tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37990181733837897642024-03-15T21:09:12.149-04:00Home Heart and Handsannacarterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062600423763652148noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799018173383789764.post-70088355679792678732014-11-02T20:07:00.000-05:002014-11-02T20:07:40.812-05:00Black and White Halloween MantleHey! Sorry I've been away for so long. Halloween really got the better of me this year! I made a couple of dresses for my daughters (Elsa and Anna) that took a horrendous amount of time to complete, I threw a party at my house, we had a trunk or treat and a family Halloween carnival we always put on every year....I was so busy I couldn't see strait! Another fun fact...we got SNOW Halloween night. It went from being in the 70s and 80s that week (that day even) to snow in the middle of the night! This was the earliest snow on record for SC. It blew all of our minds, seriously!<br />
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I couldn't let Halloween come and go without sharing my black and white Halloween mantle. It has been up all "season," but I never found time to photograph it and share it with you. I started to take it down yesterday and I couldn't bring myself to, without snapping a few shots and showing you guys. I loved it so much, I wanted to leave it...but that would be weird. I'm sure I'll love the FALL mantle I have planned just as much! <br />
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So, better late than never! Here is it:<br />
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This is just scrap book paper in frames. </div>
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I painted a couple of cheap pumpkins from Wally World and Target</div>
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Blurry shot. My bad. My 11-year-old drew the chalk sign. It says "creepy."</div>
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I painted these goblet votives...They have been painted so many times. You can see what they looked like before on top of my entryway <a href="http://www.home-heart-and-hands.blogspot.com/2014/01/diy-mudroom-and-entrywaythe-how-to.html">here</a>. </div>
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I drew on these glasses with a dry erase marker. They could have turned out better, but it was still fun. </div>
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This was such a fun idea. I took a glass bowl that I already had and drew on a jack-o-lantern face with some dry erase markers. Use what ya got! </div>
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So that's it! Pin it for next year ;) </div>
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I'll see you later with some easy sewing tips...a tutorial for the Anna's coronation dress from Frozen (it's a doozy), some lovely fall decor, and we are having my four year old, Sophie's birthday party next weekend, so I'll be sharing that as well.</div>
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xo</div>
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Anna</div>
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<br />annacarterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062600423763652148noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799018173383789764.post-44829648537660099252014-10-20T08:22:00.000-04:002014-10-20T08:22:05.129-04:0050 Everyday Weeknight Meals Blog Hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey Friends! <br />
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Today I'm participating in the Everyday Weeknight Meals Blog Hop! Several of bloggers have gotten together to bring you a collection of fast, easy and delicious week-night dinner recipes. I'm pretty psyched to start trying some of these new recipes. I know my week stays pretty boring with spaghetti, tacos and $5.00 Little Caesars. <br />
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My contribution to this little blog hop is Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas. We don't make them terribly often, because....well, they are super fattening ;) But, boy are they GOOD! This is my husband's favorite dinner. I have had this recipe ever since I have been married (13 years). It is a hand written recipe that wound up in my little wooden recipe box that someone gave to me at a wedding shower. I have no idea where it came from, but it has become one of our "family recipes." I hope I'm not stealing the credit from someone out there. Let me know if I am!<br />
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This is a really easy recipe:<br />
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Here's what you'll need: </div>
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2 cans of Cream of Chicken soup</div>
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a 7 ounce can of green chilies</div>
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16 ounces of sour cream (2 cups)</div>
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Plenty of cheddar cheese (however much you want, really)</div>
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Tortillas. I use flour, but you can use softened corn tortillas too, if you prefer. </div>
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 2.</div>
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Cook your chicken as you normally would. I usually saute mine. You could even use pre-cooked or canned chicken if you really wanted this to be fast....but I infinitely prefer to cook mine fresh. </div>
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Chop into little pieces. I like to do this, while it's cooking....makes it cook faster. </div>
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Put both cans of chicken soup into a bowl and add the can of green chilies to it. No need to drain. </div>
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Add in 16 ounces (2 cups) of sour cream. </div>
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Drain and mix in the chicken. </div>
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You will have this horribly ugly mixture. </div>
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Spread a thin layer on the bottom of a baking dish. </div>
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Take a tortilla, I prefer the small tortillas...put a small dollop in the center of the tortilla. You will be tempted to put more than you should in this tortilla....resist this temptation. Just a little bit, is fine. You will have leftover sour cream mixture....it's okay. Trust me, it's way better if you take it easy on the mixture. </div>
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Add as much cheese as you want. </div>
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Roll it up and put it face down in the dish. </div>
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Repeat. </div>
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Really cram them in there. You want as many as you can. </div>
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Liberally cover with some of the extra mixture....eyeball this. You most likely won't use it all. </div>
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This is what I had left. Honestly, I could have made two pans of this....but we really don't need the calories. </div>
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Cover with cheese! </div>
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Bake at 350 degrees for thirty minutes, covered. </div>
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The end result looks like an ooey gooey mess! It is so delicious though....let me tell you :) </div>
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All of my kids swore to me that they weren't going to eat this while I was making it....all of my kids cleaned their plates. </div>
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This is super fast and easy to pull together. I hope some of you try it! </div>
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Visit all of the other recipes at the links below and stock up your recipe book with some new fresh recipes! </div>
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You can also find the recipes here at our group Pinterest Board:<br />
