tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12715114744586168872024-03-12T20:33:30.927-06:00Designer GardenWhere your creativity blossomsSommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10126770663361207060noreply@blogger.comBlogger268125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271511474458616887.post-19333758620910042922012-05-05T08:45:00.001-06:002012-05-05T08:45:14.558-06:00We’re Two Weeks Old<p>The chicks are two weeks old today!!  I can’ believe it.  Well Raven (the black) will be two weeks on Tuesday, she was hatched a few days later.</p> <p>Here are some pics of our growing babies.  Most of the fuzz on their wings is gone now, replaced by beautiful soft feathers.  I’ve also been researching plans for a chicken coop which they will need to be in by July 1st.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gt4thgNLQbc/T6U825KAw9I/AAAAAAAADZU/L2eqpEeQjWg/s1600-h/IMG_8626%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8626" border="0" alt="IMG_8626" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fGzWZpVGKlo/T6U83MCb84I/AAAAAAAADZc/9WaxXZzW-0k/IMG_8626_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5Nx1AcADZik/T6U84N8uGDI/AAAAAAAADZk/I7E-__ZkUHc/s1600-h/IMG_8633%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8633" border="0" alt="IMG_8633" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OSlRiWq4DYI/T6U84THPJsI/AAAAAAAADZs/Kw-nQPfPN-g/IMG_8633_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DHseZm_jY64/T6U85fTI8hI/AAAAAAAADZ0/4_OfNsbW2r8/s1600-h/IMG_8637%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8637" border="0" alt="IMG_8637" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-N6FJnmM3C3o/T6U85v_cRTI/AAAAAAAADZ8/qr2ZPJkX4eU/IMG_8637_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p>You can see Chirpie and Lillys wings really well now.  Chirpie has the speckled wings and Lillys are white.  However Lilly is supposed to turn a beautiful silver/grey at some point, not sure when.  They are really starting to develop little personalities.  Chirpie is stand offish and the largest girl in the bunch.  Lilly is super sweet and passive.  And raven is definitely the baby of the bunch.  Loves to be coddled and is a jabber jaw.  Here are some shots of them on their backs.  They go into a sort of short lived trance when you lay them on their back and stroke their bellies lol.  It’s really quite cute!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zKunni43xMw/T6U86TWyNYI/AAAAAAAADaE/as165y1qzWs/s1600-h/IMG_8619%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8619" border="0" alt="IMG_8619" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uIDtypwaPaU/T6U862Q0EvI/AAAAAAAADaM/AKRZzvOVj3c/IMG_8619_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FEDxSoMkMGI/T6U87qpwLtI/AAAAAAAADaU/LXuOvIFLaPQ/s1600-h/IMG_8625%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8625" border="0" alt="IMG_8625" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-68aNKrNxUkU/T6U87x_yZ0I/AAAAAAAADac/0xBLz3vfpB0/IMG_8625_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nEc6Fec9PjE/T6U88w8DgwI/AAAAAAAADak/ihpoCCR2QyU/s1600-h/IMG_8629%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8629" border="0" alt="IMG_8629" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-piIk-YCZ6i4/T6U89KGgEsI/AAAAAAAADas/-DAFqSmcZUQ/IMG_8629_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Qn7z4aRcNMY/T6U8998Y5MI/AAAAAAAADa0/hlDWj82hA64/s1600-h/IMG_8611%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8611" border="0" alt="IMG_8611" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gAjr4HKq3ms/T6U8-SCVw8I/AAAAAAAADa8/u3Bn3jCAXS4/IMG_8611_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Have a great weekend!</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Lucida Handwriting">~Sommer</font></p> Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10126770663361207060noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271511474458616887.post-25488334061314868212012-05-02T10:29:00.001-06:002012-05-02T10:29:57.205-06:00Baby Chicks<p>Well I’ve gone and done it again.  My impulsive behavior along with insatiable love for baby animals (well all animals really) has won again!  I posted on FB recently that while shopping a local feed store for a large syringe for mixing my paints I came across a slew of baby chicks.  Well this suburban girl has never seen baby chicks in real life.  Okay to be honest when my daughters kindergarten class got to hold baby chicks last year I was crazed with jealousy! LOL</p> <p>When Mr. garden and I found out about getting my in laws house on 3/4 acres we knew straight away that we wanted to raise chickens.  I just didn’t intend on starting this journey until the back yard had been landscaped and that wouldn’t be for a year at least.  </p> <p>Well, I’m sure our chickens wont care what the back yard looks like.  Let me introduce our new baby chicks!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-J86LYOeR2Pw/T6Fg7d76rTI/AAAAAAAADXw/cCFvIAHz_Ak/s1600-h/IMG_8577%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lilly" border="0" alt="LILLY" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KieLX06hC0g/T6Fg76spfWI/AAAAAAAADX4/xJEZxRT3540/IMG_8577_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p align="center">Lilly</p> <p align="center">Blue Andalusion</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-98YoZ2DsNus/T6Fg8pVWlcI/AAAAAAAADYA/cZUd20rSmaE/s1600-h/IMG_8578%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8578" border="0" alt="IMG_8578" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G1_cPGrAW-A/T6Fg875PsDI/AAAAAAAADYI/E9LhQDNP9Vc/IMG_8578_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p align="center">Raven</p> <p align="center">Black Sex Link</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uOXa2dZUdXg/T6Fg9isW50I/AAAAAAAADYQ/RqPxIeSOqak/s1600-h/IMG_8601%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8601" border="0" alt="IMG_8601" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dSxCUPrUUQM/T6Fg-P3JswI/AAAAAAAADYY/x7JiXCuCIBw/IMG_8601_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p align="center">Chirpie</p> <p align="center">Delaware</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left">We started with three this year so we would have a good handle on learning the ropes of raising chickens.  Each child picked one.  We got all hens so we will have real farm fresh eggs, not just cute signs stating so!  Next spring we will be a bit more choosy on the other three birds we invest in.  We plan to get two Silkies and one Silver laced Polish chicken.  Here is what they look like full grown.  These are more ornamental birds, they still lay but not as often as our current babies will.  Heck if you think about it.  Our babies will lay most every single day.  That means three birds times seven days a week.  We will already be getting 21 eggs a week!!</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gWa5VTnYv94/T6Fg-kNEu9I/AAAAAAAADYg/2rOHjQWP9vQ/s1600-h/1545930911_46762c9fcb%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1545930911_46762c9fcb" border="0" alt="1545930911_46762c9fcb" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z4L1j_g_oUU/T6Fg-wznaaI/AAAAAAAADYo/tBuX9AgoplM/1545930911_46762c9fcb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="260" /></a></p> <p align="center">Silver Laced Polish</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NtgRo_jhPwE/T6Fg_EqvolI/AAAAAAAADYw/7sIxh61r354/s1600-h/WhiteSilkie%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WhiteSilkie" border="0" alt="WhiteSilkie" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EMTKQT4BpNk/T6Fg_qef80I/AAAAAAAADY4/KTAiypgMd5Q/WhiteSilkie_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="195" height="260" /></a></p> <p align="center">White Silkie</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wdV38CleF64/T6Fg_2zuWUI/AAAAAAAADZA/-KcpQa_pS54/s1600-h/black-silkie-chickens%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="black-silkie-chickens" border="0" alt="black-silkie-chickens" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--7taPzfR1gc/T6FhAX5C6nI/AAAAAAAADZI/54FMhtfe1G8/black-silkie-chickens_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="180" /></a></p> <p align="center">Black Silkies</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left">I have already taken about 50 photos of our little chicks in just the 4 days we’ve had them so plan to see lots of post of darling little fluff balls for a little while =)</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Lucida Handwriting">~Sommer</font></p> Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10126770663361207060noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271511474458616887.post-71709228586819889092012-04-28T08:00:00.000-06:002012-04-28T08:00:04.899-06:00Creative Space<p>I bought this pretty little desk over a year ago for my sewing machine/craft space.  But it didn’t offer enough space so I passed it on to the girls.  I also found this poor old chair abandoned on the curb a year ago.  I tore it apart and it sat in the basement waiting for the right inspiration. </p> <p>Well the time finally came when I moved the white desk into little bears room in an effort to clean up the loft to show the rental property so we can hopefully get new tenants in here before we move.</p> <p>I got some beautiful fabric from a friend of a friend and I knew it was perfect for this chair!  Well the excitement got the best of me and I mis-cut the fabric!  I wanted to do a bubble skirt but ended up having to piece together two sections for a regular ruffled skirt with a hem.  No biggie just an oversight on my part.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TD2ZPbG-S8Y/T5rQVWlWQHI/AAAAAAAADUM/2OPW28sxDrM/s1600-h/IMG_8563%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8563" border="0" alt="IMG_8563" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OF1OgfpcTF4/T5rQVjHsfKI/AAAAAAAADUU/UQsk1vrenXs/IMG_8563_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p>I’m still debating on painting the desk Antoinette/old white.  Since the rest of the room has been painted in Antoinette and Coco I don’t want everything matchy matchy.  I thought maybe a 1/1 of Antoinette and Old white would be a nice soft color pallet for the desk.  What do you think?</p> <p>Here is how I finished the chair.  This was the first time I ever made my own piping and it was soooo easy!  I just took the chair seat and traced it onto some 2in foam and cut it out.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FRlo2Mn6z00/T5rQW3YU9NI/AAAAAAAADUc/8jSWA2uBUvs/s1600-h/IMG_8544%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8544" border="0" alt="IMG_8544" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ETCATmCw1PM/T5rQXb0s-DI/AAAAAAAADUk/OaCirO9ltdw/IMG_8544_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7wHkkMf61ig/T5rQYa8FpXI/AAAAAAAADUs/xAviCY2OosI/s1600-h/IMG_8545%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8545" border="0" alt="IMG_8545" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fh_vIk2dR9o/T5rQYkHqNbI/AAAAAAAADU0/y4ht2KLL7u8/IMG_8545_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p>Next I covered the seat with my fabric and stapled in place.  Then I made the piping and skirt.  To make the piping I just got 2 yards of cotton cording.  I cut a 2in strip of my coordinating fabric and folded it over the cording and pinned in place.  Then I ran a tight straight stitch from one end to the other and cut off the excess cording.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-57dbZml2v4c/T5rQZaJnjzI/AAAAAAAADU8/6jEjbvaH5o8/s1600-h/IMG_8547%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8547" border="0" alt="IMG_8547" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0yZocVIZylQ/T5rQZiPD1FI/AAAAAAAADVE/3TUhxj6MuoA/IMG_8547_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IFMSOpctkk0/T5rQaqipgYI/AAAAAAAADVM/y6ZYMrjWiIU/s1600-h/IMG_8546%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8546" border="0" alt="IMG_8546" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Wt317p28QPg/T5rQa81UY-I/AAAAAAAADVU/csRtyPpQqr8/IMG_8546_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p>Then I doubled the length of fabric I needed to go around the front and sides of the chair and ruffled it by hand down to the exact length I needed.  I then attached the cording with pins and ran another straight stitch to hold them together.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Wtn8KErVzdU/T5rQcD3nglI/AAAAAAAADVc/NgHpy3ZANso/s1600-h/IMG_8548%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8548" border="0" alt="IMG_8548" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8QroLj6Jl7w/T5rQcsFqP5I/AAAAAAAADVk/aXiPG0hK838/IMG_8548_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p>Next I flipped my seat over and laid the skirt wrong side up and began to staple it around the edges.  Making sure the piping was sitting right along the edge of the foam seat cushion.  I just flipped my skirt up every few staples to make sure it was in place.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xvcQMEIBOeo/T5rQdnXSXUI/AAAAAAAADVs/bRj3sYqEWCc/s1600-h/IMG_8549%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8549" border="0" alt="IMG_8549" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OnwmcP0lB0I/T5rQd4R1n2I/AAAAAAAADV0/0-Gnikcp3PA/IMG_8549_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3tTMRkk0SXM/T5rQfPdzS5I/AAAAAAAADV8/8cX39yVds34/s1600-h/IMG_8550%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8550" border="0" alt="IMG_8550" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zxtXE1hF22A/T5rQfTFAWxI/AAAAAAAADWE/icPnDO8-ncc/IMG_8550_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p>I know some of you upholstery experts are probably turning green at my methods here but I simply couldn’t think of a better way and this was easy and functional.  In the end I think it turned out perfectly.  It looks professional.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-waVVkwcWTGI/T5rQf8GMMaI/AAAAAAAADWM/F7jVB3ZQfyE/s1600-h/IMG_8564%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8564" border="0" alt="IMG_8564" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-idqg_zcwd5g/T5rQgtMWfqI/AAAAAAAADWU/jjRGfVk18yY/IMG_8564_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SawNwp6bxeQ/T5rQhstSV0I/AAAAAAAADWc/0WKCxH9nDrs/s1600-h/IMG_8567%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8567" border="0" alt="IMG_8567" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LxJjBJao9Mw/T5rQiE02XDI/AAAAAAAADWk/l2o2TT2IAzw/IMG_8567_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rphqADAp600/T5rQig-5D5I/AAAAAAAADWs/UjxaOg0BRBc/s1600-h/IMG_8563%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8563" border="0" alt="IMG_8563" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iX-gcqShkRs/T5rQi4wjmPI/AAAAAAAADW0/br759D_BJ38/IMG_8563_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p>Oh and since I had this vase I wasn’t ready to pack away that I never bought flowers for I just couldn’t resist getting some pretty pink wild flowers from Hobby Lobby to top of the entire look.  Aren’t they pretty and springy?!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eY-RhO9e9B4/T5rQjVy7b7I/AAAAAAAADW8/f-MrwbhcJpU/s1600-h/IMG_8533%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8533" border="0" alt="IMG_8533" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2V85k7TfRq4/T5rQj5OSo9I/AAAAAAAADXE/w8H1vnPcaC0/IMG_8533_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rI_Fp_UExs8/T5rQkeU5BrI/AAAAAAAADXM/htSB94hI7_0/s1600-h/IMG_8539%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8539" border="0" alt="IMG_8539" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oEWnE_U7eVk/T5rQk3Py2MI/AAAAAAAADXU/8F9NfUP7wdA/IMG_8539_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-noRib49TjkA/T5rQls9xBQI/AAAAAAAADXc/9DufqBdOZZI/s1600-h/IMG_8540%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8540" border="0" alt="IMG_8540" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LIoOhvsA--8/T5rQlyog_6I/AAAAAAAADXk/cuGazm3coNM/IMG_8540_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Lucida Handwriting">~Sommer</font></p> Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10126770663361207060noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271511474458616887.post-69534003019169757552012-04-27T10:17:00.001-06:002012-04-27T10:17:51.624-06:00Tea Time<p>I got these little chairs at a garage sale two summers ago.  I loved them and they were perfect for my daughters already white bedroom.  Then I found the table last year and it made a perfect addition to the set.  I was always pleased with it and had no intention of changing it.  Until recently.  It wasn’t even my idea.  </p> <p>I was painting little miss K’s vanity and she wanted to help me so I let her.  Well it was a slippery slope as then little bear decided she wanted to help me paint something.  So we agreed to paint the table and chair set.  Let me just tell you there is a huge difference in the quality of work between a 6yr old and an 8yr old LOL.  </p> <p>As we painted I kept thinking “Well, I will have to go back over that spot, and that one, and that one…”  LOL.  But we had fun together and she felt very accomplished having had a hand in painting her little table and chairs. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cnsGIauMghk/T5rGkJcVa4I/AAAAAAAADSo/e8rQ1iQpGiA/s1600-h/IMG_85573.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8557" border="0" alt="IMG_8557" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qVT4sjm1UlQ/T5rGknMX1bI/AAAAAAAADSw/qeGVfRpm-rU/IMG_8557_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="203" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>This is what they looked like before.  Cute but simple.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7NkiTDv9bxY/T5rGloM3JGI/AAAAAAAADS4/A_K7NToqajI/s1600-h/IMG_85433.