-2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1104" height="754" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">What is the feel you are going for? </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">If I wanted a very modern feeling home, this is not the furniture to buy.  Buy pieces that fit the feeling you are going for.  You want modern, you want clean lines.  Do a little research about the style you want, and go with a list of specific elements that you need to fit that specific design. Then you will never have that buyers remorse that I mentioned earlier.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I love coastal, so I know that I am looking for pieces that have the driftwood feel, brass, navy, stripes, beach glass blues, pebbles, chipped wood and paint, glass, or lanterns.  Anything that would remind me of the ocean.  This mirror reminded me of that coastal feel.  I loved that driftwood feeling that it gave me:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uQ0foU31Ofc/V19T7e_MaYI/AAAAAAAAlJk/bI-UDz-ZHrI/s1600-h/house-0328-2%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="house-0328-2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="house-0328-2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-joOpb759auk/V19T8CSo07I/AAAAAAAAlJs/V3Ya6UN3L3g/house-0328-2_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1048" height="720" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">What if you need new furniture but it’s not in the budget?  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Well say this couch was older and I wanted new but couldn’t afford it?  I could use my budget for new pillows and fun new throws to just freshen it up.  Our home is coastal so I picked up this fun coastal throw.  </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FwCuXVaAziQ/V19T9DoVB0I/AAAAAAAAlJ0/jQkUcPn_1EY/s1600-h/house-0324-2%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="house-0324-2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="house-0324-2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jvjD4160w38/V19T9zif4iI/AAAAAAAAlJ8/O82js2gW0r8/house-0324-2_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1064" height="731" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">A throw and new pillows can really enhance a couch that you may not love.  I have been doing that for the last few years actually.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Making inexpensive changes like this can enhance things that bother you.  You could also invest in slip covers.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Another great idea is to paint furniture when you can’t buy new!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">We recently had our kitchen table repainted and also this buffet.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Before:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zZLKy1usNK8/V19T-vqWYQI/AAAAAAAAlKE/9grUsB-QdbY/s1600-h/House%252520tour%252520Kitchen%252520and%252520Great%252520Room-0289%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="House tour Kitchen and Great Room-0289" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="House tour Kitchen and Great Room-0289" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hLbVHjJwr5c/V19T_HBzfsI/AAAAAAAAlKM/Fle_SFcDvIM/House%252520tour%252520Kitchen%252520and%252520Great%252520Room-0289_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1054" height="724" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">After:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4nM2xpbEYeY/V19T_0t_q8I/AAAAAAAAlKU/LdHlZzWuUPg/s1600-h/for%252520sale-0634%25255B16%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="for sale-0634" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="for sale-0634" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VpQ525C1XgE/V19UAtkSvqI/AAAAAAAAlKc/qKsS-rM_mAo/for%252520sale-0634_thumb%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1057" height="732" /></font></a><font size="4" face="Courier New">  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">You can hire people to paint for you.  Which I did in this case because of my neck, but I have always painted furniture myself in the past.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><u>Here is my favorite paint recipe:</u></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><em>mix 4 T. of plaster of paris with 1/4 C. of Hot Hot Hot water until the plaster is dissolved</em></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><em>then add:</em></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><em>An 8 oz. paint sample from home depot(color of your choice)</em></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><em>then paint by hand with a nice brush</em></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><em>no sanding needed!!</em></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I painted a FREE piano that I got so that it matched our home.  It was also pretty ugly and beaten up, but now I love it.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hspDCNdX7sM/V19UBT7sxZI/AAAAAAAAlKk/EDKwOM28M0I/s1600-h/Thanksgiving%2525202014-0140%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="Thanksgiving 2014-0140" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Thanksgiving 2014-0140" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tsByZ8_R6WM/V19UCAEhSJI/AAAAAAAAlKs/bi3B59H8AR8/Thanksgiving%2525202014-0140_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="883" height="1358" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">(This was a Christmas time)</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">When redecorating my sons room, I didn’t have it in my budget to buy a new bed for him.  We had a bed that my sister had given us.  I didn’t really love it so I just took out some metal pieces that were in it that I didn’t like, and then painted it gray; and now I love how it looks in his room.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8RBtD-ve1lw/V19UCygWGEI/AAAAAAAAlK0/BL9BZpM65-s/s1600-h/for%252520sale-0663%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="for sale-0663" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="for sale-0663" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wNsSuc7XgvY/V19UDlePDgI/AAAAAAAAlK8/p5i00i12XMs/for%252520sale-0663_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1074" height="731" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Another neutral that I spend my money on is comforters!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I like to buy white and gray comforters.  Then I can just keep them for a really long time and just switch out pillows.  All the boys in my house have gray, the girls have white, and my master is white.  </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k3rJj9lnlzg/V19UENDcWwI/AAAAAAAAlLE/GKd1X0Jp_C0/s1600-h/for%252520sale-0667%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="for sale-0667" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="for sale-0667" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pcQOVOUv8ao/V19UFH0CrNI/AAAAAAAAlLM/hnbmA2f4VFg/for%252520sale-0667_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1081" height="735" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KG3zMPUY_Ak/V19UFtGb0YI/AAAAAAAAlLU/bwedaymTnxA/s1600-h/for%252520sale-0691%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="for sale-0691" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="for sale-0691" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--8LS5pyGUe8/V19UGWfWGdI/AAAAAAAAlLc/THe7hZoZd6I/for%252520sale-0691_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1078" height="737" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Room colors can be switched around easily that way.  </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IHB8kMg7XlA/V19UHFhb0rI/AAAAAAAAlLk/OBlKqIMPXBs/s1600-h/for%252520sale-0705%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="for sale-0705" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="for sale-0705" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cd_Z70mZaJM/V19UHi8xCfI/AAAAAAAAlLs/2yXaN8nJ4Ak/for%252520sale-0705_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1084" height="738" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">In fact, I don’t have to buy any new bedding for the new house, but the kids will have new bedroom decorations. </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_shPAygcmho/V19UIf6BZ-I/AAAAAAAAlL0/p4cEGMK5QXc/s1600-h/for%252520sale-0728%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="for sale-0728" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="for sale-0728" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CInLuAuqv2c/V19UJIa9sQI/AAAAAAAAlL8/1hmjddqV8bs/for%252520sale-0728_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1097" height="746" /></font></a><font size="4" face="Courier New"> </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">That saves a lot of money!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The other place that I like to spend my money is on items that I see and love right away!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Something that I know right where I want to put it, and something that is unlike anything I have ever seen before.  Those statement pieces are worth snatching up, and usually are worth the money. I fell in love with this unique table.  Once again it was the fun wood, and I had never seen one like it before.  I have never regretted getting it:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-shKEz98J00g/V19UJ3QY2xI/AAAAAAAAlME/MyGXwFfgPXE/s1600-h/IMG_4685%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="IMG_4685" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4685" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V0wELQ1aJgk/V19UKjyslEI/AAAAAAAAlMM/y_1CLnMzTbc/IMG_4685_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1088" height="835" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">One way that I love saving money is by finding ways to make things myself!  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">For Example, I love this Brass Geometric Himmeli Wreath which sells for $185:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sseYf2WDPfA/V19ULXKBPqI/AAAAAAAAlMU/9IgOLcOum7M/s1600-h/784c8186e27e297b726a6ec43719554a%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="784c8186e27e297b726a6ec43719554a" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="784c8186e27e297b726a6ec43719554a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FbaXiguXczM/V19ULyWzZaI/AAAAAAAAlMc/W9EG6O7n3ok/784c8186e27e297b726a6ec43719554a_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="830" height="844" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">It’s one of those show stoppers right.  Like, the I gotta have this right now kinda things. Well, I learned how to make it myself.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">You can buy the brass kit to make it for $65 dollars, or you can make it like I did out of cocktail straws for like $5; then spray paint it brass. This is mine:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-APz_Ev7zOeo/V19UMsYFDzI/AAAAAAAAlMk/DMfzeMD6Vqs/s1600-h/Saba%252520Winter%2525202015-0300%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="Saba Winter 2015-0300" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Saba Winter 2015-0300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cy4tByixu8s/V19UNNQJsnI/AAAAAAAAlMs/2-08SgWMkBo/Saba%252520Winter%2525202015-0300_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="814" height="1251" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">(once again at Christmas time)</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">This is another example:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BipJzVXyZ3Q/V19UN_7WxnI/AAAAAAAAlM0/aHfPm7Q1ixs/s1600-h/Easter%2525202016-0342%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="Easter 2016-0342" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Easter 2016-0342" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nReCMtsw80U/V19UOtv712I/AAAAAAAAlM8/B-ub9EQAh5c/Easter%2525202016-0342_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="982" height="668" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I really wanted a succulent planter from a store for $100.  I made mine for $30.  Read more about it </font><a href="http://jandaandco.blogspot.com/2016/06/succulents.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New">here.</font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">There are lots of ways to stay with in your budget by doing DIY.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">As you budget for your space make sure you shop online for sales(amazon, and overstock are favs), and even hit your local TJ Maxx and Home Good Stores, they often have the best finds!  If you find something you love, but don’t think you can afford it: </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">1) Save for it. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">2) Shop around and you will probably find something so similar for a much better price.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">3)Never Settle when it’s that one true love</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">What I mean by that?:</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">when it’s in the case of that one true love:  If you met your one true love, and then the average guy came along and you settled for him; you would always be thinking about your true love.  That will always be true about your furnishings.  So it’s almost always better to just buy it the first time because you will end up spending more money.  You will settle for something that you hate and go back to the thing you love.  If you can’t afford what you love, and can’t find anything similar enough at a cheaper price, it is worth it to wait and save. Because then you will have bought two things.   <strong>UNLESS!!</strong> and I mean <strong>UNLESS!!</strong> this means that your family will go hungry for the next three years while you save for this $10,000 couch you love.  You have to be reasonable about the item too.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The Details there should be room in the budget for the details:</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I can usually find the last little tiny finishing details at those little shops.  The little things are the pieces that you don’t want to spend much money on.  They are the things that you will cycle through your house more, but they are the details.  The details are important too!  I don’t spend more than $20 on these items. Like $3-20.  Check your thrift stores, Target,  garage sales, and vintage markets.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bO4kwM9jwsw/V19UPa8Ua1I/AAAAAAAAlNE/hh0SwF5UbZE/s1600-h/Macro-0094%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="Macro-0094" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Macro-0094" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sfu0VpsLk0k/V19UPzGGNgI/AAAAAAAAlNM/frMxHtHrwiU/Macro-0094_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="964" height="661" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I also hit my local thrift stores for old books, or old dishes for styling shelves.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Make sure you don’t forget to budget lighting in there!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Make room for lamps.  Lamps can get expensive.  I like to make sure that I buy matching lamps.  A set of two usually always looks better.  If you don’t have the money for lamps, you can always repurpose by spray painting ones you have?</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LT3dsgGloro/V19UQv7jmvI/AAAAAAAAlNU/iD2g8BITofs/s1600-h/for%252520sale-0618%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="for sale-0618" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="for sale-0618" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kjSm65PQ1Do/V19URUKPbII/AAAAAAAAlNc/eI4mNld064o/for%252520sale-0618_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1125" height="803" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">If it’s time to replace your overhead lighting too, that is another great place to invest your money.  Those are the details that stay.  Trust me.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I have had so much fun, and so many headaches picking out the lighting for our new house; but I know the difference it is going to make.  In fact, if you are doing a remodel on a space and need a new light, I encourage you not to go for the boring builder grade.  Save some money somewhere else, and put that money in your lighting.  Buy yourself a fun light!!! It doesn’t have to be through the roof expensive, but it will make all the difference in your space.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Wanna see the ones I am ordering today?</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">See:  </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yfcM68FgiXI/V19URxaTVRI/AAAAAAAAlNk/L3FQhLThlQ8/s1600-h/montclairsingle_1088_1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="montclairsingle_1088_1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="montclairsingle_1088_1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-__CGSZcQPX4/V19USvT3fvI/AAAAAAAAlNs/6xxYYdgusRw/montclairsingle_1088_1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="889" height="908" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">These are the sconces for our breakfast nook, and great room by our fireplace.  See they have brass and stripes; very coastal.  I found them </font><a href="https://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New">here.</font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">So to recap:</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Be BOLD with your lighting!!! Save money for lamps.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Buy neutral furniture and budget for that.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Buy neutral bedding.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Use pillows and throws to change the look of beds and couches as the years go on.  Don’t buy new bedding or new furniture as often.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Shop Sales!! Hit Thrift Stores</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Don’t spend a lot of money on the little detail items. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Learn to DIY</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Repurpose when you can</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Stay true to your budget</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Never Settle when you are in love with something, unless it means you’ll starve <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" style="border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none" alt="Smile" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FGTmBBROqQc/V19UTXajP3I/AAAAAAAAlN0/emRDKW-hYGU/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">If any of you are working on remodels of rooms of your own and need a little design help visit this great company who can help you design your dream space in about 10 days.  They come up with all the products with the links and sources you would need to buy them.  It looks like a pretty cook way to have someone help you with the design process if you are a little bit nervous about it yourself.  Check them out at: </font><a href="http://www.laurelandwolf.com"><font size="4" face="Courier New">www.laurelandwolf.com</font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Laurel and Wolf and their great designers also have a few tips for mastering your Decor Budget:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DYATSJYuYOQ/V19UUP27k5I/AAAAAAAAlN8/wf49-3atGb4/s1600-h/Decor%252520Budget%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Decor Budget" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Decor Budget" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ki5ApH4eFNQ/V19UU9P5LwI/AAAAAAAAlOE/jy6JmoJmhnk/Decor%252520Budget_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="467" height="1255" /></a></p>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685723743221422945noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750081147518887207.post-80261125059247713672016-06-08T10:00:00.000-05:002016-06-08T10:00:19.276-05:00The Evolution of Design<p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">It’s crazy how quickly design and styles can change.  It’s really hard to keep up with it all.  It’s even harder for our pocket books to keep up with it all sometimes.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">With our move, I have been looking over some pictures of how our house has changed over the last 3 years.  It is crazy to see how a home can evolve over 3 years.  I am known for not sitting still.  I do have a tendency to change things around a lot.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I thought it might be kind of fun to see how things have changed a little over three years.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">When we moved here, we came with what we had through residency in our starter home.  We also bought all the furniture that the owner left behind in this home.  Some of it was my taste and some of it wasn’t, but it filled the spaces for the time being; so it has slowly been replaced.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I don’t know how it works for you, but when I buy something new for my house; it can almost affect the whole house.  I put it in a spot that I think it will look great in.  Then I take that thing that I replaced it with, and I replace it with something else, somewhere else in the house, and so on, and so on.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">You know what though? That is what makes me so HAPPY!! I love seeing my spaces look fresh and new all the time.  I also love spending the time putting a new spin on them because that makes me feel good inside, and it’s what I love to do.  We all have things that make us happy.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">So… here it is… </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The Evolution of our house:</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The Exterior:</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The Year we bought it:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/house%20tour%202013/DSC_0363_zpsb4761840.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo DSC_0363_zpsb4761840.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/house%20tour%202013/DSC_0363_zpsb4761840.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Along the way:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KNwcLuh7Hsg/V1ZYn61LddI/AAAAAAAAlDw/DnCcnFY0EUk/s1600-h/Summer-Flowers-00235.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="Summer Flowers-0023" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Summer Flowers-0023" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y8rLXJ0CwXk/V1ZYovtMaRI/AAAAAAAAlD4/DdcjeZK60X8/Summer-Flowers-0023_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1030" height="705" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">On the way out: (I say on the way out, because we just put this house up for sale)</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/house-0370_zps3wf0z9av.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo house-0370_zps3wf0z9av.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/house-0370_zps3wf0z9av.jpg" /></font></a></p> </a> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">We have really worked on adding to the flower beds here, and some fun pots of flowers to the porch.  We have also touched up the exterior paint on the outside, got a new porch outdoor rug, and pillows for the rockers.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Our Entryway:</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The year we moved in:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/house%20tour%202013/DSC_0356_zps0bd140f3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo DSC_0356_zps0bd140f3.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/house%20tour%202013/DSC_0356_zps0bd140f3.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Along the Way:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aBACM_Z52VI/V1ZYpbOFGBI/AAAAAAAAlEA/tzNvybWiTRg/s1600-h/DSC_035216.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="DSC_0352" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0352" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nvRB-V3Gr_Y/V1ZYqSjKD7I/AAAAAAAAlEI/ALcYZWVIRIk/DSC_0352_thumb13.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1052" height="716" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">On the way Out:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0630_zpsx4g0cjbx.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo for sale-0630_zpsx4g0cjbx.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0630_zpsx4g0cjbx.jpg" /></font></a></p> </a> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">We had the whole house repainted shortly after we moved in.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The Great Room:</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The year we moved in:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/house%20tour%202013/HousetourKitchenandGreatRoom-0279_zpsb846e7d6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo HousetourKitchenandGreatRoom-0279_zpsb846e7d6.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/house%20tour%202013/HousetourKitchenandGreatRoom-0279_zpsb846e7d6.jpg" width="875" height="1222" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The wallpaper in the house was killing me?</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Along the Way:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0635_zpse2o5xfkd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo for sale-0635_zpse2o5xfkd.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0635_zpse2o5xfkd.jpg" width="1107" height="738" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">On the way Out:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/house-0331-2_zpsiudridls.