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Annaannacarterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062600423763652148noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799018173383789764.post-12677669117574432762014-10-12T22:57:00.000-04:002014-10-20T14:22:10.293-04:00How to Build a DIY FireplaceHey friends! I have been sick for a few days, otherwise I would have finished all of my <a href="http://www.home-heart-and-hands.blogspot.com/2014/10/cheap-and-easy-black-and-white.html">cute Halloween decorations</a> and you'd be seeing an awesome finished Halloween mantle in this post....but instead I've had lots of down time to construct an incredibly detailed tutorial for you in Google sketchup....yeesh, it takes a long time to do Google sketchup. Here is how I built my beautiful fireplace! I hope you enjoy :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKONIAdqSbFWllU7qfnPJLvFzluxvcfvjilNlt4pG6mneb-xovru7XTcMttXZXV6V3U9YAjpau7czQYrt-RnWT-3YUd1uwUTCeKDpbLonikk7sZ5doKzKq-IRm2ZJIKsMHrOqB-mm4UvS/s1600/edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKONIAdqSbFWllU7qfnPJLvFzluxvcfvjilNlt4pG6mneb-xovru7XTcMttXZXV6V3U9YAjpau7czQYrt-RnWT-3YUd1uwUTCeKDpbLonikk7sZ5doKzKq-IRm2ZJIKsMHrOqB-mm4UvS/s1600/edited.jpg" height="584" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here is the earliest shot I can find of this side of my living room. It's kind of funny too. We had just got home with our new baby (Isla, my 5 year old) and my husband was OUT on the floor. This was before we painted this room and during a very strange furniture configuration... You can see, the spot where the fireplace is....is a blank wall. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJixXJnRfNlXz25Grm5rAvnUSO3qj3BmgMJuhs_WxhpJJrJWyCr2x1RNjeadFP60Ab_0kJdbJ6V6ku0pJ1Fji9Kk7LOV-5w9i-EDI6lQjYIUXggOP___Yfs1QFOswMYZmjvAmi6w0i523d/s1600/2574_1111112704640_5874542_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJixXJnRfNlXz25Grm5rAvnUSO3qj3BmgMJuhs_WxhpJJrJWyCr2x1RNjeadFP60Ab_0kJdbJ6V6ku0pJ1Fji9Kk7LOV-5w9i-EDI6lQjYIUXggOP___Yfs1QFOswMYZmjvAmi6w0i523d/s1600/2574_1111112704640_5874542_n.jpg" height="380" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here's a shot a little later. We had an entertainment center there...before I painted the back door navy. In the fore-ground is my mom holding my sweet Isla. We did a lot in those first few months of her life ;) </div>
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Here's what it looked like when I started building the fireplace. The gigantic TV is attached to the wall, and we just pushed the entertainment center under it. Ridiculous. Not what I would have picked mind you (ahem, husband...).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI34atc9ZhI8eugKMGoHy30li0We3plNZjm5lnv5O4t46R-7PIrdmDy5vjfc8PoNfTw8gARsRXMXjn5F5uPaqpJeBdkP9Dj0Yd2sPKLq6YQrNv43WLcARINrnzzTKVv1zP7IYp2767wG9h/s1600/SAM_0672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI34atc9ZhI8eugKMGoHy30li0We3plNZjm5lnv5O4t46R-7PIrdmDy5vjfc8PoNfTw8gARsRXMXjn5F5uPaqpJeBdkP9Dj0Yd2sPKLq6YQrNv43WLcARINrnzzTKVv1zP7IYp2767wG9h/s1600/SAM_0672.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I started this project based on that T.V. I wanted to build something around it, so that it wouldn't look so dang....bad. I found this (below) square base for the fireplace at Habitat Re-store for 20 bucks and it was on!</div>
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This is the only shot I have of this thing "as is" it is against the wall there behind the lovely group shot of my Dad, Step-mom, sister and I. It is basically a wood box...with a square hole in the front and the back is completely open. I could have totally built that very easily myself, but the price was so cheap that I couldn't have bought the wood to build a box for that little. It just basically saved me some time....and it came with that cool metal insert inside that I ended up painting with chalkboard paint....so that was a bonus. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vp13EQ3mI7RuJ8RhTi5CrrHaTtTXnK0eth12IVH_q2NeUkWScwBuhXVclB9KABOgvpl9lgzXviix50B7cTqnlHtckuA6cj3pQ3BePvapGud7V_6Xf7mMRx8DrcD55sP4o3GN-e8X-V9d/s1600/SAM_1294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vp13EQ3mI7RuJ8RhTi5CrrHaTtTXnK0eth12IVH_q2NeUkWScwBuhXVclB9KABOgvpl9lgzXviix50B7cTqnlHtckuA6cj3pQ3BePvapGud7V_6Xf7mMRx8DrcD55sP4o3GN-e8X-V9d/s1600/SAM_1294.JPG" height="380" width="480" /></a></div>
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It's basically this...for more clarity. Except the back was open. I don't know why sketchup closed off the back... If you wanted to build this for yourself, you would basically build a box with an open back...cut a square hole in the front of it...and add a narrow piece of wood around the underneath side of the lip of the hole that will look like a recessed lip (the spot I attached the hex tile surround to). This entire project is made from 3/4 inch plywood, 2x4s.....and pretty moulding.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EnbMvsWpBOVfJzdd1OZ_I7FxMpvsmvjjWBhbpmiaqC0_Ct3tBLX-zGSuH2DTvVEQNPhLD7X_nEwFSIdbel5rLFQbupIr_oM9TH7g7lEkEHj2LYvsdZt80MBkoxUY0qyH50MujMaHofuS/s1600/step+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EnbMvsWpBOVfJzdd1OZ_I7FxMpvsmvjjWBhbpmiaqC0_Ct3tBLX-zGSuH2DTvVEQNPhLD7X_nEwFSIdbel5rLFQbupIr_oM9TH7g7lEkEHj2LYvsdZt80MBkoxUY0qyH50MujMaHofuS/s1600/step+2.jpg" height="262" width="480" /></a></div>
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The first step was to build the frame on the wall. I attached long 2x4s on either side of my T.V. based on the measurements of my already assembled fireplace base. I took them all of the way to the ceiling. I made them the same width apart as the fireplace base. </div>
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The 2x4's are attached to the wall standing on their side (the 2 inch sides are against the wall, vs the four inch sides). This way, my new built out portion is 4 inches out from the wall. 2x4s are hard to screw into the wall through a full 4 inches of wood, and you also can't guarantee that there will be a stud to screw into underneath the same spot you want your 2x4 to go. What I did (not pictured above) was to create cleats. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxaQC_eJjOvDM6fvYV-OL4fZqK4yTkG42Nn73N7jvFiQ75BJAk62_Ibciov1LxEmLqgVrQsOGK02wNTDvNwjPJ4Oh_YHw7lU11KK8vBUHCMHSkhUcFCoQuvnYBqRWOYUJ2Y_aRnm9xsQ_F/s1600/step+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxaQC_eJjOvDM6fvYV-OL4fZqK4yTkG42Nn73N7jvFiQ75BJAk62_Ibciov1LxEmLqgVrQsOGK02wNTDvNwjPJ4Oh_YHw7lU11KK8vBUHCMHSkhUcFCoQuvnYBqRWOYUJ2Y_aRnm9xsQ_F/s1600/step+9.jpg" height="262" width="480" /></a></div>
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See the smaller flat piece of 2x4 that is butted up against the one that is standing on it's side? That piece is a cleat. It is easily screwed through because you are only going through 2 inches of wood. That piece can also extend whichever direction you need it to go in order for it to be screwed into a stud. Once you have your cleat in place, you then take the 2x4 that is turned on it's side (the one that protrudes 4 inches instead of 2) and screw through the side of it into the side of the flat 2x4. It ends up looking like the picture above. I placed these cleats anywhere I needed support. A piece of plywood is going to go on top of the ends of the 2x4s that are standing on their sides, so add a cleat and 2x4 anywhere you need to support the edge of the plywood layer that will be on top. What I did was to go around the perimeter of the area on top of the T.V. and a few spots across the middle and then did the same for the space under the T.V....and then put a cleat right under the edge of the T.V. on both sides. The T.V. has a 6" clearance, so it was just fine. Just keep in mind if you do this, that you don't block any of the T.V. controls or input connections with your cleats. </div>
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Heading back to the fireplace base....you need to build a hearth for this to sit on. I know a lot of hearths are flat on the ground, and that's fine too....you could just add tile under it, but I like the look of the old school raised hearths...I just wanted an updated version. I measured mine relatively small for hearth standards. I have littles, so I didn't want everybody tripping over it. </div>
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I built a frame out of 2x4s. I Just screwed them together. I wanted the front to extend beyond the width of the fireplace, for aesthetics....but I knew I would be flanking it with book shelves, so I cut out a space for the shelves, so they would be able to sit flush against the side of the fireplace. I came up with this shape. The back portion is the same width as the fireplace base. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4Vy6QVDw8003BVekoeDDUjPbKOVIQIeB5lgG8omeoWv-b8PieuvJ5YPJxP286YELEDVPijb7pp_t0-64jBaLk-3cSJ94fX0AtIBKtokCDs7HpboLKGHkm9LpZhLpewbK19G9ofJO_szg/s1600/step+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4Vy6QVDw8003BVekoeDDUjPbKOVIQIeB5lgG8omeoWv-b8PieuvJ5YPJxP286YELEDVPijb7pp_t0-64jBaLk-3cSJ94fX0AtIBKtokCDs7HpboLKGHkm9LpZhLpewbK19G9ofJO_szg/s1600/step+3.jpg" height="262" width="480" /></a></div>