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8543" border="0" alt="IMG_8543" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mevS2dH0nFA/T5rGl2zf_pI/AAAAAAAADTA/O0kRX1u9Oig/IMG_8543_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p>I didn’t like them just Coco and Antoinette so I picked up the damask stencil and added the “Chaise” wording to the backs of the chairs.  I totally love this set now.  It has new life and will be enjoyed for a few more years to come.  I’m not sure actually how much longer she will even fit in these little chairs.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MVCjbp2a8d0/T5rGmm5EzxI/AAAAAAAADTI/3GaaxSxBTIA/s1600-h/IMG_85583.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8558" border="0" alt="IMG_8558" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-u9RpwOHu7os/T5rGnJXLMmI/AAAAAAAADTQ/0qg7XSwlXLM/IMG_8558_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MXrX5dXEt2M/T5rGnzOYqDI/AAAAAAAADTY/4-ZI8nc7ai8/s1600-h/IMG_85593.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8559" border="0" alt="IMG_8559" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6Mkem7oW6uk/T5rGoMhJgUI/AAAAAAAADTg/3XwMzNLf3YY/IMG_8559_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QHsYVrVi_M8/T5rGoxl9xMI/AAAAAAAADTo/ZYr2c-hQ3-c/s1600-h/IMG_85603.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8560" border="0" alt="IMG_8560" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uO5TmlZGxxE/T5rGpWOz7dI/AAAAAAAADTw/RtyYL-PZDxA/IMG_8560_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0dqwAyYQVn0/T5rGrMCZ55I/AAAAAAAADT4/s2qIhlDcZQA/s1600-h/IMG_85623.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8562" border="0" alt="IMG_8562" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2HjrKQy1RAc/T5rGruC9MNI/AAAAAAAADUA/srGSbhAiBX4/IMG_8562_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Lucida Handwriting">~Sommer</font></p> Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10126770663361207060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271511474458616887.post-90844383616811481522012-04-20T08:10:00.001-06:002012-04-20T08:10:25.139-06:00Antoinette and Coco Sitting In A Tree<p>These are a match made in heaven!  I have been horribly sick for the past week and haven’t done much of anything other than lay in bed but I did make time to refinish my dresser for my youngest daughters room.  This was not at all the direction I thought I was going with this room but when I went to pick up my Antoinette I bought some Coco for another project and then the light bulb went on.  I’m so pleased with this how this turned out that I have also done her little table and chairs which I will post later and I plan to do her desk to match as well.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-P0WCdQhKyBg/T5FuNEM50vI/AAAAAAAADQ0/t1ijpAEZdrE/s1600-h/IMG_8523%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8523" border="0" alt="IMG_8523" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X5_CsJhsrXg/T5FuNqsqZXI/AAAAAAAADQ8/sW_azLsxp0U/IMG_8523_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--DljJHgu89E/T5FuOcHt3rI/AAAAAAAADRE/iER5ExZ97KM/s1600-h/IMG_8524%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8524" border="0" alt="IMG_8524" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZpdY0pSCRTI/T5FuO8S6XeI/AAAAAAAADRM/fqfJe2THWDk/IMG_8524_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p>I used my new silver gilding wax for the details and painted the handles Coco and gilded those as well.  I absolutely LOVE the gilding wax!  I’m not keeping these black knobs, they were on the dresser when it was in my room but I haven’t replaced them yet.  I think I’m going to get some smaller clear crystal ones.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NdnUB5NEf4M/T5FuPhgW1tI/AAAAAAAADRU/6xXqRJYhIGs/s1600-h/IMG_8529%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8529" border="0" alt="IMG_8529" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UxyiO4GuCnE/T5FuP7VhdHI/AAAAAAAADRc/epExUyOWlr8/IMG_8529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AJyHP7-oviY/T5FuQrtQQEI/AAAAAAAADRk/VLwqokrRk8U/s1600-h/IMG_8531%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8531" border="0" alt="IMG_8531" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-k8qtMS9Z7hQ/T5FuQ6CLHUI/AAAAAAAADRs/ZFBEVawWryQ/IMG_8531_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p>I used a 3/1 ratio of the Antoinette on the drawers and then full strength in the centers.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oOqG3p5CiJ4/T5FuR555mLI/AAAAAAAADR0/BD37e1Z_uJE/s1600-h/IMG_8527%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8527" border="0" alt="IMG_8527" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mm_g3J2lz5o/T5FuSDCEcZI/AAAAAAAADR8/Jyud6OGrGE0/IMG_8527_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p>Here is a before and after of the dresser…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-X6l_NAgbJ2U/T5FuSoCn2oI/AAAAAAAADSE/rhZBlroe8e0/s1600-h/IMG_4553%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4553" border="0" alt="IMG_4553" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Zagq-tKHPXM/T5FuTMN358I/AAAAAAAADSM/MK18N1kLmzM/IMG_4553_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FBbyvwfgbZE/T5FuTr47ChI/AAAAAAAADSU/uOgYddIzuuA/s1600-h/IMG_8523%25255B18%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8523" border="0" alt="IMG_8523" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3UzWlrafRzY/T5FuUO5pM7I/AAAAAAAADSc/rHK3FYM6EFE/IMG_8523_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Lucida Handwriting">~Sommer</font></p> Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10126770663361207060noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271511474458616887.post-68061206522887796122012-03-29T09:00:00.000-06:002012-03-29T09:00:02.343-06:00Elements for the new house<p>Like I said before I’ve been out pricing and researching different elements for the new house like tile, flooring, fixtures etc… Here is some stuff I found at a flooring store the other day that I am loving.</p> <p>Here is a back splash I think will play nicely in a warm white kitchen.  The blue/green tiles will add some color but not be overwhelming.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YWZ9O3sJ41E/T3HrE-YdNfI/AAAAAAAADOU/rv5WNr6GD3I/s1600-h/022712140047%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="022712140047" border="0" alt="022712140047" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SpV-G2h7jHY/T3HrFVnxsQI/AAAAAAAADOc/_CeKi474wAM/022712140047_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p>I also found these for the master bath.  Maybe for the shower?</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mKg81wWWsCE/T3HrGfqwoeI/AAAAAAAADOk/oBOznT9rGB4/s1600-h/022712140208%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="022712140208" border="0" alt="022712140208" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-K0BbjbSLImE/T3HrGy4sUQI/AAAAAAAADOs/TQILSyR4IjU/022712140208_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p>I found some veneer flooring that I compared with the solid wood hand scraped floors that looks identical so for the price I’ve decided to go with the veneer.  I also found these amazing tiles.  I believe they are floor tiles but I thought they would be amazing in a shower! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kqiiRWjKIBc/T3HrHq3drDI/AAAAAAAADO0/J873FKqN_tw/s1600-h/022712135654%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="022712135654" border="0" alt="022712135654" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UfE1A_ynkJk/T3HrIAa5i5I/AAAAAAAADO8/YEFXhu9tLfQ/022712135654_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DADepzuOq3A/T3HrI8z20HI/AAAAAAAADPE/mUpdQZUkD-A/s1600-h/022712135719%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="022712135719" border="0" alt="022712135719" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UQZtFV8FuIg/T3HrJLoKkaI/AAAAAAAADPM/fcTUgBKIhII/022712135719_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2meHWgDvRjM/T3HrJ8BuwhI/AAAAAAAADPU/ryuZmrYTIV8/s1600-h/022712135728%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="022712135728" border="0" alt="022712135728" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8bYI4XD5-vA/T3HrKNJ334I/AAAAAAAADPc/3zOxsRHR44M/022712135728_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p>What do you think, black or cream?  Or all cream with a black horizontal stripe 3/4 the way to the top?  </p> <p>So that’s a start right?  Mr Garden keeps telling me these items are so far down on the list since we first have to demo the basement to move the utilities.  We are installing an on demand water heating system, have to move a lot of the hvac, install central a/c, move plumbing and water lines etc. so that we can relocate bathrooms and the kitchen upstairs.  All I can say is, at least I’ll be ready when the time comes!</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Lucida Handwriting">~Sommer</font></p> Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10126770663361207060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271511474458616887.post-1068058877893391182012-03-29T08:31:00.000-06:002012-03-29T08:47:27.686-06:00Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid<p>So I wanted to give you all a look at some sections of the house that have not been cleared out yet.  This is what I have left to do on the main floor.  Next is the basement.  However that likely wont be cleared out until June when the in laws move.  And 99% of it will go into a 20ft dumpster.  Welcome to my living nightmare!</p> <p>Ah, the kitchen.  The dated 1970’s dark wood cabinets.  Most don’t close, the drawers fall out when you open them.  Not to mention it’s about the size of my powder bath right now.  I’m pretty sure you should be using gloves to touch anything in here as it all has a tacky film all over it.  I’m thinking this would qualify for DIY’s worst kitchen in America.  What do you think?</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0Ny_1keU7Ww/T3R1CR0S-bI/AAAAAAAADPk/UMQe7WaJb3U/s1600-h/IMG_8496%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8496" border="0" alt="IMG_8496" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_VOg167cIuk/T3R1CtGlZbI/AAAAAAAADPs/TC1MZemFHVE/IMG_8496_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p>Here is the other side of the kitchen.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sTs_pOHj9hQ/T3R1Dq74RlI/AAAAAAAADP0/rp8_nYzI5bQ/s1600-h/IMG_8498%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8498" border="0" alt="IMG_8498" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FhxcoX9FqeI/T3R1ELUSHKI/AAAAAAAADP8/EwvFRCFpI3w/IMG_8498_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p>And what was initially designated as a breakfast nook.  Oh baby Jesus, help us.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Z6gr1sclOS8/T3R1FJycK0I/AAAAAAAADQE/LKNj5uWBWf4/s1600-h/IMG_8499%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8499" border="0" alt="IMG_8499" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QPOf1OhayA0/T3R1FooJYyI/AAAAAAAADQM/nTpNJ_ipleI/IMG_8499_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p>See that deck out those doors?  It wobbles to and fro when you step on it.  Cool huh?  It’s like a ride at a theme park!  And this is another living space.  Well, it was until it became a storage room.  And someday all that awful rock will be torn down and a beautiful fireplace surround will be installed to create a formal living space.  You can see it can’t you?  No?  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mSFvtKuCBH8/T3R1GjwFRdI/AAAAAAAADQU/MYhRdjdgMCw/s1600-h/IMG_8500%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8500" border="0" alt="IMG_8500" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gdvVQj3x7fc/T3R1HS6fC9I/AAAAAAAADQc/j_HOopNzskA/IMG_8500_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p>And lastly the back wall of this room where the stairs lead down to the dungeon err uh… basement.  And the garage entry is at the top of the steps here.  It will become a mud room someday.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-s7B4--KlvMI/T3R1IaCw7JI/AAAAAAAADQk/VFgaoUmTNT8/s1600-h/IMG_8501%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8501" border="0" alt="IMG_8501" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EH3r0XCdU_w/T3R1I51dnlI/AAAAAAAADQs/R2MJ6jOqD-4/IMG_8501_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p>So if you plan on coming to Colorado anytime in the next 10 years and want to get your hands dirty with some DIY, well you just shoot me an email and I’ll send you the address, come on over!</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Lucida Fax">~Sommer</font></p> <strong>You can find me linking up at these great blogs parties... Here is where I'll be this week...</strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><strong>Mondays:</strong></center><center><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/">Skip To My Lou</a></center><center><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/">Sumo's Sweet Stuff</a></center><center><a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/">DIY Show Off Project Parade</a></center><center><a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/">C.R.A.F.T.</a></center><center><a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.blogspot.com/">Making The World Cuter</a></center><center><a href="http://craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/">Keeping It Simple</a></center><center> <a href="http://www.homemakeronadime.com/">Homemaker On A Dime</a></center><center><a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/">The Girl Creative</a></center><center> </center><center><strong>Tuesdays:</strong></center><center><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/">Not Just A Housewife</a></center><center><a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/">Tip Junkie</a></center><center><a href="http://hopestudios.blogspot.com/">Hope Studios</a></center><center><a href="http://craftedition.blogspot.com/">Craft Edition</a></center><center> </center><center><strong>Wednesdays:</strong></center><center><a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/">Blue Cricket Design</a></center><center><a href="http://gingersnapcrafts.blogspot.com/">Ginger Snap Crafts</a></center><center> <a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/">Domestically Speaking</a></center><center><a href="http://tearosehome.blogspot.com/">Tea Rose Home</a></center><center><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/">Someday Crafts</a></center><center><a href="http://sewmuchado.blogspot.com/">Sew Much Ado</a></center><center><a href="http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/">Primitive And Proper</a></center><center><a href="http://www.typeadecorating.blogspot.com/">Type A</a></center><center><a href="http://www.lilluna.com/">Lil Luna</a></center><center><br /><strong>Thursdays:</strong></center><center><a href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/">Shabby Chic Cottage</a></center><center><a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/">Somewhat Simple</a></center><center><a href="http://www.yesterdayontuesday.com/">Yesterday On Tuesday</a></center><center><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/">House Of Hepworths</a></center><center><a href="http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/">Beyond The Picket Fence</a></center><center><a href="http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/">Fireflies And Jellybeans</a></center><center><a href="http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/">The Brambleberry Cottage</a></center><center> </center><center><strong>Fridays:</strong></center><center><a href="http://www.missmustardseed.blogspot.com/">Miss Mustard Seed</a></center><center><a href="http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/">Shabby Nest</a></center><center><a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/">Remodelaholic</a></center><center><a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/">Romantic Home</a></center><center><a href="http://www.decormamma.blogspot.com/">Finding Fabulous</a></center><center><a href="http://vintagerevivals.blogspot.com/">Vintage Revivals</a></center><center><a href="http://www.justagirlblog.com/">Just A Girl</a></center><center><a href="http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/">Fingerprints On The Fridge</a></center><center><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/">Chic On A Shoestring</a></center><center> </center><center><strong>Saturdays:</strong></center><center><a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/">Funky Junk Interiors</a></center><center><a href="http://www.perfectlyimperfectblog.com/">Perfectly Imperfect</a></center><center><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/">Tatertots And Jello</a></center><center><a href="http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/">Be Different Act Normal</a></center><center> </center><center> </center> Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10126770663361207060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271511474458616887.post-53834818128200321832012-03-28T09:00:00.000-06:002012-03-28T09:00:04.242-06:00New Home Inspiration<p>First off let me say please forgive the quality of these photo’s.  I just finally figured out how to get pics off my phone to the computer and these are not the best.  But I went into a model home a little while back and fell head over heels in love with the designs used in the home.  I hope to implement many of these ideas in the new house once the remodel is finished.</p> <p>I absolutely LOVE this kitchen.  Of course I will not have ceilings like this but I love the hood and architecture over the range.  I also really like the lighted glass door cabinets on top.  I’m planning to implement the fancy columns on the corners of the island as well and of course the warm white cabinets.  I also love the herringbone pattern floors but I’m still not sure Mr Garden is up for that much work lol.