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo house-0331-2_zpsiudridls.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/house-0331-2_zpsiudridls.jpg" width="1110" height="740" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The Great Room part 2:</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The year we moved in:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/house%20tour%202013/HousetourKitchenandGreatRoom-0278_zps3104cc49.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo HousetourKitchenandGreatRoom-0278_zps3104cc49.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/house%20tour%202013/HousetourKitchenandGreatRoom-0278_zps3104cc49.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Along the Way: </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0625_zpswbqloqss.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo for sale-0625_zpswbqloqss.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0625_zpswbqloqss.jpg" width="1134" height="756" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">On the way Out:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/house-0337-2_zpsr2u8wvi2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo house-0337-2_zpsr2u8wvi2.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/house-0337-2_zpsr2u8wvi2.jpg" width="1128" height="752" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The Kitchen:</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The year we moved in:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/house%20tour%202013/HousetourKitchenandGreatRoom-0289_zps00be5eba.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo HousetourKitchenandGreatRoom-0289_zps00be5eba.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/house%20tour%202013/HousetourKitchenandGreatRoom-0289_zps00be5eba.jpg" width="1127" height="751" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">That Wallpaper again?</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Along the Way: (This happened to be at Christmas time)</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8oenOyc-id8/V1ZYrMMvRFI/AAAAAAAAlEQ/ji5xpO4wSHM/s1600-h/Thanksgiving-2014-02244.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="Thanksgiving 2014-0224" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Thanksgiving 2014-0224" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0HyZq4PzIW8/V1ZYsQym-AI/AAAAAAAAlEY/dZsYKfNYeF8/Thanksgiving-2014-0224_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1106" height="752" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">On the way Out:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0634_zpshms0tijg.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo for sale-0634_zpshms0tijg.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0634_zpshms0tijg.jpg" width="1104" height="736" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The Office:</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The year we moved in:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9s6FiMoJBBI/V1ZYs6IO82I/AAAAAAAAlEg/m0Nmi6BWdEg/s1600-h/DSC_03724.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="DSC_0372" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0372" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7cNlAZzRghU/V1ZYtqkbveI/AAAAAAAAlEo/S6s611KEJZA/DSC_0372_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1150" height="782" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Couldn’t find an along the way so you get two on the way outs:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0627_zpsx5a5wstg.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo for sale-0627_zpsx5a5wstg.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0627_zpsx5a5wstg.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0628_zpss5id8a4u.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo for sale-0628_zpss5id8a4u.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0628_zpss5id8a4u.jpg" width="1027" height="687" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Tessa’s Room:</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Can’t find one from the year we moved in, so you get two from along the way:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yNwDKmudUoM/V1ZYuWlNazI/AAAAAAAAlEs/KZSXgcQFn4I/s1600-h/Tessas-Room-03644.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="Tessa's Room-0364" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Tessa's Room-0364" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4tnoU-6ivgE/V1ZYvTvZLUI/AAAAAAAAlE4/yQ2HJjsH6xM/Tessas-Room-0364_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="890" height="606" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ggYMbVgP-9M/V1ZYwdxEzII/AAAAAAAAlFA/PIjTIZdGtwA/s1600-h/Tessas-Room-03786.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="Tessa's Room-0378" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Tessa's Room-0378" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6netnV59sWI/V1ZYxDG2gWI/AAAAAAAAlFI/3bJtX71lG3c/Tessas-Room-0378_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1023" height="706" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">On the way Out:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0691_zpshlcw3pu5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo for sale-0691_zpshlcw3pu5.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0691_zpshlcw3pu5.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Isaac’s Room:</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The year we moved in:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gXJSHv26mbo/V1ZYxyjmnXI/AAAAAAAAlFQ/HPt53Ietlfo/s1600-h/Isaacs-room-04114.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="Isaac's room-0411" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Isaac's room-0411" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-66ATiqxqg0s/V1ZYy8RdpYI/AAAAAAAAlFY/6LQQxpH9lNA/Isaacs-room-0411_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1040" height="708" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Along the Way:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0729_zpsvyov0kft.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo for sale-0729_zpsvyov0kft.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0729_zpsvyov0kft.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">On the way Out: (His Room is the one that changed the least)</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0728_zpsy8uk0ubt.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo for sale-0728_zpsy8uk0ubt.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0728_zpsy8uk0ubt.jpg" width="1041" height="694" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Master Bedroom:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WcxGtlHtBm0/V1ZYzmW18EI/AAAAAAAAlFg/uxgileMqYco/s1600-h/IMG_3662%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="IMG_3662" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3662" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a9UQV_Shlcc/V1ZY0aSe1uI/AAAAAAAAlFo/arrc6eLTpb4/IMG_3662_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="801" height="814" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">On the way out: I only have my room as it is now.  I haven’t taken any pictures of it along the way because it has taken me until now to get it to this point.  To the point that I love it!! I still would love to replace that light fixture, but I will let the new owner do that!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0705_zps8w5qyehb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo for sale-0705_zps8w5qyehb.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0705_zps8w5qyehb.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0708_zps8nsqsbn2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo for sale-0708_zps8nsqsbn2.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0708_zps8nsqsbn2.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Kid’s Bathroom:</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The year we moved in:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z5h4xTK3UKE/V1ZY1KEOXDI/AAAAAAAAlFw/kpJf9ru1II4/s1600-h/Kid%252527s%252520bath-0416%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="Kid's bath-0416" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Kid's bath-0416" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RGreG6ZnXCA/V1ZY1kCTaSI/AAAAAAAAlF4/CXh5ZZPzi0o/Kid%252527s%252520bath-0416_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1002" height="682" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">On the way Out:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0722_zps9hg6oo28.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo for sale-0722_zps9hg6oo28.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0722_zps9hg6oo28.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Jex’s Room:</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The year we moved in: (In the beginning he shared a room with Isaac, and this was the playroom.  Then we turned the playroom into his own room.)</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q486iOJCgz0/V1ZY2XOs99I/AAAAAAAAlGA/jqrTZXZLeZM/s1600-h/Basement%252520Bedrooms%252520Before-0252%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="Basement Bedrooms Before-0252" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Basement Bedrooms Before-0252" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NiBBMQ7HN5s/V1ZY285VW5I/AAAAAAAAlGI/jY3AJQ1fGnA/Basement%252520Bedrooms%252520Before-0252_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1017" height="692" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Along the Way: (We quickly put his room together in a weekend and I never loved it)</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sVbmxsUdgnQ/V1ZY4zgGEHI/AAAAAAAAlGQ/avVVu3O5ivg/s1600-h/Jex%252527s%252520room-0320%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="Jex's room-0320" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Jex's room-0320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pvEMk3BbO-w/V1ZY5emTwAI/AAAAAAAAlGY/LW5ZznwPgWw/Jex%252527s%252520room-0320_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1015" height="696" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">On the way Out: ( SO we slowly adapted , and made it more us, and Now I LOVE it!)</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0659_zps3vmf3wwj.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo for sale-0659_zps3vmf3wwj.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0659_zps3vmf3wwj.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Stella’s Room:</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The year we moved in: (Stella originally shared with Tessa, and this was the guest room.  Then we moved her down here, and she got her own room! This is what the guest room looked like.)</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qx83mMIe4Ig/V1ZY6LTYBwI/AAAAAAAAlGg/SqefeW1gohQ/s1600-h/Basement%252520Bedrooms%252520Before-0257%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="Basement Bedrooms Before-0257" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Basement Bedrooms Before-0257" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--Dxdev9idqE/V1ZY7C-q5AI/AAAAAAAAlGo/cbFA5tv05N4/Basement%252520Bedrooms%252520Before-0257_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1045" height="711" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Along the Way: (This was also put together quickly in a weekend, and then we slowly simplified and made it more Stella along the way.)</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9kCSuctqepQ/V1ZY72fyutI/AAAAAAAAlGw/p-ndLaEXO6k/s1600-h/scrapbook%252520weekend%252520mantua-0258%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="scrapbook weekend mantua-0258" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="scrapbook weekend mantua-0258" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ePL3y23czbw/V1ZY8hLLhKI/AAAAAAAAlG0/A3cpqZROizA/scrapbook%252520weekend%252520mantua-0258_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1065" height="725" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">On the way Out:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0667_zpsk3gurdhx.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo for sale-0667_zpsk3gurdhx.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0667_zpsk3gurdhx.jpg" width="1047" height="698" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Family Room:</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The year we moved in: (This space was the catch all for the leftover furniture.  I was left with the red chairs in the background, and I always hated them.  I was happy to get rid of them; along with the red and pink in the room.)</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3o1J4-lnfyQ/V1ZY9YlXpJI/AAAAAAAAlG4/h51qAMXM9EM/s1600-h/family%252520room-0296%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="family room-0296" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="family room-0296" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zzrOHrmEx_0/V1ZY-ChgInI/AAAAAAAAlHI/Olv7aPVaC_s/family%252520room-0296_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1065" height="725" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Along the Way:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B3EsGS1SqTE/V1ZY-w4qSVI/AAAAAAAAlHQ/taEwQhLreNc/s1600-h/IMG_1233%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="IMG_1233" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1233" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MxfShzIvOLw/V1ZY_vXU5xI/AAAAAAAAlHY/9KhEKB_0NhY/IMG_1233_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="882" height="1200" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">On the way Out:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0658_zpsberpjxqc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo for sale-0658_zpsberpjxqc.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0658_zpsberpjxqc.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0653_zpsnuryb3tq.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo for sale-0653_zpsnuryb3tq.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/house%20for%20sale/for%20sale-0653_zpsnuryb3tq.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Since we are building a new home, this house is actually listed for sale on the market now.  If you are interested in buying this house you can find more information about it on the </font><a href="http://www.utahrealestate.com/1379407" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New">MLS here.</font></a> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">If you want to see what’s happening with our new house, you can follow me on instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/valleyviewabode/" target="_blank">@valleyviewabode</a></font></p>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685723743221422945noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750081147518887207.post-85572587863637766042016-06-06T20:40:00.001-05:002016-06-06T20:45:23.620-05:00Succulents…<p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">They seem to be the new trend in modern design.  Especially mid-century modern design.  I recently went into a little chic boutique here in our quaint little town, and saw the most adorable succulent container.  I really, really, really, wanted it. It was made out of wood, and was rectangle in shape; just filled with succulents.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I talked to the lady at the counter about it.  We discussed how much it would cost to put one together for my space, and discussed my own design for one.  My vision was one for my kitchen table, and of course for the new house.  She counted up about how many succulents it would take, and about how much it would cost; and I then was I was just a little shocked.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Now, I am in the know that succulents are pricey; even the fake kind!!  I have bought many of those at Hobby Lobby to put in the house too!  I was however shocked when she told me the one for my table would be over $100.  I told her I would have to think on it for a time and get back to her.  I did then ask her for a little bit more info about succulents.  I wanted to know how long you could keep them alive.  I wanted to know if $100 would truly be worth it if I decided on it.  She told me that succulents could live a long, long time if you gave them the appropriate amount of water.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I went on to find out that succulents do well when you just spritz them with just a little bit of water every few days or so with a spray bottle of water.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">So… needless to say, I became obsessed with thinking about this beautiful wooden container of succulents from this chic little downtown store.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">A couple of days later I was walking around a local big box store when I stumbled upon a whole selection of succulents at very reasonable prices.  I found some in some big pots that I knew I could pick apart and separate.  When I saw them I new I would just make my own little planter box.  I bought them and brought them home.  I told myself that I would find a nice wooden planter box at a store or online somewhere.  However, when I was unloading them all on my kitchen counter this little beauty was staring me right in the face:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Fall%202015/Fall%20Decor%20%2016_zpsix3gscyx.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Fall Decor 16_zpsix3gscyx.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Fall%202015/Fall%20Decor%20%2016_zpsix3gscyx.jpg" width="1136" height="757" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">…..and I knew it was perfect.  Just what I was looking for; a fun wooden box to hold succulents.  I then went to my favorite local garden shop and picked out some unique succulents that cost a little bit more to fill in the gaps, and 5 clay pots. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/succulents/Easter%202016-0342_zpsgwrh4hvt.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Easter 2016-0342_zpsgwrh4hvt.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/succulents/Easter%202016-0342_zpsgwrh4hvt.jpg" width="1197" height="798" /></a> </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I filled the 5 clay pots with soil, and then randomly filled them up with the succulents. </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/succulents/Easter%202016-0341_zps0xgkoo1s.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Easter 2016-0341_zps0xgkoo1s.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/succulents/Easter%202016-0341_zps0xgkoo1s.jpg" width="1236" height="824" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Then I placed them down in this fun little box.  </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/succulents/Easter%202016-0344_zpsecrbk0gy.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Easter 2016-0344_zpsecrbk0gy.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/succulents/Easter%202016-0344_zpsecrbk0gy.jpg" width="1028" height="1542" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Every other day or so I spray them with water from a water bottle and they have done great.  </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/succulents/Easter%202016-0346_zpsp70djlpt.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Easter 2016-0346_zpsp70djlpt.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/succulents/Easter%202016-0346_zpsp70djlpt.jpg" width="937" height="1405" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I have had them here for about 3 months now.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/succulents/Easter%202016-0345_zps8fslfhtr.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Easter 2016-0345_zps8fslfhtr.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/succulents/Easter%202016-0345_zps8fslfhtr.jpg" width="933" height="1400" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I actually like how this turned out even more then the one that I was going to purchase.  I ended up spending about $30, but I already had the container which was $12 when I bought it.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">….and because I am obsessed with succulents now, this little planter wasn’t enough.  I have been eyeing these copper cups that have been floating all over the design boards the last few months: </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PuWW-YLLTRM/V1YmAqUq82I/AAAAAAAAlCI/s1PL9-1qRnY/s1600-h/e856a0e59d8524a55c70afb1a997c913%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="e856a0e59d8524a55c70afb1a997c913" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="e856a0e59d8524a55c70afb1a997c913" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B28wIXQaj8M/V1YmB6pZyqI/AAAAAAAAlCQ/aBm4yCjayBM/e856a0e59d8524a55c70afb1a997c913_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="906" height="1385" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"> I happened upon mine at Walmart.  I bought these 4 and new exactly what I would do with them.  </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/succulents/Easter%202016-0347_zpssrx3spfj.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Easter 2016-0347_zpssrx3spfj.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/succulents/Easter%202016-0347_zpssrx3spfj.jpg" width="899" height="1349" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Yep! Succulents! Same routine! Soil. Succulent! Spritz with water and wah-la!!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/succulents/Easter%202016-0349_zpsuzjswe15.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Easter 2016-0349_zpsuzjswe15.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/succulents/Easter%202016-0349_zpsuzjswe15.jpg" width="1128" height="752" /></a></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Succulents add such a fun feel to a space, and it’s fun to know that you can keep them alive for a long time.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/succulents/Easter%202016-0353_zpscuwd9muv.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Easter 2016-0353_zpscuwd9muv.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/succulents/Easter%202016-0353_zpscuwd9muv.jpg" width="907" height="1361" /></a>  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">It’s even better to know that you can do this yourself on a much cheaper scale than what is out their to buy ready made.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/succulents/Easter%202016-0360_zpsm9swfeom.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Easter 2016-0360_zpsm9swfeom.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/succulents/Easter%202016-0360_zpsm9swfeom.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Here are a couple other fun succulent terrarium and garden ideas ideas:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lMkm1kVjPYY/V1YmCjJYjrI/AAAAAAAAlCY/olreYm0husg/s1600-h/doroq%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="doroq" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="doroq" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B6MjrplW5dA/V1YmDeXYmPI/AAAAAAAAlCg/JXhimGR2gaI/doroq_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="856" height="1232" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://blog.rileyhuggins.com/gorgeous-succulent-displays/" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Source</font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-leeOTZD6Hck/V1YmEMb-LaI/AAAAAAAAlCo/w2ZQo5DMIok/s1600-h/HowtoMakeaGlassGlobeTerrariummichaelsmakers_zpsa3e0ee10%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="HowtoMakeaGlassGlobeTerrariummichaelsmakers_zpsa3e0ee10" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="HowtoMakeaGlassGlobeTerrariummichaelsmakers_zpsa3e0ee10" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EYkoOXTvBCM/V1YmFINHbeI/AAAAAAAAlCs/IlWiTAou5ZY/HowtoMakeaGlassGlobeTerrariummichaelsmakers_zpsa3e0ee10_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="857" height="1952" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2014/12/how-to-make-a-glass-globe-terrarium.html?crlt.pid=camp.PRrldZDaEvIm" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New">source</font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">This one in particular is only for sale on etsy, but I would love to figure out how to build one like this:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YcXsDJBHST4/V1YmF0qW3kI/AAAAAAAAlC0/9CruJtT6igg/s1600-h/plants-redo-2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="plants-redo-2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="plants-redo-2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B2CILAS24JQ/V1YmGjXEjnI/AAAAAAAAlC8/HucUNGoUFTU/plants-redo-2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="859" height="951" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2015/10/circular-framed-planters-add-living-art-to-your-walls/" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New">source</font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vEY0-_wlM8E/V1YmHImt_RI/AAAAAAAAlDE/39xn7V-akC4/s1600-h/bd145fb42427ab69fdedc3a9e52205cd%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="bd145fb42427ab69fdedc3a9e52205cd" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="bd145fb42427ab69fdedc3a9e52205cd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nVfTvoqevxI/V1YmH6ksvXI/AAAAAAAAlDM/ZjfirhxKVp0/bd145fb42427ab69fdedc3a9e52205cd_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="845" height="1254" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Couldn’t find the source for this one</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DBwiPrKBoe0/V1YmIg54KwI/AAAAAAAAlDU/q0f8XgdVXl0/s1600-h/DIY-Mason-Jar-Succulents-LollyJane1.jpg1-600x758%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="DIY-Mason-Jar-Succulents-LollyJane1.jpg1-600x758" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DIY-Mason-Jar-Succulents-LollyJane1.jpg1-600x758" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O1i1ODc2Atk/V1YmJLw3myI/AAAAAAAAlDc/JjC744bKiW4/DIY-Mason-Jar-Succulents-LollyJane1.jpg1-600x758_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="822" height="1059" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lollyjane.com/diy-mason-jar-succulent-pots-free-printable-mothers-day-teacher-appreciation-gift-tags/" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Source</font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Enjoy making your own little succulent gardens!!