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I added some more 2x4s to the center for support. For my purposes, these 2x4s are on their end, so it's giving the fireplace a 4" lift off of the ground. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMINWN9zvIrf-1XjTLhUlwqPDteNvhzbClABzSrsZXnRRRU2qWd8TWA814bYuryvWudI9ZxwZkcBm5xivMxNyZzV-RV6opIxBR7dOUBOgNIrPeKteqfsx-6bSb-uHqup9s9FKLXm_aMbH/s1600/step+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMINWN9zvIrf-1XjTLhUlwqPDteNvhzbClABzSrsZXnRRRU2qWd8TWA814bYuryvWudI9ZxwZkcBm5xivMxNyZzV-RV6opIxBR7dOUBOgNIrPeKteqfsx-6bSb-uHqup9s9FKLXm_aMbH/s1600/step+4.jpg" height="262" width="480" /></a></div>
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Next I cut out a layer of plywood (I have the Lowes do my big cuts and then I notched it out with the jig saw....someday I'll have a table saw.) </div>
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I just nailed this down on top. </div>
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I didn't take a picture of this, but I wanted the fireplace to be a little higher off of the ground, so I went back with some pieces of 2x4 and I made some legs. I used the flat side of the 2x4, so it only lifted the hearth another 2 inches....and I screwed them in all over underneath the hearth for support. </div>
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Next....check it out....the fireplace base fits on top of it just like a puzzle! I used a couple of "L" brackets on each side on the inside of the fireplace (remember the back is wide open) to screw the top to the hearth. </div>
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Next, I lined up the fireplace base with where it would fit on the wall to make sure I had the right measurements for where to place the plywood that will cover the space under the T.V. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthCvL0e9FB6R9yiQizyhkdjxfr53ruW-ARx5-oNF9qauJDxKGKAaxIwYKlfIBZb78C2VPvqJmBJdQRU6V_fRP7rZJ5YmDcGH7-n8EeI8wfhV49tc_hEct9gtUd5j-25ReOWzep0NWLSFj/s1600/step+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthCvL0e9FB6R9yiQizyhkdjxfr53ruW-ARx5-oNF9qauJDxKGKAaxIwYKlfIBZb78C2VPvqJmBJdQRU6V_fRP7rZJ5YmDcGH7-n8EeI8wfhV49tc_hEct9gtUd5j-25ReOWzep0NWLSFj/s1600/step+7.jpg" height="262" width="480" /></a></div>
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Then I finished adding cleats and starting screwing on the plywood. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YPmyA7kpGh4_KpsZl4l99moui0nlRssI6e2J1ArvvgLdJFvTezeShEhiKXkWXqvH5MoW5eQ4GIrAFABSxIRpZpHGg0ROXYJAP3xfx0HQxxsPypP02Zm6WWajwQCXhqZlHCMwC-B-n9S3/s1600/step+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YPmyA7kpGh4_KpsZl4l99moui0nlRssI6e2J1ArvvgLdJFvTezeShEhiKXkWXqvH5MoW5eQ4GIrAFABSxIRpZpHGg0ROXYJAP3xfx0HQxxsPypP02Zm6WWajwQCXhqZlHCMwC-B-n9S3/s1600/step+8.jpg" height="262" width="480" /></a></div>
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I cut a piece to go across the top like shown</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknN8_HO4X8x1GIvpnvsZr82gav1SrNW5ZVTgr-gFT9VzGdeqGE-35DrWvlMx6NxjDlTxI3rVm4aWDvtltFkamiVgahw6lTWDfMAz2An7yLh4vp53-JAviMAeeka76YeI5Faxdwyyx8XKi/s1600/step+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknN8_HO4X8x1GIvpnvsZr82gav1SrNW5ZVTgr-gFT9VzGdeqGE-35DrWvlMx6NxjDlTxI3rVm4aWDvtltFkamiVgahw6lTWDfMAz2An7yLh4vp53-JAviMAeeka76YeI5Faxdwyyx8XKi/s1600/step+10.jpg" height="262" width="480" /></a></div>
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And then I added a piece to go across the bottom. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlG0s5IiN2bB8MZUh8EBYj6vb8yVqLi70FlYFZUvddj7wFkKwX87Vr2JHivUoYwPvyAniQWvL8oFALH_1OWEKdIoWAcqmHniiz1IX0V1Ug7ryMw9LI-L52-AjUKKMpfVMgAm0COR3SuVC/s1600/step+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlG0s5IiN2bB8MZUh8EBYj6vb8yVqLi70FlYFZUvddj7wFkKwX87Vr2JHivUoYwPvyAniQWvL8oFALH_1OWEKdIoWAcqmHniiz1IX0V1Ug7ryMw9LI-L52-AjUKKMpfVMgAm0COR3SuVC/s1600/step+12.jpg" height="262" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here is a real life shot of the progress up to this point. </div>
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It doesn't look so promising at this point, huh...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiI5HZ8T45l1z_e_FVWJciBicB5rzPl1k-VB35dpj62NnkCfhYMVuJzwXW0Ee1w0m3UpSIDA5e2sAvsabinjw0Qdqhx0TKvCLs6qT0_qq9s87FLkSJ5zCctUvybdrpOYK3MUup99RMXldU/s1600/SAM_1513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiI5HZ8T45l1z_e_FVWJciBicB5rzPl1k-VB35dpj62NnkCfhYMVuJzwXW0Ee1w0m3UpSIDA5e2sAvsabinjw0Qdqhx0TKvCLs6qT0_qq9s87FLkSJ5zCctUvybdrpOYK3MUup99RMXldU/s1600/SAM_1513.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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my cuties playing with their daddy :) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaB8nQJtWOpUZy_JUwVz2qmFnfjNS8Z4EaUUh9pIjzfKHdHhQyEXE48f2YQ0F6ueR3vLKdsh9ZBmPxSkodeI76OTk0cjDizNYTjy3cFNI5er73jF9l3OrSID9p_5uGkm2xmNfS2izZ7Tq/s1600/SAM_1516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaB8nQJtWOpUZy_JUwVz2qmFnfjNS8Z4EaUUh9pIjzfKHdHhQyEXE48f2YQ0F6ueR3vLKdsh9ZBmPxSkodeI76OTk0cjDizNYTjy3cFNI5er73jF9l3OrSID9p_5uGkm2xmNfS2izZ7Tq/s1600/SAM_1516.JPG" height="380" width="480" /></a></div>
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After this, I added pieces of plywood to the sides of the T.V. These had to be notched out though, so that we would be able to reach behind the T.V. to get at the controls. I don't have a shot of it....but basically it was a rectangle of plywood that would fit in the space on either side of the T.V., with an arm sized notch cut out of it that was big enough to allow us to reach our arm behind the T.V. on both sides....Yes, it was really ugly...but don't worry, that ugly-ness gets covered. </div>
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Next up is the book cases. I decided that I wanted my book cases to come up about 80 percent of the way up the side of my fireplace base and then to be about 2/3rds as deep. </div>
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You can see the size difference here. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziwzucNifccKJlRzf6ilpwrRmgmT7EZvtNklea5tlHVmYGzgCww9TXmWwAOHV-KfB-lRmX2xh89JIdJyR_gEdn6WsNz0iDBgm8mZhGT4xfbDaUPZ8zeU9V5vNOIrG_uiypN3p0R-SnzDR/s1600/IMG_20140917_140806_852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziwzucNifccKJlRzf6ilpwrRmgmT7EZvtNklea5tlHVmYGzgCww9TXmWwAOHV-KfB-lRmX2xh89JIdJyR_gEdn6WsNz0iDBgm8mZhGT4xfbDaUPZ8zeU9V5vNOIrG_uiypN3p0R-SnzDR/s1600/IMG_20140917_140806_852.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I put the fireplace base in place on the wall first to get measurements for the shelves and then I constructed them. </div>
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**note, I messed up and my fireplace base was a couple of inches narrower than the two 2x4's on either side that it was butted up against. My bookshelves wouldn't sit flush against my fireplace base, so I built around the 2x4 when I constructed the bookshelves...that's why you can see a bump out on the inside of the bookshelves in my pictures. I'm nuts....and it was seriously a challenge. Just glad it worked out, so I didn't have to take the whole thing down and start over. So, just learn a lesson from me and get your measurements right the first time! </div>
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For the book cases, I had Lowes cut me two long pieces that were 12 inches wide and 39.25 inches tall (the total height of the bookshelves are 40 inches, but you have to add the thickness of the 3/4 inch plywood top). Next I had one square cut that was 12 inches deep and 11.5 inches wide (the top)...the other three pieces were shorter, because I had to take into acount the thickness of the sides the wood on the sides. The three lower pieces were each 10 inches wide and 12 inches deep. </div>
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Next, I measured how tall my fireplace hearth was, and added half an inch for tile (that I hadn't added yet) and used that measurement to determine the height of my bottom shelf. </div>
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Add the top of the book shelf first, this will be the easiest to get square and strait. Make sure you square up (with an actual square) every angle as you go. Next, you should add the bottom shelf (see picture below). I just nailed in from the side for all of these pieces....try really hard to get your aim right! I cant count how many times I missed my piece of wood and had random nails sticking through the bookshelf! Again, it's very important to measure all angles and make sure all angles are level and square. You will get wonky bookshelves if you don't. </div>