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uBrKx7PWB10/T3HbPrTleTI/AAAAAAAADMk/S-3EboA8YAA/s1600-h/091711153716%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="091711153716" border="0" alt="091711153716" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Cwknq9cZRTQ/T3HbQcoQYSI/AAAAAAAADMs/cupJZYqrP74/091711153716_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dnGm3HLhlkE/T3HbQ20mCzI/AAAAAAAADM0/l5XHwcAy2KE/s1600-h/091711154050%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="091711154050" border="0" alt="091711154050" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5_adUDEB4SQ/T3HbRq0PDZI/AAAAAAAADM8/XF9G1u5bO5A/091711154050_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p>I have found a site where I can get some pretty little accents for the table like these.  I love the look of the small potted plants inside.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-69MMZ5r6nBw/T3HbSadLcuI/AAAAAAAADNE/5fXiswY5O7o/s1600-h/091711153640%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="091711153640" border="0" alt="091711153640" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FCJq9RTAhQ4/T3HbS7ajPBI/AAAAAAAADNM/EFbXsbVr8h0/091711153640_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p>Thanks to the bestie I have a source for these amazing cages that hang on the walls as well.  I can’t wait to see these hanging over my bed!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hHyFEY0uVVw/T3HbTkdlVEI/AAAAAAAADNU/4zq8lYRvQp0/s1600-h/091711153827%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="091711153827" border="0" alt="091711153827" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qMasPlHEsHQ/T3HbUYyUuhI/AAAAAAAADNc/PLWmImhjdOE/091711153827_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p>If I can make it fit I would love to have a dining room table set up like this.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KxcHJFIb7gM/T3HbVIVe49I/AAAAAAAADNk/_aHPkF3Bv24/s1600-h/091711153741%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="091711153741" border="0" alt="091711153741" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yGBldG0AqCs/T3HbVWJI4oI/AAAAAAAADNs/ZqOjezzOBno/091711153741_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p>I also have been hunting for a best price on a soaker tub.  Our master bath plans will be similar to this but the his and hers vanity will be on either side of the tub =)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CXETHrI6Jzg/T3HbWNIzrRI/AAAAAAAADN0/LKiIYGjwE8c/s1600-h/091711153800%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="091711153800" border="0" alt="091711153800" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sMVUMM9J3qw/T3HbWvAyLxI/AAAAAAAADN8/2oZIzTQX7KI/091711153800_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p>Lastly I adore this little girls room.  I hope to be able to design one or both of the girls rooms similar to this.  We already have a bed almost exactly like it.  But the bead board half way up the wall with the ledge just captivates me!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-p26Iu11uJ_M/T3HbXP_r0VI/AAAAAAAADOE/Kr9028TGT7M/s1600-h/091711154212%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="091711154212" border="0" alt="091711154212" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vrxRXjlj9iU/T3HbX17aZuI/AAAAAAAADOM/0gfrde_Kl1s/091711154212_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p>I’ve also been gathering photos and pricing for other elements like counter tops, back splash, tiles etc.  I will post those tomorrow.  I cannot believe how much neat stuff is out there!</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Lucida Handwriting">~Sommer</font></p> Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10126770663361207060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271511474458616887.post-48476423443804591762012-03-27T09:00:00.000-06:002012-03-27T09:00:00.617-06:00Kids Rooms<p>These have been a work in progress for some time.  Though I wouldn’t consider them anywhere near finished I can’t expect them to be so when I’m still currently a renter.  But I did finally get the last full size bed and everyone has new bedding.  So once we get the basement finished out in the new place and we can paint walls and hang drapes etc… these rooms should come together nicely and fairly quickly.  I still have a lot of furniture to paint as well.</p> <p>Here is Little Miss K’s new bed and I already posted the bedding previously.  The bed is from Ikea and I was absolutely stunned at the quality!  It’s rock solid and I am sure it will last until college.  I just loved how it had the rails that went all the way to the floor with the molding.  No more shoving stuff under this bed!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MMCcrykL4kk/T3CJXwCt1gI/AAAAAAAADLU/ujSkXeVOADQ/s1600-h/IMG_8444%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8444" border="0" alt="IMG_8444" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-klC3lsx8-lQ/T3CJYCs0eNI/AAAAAAAADLc/qSPWCtR_hbQ/IMG_8444_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p>Here is Bears new set.  She inherited her sisters four post bed and we got all new bedding for her since she never really had a matching set before.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5qskaRmEOE8/T3CJZLV3rVI/AAAAAAAADLk/IqK9QUqpcBg/s1600-h/IMG_8441%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8441" border="0" alt="IMG_8441" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DPBI-A2q1AE/T3CJZdzSxxI/AAAAAAAADLs/vvJjpbIVfJI/IMG_8441_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oMEijXl38OI/T3CJaZt37_I/AAAAAAAADL0/AcJmAzyJMbA/s1600-h/IMG_8443%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8443" border="0" alt="IMG_8443" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_jRKr4ppbVs/T3CJa7eYHQI/AAAAAAAADL8/dWQrjpJLCuo/IMG_8443_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p>And with the mattress I picked up on Craig's list the woman gave me this entire set of bedding only used a handful of times.  It’s all Tommy Hilfiger and perfect for my boy!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1-_wnJncoVM/T3CJb0DlfrI/AAAAAAAADME/Wn4iULXglvU/s1600-h/IMG_8445%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8445" border="0" alt="IMG_8445" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-U_F2XOrD0L4/T3CJcSm46ZI/AAAAAAAADMM/-TXwME72cGY/IMG_8445_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_aqR4CCJDSY/T3CJdXOpWOI/AAAAAAAADMU/6plaFHY63zY/s1600-h/IMG_8446%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8446" border="0" alt="IMG_8446" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WIrSq6JRPqs/T3CJfMgS1qI/AAAAAAAADMc/dzfg9i2yFiI/IMG_8446_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p>So I’m super pleased that everyone now has a bed they can grow into and the next bed they get will be purchased by them! LOL.</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Lucida Handwriting">~Sommer</font></p> Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10126770663361207060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271511474458616887.post-40566271392107227072012-03-26T08:29:00.001-06:002012-03-27T07:54:21.256-06:00The Renovation Begins<p>As you may already know via my Facebook page we started renovation on the new property this past weekend.  I have been down to the house each week helping my mother in law sort, donate and clear out this section of the house.  They left for MO for two weeks over spring break to organize their affairs there and this gave us the opportunity to go into the house and start tearing things apart without disrupting anyone.  I’m going to show you the good, the bad and the down right ugly.  What can I say, it needs a little TLC. </p> <p>Lets start with the very best part of this house.  It’s situated on 1/3 of an acre and these are the views from the back of the house.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bfdrjwCXKgA/T3B8iNg3ZCI/AAAAAAAADDU/NbYZVrgjvYI/s1600-h/IMG_8486%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8486" border="0" alt="IMG_8486" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UWmfEjR14UI/T3B8jMEPQlI/AAAAAAAADDc/pPb9QJ_pnGA/IMG_8486_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fkXcVargS_s/T3B8kLLMpPI/AAAAAAAADDk/ZPNJJnTiJs4/s1600-h/IMG_8487%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8487" border="0" alt="IMG_8487" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-U08eFevgHFY/T3B8lKIoKoI/AAAAAAAADDs/dJfDHdqwwMA/IMG_8487_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eFWykfvSUeM/T3B8mAtKrHI/AAAAAAAADD0/qiuuoYDXSIc/s1600-h/IMG_8485%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8485" border="0" alt="IMG_8485" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Am-7wowc1uk/T3B8mQze1gI/AAAAAAAADD8/aN9ecgJMsGI/IMG_8485_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p>Pretty incredible right?  I can’t wait until we tear down the wobbly and highly unsafe deck that is there and build a new one the span of the entire back of the house.</p> <p>Lets get down to the bad and the ugly shall we?  This is the master bedroom at a glance.  Nice 1970’s blue shag carpet and popcorn ceilings.  And some close up’s of what else lives in this room.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o-QvETClugU/T3B8nDXQJII/AAAAAAAADEE/JpQ3twRTWeU/s1600-h/IMG_8451%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8451" border="0" alt="IMG_8451" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Qdj0FNG3lzo/T3B8nQEeOiI/AAAAAAAADEM/SDPH70avYZo/IMG_8451_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-V0BpfhTJco0/T3B8pPkbT0I/AAAAAAAADEU/bKIMTNH7oV4/s1600-h/IMG_8452%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8452" border="0" alt="IMG_8452" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fVUi-b_UobI/T3B8pZjB5WI/AAAAAAAADEc/spp9WqZfNOU/IMG_8452_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QAwFZ4i0Nfc/T3B8qX7sGII/AAAAAAAADEk/u7AHgXMNSEo/s1600-h/IMG_8456%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8456" border="0" alt="IMG_8456" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-glLHyiDwN08/T3B8q9pcItI/AAAAAAAADEs/NcIkRzIlaJY/IMG_8456_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-f_--3amymug/T3B8ruSZ8mI/AAAAAAAADE0/B8ko16fM8U8/s1600-h/IMG_8455%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8455" border="0" alt="IMG_8455" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PbqAFOUE3fM/T3B8rwn7xuI/AAAAAAAADE8/Y3pCjpxgib4/IMG_8455_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Uuc_6sC8Zlg/T3B8sobFlcI/AAAAAAAADFE/LCOtcuCl2GQ/s1600-h/IMG_8454%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8454" border="0" alt="IMG_8454" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Lb6_kIQN4nY/T3B8tZs-VXI/AAAAAAAADFM/ioSWpujdGDI/IMG_8454_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3-sdyVkaQj4/T3B8uRysJAI/AAAAAAAADFU/H3GYvveAg7I/s1600-h/IMG_8453%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8453" border="0" alt="IMG_8453" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-i_HLhc16Pzk/T3B8ulekshI/AAAAAAAADFc/8paVoPVNvQw/IMG_8453_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CKisXaKMBEA/T3B8vq2hdPI/AAAAAAAADFk/3yr2SNXHIMU/s1600-h/IMG_8457%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8457" border="0" alt="IMG_8457" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8OHt0oaxVS8/T3B8v1_OmyI/AAAAAAAADFs/Wavv__1iabk/IMG_8457_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p>Years of cobwebs covered in the dust.  Dust on top of dust.  Discolored walls.  Did you notice the yellow wall plates?  Twenty years of smoking in your home does that apparently.  And see the strange wood grain tack paper lining the closet shelves?  Oh and more cobwebs.  I’m thinking I might start my own spin off series of Dirty Jobs.  Let’s move onto the master bathroom.  I think a village of smurfs inhabited this room at some point.</p> <p>This is the tiniest master I have ever seen.  If you look at the bottom right of the first photo you see a toilet paper roll holder.  The toilet sits there.  And to the right of the sink, a one person blue tiled shower.  That’s it!  Two people cannot fit in this room.  But some day it will become the master closet.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6V6tHD4uM_Q/T3B8wUtaRnI/AAAAAAAADF0/UtdKaJYcIuY/s1600-h/IMG_8460%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8460" border="0" alt="IMG_8460" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JsIkAwYucsI/T3B8xS1qzFI/AAAAAAAADF8/eVKpXjAzG0I/IMG_8460_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gifvtCn7x_k/T3B8yDPt4kI/AAAAAAAADGE/q3iUQ0UuxbU/s1600-h/IMG_8458%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8458" border="0" alt="IMG_8458" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Haf2Z3N54GU/T3B8yYF_1QI/AAAAAAAADGM/pbageXBncbM/IMG_8458_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Yf8aDGX8ScE/T3B8yzwtGDI/AAAAAAAADGU/ofTyccsmQzQ/s1600-h/IMG_8459%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8459" border="0" alt="IMG_8459" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Mjgun3dF0oc/T3B8zc8DmOI/AAAAAAAADGc/pC3mBfVBzko/IMG_8459_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p>Now I know your jealous.  But rest assured I will be listing these beauties on eBay once I’m finished in here, you will have the opportunity to pay a fair price for them!</p> <p>This next room will be my oldest daughters until we tear down the closet from above that separates her room from the master and turn her room into our new master on suite.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ysy62UXAa6A/T3B8z-nQb2I/AAAAAAAADGk/sMeD_HufWR4/s1600-h/IMG_8461%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8461" border="0" alt="IMG_8461" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6Gj5wWMuD4A/T3B80aJi4yI/AAAAAAAADGs/AuCmoZBcDRw/IMG_8461_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Q8s7lNqw5WE/T3B81gso6lI/AAAAAAAADG0/CwJXEtstOok/s1600-h/IMG_8462%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8462" border="0" alt="IMG_8462" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5k8V71kMG-c/T3B82L2Ej7I/AAAAAAAADG8/m9KeNb95V0M/IMG_8462_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OftTDY18PSQ/T3B83XcheoI/AAAAAAAADHE/kjgmSUmSg-Q/s1600-h/IMG_8463%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8463" border="0" alt="IMG_8463" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FECure1uDvM/T3B83vu4s1I/AAAAAAAADHM/CHgehZhdE4k/IMG_8463_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p>I think this carpet has seen better days.  It was easy to remove however.  Lets get rid of this crap shall we?</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-so8GGHfQCAE/T3B85ksdD6I/AAAAAAAADHU/tCtga6ZuVf8/s1600-h/IMG_8464%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8464" border="0" alt="IMG_8464" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-f57yt72jxAg/T3B86EwlemI/AAAAAAAADHc/Y6ZdkaA9-G8/IMG_8464_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pndD891nHGM/T3B863KgKlI/AAAAAAAADHk/SNlIs5utlHo/s1600-h/IMG_8466%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8466" border="0" alt="IMG_8466" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fkO-JIyqTU0/T3B87BY0DTI/AAAAAAAADHs/8KUSNbBXFSo/IMG_8466_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p>The kids all helped roll up the carpet and pad.  They were also paid a penny per stable they pulled out of the subfloor.  So they all earned a few bucks yesterday. My youngest was intent on getting all the webs.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-d2oqVoafshw/T3B88G8MUVI/AAAAAAAADH0/Ny34OejB0BU/s1600-h/IMG_8479%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8479" border="0" alt="IMG_8479" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-notOuw2exB4/T3B88ZwPQ8I/AAAAAAAADH8/ePmL4Mz_O_A/IMG_8479_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fRq1S2uMnI0/T3B89Lo1MrI/AAAAAAAADIE/LqDAjB6MAJk/s1600-h/IMG_8470%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8470" border="0" alt="IMG_8470" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VbuGM8QkDnM/T3B89R7m3FI/AAAAAAAADIM/G4XB8lBxHQw/IMG_8470_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ULFHH-EsroQ/T3B8-Y8Hm6I/AAAAAAAADIU/OxwqdjYcr0g/s1600-h/IMG_8471%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8471" border="0" alt="IMG_8471" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zmZuEco79EQ/T3B8_ZbiOEI/AAAAAAAADIc/eL0X57X9fHM/IMG_8471_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IMEVWwJ7aLg/T3B9ApSksJI/AAAAAAAADIk/mhTWSfoLuRs/s1600-h/IMG_8472%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8472" border="0" alt="IMG_8472" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HKNjA5ZVZu0/T3B9BNWD6kI/AAAAAAAADIs/_0d5ABIg3Xw/IMG_8472_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F9cgJjYX2KM/T3B9B4JXGpI/AAAAAAAADI0/CBhZi8bajzw/s1600-h/IMG_8477%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8477" border="0" alt="IMG_8477" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AUTgBuynmjg/T3B9CQndIyI/AAAAAAAADI8/Ab5AUIwYSVc/IMG_8477_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p>What gets scraped, must come down.  It was like it snowed in these rooms.  Even the boy got in on the action. But the ceilings are so much better!  And of course the kids helped with clean up.  </p> <p>Here is what the walls look like when you’ve smoked in your house for twenty years… </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1fe_WfKD1yY/T3B9EGjmsZI/AAAAAAAADJE/qEGtRWKwb58/s1600-h/IMG_8473%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8473" border="0" alt="IMG_8473" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XGPSejjKnvk/T3B9EYp0L9I/AAAAAAAADJM/iSEfhzPxiJg/IMG_8473_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SCAK_1WpEJg/T3B9FcK0uHI/AAAAAAAADJU/bngqehUMu4Q/s1600-h/IMG_8474%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8474" border="0" alt="IMG_8474" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ztPTIc4NRVI/T3B9GXZC9yI/AAAAAAAADJc/7-6baYurHu4/IMG_8474_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nZXga4CsCsY/T3B9HjfZzWI/AAAAAAAADJk/DosRt5KoT5M/s1600-h/IMG_8475%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8475" border="0" alt="IMG_8475" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OWwWEPTcPvw/T3B9IDEI-lI/AAAAAAAADJo/zvX-ItYpxdc/IMG_8475_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p>I’m still unsure what we need to do to treat these before repainting.  