</font></p>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685723743221422945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750081147518887207.post-59749833242256681912016-04-28T15:27:00.001-05:002016-04-28T15:36:24.744-05:00Where to begin…<p><font face="Courier New">It’s been hard for me to even start writing here.  I am at a loss for where to even begin.  When I was blogging a few months ago, I felt so good about it.  I was on a roll, and it was important.  Then life got sooo busy and something had to give.</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New">But…</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New">I want to be here.  This is so important to me.  So… I’m going to give it my best effort and be here when I can; with no guilt when I can’t.  I just have had to tell myself that I can only do the best I can do.  </font></p> <p><font face="Courier New">First of all, I want to say thank you to all those who emailed me, and asked if I was ok.  Thank you to those who just told me they missed hearing from me.  It means a lot.  I love all the friendships I have made thru blogging.  So… thank you for being here and being my friend.</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New">I thought it would be good to come back with one of my favorite posts.  This is a good place for me to start, and it might fill you in on what’s been happening the last 2 months.</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New">I like to call it Currently.</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New">Currently I am….</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New"><u>loving…</u> my new makeup.  I started wearing it in October, and it has been awesome.  It is called Maskcara. It is such an easy way to contour and highlight.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XCgTG-ddlew/VyJzJ8_z9mI/AAAAAAAAk_s/xsJggXKzaqUFH1GwcoUwiUh-OiTO7OWZwCHM/s1600-h/maskcara%255B113%255D"><img title="maskcara" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="maskcara" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ATuvVnANGIw/VyJzKms1HmI/AAAAAAAAk_w/bynpSrhwBi0MLfZdK5aVj-52EDGcknhbgCHM/maskcara_thumb%255B111%255D?imgmax=800" width="704" height="704" /></a></p> <p><font face="Courier New">You can find more about it <a href="http://www.maskcarabeauty.com/" target="_blank">here.</a></font></p> <p><font face="Courier New"><u>reading…</u> “Harry Potter” number one to Isaac and Tessa, and “More than the Tatooed Mormon” by Al Carraway for me.</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New">  <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lRhYyikVlcM/VyJ0BeOm2-I/AAAAAAAAk_8/PTWqH1EFoaE/s1600-h/I-Read-More-Than-the-Tattooed-Mormon-Book%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="I-Read-More-Than-the-Tattooed-Mormon-Book" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="I-Read-More-Than-the-Tattooed-Mormon-Book" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-togDRtDt9Ws/VyJ0B1f819I/AAAAAAAAlAA/zo6fFhUsJ9M/I-Read-More-Than-the-Tattooed-Mormon-Book_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="704" height="704" /></a></font></p> <p><font face="Courier New">I am loving this book.  You should <a href="http://www.amazon.com/More-than-Tattooed-Mormon-Carraway/dp/1462117201" target="_blank">check this out.</a>  This woman has gone through so much and triumphed thru it all.  She attributes this to God and faith.  She is also the perfect example of why we should never judge.</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New"><u>waiting for…</u> our new house to be finished.  Yes!! if you didn’t know, we are building a new house.<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tUFGcYLUaj4/VyJ0Co7zw9I/AAAAAAAAlAE/2oISBlqiSvQ/s1600-h/IMG_3137%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3137" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3137" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UHB2xGkXsyo/VyJ0DaDYzKI/AAAAAAAAlAI/IWLGuayAqTg/IMG_3137_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="704" height="704" /></a></font></p> <p><font face="Courier New">That is what has mostly kept me from this blog.  I am currently getting our house ready to sell, and I am working on every single decision on the new house.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rGyHbmSF_qE/VyJ0EcDoMuI/AAAAAAAAlAM/_qzcc5tN5lE/s1600-h/IMG_1996%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1996" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1996" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eH_CE9crNxo/VyJ0FMPfLUI/AAAAAAAAlAQ/icGeXwItaTY/IMG_1996_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="704" height="529" /></a></p> <p><font face="Courier New">I am not complaining.  Really! I’m not!! This has been so fun; just busy.  This is a dream come true for Jonathan and I.  We have always wanted to build our own house, and it’s finally happening!!</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New"><u>excited about…</u> summer!!  I am ready to hang with my kiddos.</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New"><u>trying to…</u> be more tuned in to God, and what he needs me to do.  My hands are his hands.</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New"><u>working on…</u> like I said, every single decision for that new house comes out of my head.  Jonathan and I designed this house from the ground up.  We met with a drafter and she put my design on paper and then it was engineered.  We have been able to put our stamp on every corner of this house. </font></p> <p><font face="Courier New">From lighting, </font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Svz-Md9wVVU/VyJ0FmQDt5I/AAAAAAAAlAU/g1oIp5LEHvc/s1600-h/IMG_3168%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3168" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3168" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sQj36yAWAEU/VyJ0GWMCdNI/AAAAAAAAlAY/rZ4FtzpfXDA/IMG_3168_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="704" height="937" /></a></p> <p><font face="Courier New">to the where the walls go,</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4-c3P9VkCzQ/VyJ0HA_QhaI/AAAAAAAAlAc/WPysxirAx7c/s1600-h/IMG_4313%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Processed with VSCO with 3 preset" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Processed with VSCO with 3 preset" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EICCYYsqz0M/VyJ0Hiw9icI/AAAAAAAAlAg/nbyBDhNniuw/IMG_4313_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="704" height="704" /></a> </font></p> <p><font face="Courier New">to the shape of the fireplace, </font></p> <p><font face="Courier New"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o7IxkEoGyVI/VyJ0Ic7HcyI/AAAAAAAAlAk/AlEzRh-_9-M/s1600-h/IMG_4280%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4280" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4280" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-is9nGAolTsc/VyJ0JIVyuyI/AAAAAAAAlAo/MS4a3-W5PHI/IMG_4280_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="704" height="704" /></a></font></p> <p><font face="Courier New">to the flooring and tile… and so much more.  This has been fun!</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New"><u>enjoying…</u> being married.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TJF_Cp5aEpE/VyJ0J-O16QI/AAAAAAAAlAs/PEq5j6ElykQ/s1600-h/IMG_3945%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3945" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3945" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z_XId_JIEHQ/VyJ0KrV6oHI/AAAAAAAAlAw/xhVnNFY-T5w/IMG_3945_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="704" height="529" /></a></p> <p><font face="Courier New">I know most people say that building a house with someone is the most stressful thing on a marriage.  We have found it to be the opposite for us.  We are loving the process, and all the time we get to spend together making decisions.  I am so thankful that Jonathan is the one I get to build this house with, and share my life with.</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New"><u>using…</u> my friends son to paint some furniture for me.  Well I’m not “using” him per say, I am paying him.  My friend has a son who started a cabinet and furniture painting business.  He is awesome.  He has been updating some of the cool pieces of furniture that I have and giving them a fresh look. </font></p> <p><font face="Courier New"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oigL_QtIdKg/VyJ0LA1IcHI/AAAAAAAAlA0/Lc1u-NcsIgU/s1600-h/IMG_4457%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4457" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4457" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VUb8_jxS6GE/VyJ0L9m3aSI/AAAAAAAAlA4/XDZCXN79Pms/IMG_4457_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="704" height="879" /></a></font></p> <p><font face="Courier New"> It’s been so fun.  If your local and use instagram, follow him @color_coatings</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New"><u>wearing…</u> this awesome new mascara. It is called: Urban Decay Subversion.</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l3f9o1RaITM/VyJ0MR_wGII/AAAAAAAAlA8/H6boq8hb0R8/s1600-h/urban-decay-subversion-lash-primer%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="urban-decay-subversion-lash-primer" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="urban-decay-subversion-lash-primer" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-43-9T3tNqOg/VyJ0NNwfvFI/AAAAAAAAlBA/eX8NN-xeEUM/urban-decay-subversion-lash-primer_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="704" height="704" /></a> </font></p> <p><font face="Courier New">Oh my goodness!!  It is actually a mascara primer, so you still have to put mascara over the top.  It helps to keep your mascara on, but the beauty of it is; that it also helps your eyelashes grow.  Say what?  …and yes!!! Mine have gotten longer in just 3 weeks.  Check it out <a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod10921018&skuId=2278143&_requestid=1978739" target="_blank">here.</a></font></p> <p><font face="Courier New"><u>planning…</u> some awesome summer activities with the kids.  We have Lagoon season passes this year so I am expecting a summer full of rollercoasters.  It will also have family reunions, dance, baseball, scout camp, young women camp, and a really cool Harry Potter Camp for Isaac.  Oh! and don’t forget packing and moving.  It should be a busy one.</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New"><u>needing…</u> a massage.  Oh man!! my neck and back could always use a little loosening up.  I’m still affected by the pain in my neck and arm.  I am learning to cope.  I am learning about my own strength, and who God needs me to be. Oh!! I’m also needing a nap.  Always, always, needing a nap.</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New"><u>learning…</u> adobe illustrator.  Jex and I are taking an Adobe Illustrator course together.  It has been so much fun learning something with my really cool son.  He is pretty rad, and it’s just fun hanging with him.  He also teaches me a lot as we go along.  He is very creative.</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New"><u>listening to…</u> my scriptures.  I have really enjoyed listening to my scriptures lately.  Whenever I have time to turn them on I do.  It’s pretty cool to listen to them.  I often pick up on things I maybe wouldn’t have.</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New"><u>doing…</u> lots of organizing.  I am trying really hard to make closets look nice before we put our house on the market.  I also don’t want to move more than neccessary.</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New"><u>dreaming of…</u> going back to this beautiful place. </font></p> <p><font face="Courier New"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2gG82Ys2N2Q/VyJ0N9fovjI/AAAAAAAAlBE/PSVeABEk98c/s1600-h/IMG_2599%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2599" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2599" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-53kf15NaqzQ/VyJ0OvBrYgI/AAAAAAAAlBI/zQXfnxSKayI/IMG_2599_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="704" height="879" /></a></font></p> <p><font face="Courier New">Jonathan and I took the most amazing trip in late February to our favorite little island.  Saba is such a beautiful peaceful place. </font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bsozqN2Iync/VyJ0Pg2RzVI/AAAAAAAAlBM/ucl3kCDmyAA/s1600-h/IMG_2571%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2571" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2571" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mvwboAYfWg8/VyJ0QcTK6oI/AAAAAAAAlBQ/SqZlZXaQOB0/IMG_2571_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="704" height="529" /></a></p> <p><font face="Courier New">I miss how calm I feel there. Oh!! and I miss just hanging with JB.  He is so fun to be with.</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New"><u>singing…</u> Thomas Rhett.  Ok!! I am so in love with this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tangled-Up-Thomas-Rhett/dp/B012WVX0WO" target="_blank">album</a>, and could <a href="http://www.vevo.com/watch/thomas-rhett/Die-A-Happy-Man/USLXJ1507313" target="_blank">this song be any sweeter</a>?</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New"><u>wishing for…</u> a smooth transition between houses this summer.  I hope this one sells easy on the right timeline.  </font></p> <p><font face="Courier New"><u>praying for…</u> all the missionaries from our church.  </font></p> <p><font face="Courier New"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nFUleQU7fFA/VyJ0RSJurgI/AAAAAAAAlBU/BgMU5lAXIGU/s1600-h/Future%252520Missionary%252520Name%252520Tag%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Future Missionary Name Tag" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Future Missionary Name Tag" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zv3mSbSrYv8/VyJ0SPGUYSI/AAAAAAAAlBY/qGkooO5g7K4/Future%252520Missionary%252520Name%252520Tag_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="704" height="433" /></a></font></p> <p><font face="Courier New">There are so many young men and women from our church who take a chunk of time out of their social calendar to serve the Lord; 18 months to 2 years.  We also have several in our community who have had to come home for health reasons.  I pray for every single one of them.  I pray they are safe.  I pray that they will heal.  I pray that people will listen to their message of Christ.  So do my kiddos. One day it will be my kiddos that we are praying for. </font></p> <p><font face="Courier New">…and that’s what is currently going on around here.</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New">If you want to see more of the happenings that are going on in our new house you can ask to follow me on instagram.  I have a seperate house account.  You can find me @valleyviewabode</font></p> <p><font face="Courier New">Thanks for being here.  It’s nice to be back today.</font></p>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685723743221422945noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750081147518887207.post-6500518703936861392016-02-01T11:51:00.001-06:002016-02-01T11:51:09.788-06:00New Beginnings and A Book Review{A must read if you have daughters}<p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Last night, I took my oldest daughter(who is 11), to a meeting held by our church.  It is a meeting called New Beginnings.  It is a beautiful meeting for all the young women in our ward(or church boundary), ages 12-18.  The 11 year old girls are invited because they will be joining this young women program when they turn 12 during the year.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I couldn’t believe that I was actually attending this with my daughter.  I remember the very first new beginnings meeting that I attended at just 11 years old.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">At the meeting, we were able to present our daughter with a flower that we felt best described her, and then share a little about her.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">This meeting was an awakening for me.  It was a reminder to me that I am raising a daughter of God, and it’s my job to teach her that.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">There is a talk given by a sister in our church.  Her name is Rosemary M. Wixom.  The talk is titled, <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/discovering-the-divinity-within?lang=eng" target="_blank">“Discovering the Divinity Within.”</a>  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">In the talk, she quotes Elaine Cannon as saying,  “There are two important days in a woman’s life: The day she is born and the day she finds out why.”</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">This quote has stuck with me for quite sometime. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Every time I read it, I think she is going to say,”the day she is born, and the day she gets married.”</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">…but she doesn’t, she says, “the day she finds out why.”</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"> When this quote was read again last night, I almost hyperventilated.  It is my job to help to nurture Stella so that she knows why she is here; and that God loves her.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">However, much to my relief.  I had just finished the best book in terms of help with all of this.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I think it is a book that all women and teenage girls should read.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I had the priveledge of doing a little pre-read of the book before it was released.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Jaci Wightman, the author, contacted me a few months back asking if I would do a book review on my blog.  After I read the email, I knew immedieately that her name sounded familiar.  Once we got talking more, we both realized that Jaci lived with her family in my home ward for a time.  It was so good to reconnect with her. I was so happy to read her book, and I am thrilled to share it here.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">This book really came into my life at the best time.  It’s time for me to really teach my daughter about her worth.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Jaci’s book, <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Princess-Story-Real-Life-Gospel-Christ/dp/146211718X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454347693&sr=8-1&keywords=a+princess+story+jaci+wightman" target="_blank">“A Princess Story- The Real-Life Fairy Tale found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ”</a></strong>, was just what I needed at this time in my life.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">A time when I am raising little people who need to know more than anything that they are a child of God.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">It was also amazing to read Jaci’s story and her interpetation of our very own princess story.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">We really are princesses.  We are daughters of a King.  That makes us His princesses.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">This story goes on to talk about the villian, and the monster, and the battle that is raging.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The part I love about this story though is how it is all encompassed by the happy ending, which he know involves our use of the atonement, and the love of our one true prince; our Savior.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">If you want your daughter to have a better grasp of the atonement and her Savior, and what this means in her life; this book is for you.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I encourage all mothers to read this and learn how to have your very own Happily Ever After.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Then, pass it along to your daughters.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I know that when Stella reads this book, it will bring her one step closer to knowing who she is and why she is here.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">My favorite part from the book says:</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><em>”It’s funny—we’re all familiar with the concept of falling head over heels in love with someone, but we often forget that we can apply that idea to our relationship with our Prince. I’m completely serious. Think for a minute about what it feels like when you fall in love. Thoughts of that person begin to overtake your mind, and you’re filled with irresistible feelings of admiration and affection. You long to be with that person, to know more about them, and to do all you can to please and delight them. In short, their every wish is your command. I believe that perfectly captures what can happen in our relationship with our Prince. At least, President Ezra Taft Benson described it that way when he spoke of those who were spiritually born of God:</em></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><font size="3">“Men captained by Christ will be consumed in Christ. . . . their will is swallowed up in his will. They do always those things that please the Lord. Not only would they die for the Lord, but, more important, they want to live for Him. . . . They have Christ on their minds, as they look unto Him in every thought. They have Christ in their hearts as their affections are placed on Him for-ever. . . . In short, they lose themselves in the Lord and find eter-nal life.”</font></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><em>Tell me, sweet princess, is Christ on your mind continually while you go about your day? </em></font><font size="4" face="Courier New"><em>Are the affections of your heart placed on Him forever? Do you look to Him in every thought and lose yourself in His incomparable love? Simply put, are you “captained by Christ” and “consumed in Christ” just like President Benson said?</em></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Great things to teach our daughter huh?</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">You can find the book, <strong>“A Princess Story- The Real-Life Fairy Tale found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ”, by Jaci Wightman</strong>; <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Princess-Story-Real-Life-Gospel-Christ/dp/146211718X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454347693&sr=8-1&keywords=a+princess+story+jaci+wightman" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-princess-story-jaci-wightman/1122279194?ean=9781462117185" target="_blank">here.</a></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I promise you will love it.</font></p>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685723743221422945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750081147518887207.post-19641540473531321912016-01-28T12:55:00.001-06:002016-01-28T12:55:05.477-06:00Intimidated by digital scrapbooking? Give it a try on your phone!!<p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Y’all know that I am a huge scrapbooker.  I used to scrapbook with paper and scissors.  About 8 years ago, I learned the tricks of digital scrapbooking; and I was hooked.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">So… I put my paper and scissors away, and got a laptop.  I digital scrapbook when I can, but don’t have as much time as I would like.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I recently decided that in order to not get any further behind than I already am, that I would scrapbook life as it happens.  Many of you have heard of <a href="https://beckyhiggins.com/" target="_blank">project life</a>.  It is basically making a scrapbook page every week.  That concept is to keep you current.  I like the concept, but it never really meshed with how I like to scrapbook.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Then, Becky Higgins came out with the <a href="https://beckyhiggins.com/project-life-app/" target="_blank">Project Life app,</a> and now after about a year of having it on my phone, I have decided to use it.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I started to use it to scrapbook my pages as life happens.  I don’t use their concept of one page a week, I just scrapbook pages about what we have going on in life.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I still love to scrapbook on my computer, so I do that too.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The phone is super convienent though because I can do it while I am waiting in a car line, or at the orthodontist.  I want to use my phone for good, and there is nothing better for me to be using it for; other than using it to read my scriptures(which I do too.)</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I so believe in the importance of recording our history and our memories.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The part that had been holding me back for a whole year, was how I would get photos off my big camera and on to my phone for scrapbooking?</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I didn’t want to email all of them to myself.  So… that is where <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Apple-Lightning-Card-Camera-Reader/dp/B00UTYQW8Q" target="_blank">this</a> came in to play.