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Here's the trick to make sure you get your bookshelves spaced correctly: Once you have your bottom shelf on, measure from the bottom side of your bottom shelf, to the bottom side of your top shelf. Think of each shelf as a unit of measurement that includes the entire shelf under the unit, but none of the shelf on top of the unit. That probably doesn't make any sense....Take that measurement and divide it by three...or by however many cubbies you'll have....in this case, it's three. That number will be the distance from the bottom of shelf 1 to the bottom of shelf 2, and then again to the bottom of shelf 3 and then again to the bottom of the top board. Hope that helps. Spacing can get tricky some times. </div>
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After you nail it all together, it should look like this: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PFP3WbB5lNCF0v3V03_5RV_r7n58KdBAql46SuY70FB_nKHKGF4TWODdes_sPCASF2DfSTS1ej0d_iBMLTfcWc0jG5T0WaiP4sipQ5oyeCrN8g0xnspYwKUdfzxT0J-6PZm4ZE_vBVg1/s1600/step+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PFP3WbB5lNCF0v3V03_5RV_r7n58KdBAql46SuY70FB_nKHKGF4TWODdes_sPCASF2DfSTS1ej0d_iBMLTfcWc0jG5T0WaiP4sipQ5oyeCrN8g0xnspYwKUdfzxT0J-6PZm4ZE_vBVg1/s1600/step+13.jpg" height="271" width="480" /></a></div>
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screw those into the side of your fireplace base. You'll have to pull it away from the wall for this...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKfRHz7r-1m8rMSYw2zHS91KfAS9eQGzsRV0FyAFYcccAYCd4JAEPrKQw3jN_91R09gqSb8UrT3gLjUsYS20-MHVf2SeG3dwDTsIYOYwmc6aqXK2IgT_mLjhcRIso7lvoGNjEnWUWA8Fk/s1600/step+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKfRHz7r-1m8rMSYw2zHS91KfAS9eQGzsRV0FyAFYcccAYCd4JAEPrKQw3jN_91R09gqSb8UrT3gLjUsYS20-MHVf2SeG3dwDTsIYOYwmc6aqXK2IgT_mLjhcRIso7lvoGNjEnWUWA8Fk/s1600/step+14.jpg" height="271" width="480" /></a></div>
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They should fit like puzzle pieces :) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHYoZjEQGVmjoL_wltiO1nmNUajExWcxWOpY8orpFlRh1j93kp3imRc8PC1QRHwchVKExTIDZtzjLQra_CDqvNhsx8rqWlkrcQsVoDhVLJnMVU2hthsySUHPLcFW2rNdljHInA5RlW96D/s1600/step15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHYoZjEQGVmjoL_wltiO1nmNUajExWcxWOpY8orpFlRh1j93kp3imRc8PC1QRHwchVKExTIDZtzjLQra_CDqvNhsx8rqWlkrcQsVoDhVLJnMVU2hthsySUHPLcFW2rNdljHInA5RlW96D/s1600/step15.jpg" height="271" width="480" /></a></div>
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Put it all together! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMOzoOB2IvgjXSaXoiB0ejey858NfZlxUVupFdIb3VopoWfvpPA16lpySIfN-lYFPlV0LC2FLTqDfKXbgsPpHVU8Qp0pDdHpNqnnwwgujYFIIQNjgz9zruQiFzGPm__r9oeGT3FgT_DUD/s1600/step+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMOzoOB2IvgjXSaXoiB0ejey858NfZlxUVupFdIb3VopoWfvpPA16lpySIfN-lYFPlV0LC2FLTqDfKXbgsPpHVU8Qp0pDdHpNqnnwwgujYFIIQNjgz9zruQiFzGPm__r9oeGT3FgT_DUD/s1600/step+16.jpg" height="271" width="480" /></a></div>
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Next, let me show you how to build a big thick mantle for cheap cheap cheap!</div>
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I measured the fireplace base and I wanted the mantle to have a little bit of overhang on each side, around 2 inches, and then about a 6 inch overhang on the front. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwEGSzPjVVK6zjwXGej8k4IfMLLrOZWuYrwIhnCqRYAs5_lTWHBE3H6cCG37QLHnqPG8PjxjMKyfOSPcpvopndrAO4cARzsnH-Klb4qyzZ2NKeSQJinb3vKBAjF7ZnMvg9-ZNc263H03A/s1600/step+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwEGSzPjVVK6zjwXGej8k4IfMLLrOZWuYrwIhnCqRYAs5_lTWHBE3H6cCG37QLHnqPG8PjxjMKyfOSPcpvopndrAO4cARzsnH-Klb4qyzZ2NKeSQJinb3vKBAjF7ZnMvg9-ZNc263H03A/s1600/step+17.jpg" height="271" width="480" /></a></div>
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This was so easy... I built a base out of 2x4s and then nailed on plywood for the top. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeWcsNvGCP2i5FktZRnROH2N1subtGr7O4W0vhvZfNKidZEj6r64NJhixUyseIlXglg-CKmi6OAdCpaVbBGwPP7B1kljZ3USjbW_M4F4c-9yyR806D_A0TvhecqHd0btfS-EnQClm3iZQ/s1600/step+17.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeWcsNvGCP2i5FktZRnROH2N1subtGr7O4W0vhvZfNKidZEj6r64NJhixUyseIlXglg-CKmi6OAdCpaVbBGwPP7B1kljZ3USjbW_M4F4c-9yyR806D_A0TvhecqHd0btfS-EnQClm3iZQ/s1600/step+17.5.jpg" height="271" width="480" /></a></div>
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I added it to the top of my fireplace base and screwed up from the underside of the fireplace base directly into the two cross braced 2x4s in the bottom of the mantle. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6R0pIWEwV-F2obEhv9t9-KRhnD9Y7TBNXW0t9CBd4xOpgpVHphoxZMJ_Mt2cJzN0qbUG6vz2HV8xw7ftUoNxYAptJ3yQxL8efAmL3xLdirZ31PKNTgZlvTCL5PUL-yDCauj7OolC1TC0/s1600/step+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6R0pIWEwV-F2obEhv9t9-KRhnD9Y7TBNXW0t9CBd4xOpgpVHphoxZMJ_Mt2cJzN0qbUG6vz2HV8xw7ftUoNxYAptJ3yQxL8efAmL3xLdirZ31PKNTgZlvTCL5PUL-yDCauj7OolC1TC0/s1600/step+18.jpg" height="271" width="480" /></a></div>
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At this point, the fireplace is basically "constructed"...now comes the making it pretty part!</div>
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I had some plain pine boards 1x6s. I mitered each one on the end and made a frame that would fit perfectly around the T.V. Once I had my frame perfected, I cut the side pieces in half. The bottom and top and the top halves of each side were all nailed on, but the bottom halves of each side were fitted with hinges and then screwed in to fit. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm00pxLybSyXLW_fsgOOdGEVSS3GgwPQmERqjK-F9dPHaHaPFyTLtIKPFp_mZacFlt5i3wzG6VPE7h-bW2FtNGSPjNjZsbAB-9_wWji27cauP3htKm3IsFi7wX2hEVvJ3dc5lZEGwyd_YC/s1600/step+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm00pxLybSyXLW_fsgOOdGEVSS3GgwPQmERqjK-F9dPHaHaPFyTLtIKPFp_mZacFlt5i3wzG6VPE7h-bW2FtNGSPjNjZsbAB-9_wWji27cauP3htKm3IsFi7wX2hEVvJ3dc5lZEGwyd_YC/s1600/step+19.jpg" height="271" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNghnJk0LuTfsnyUWa3SkVymeCi_e-w78bUWIHnV_DBVd39Om3K2Ew94FzIIQlXN-pWh50JzdoO6_Ja9qBAwpjPsECpSHwWeEnSvRs_91DYoFhb-6J9-jh0ZwroJLd4DH99hW4whNbDu9/s1600/IMG_20140917_140612_449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNghnJk0LuTfsnyUWa3SkVymeCi_e-w78bUWIHnV_DBVd39Om3K2Ew94FzIIQlXN-pWh50JzdoO6_Ja9qBAwpjPsECpSHwWeEnSvRs_91DYoFhb-6J9-jh0ZwroJLd4DH99hW4whNbDu9/s1600/IMG_20140917_140612_449.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I had to use a router to hollow out the wood where the hinges sit on the inside....this way the hinges were inset into the wood. The little doors just plain wouldn't close without doing this. Don't know if I picked the wrong hinges or if I did something wrong installing them, but this is how I made it work. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZ6QMvN6e_6licisF8DlZchsLgfjRXfD-Liv_0IDGEH3JEbEI9qTGemXqQ9ww8Lwiu2hH_PegZzGklg4pQHDePTzayzxi6bI1haI1TVqeBKBNV6Nm-KLd58B_Lvvlw5b4clCuyQFMdnVK/s1600/IMG_20140917_140630_687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZ6QMvN6e_6licisF8DlZchsLgfjRXfD-Liv_0IDGEH3JEbEI9qTGemXqQ9ww8Lwiu2hH_PegZzGklg4pQHDePTzayzxi6bI1haI1TVqeBKBNV6Nm-KLd58B_Lvvlw5b4clCuyQFMdnVK/s1600/IMG_20140917_140630_687.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Next, I had to add little pieces of wood to cover up the open space at the bottom of the bookshelves. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIaFz37q75zI6IgZKLNxpkx-BiitEWHeWEBehIXCnLy98NEKD7ho3zVQnS21Yv7yUvT9ZqotOtfZ4VJOtx_ozxIaGq1QStKzANL-1T02s2P-DHqJoHcBLv512WC_jxAJy-MD3k01yDpZ3/s1600/step+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIaFz37q75zI6IgZKLNxpkx-BiitEWHeWEBehIXCnLy98NEKD7ho3zVQnS21Yv7yUvT9ZqotOtfZ4VJOtx_ozxIaGq1QStKzANL-1T02s2P-DHqJoHcBLv512WC_jxAJy-MD3k01yDpZ3/s1600/step+20.jpg" height="271" width="480" /></a></div>
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I used MDF to create the raised surface on the front of the fireplace. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhGBN7_tF3GsTAT_SRtZtSPPmLjPQ9ad9vlT_jmynRkWVZFo7FLLkyukBdXLekgunijQS_UOEpxueNfdI3uLAnuTsz2UsGgPyTeHpYru3187EMYlUFcuK3p9VEy-CP5lrqi_ympEIL1XW/s1600/step+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhGBN7_tF3GsTAT_SRtZtSPPmLjPQ9ad9vlT_jmynRkWVZFo7FLLkyukBdXLekgunijQS_UOEpxueNfdI3uLAnuTsz2UsGgPyTeHpYru3187EMYlUFcuK3p9VEy-CP5lrqi_ympEIL1XW/s1600/step+21.jpg" height="271" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here's a partial shot of the MDF and the tile I was working on. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYCGAcfVELChVDWI_aGYIRf6Y2g-sFtT7v_D-F9pcJGgw5563ZA0d1rvnLEmatWiMHOi7iwP5gwoJ49MI4pTQhchESX_so273_IkuPL4IYxsAupU1YsG8wzMQvmfvAKseec8y9-1j04y1/s1600/sneak+peak+at+fireplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYCGAcfVELChVDWI_aGYIRf6Y2g-sFtT7v_D-F9pcJGgw5563ZA0d1rvnLEmatWiMHOi7iwP5gwoJ49MI4pTQhchESX_so273_IkuPL4IYxsAupU1YsG8wzMQvmfvAKseec8y9-1j04y1/s1600/sneak+peak+at+fireplace.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Next I added the Tile. I found the Marble Hex tile at Home Depot and the Marble subway tiles at Lowes. How I did the tiling is a whole other tutorial....but I will say it was pretty fun and much easier than I expected! I didn't get a tile saw or anything. I laid everything out and picked off the pieces that I needed cut, marked them where I wanted them cut and took it down to lowes :) They cut all of my pieces for me, even the little mosaic tiles...I think it cost me five dollars. </div>