I believe there is a chemical you can spray them with.  Mr. Garden had the idea of just sanding the walls until the texture was flat but I read up on it and apparently you have to smooth out the walls by skimming on joint compound.  Sanding is not recommended.  Holy big job!  I don’t know what were going do yet.  I have until June to figure it out.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MU8aw-h6XiE/T3B9IhMXVOI/AAAAAAAADJ0/S2Gf7TimKp4/s1600-h/IMG_8468%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8468" border="0" alt="IMG_8468" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wW3fH5RVsxM/T3B9JEA21PI/AAAAAAAADJ8/Jj31zs557Co/IMG_8468_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SFj0XPQTzhg/T3B9JrzQzkI/AAAAAAAADKE/jNVSmQimy6c/s1600-h/IMG_8467%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8467" border="0" alt="IMG_8467" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wuEW6gr3tDs/T3B9KIdtg1I/AAAAAAAADKM/y3_TlIcNnig/IMG_8467_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p>Now you see the rooms all cleaned out.  We got all the carpet removed and scraped all the ceilings.  My body is really telling me off today.  Lets get to the living room.  We removed the carpet but ran out of time for the ceilings.  Next weekend we’ll finish it off.  There is this horrible pony wall with spindles that we plan to tear out completely.  We want a double door front entry.  But at the risk of my mother in law completely freaking out at this point in time we decided to just remove the spindles.  What a difference that made!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-i4_VvX4w2fI/T3B9KrBslMI/AAAAAAAADKU/M6h_9e-SF8c/s1600-h/IMG_8480%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8480" border="0" alt="IMG_8480" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_1xdxiHSDUQ/T3B9K-fWiRI/AAAAAAAADKc/Mcsa8he8WEc/IMG_8480_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EAi8JTVDl_w/T3B9Lrza6eI/AAAAAAAADKk/V2mSM03QSrM/s1600-h/IMG_8482%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8482" border="0" alt="IMG_8482" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Y7g5UzKuXlE/T3B9LwTGdiI/AAAAAAAADKs/xCz5HWneO6k/IMG_8482_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ylBLXj6O7AM/T3B9MjoB25I/AAAAAAAADK0/nSvWtaPq6EQ/s1600-h/IMG_8484%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8484" border="0" alt="IMG_8484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wiFe7udw4ok/T3B9M_P6mTI/AAAAAAAADK8/ZZVZuqGZ71A/IMG_8484_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p><font face="Lucida Handwriting"></font><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Inj459CgC28/T3B9NmxMenI/AAAAAAAADLE/Mlk4TFX8FoA/s1600-h/IMG_8489%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8489" border="0" alt="IMG_8489" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-APcJtgRluuU/T3B9N7dczxI/AAAAAAAADLM/RuheYxey4ps/IMG_8489_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p>Now you see them, now you don’t!  Opened up the room immensely don’t you think?  This is the living room that will become our dining area once the kitchen is remodeled.  Can’t you just see that pony wall removed and a double front entry?  Oh and how do you like our front door?  That will be on eBay too =)</p> <p>So for now the in-laws are using the rest of the space in the home.  We can’t do much more until they move out in June.  But I will keep you posted on the progress!</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Lucida Handwriting">~Sommer</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Lucida Handwriting"></font></p> <strong>You can find me linking up at these great blogs parties... Here is where I'll be this week...</strong> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><center><strong>Mondays:</strong></center><center><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/">Skip To My Lou</a></center><center><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/">Sumo's Sweet Stuff</a></center><center><a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/">DIY Show Off Project Parade</a></center><center><a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/">C.R.A.F.T.</a></center><center><a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.blogspot.com/">Making The World Cuter</a></center><center><a href="http://craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/">Keeping It Simple</a></center><center> <a href="http://www.homemakeronadime.com/">Homemaker On A Dime</a></center><center><a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/">The Girl Creative</a></center><center> </center><center><strong>Tuesdays:</strong></center><center><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/">Not Just A Housewife</a></center><center><a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/">Tip Junkie</a></center><center><a href="http://hopestudios.blogspot.com/">Hope Studios</a></center><center><a href="http://craftedition.blogspot.com/">Craft Edition</a></center><center>  </center><center><strong>Wednesdays:</strong></center><center><a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/">Blue Cricket Design</a></center><center><a href="http://gingersnapcrafts.blogspot.com/">Ginger Snap Crafts</a></center><center> <a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/">Domestically Speaking</a></center><center><a href="http://tearosehome.blogspot.com/">Tea Rose Home</a></center><center><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/">Someday Crafts</a></center><center><a href="http://sewmuchado.blogspot.com/">Sew Much Ado</a></center><center><a href="http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/">Primitive And Proper</a></center><center><a href="http://www.typeadecorating.blogspot.com/">Type A</a></center><center><a href="http://www.lilluna.com/">Lil Luna</a></center><center> <br /><strong>Thursdays:</strong></center><center><a href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/">Shabby Chic Cottage</a></center><center><a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/">Somewhat Simple</a></center><center><a href="http://www.yesterdayontuesday.com/">Yesterday On Tuesday</a></center><center><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/">House Of Hepworths</a></center><center><a href="http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/">Beyond The Picket Fence</a></center><center><a href="http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/">Fireflies And Jellybeans</a></center><center><a href="http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/">The Brambleberry Cottage</a></center><center> </center><center><strong>Fridays:</strong></center><center><a href="http://www.missmustardseed.blogspot.com/">Miss Mustard Seed</a></center><center><a href="http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/">Shabby Nest</a></center><center><a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/">Remodelaholic</a></center><center><a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/">Romantic Home</a></center><center><a href="http://www.decormamma.blogspot.com/">Finding Fabulous</a></center><center><a href="http://vintagerevivals.blogspot.com/">Vintage Revivals</a></center><center><a href="http://www.justagirlblog.com/">Just A Girl</a></center><center><a href="http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/">Fingerprints On The Fridge</a></center><center><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/">Chic On A Shoestring</a></center><center> </center><center><strong>Saturdays:</strong></center><center><a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/">Funky Junk Interiors</a></center><center><a href="http://www.perfectlyimperfectblog.com/">Perfectly Imperfect</a></center><center><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/">Tatertots And Jello</a></center><center><a href="http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/">Be Different Act Normal</a></center><center> </center><center> </center> Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10126770663361207060noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271511474458616887.post-46457841207973790562012-03-02T13:02:00.001-07:002012-03-02T13:02:25.191-07:00I Love White, But…<p>I am a big lover of white.  White furniture, white linens, white paint etc.…  Okay maybe not white underwear.  But I am a lover of most things white.  However there does get to be a point where this too much of a good thing.  This was the case in my daughters room.  </p> <p>I had painted the bed white.  She has an antique vanity that we bought which is white.  I will be painting it someday but I’m scared of it being lead paint.  She has white pillows, white comforter, white photo frames etc.… </p> <p>So today I sold a piece of furniture and decided to put our money into some color for her room.  I say color… it’s grey lol.  Okay I’m a commitment phobe!  I admit.  But she does have pink sheets, a pink throw and I will be adding some pink pillows once I find a few cute ones.  I’m even thinking some pink and grey curtains.</p> <p>Before:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RHOdqazU6z8/T1EnN4O2XjI/AAAAAAAADCQ/gtMwBn440-w/s1600-h/IMG_8433%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8433" border="0" alt="IMG_8433" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ovvh10STyEQ/T1EnOjdpZpI/AAAAAAAADCY/z3Iy4iOv3YU/IMG_8433_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p>After:  Oh I love Ikea!  Got two down pillows, a down comforter (accidentally bought a twin oops.  So I will pass that on to little bear and get a full) the duvet cover and both pillow cases for $100!!  She loves it and I’m jealous.  It looks more comfy than my bed!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sd0LTtAb_kM/T1EnP-BnKHI/AAAAAAAADCg/FTMOlFdXWA8/s1600-h/IMG_8434%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8434" border="0" alt="IMG_8434" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5nc-dO_XoLo/T1EnQWbA_tI/AAAAAAAADCo/XGR82evLI4c/IMG_8434_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WXTN8zZ4_0c/T1EnRivH7JI/AAAAAAAADCw/7gECTtbk4FI/s1600-h/IMG_8435%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8435" border="0" alt="IMG_8435" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-67WW0MwjwlY/T1EnSIxstcI/AAAAAAAADC4/bUTCpUvAUPI/IMG_8435_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HECJ_Cv7KLE/T1EnTaLfsjI/AAAAAAAADDA/rQ4Au7BXVxc/s1600-h/IMG_8436%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8436" border="0" alt="IMG_8436" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FxWCJQQMRPw/T1EnUCxUlJI/AAAAAAAADDI/qu6n4VX-uSM/IMG_8436_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>I just found a new bed for little bear on Craig's list and sent an email.  If it works out her room will be black white and red!!  Exciting!</p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Lucida Handwriting">~Sommer</font></p> Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10126770663361207060noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271511474458616887.post-702694061548308582012-03-01T11:36:00.001-07:002012-03-01T11:56:30.394-07:00Giani Granite Review<p>Hi everyone!  I have a totally cool review to share with you today.  I was contacted by the wonderful folks at <a href="http://gianigranite.com/" target="_blank">Giani Granite</a> back in December to do a product review of their granite paint kits.  I was so excited for a number of reasons.  First off I had lavender laminate counter tops in my master bath that I have loathed from the moment we looked at this house.  Second because this is the first review I have been asked to do!  So many thanks to <a href="http://gianigranite.com/" target="_blank">Giani Granite</a> for trusting me with the products and my ability to pull this off!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qoobkqWX8qE/T0_BW7D0zAI/AAAAAAAAC-g/UlxvLFLamKE/s1600-h/SandBox2012%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="SandBox2012" border="0" alt="SandBox2012" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DOVMBLO2Tlo/T0_BXSBBIsI/AAAAAAAAC-o/9oP-9qJBnZ4/SandBox2012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="174" height="260" /></a></p> <p>First things first.  Since I currently rent my home I had to get approval from the homeowner.  I put a call in and gave him the scoop.  He and I both looked up blogs and other reviews on the product.  He was a bit hesitant but in the end I reminded him that he had already planned to replace those counter tops in the near future so if it turned out like crap he hadn’t lost anything.  It was a win win!  Lovely aren’t they?  You know you want some.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yJi8xc9lPk8/T0_BYLtwBoI/AAAAAAAAC-w/GNZMYrZ58qA/s1600-h/IMG_8400%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8400" border="0" alt="IMG_8400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8R_e6SkeyIU/T0_BZC1Us1I/AAAAAAAAC-4/ITk54BT1bp8/IMG_8400_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Nuv5sWPGwD0/T0_BaOtHXyI/AAAAAAAAC_A/PrfRmUbuRT4/s1600-h/IMG_8399%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8399" border="0" alt="IMG_8399" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8gGJeQbUoYk/T0_BabjCSeI/AAAAAAAAC_I/mgQh2EBp5KY/IMG_8399_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p>Next came Christmas then Costa Rica and the box sat on the count top calling to me but I’ll be honest,  I was a total coward and afraid to try this product.  Why?  Because I have never painted a counter top before!  Finally I decided to at least open the box and check out the contents.  They included a dvd showing the entire process and after watching it I felt totally capable of completing this project with great results!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LlzEuxA207w/T0_BbSadhmI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/9fn8QsA3ddo/s1600-h/IMG_8395%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8395" border="0" alt="IMG_8395" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CxS3XS3Nzv4/T0_BbjtsAwI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/r6SphutvQJA/IMG_8395_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-q0uSv88gZY4/T0_Bcj-sj3I/AAAAAAAAC_g/sl5D1hSOtmM/s1600-h/IMG_8396%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8396" border="0" alt="IMG_8396" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aziws8TDHP0/T0_Bc2T3fPI/AAAAAAAAC_o/28SILKg77gg/IMG_8396_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z1hCcnff-bY/T0_Bd_XOt8I/AAAAAAAAC_w/biwnBisylYs/s1600-h/IMG_8402%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8402" border="0" alt="IMG_8402" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tCBZVzicuFQ/T0_BeEmmmAI/AAAAAAAAC_4/ojFz-Hb880o/IMG_8402_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p>Once I got my nerve up I scrubbed the counter tops and taped off around my edges and faucets etc.… I let the counter tops completely dry for an hour before proceeding to make sure the primer was going to stick.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vLNjok4b0-w/T0_BfMbx1TI/AAAAAAAADAA/iVcxrzPCvlk/s1600-h/IMG_8403%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8403" border="0" alt="IMG_8403" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BDYOutynyw0/T0_BfSjRG7I/AAAAAAAADAI/qoZ8hXdoVGg/IMG_8403_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p>Next was the big plunge.  Prime those counters.  I swear I didn’t breath for the first couple strokes.  But by the time I covered the whole surface I was convinced I could just leave them in the primed state and be happy.  After all this alone was a huge improvement to the purple! LOL.  You have to move fairly quickly so you don’t get roller strokes and over lap your strokes a bit so it all blends.  This was super easy and covered in one coat.  But being the type a person I am I did two just to be safe ;P  The first photo is the primer wet.  The second is mostly dry.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dsniXIja_Y4/T0_BgRfkEgI/AAAAAAAADAQ/C92g3kUNPCE/s1600-h/IMG_8405%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8405" border="0" alt="IMG_8405" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--K7TfCDe2po/T0_Bggp5CJI/AAAAAAAADAY/EW9fyBsrY5U/IMG_8405_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tM-SnrK0klM/T0_BhQrq4cI/AAAAAAAADAg/VFKmijGF4L8/s1600-h/IMG_8404%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8404" border="0" alt="IMG_8404" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-j_r2rCadCPc/T0_Bh1g5fnI/AAAAAAAADAo/BtSfB8JPpuc/IMG_8404_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p>Better already right?!!  Next up.  OMG this scared me even more than the primer.  Let’s start adding color.  You have a very porous sponge that comes in the kit.  I cut it in half and then cut one of the halves in half again.  This way I had several different sizes for the different spaces I had to get into.  Around the lip and in the corners can be difficult.  But once I started I could see the finished product coming together and it got exciting!  Another thing about this part is that you really can’t screw it up unless you wipe the paint on instead of blotting.  And you can go over and over in the different colors again and again to add depth and more character.  It’s really fun!  Did I get pics of this process?  Nope.  Cause that’s how I roll and I wanted to surprise you with the final finished product! </p> <p>Drum roll please….</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-T7OAVhzgL_0/T0_Birs4c7I/AAAAAAAADAw/iL1j4Tw2KEw/s1600-h/IMG_8425%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8425" border="0" alt="IMG_8425" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pPkuX6ymDL0/T0_BjFv2uNI/AAAAAAAADA4/RBou4zpOzNw/IMG_8425_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p>Wow right?!  