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5YlFYYx-AVc/Vqpjuaz07GI/AAAAAAAAk2Y/u8D-FvpEuIg/s1600-h/51HwbkMXjqL._SL1500_%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="51HwbkMXjqL._SL1500_" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="51HwbkMXjqL._SL1500_" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TGMByOQ93nE/Vqpju_G1bII/AAAAAAAAk2c/eN4LDnEBZ_s/51HwbkMXjqL._SL1500__thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="954" height="970" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The best $30 EVER.  It transfers photos from my SD card on to my phone.  That way if I want to scrapbook on my phone using pics that I took on my Nikon, I can quickly transfer them.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">How do the two scrapbooking methods compare?</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">These are digital pages from my computer:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5MbqmblUbtw/VqpjvarZDqI/AAAAAAAAk2o/oJ5mlIFt0eE/s1600-h/Family%252520Pictures%2525203%252520copy%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="Family Pictures 3 copy" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Family Pictures 3 copy" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-azqQl24sbXg/VqpjwebC10I/AAAAAAAAk2w/Exezo1pvaCc/Family%252520Pictures%2525203%252520copy_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="839" height="853" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-efdOE9fjHQY/VqpjxBTbT1I/AAAAAAAAk20/if2w9nFA2RU/s1600-h/Family%252520Pictures%2525204%252520copy%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="Family Pictures 4 copy" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Family Pictures 4 copy" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MtN2OdHCP8Q/Vqpjx_vR2fI/AAAAAAAAk3A/SO7VC-L1TiA/Family%252520Pictures%2525204%252520copy_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="829" height="850" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">These are digital pages from my phone:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mlPT1W4uACk/Vqpjym9KryI/AAAAAAAAk3I/rqEFQMn2ZsE/s1600-h/IMG_1348%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1348" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1348" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kT_KUJoriXI/Vqpjzg4ZCAI/AAAAAAAAk3Q/_joYmtQk8Jk/IMG_1348_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="820" height="834" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sZ4AfE4yfi0/Vqpj0u-mkuI/AAAAAAAAk3U/s7feiH80Tus/s1600-h/IMG_1350%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1350" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1350" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AWnYch219BI/Vqpj1ZThIgI/AAAAAAAAk3c/gkKs3LXkhYY/IMG_1350_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="806" height="823" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I like the mix.  The phone pages are simpler, and my computer pages are a little more complex.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">It’s fun to have both.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Here is an example of how I used pictures from my Nikon, transfered them to my phone with my lightening to SD, and then scrapbooked them.  </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lug9Jp43Cmw/Vqpj16mL75I/AAAAAAAAk3o/FkZ1bLpVdOI/s1600-h/IMG_1728%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1728" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1728" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3EjfZChKuvQ/Vqpj23mCISI/AAAAAAAAk3w/eJJ0Nuvi7BY/IMG_1728_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="818" height="832" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-luA1sMKkc5o/Vqpj3iu6yeI/AAAAAAAAk34/DG3xizz58h0/s1600-h/IMG_1729%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1729" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1729" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ITi6GRiGrik/Vqpj4sj35aI/AAAAAAAAk4A/yQeDJIJ22Ew/IMG_1729_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="822" height="836" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">This was awesome, because I took the pics, and scrapbooked them like 1 hour later while I was waiting at an appointment.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Scrapbooking on your phone, is soooo simple.  It also takes less time. I can scrapbook so much faster on my phone, because it is simple.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I am also thinking that this is a great way for those of you who are intimidated by photoshop to start scrapbooking.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I made these pages last night in about 1 hour:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zq4UylbElrs/Vqpj5m7TpGI/AAAAAAAAk4I/Iuw9uLlqjiA/s1600-h/IMG_1850%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1850" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1850" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mbAvFy83BNc/Vqpj6q9YefI/AAAAAAAAk4Q/yt5lkIurid0/IMG_1850_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="822" height="836" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r058AKXf9JI/Vqpj7h1jMrI/AAAAAAAAk4U/LoQfuu9cYJ0/s1600-h/IMG_1851%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1851" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1851" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xsRS1no5arA/Vqpj8XrBrfI/AAAAAAAAk4g/DcdpYwL8uQ8/IMG_1851_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="814" height="831" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JlkqL-dSuHc/Vqpj9HNptjI/AAAAAAAAk4k/0NKcnhyQ6rM/s1600-h/IMG_1854%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1854" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1854" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Oi2KihR90zE/Vqpj9rzB5nI/AAAAAAAAk4w/8juVgQEV16c/IMG_1854_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="830" height="844" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RDBTuQZzFW0/Vqpj-SFno-I/AAAAAAAAk40/EjkuxAEge6E/s1600-h/IMG_1855%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1855" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1855" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6VcRKrK2jO8/Vqpj-_8zPBI/AAAAAAAAk5A/gZ_g5XCWAjA/IMG_1855_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="825" height="842" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QDEjNfc_Ukg/Vqpj_vPnlVI/AAAAAAAAk5E/xtmByUY0IMk/s1600-h/IMG_1866%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1866" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1866" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_nsGqmLyOHk/VqpkAQ8jfKI/AAAAAAAAk5M/MN9JHa4rC34/IMG_1866_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="844" height="858" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1fH-DCWoHHM/VqpkA0SZ7eI/AAAAAAAAk5U/A1oaAq2z5tU/s1600-h/IMG_1865%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1865" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1865" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-seroWIuGRMo/VqpkBhllFVI/AAAAAAAAk5g/mOA6TUCj51w/IMG_1865_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="840" height="858" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">That includes editing the pics on my phone.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I love these apps for editing:</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/US/app/snapseed/id439438619?mt=8" target="_blank">snapseed</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/warmlight-manual-camera-photo/id917229473?mt=8" target="_blank">warmlight</a>, <a href="http://vsco.co/" target="_blank">vsco</a></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I use these apps for scrapbooking:</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rhonna-designs/id667819594?mt=8" target="_blank">Rhonna Farrer designs</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rhonna-collage/id534960206?mt=8" target="_blank">Rhonna Farrer Collage</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/project-life/id915861546?mt=8" target="_blank">Project Life</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/phonto-text-on-photos/id438429273?mt=8" target="_blank">Phonto</a></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I like the mix of Project Life and Rhonna Farrer.  I use Rhonna Farrer Design app to add the fun embellishments.  I also use the Rhonna Farrer collage app to give me a change with layout choices.  I love Project Life for the ease of just laying out the page.  Then use the other apps to spice it up.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I also use Phonto for other font options.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I have spent a little money buying more paper packs and embellishments from both apps, and it’s been worth it.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Want to know more about how I computer scrapbook?  More info <a href="https://jandaandco.blogspot.com/2013/01/why-and-how-i-scrapbook.html" target="_blank">here.</a></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I hope this inspires you to use your phone for a creative outlet:</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><strong>Scrapbook on your phone!!  It ROCKS!!</strong></font></p>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685723743221422945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750081147518887207.post-36816866988761657232016-01-25T15:24:00.001-06:002016-01-25T15:27:58.765-06:00Make your kids Valentines unique using photoshop or your phone!<p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Have you asked your kids what they want to do for their Valentine this year?</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">It is right around the corner.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">When my kids grew old enough to share Valetines with their friends, I got so excited!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">It was about the time that I was learning to use photoshop so I decided that designing them a Valentine would be Awesome.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">It was so fun.   I have enjoyed making Valentines that are unique and different than the ones you can buy at the store.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I thought it would be fun to share some of the Valentines that we have made in the past.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">If you know how to use photoshop or illustrator, you could design your own too.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Here are some of the ideas we have used:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Stella%20Valentine%202011%20copy_zpsrmyupbii.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo Stella Valentine 2011 copy_zpsrmyupbii.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Stella%20Valentine%202011%20copy_zpsrmyupbii.jpg" width="1008" height="675" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Jex%20Valentine%20copy_zps4bxfxnjp.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo Jex Valentine copy_zps4bxfxnjp.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Jex%20Valentine%20copy_zps4bxfxnjp.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Isaac%20Valentine%202011%20copy_zpsotarqzwn.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo Isaac Valentine 2011 copy_zpsotarqzwn.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Isaac%20Valentine%202011%20copy_zpsotarqzwn.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Ike%20valentine%202%20copy_zpsoxap2j6z.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo Ike valentine 2 copy_zpsoxap2j6z.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Ike%20valentine%202%20copy_zpsoxap2j6z.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Some of the first ones that we made were just like a postcard photo, and then we attached a treat.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">One year, we even made cute little hair clips for the girls, and gave bubbles to the boys.  </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s1ASVqZyO4k/VqaSfPJAfYI/AAAAAAAAk2A/2WMoEOgpS1Y/s1600-h/clippies11.jpg"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img title="clippies" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="clippies" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CCsQhXycVsw/VqaSfnbijeI/AAAAAAAAk2E/Rb9XlLP3Vts/clippies_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="1075" height="731" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Jex even gave super hero button pins one year.  It has been fun to think outside the box of just candy.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">When Tess was little I just couldn’t stand not to make one for her.  We would mail them to her cousins.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Tess%20Valentine%202011%20copy_zpscnhrpriu.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo Tess Valentine 2011 copy_zpscnhrpriu.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Tess%20Valentine%202011%20copy_zpscnhrpriu.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Valentine%202013%20copy_zps276lrnqu.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo Valentine 2013 copy_zps276lrnqu.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Valentine%202013%20copy_zps276lrnqu.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I even had so much fun designing them, that I made one to send to Grandparents:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/kids%20valentine%202013%20copy_zps1zx0meh2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo kids valentine 2013 copy_zps1zx0meh2.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/kids%20valentine%202013%20copy_zps1zx0meh2.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Then we starting making some that had a theme.  When Jex was in fourth grade he was really into Pokemon.  He came up with the idea of using a character from Pokemon named Axew.  This is what we came up with:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Valentine%202013%203%20copy_zpsetdlkesj.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo Valentine 2013 3 copy_zpsetdlkesj.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Valentine%202013%203%20copy_zpsetdlkesj.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">We attached a package of popcorn to it.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/edit%20jex_zpszrnsfuot.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo edit jex_zpszrnsfuot.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/edit%20jex_zpszrnsfuot.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">That same year, Stella was really into Owl’s.  This is what we made for her Valentine:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Stella%20valentine%202013%20copy_zpsgaxynhkt.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo Stella valentine 2013 copy_zpsgaxynhkt.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Stella%20valentine%202013%20copy_zpsgaxynhkt.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Then we made water bottle wraps with the same cute saying, and attached a drink packet:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/collage_zpsp0f9juzf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo collage_zpsp0f9juzf.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/collage_zpsp0f9juzf.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">If you like this water bottle idea, you can download the print for free to make your own; click on the print below:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/view/havvo6ltqaq123p/Water_Bottle_Printable.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt=" photo Water Bottle Printable_zpshmqyjv0o.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Water%20Bottle%20Printable_zpshmqyjv0o.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Isaac’s was a pretty simple one that year:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Ike_zpsfkgwom04.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo Ike_zpsfkgwom04.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Ike_zpsfkgwom04.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">A little “fun” dip makes it complete:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/valentine%20ideas%202013%202%20of%204ed_zpsk1jfkx6g.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo valentine ideas 2013 2 of 4ed_zpsk1jfkx6g.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/valentine%20ideas%202013%202%20of%204ed_zpsk1jfkx6g.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">We also had a lot of fun one year with a mustache straw attached to a water bottle, and then this cute message:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Jex%20Valentine%20copy%202_zpsfaysf3jk.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo Jex Valentine copy 2_zpsfaysf3jk.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Jex%20Valentine%20copy%202_zpsfaysf3jk.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Stella wanted to give her friends hot chocolate one year.  So we stapled this cute little Valentine to a package of hot chocolate with some pink heart marshmallows:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Stella%20Valentine%20copy_zpssd6d2tfa.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo Stella Valentine copy_zpssd6d2tfa.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Stella%20Valentine%20copy_zpssd6d2tfa.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">We also had some fun with Star Wars:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Ike%202014%20yoda_zpsa1vmrufb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo Ike 2014 yoda_zpsa1vmrufb.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Ike%202014%20yoda_zpsa1vmrufb.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">A glow stick becomes the light saber:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Valentines%202014-0835_zpsifuvuo6m.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo Valentines 2014-0835_zpsifuvuo6m.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Valentines%202014-0835_zpsifuvuo6m.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Stella saw these cute twinkie minions on pinterest a few years back, so we borrowed the print from </font><a href="http://thewinthropchronicles.com/2014/01/youre-one-in-a-minion-valentine/" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New">this site</font></a><font size="4" face="Courier New">, then made the minions.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Valentines%202014-0842_zps0rjwqbsd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo Valentines 2014-0842_zps0rjwqbsd.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Valentines%202014-0842_zps0rjwqbsd.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">This is the Valentine we put with it:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Stella%2014%20one%20in%20a%20minion_zpsi66qpr6s.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo Stella 14 one in a minion_zpsi66qpr6s.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Stella%2014%20one%20in%20a%20minion_zpsi66qpr6s.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Valentines%202014-0841_zpsi0dtjnpz.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo Valentines 2014-0841_zpsi0dtjnpz.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Valentines%202014-0841_zpsi0dtjnpz.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">When Jex was a 5th grader, we tried to keep it cool:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/jex%20you%20rule%2014_zpsqri3stvp.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo jex you rule 14_zpsqri3stvp.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/jex%20you%20rule%2014_zpsqri3stvp.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">We made a pocket with the Valentine and paper, and slipped in a ruler.  I bought a 3 pack at the dollar tree.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Valentines%202014-0837_zpsfo9uaeuq.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo Valentines 2014-0837_zpsfo9uaeuq.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Valentines%202014-0837_zpsfo9uaeuq.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">This was Tessa’s first real Valentine.  She was in preschool this year and Frozen was the big thing.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Olaf was the perfect snowman to join Tess on her Valentine:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Tessa%20Valentine%20melting%202014_zpsf5dgnokr.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo Tessa Valentine melting 2014_zpsf5dgnokr.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Tessa%20Valentine%20melting%202014_zpsf5dgnokr.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Then an adorable heart-shaped chocolate becomes the balloon:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Valentines%202014-0839_zpskc0txb3g.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo Valentines 2014-0839_zpskc0txb3g.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/Valentines%202014-0839_zpskc0txb3g.jpg" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">For those of you who want to make something like this for your kids and you don’t have photoshop, you could always use an app on your phone.  I have started designing invites to things using the <a href="http://rhonnadesigns.com/" target="_blank">Rhonna Farrer app.</a>  You should try it.  It is so easy.  In fact, I just made this Valentine using 2 of her apps to show you that you could:</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/IMG_1767_zpsmef730pl.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1767_zpsmef730pl.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Valentines%20through%20the%20years/IMG_1767_zpsmef730pl.jpg" /></a></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">This is made with the Rhonna Farrer app, and Rhonna Farrer Collage.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Using the 2 together works awesome and is so quick.  You can go back and forth and import between the 2 apps.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I have also used Phonto when I want to include fun text.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">It’s amazing what we can do on our phones.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Happy Valentine Ideas!!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Can’t wait to see what you come up with. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I’m off to figure out what we are doing this year.</font></p>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685723743221422945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750081147518887207.post-79856683294898873492016-01-21T11:21:00.001-06:002016-01-21T11:21:14.168-06:00How we keep warm in the winter…<p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Snow%202016/Baby%20its%20cold%20outside_zpsr0nivuo6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Baby its cold outside_zpsr0nivuo6.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Snow%202016/Baby%20its%20cold%20outside_zpsr0nivuo6.jpg" /></a></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I live in one of the coldest parts of Utah.  We often get into the negative numbers.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Snow%202016/winter%20snow-0765_zpshyp4nd0i.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo winter snow-0765_zpshyp4nd0i.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Snow%202016/winter%20snow-0765_zpshyp4nd0i.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">This has been hard for a girl who spent the last decade of her life in warmer climates.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Snow%202016/winter%20snow-0709_zps7aidqb4q.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo winter snow-0709_zps7aidqb4q.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Snow%202016/winter%20snow-0709_zps7aidqb4q.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I swear it hasn’t stopped snowing here for days.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Blog-Drawing%20closer%20to%20your%20children/Kids%20Skiing%20January%202014%209%20of%2032_zpsqczmmgv2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Kids Skiing January 2014 9 of 32_zpsqczmmgv2.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Blog-Drawing%20closer%20to%20your%20children/Kids%20Skiing%20January%202014%209%20of%2032_zpsqczmmgv2.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Which has been awesome for my little skiiers.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Snow%202016/winter%20snow-0718_zpsx6dhvx8c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo winter snow-0718_zpsx6dhvx8c.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Snow%202016/winter%20snow-0718_zpsx6dhvx8c.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I remember as a little girl feeling so loved when my mom would have hot chocolate all ready for us, after a day of sledding.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Love comes in the smallest of forms.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I decided to make the hot chocolate love readily accessible for my little kiddos.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Meet our hot chocolate bar:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Project%20Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar-0520_zpshrc4ys4g.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Hot Chocolate Bar-0520_zpshrc4ys4g.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Project%20Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar-0520_zpshrc4ys4g.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">This was super simple to put together.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I found an adorable tray at Tai Pan trading.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Project%20Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar-0513_zps8rnleejg.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Hot Chocolate Bar-0513_zps8rnleejg.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Project%20Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar-0513_zps8rnleejg.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I brought it home and filled it up with goodies I already had.