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The moulding around the mantle was one of the most expensive things on here. I used two types of crown moulding. First I used a basic crown to go around the space underneath the ledge. I was so proud of myself for this because there were a bunch of returns to make because of the MDF I added to the front of the fireplace. I went around each rise and indention. I love how it looks :) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9pj0Q3uUd8R9IPYVB1kuN8x8pzhXHc1w7WJwgS5rdUVlrb0-50eMSrRaXBS0L7xBR5uGXvHExnxWEarcrQoKPtdL7obYgyJ-6ldIAA37-hI3IBOp8RpmgGudzEBoioQqDQ6_K5ytXlHkW/s1600/IMG_20140107_145338_736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9pj0Q3uUd8R9IPYVB1kuN8x8pzhXHc1w7WJwgS5rdUVlrb0-50eMSrRaXBS0L7xBR5uGXvHExnxWEarcrQoKPtdL7obYgyJ-6ldIAA37-hI3IBOp8RpmgGudzEBoioQqDQ6_K5ytXlHkW/s1600/IMG_20140107_145338_736.jpg" height="488" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here is what I used to go around the top edge of the mantle. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1u0YuNyhhheWtcQTjBITXNZocPhozd2p9EZs-GDYL9bMfPiFSnyDC_rlb5hqYW7ZrGJ0Qh8zKEcdmx2mQGEDOOcihEcUnyXHp13UT-jjEXDVG3vRk1TKGC_Iy1RNAcjDnTGW2Bb4csHu/s1600/crown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1u0YuNyhhheWtcQTjBITXNZocPhozd2p9EZs-GDYL9bMfPiFSnyDC_rlb5hqYW7ZrGJ0Qh8zKEcdmx2mQGEDOOcihEcUnyXHp13UT-jjEXDVG3vRk1TKGC_Iy1RNAcjDnTGW2Bb4csHu/s1600/crown.jpg" height="480" width="480" /></a></div>
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You can see here how it's two different mouldings stacked on top of each other</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewXibEwQC_yLUeK5kqmtrDa4_2cT6P2Rce44prQ7aTsEjf7SRIemBh6rGESawS-Y4o4HrKbNccJVc5gN5ZPFViNmF74strPpz6GvG9EzQcaL2AVD3zHDwKDT_1Wh-aMH6oxY0D1RECIwr/s1600/SAM_2788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewXibEwQC_yLUeK5kqmtrDa4_2cT6P2Rce44prQ7aTsEjf7SRIemBh6rGESawS-Y4o4HrKbNccJVc5gN5ZPFViNmF74strPpz6GvG9EzQcaL2AVD3zHDwKDT_1Wh-aMH6oxY0D1RECIwr/s1600/SAM_2788.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I wrapped the very top in crown moulding</div>
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and added some lattice strips down the sides of the front and along the wall. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtf6KNiQekwEKFyIDYKulZjfT8Nsb5L75q3U2sZQiHhLO5RZhdj3m7LCaPfEuaW5gV5IqA3fNjfUhyphenhyphendkHW0o3JSqRdeubnoFBTlB9ptVgqLZjG-NBal8TCdcXsEkKUGYGGoefowiUQ1ehU/s1600/IMG_20140917_140740_463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtf6KNiQekwEKFyIDYKulZjfT8Nsb5L75q3U2sZQiHhLO5RZhdj3m7LCaPfEuaW5gV5IqA3fNjfUhyphenhyphendkHW0o3JSqRdeubnoFBTlB9ptVgqLZjG-NBal8TCdcXsEkKUGYGGoefowiUQ1ehU/s1600/IMG_20140917_140740_463.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I added some small trim along the edges of the tile and around the opening. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljcVu6g9mR2Q_Vvlk9NJPUskES2-x9q0jjoHO-6jf5e8i1KK5SG8yYx-XCSf3ZwsvXW6GFMK3TN6DEqiEpi-AApsi0iy0He5GMAIRQ4Ag2G2yzuKsQ9m4nKc5PP8b-oybUEFRxEkRZmTX/s1600/IMG_20140917_140934_376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljcVu6g9mR2Q_Vvlk9NJPUskES2-x9q0jjoHO-6jf5e8i1KK5SG8yYx-XCSf3ZwsvXW6GFMK3TN6DEqiEpi-AApsi0iy0He5GMAIRQ4Ag2G2yzuKsQ9m4nKc5PP8b-oybUEFRxEkRZmTX/s1600/IMG_20140917_140934_376.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I added more small trim in decorative squares underneath the T.V. and along the intersection between the mantle and the wall behind it....and I also added a small strip of the small trim at the top underneath the crown so that the lattice strips would have something to butt up against. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfN_q_WkODnC0o1eJ5yfivuCSXaY66Y8X2CxOm2jDCcp4UuBbK653rqbry3z2OfOtqYu0WbEpdWhe8CHvUmzCR4dD5ahYrpHQfQRnk41__2VC8PL9aLeEozAV6obEJQkh1d5ekxyezTDS/s1600/IMG_20140917_140547_948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfN_q_WkODnC0o1eJ5yfivuCSXaY66Y8X2CxOm2jDCcp4UuBbK653rqbry3z2OfOtqYu0WbEpdWhe8CHvUmzCR4dD5ahYrpHQfQRnk41__2VC8PL9aLeEozAV6obEJQkh1d5ekxyezTDS/s1600/IMG_20140917_140547_948.jpg" height="578" width="480" /></a></div>
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I added more small trim around the hearth at the edge of the tile, and I wrapped the entire thing in the same baseboard that is in the rest of my house. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcDxAfBhE1oennUm-TFAIR3V43akn1GdjY9zyQLwtV6UFkP8UYzMRw9ecKPxK1Ja9DMp4pBOhkjxzswmR9xPXzhAz3a6ikT6wR8DFQigNtpeV6fcdAZ89umrJWeC5iKw45tHO6Tu-VuEk/s1600/IMG_20140917_140806_852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcDxAfBhE1oennUm-TFAIR3V43akn1GdjY9zyQLwtV6UFkP8UYzMRw9ecKPxK1Ja9DMp4pBOhkjxzswmR9xPXzhAz3a6ikT6wR8DFQigNtpeV6fcdAZ89umrJWeC5iKw45tHO6Tu-VuEk/s1600/IMG_20140917_140806_852.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I wrapped the bottom of the fireplace (where it touches the hearth) in some very large, ornate baseboard. I also added small trim around the top of the bookshelves and along the front edge of each shelf. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1tax3LZ7-ESwje4eY91rWQOXBi2sEqTcwjXKIb54YMUYekw2RDX1nkIIlyof4pH3lXjXC3zMsv30_V9oLlMMG2xCNptG-rbteVSYAw8FrsKRwCgofhxKPhp878RpXYNAZgVwBxa-uUB6/s1600/IMG_20140917_140431_834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1tax3LZ7-ESwje4eY91rWQOXBi2sEqTcwjXKIb54YMUYekw2RDX1nkIIlyof4pH3lXjXC3zMsv30_V9oLlMMG2xCNptG-rbteVSYAw8FrsKRwCgofhxKPhp878RpXYNAZgVwBxa-uUB6/s1600/IMG_20140917_140431_834.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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And that's basically it! </div>
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The trim work took the most time. If you want to see how I cut and install trim you can read this post <a href="http://www.home-heart-and-hands.blogspot.com/2014/08/tips-for-cutting-moulding-for-trim-work.html">here</a>. There were some other bits of trim I added here and there to basically cover up ugly things, but that is going to entirely depend on what kind of job you do while building ;) My motto...add trim until it's pretty! </div>
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After that, it was all sanding, caulking, puttying, sanding and then painting. </div>
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All done! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehMChLCS-B_myc-AG4FBdg7m5GyYCXZdxnNUSgtmPbcAJCMpk_pXxvC4Xm7GX6eGy7LKkFPL-H1le_RO0IZzySvb1kLGvAVWI3jlmi-B4Mx5cdBr4s9g77E8FFkm_5DZzgzEXPu3hbc1-/s1600/IMG_20140917_140533_893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehMChLCS-B_myc-AG4FBdg7m5GyYCXZdxnNUSgtmPbcAJCMpk_pXxvC4Xm7GX6eGy7LKkFPL-H1le_RO0IZzySvb1kLGvAVWI3jlmi-B4Mx5cdBr4s9g77E8FFkm_5DZzgzEXPu3hbc1-/s1600/IMG_20140917_140533_893.jpg" height="375" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxElLHYbKzYJ71_ldVaKhrj-mTDHXRVGK8aUybU6JzxZKdJdSiNC5OPNEx648_PiAuG7z5DQZxGLu1rd0oIkDJhJqLU4XdZMpDYCk08D1eEIvD1svVvmnDrm-vZC43in68dGoSRKVdLelZ/s1600/pretty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxElLHYbKzYJ71_ldVaKhrj-mTDHXRVGK8aUybU6JzxZKdJdSiNC5OPNEx648_PiAuG7z5DQZxGLu1rd0oIkDJhJqLU4XdZMpDYCk08D1eEIvD1svVvmnDrm-vZC43in68dGoSRKVdLelZ/s1600/pretty.jpg" height="636" width="480" /></a></div>
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Price breakdown:</div>
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fireplace base: $20.00</div>
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2x4s = already had, but would be roughly $10.00</div>
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plywood = already had, but would be roughly $30.00</div>
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MDF= $12.00</div>
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tile = hex tile $40.00</div>
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Subway tile $25.00</div>
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grout and adhesive=$15.00</div>
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regular crown moulding =$30.00</div>
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coronado crown moulding =$25.00</div>
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baseboard = already owned, but would be roughly $30.00 (for both tall and small baseboard)</div>
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small moulding = already had, but would be roughly $15.00</div>
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Caulk =$2.00</div>
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Putty=$4.00 </div>