After you have blotted to your hearts content you can take a fine tip paint brush like I did in the different colors and play connect the blots.  This creates a veining effect and adds an even more realistic look.</p> <p>Finally you add the clear top coat that protects the counters from water and stuff.  This is a two coat process in which you will take a 600 grit sandpaper to smooth out any bumps on the first coat, then wipe clean and do the second coat.  Makes it all nice and shiny!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-X6zkkVQj8fY/T0_Bj1xsIjI/AAAAAAAADBA/mLa0MkpXLfg/s1600-h/IMG_8431%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8431" border="0" alt="IMG_8431" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7xhnM4LC4w8/T0_BkZcFvSI/AAAAAAAADBI/pKdH3ZH64_E/IMG_8431_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-miiV3MFdXv4/T0_BlcnyzII/AAAAAAAADBQ/r_ZMkSwpiLw/s1600-h/IMG_8426%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8426" border="0" alt="IMG_8426" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZIkmlA7TcOY/T0_Bl1L75OI/AAAAAAAADBY/9z2_ZXZ_-l4/IMG_8426_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-x08dt4Wf-Ks/T0_BnO35DAI/AAAAAAAADBg/EU_I8VmxGZM/s1600-h/IMG_8429%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8429" border="0" alt="IMG_8429" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9LjLyZMDKSM/T0_BnTWTHiI/AAAAAAAADBo/057kgUS9rpo/IMG_8429_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3WoiLbxNg88/T0_Bo6xsqxI/AAAAAAAADBw/97l5tkMzDGU/s1600-h/IMG_8430%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8430" border="0" alt="IMG_8430" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dhMusWNyFws/T0_BpZM0bAI/AAAAAAAADB4/DgU60B21ywU/IMG_8430_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HSUwflSyZ6s/T0_BqGuhDoI/AAAAAAAADCA/6gS_mOCB8Ks/s1600-h/IMG_8432%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8432" border="0" alt="IMG_8432" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7dTZKtTGz2M/T0_BqlfiUDI/AAAAAAAADCI/JP2y3hk2OD4/IMG_8432_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p>I would absolutely recommend this product to anyone who wants to update their laminate counter tops without spending a fortune on the real thing.  Thus far it’s been in the bathroom for two weeks and holding up great.  I only clean it with warm water and non abrasive cleansers.  I was told all natural products are safe to use but no vinegar.</p> <p>If you have any other questions I will be happy to try and answer them for you or you can contact <a href="http://gianigranite.com/" target="_blank">Giani Granite</a>.  They are wonderful and very helpful!  Thanks again for letting me review your product!</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Lucida Handwriting">~Sommer</font></p> <p> </p> <p>I’m sharing at these wonderful parties!</p> <p><strong>Mondays:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/">Skip To My Lou</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/">Sumo's Sweet Stuff</a></p> <p><a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/">DIY Show Off Project Parade</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/">C.R.A.F.T.</a></p> <p><a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.blogspot.com/">Making The World Cuter</a></p> <p><a href="http://craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/">Keeping It Simple</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.homemakeronadime.com/">Homemaker On A Dime</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/">The Girl Creative</a></p> <p><strong>Tuesdays:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/">Not Just A Housewife</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/">Tip Junkie</a></p> <p><a href="http://hopestudios.blogspot.com/">Hope Studios</a></p> <p><a href="http://craftedition.blogspot.com/">Craft Edition</a></p> <p><strong>Wednesdays:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/">Blue Cricket Design</a></p> <p><a href="http://gingersnapcrafts.blogspot.com/">Ginger Snap Crafts</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/">Domestically Speaking</a></p> <p><a href="http://tearosehome.blogspot.com/">Tea Rose Home</a></p> <p><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/">Someday Crafts</a></p> <p><a href="http://sewmuchado.blogspot.com/">Sew Much Ado</a></p> <p><a href="http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/">Primitive And Proper</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.typeadecorating.blogspot.com/">Type A</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.lilluna.com/">Lil Luna</a></p> <p><strong>Thursdays:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/">Shabby Chic Cottage</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/">Somewhat Simple</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.yesterdayontuesday.com/">Yesterday On Tuesday</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/">House Of Hepworths</a></p> <p><a href="http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/">Beyond The Picket Fence</a></p> <p><a href="http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/">Fireflies And Jellybeans</a></p> <p><a href="http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/">The Brambleberry Cottage</a></p> <p><strong>Fridays:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.missmustardseed.blogspot.com/">Miss Mustard Seed</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/">Shabby Nest</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/">Remodelaholic</a></p> <p><a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/">Romantic Home</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.decormamma.blogspot.com/">Finding Fabulous</a></p> <p><a href="http://vintagerevivals.blogspot.com/">Vintage Revivals</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.justagirlblog.com/">Just A Girl</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/">Fingerprints On The Fridge</a></p> <p><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/">Chic On A Shoestring</a></p> <p><strong>Saturdays:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/">Funky Junk Interiors</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.perfectlyimperfectblog.com/">Perfectly Imperfect</a></p> <p><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/">Tatertots And Jello</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/">Be Different Act Normal</a></p> Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10126770663361207060noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271511474458616887.post-44095552839879542822012-02-27T09:46:00.001-07:002012-02-27T09:47:52.650-07:00Let’s Catch Up<p>Hi everyone!  I’m so sorry it’s been so long since I’ve posted anything of substance here on the blog.  There have been many changes going on in the Garden household as of late.  </p> <p>As many of you know from my Facebook page, Mr. Gardens grandmother passed away a couple weeks ago.  Unfortunately none of the family was overly close to her as she has lived in Missouri for many years and there were a lot of hard feelings between my in laws and her over the years.  However to our surprise when the in laws went to Missouri and the will was presented she had made my father in law the executor of the estate.  My mother in law was an only child and grandmas husband had already passed a few years back and his two sons were for some reason written out of the will.  </p> <p>Now here comes the big surprise.  Grandma lived on an estate with 16.2 acres of land.  The house is paid for.  There is a beautiful catfish pond on the property with a small boat.  The property taxes are only $1000 a year and the utilities there are next to nothing. She willed the estate to my in laws!</p> <p>Now with the current economy they know they can’t get much for the property since it’s in such a remote area of southern Missouri.  And as a result they have come to the decision to to move into the property.  This will free up much of their financial obligations and set them in a good place for retirement. </p> <p>Here is the kicker for us.  They want to give Mr. Garden and I their home!  Okay not totally.  They want us to assume payments on it until we are a place to purchase it from them.  The note is paid down exponentially.  The mortgage is about $750 less than what were currently paying.  It’s only 20 min from where we currently live.  However… It’s a 1960’s/ 1970’s home.  NOTHING has been updated in it since it was built.  It’s on an amazing 1/3 acre lot with views that go forever.  We are figuring we can have the mortgage paid on in about 15 years.  </p> <p>Here are some of the lovely features the home currently offers:</p> <p>1960’s blue shag carpet, original.</p> <p>A smurf blue master bathroom.  I mean I don’t know what people were thinking back in the day.  Must have been all the drugs.</p> <p>A deck that wobbles when you step on it.</p> <p>Poop brown wood fascia on the exterior.  </p> <p>Cabinets that are literally falling off the walls.</p> <p>And 20 years of cigarette smoking in the home.</p> <p>Needless to say we have our work cut out for us.  It’s a DIY heaven in there.  We expect roughly 100K in updating the home and about 5-7 years worth of projects to get it up to par.</p> <p>Here is a small list of the things we plan to do to the property.</p> <p>Landscape front and back yards.</p> <p>Put vinyl siding on the home.</p> <p>Replace all the flooring in the home.  </p> <p>Update kitchen and all bathrooms.</p> <p>Knock down a few walls to create a more open concept including a 5 piece master on suit, a kitchen island and a mudroom off the garage entry.</p> <p>Completely demo the basement.  Seal all the walls and rebuild.</p> <p>A new deck the length of the house.</p> <p>All new windows and much much more!</p> <p>Now father in law is putting a request with his company today about transferring and becoming a remote employee since there are no offices where they will be.  He feels good they will agree.  We will know the finality of all of this by the weeks end.  </p> <p>I will keep you posted.</p> <p>We also bought a new car recently.  My 1999 Ford Expedition was getting a whopping 10mpg on a 26gal tank.  This was costing us an arm and a leg to keep fueled just to get the kids to and from school each week.  So we bought a cute little Kia Sportage that is currently getting 23-25 mpg.  I about fell over when I filled it up the other day and it cost my $34.75 LOL  I had to treat myself to a Starbucks!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iwYLMfCm6o0/T0uzTBCtTeI/AAAAAAAAC8g/wuZwZsL8IR0/s1600-h/2011-Kia-Sportage-SX1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="2011-Kia-Sportage-SX1" border="0" alt="2011-Kia-Sportage-SX1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NbXzI8wghSk/T0uzTT9L6YI/AAAAAAAAC8o/pQL3mbOStds/2011-Kia-Sportage-SX1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="179" /></a></p> <p>Lastly I was with the bestie who passed along some furniture to me and we did a little shopping last week.  We completely updated my formal living space which I am now in love with!  Thanks bestie!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Br3kOCY4BGk/T0uzUGWXq9I/AAAAAAAAC8w/BcBTj9BfM30/s1600-h/IMG_8410%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8410" border="0" alt="IMG_8410" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Kv_E19knXng/T0uzUgHtNXI/AAAAAAAAC84/AQTASikw8bk/IMG_8410_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zs6y6uS2ykI/T0uzVfmiZuI/AAAAAAAAC9A/ZcTic0jEh00/s1600-h/IMG_8411%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8411" border="0" alt="IMG_8411" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o0dqH9gVoB4/T0uzVuoX2_I/AAAAAAAAC9E/pdSz7qh7MEw/IMG_8411_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EUIry4oGIJc/T0uzWr1QJLI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/iulW5s3vFDU/s1600-h/IMG_8412%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8412" border="0" alt="IMG_8412" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XBWBo9W_gUo/T0uzW7vkMcI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/C2TVJjb-glo/IMG_8412_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fRCPAfBzUj4/T0uzXrrzICI/AAAAAAAAC9g/wJGVAZsLO40/s1600-h/IMG_8413%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8413" border="0" alt="IMG_8413" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4krjJuJ7uMw/T0uzYDmLyyI/AAAAAAAAC9o/UYoRXQnWdWQ/IMG_8413_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8GP1Xt5TpO0/T0uzZyxXgyI/AAAAAAAAC-A/7QLa8sI0A9s/s1600-h/IMG_8414%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8414" border="0" alt="IMG_8414" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RC3gggCEEe8/T0uzaEb7SXI/AAAAAAAAC-I/QwkpNWT17ws/IMG_8414_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-n2Fc5aPFKWs/T0uzbI6Vg6I/AAAAAAAAC-Q/5Q9qlXGUt6Y/s1600-h/IMG_8415%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8415" border="0" alt="IMG_8415" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uSFED2QF2Gs/T0uzbcbSqHI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/L5UGtaEpu88/IMG_8415_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>I will keep you all posted on the house situation.  We currently have a lease until next February.  But we plan to ask the owner if he would be willing to try and get new renters in sooner.  I will also be getting pics and measurements of the in laws home.  Let me just say… you will need to keep an open mind! LOL</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Lucida Handwriting">~Sommer</font></p> Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10126770663361207060noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271511474458616887.post-88104384230022353162012-02-16T09:29:00.001-07:002012-02-16T09:29:20.894-07:00Crocs Winner!<p> </p> <p align="center">Just a quick update on the winner for the Crocs sandals.  I’ve been crazy trying to finish these bathroom counter tops so I can use my bathroom again, sorry this is a little late.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">CONGRATULATIONS TO:</p> <dt> <div align="center">True Random Number GeneratorMin:Max:Result:2</div> </dt><dt> <div align="center"> </div> </dt> <p align="center">JAIME!!</p> <dt> <div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/05377493843552037629">Jaime</a> said... </div> </dt><dd> <p align="center">I like you on FB!</p> </dd><dd> <p align="center">Please send me your email address so I can get these shipped out to you.</p> </dd> Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10126770663361207060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271511474458616887.post-14487146690439638012012-02-09T13:11:00.001-07:002012-02-09T13:11:56.655-07:00Crocs Giveaway<p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Hooray!  Designer Garden on Facebook finally has 300 likes!  And in return I’m giving away this adorable pair of Crocs sandals for summer!  They are a girls size 10, brand new with tags. </p> <p align="center">I just bought both my girls a pair of these before our trip to Costa Rica and they wear them all the time.  Super comfy and totally cute!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-D-7jXG1oPe4/TzQogYMJiWI/AAAAAAAAC7s/GSfBhokt2h0/s1600-h/IMG_8079%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8079" border="0" alt="IMG_8079" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yjP30qI_u5I/TzQoggxgi9I/AAAAAAAAC70/t2CP5jwaUGk/IMG_8079_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wclu5WArHJo/TzQohXBB73I/AAAAAAAAC78/F4o5PQ8GQfU/s1600-h/IMG_8081%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8081" border="0" alt="IMG_8081" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-s8g3h5R-E6M/TzQohq53TOI/AAAAAAAAC8E/CCDyBABD2wU/IMG_8081_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n7QrAOcHFIw/TzQoiZD8jbI/AAAAAAAAC8M/1Q2mZEQ8LFE/s1600-h/IMG_8082%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8082" border="0" alt="IMG_8082" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e-0DHFFWeRQ/TzQojA8SqoI/AAAAAAAAC8U/F01hUUmoYjQ/IMG_8082_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><font color="#4bacc6" size="4" face="Algerian"><strong><u>3 WAYS TO ENTER</u></strong></font></p> <p align="center"><strong><u><font color="#4bacc6" size="3" face="Bookman Old Style"></font></u></strong></p> <ol> <li> <div align="center"><font color="#ff0000" size="3" face="Algerian">You must be a follower of Designer Garden</font></div> </li> <li> <div align="center"><font color="#ff0000" size="3" face="Algerian">“Like” Designer Garden on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DesignerGarden" target="_blank"><font color="#4bacc6">Facebook</font></a></font></div> </li> <li> <div align="center"><font color="#ff0000" size="3" face="Algerian">Share this giveaway on your blog or Facebook page</font></div> </li> </ol> <p align="center"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Algerian">Leave a comment for each entry if you want it to be counted.</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Algerian"><u>winner will be drawn on valentines day!!</u></font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Algerian">good luck!!</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#000000"></font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#000000" size="4" face="Lucida Handwriting">~Sommer</font></p> Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10126770663361207060noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271511474458616887.post-25973296115354846352012-01-27T09:31:00.001-07:002012-01-27T09:31:06.114-07:00VIP Party 41<p>Welcome to this weeks V.I.P. party where you can share your Visually.Inspiring.Projects and brag your little hearts out! Thanks to everyone who participated last week and continue to grace us with your projects. The party is only as successful as it’s partiers!