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Project%20Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar-0534_zpswfxowlrn.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Hot Chocolate Bar-0534_zpswfxowlrn.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Project%20Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar-0534_zpswfxowlrn.jpg" /></a></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Some cute mugs, in two sizes.  Perfect for the smaller people in your life, and the hungrier souls that want chocolate love too.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I grabbed a fun bowl and filled it with all sorts of toppings for your hot chocolate.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I raided my baking bin.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">We used, chocolate chips, toffee bits, mint bits, peppermint bits, and you can’t forget the marshmallows.  </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Project%20Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar-0522_zpsyeyfff37.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Hot Chocolate Bar-0522_zpsyeyfff37.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Project%20Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar-0522_zpsyeyfff37.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Yes!! the marshmallows get hard being left out, but that’s my favorite kind.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I added some adorable straws to each mug(just to make it look pretty, oh, and it’s fun to drink that way!)</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Project%20Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar-0530_zpsg5l1lr3r.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Hot Chocolate Bar-0530_zpsg5l1lr3r.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Project%20Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar-0530_zpsg5l1lr3r.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Then I set out some delicious hot chocolate flavors.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Project%20Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar-0539_zpsphue14ax.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Hot Chocolate Bar-0539_zpsphue14ax.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Project%20Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar-0539_zpsphue14ax.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=stephens+hot+chocolate&tag=mh0b-20&index=grocery&hvadid=3527300574&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_2ye259b8gk_e">This is our favorite kind.</a>  This is a Utah Company, and oh so delicious.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">My favorite flavor is the white hot chocolate.  Yum!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I also set out some individual hot chocolate packets for those who don’t care for the flavored kind(plus, I had them on hand.)</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Project%20Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar-0528_zpsud3yldvi.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Hot Chocolate Bar-0528_zpsud3yldvi.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Project%20Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar-0528_zpsud3yldvi.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I set out a mug of peppermint stick stirrers, at the time it was a Santa mug.  Now, it is a generic mug for winter.  You can find the peppermint stirrers at the Dollar Tree.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Project%20Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar-0524_zpszhmawdju.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Hot Chocolate Bar-0524_zpszhmawdju.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Project%20Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar-0524_zpszhmawdju.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">You can’t forget a little festive pine tree to give the station that winter look.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Project%20Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar-0542_zpsty3ymxeg.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Hot Chocolate Bar-0542_zpsty3ymxeg.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Project%20Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar-0542_zpsty3ymxeg.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">This has been so fun for our family to have accessible.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The kids love to make their own hot chocolate, and they can do it any time.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">When I know they need a little more love from me, I make it for them.<img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" style="border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none" alt="Winking smile" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-saVJrX9_2w4/VqEThiynf0I/AAAAAAAAk1k/poucg4n2Bt8/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-redheart" style="border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none" alt="Red heart" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dh2ggdzGgeE/VqETibE1MDI/AAAAAAAAk1o/V4E31x6DNtI/wlEmoticon-redheart%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Project%20Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar-0545_zps2xoc6ca5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Hot Chocolate Bar-0545_zps2xoc6ca5.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Project%20Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar-0545_zps2xoc6ca5.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">A little trick we have learned is to just use really hot tap water for the younger kids.  It is the perfect tempature.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">It doesn’t need to be made any hotter, and then it’s ready for them to drink right away.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">My sweet Stella, likes her’s made with hot milk.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Project%20Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar-0520_zpshrc4ys4g.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Hot Chocolate Bar-0520_zpshrc4ys4g.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar/Project%20Hot%20Chocolate%20Bar-0520_zpshrc4ys4g.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Any way you drink it, it does warm your heart and soul.</font></p>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685723743221422945noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750081147518887207.post-50756489475210305832016-01-18T16:09:00.001-06:002016-01-18T16:11:22.473-06:00Drawing Closer to your kiddos!<p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I am officially a teenager mom. Not a mom who is a teenager, but a mom to a teenager! <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" style="border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none" alt="Winking smile" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1A3cfHD5Ito/Vp1ie3OoHcI/AAAAAAAAk08/_d7rF3YeUtM/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Blog-Drawing%20closer%20to%20your%20children/Jex%2013th%20Birthday-0019cr_zpsq71zldyx.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Jex 13th Birthday-0019cr_zpsq71zldyx.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Blog-Drawing%20closer%20to%20your%20children/Jex%2013th%20Birthday-0019cr_zpsq71zldyx.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Well I was offically one of those back in August.  I must say that it took me by surprise.  I really thought that life would go along like it always had.  What I failed to learn from mommy college 101 was that as soon as they turn 13; the teenager switch is turned on.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Blog-Drawing%20closer%20to%20your%20children/Jex_zpsrdej9kn1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Jex_zpsrdej9kn1.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Blog-Drawing%20closer%20to%20your%20children/Jex_zpsrdej9kn1.jpg" /></a></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I didn’t realize that overnight, being with friends would be more important than family.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">A phone would be an extension of their arm.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Their appearance would be more important than life itself.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">…and they have the ability to argue on any subject.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">(please don’t take this the wrong way, I think he is the most adorable, lovable teenager out there.  I just wasn’t ready for what 13 year olds had to offer)</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I wish I would have been more prepared.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I am learning along the way.  By the time I make it to Tessa; I will rock this teenager thing.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">In an attempt to draw closer to my teenager, I have been looking for ideas and methods that will help me draw closer to all the kids.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Over the last few months, I have come up with 6 ways that have proven to work pretty well in our home.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I thought you might enjoy hearing what I have come up with.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Blog-Drawing%20closer%20to%20your%20children/EC2A2798%20copycr_zpskh23bhgx.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo EC2A2798 copycr_zpskh23bhgx.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Blog-Drawing%20closer%20to%20your%20children/EC2A2798%20copycr_zpskh23bhgx.jpg" width="800" height="1015" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">6 ways to draw closer to your children.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="5" face="Courier New">1. Pray for them.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Jonathan and I pray for each of our children specifically each and every day.  We talk to God about them by name, and I always ask for guidance.  I am surprised by how many times an idea to draw near to them pops into my head after I pray for them.  Remember that these kids were his first.  They are just on loan to us, and he knows them better than we do.   He wants to help us raise them.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Blog-Drawing%20closer%20to%20your%20children/Isaacs%20Baptism%20Pictures-0107_zpsidu5x84b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Isaacs Baptism Pictures-0107_zpsidu5x84b.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Blog-Drawing%20closer%20to%20your%20children/Isaacs%20Baptism%20Pictures-0107_zpsidu5x84b.jpg" /></a></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><font size="5">2. Make time for a daily devotional with your kids.</font>  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Each morning, before the kids leave for school we have a daily devotional.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Now, instead of praying for the kids, I am making time to pray with them.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">We take about 15 minutes to go over some scriptures, pray, and even sing a gospel song.  We pick a song that they are learning at church.  This gives them an opportunity to know it even better.  I used to lay out the devotionals myself.  <a href="http://fortifyyourfamily.com/">Then I found this book, and it has changed everything for me.</a>  It is all laid out for you.  Each week has a specific topic.  For example, this week we talked about integrity.  Then everyday of the week has a scripture to read that discusses the topic.  Included is a quote, questions to ask, and a talk given by a leader from the church I belong to; to read and discuss.  Yes, this book is designed for Mormon families.  Do I think that you could use it if you are not a Mormon? Yes, I do.  Included in it are scriptures from the bible each week, which any family could share. Plus, the questions and talks included are valuable for any family working on character building.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">  I love that my family is learning topics each week that build character, and we are using scripture to back it up.  After we sing, read from our devotional book, then we pray together.  It is a great way to start the day.  It makes me feel better to know I am sending my kids off into the world with a prayer.  We take turns saying the prayer.  My favorite part is listening to my kids pray.  This draws me closer to them.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Jex doesn’t get to participate in our devotional every morning because he leaves for school so early.  We decided when he went off to middle school that we would have him come into our room before he leaves, and we would pray together.   It is so nice to share a prayer with Jex each morning.  Once again, I love listening to him pray.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><font size="5">3.  Send your kids a daily text, or leave them a note every now and again.</font>  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">This one mostly pertains to Jex, my adorable teenager.  This has probably been the most effective thing I have done to get closer to him.  When he couldn’t be a part of our devotional anymore I was really sad.  So, when we decided to get him a phone; I decided to use it to my advantage.  Every morning, right after the devotional that I have with the kids; I send the devotional to Jex via text.  I take a picture of the scripture and topic we discussed that day out of the book.  Then I share a little thought about it.  I always end the text with some form of recognition or praise for him.  Sometimes, our kids just need to hear that we love them.  I don’t want to preach to my kids, but I do want them to know that I have a testimony, and that I love them no matter what.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I am also working hard to leave hand written notes laying around.  Just the other day, I noticed that Jex had worked hard before school to make sure that his room was cleaned.  I left him a note on his bed thanking him for that.  I made sure he knew that I noticed and that I appreciated it.  That day when he came home from school, he came over to me and said, “thanks for the note, you’re the best mom ever.”  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Blog-Drawing%20closer%20to%20your%20children/IMG_1655_zpsxrlexxin.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1655_zpsxrlexxin.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Blog-Drawing%20closer%20to%20your%20children/IMG_1655_zpsxrlexxin.jpg" /></a></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I don’t think this approach works only for teenagers.  I think that all my kids have benefited from little notes of kindness.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Each one of our kids have an old phone or device of mine or Jonathan’s.  They have figured out that they can text us while they are at home using our wifi.  It has been so fun to text love notes back and forth with Isaac.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Blog-Drawing%20closer%20to%20your%20children/IMG_1656_zps3ldcn6sj.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1656_zps3ldcn6sj.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Blog-Drawing%20closer%20to%20your%20children/IMG_1656_zps3ldcn6sj.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Stella also sends me kind thoughts, and then I can share kind thoughts back.  I think sometimes it is easier for them to open up a little this way. </font><font size="4" face="Courier New"> </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">No! I don’t allow our only form of affection to be thru mobile devices, but it has been one way that has worked.  These kids seem to be reached well through technology.  Let’s use that to our advantage.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><font size="5">4.  Let them do something that you might otherwise have said No to.  It will surprise them.</font> </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">For Jex, this has been saying Yes to him hanging out with friends late at night.  This is a change for me.  I am used to having my kids home in bed, but he is growing up.  With that growing up, I have to say Yes to more. I have also been saying yes more when he wants to have friends tag along with us.  When I say yes, he knows that I trust him and that I understand him.  I understand what it is like to be 13.  I understand how friends used to be everything to me too. </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Blog-Drawing%20closer%20to%20your%20children/IMG_7984_zpsjwoz2wx0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo IMG_7984_zpsjwoz2wx0.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Blog-Drawing%20closer%20to%20your%20children/IMG_7984_zpsjwoz2wx0.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">It’s important to be discernable.  We can’t say yes to everything.  We shouldn’t say yes to everything, but we should say yes to somethings.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">For the younger kids, it is as easy as saying yes to something that you might otherwise say no to just because it isn’t convient, or it might make a mess.  One of my kids favorite things for me to say yes to; is allowing them to put makeup on me. The first time I said yes, it surprised them.  They said, “Really?”  But, Really? what is it going to hurt?  Even Isaac thinks this is hilarious.  I let them get in my makeup and get creative on my face.  You know what, it all washes off.  We share a lot of laughs together, it’s quality time, and we build a trust relationship.  I am trusting them with my makeup and my face.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="5" face="Courier New">5.  Teach them something.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I think it is so important that our kids learn from us.  God gave them to us so we could instruct them.  It’s important that they can come to us when they have important questions.  I think it’s important to instruct them in the small things too.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Jonathan teaches our boys how to play ball and golf.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Blog-Drawing%20closer%20to%20your%20children/Fam%20Reunion%202004%20002_zpsnzo0kaqe.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Fam Reunion 2004 002_zpsnzo0kaqe.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Blog-Drawing%20closer%20to%20your%20children/Fam%20Reunion%202004%20002_zpsnzo0kaqe.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">(Jex 18 mo. old golfing with his dad)</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">  He takes all the kids skiing and instructs them.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Blog-Drawing%20closer%20to%20your%20children/Kids%20Skiing%20January%202014%2017%20of%2032haze%20frame_zpsfwtz8mrk.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Kids Skiing January 2014 17 of 32haze frame_zpsfwtz8mrk.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Blog-Drawing%20closer%20to%20your%20children/Kids%20Skiing%20January%202014%2017%20of%2032haze%20frame_zpsfwtz8mrk.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Blog-Drawing%20closer%20to%20your%20children/Skiing%202015-0010_zpsom2utw24.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Skiing 2015-0010_zpsom2utw24.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Blog-Drawing%20closer%20to%20your%20children/Skiing%202015-0010_zpsom2utw24.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">  I have been working with Tess on her reading.  I have even been teaching Isaac how to braid.  It really can be the littlest things.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Blog-Drawing%20closer%20to%20your%20children/Tessas%20Baking%20Day-0489_zpsumanj2ez.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Tessas Baking Day-0489_zpsumanj2ez.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Blog-Drawing%20closer%20to%20your%20children/Tessas%20Baking%20Day-0489_zpsumanj2ez.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I recently spent the morning teaching Tess the basics of baking.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Watching my kids learn something has been some of my proudest moments as a mom.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Blog-Drawing%20closer%20to%20your%20children/IMG_6727_zpstddrbyd3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo IMG_6727_zpstddrbyd3.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Blog-Drawing%20closer%20to%20your%20children/IMG_6727_zpstddrbyd3.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="5" face="Courier New">6.  Make time to listen.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Sometimes listening isn’t convienent.  We all know the mom trick of, “uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh, I see”, all the while finishing whatever it is that is important to us at the moment.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">It is so important that we take the time to really listen at times.  I’m not talking about the times that they are telling us the 43 steps that it takes to build an airplane out of legos.  I am saying that there are times that we need to <strong>really</strong> listen when they are trying to tell us something.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">This past Halloween, I was up until 2am just listening to my sweet Stella tell my everything and anything that was in her heart.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Blog-Drawing%20closer%20to%20your%20children/IMG_9849_zps93uypcqt.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo IMG_9849_zps93uypcqt.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Blog-Drawing%20closer%20to%20your%20children/IMG_9849_zps93uypcqt.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">  Stella doesn’t always open up, so when she does start talking it is important to recognize that I really need to listen.  We had a great conversation, and we became just that much closer.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Blog-Drawing%20closer%20to%20your%20children/IMG_0592_zps6r8upvju.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo IMG_0592_zps6r8upvju.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Blog-Drawing%20closer%20to%20your%20children/IMG_0592_zps6r8upvju.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Yes! I think that listening about 43 steps of lego building can draw me closer to my son too.  It’s important to him, but what I am talking about are those moments when they share what’s inside their heads and hearts.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I know that when I am working through something in my own head that I love to have someone to bounce those thoughts off of.  I think it’s important that we are the person they want to bounce the ideas off.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I’m not at all a perfect parent.  In fact, I have so much to work on.  I am also not an expert in the dos and don’ts of raising kids, but I am in the trenches of it.  I do know that I will do anything and everything I can to find ways to stay close to these kids.  I want my kids to feel loved and valued for the rest of their lives.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">That means there will be adapting, changing, and adding to the list for the rest of their lives.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">We can’t stop trying to draw close to our kids, even when they have kids of their own.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The list will be different then.  Right now, I’m just going to focus on getting through these teenage years.</font></p>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685723743221422945noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750081147518887207.post-64803529695003229902016-01-10T21:18:00.001-06:002016-01-10T21:22:27.574-06:00I think I found it!! A way to keep blogging!!<p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><a href="http://http://jandaandco.blogspot.com/2016/01/help.html">Thank you so much for all the kind words about keeping up the blog, and for reading my blog all these year.</a>  I really can’t believe that it has been 8 years now.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"> After much prayer and thought, I have decided that blogging is still in my future.  I even prayed and asked God to help me find a blogging program.  I think I have found one.  This post will be the true test to see if it works well, and makes blogging smooth and easy.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I just want to say thank you to all of you blog readers who have followed along with me and my family.  I am excited to keep JandA&Co. going, and happy to have y’all along for the ride.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Family%20Pictures%20%20by%20Nicole%20Leavitt/EC2A2774CROPa_zpsdmuo9tyx.jpg.html" target="_blank"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><img border="0" alt=" photo EC2A2774CROPa_zpsdmuo9tyx.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Family%20Pictures%20%20by%20Nicole%20Leavitt/EC2A2774CROPa_zpsdmuo9tyx.jpg" width="1018" height="802" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I am also thankful for prayer, and divine inspiration that leads us through life.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">We studied this scripture passage today in church.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">1 Nephi 3:7</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><em>“</em></font><a name="7"></a><font size="4" face="Courier New"><em>7 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.”</em></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Although I haven’t been specifically commanded that I have to blog.  I know that the Lord would like me too.  I know that he will always help us find a way to do the things which he desires us to do.