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Paint=$20.00 (already had)</div>
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Sand paper=$3.00</div>
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Screws =$5.00</div>
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If you had none of these supplies on hand and had to buy everything it would cost approximately $286.00</div>
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I paid: </div>
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$181.00 </div>
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Can't beat that :) </div>
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xoxo! </div>
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Anna</div>
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Disclaimer...this is a faux fireplace. Do not try to light a fire in this if you build it...lol....This fireplace has the space to add a ventless, self contained fire unit, but only something that is self contained. I did not take into consideration making any portion of this to be "up to code" or "fire proof"<br />
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<br />annacarterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062600423763652148noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799018173383789764.post-16753009777484388882014-10-05T23:53:00.001-04:002014-10-13T17:01:44.588-04:00Cheap and Easy Black and White Halloween Decorations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hey There! I hope you had a wonderful Sunday. I know mine was :) Spent the day listening to <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/?lang=eng">these</a> amazing, uplifting talks. </div>
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I have been crafting away for the past few days on some easy, fun Halloween decorations for my new <a href="http://home-heart-and-hands.blogspot.com/2014/09/diy-fireplace-reveal.html">mantle</a>. It is so exciting to get to decorate a real mantle for the holidays! Eeek! I am such a sucker for Black and white. It's my favorite...always has been. I have seen some really really cute black and white Halloween decorations out there this year. This<a href="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/four-ideas-for-inexpensive-halloween-door-decorations"> front door </a>is one of my favorites. </div>
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I just love it!</div>
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I am, by no means, finished with my Halloween crafting. I'd say I'm about half way through making decorations....but I thought I'd go ahead and share with you guys what I've come up with so far. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwWyU9Jdh4qmgck_7GFKT9Q52LIg21PIHj78iQjVA4oVSuyY_u0Z-Kypw4iBG9bXLl9xG_gR-A7BWGf8rQX21LhDdo7zS2KUjXJ-r86EK_4zSE2TXdaF9h8pfB1_C4JbYflTXEj8GL5pe/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwWyU9Jdh4qmgck_7GFKT9Q52LIg21PIHj78iQjVA4oVSuyY_u0Z-Kypw4iBG9bXLl9xG_gR-A7BWGf8rQX21LhDdo7zS2KUjXJ-r86EK_4zSE2TXdaF9h8pfB1_C4JbYflTXEj8GL5pe/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" height="596" width="480" /></a></div>
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For starters, this fun spider display isn't actually on my mantle. This is above my <a href="http://home-heart-and-hands.blogspot.com/2014/01/diy-mudroom-and-entrywaythe-how-to.html">mudroom entryway</a>. </div>
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The large frame is just</div>
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mitered moulding, painted white, put together and braced on the back with wood and then the chicken wire is stapled in behind it. I already had this. A girlfriend of mine made it for a baby shower and passed it on to me when she was moving and needed to get rid of some stuff. I found a use for it! I made all of the spiders out of furry, minky pipe cleaners...added the striped ribbon and then painted some little wooden letters black and secured them to the chicken wire with little tiny pieces of pipe cleaner. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mY1yvO_oAxqkGDaZ380PZhxfgUJ4cRNYhwZNnO9cZeAKXOC3ROAys8qn6zLbKAkCnPgeWSnGJZqqBf-t5zr1i4xrDKV3sEqP9jRKaqfdJ8-utZ4kDuxAvOJnZ3WCtaUn0oZkIvzneU0n/s1600/IMG_20140926_173328_401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mY1yvO_oAxqkGDaZ380PZhxfgUJ4cRNYhwZNnO9cZeAKXOC3ROAys8qn6zLbKAkCnPgeWSnGJZqqBf-t5zr1i4xrDKV3sEqP9jRKaqfdJ8-utZ4kDuxAvOJnZ3WCtaUn0oZkIvzneU0n/s1600/IMG_20140926_173328_401.jpg" height="380" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXE4GkxzuYw0nMuPTmkBCH_MjLAZlsX31cED-P970PAg_zid0cx7p6tj915oKqMzNbiDee1O0lDoJavlzHktO8OOsE2LvWYiE-RhFlojcEWjcRKU6fti41wk3L6aOFCSw6wkYBI9lzY9r/s1600/IMG_20141004_160820_218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXE4GkxzuYw0nMuPTmkBCH_MjLAZlsX31cED-P970PAg_zid0cx7p6tj915oKqMzNbiDee1O0lDoJavlzHktO8OOsE2LvWYiE-RhFlojcEWjcRKU6fti41wk3L6aOFCSw6wkYBI9lzY9r/s1600/IMG_20141004_160820_218.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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The entryway has looked like this for awhile. I took the wreath down and added the spiders. I don't really think I'm going to do anything else to this spot for Halloween. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfuBgVWLaU8KaxYgByk4ouwFFvuj-Yf53hkO_N8R0puROOCl0RC5-bgMNuCVMd7XaVSTeQgwzOBSUztTNmLaQ_AzmkjsOxTDSxjlQ7F7vpA_o0xchYbe9eyPegHrXRSL9Q1QdnLrkYUTxu/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfuBgVWLaU8KaxYgByk4ouwFFvuj-Yf53hkO_N8R0puROOCl0RC5-bgMNuCVMd7XaVSTeQgwzOBSUztTNmLaQ_AzmkjsOxTDSxjlQ7F7vpA_o0xchYbe9eyPegHrXRSL9Q1QdnLrkYUTxu/s1600/3.JPG" height="380" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here's what I did with the wreath :) (you can see how I made this wreath <a href="http://home-heart-and-hands.blogspot.com/2014/01/hello-its-been-few-days-since-ive-posted.html">here</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEWjbifXMv0_z30Pd5wRY9oHcBLasFJwWBLPfWBL4WqlOJ9lk-6h4zkvzkMP3GquWaMHs4S1deixe6LJZ9qRMeb6VUfCw5OLwbKwdscJBmNHAavqOTUAmqfloZSvO8UH7RhU5x0D8fvoW/s1600/IMG_20141004_135350_158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEWjbifXMv0_z30Pd5wRY9oHcBLasFJwWBLPfWBL4WqlOJ9lk-6h4zkvzkMP3GquWaMHs4S1deixe6LJZ9qRMeb6VUfCw5OLwbKwdscJBmNHAavqOTUAmqfloZSvO8UH7RhU5x0D8fvoW/s1600/IMG_20141004_135350_158.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I hung it on the back door and added some black and white ribbon....and two skeletons.....KISSING!!!</div>
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:) :) :) </div>
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You have no idea how much that just tickled my funny bone! I think it's awesome. Skeleton LOVE!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJIkKcy9Cw7xQw1riohlWyLn6hOtpvb7Lh3uRGSWOI0SfOQ_pPscrTi11QGamFKQDTkYV5M8fIHhSIbDlhnvORZxP_rLkFuOScg3i5DoIzFy6sjWLaZfUYZ4H02NRYZ0RZlhMT1PpxfBme/s1600/IMG_20141004_135409_011+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJIkKcy9Cw7xQw1riohlWyLn6hOtpvb7Lh3uRGSWOI0SfOQ_pPscrTi11QGamFKQDTkYV5M8fIHhSIbDlhnvORZxP_rLkFuOScg3i5DoIzFy6sjWLaZfUYZ4H02NRYZ0RZlhMT1PpxfBme/s1600/IMG_20141004_135409_011+(2).jpg" height="654" width="480" /></a></div>
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Next little thing I made is a quick, fun Halloween embroidery. I found this embroidery hoop in my stash of craft supplies, threw in some white felt, and stitched up this cute little ghost. It was basically free handed, but I did go in with a pen and make a few faint dots in places as a guide. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44b305tvIazBNNDyphIY5vjdYXOS8u-cnuSlp79S8gS5M81UhsDxWKL9FDsRfrHS7aMac4WkyhT4jUjbQ1xcKuelY0LcKdryGyf0kIlcqQb9Nje47S68JQrpKmdXwIWhZB3nn__3GV6L2/s1600/IMG_20141004_153851_308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44b305tvIazBNNDyphIY5vjdYXOS8u-cnuSlp79S8gS5M81UhsDxWKL9FDsRfrHS7aMac4WkyhT4jUjbQ1xcKuelY0LcKdryGyf0kIlcqQb9Nje47S68JQrpKmdXwIWhZB3nn__3GV6L2/s1600/IMG_20141004_153851_308.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I darkened the edge of the embroidery hoop with a sharpie, slapped a bow on that bad boy and we were in business. It took five minutes and it was free :) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YNn-KgZEK_OMLVowkmRdU_jBLSAtWoSI6i6z8aARyp7_4yPOoEqGqNgS9T1PP0W0dUeRFptoaCvyfBGjIz5HWssxft_yum7X2O41DvF1_P5rnf1OK-8ep1YBMp6ksyNJfh4ZW1kQjZ4G/s1600/IMG_20141004_153916_084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YNn-KgZEK_OMLVowkmRdU_jBLSAtWoSI6i6z8aARyp7_4yPOoEqGqNgS9T1PP0W0dUeRFptoaCvyfBGjIz5HWssxft_yum7X2O41DvF1_P5rnf1OK-8ep1YBMp6ksyNJfh4ZW1kQjZ4G/s1600/IMG_20141004_153916_084.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here's the back. I just trimmed some of the edges and then taped them down. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3Fubv4UL80m2jAc_VmiuOwLqhdm2PiIn0R-zRBmMce85sLcQ1qtCsYycjiaZf4_2yWWFA3da6vXexsEdbrBgP6l3QsfXATTlTD2QJSU1HMVHG8VEDaJSqdcuMKBCz70ELgKzCpT6pwHl/s1600/IMG_20141004_153925_544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3Fubv4UL80m2jAc_VmiuOwLqhdm2PiIn0R-zRBmMce85sLcQ1qtCsYycjiaZf4_2yWWFA3da6vXexsEdbrBgP6l3QsfXATTlTD2QJSU1HMVHG8VEDaJSqdcuMKBCz70ELgKzCpT6pwHl/s1600/IMG_20141004_153925_544.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here he is chillin on my mantle with his rat buddy. </div>