</p> <p>So sorry the party was MIA the last couple weeks. It’s back on now! </p> <p>Each week I will choose one (or two) VIP's to feature at the next weeks party. So let's make this short and sweet and get to the rules... </p> <p><a name="more"></a></p> <p>Rule # 1... There are no rules! </p> <p>I have a few un-rules (as in un-official) if you don't mind humoring me... </p> <p>1. If you want to follow the blog, I wont stop you. This also makes it easier for you to find the party next week! <br />2. If you want to link back, you know what to do. <br />3. Party Like A Rock Star!</p> <p>Here are some highlight photo’s from our trip to Costa Rica incase you missed the video =)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3fo1UTI1rVE/TyLRKFht9mI/AAAAAAAAC58/NvSELOpDJF0/s1600-h/398418_10150556182860854_744315853_9123664_999654878_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="398418_10150556182860854_744315853_9123664_999654878_n" border="0" alt="398418_10150556182860854_744315853_9123664_999654878_n" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--dmUT-3e9xk/TyLRKcBGYwI/AAAAAAAAC6E/e3Ci1D4LEyI/398418_10150556182860854_744315853_9123664_999654878_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-czmQuozahwg/TyLRLPwiWzI/AAAAAAAAC6M/vgWmjQhuD9Q/s1600-h/393806_10150556183225854_744315853_9123665_115839273_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="393806_10150556183225854_744315853_9123665_115839273_n" border="0" alt="393806_10150556183225854_744315853_9123665_115839273_n" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-s4ETXdvMeUA/TyLRLSzWMEI/AAAAAAAAC6U/mCCXKKtzRvE/393806_10150556183225854_744315853_9123665_115839273_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cJ0BUx-bShQ/TyLRM9NqnWI/AAAAAAAAC6c/tOIRNLRigGQ/s1600-h/394437_10150551705000854_744315853_9113368_1749442789_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="394437_10150551705000854_744315853_9113368_1749442789_n" border="0" alt="394437_10150551705000854_744315853_9113368_1749442789_n" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ig6WUfj4xHY/TyLRNHbPmjI/AAAAAAAAC6k/QrMfIllfBo0/394437_10150551705000854_744315853_9113368_1749442789_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gzV9mMrp8AE/TyLROGhK1bI/AAAAAAAAC6s/BnaQDlmVIPM/s1600-h/408648_10150556178680854_744315853_9123655_278978173_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="408648_10150556178680854_744315853_9123655_278978173_n" border="0" alt="408648_10150556178680854_744315853_9123655_278978173_n" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l9fUwz1lCgI/TyLROe_PBHI/AAAAAAAAC60/eXXinxoTTNg/408648_10150556178680854_744315853_9123655_278978173_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DtAe1zzo2Jk/TyLRPH_TwPI/AAAAAAAAC68/64javRBPYQ8/s1600-h/405699_10150558211070854_744315853_9128454_893841713_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="405699_10150558211070854_744315853_9128454_893841713_n" border="0" alt="405699_10150558211070854_744315853_9128454_893841713_n" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--ml1CjHjnW4/TyLRPkhYOJI/AAAAAAAAC7E/uCNloeE2edM/405699_10150558211070854_744315853_9128454_893841713_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SQKou3I9pfk/TyLRQ2EVLpI/AAAAAAAAC7M/Q1ynlcfe8rc/s1600-h/400371_10150551705400854_744315853_9113370_1802261651_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="400371_10150551705400854_744315853_9113370_1802261651_n" border="0" alt="400371_10150551705400854_744315853_9113370_1802261651_n" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-W4UAUy3_R58/TyLRRA5bxiI/AAAAAAAAC7U/g_uvFKcYZZw/400371_10150551705400854_744315853_9113370_1802261651_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hL-ZmypUFIk/TyLRSCpq0YI/AAAAAAAAC7c/S9i8j9VDW0Q/s1600-h/407921_10150551705165854_744315853_9113369_880185979_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="407921_10150551705165854_744315853_9113369_880185979_n" border="0" alt="407921_10150551705165854_744315853_9113369_880185979_n" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_O7tqAQjU3E/TyLRSe6IsHI/AAAAAAAAC7k/L7N0bpmRk1k/407921_10150551705165854_744315853_9113369_880185979_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=119182" type="text/javascript"></script> Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10126770663361207060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271511474458616887.post-9847513372247834742012-01-25T08:22:00.000-07:002012-01-25T08:22:00.039-07:00Costa Rica Family Vacation Part 1<p> </p> <p>We had the most amazing trip.  Well okay it could have been slightly better if we had a nanny lol.  But here are some clips of the best parts.  I’ll probably be on vacation posting overload in the course of the next few days so I hope you enjoy!</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 448px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:6b789766-c5bd-4b0e-9cfc-b3e1b9afb5bc" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="e089f858-58c3-4515-9049-d4bdd3f6a220" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jZiDSqjepk" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e2hNpmp4tAI/Tx92RTnU5wI/AAAAAAAAC5s/c5usiCGA1ZY/video7d951d0ca7fd%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('e089f858-58c3-4515-9049-d4bdd3f6a220'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"336\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/0jZiDSqjepk?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/0jZiDSqjepk?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"336\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div><div style="width:448px;clear:both;font-size:.8em">This video takes place in Quepos, Costa Rica, Dominical Costa Rica, Uvita, Costa Rica and San Isidro Costa Rica.</div></div> <p> </p> <p><font size="4" face="Lucida Handwriting">~Sommer</font></p> Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10126770663361207060noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271511474458616887.post-83531364037408850192012-01-15T08:00:00.000-07:002012-01-15T08:00:03.250-07:00Coupon Basics<p>It’s finally here!  The couponing series you have all been so patiently waiting for. You can look for these posts every two weeks.  One the 1st and 15th.  I’m leaving you the first one just as I get ready to say Adios mi amigos, and head to Costa Rica.  </p> <p> </p> <p>In this post I will cover the very basics of couponing.  Take what you learn out of this post and apply it to your shopping over the next two weeks to become comfortable with the concept.  Then we’ll move onto the next topic!</p> <p>Are you new to couponing?  I know the first time I went shopping after diving into the world of coupons I was very nervous.  There was probably loads of swear pouring off my brow and people must have thought I was up to no good.  Would the coupon scan properly?  Would I hear that dreaded beep you see in the TV series?  Was I going to be out a bunch of money or have angry shoppers piling up in the line behind me?  So to put some of your nerves at ease just read over these simple rules on couponing and you will be just fine!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-76rHSEnvMG0/Tw9hNqGzGGI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/CcJwQbYFA40/s1600-h/x_dc_nn_Nelson_100426%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="x_dc_nn_Nelson_100426" border="0" alt="x_dc_nn_Nelson_100426" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cwS-jU3GDGs/Tw9hN5kd3aI/AAAAAAAAC5g/_GeDET4a9sM/x_dc_nn_Nelson_100426_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <a name='more'></a> <p>Let’s start off with the types of coupons you can find.</p> <p><strong>Manufacturer Coupons:</strong> These are coupons from the manufacturer with a specific product printed on it. You can use a manufacturer coupon at most any store that carries that product. Once you give your coupon to the cashier and it is scanned, the specified amount on the coupon will be deducted from your total purchase.</p> <p><strong>Store Coupons:  </strong>These are coupons just like the manufacturer coupon but you may only use these at the store specified on the coupon.  Some stores will allow you “stack” a store coupon along with a manufacturer coupon to increase your savings.</p> <p><strong>Online Coupons: </strong>These coupons are typically also from the manufacturer but you can print them online.  Typically you can only print off two of the same item per computer.  There are ways these companies track this and I will tell you more about that later.  I recommend a laser printer for printing at home.  These print the bar codes on the coupons exceptionally well.  If the scanner can’t scan your coupon many times the store will not accept it.  So make sure you have a quality printer and take a few to the store to test them before printing off a bunch.</p> <p>Now let’s move onto where you can find these coupons.  I could actually write a list a mile long as to where you can find coupons but I will stick to the most common places today.</p> <p><strong>Where to find coupons:</strong></p> <ul> <li><font color="#333333" face="Verdana">The Sunday paper:  This is the best place to find loads of coupons.  Try to stick to the most popular paper as those tend to have the most inserts each week.</font> </li> <li><font color="#333333" face="Verdana">Online Coupons: Many online sites offer coupons.  Try signing up for a few of these.  <a href="http://www.coupons.com" target="_blank">Coupons.com</a>, <a href="http://www.redplum.com" target="_blank">Redplum.com</a>, <a href="http://www.smartsource.com" target="_blank">Smartsource.com</a> or <a href="http://www.coolsavings.com" target="_blank">Coolsavings</a>.</font> </li> <li><a href="http://allyou.com" target="_blank">All You Magazine</a><font color="#333333" face="Verdana"> </font> </li> <li><font color="#333333" face="Verdana">Facebook:  Many company offer coupons for “liking” their page.  So go like some of your favorite brands and wait for coupon offers.</font> </li> <li><font color="#333333" face="Verdana">Coupons stuck to products (Commonly referred to as “Peelies”) or on the store shelves.</font> </li> <li><font color="#333333" face="Verdana">Paper recycling bins:  I am proud to say I finally found of these centers near my house and plan to make my first dive very soon!</font> </li> <li><font color="#333333" face="Verdana">Register Coupons:  These are called Catalina's.  These are the coupon machines at the checkout that print coupons off like a receipt.  Some are manufacturer and some are store coupons.  Some are advertised and some print based on consumer behavior.  </font></li> </ul> <p><font size="2">So now I want you to familiarize yourself with the different types of coupons you can find the next couple weeks.  Sign up for the online coupon sites and try printing a few.  Start looking at your Catalina's when you check out.  Many times they are for $ off your next purchase!  I’ve gotten them as high as $10 off a future order.  </font></p> <p><font size="2">Lastly stand up for yourself.  As long as you are using your coupons properly you can shop with confidence.  A lot of times it’s the store clerk who is misinformed.  Keep calm and explain to them why you CAN use the coupon.  And if that fails, politely ask to speak with a manager. It is your money after all and you should not be guilted into paying full price! </font></p> <p><font size="2">Most importantly…. HAVE FUN!  I can’t wait to hear about your first shopping experience and please come back and post how much you saved.  As the weeks go on and you learn more you can look back and see how much you saved this week vs three weeks ago!  I’ll see you all when I get back!!</font></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><font size="2">~Sommer</font></p> Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10126770663361207060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271511474458616887.post-64973428780484956732012-01-04T17:06:00.001-07:002012-01-04T17:06:45.284-07:00Shabby Apple SALE!<p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I got some great news today.  <a href="www.shabbyapple.com" target="_blank"><strong>Shabby Apple</strong></a> is running a New Years Sale for <strong><font size="2">20% off the entire site</font></strong>!</p> <p align="center">(<em>Does not include items from the Side Saddle Line</em>)</p> <p align="center">We all know how beautiful the dresses are at Shabby Apple, and I think we all have one or two that we’ve been eye balling for a while.  </p> <center><a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/?AffiliateID=12043" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Dresses from Shabby Apple" src="http://www.shabbyapple.com/affiliate-images/336x280_sale_2012.jpg" width="336" height="280" /></a><center> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I don’t know about you but my New Year resolution this year is to have a Shabby Apple dress all my own.  I’m often last to try many things, owning one of these dresses will not be one them lol.  </p> <center><a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/?AffiliateID=INSERT HERE" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Dresses from Shabby Apple" src="http://www.shabbyapple.com/affiliate-images/300x250_sale_2012.jpg" width="300" height="250" /></a><center> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">The sale is running all month long so don’t miss out! Enter the code <strong><u>NEWYEAR</u></strong> at checkout to receive your 20% off! </p> <p align="center">Once you get your dress come back to this post and enter the link to the blog post showing off your great deal!</p> <p align="center">HAPPY NEW YEAR Designer Garden friends!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Lucida Handwriting">~Sommer</font></p> Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10126770663361207060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271511474458616887.post-14854198784655827462011-12-30T09:37:00.001-07:002011-12-30T09:37:09.923-07:00Traveling Art Tote<p>As many of you know from the Facebook page my family is venturing off to Costa Rica for a week on January 15th!!  Exciting right?  Well all but the part when the kids realize that the oh so exciting plane is really going to be 6 hours of BORING.  Luckily (or maybe not, we shall see) the only direct flight out of Denver leaves at midnight on any given day.  So the hope is to Benadryl the kids and they will sleep on the flight out.  But the flight back especially will be long for them.  And the two hours in the airport waiting to board flights as well.  </p> <p>So I’ve been digging up ideas on traveling with children because this is the first trip we have ever taken with them.  And I came across some neat ideas on keeping their activities organized. However the frugal side of me was not willing to pay Etsy prices when I knew I could knock off this amazing tote myself.  Here are the art totes I made for the girls yesterday to keep all their coloring and books in one convenient place.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zgziiqIRVfM/Tv3ohrGRUEI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/KlfF47NAtjg/s1600-h/IMG_8084%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8084" border="0" alt="IMG_8084" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FXgXPayJsig/Tv3oh7lGStI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/NejsKbh2rmw/IMG_8084_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sWJVlYylmCg/Tv3oioumCGI/AAAAAAAAC3g/4kAMEc5guYM/s1600-h/IMG_8086%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8086" border="0" alt="IMG_8086" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3ZIxH-2DlW8/Tv3oi-xjgYI/AAAAAAAAC3o/5mXvp_GlRYM/IMG_8086_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-esiVRN4ruak/Tv3omh7QqGI/AAAAAAAAC3w/kFbz5CqGHpc/s1600-h/IMG_8087%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8087" border="0" alt="IMG_8087" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dnAahbw5fn0/Tv3oon6OzjI/AAAAAAAAC34/hfFb6i-8-IY/IMG_8087_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Su4OZVjjw34/Tv3opM07VmI/AAAAAAAAC4A/TzI_xavYfvg/s1600-h/IMG_8088%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8088" border="0" alt="IMG_8088" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xRbaPbfWgdU/Tv3opc6qvXI/AAAAAAAAC4I/026WhQwNThQ/IMG_8088_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p>I also plan to add some velcro today to the section inside the handles on either side to keep it securely shut when not in use.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-M7qEMP6FVdA/Tv3oqXnlShI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/ScKFZ-oNNxk/s1600-h/IMG_8089%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8089" border="0" alt="IMG_8089" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BcJ0vVyUJjQ/Tv3oqqDbxOI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/fSw8OW8fEM4/IMG_8089_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-44R5P34hxxA/Tv3or3yTCcI/AAAAAAAAC4g/2PwCRR9XDjY/s1600-h/IMG_8090%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8090" border="0" alt="IMG_8090" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PCvvKzE7TN0/Tv3osR9jCII/AAAAAAAAC4o/U1p0yTDi8UQ/IMG_8090_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="200" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cJ8p0S4NMMc/Tv3otIk-VgI/AAAAAAAAC4w/jwWEhsNwIJk/s1600-h/IMG_8091%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8091" border="0" alt="IMG_8091" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WNXitc0pY8k/Tv3otSXrg5I/AAAAAAAAC44/OyqPBqSI-Pg/IMG_8091_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="260" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>These are already getting use.  Though I’m trying to keep the stuff for the trip put away so it feels “new” when we get to the airport.  I think it will more fun for them if they haven’t already worn it out.  </p> <p>These were so easy to make and I fully plan on posting a tutorial for you all but it may not be until after the trip.  Even beginners can sew this, it’s all strait lines!</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Lucida Handwriting">~Sommer</font></p> Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10126770663361207060noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271511474458616887.post-88911186223479642302011-12-29T08:00:00.000-07:002011-12-29T11:44:07.928-07:00VIP Party #40!