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I know that prayer works.  I also know that God has a plan for each of us.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I also know that he loves me.  I know that he has numbered the hairs on my head.  I know that he wants me to be happy.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Blogging makes me happy.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">When I was struggling with this decision, my cousin told me to ask myself what my motivation with blogging is.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I have thought a lot about that question.  I have decided upon 2 things that motivate me.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">1. to share goodness</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">2. to meet new friends; like you</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Thanks for being here, and supporting me all this time.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Hugs to all of you.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Andrea</font></p>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685723743221422945noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750081147518887207.post-58026717065994719392016-01-07T19:32:00.000-06:002016-01-07T19:32:06.174-06:00Help!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TmcdQ2wixT4/Vo8QpGX93oI/AAAAAAAAk0I/QpXc1yC5FN4/s1600/Christmas%2BEve%2B2015-0867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TmcdQ2wixT4/Vo8QpGX93oI/AAAAAAAAk0I/QpXc1yC5FN4/s640/Christmas%2BEve%2B2015-0867.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. I can't believe it is over. I am still puttering around my house putting things away. I am ready to give this house a face-lift. It needs some ORGANIZATION, and de-junking. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I need some help here. I am having some blogging struggles. After weeks of doing mucho research, it turns out that the publishing program I use to blog; no longer connects to Blogger. In fact, none of them connect any more. <b>Blogger, blog, blogger!! Fix this problem. Ugh!! </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Any hoo!! I am trying to decide if this blogging thing is worth it any more. Using Blogger will probably take more time, and will not look as desirable as I would like on my site. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Do people even read blogs anymore?</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I'm not sure? Especially those of us who are not working professional blogs. I don't have regular content, so I know I am not a blog that people follow regularly. I am one of those mommy bloggers. You know, like we used to be before it became about business. I blog to keep record, and share goodness.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">In fact, this fall I decided that I would no longer blog, and just use the time to scrapbook instead; which is essentially still record keeping, right? Well, after some prayer on the subject, I felt that God wanted me to keep blogging. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I know that blogs are used for so much good. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">....so what I am asking is? is this the end of the road for JandA&Co.? </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">No! I am not leaving this decision up to you, but I would really love for you to weigh in.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">...and, I will not be offended if you say that blogging isn't worth it anymore. I won't have hurt feelings if you say that it is a waste of my time, and not a blog many are even interested in. It is honesty that will help my decision process. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I would love to hear how you feel. Do you think that this blog is being used for good? Is that why I have felt the pull from God? Is this worth it for me to keep this up, and work out the kinks in blogger?</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Or, is it time to put my efforts somewhere else?</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Also, if you know of a way around this little situation with blogger, I would love to know about that too.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I also know that I can move my blog to a new site. Is that worth it? Anyone know? </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">If so, and it costs money; is it worth it for me to move ahead with that when I am not a professional blogger?</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Please weigh in, and help me know what to do?</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">With love, blogger for 8 years now(this month)</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Andrea of JandA&Co.</span>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685723743221422945noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750081147518887207.post-1198670283500896732015-12-23T02:07:00.000-06:002015-12-23T02:09:08.473-06:00Merry Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Merry Christmas from the Swenson Family!</span></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GiqqOWPkPeA/VnpUysmI3CI/AAAAAAAAkzo/LJKy7CUK_CI/s640/Christmas%2BCard%2Bwith%2Bbleed.jpg" width="456" /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RKZ8mD8PRAs/VnpVcszybNI/AAAAAAAAkzw/IjL6rHTCBUU/s1600/back%2Bof%2Bcard%2B2015%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RKZ8mD8PRAs/VnpVcszybNI/AAAAAAAAkzw/IjL6rHTCBUU/s640/back%2Bof%2Bcard%2B2015%2B3.jpg" width="457" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">We hope your Christmas is {Calm}*ish, and that you find those MERRY & BRIGHT moments to cherish!!</span></div>
<br />Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685723743221422945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750081147518887207.post-36139102241359809932015-12-18T10:00:00.000-06:002015-12-18T10:00:02.289-06:00A quick easy project that can go holiday or everyday…<p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I made this fun project a few years ago.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Deer%20Prints/Project%20Deer%20prints%20for%20office-0009_zpsr4q4dqvg.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Deer prints for office-0009_zpsr4q4dqvg.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Deer%20Prints/Project%20Deer%20prints%20for%20office-0009_zpsr4q4dqvg.jpg" width="602" height="903" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I wanted something sort of manly for my husband’s office, but something that also reflected the girl in me.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Hence, sparkle for me/deer for him.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Deer%20Prints/Project%20Deer%20prints%20for%20office-0006_zpszo4ofubj.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Deer prints for office-0006_zpszo4ofubj.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Deer%20Prints/Project%20Deer%20prints%20for%20office-0006_zpszo4ofubj.jpg" width="638" height="957" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I started by buying 9 black frames, some sparkle scrapbook paper, and a deer punch.(I got the punch after Christmas on clearance.)</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Deer%20Prints/Project%20Deer%20prints%20for%20office-0022_zps4dkoexwr.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Deer prints for office-0022_zps4dkoexwr.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Deer%20Prints/Project%20Deer%20prints%20for%20office-0022_zps4dkoexwr.jpg" width="594" height="887" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">You could also use a cricut or silhouette if you are lucky enough to have one of those. :(</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I punched 9 deer out of sparkle paper, and put them in the center of the black sparkle paper that was cut to the size of the frames.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Deer%20Prints/Project%20Deer%20prints%20for%20office-0015_zps53ac9wuo.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Deer prints for office-0015_zps53ac9wuo.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Deer%20Prints/Project%20Deer%20prints%20for%20office-0015_zps53ac9wuo.jpg" width="610" height="915" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I cleaned the glass, and added the cute little print I just made.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Deer%20Prints/Project%20Deer%20prints%20for%20office-0019_zpssvabekkt.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Deer prints for office-0019_zpssvabekkt.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Deer%20Prints/Project%20Deer%20prints%20for%20office-0019_zpssvabekkt.jpg" width="864" height="576" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Then I hung them close together in a 3x3 formation.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">By doing this, it made it look like one big accent for the wall instead of 9 separate accents.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Deer%20Prints/Project%20Deer%20prints%20for%20office-0003_zpsnjtrlati.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Deer prints for office-0003_zpsnjtrlati.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Deer%20Prints/Project%20Deer%20prints%20for%20office-0003_zpsnjtrlati.jpg" width="624" height="936" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I have loved the way this looks in Jonathan’s office.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I also think this could look Awesome for a holiday project.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Deer%20Prints/Project%20Deer%20prints%20for%20office-0005_zpsgxdzt0az.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Deer prints for office-0005_zpsgxdzt0az.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Deer%20Prints/Project%20Deer%20prints%20for%20office-0005_zpsgxdzt0az.jpg" width="646" height="933" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I hope this inspires you to make and create this holiday season.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I shared the link to <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/happiness-your-heritage?lang=eng">this talk</a> earlier on this month, and I just know </font><a href="https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2009-02-06-create?lang=eng"><font size="4" face="Courier New">you would love this short clip all about being creative.</font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">It puts into perspective what being creative really means, what it takes to be creative, and that any one can do it!</font></p> Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685723743221422945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750081147518887207.post-8331356225717326022015-12-14T23:23:00.000-06:002015-12-14T23:32:07.558-06:00That's what January 2nd is for!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><em>{So.. I had planned for this post to go up on Wednesday, but it's going up today, because my whole computer is on the fritz. I want to get this up before I loose all this work. I am taking my computer in to be fixed tomorrow. I am typing this in blogger which I never do. I always use a program called Live Writer which is not working, and I use a host for my photos; so lets just hope they look sharp and crisp. If they don't you know why? Oh, Computer, computer; you makin me mad. Anyways... here is Wednesday's post today. I also posted about these adorable Christmas sacks today. Check that out </em><a href="http://www.jandaandco.blogspot.com/2015/12/christmas-book-sacks.html"><em>here;</em></a><em> if you missed it.}</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;"><u>The ten pound effect/That's what January is for:</u></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">I always say
that I won’t gain weight over the holidays, but…</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">we have this
silly tradition of making treats together.</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Our kids look
forward to it every year.</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">We spend a few
evenings making several delicious treats.</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Then we spend an
evening packaging them all up.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sTBH5xWA09g/Vm-eWdkogyI/AAAAAAAAky8/qgysRyD1AK0/s1600/Christmas%2BTreats-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sTBH5xWA09g/Vm-eWdkogyI/AAAAAAAAky8/qgysRyD1AK0/s640/Christmas%2BTreats-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span><br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">…And then we
spend an evening delivering them to family and friends.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Sometimes we
even package them up and mail them to family and friends that are far away.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Yes!! this may
seem like a lot of work. <strong><u><span style="font-family: "courier new";">It
is!! </span></u></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">
</span><div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">…But, it is the
kind of work I want to do.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">It’s teaching my
kids so many valuable lessons. They are learning to cook. They are
learning to clean up.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DUN5eN7TX7I/Vm-eQYQ5O7I/AAAAAAAAkw4/ma2vqUdsSb0/s1600/Christmas%2BTreats-0554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DUN5eN7TX7I/Vm-eQYQ5O7I/AAAAAAAAkw4/ma2vqUdsSb0/s640/Christmas%2BTreats-0554.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;"><div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<strong>
</strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">They are
learning to organize. They are learning to give. </span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">They have an
opportunity to give to others. The best part is that they are learning
that homemade gifts can mean so much. We don’t always have to give what
we buy at a store.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">…and we are
spending time together, having fun while we do it.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">This year, we
put together 97 boxes of candy. This is our most yet!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQmFXr-ZpoA/Vm-eXuPchNI/AAAAAAAAkzI/qOuKI1q7odQ/s1600/Christmas%2BTreats-07232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQmFXr-ZpoA/Vm-eXuPchNI/AAAAAAAAkzI/qOuKI1q7odQ/s640/Christmas%2BTreats-07232.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span><div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">I thought it
would be fun to share some of the different candies that we make and a link to
the recipe; just in case your family would like to try to make one of these. </span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">…and because I
wish I could bring treats to all of you; this is my way of sharing them.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">These are all
kid friendly recipes, and I assure that my kids had a hand in making all of
them.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Our family
favorite is a recipe that I make every year. They are called </span><br />
<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "century schoolbook" , "serif"; font-size: 24pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Christmas Caramels</span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OpzrnFyk-KI/Vm-eVYUekZI/AAAAAAAAkyw/k1uGoBlS4Eg/s1600/Christmas%2BTreats-0688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OpzrnFyk-KI/Vm-eVYUekZI/AAAAAAAAkyw/k1uGoBlS4Eg/s640/Christmas%2BTreats-0688.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;"><div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<strong>
</strong>
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">I have been
making them every year. This year Stella made them. She is 11, and
she handled the whole process. She was even able to determine when it got
to the soft ball stage.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">This is our
recipe:</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<em>
</em></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><em>1 C. butter</em></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<em>
</em></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><em>2 1/4 Cups Brown
Sugar</em></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<em>
</em></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><em>1 C. light corn
syrup</em></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<em>
</em></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><em>1 14 oz. can
sweetened condensed milk</em></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<em>
</em></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><em>dash of salt</em></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<em>
</em></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><em>Combine
ingredients into a heavy sauce pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring
constantly with wooden spoon. Keep at a rolling boil and cook till soft
ball forms in a cold bowl of water(this takes between 10-15 minutes of rolling
boil.) It will begin to get thick. When it does, spoon a small amount
into your bowl of really cold water. Touch with your hand and see if you
can roll it into a soft ball. If it becomes really hard, you have let it
boil to long, so check it consistently. Once it hits soft ball, pour it
into buttered 9x13 pan. Cool, and then cut. Makes about 75 pieces.</em></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EIYdue_ptYA/Vm-eVq7SYXI/AAAAAAAAky4/kiaPy-K0gJI/s1600/Christmas%2BTreats-0689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EIYdue_ptYA/Vm-eVq7SYXI/AAAAAAAAky4/kiaPy-K0gJI/s640/Christmas%2BTreats-0689.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">We also tried a
new recipe that we added our caramel recipe too:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="mso-line-height-alt: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "century schoolbook" , "serif"; font-size: 24pt;">Christmas
Turtles</span></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">We followed this
</span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #05d074;"><a href="http://www.averiecooks.com/2014/08/homemade-turtles.html">recipe and idea</a></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">, but used our
own family caramel recipe; taking it to soft ball stage again.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZ4Y_zEsV9Y/Vm-eS7vFqtI/AAAAAAAAkxw/GnGvTH7bQq4/s1600/Christmas%2BTreats-0670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZ4Y_zEsV9Y/Vm-eS7vFqtI/AAAAAAAAkxw/GnGvTH7bQq4/s640/Christmas%2BTreats-0670.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>
</strong>
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">The little kids
had the job of laying out the pecans, while Stella made the caramel.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JlC_Qb-gzCU/Vm-eTMjEXbI/AAAAAAAAkx4/3Bb6nMpUF6U/s1600/Christmas%2BTreats-0673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JlC_Qb-gzCU/Vm-eTMjEXbI/AAAAAAAAkx4/3Bb6nMpUF6U/s640/Christmas%2BTreats-0673.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Another family
fav, is molded mints:</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hhVf0VuCwwo/Vm-eUtDc7JI/AAAAAAAAkyY/tMtS16XbtCk/s1600/Christmas%2BTreats-0681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hhVf0VuCwwo/Vm-eUtDc7JI/AAAAAAAAkyY/tMtS16XbtCk/s640/Christmas%2BTreats-0681.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>
</strong>
</div>
<div align="center" style="mso-line-height-alt: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "century schoolbook" , "serif"; font-size: 24pt;">Molded
Christmas Mints</span></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">I got this recipe
from my friend </span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #05d074;"><a href="http://themoesfamilyintexas.blogspot.com/">Krysta</a>.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">It’s super
simple. Melt a whole bar of almond bark. You can do this in a
double broiler, or slowly in the microwave. Once it’s melted, add food
coloring of choice, and a peppermint flavoring. I buy mine at our local
cooking store. It’s not the regular peppermint that you buy at the
grocery store. It has more of a butter mint taste. Then you will
need some Christmas molds. I also bought these at the local cooking store.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7WIqAESgaBg/Vm-eU_tEUzI/AAAAAAAAkyk/KeEEzdRpI4U/s1600/Christmas%2BTreats-0684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7WIqAESgaBg/Vm-eU_tEUzI/AAAAAAAAkyk/KeEEzdRpI4U/s640/Christmas%2BTreats-0684.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<strong><em>
</em></strong>
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Lay out your
molds and spoon the chocolate into the mold. Then place the molds in the
freezer. Once they have hardened, pop them out. The kids are big helpers
when I am making these. They love to pop them out, and help me rotate
them through the freezer. When we make these, we like to make 2 colors.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">We must really
love mints, because we also like to make:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pwUcu0sSBG0/Vm-eUKKONII/AAAAAAAAkyQ/4UHw6JBF8bU/s1600/Christmas%2BTreats-0680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pwUcu0sSBG0/Vm-eUKKONII/AAAAAAAAkyQ/4UHw6JBF8bU/s640/Christmas%2BTreats-0680.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span><div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" style="mso-line-height-alt: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "century schoolbook" , "serif"; font-size: 24pt;">Cream
Cheese Mints</span></u></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">You can find a
link for those </span><a href="https://sweetandsaucy.wordpress.com/tag/wedding-mints/"><span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #05d074;">here.</span></span></a></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9aOMVwBI7ds/Vm-eUId1M_I/AAAAAAAAkyM/KEb8RjMrI8U/s1600/Christmas%2BTreats-0677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9aOMVwBI7ds/Vm-eUId1M_I/AAAAAAAAkyM/KEb8RjMrI8U/s640/Christmas%2BTreats-0677.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;"><div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<strong>
</strong>
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">This year we tried
a new treat:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5L2wk30xyz0/Vm-eSazBUcI/AAAAAAAAkxo/pT4Vols35EI/s1600/Christmas%2BTreats-0667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5L2wk30xyz0/Vm-eSazBUcI/AAAAAAAAkxo/pT4Vols35EI/s640/Christmas%2BTreats-0667.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span><div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.redskyfood.com/2013/12/christmas-cookie-bark.html?m=1"><u><span style="font-family: "century schoolbook" , "serif"; font-size: 24pt;"><span style="color: #05d074;">Christmas
Cookie Bark</span></span></u></a></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">The kids enjoyed
breaking up all the goodies that went in the bark.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Then they
enjoyed breaking it into pieces when it had hardened.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UP5zmMHDjOg/Vm-eS21eMDI/AAAAAAAAkxs/2fQ8PXv6ez8/s1600/Christmas%2BTreats-0668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UP5zmMHDjOg/Vm-eS21eMDI/AAAAAAAAkxs/2fQ8PXv6ez8/s640/Christmas%2BTreats-0668.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">When we were
done with the Cookie Bark, we used the left over Oreos and made:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-djktIgqfHRc/Vm-eVSOFCcI/AAAAAAAAkys/D8JYcuGXKcE/s1600/Christmas%2BTreats-0686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-djktIgqfHRc/Vm-eVSOFCcI/AAAAAAAAkys/D8JYcuGXKcE/s640/Christmas%2BTreats-0686.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="mso-line-height-alt: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "century schoolbook" , "serif"; font-size: 24pt;">Chocolate
Dipped Oreos</span></u></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">This is so
simple. You use what’s left of your white chocolate from your almond
bark, and dip your leftover Oreos in it. Then sprinkle on some pretty
sprinkles. This is certainly a kids job.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">My kids favorite
treat to make are:</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0vszwOVgOeM/Vm-eTyGFUtI/AAAAAAAAkyE/2OfQ5sbqeMA/s1600/Christmas%2BTreats-0675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0vszwOVgOeM/Vm-eTyGFUtI/AAAAAAAAkyE/2OfQ5sbqeMA/s640/Christmas%2BTreats-0675.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://butter-believe-it.blogspot.com/2012/01/rolo-pretzel-bites.html"><span style="font-family: "century schoolbook" , "serif"; font-size: 24pt;"><span style="color: #05d074;">Rolo-ed
Pretzels, and Pretzel Hugs</span></span></a></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">This is something
that the kids can do completely on their own. It does require the use of
an oven so it would be hard for smaller children when it gets to that
step. Stella is 11, and made these with the kids when I wasn’t home.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">We also tried
out these yummy:</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gP0BAxL4LWc/Vm-eRsjvjXI/AAAAAAAAkxQ/95PEdQz8hzk/s1600/Christmas%2BTreats-0663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gP0BAxL4LWc/Vm-eRsjvjXI/AAAAAAAAkxQ/95PEdQz8hzk/s640/Christmas%2BTreats-0663.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.chef-in-training.com/2014/11/gingerbread-cookie-bars/#comment-309319"><u><span style="font-family: "century schoolbook" , "serif"; font-size: 24pt;"><span style="color: #05d074;">Gingerbread
Bars</span></span></u></a></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">this year!!