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I found this web bowl at the dollar spot at Target. </div>
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I thought it would be much better in black....</div>
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I made sure to do this in my side yard this time. Less noticeable. </div>
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Lookin good on the shelf. Still not sure what I'm going to put in it....if anything??? </div>
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This is a cute wooden box I've had. A friend actually gave it to me. I just decided to cut out a skeleton out of felt and tape it to it. It was pretty easy. You just make a large lightbulb-ish shape out of the white felt for the head, then a couple of small Mr. Potato-head-ish shapes out of black felt for the eyes, another very small heart shape out of black felt for the nose....glue them on....and then I drew the mouth with a sharpie by copying a clip art of a cute skeleton online. I added the orange bow tie, because, well....it suited him. </div>
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bottom shelf....I don't know. I'm still working that one out. it won't be staying like that....and that's a furry black owl if you were wondering. </div>
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I can not wait to get the rest of my decorations finished and then to share the finished product with you all! I'll be steady working on those for the next few days, as well as starting to make my girls' Halloween costumes. Elsa and Anna it is...and I'm going to make them from scratch. Wish me luck on that endeavor. </div>
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Oh, and I do promise to get a tutorial up for how I built this fireplace very soon :) I'm a busy lady, but I promise it's coming! </div>
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Take care and happy crafting! </div>
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xo</div>
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Anna </div>
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shared with: </div>
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three mango seeds</div>
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<br />annacarterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062600423763652148noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799018173383789764.post-4153283956105469942014-09-17T17:23:00.000-04:002014-10-09T16:42:48.401-04:00DIY Fireplace RevealHIIII!!!!<br />
I am sosososo EXCITED to share this with you! I have talked about this fireplace since I started this blog. It has taken me a really long time to complete. There really is no excuse for it, I literally stopped working on the dang thing for like 8 months. I finally got off of my butt and finished it, and let me tell you....EEEEK!!!! I feel like a twelve-year-old girl at a Justin Bieber concert. I'm so thrilled and it is SO pretty! Today I'm just going to share all of the pretty pictures and I will be back soon with a tutorial on how I made this. I can tell you one thing, though.....I did it all by myself! whooo! It feels so good to make something with your own two hands, sit back and stare at the finished product and wonder....Did I really make that????<br />
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Without further ado!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhIR-ZK8QsHUld8Ae-crgXzRBna2qsRSkmHee18dvS5IpoDYAYsnh1C10CbscJrOptn4D4qoHKRTIilZQzLsQ3gaqqI7ETUI9luOQafvv9TeqhKRsoudbB-wNARDf50s36C_sIkVxuent/s1600/SAM_2787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhIR-ZK8QsHUld8Ae-crgXzRBna2qsRSkmHee18dvS5IpoDYAYsnh1C10CbscJrOptn4D4qoHKRTIilZQzLsQ3gaqqI7ETUI9luOQafvv9TeqhKRsoudbB-wNARDf50s36C_sIkVxuent/s1600/SAM_2787.JPG" height="636" width="480" /></a></div>
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All pretty and finished! </div>
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I'm kind of regretting not taking down that swag of fabric that is on the window before taking these pictures. I'm considering making a roman shade out of it...what do you think? Yay or nay? </div>
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more shots...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszA2byppP_0KO8CJM4h2vban4PwUsd6lsv7aMnp7aYD9uVM3_ivBCesCPgmQVuKuOtk0D9488yjO499YcW8sv1OZ2WKXOdQjgNmgsvY61T25QL53ZupGGOvvg8lNPzEnBZs-bAejp8Qz4/s1600/IMG_20140917_140533_893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszA2byppP_0KO8CJM4h2vban4PwUsd6lsv7aMnp7aYD9uVM3_ivBCesCPgmQVuKuOtk0D9488yjO499YcW8sv1OZ2WKXOdQjgNmgsvY61T25QL53ZupGGOvvg8lNPzEnBZs-bAejp8Qz4/s1600/IMG_20140917_140533_893.jpg" height="375" width="480" /></a></div>
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All of the tile is white Carrera marble. Hex tiles and subway tiles. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBuCOd74XXl4kTsLExwt7WYISSCRUsPFPI86iZQXz_zKbXxOc-x_4fKS0Lk4LsEPpomHcmUIaauSPDAqexuDjCisLFyOftnU4IN7wcNjlf9kRuinn3ztlcpZMkylXx8JGb2QRdvVgRbSwy/s1600/IMG_20140917_140431_834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBuCOd74XXl4kTsLExwt7WYISSCRUsPFPI86iZQXz_zKbXxOc-x_4fKS0Lk4LsEPpomHcmUIaauSPDAqexuDjCisLFyOftnU4IN7wcNjlf9kRuinn3ztlcpZMkylXx8JGb2QRdvVgRbSwy/s1600/IMG_20140917_140431_834.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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The area where the wood meets the wall is a little rough, since I still have to paint the walls. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukJ9-kcux5ZUk3vUNYjUWpYTEV1Qq70GrcN8j0pfmby8lgtGAW1CrRkNKWsmObDWglSrfzM9qqf0rPM_VUtqlhI81s4OnFg6ygsaixqisRH6oXG2PowdmmKoJbOeHX2thyphenhyphenoq9pjJJ6KMt/s1600/IMG_20140917_140417_819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukJ9-kcux5ZUk3vUNYjUWpYTEV1Qq70GrcN8j0pfmby8lgtGAW1CrRkNKWsmObDWglSrfzM9qqf0rPM_VUtqlhI81s4OnFg6ygsaixqisRH6oXG2PowdmmKoJbOeHX2thyphenhyphenoq9pjJJ6KMt/s1600/IMG_20140917_140417_819.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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a nice BIG mantle. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96svo3xCRdRQcjuKhKbp9EoHe-OAbcFTw5IjWv4bCtIhE_c6yWtpXD9p2fsT-Rs571Igui4UIYCC65XSyVB_sDPtMHIcIbrtXUaOdbaBitCybYm2WwJ30aHjn8C4GmbxcaCAqGGuFEm7f/s1600/IMG_20140917_140347_246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96svo3xCRdRQcjuKhKbp9EoHe-OAbcFTw5IjWv4bCtIhE_c6yWtpXD9p2fsT-Rs571Igui4UIYCC65XSyVB_sDPtMHIcIbrtXUaOdbaBitCybYm2WwJ30aHjn8C4GmbxcaCAqGGuFEm7f/s1600/IMG_20140917_140347_246.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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The inside is painted with chalk board paint! </div>
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This is a faux fireplace right now, but it has the option to add a gas insert to it. It can be vented through the wall behind it or we could go ventless (my preference). The chalkboard piece is removable, so it would be very easily done. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Clvo2M-p0GmQxop3S5h0kPyEgomaqrTK0nDd4wFgYduFdJkY1ZNFFmBOzkmFfJMxYGBeV0762iT7-WuDjuhJW9AEmmquQcA2mlFF8jsTTC7LgqVs44mBWq38x8-aVLitQ9Px37Wdm4Rh/s1600/IMG_20140917_140507_643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Clvo2M-p0GmQxop3S5h0kPyEgomaqrTK0nDd4wFgYduFdJkY1ZNFFmBOzkmFfJMxYGBeV0762iT7-WuDjuhJW9AEmmquQcA2mlFF8jsTTC7LgqVs44mBWq38x8-aVLitQ9Px37Wdm4Rh/s1600/IMG_20140917_140507_643.jpg" height="470" width="480" /></a></div>
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My favorite part....I love it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTNin2vkEvI2VaHb045CDX-l0GR8doF2FsgKUkiMpm1ENxa3kW4h9Z6GbaFXURwV4cFf_QfqwS1kbFf6YKujTX5-w-WXyofNd_cmXJTsKfCiKcZxN1oQ3ykFyjZlEDmTHzZc-pPoQ-Ott/s1600/IMG_20140917_140934_376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTNin2vkEvI2VaHb045CDX-l0GR8doF2FsgKUkiMpm1ENxa3kW4h9Z6GbaFXURwV4cFf_QfqwS1kbFf6YKujTX5-w-WXyofNd_cmXJTsKfCiKcZxN1oQ3ykFyjZlEDmTHzZc-pPoQ-Ott/s1600/IMG_20140917_140934_376.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIg5DtQOeVjygkrlBwiFlV50NnJlasfLJSy9Ie2lycB4GZ8yxG_KIHxKfCLD1XsezlR2LaKPvCsL7TTLwLqd1PEbhipzMzf1pOVZD-Z1HPt_sYx8rYYkT8XWaNPYDtYZTE5UqqzYIpQUX/s1600/IMG_20140917_141005_366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIg5DtQOeVjygkrlBwiFlV50NnJlasfLJSy9Ie2lycB4GZ8yxG_KIHxKfCLD1XsezlR2LaKPvCsL7TTLwLqd1PEbhipzMzf1pOVZD-Z1HPt_sYx8rYYkT8XWaNPYDtYZTE5UqqzYIpQUX/s1600/IMG_20140917_141005_366.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I built this around the tv....never even took it off of the wall, haha! </div>