<p>Welcome to this weeks V.I.P. party where you can share your Visually.Inspiring.Projects and brag your little hearts out! Thanks to everyone who participated last week and continue to grace us with your projects. The party is only as successful as it’s partiers!</p> <p>So sorry the party was MIA the last couple weeks.  It’s back on now!  </p> <p>Each week I will choose one (or two) VIP's to feature at the next weeks party. So let's make this short and sweet and get to the rules... </p> <p><a name="more"></a></p> <p>Rule # 1... There are no rules! </p> <p>I have a few un-rules (as in un-official) if you don't mind humoring me... </p> <p>1. If you want to follow the blog, I wont stop you. This also makes it easier for you to find the party next week! <br />2. If you want to link back, you know what to do. <br />3. Party Like A Rock Star!</p> <p>*!*!Last Parties Highlights!*!*</p> <script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=119178" type="text/javascript"></script> Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10126770663361207060noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271511474458616887.post-72740133086809238382011-12-27T17:26:00.003-07:002012-01-03T17:02:22.515-07:00Welcome To The Jungle Baby!<p>It’s been in the works for about a month with many changes in venue over the past few weeks but today it became final.  We are headed to Costa Rica with the kids in 19 days!  Prepare for photo over load and a bunch of information about this tropical haven that you probably couldn’t care less about.   But it has been a dream of ours to see Costa Rica for about 8 years now and finally we get our opportunity to experience it for 8 whole days.  This will be the first plane my children have ever been on and the first time they will have ever seen the ocean.  It’s going to be a magical experience for all.  </p> <p>I am in the midst of planning a couple tours.  Not too many as I do want us to be able to relax on the beach, by the pool and just enjoy the scenery in general.  For now I’ll leave you some photo’s of the home we’ll be staying in.  We originally planned on an all inclusive somewhere but having three children puts a damper on the room situation.  Everyone wants you to get two rooms or a suite which wasn’t in the budget.  So we started investigating vacation home rentals.  January being the the top of peak season in all warm climates created quite a challenge finding a place that wasn’t already rented for the week.  I am super pleased with the property we ended up with though.  </p> <p>Welcome to Villas Tranquilas…   Fifteen minutes outside of the town of Puerto Quepos.  The village center is a six-block square of restaurants, bars, hotels, bakeries, art galleries and gift shops along the beach and fishing is a favorite pass time here. Quepos is growing quickly but still keeps much of it’s sleepy and humble beginnings. </p> <p> </p> <p align="center">The pool in the evening.   Looking up to the villa.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HeFHw4kGREM/TvpiK7ZF-CI/AAAAAAAAC1A/-fzZ3N7cEeg/s1600-h/Pool%252520at%252520twilight_M_2319_100850%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Pool%20at%20twilight_M_2319_100850" border="0" alt="Pool%20at%20twilight_M_2319_100850" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AYLwvLsfkic/TvpiLJTmewI/AAAAAAAAC1I/lW1urHbByAM/Pool%252520at%252520twilight_M_2319_100850_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="253" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">The villas during the daylight.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Q8VAGboJ51k/TvpiLzrzbEI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/hDOp_yuXQVA/s1600-h/T2466-4_M_2319_100848%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="T2466-4_M_2319_100848" border="0" alt="T2466-4_M_2319_100848" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3lFkBTA17EI/TvpiMIJnlgI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/p67u1pOGUjA/T2466-4_M_2319_100848_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="282" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">View of the pool.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rhngPqhDZQk/TvpiMV2HabI/AAAAAAAAC1g/dyVNEUAVm_o/s1600-h/balcony_M_2319_100856%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="balcony_M_2319_100856" border="0" alt="balcony_M_2319_100856" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kAV-ZElThvk/TvpiM6jNnZI/AAAAAAAAC1o/lFO06lbznw0/balcony_M_2319_100856_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="253" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">The Lanai (patio/deck)</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-l7GqX7PYvsY/TvpiNCGFh0I/AAAAAAAAC1w/1fAqMov-Hk0/s1600-h/patio_M_2319_100864%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="patio_M_2319_100864" border="0" alt="patio_M_2319_100864" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KECvXnHKhsA/TvpiNQAS0iI/AAAAAAAAC14/VZblxWE1_EU/patio_M_2319_100864_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="269" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Since there are four properties each containing four villas there are 16 total townhome style villas at this property.  </p> <p align="center">This is a common space for BBQ’s or other large events.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NkLjAX2LSWM/TvpiNs3bfDI/AAAAAAAAC2A/UKQ7PvcugXg/s1600-h/dining%252520al%252520fresco_M_2319_100854%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="dining%20al%20fresco_M_2319_100854" border="0" alt="dining%20al%20fresco_M_2319_100854" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3tCxHHnLpms/TvpiOILb5gI/AAAAAAAAC2I/1htVRYSqO7I/dining%252520al%252520fresco_M_2319_100854_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="284" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">The living room.  Ahhh I’m in love!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vjA_WYckIYE/TvpiOQQoU-I/AAAAAAAAC2Q/JDq-4QU6swI/s1600-h/lv%252520rm_M_2319_100852%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="lv%20rm_M_2319_100852" border="0" alt="lv%20rm_M_2319_100852" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jJhYi1xJAGM/TvpiOvtjrbI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/M_Pn5ccX14U/lv%252520rm_M_2319_100852_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="215" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">The kitchen</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ud19rnTbYFs/TvpiOwkTVmI/AAAAAAAAC2g/R3qPCwbFlts/s1600-h/bar_M_2319_100858%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="bar_M_2319_100858" border="0" alt="bar_M_2319_100858" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-P3ByFzSUEjg/TvpiPHXDjlI/AAAAAAAAC2o/jvbVFxGC2S8/bar_M_2319_100858_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="253" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eyyeZniPeqE/TvpiPWr9MeI/AAAAAAAAC2w/efWqSyO53nQ/s1600-h/kitchen_M_2319_100860%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="kitchen_M_2319_100860" border="0" alt="kitchen_M_2319_100860" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PcqBlnN1m7g/TvpiPo_EbQI/AAAAAAAAC24/7Ht_kpXhTqU/kitchen_M_2319_100860_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="234" /></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">The master bedroom.</p> <p align="center">There is also a secondary bedroom for the girls to share with a queen bed </p> <p align="center">and a queen pull out sofa which our son will use.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_K8kfnouCS0/TvpiP1wzEdI/AAAAAAAAC3A/sof57Ey9LlQ/s1600-h/bd%252520rn%2525202_M_2319_100868%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="bd%20rn%202_M_2319_100868" border="0" alt="bd%20rn%202_M_2319_100868" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-upLvu1ii_Nk/TvpiQHbiIII/AAAAAAAAC3I/PiKP52rtYLU/bd%252520rn%2525202_M_2319_100868_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="253" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Just so I don’t inundate you with photo’s already I will show you more this week of the surrounding areas.  But this is our home for a week while were visiting Costa Rica!!  I’m so excited, I’ve already ordered bathing suits and water bottles and today I raided my besties closet and borrowed some extra luggage since we’ve never travelled with the kids before, I came up short.  On Thursday I’m going to sew up some of those cute little crayon and note pad activity holders for the girls to take on the plane.  We had different family members get the kids portable dvd players and new dvds to take with us on the plane.  Santa also got all the kids new head phones so they could watch their movies or play their DS’s without bothering the other people on the plane =)  So we’ve been gearing up for a few weeks now and I’m just over the moon that it’s actually happening!</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Lucida Handwriting">~Sommer</font></p>Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10126770663361207060noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271511474458616887.post-89295774608761596502011-12-17T08:00:00.002-07:002012-01-03T17:02:30.671-07:00Twelve Days Of Christmas Day 6<p align="center"><strong><u><font size="5" face="Lucida Handwriting"></font></u></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><u><font size="5" face="Lucida Handwriting"></font></u></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><u><font size="5" face="Lucida Handwriting"></font></u></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><u><font size="5" face="Lucida Handwriting">Please Welcome A Pinch Of Joy!</font></u></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><u><font size="5" face="Lucida Handwriting"></font></u></strong></p> <p style="text-align: left"><a href="http://www.apinchofjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Mantel2wm1.jpg"><img style="margin: 3px auto; display: block; float: none" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1236" title="Mantel2wm" alt="" src="http://www.apinchofjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Mantel2wm1-300x216.jpg" width="500" height="350" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left">Angels, poinsettias and tradition. Red, white and gold. Themes for Christmas at Chez Charlene this year. The slightly crooked candles are from our wedding and usually make an appearance somewhere each year - tradition. I love to make wreaths! They wander around the house, showing up in different places from Christmas to Christmas.</p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.apinchofjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/tree1.jpg"><img style="margin: 3px" class="size-medium wp-image-1238 alignnone" title="tree1" alt="" src="http://www.apinchofjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/tree1-229x300.jpg" width="300" height="350" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left">The first thing people notice about our tree is the curlies. We've been putting (the same plus more) curlies on our tree forever. Some years they look like frosting; other years they look like Swiss cheese. This year is a Swiss cheese year. What can I say? With traditions, you have to be tolerant like that.</p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.apinchofjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Bytes-and-brother.jpg"><img style="margin: 3px" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1239" title="Bytes and brother" alt="" src="http://www.apinchofjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Bytes-and-brother-300x193.jpg" width="500" height="350" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left">Our tree is a has a lot of unique ornaments. These two little boys can be found at the top of the tree every year. They were made by a very talented friend when Bytes and his brother were small -- look just like them! Christmas is a built in time to indulge in remembrances of friends and family and the ways they touched our lives.</p> <p style="text-align: left"><a href="http://www.apinchofjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Mirror2.jpg"><img style="margin: 3px auto; display: block; float: none" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1240" title="Mirror2" alt="" src="http://www.apinchofjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Mirror2-300x205.jpg" width="500" height="350" /></a>Every little nook and cranny has lights and greenery! The stairway is no exception with its garland of green and white poinsettia and snowflakes. Snow boys and girls parade up and down the steps.</p> <p style="text-align: left"><a href="http://www.apinchofjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/fleet5.jpg"><img style="margin: 3px auto; display: block; float: none" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1241" title="fleet5" alt="" src="http://www.apinchofjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/fleet5-300x245.jpg" width="500" height="350" /></a>The fleet of angels in the dining room atop the buffet. This is only a few of the topper angels that come out each December!</p> <a href="http://www.apinchofjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/vase1.jpg"><img style="margin: 3px auto; display: block; float: none" class="size-medium wp-image-1243 alignright" title="vase" alt="" src="http://www.apinchofjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/vase1-282x300.jpg" width="282" height="300" /></a>       Just to keep all that tradition shook up. . . a contemporary arrangement in the dining room!         <p style="text-align: left"><a href="http://www.apinchofjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/wmFairyDoorSwag1.jpg"><img style="margin: 3px auto; display: block; float: none" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1244" title="wmFairyDoorSwag" alt="" src="http://www.apinchofjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/wmFairyDoorSwag1-300x217.jpg" width="500" height="350" /></a>Even the fairies have their door all decorated and ready for Christmas. I hope you are ready too. May you and yours have a joyous Christmas!</p> <p style="text-align: left"><a href="http://www.apinchofjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Signature.png"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1172" title="Signature" alt="" src="http://www.apinchofjoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Signature.png" width="182" height="68" /></a></p>Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10126770663361207060noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271511474458616887.post-82277745499581727492011-12-16T08:00:00.002-07:002012-01-03T17:02:40.425-07:00Twelve Blogs of Christmas Day 5<p align="center"><strong><u><font size="5" face="Lucida Handwriting"></font></u></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><u><font size="5" face="Lucida Handwriting"></font></u></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><u><font size="5" face="Lucida Handwriting">Please Welcome Not So Shabby – Shabby Chic!</font></u></strong></p> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"> </div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator">Hello Designer Garden Fans.  I’m Janae from <a href="http://notsoshabby-shabbychic.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Not So Shabby – Shabby Chic</a> blog!</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator">My home is all decorated for the Holidays... Oh how I love Christmas decorating. It is the one holiday where decorating in white is very normal, which I love since white is my favorite color! Yes, I know white is technically not a color, but it's still my favorite!</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0cJBNeEELk6vRzkAcjE7oWGm0GT4UsmfGUc5NEutAdDlGfK455EVJAvhvFDgfrgBzPMFsCZCDELUZ9k9vu9BlL6psQWv50vpWI9cvNd9-qual6FphBpCr53FUjP1ZKpUH2RCTKnBMUM/s1600/fireplace.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0cJBNeEELk6vRzkAcjE7oWGm0GT4UsmfGUc5NEutAdDlGfK455EVJAvhvFDgfrgBzPMFsCZCDELUZ9k9vu9BlL6psQWv50vpWI9cvNd9-qual6FphBpCr53FUjP1ZKpUH2RCTKnBMUM/s400/fireplace.JPG" width="300" height="400" /> </a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"> I love to sit here and enjoy the fire.</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9_HV6qEFJlhb_ZYCycCV9alG25oKqKYV4zzpbIaW4E6kbmmOzqb4P4-6s04EhvbLgcqucKiyedLClnlIEh5szGCVVTSHzmot8pVslY_LAVcL3A4gO8gl_r2z6NJyFCFdo7deX_THX-g/s1600/forest.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9_HV6qEFJlhb_ZYCycCV9alG25oKqKYV4zzpbIaW4E6kbmmOzqb4P4-6s04EhvbLgcqucKiyedLClnlIEh5szGCVVTSHzmot8pVslY_LAVcL3A4gO8gl_r2z6NJyFCFdo7deX_THX-g/s400/forest.JPG" width="400" height="300" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"> I call this "the forest". I just love all the different types of Christmas trees along my mantle. I have enjoyed collecting them very much.</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizms-k8RM1BBqaYj_JRQl5A_l9_51yVCAb58eS4Ft91PXXLzP7FFXKNba2Fd_rKoT9hyphenhyphenrNwjNkD7KZ8vYin6erYvp6CmghCjUwIQh_yvHtFAJ2wLLe_ZS2AAWZJ7gpgUbTY9ibO0clTwM/s1600/dollar.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizms-k8RM1BBqaYj_JRQl5A_l9_51yVCAb58eS4Ft91PXXLzP7FFXKNba2Fd_rKoT9hyphenhyphenrNwjNkD7KZ8vYin6erYvp6CmghCjUwIQh_yvHtFAJ2wLLe_ZS2AAWZJ7gpgUbTY9ibO0clTwM/s400/dollar.JPG" width="400" height="300" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator">I just adore my stockings. Still can't believe I found them at Dollar Tree!</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hka-SStfb9Jn-kVpMR_544LrCqQmd0aJ7onRwMFTZ1uapydMfggFnH3eOzmRhPRMCH-FSQ4WU05gzLuPWotX5jzcVnOV00iLrKvxz7UcSdlKQSfseACsG1qBxXMiXZIeh85XP85lm0I/s1600/small+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hka-SStfb9Jn-kVpMR_544LrCqQmd0aJ7onRwMFTZ1uapydMfggFnH3eOzmRhPRMCH-FSQ4WU05gzLuPWotX5jzcVnOV00iLrKvxz7UcSdlKQSfseACsG1qBxXMiXZIeh85XP85lm0I/s320/small+tree.jpg" width="160" height="320" /></a><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjev52_Vjlj2TWM025uovsXLm8J5tEqaDOfxp-j0dx7liu5rgluqe7bON_0YQ2CS3tzSDUAckMMtWO3thZA0cr_DFWmZ5DN9KquCX1O8dndKwlmvimnjvuoNUbKWa9RD9tyeLx_TTy5dUs/s1600/reindeer.