Yummy in my tummy!</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Isaac even made
the cream cheese frosting all on his own.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8iCIhK2L390/Vm-eRyzAg_I/AAAAAAAAkxY/SOGBQeLqqwM/s1600/Christmas%2BTreats-0665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8iCIhK2L390/Vm-eRyzAg_I/AAAAAAAAkxY/SOGBQeLqqwM/s640/Christmas%2BTreats-0665.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">We normally just
make Ginger Snaps, but we tried them with frosting this year. I thought
they were yummo!! The kids are used to the traditional gingersnap and they want
me to go back to that next year. Some traditions just stick, making
change hard.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Then we made
some:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-InCmDxdrUJg/Vm-eQoOdLpI/AAAAAAAAkw0/wTO6FrRzBxA/s1600/Christmas%2BTreats-0556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-InCmDxdrUJg/Vm-eQoOdLpI/AAAAAAAAkw0/wTO6FrRzBxA/s640/Christmas%2BTreats-0556.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span><br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" style="mso-line-height-alt: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "century schoolbook" , "serif"; font-size: 24pt;">Christmas
Bar Cookies</span></u></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">We just like to
use our favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe, but then we spice it up.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">
</span><div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">The kids love
dumping in m&ms, and toffee bits, and chocolate chips, and our secret
ingredient?</span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8TeQuo_6mnU/Vm-eQhrY3vI/AAAAAAAAkzE/2kbTIkmPbFg/s1600/Christmas%2BTreats-0557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8TeQuo_6mnU/Vm-eQhrY3vI/AAAAAAAAkzE/2kbTIkmPbFg/s640/Christmas%2BTreats-0557.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Carmel
bits. Yep!! they are little bits of Carmel for melting. We use them
when we make Carmel apples. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">We love how they
taste in the cookies.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">A few sugar
crystals on the top of the cookies, and they look very festive.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://light-in-leaves.blogspot.com/2011/02/cookie-pizzafruit-pizza.html"><span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #05d074;">Here is a recipe similar to
the one we use.</span></span></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">The last and
easiest cookie we made were:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qm8kUGIsrHU/Vm-eRDiqXtI/AAAAAAAAkxI/q9naN2ItvXM/s1600/Christmas%2BTreats-0560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qm8kUGIsrHU/Vm-eRDiqXtI/AAAAAAAAkxI/q9naN2ItvXM/s640/Christmas%2BTreats-0560.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="mso-line-height-alt: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "century schoolbook" , "serif"; font-size: 24pt;">Red
Velvet Peppermint Cookies</span></u></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Isaac mixed
these cookies all on his own.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">It’s so simple,
he dumped these 3 ingredients into the mixer:</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">A red velvet
cake mix</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">2 eggs</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">1/2 cup of oil</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Then he mixed that
up.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">We then scooped
out cookie size portions with our cookie scoop.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WmNEE-0r0q8/Vm-eRWsaCPI/AAAAAAAAkxM/qS5Voi0Do_g/s1600/Christmas%2BTreats-0562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WmNEE-0r0q8/Vm-eRWsaCPI/AAAAAAAAkxM/qS5Voi0Do_g/s640/Christmas%2BTreats-0562.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">We baked them at
350 for about 8-10 minutes; just until they crack.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">We let them cool
some, and then we stuck that peppermint kiss right in the middle. They
are delicious! These would also be so good with white chocolate chips.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Happy Baking
friends.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQmFXr-ZpoA/Vm-eXuPchNI/AAAAAAAAkzI/qOuKI1q7odQ/s1600/Christmas%2BTreats-07232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQmFXr-ZpoA/Vm-eXuPchNI/AAAAAAAAkzI/qOuKI1q7odQ/s640/Christmas%2BTreats-07232.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">WARNING</span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">: Christmas
baking has the ten pound effect.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">If you make
these recipes, you may put on ten pounds during the holidays!! </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Want to know
what I say about that?</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 13.5pt;">That’s what
January 2nd is for.</span></div>
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<br />Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685723743221422945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750081147518887207.post-19134096231306066502015-12-14T10:00:00.000-06:002015-12-14T10:00:03.406-06:00Christmas Book Sacks<p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">We have a Christmas tradition of reading one book each night from Dec. 1st until Christmas.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I normally wrap all these book, and then they go under the tree.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xR_T04XTIlk/VmnbvZhrOKI/AAAAAAAAkvo/djZH777LrbI/s1600-h/photo%2525201%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo 1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="photo 1" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ielc0KWIbJ4/Vmnbv5N8hjI/AAAAAAAAkvs/Ee9OnRjPXgo/photo%2525201_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="522" height="683" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">This year, I decided that I was ending the madness of trying to wrap 24 books before Dec. 1st.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">This year, I decided upon a solution.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">This solution involved some preparation this year, but will solve my wrapping problems from here on out.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I started by heading to Hobby Lobby and picking up some adorable fabric and ribbon.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uDRSRZvLR4k/VmnbwT6HBTI/AAAAAAAAkv0/8J3iJeYtK4s/s1600-h/IMG_0244%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Processed with VSCOcam with a5 preset" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Processed with VSCOcam with a5 preset" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ucyY7TcWZUE/VmnbxLfSKzI/AAAAAAAAkv8/I8hiBekO2r0/IMG_0244_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="769" height="769" /></a>   </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">One yard of fabric will make 3 bags; so that meant I needed 8 yards. You could choose one fabric or up to eight different styles.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">With this fabric, I decided that I was going to sew up 24 bags that the books could be put in.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I decided to sew on some ribbon, and then tie them up like a little gift to be placed under the tree.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">No more wrapping, now I just have to stick them in these bags.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">So a few nights before December 1st, Stella and I got to work.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TY1Hg7BHjyU/Vmnbxn3dcdI/AAAAAAAAkwA/-2Upl9rzZkM/s1600-h/IMG_0293%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0293" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0293" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FlOZRdhaqUQ/VmnbxwOncFI/AAAAAAAAkwI/YcEW2iALKaQ/IMG_0293_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="708" height="708" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I cut the fabric in thirds, using the fold in the fabric as the bottom of the bag.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I made sure to make bags of all sizes, because books are all sizes.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I made sure that if I cut a small bag on one of the yards of fabric, that I cut a really large piece as well, and then a medium piece.  That still gave me 3 bags from one yard.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">On some of the yards, I cut the bags all the same.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Then all that was left to do was to sew a hem along the top.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Then stitch up the sides of the bags, using the fold for the bottom.  This is like the easiest sewing project ever.  I am no good at sewing, and <u>I</u> can totally manage this.  This was also a great opportunity to let Stella have a go at her new-found sewing skills.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0446_zps6gk4s6fv.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0446_zps6gk4s6fv.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0446_zps6gk4s6fv.jpg" width="608" height="912" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">We also cut a cute piece of ribbon or tulle, and we sewed it to the back of the bag.  Then it would be there every year when we were ready to tie up the bag.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0451_zpstobq3hqn.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0451_zpstobq3hqn.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0451_zpstobq3hqn.jpg" width="916" height="611" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Stella also helped me put all the books down in the bags, and tie them up.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0447_zpstwiu6e1n.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0447_zpstwiu6e1n.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0447_zpstwiu6e1n.jpg" width="616" height="924" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">We tied them up with the cute little ribbon already attached to the back.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0448_zpsvqbsv8te.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0448_zpsvqbsv8te.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0448_zpsvqbsv8te.jpg" width="904" height="603" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0452_zpsyre2gf2j.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0452_zpsyre2gf2j.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0452_zpsyre2gf2j.jpg" width="888" height="592" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Then I labeled them with these adorable number tags that I found <a href="http://simpleasthatblog.com/2014/11/free-printable-advent-calendar-christmas-countdown-tags.html">here.</a></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0442_zpsmoesgpok.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0442_zpsmoesgpok.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0442_zpsmoesgpok.jpg" width="612" height="918" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I attached them to the tied ribbon with some sequin trim and a stapler.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0439_zpsr5lpaeif.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0439_zpsr5lpaeif.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0439_zpsr5lpaeif.jpg" width="890" height="593" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I am hoping to laminate the tags, but I don’t have a laminator. YET!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0455_zpsfom2be3g.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0455_zpsfom2be3g.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0455_zpsfom2be3g.jpg" width="636" height="954" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I am hoping Santa puts that under the tree for me this year!!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0437_zps8qzz6dqx.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0437_zps8qzz6dqx.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0437_zps8qzz6dqx.jpg" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I am so excited that I won’t be spending 2 hours every year wrapping books.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0453_zps6rvjfpfh.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0453_zps6rvjfpfh.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0453_zps6rvjfpfh.jpg" width="622" height="933" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Don’t they look adorable under the tree?</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0419_zpsnv1ekvxk.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0419_zpsnv1ekvxk.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0419_zpsnv1ekvxk.jpg" width="636" height="954" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0457_zpsx1j7ysge.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0457_zpsx1j7ysge.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0457_zpsx1j7ysge.jpg" width="932" height="621" /></a></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">If you want to start this tradition, I highly suggest making these bags.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0461_zps1rwfbtgl.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0461_zps1rwfbtgl.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0461_zps1rwfbtgl.jpg" width="956" height="640" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I have had a few questions about this tradition:</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><em><strong>Do you buy 24 new books each year?</strong></em></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">No, I buy one new book each year, and let that be the first book the kids open.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Then I just wrap books we have been collecting over the years.  I think this is important to use the same books.  That is part of the tradition; reading books that your kids remember and love.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><em><strong>What are some of your favorite Christmas books?</strong></em></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Prayer-Rian-B-Anderson-ebook/dp/B006CV5AUG/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1449774435&sr=1-6&keywords=the+Christmas+prayer"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The Christmas Prayer</font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Tapestry-Patricia-Polacco/dp/0142411655/ref=sr_1_10?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1449774841&sr=1-10&keywords=the+tapestry"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Christmas Tapestry</font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gave-Christmas-Lisa-Tawn-Bergren/dp/1400071755/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1449774812&sr=1-1&keywords=God+gave+us+christmas"><font size="4" face="Courier New">God Gave us Christmas</font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Believe-Santa-Claus-Diane-Adamson/dp/0967357101/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1449774774&sr=1-1&keywords=i+believe+in+santa+claus"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I Believe in Santa Claus</font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><strong><em>How did you start your tradition?  Did you just go out and buy 24 books?</em></strong></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I was really lucky.  My grandma gave me all her Christmas books, so I had a really good start.  Then I started collecting them all year long at local thrift stores.  Also, like I said, I buy one new book each year.  Jex is 13 so that is 13 NEW books.  We have a huge collection now. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">My husbands nurse also did this for us last year, so she gave us 24 books to add to our collection.  She also gave us an ornament to go along with each book as well.  This was so fun last year to open a book and an ornament.  This might be a fun way to kick off your tradition for your family, and then as you read the books for years to come they look for that ornament on the tree?</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Traditions are such an important part of a child’s upbringing.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">“Family traditions are like spiritual and emotional cement in the foundation of a happy home. They create fond memories, and these memories bond us together as nothing else can.” taken from this article titled, “</font><a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/1986/03/traditions-worth-keeping?lang=eng"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Traditions worth keeping.”</font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I hope you find traditions in your own home that can bond you together.</font></p> Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685723743221422945noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750081147518887207.post-18752286532612123592015-12-11T10:00:00.000-06:002015-12-11T10:00:01.022-06:00Create: {Adorable Christmas Houses}<p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I started collecting these adorable putz houses a few years ago.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0345_zpsmltoffh2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0345_zpsmltoffh2.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0345_zpsmltoffh2.jpg" width="888" height="592" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8D6i32qplpA/VmnJWguKjgI/AAAAAAAAkuQ/j--mQ18-11c/s1600-h/IMG_02629.jpg"><img title="IMG_0262" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0262" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rSHE6emo9E8/VmnJXXn8BCI/AAAAAAAAkuU/iCzinIvT8kQ/IMG_0262_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="896" height="682" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I have been seriously obsessed with them.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I found some that I knew would look cute in Stella’s room, but I have struggled to collect enough for Tessa’s.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0480_zpsyzkkmglo.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0480_zpsyzkkmglo.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0480_zpsyzkkmglo.jpg" width="904" height="603" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-btbV-yY4-dc/VmnJX8w1rAI/AAAAAAAAkuc/VdmysAr7F9I/s1600-h/IMG_01339.jpg"><img title="IMG_0133" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0133" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lnjrzv9B_DU/VmnJYWvXSzI/AAAAAAAAkuo/TiujiNzCG1M/IMG_0133_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="911" height="694" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">There are lots out there to buy online, but I like to buy things at a bargain.  I guess you could say that I had a hard time finding any at a bargain.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I decided to try making my own version.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">It was such a fun project, that I thought I would share a quick tutorial with you.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Please do not judge that many of these photos are just the regular iphone pics, but they get the point across; and hopefully will help you create something of your own.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The first part of the project is bleaching and dying your bottle brush trees.  These can be found at Hobby Lobby or Michaels, and you can find a tutorial for that <a href="http://nestinginthebluegrass.blogspot.com/2013/11/bottle-brush-trees.html">here.</a></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oOIasfaSuK4/VmnJY-g_N4I/AAAAAAAAkus/a49-ai6gyME/s1600-h/IMG_66918.jpg"><img title="IMG_6691" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6691" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5uLObpCKSkU/VmnJZk9PxGI/AAAAAAAAku4/H_eL7Jnkcnw/IMG_6691_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="616" height="808" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">While your trees are drying, you can begin your houses.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I found the houses at Hobby Lobby.  They were really inexpensive. They can be found down the chipboard isle.  There are 3 sizes.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The roofs come off, so you can work on them in two pieces.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Making%20putz%20house/Project%20Making%20Christmas%20Houses-0024_zpsxmrxigv9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Making Christmas Houses-0024_zpsxmrxigv9.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Making%20putz%20house/Project%20Making%20Christmas%20Houses-0024_zpsxmrxigv9.jpg" width="840" height="560" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I started by choosing the colors I wanted them to be, and spray painting them.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Making%20putz%20house/Project%20Making%20Christmas%20Houses-0029_zpsellamwug.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Making Christmas Houses-0029_zpsellamwug.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Making%20putz%20house/Project%20Making%20Christmas%20Houses-0029_zpsellamwug.jpg" width="654" height="981" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Making%20putz%20house/Project%20Making%20Christmas%20Houses-0058_zpssatymcjv.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Making Christmas Houses-0058_zpssatymcjv.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Making%20putz%20house/Project%20Making%20Christmas%20Houses-0058_zpssatymcjv.jpg" width="860" height="573" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I painted all the roofs white, and the houses a color.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Making%20putz%20house/Project%20Making%20Christmas%20Houses-0026_zpsyigjbopq.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Making Christmas Houses-0026_zpsyigjbopq.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Making%20putz%20house/Project%20Making%20Christmas%20Houses-0026_zpsyigjbopq.jpg" width="590" height="885" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">While the paint was still wet, I sprinkled them with fake snow and glitter.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Making%20putz%20house/Project%20Making%20Christmas%20Houses-0053_zpsxkzd1kdz.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Making Christmas Houses-0053_zpsxkzd1kdz.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Making%20putz%20house/Project%20Making%20Christmas%20Houses-0053_zpsxkzd1kdz.jpg" width="597" height="892" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">(well, Stella sprinkled them with snow and glitter)</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Making%20putz%20house/Project%20Making%20Christmas%20Houses-0035_zps7tubbcqn.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Making Christmas Houses-0035_zps7tubbcqn.