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjev52_Vjlj2TWM025uovsXLm8J5tEqaDOfxp-j0dx7liu5rgluqe7bON_0YQ2CS3tzSDUAckMMtWO3thZA0cr_DFWmZ5DN9KquCX1O8dndKwlmvimnjvuoNUbKWa9RD9tyeLx_TTy5dUs/s320/reindeer.jpg" width="174" height="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zyS2kXYGKm6fNefp-fQwCDAIYrU1WB6aya1gCXxzjhdOqyNtd-KPX4nmOxFqKcfQ7QfUVBByjZCGn3en-k0ICesBRWSJiD0MLEkP-SGFJCTU5A4WGlgTSmKgkQlQkSgZn41pDW-q9Ds/s1600/stairs2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zyS2kXYGKm6fNefp-fQwCDAIYrU1WB6aya1gCXxzjhdOqyNtd-KPX4nmOxFqKcfQ7QfUVBByjZCGn3en-k0ICesBRWSJiD0MLEkP-SGFJCTU5A4WGlgTSmKgkQlQkSgZn41pDW-q9Ds/s400/stairs2.jpg" width="286" height="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator">The stairs are all decked out! </div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBH0ZZAeElRZiRSRwi9NhF1Mpe7-XSJRyReo5fmjpFHnF5VEweu-di9Z7hsJrX_PD3lQM-S5T724iTRlkLupJ0rtqI775K22GM2Gr3kU1apmapvNHcpWn26SKMUUN0Ml9BZnxdLHU7GHY/s1600/entry.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBH0ZZAeElRZiRSRwi9NhF1Mpe7-XSJRyReo5fmjpFHnF5VEweu-di9Z7hsJrX_PD3lQM-S5T724iTRlkLupJ0rtqI775K22GM2Gr3kU1apmapvNHcpWn26SKMUUN0Ml9BZnxdLHU7GHY/s400/entry.jpg" width="245" height="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"> My entry table was the first thing to be decorated, it was decorated for Christmas just a few days after Halloween.</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuDERJ2yj0RA5bXh4C6IDwwhE57568nSydfDzNi-z_2YWeJxiJJZlchdqa5PfBOrEzHd-fjqxETwSOtO4vdEERI2ru9v-3-CMIyYX47bxDRhzN2H3n3yEOaEpRuqt94bJrrLQMu1_Yd0/s1600/entryy.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuDERJ2yj0RA5bXh4C6IDwwhE57568nSydfDzNi-z_2YWeJxiJJZlchdqa5PfBOrEzHd-fjqxETwSOtO4vdEERI2ru9v-3-CMIyYX47bxDRhzN2H3n3yEOaEpRuqt94bJrrLQMu1_Yd0/s400/entryy.jpg" width="267" height="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="class">Happy Holidays!</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-rIeta7lSAah5xT2bKpCfL_LWB1W0WAduy3Mk8GEcA4vd5xGQnyym65GCUU0KUC7keZwU7JofCl12IRiQKDYY_XSrfLkGmywvkveNq8X9LP8Nx3J_RLBVCrBKVdCJzQL5nrTJ7GBMUs/s1600/halls.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-rIeta7lSAah5xT2bKpCfL_LWB1W0WAduy3Mk8GEcA4vd5xGQnyym65GCUU0KUC7keZwU7JofCl12IRiQKDYY_XSrfLkGmywvkveNq8X9LP8Nx3J_RLBVCrBKVdCJzQL5nrTJ7GBMUs/s1600/halls.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator">So fun to decorate an entry. Isn't my giant acorn ornament lovely? It's one of my favorites.</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquulk7lEk7BwZArdGkX2T5q7Y3t_MzG-WYiPuROeCyTXo8BWBu3RhD-cR66b40Zz88CMwmUJzTiaDVw-TSL78koRlkY6R0h-E-kGQTKyaSqeZ14h4OdGJMjycmX0eflsqi1FMXFKaaRE/s1600/wing.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquulk7lEk7BwZArdGkX2T5q7Y3t_MzG-WYiPuROeCyTXo8BWBu3RhD-cR66b40Zz88CMwmUJzTiaDVw-TSL78koRlkY6R0h-E-kGQTKyaSqeZ14h4OdGJMjycmX0eflsqi1FMXFKaaRE/s200/wing.jpg" width="149" height="200" /></a><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIRa6igclal_-e8_vXcfrnMt4advZWD1kq0tiJhXWACWxzki2rXWydcrGDN8Ep6Hvca4ipZ9InkCanyPmpwogr1lD_4ORbsTcAxpkZWzhsCJtO_m666cyFY6Im0uT1GkUlnsXjFls8z4/s1600/ort.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIRa6igclal_-e8_vXcfrnMt4advZWD1kq0tiJhXWACWxzki2rXWydcrGDN8Ep6Hvca4ipZ9InkCanyPmpwogr1lD_4ORbsTcAxpkZWzhsCJtO_m666cyFY6Im0uT1GkUlnsXjFls8z4/s200/ort.jpg" width="150" height="200" /> </a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"> Here's a few more of my favorites...</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkt9GwdoOEMbHmJ1kQEkaofB3k2GsyomAAAIeEHC4Qs0y2qjGARSpNCytXzjIub5p-mMZbHDNR_yi1P4hH-BaO92Zhm55DezZ2HYskm4Ga89YyUW1iWfJkWgsi0DrvmRTFdgQKkyozRk/s1600/flake.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkt9GwdoOEMbHmJ1kQEkaofB3k2GsyomAAAIeEHC4Qs0y2qjGARSpNCytXzjIub5p-mMZbHDNR_yi1P4hH-BaO92Zhm55DezZ2HYskm4Ga89YyUW1iWfJkWgsi0DrvmRTFdgQKkyozRk/s200/flake.jpg" width="157" height="200" /></a><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCybkpLaUPHAr9caYZwDJIk9rPwsIiMX5ehpM6uGqUMOpEqN1IdEzvEt1JFYVtX0IREuArKp_3V6pPAUhP4ANj9z9OaRGcbz1AbBxQGAwYBC36tRKI5v2nNOAZ9cbo8esU2TgufUN1suM/s1600/flow.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCybkpLaUPHAr9caYZwDJIk9rPwsIiMX5ehpM6uGqUMOpEqN1IdEzvEt1JFYVtX0IREuArKp_3V6pPAUhP4ANj9z9OaRGcbz1AbBxQGAwYBC36tRKI5v2nNOAZ9cbo8esU2TgufUN1suM/s200/flow.jpg" width="157" height="200" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HL-11MeT_jWO4X-SQraUCVfC-zDbQXwVNhaS10H338NXnzJPJpzKzEVeuzLFwoPBIiiJcLwpku3FY63B3jdYWUeg48O1W8lRAJrU_zWFRyc6f_MuniSra4EqWxInOa2OFG0g1-JnDb4/s1600/tree.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HL-11MeT_jWO4X-SQraUCVfC-zDbQXwVNhaS10H338NXnzJPJpzKzEVeuzLFwoPBIiiJcLwpku3FY63B3jdYWUeg48O1W8lRAJrU_zWFRyc6f_MuniSra4EqWxInOa2OFG0g1-JnDb4/s1600/tree.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"> My Tree 2011</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkGgMBY2mSmBeLWGLsRM5_sV0PU7UNliMCYwtQZbUnjGXBIA2J9_HPGHvUd-GxBjBth_xxhPJEYjucyU4ivDQG3cLA7osG4AMDMTueCjDYdqD4ystM8xR7AMrohBmTCjOyH9mHwFgPOo/s1600/christmas+card.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkGgMBY2mSmBeLWGLsRM5_sV0PU7UNliMCYwtQZbUnjGXBIA2J9_HPGHvUd-GxBjBth_xxhPJEYjucyU4ivDQG3cLA7osG4AMDMTueCjDYdqD4ystM8xR7AMrohBmTCjOyH9mHwFgPOo/s320/christmas+card.JPG" width="320" height="240" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator">My Babies in their Christmas outfits.</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><span style="font-size: x-small">Lacie, Little Bunny Fufu & Bella.</span></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div>Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10126770663361207060noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271511474458616887.post-724077262915447272011-12-15T08:00:00.002-07:002012-01-03T17:02:55.730-07:00Twelve Blogs of Christmas Day 4<p><strong><u><font size="5" face="Lucida Handwriting"></font></u></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><u><font size="5" face="Lucida Handwriting"></font></u></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><u><font size="5" face="Lucida Handwriting">Please Welcome Type A Decorating!</font></u></strong></p> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; text-align: center; border-left: medium none; clear: both; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none" class="separator"> </div> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; text-align: center; border-left: medium none; clear: both; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none" class="separator">Merry Christmas Designer Garden Friends!  I'm Tammy from <a href="http://typeadecorating.blogspot.com/">Type A</a>, and I'm so excited to share my Christmas Decor with you!</div> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; text-align: center; border-left: medium none; clear: both; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none" class="separator"></div> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; text-align: center; border-left: medium none; clear: both; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none" class="separator">Last year I decided to redo everything, yes everything.  I've added some 'new' stuff this year too.  I would love to say I'm done, but I KNOW I will add more next year.  The real truth, I already know what I want to add.  </div> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; text-align: center; border-left: medium none; clear: both; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none" class="separator"></div> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; text-align: center; border-left: medium none; clear: both; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none" class="separator">This is my entry, well as much of an entry as my little town home has.</div> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; text-align: center; border-left: medium none; clear: both; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYO7h-eWhk5eVDr5aijbnYN3T8iqg57tuZnrqw6vIfzSSfKwWgH8ld4e3BKHeypSgGvp3SLG_IIoU9lMk-qoVu9dpYE4JintX312Q7ig9ynAHH3jWfOWx9htpiXTIsFBCMq7CmHITBufU/s1600/DSCF6685.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYO7h-eWhk5eVDr5aijbnYN3T8iqg57tuZnrqw6vIfzSSfKwWgH8ld4e3BKHeypSgGvp3SLG_IIoU9lMk-qoVu9dpYE4JintX312Q7ig9ynAHH3jWfOWx9htpiXTIsFBCMq7CmHITBufU/s320/DSCF6685.JPG" width="320" height="240" dda="true" /></a></div> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; text-align: center; border-left: medium none; clear: both; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none" class="separator"></div> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; text-align: center; border-left: medium none; clear: both; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none" class="separator">My tree, I love this little tree.  It's really the trunks fault I had to start over, my 7 1/2 ft. tree wouldn't fit on top and clear the ceiling.  I don't have a basement, so no place to store the trunk.  The trunk had to be integrated some how, cause let's face it, I'm not getting rid of the trunk.</div> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; text-align: center; border-left: medium none; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RKVjqINqEJeMJnK5asSPVg8xgPF46GSiyrQzIgbpZwJyy22JS3LUa61-PjlIg7CxuHda9wSw5r4MKdATX469GKvMmCKcSxEyLaRW6vDy9L3Qu4wMzmkDSr-HXO4bZ8bDv8nyfD9h6kc/s1600/DSCF6725.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RKVjqINqEJeMJnK5asSPVg8xgPF46GSiyrQzIgbpZwJyy22JS3LUa61-PjlIg7CxuHda9wSw5r4MKdATX469GKvMmCKcSxEyLaRW6vDy9L3Qu4wMzmkDSr-HXO4bZ8bDv8nyfD9h6kc/s320/DSCF6725.JPG" width="240" height="320" dda="true" /></a></div> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; text-align: center; border-left: medium none; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none"></div> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; text-align: center; border-left: medium none; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none">I've made some and bought some of the ornaments.  I love my new mercury glass ones!  I love anything mercury glass.  </div> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; text-align: center; border-left: medium none; clear: both; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1i2GZln7gWp-DVn05BHV-_2M39mQQw7693Y015SJyV168DXIEKRz1mV3kACb0HTp0S3ExC_HEVIJ5WjgHb08miTB8cd9NMcygiVkJrLGfTnPcngEgoBdA01gx8Aa-V0efrioJvgjnlcw/s1600/DSCF6697.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1i2GZln7gWp-DVn05BHV-_2M39mQQw7693Y015SJyV168DXIEKRz1mV3kACb0HTp0S3ExC_HEVIJ5WjgHb08miTB8cd9NMcygiVkJrLGfTnPcngEgoBdA01gx8Aa-V0efrioJvgjnlcw/s320/DSCF6697.JPG" width="240" height="320" dda="true" /></a></div> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; text-align: center; border-left: medium none; clear: both; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none" class="separator"></div> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; text-align: center; border-left: medium none; clear: both; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none" class="separator">My Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy ornaments, aren't they gorgeous?  I wish I had one for every character in every Jane Austen book ever written, and some Bronte sisters too!  I love the classics.</div> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; text-align: center; border-left: medium none; clear: both; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzx_LNF6NInjN7N5vvg0OPQcPkSSS1BuflcL-uGhws0SBpIlVKNA6hThVdMSdeHbABBHv0lPtyplJKJz8Avl3wIaGSLS3KHJZhc8zbm2y_1CEnEG2dID-hpZvQuifhAkfUq4wUqGkP6YI/s1600/DSCF6703.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzx_LNF6NInjN7N5vvg0OPQcPkSSS1BuflcL-uGhws0SBpIlVKNA6hThVdMSdeHbABBHv0lPtyplJKJz8Avl3wIaGSLS3KHJZhc8zbm2y_1CEnEG2dID-hpZvQuifhAkfUq4wUqGkP6YI/s320/DSCF6703.JPG" width="240" height="320" dda="true" /></a></div> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; text-align: center; border-left: medium none; clear: both; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none" class="separator"></div> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; text-align: center; border-left: medium none; clear: both; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none" class="separator">This year I made these little doves, gold clay!  Love clay.</div> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; text-align: center; border-left: medium none; clear: both; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyUzGEvSZGWogNtGQBcl3tgTrhSDDrXwwzNn6my8Zt5RwXkPyQQLjgsj_5FTa2aV0H-fQtXmZa0BlOKzkJS2iEp7ShbHI3Sr2A-QPtvsC5kkip7gC4sBuYCmJarSOOr5TgKpZixwj988/s1600/DSCF6706.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyUzGEvSZGWogNtGQBcl3tgTrhSDDrXwwzNn6my8Zt5RwXkPyQQLjgsj_5FTa2aV0H-fQtXmZa0BlOKzkJS2iEp7ShbHI3Sr2A-QPtvsC5kkip7gC4sBuYCmJarSOOr5TgKpZixwj988/s320/DSCF6706.JPG" width="240" height="320" dda="true" /></a></div> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; text-align: center; border-left: medium none; clear: both; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none" class="separator"></div> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; text-align: center; border-left: medium none; clear: both; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLNriW0slOnpitou7Bs1yHyT6qIHAwJEkIoOa-b8pSssHJ1A2L9DdUi4wgLmvHl3vxHX_0zut58uhsdLrmo1w3O_LP-tIIqspbaW1ndR-k9qofoBvJ5Gmy0MQHhKYYmwfWd5XQXnpjA4/s1600/DSCF6712.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLNriW0slOnpitou7Bs1yHyT6qIHAwJEkIoOa-b8pSssHJ1A2L9DdUi4wgLmvHl3vxHX_0zut58uhsdLrmo1w3O_LP-tIIqspbaW1ndR-k9qofoBvJ5Gmy0MQHhKYYmwfWd5XQXnpjA4/s320/DSCF6712.JPG" width="240" height="320" dda="true" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center">  </div> <div style="text-align: center">My mantel, which has less on it than normal.  I just didn't have room for my Nativity without making it look cluttered.  (Hubby, see why we NEED a bigger house.)  <a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGfAZWSzpqwNMMhI0ELjsh6YxzjKUDoVTggYQMmaqlDUA98hQcjcSm7np_04wHdky3L6CeTJOddMNRieYS41lXkrTBqm2goItw0duDnrx4L5ryLjbsRcqpuvVH9YCrr5VpLEmW0tyFm8/s1600/DSCF6529.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGfAZWSzpqwNMMhI0ELjsh6YxzjKUDoVTggYQMmaqlDUA98hQcjcSm7np_04wHdky3L6CeTJOddMNRieYS41lXkrTBqm2goItw0duDnrx4L5ryLjbsRcqpuvVH9YCrr5VpLEmW0tyFm8/s320/DSCF6529.JPG" width="320" height="240" dda="true" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center"></div> <div style="text-align: center">Dining area.</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4rWqm-zO81g73aw0Tudb0XBgcufivprj-ZDzJvJ_62GCTWAvLEYQnEn9I70JOMY58zErvKWO8WfHBE9bz9_9sg_QZs9csvJRmR1KQscQ_O3Jwy6t3_GzOzySgIsqrS2EVZ-AfDHbX2A/s1600/DSCF6577.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4rWqm-zO81g73aw0Tudb0XBgcufivprj-ZDzJvJ_62GCTWAvLEYQnEn9I70JOMY58zErvKWO8WfHBE9bz9_9sg_QZs9csvJRmR1KQscQ_O3Jwy6t3_GzOzySgIsqrS2EVZ-AfDHbX2A/s320/DSCF6577.JPG" width="240" height="320" mda="true" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator">I made this felt tree this year too, I had planned on making two.  Enough said.</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wAH3cE4mb5De-ktKPgnNH0wVAdWRUVD77FgjN6tL454PaTMK60kfjvrPvCu5bLwk2zyJY-F1x1PYWalpTy0fUSL_HGexRQe11RXj4VxwOGITzhJnaVabzxEPqwU64qCRFBiVuTwce2g/s1600/DSCF6578.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wAH3cE4mb5De-ktKPgnNH0wVAdWRUVD77FgjN6tL454PaTMK60kfjvrPvCu5bLwk2zyJY-F1x1PYWalpTy0fUSL_HGexRQe11RXj4VxwOGITzhJnaVabzxEPqwU64qCRFBiVuTwce2g/s320/DSCF6578.JPG" width="240" height="320" mda="true" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator">My most recent edition, a shutter to hold Christmas cards!  </div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3taXceX7A7YSzu-T61Nu8TJ7cVtHNCgxb9GjKkMIzACQPwTboiBco0UCJCXVtDRnSl4bh2VYUr1A5KeM4u9pTQHiLt6l1BKHA6xItt7EKpkCAGpg-J1mEQK4vUZPP2IgWgmdvbNZD-s/s1600/DSCF6751.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3taXceX7A7YSzu-T61Nu8TJ7cVtHNCgxb9GjKkMIzACQPwTboiBco0UCJCXVtDRnSl4bh2VYUr1A5KeM4u9pTQHiLt6l1BKHA6xItt7EKpkCAGpg-J1mEQK4vUZPP2IgWgmdvbNZD-s/s320/DSCF6751.JPG" width="240" height="320" mda="true" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator">I even added to my office this year, I kinda had too, really didn't have room down stairs anymore.  Where am I gonna store this stuff after Christmas?  (insert bigger house)</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator">Headed up the stairs.</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXWQk8BJzcc9VCzPifT62ZIM4Dzh52LClPWjxgCfDTw7kB3zCSO9QTi800NUZQtbuwoPU0lhcA1ptKFImPQAOQneF54Y9hm2GS4Sl9Zk8jVDcjW3Dsp3EZRopjsQ5qlx323NmDCbIK-g/s1600/DSCF6540.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXWQk8BJzcc9VCzPifT62ZIM4Dzh52LClPWjxgCfDTw7kB3zCSO9QTi800NUZQtbuwoPU0lhcA1ptKFImPQAOQneF54Y9hm2GS4Sl9Zk8jVDcjW3Dsp3EZRopjsQ5qlx323NmDCbIK-g/s320/DSCF6540.JPG" width="240" height="320" mda="true" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator">The top of the stairs.  My office/loft/hallway.  Do you see the trend, every room and item in my house does double duty.  (really this is just for the Hubby...hint hint...)</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNo3jHDgfzjKQ2LPDFb1rpGzp2Y2Z9fCDVgABk1HwtSX1bUIcGvSmHlgFAK_RCyamZ4QJgSOL42iZC96zTW1z-vScdp-E31HfNnkJZkLmRksWBBeNptyp9QBpxSv_7XTFHXYWKz0AXGCQ/s1600/DSCF6561.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNo3jHDgfzjKQ2LPDFb1rpGzp2Y2Z9fCDVgABk1HwtSX1bUIcGvSmHlgFAK_RCyamZ4QJgSOL42iZC96zTW1z-vScdp-E31HfNnkJZkLmRksWBBeNptyp9QBpxSv_7XTFHXYWKz0AXGCQ/s320/DSCF6561.JPG" width="320" height="240" mda="true" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator">Thanks for stopping by and touring my home!  I have some tutorials planned for the ornaments and tree I made, I hope you stop back by!</div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"></div> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><strong><em><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large">Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!</span></em></strong></div>Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10126770663361207060noreply@blogger.com8