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Making%20putz%20house/Project%20Making%20Christmas%20Houses-0035_zps7tubbcqn.jpg" width="621" height="927" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I found the bag of snow at Hobby Lobby.  </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Making%20putz%20house/Project%20Making%20Christmas%20Houses-0051_zpszdn6qsqi.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Making Christmas Houses-0051_zpszdn6qsqi.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Making%20putz%20house/Project%20Making%20Christmas%20Houses-0051_zpszdn6qsqi.jpg" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Once you add the snow and glitter, then it’s good to spray them with a clear spray paint.  This will hold the glitter and snow in place.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Making%20putz%20house/Project%20Making%20Christmas%20Houses-0027_zpsczhlflug.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Making Christmas Houses-0027_zpsczhlflug.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Making%20putz%20house/Project%20Making%20Christmas%20Houses-0027_zpsczhlflug.jpg" width="670" height="1005" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Once your houses are dry, it’s time to start putting the fun finishing touches on the houses.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I collected all the trinkets at Hobby Lobby or Michaels.  I found them near the Christmas village sections and the mini-tree sections.  There is so much to choose from, so just buy what you love and would want on your houses.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The first step is adding this fake snow paint to the roof of your houses.  This makes your roof look like it has real snow on it.  This can also be found at Hobby Lobby.  The jar looks like this:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Making%20putz%20house/Project%20Making%20Christmas%20Houses-0062_zpszjihae1p.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Making Christmas Houses-0062_zpszjihae1p.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Making%20putz%20house/Project%20Making%20Christmas%20Houses-0062_zpszjihae1p.jpg" width="610" height="915" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">You just use an old paint brush, and dab it on thick. </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Making%20putz%20house/Project%20Making%20Christmas%20Houses-0064_zpsgoi0zjrp.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Making Christmas Houses-0064_zpsgoi0zjrp.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Making%20putz%20house/Project%20Making%20Christmas%20Houses-0064_zpsgoi0zjrp.jpg" width="916" height="611" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">The next step is adding your now dry bottle brush trees to the houses.  I did this by pulling the base off.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Making%20putz%20house/Project%20Making%20Christmas%20Houses-0063_zpsxdk4z71p.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Making Christmas Houses-0063_zpsxdk4z71p.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Making%20putz%20house/Project%20Making%20Christmas%20Houses-0063_zpsxdk4z71p.jpg" width="598" height="897" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Then using a nail I pushed a hole into the base of the house where I wanted the tree, and made a hole for the stem of the tree.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Making%20putz%20house/Project%20Making%20Christmas%20Houses-0065_zpsonmvosdb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Making Christmas Houses-0065_zpsonmvosdb.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Making%20putz%20house/Project%20Making%20Christmas%20Houses-0065_zpsonmvosdb.jpg" width="598" height="897" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Make sure to decorate your trees first.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Making%20putz%20house/Project%20Making%20Christmas%20Houses-0069_zpsy3jxijgw.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Making Christmas Houses-0069_zpsy3jxijgw.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Making%20putz%20house/Project%20Making%20Christmas%20Houses-0069_zpsy3jxijgw.jpg" width="610" height="915" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Then using hot glue on the stem, I shoved the trees in the holes I made.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Once you have your trees secure, then it’s time to decorate your houses.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Making%20putz%20house/Project%20Making%20Christmas%20Houses-0070_zpsgs2lxwpo.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Making Christmas Houses-0070_zpsgs2lxwpo.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Making%20putz%20house/Project%20Making%20Christmas%20Houses-0070_zpsgs2lxwpo.jpg" width="800" height="533" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I used this cute gold trim for the trees, and for the roof line.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Making%20putz%20house/Project%20Making%20Christmas%20Houses-0071_zpslequemia.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Project Making Christmas Houses-0071_zpslequemia.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Making%20putz%20house/Project%20Making%20Christmas%20Houses-0071_zpslequemia.jpg" width="806" height="537" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I added this fun reindeer to the roof.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">You can also make wreaths using chenille trim.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0431_zpsvmn9wa0a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0431_zpsvmn9wa0a.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0431_zpsvmn9wa0a.jpg" width="632" height="948" /></a></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Get creative.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">This is left up to your own creativity and devices.  I used other houses for inspiration.  </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">There is a lot of inspiration <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=putz%20houses&rs=typed&term_meta%5B%5D=putz%7Ctyped&term_meta%5B%5D=houses%7Ctyped">here.</a></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I love how they all came together. I loved them so much I made some for my basement family room, and for Tessa’s room.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0430_zps4gx5gtzh.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0430_zps4gx5gtzh.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0430_zps4gx5gtzh.jpg" width="892" height="595" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Once you get all your trinkets on, add some more snow paint to the base of trees and the bases of houses.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0323_zpswiruaaj4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0323_zpswiruaaj4.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0323_zpswiruaaj4.jpg" width="630" height="945" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">You could also use velum paper behind the windows if you wanted to fill that part of the house in.  I think I will do that for next year. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I really enjoyed putting some lights on the houses.  I used led lights that are connected with wire.  The only place I have found these is at Walmart.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G7E6GOdwZO0/VmnJac0hDjI/AAAAAAAAku8/cZvnpO43o_o/s1600-h/IMG_0111%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0111" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0111" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NeRTfhzV1Go/VmnJa76zyyI/AAAAAAAAkvE/CHYOdb6s0F0/IMG_0111_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="769" height="584" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I found the big star lights at the dollar store.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ng9LNoAZcL0/VmnJbdIVVzI/AAAAAAAAkvM/hBw7xF4Dcq4/s1600-h/IMG_0116%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0116" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_0116" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IHRHN01qDrw/VmnJb8mOrkI/AAAAAAAAkvQ/RUg0TJCb69E/IMG_0116_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="696" height="914" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I have loved walking into all the rooms at night and seeing all the fun, glowing, putz houses.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I especially love seeing the ones that I made.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Often times, I find that creativity comes at a cost.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">It’s hard to sit down and work on a project when you know that other things are going to suffer.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">My house, my ability to shower and get ready, and just about every daily responsibility certainly fell apart the day that I put this project together, but it was worth it.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">It is so important for me to let those creative juices out sometimes; even if I don’t get to shower.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I can put the pieces back together later, and then add my new project to the pretty little pieces of my life.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Take the time to create.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">For more on the importance of creativity check out this <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/happiness-your-heritage?lang=eng">little gem.</a></font></p> Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685723743221422945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4750081147518887207.post-41951089996975547002015-12-09T10:00:00.000-06:002015-12-09T10:00:02.397-06:00Holiday Decorating<p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Every year, I am amazed at how the holiday decorating comes together.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">My house always looks different than it did the year before, and I am using the same ingredients.(for the most part)</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I may have bought a few new things… shhhh.  Don’t tell.  I even made a few things, and can’t wait to share that with you.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I love documenting the changes from year to year.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">I also love the feeling that holiday decorations add.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">So here is the long, long, long, peak of what is going on in our house this year.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Porch:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0368_zpspmlcyyor.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0368_zpspmlcyyor.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0368_zpspmlcyyor.jpg" width="610" height="915" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0367_zpsngob7swk.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0367_zpsngob7swk.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0367_zpsngob7swk.jpg" width="630" height="945" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0369_zpsjrprzkal.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0369_zpsjrprzkal.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0369_zpsjrprzkal.jpg" width="934" height="623" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0370_zpsyy6v7bov.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0370_zpsyy6v7bov.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0370_zpsyy6v7bov.jpg" width="626" height="939" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Great room, Office and Entry:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0380_zpsfrxfgiuv.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0380_zpsfrxfgiuv.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0380_zpsfrxfgiuv.jpg" width="622" height="933" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0375_zpsy6e4czr2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0375_zpsy6e4czr2.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0375_zpsy6e4czr2.jpg" width="630" height="945" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0394_zps5mt2f6oh.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0394_zps5mt2f6oh.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0394_zps5mt2f6oh.jpg" width="624" height="936" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0391_zpsmfdbaahk.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0391_zpsmfdbaahk.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0391_zpsmfdbaahk.jpg" width="620" height="930" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0382_zpsbdttfb2s.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0382_zpsbdttfb2s.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0382_zpsbdttfb2s.jpg" width="850" height="567" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/Saba%20Winter%202015-0295_zpsyepx4cuy.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Saba Winter 2015-0295_zpsyepx4cuy.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/Saba%20Winter%202015-0295_zpsyepx4cuy.jpg" width="620" height="930" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/Saba%20Winter%202015-0297_zpsvmbh078j.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Saba Winter 2015-0297_zpsvmbh078j.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/Saba%20Winter%202015-0297_zpsvmbh078j.jpg" width="618" height="927" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/Saba%20Winter%202015-0300_zpsyhwrcdc8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo Saba Winter 2015-0300_zpsyhwrcdc8.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/Saba%20Winter%202015-0300_zpsyhwrcdc8.jpg" width="616" height="924" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0378_zpskastf1uc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0378_zpskastf1uc.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0378_zpskastf1uc.jpg" width="858" height="572" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0377_zps4dqmijpb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0377_zps4dqmijpb.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0377_zps4dqmijpb.jpg" width="868" height="579" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0361_zpsln1vluhw.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0361_zpsln1vluhw.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0361_zpsln1vluhw.jpg" width="608" height="912" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0364_zpsmavtffy8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0364_zpsmavtffy8.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0364_zpsmavtffy8.jpg" width="622" height="933" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0363_zpsiwikjqgj.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0363_zpsiwikjqgj.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0363_zpsiwikjqgj.jpg" width="626" height="939" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0365_zpsytsymz3d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0365_zpsytsymz3d.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0365_zpsytsymz3d.jpg" width="866" height="577" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0358_zpstsvpxdic.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0358_zpstsvpxdic.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0358_zpstsvpxdic.jpg" width="624" height="936" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0357_zpsuiz3v05w.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0357_zpsuiz3v05w.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0357_zpsuiz3v05w.jpg" width="936" height="624" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0343_zpslp1vdsj2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0343_zpslp1vdsj2.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0343_zpslp1vdsj2.jpg" width="944" height="629" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0346_zpsuny2kjj4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0346_zpsuny2kjj4.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0346_zpsuny2kjj4.jpg" width="622" height="933" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0340_zpsqorujfgl.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0340_zpsqorujfgl.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0340_zpsqorujfgl.jpg" width="636" height="954" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0337_zpssfctrjka.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0337_zpssfctrjka.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0337_zpssfctrjka.jpg" width="638" height="957" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Kitchen:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0412_zpsusgeebk5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0412_zpsusgeebk5.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0412_zpsusgeebk5.jpg" width="632" height="948" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0403_zpsmlf6gba9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0403_zpsmlf6gba9.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0403_zpsmlf6gba9.jpg" width="622" height="933" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0401_zpsyljwyblu.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0401_zpsyljwyblu.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0401_zpsyljwyblu.jpg" width="904" height="603" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0398_zps8gvv0q5f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0398_zps8gvv0q5f.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0398_zps8gvv0q5f.jpg" width="612" height="918" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0409_zpsqipltyz9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0409_zpsqipltyz9.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0409_zpsqipltyz9.jpg" width="918" height="612" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Basement Family Room:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0419_zpsnv1ekvxk.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0419_zpsnv1ekvxk.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0419_zpsnv1ekvxk.jpg" width="640" height="960" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0421_zps96jxytl6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0421_zps96jxytl6.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0421_zps96jxytl6.jpg" width="900" height="600" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0425_zps5pev39fb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0425_zps5pev39fb.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0425_zps5pev39fb.jpg" width="902" height="601" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0430_zps4gx5gtzh.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0430_zps4gx5gtzh.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0430_zps4gx5gtzh.jpg" width="914" height="609" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0472_zpsgc4iyp3l.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0472_zpsgc4iyp3l.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0472_zpsgc4iyp3l.jpg" width="624" height="936" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0464_zpsrvskm8mu.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0464_zpsrvskm8mu.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0464_zpsrvskm8mu.jpg" width="632" height="948" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0466_zpswsu1dujp.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0466_zpswsu1dujp.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0466_zpswsu1dujp.jpg" width="648" height="972" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Kids Rooms:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0323_zpszhdfcieb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0323_zpszhdfcieb.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0323_zpszhdfcieb.jpg" width="630" height="945" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0324_zps55ewqb6f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0324_zps55ewqb6f.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0324_zps55ewqb6f.jpg" width="652" height="978" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0328_zpsssyedlpl.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0328_zpsssyedlpl.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0328_zpsssyedlpl.jpg" width="926" height="617" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0327_zpszwck123l.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0327_zpszwck123l.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0327_zpszwck123l.jpg" width="932" height="621" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0329_zpsf1tidkdb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0329_zpsf1tidkdb.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0329_zpsf1tidkdb.jpg" width="654" height="981" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0334_zpsfuyzyhtl.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0334_zpsfuyzyhtl.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0334_zpsfuyzyhtl.jpg" width="922" height="615" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0335_zpsrg0oex19.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0335_zpsrg0oex19.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0335_zpsrg0oex19.jpg" width="626" height="939" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0473_zpsl4fdwblv.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0473_zpsl4fdwblv.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0473_zpsl4fdwblv.jpg" width="646" height="969" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0475_zps9z0rbmrv.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0475_zps9z0rbmrv.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0475_zps9z0rbmrv.jpg" width="642" height="963" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0476_zpspmw0yuu6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0476_zpspmw0yuu6.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0476_zpspmw0yuu6.jpg" width="924" height="616" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0478_zpsdmznlq9x.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0478_zpsdmznlq9x.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0478_zpsdmznlq9x.jpg" width="630" height="945" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0480_zpskzbfhs5j.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0480_zpskzbfhs5j.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0480_zpskzbfhs5j.jpg" width="916" height="611" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cutiewithclippers/media/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0485_zpsdn9son7d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo House at Christmas 2015-0485_zpsdn9son7d.jpg" src="http://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a425/cutiewithclippers/Christmas%20Decorations%202015/House%20at%20Christmas%202015-0485_zpsdn9son7d.jpg" width="640" height="960" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Thanks for Coming!!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New">Happy Decorating!!</font></p> Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685723743221422945noreply@blogger.com2