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The stupid glare! I had to open the front door to get enough light for these photos. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkpFOX0oYxNOHCjR0vLCRFinUjrriGUV9Qpo1Lim9_SdYhyphenhyphenUbuJoPAD5uTEjQGnbRkAa2IxstU9AljBOUnNHBHNNM2BCk4kWjtL7iSAwkqnt9rB89_nbPk2ONzQ2xsbZJY1ceuuM0M0pP/s1600/IMG_20140917_140547_948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkpFOX0oYxNOHCjR0vLCRFinUjrriGUV9Qpo1Lim9_SdYhyphenhyphenUbuJoPAD5uTEjQGnbRkAa2IxstU9AljBOUnNHBHNNM2BCk4kWjtL7iSAwkqnt9rB89_nbPk2ONzQ2xsbZJY1ceuuM0M0pP/s1600/IMG_20140917_140547_948.jpg" height="578" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LlPZnVOG7GqjNFYjSZV35kivCVgfunLs5CUX0o4gCRtI5OGfSLUAQsejJKuzQGTHYWlbqDnsiAkPU9FzLFjC_wZIGgofSRdtzcEJqX9aXdY5O1Q8y_JoOgHCFnDI91FdurPsdNM-ikCo/s1600/IMG_20140917_140740_463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LlPZnVOG7GqjNFYjSZV35kivCVgfunLs5CUX0o4gCRtI5OGfSLUAQsejJKuzQGTHYWlbqDnsiAkPU9FzLFjC_wZIGgofSRdtzcEJqX9aXdY5O1Q8y_JoOgHCFnDI91FdurPsdNM-ikCo/s1600/IMG_20140917_140740_463.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here's a fun little thing I devised....I hinged part of the frame around the T.V. so we can get to the television controls. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsOic8iixTAu7HreHBF72cX6TqrksVOlYzHrhZWByPRhAyHI8vvqUAmScgpVSbz5A35paKX3NSe0zPKFcHJ41kIqrohjB0KJgXUQB0gCbqMHgcrAItq_yJPhyToZXNRLBd1RWLgADAXR_/s1600/IMG_20140917_140612_449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsOic8iixTAu7HreHBF72cX6TqrksVOlYzHrhZWByPRhAyHI8vvqUAmScgpVSbz5A35paKX3NSe0zPKFcHJ41kIqrohjB0KJgXUQB0gCbqMHgcrAItq_yJPhyToZXNRLBd1RWLgADAXR_/s1600/IMG_20140917_140612_449.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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You can see a glimpse of my next project here...re-doing the trim around the back door! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qTsxVNRm8EnaSW52xeupaHk5xykT9UP-Lno3zmzUlv9mdF60jhowMy3Qa81CFGo7Lv8AnUQLDEF3575NV1Y_b9kJWfGLo69kzKR3z8p9aJ7zsUbhCeIf-1r5cF9sm3TGiErqDIUxeBD0/s1600/IMG_20140917_140630_687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qTsxVNRm8EnaSW52xeupaHk5xykT9UP-Lno3zmzUlv9mdF60jhowMy3Qa81CFGo7Lv8AnUQLDEF3575NV1Y_b9kJWfGLo69kzKR3z8p9aJ7zsUbhCeIf-1r5cF9sm3TGiErqDIUxeBD0/s1600/IMG_20140917_140630_687.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBi2G9IVMjgoZQLJH4ZRmFLAPuPN6TZ0QHBFrUnAGwhyphenhyphenV-VOvSkTymNnyZK6fFSj9P61RFvnmr_zANV3HEMziAVPUxHajuL2XFfMGTFoSjcZYAi-tUAyrCvANdivfbluNRtpnpi4qP9lG5/s1600/IMG_20140917_140840_139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBi2G9IVMjgoZQLJH4ZRmFLAPuPN6TZ0QHBFrUnAGwhyphenhyphenV-VOvSkTymNnyZK6fFSj9P61RFvnmr_zANV3HEMziAVPUxHajuL2XFfMGTFoSjcZYAi-tUAyrCvANdivfbluNRtpnpi4qP9lG5/s1600/IMG_20140917_140840_139.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Check out those crown moulding returns on the front of this....yeah. I did that. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtsx3c4NCy_pnbsfDTV9BaAKLwWVNbHol8U4fI2zFg1C88JUmDGag53s74yQpHZSt30O4Sa29w2NC5fshT44efT-e2uuvfxsGFP4J8cHlkigPNKCB8ulwxQs_XayF3zY4W6dx9IYUwcS0/s1600/SAM_2789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtsx3c4NCy_pnbsfDTV9BaAKLwWVNbHol8U4fI2zFg1C88JUmDGag53s74yQpHZSt30O4Sa29w2NC5fshT44efT-e2uuvfxsGFP4J8cHlkigPNKCB8ulwxQs_XayF3zY4W6dx9IYUwcS0/s1600/SAM_2789.JPG" height="658" width="480" /></a></div>
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and here's a crappy shot of the whole wall...just so you can see. I have a lot of things to fix left on this wall...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmI1-VD8j1VXbGjW4pn7ZL3HLHHKLKGOLHB0fh7NIJhSkYwvedbRK0At4Y1sm8rA68Fhohtz2yCvKQEBHjf-9liKsyI1Qb-27W1InKf6gWAG8_ZYFleYKkqWJE4KfNQZXc3ksv2RRmvCb/s1600/IMG_20140917_141048_712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmI1-VD8j1VXbGjW4pn7ZL3HLHHKLKGOLHB0fh7NIJhSkYwvedbRK0At4Y1sm8rA68Fhohtz2yCvKQEBHjf-9liKsyI1Qb-27W1InKf6gWAG8_ZYFleYKkqWJE4KfNQZXc3ksv2RRmvCb/s1600/IMG_20140917_141048_712.jpg" height="357" width="480" /></a></div>
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Changing the trim on the door...adding trim to the window and making a roman shade....ditching the ac unit. It was a necessity with our AC going bad this summer....painting the walls and adding a wall treatment. I've got a long way to go...but not as long as how far I have come! </div>
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Oh and here's a really funny before shot for ya...This was right after coming home from the hospital when we had our first daughter. My mom caught us in a rare moment. The room has changed so much. The window in the back and the wall behind the couch are the same wall and window you are looking at above :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaG84mL_6PcKEFpmvGhwA6d8D9LmiwwRLzJHzEIFuSel7255MRo_J7zPP56bzrGGAAv_Tur59ziqpf5Qftzc8Ogze5ZZ5FDsfAj-qBd3_sxnDdT62NNtIlSrk3uCtCuRrB17bORM75p_vq/s1600/2574_1111112704640_5874542_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaG84mL_6PcKEFpmvGhwA6d8D9LmiwwRLzJHzEIFuSel7255MRo_J7zPP56bzrGGAAv_Tur59ziqpf5Qftzc8Ogze5ZZ5FDsfAj-qBd3_sxnDdT62NNtIlSrk3uCtCuRrB17bORM75p_vq/s1600/2574_1111112704640_5874542_n.jpg" height="380" width="480" /></a></div>
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Oh and one more thing to mention....this bad boy came in at just under 200 dollars to make :) You can't beat that, can you? </div>
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Do you love it??? I'm just so happy it's DONE! </div>
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Now I get to come up with some really great fall mantle decorations and decorate my bookshelves! </div>
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Hope you guys have a great day! </div>
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xo</div>
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Anna </div>
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shared with </div>
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titi crafty</div>
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<script async="" data-pin-color="red" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>annacarterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062600423763652148noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799018173383789764.post-7078993454952648762014-09-13T20:37:00.000-04:002014-10-03T16:17:35.068-04:00Struggles and Lessons Learned Through Making FriendsHey There! <br />
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Guess what, y'all....I've finally finished my fireplace that I've mentioned, I don't know....a hundred times. I have been working on it for a year....I'm so excited that it's all done. How sad is that....a whole year...anyways, I'll have a post about that for you pretty soon. (See the fireplace <a href="http://home-heart-and-hands.blogspot.com/2014/09/diy-fireplace-reveal.html">here</a>) I wanted to take pictures of it today, but it has been dreary and rainy all day and the light wasn't good enough to get any decent pictures....instead I thought I would talk about something that has been on my mind lately....The art of making friends...I'm going to get a little deep and pretty personal. Be forewarned.<br />
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I'll be the first to admit, I was somewhat of an ugly duckling. I was pretty cute (I think) when I was really little...and then...I don't know what happened... part of the story has to do with my somewhat traumatic childhood. Wish I could share that story with you guys, but you know....it's not just my story and I'd hate to share things that others involved wouldn't want me to....it's too bad, though, because it's a good one ;). Let's just say that I was left with a very low self esteem and self worth. It was kind of pitiful actually. </div>
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I'm the one on the left, with my mom and my sister.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6m4pHgc1pXYE0iT9geHjOnky8LtWTGS1pd2pZkyYZf0TqHiAbvg17qY6BQ_CrK9hw6Y84Mbdg5IswTAw2m5mWO0IrbeIvAJ7cR1EncZgPLOKH37xirdkr6SMJ7qupj0p8Bx3WLXalWYY/s1600/18860_1325952915511_3087672_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6m4pHgc1pXYE0iT9geHjOnky8LtWTGS1pd2pZkyYZf0TqHiAbvg17qY6BQ_CrK9hw6Y84Mbdg5IswTAw2m5mWO0IrbeIvAJ7cR1EncZgPLOKH37xirdkr6SMJ7qupj0p8Bx3WLXalWYY/s1600/18860_1325952915511_3087672_n.jpg" height="351" width="480" /></a></div>
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with my Aunt</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSQdgKJQ0gHWAS4MzgLEwhw3R0HYsdR1zN8RoDbWG6-qZ3lUS0tvJsT-8Nhc81NrNP6BDToflx8RbnQclXWbKMiAFkXBLZ14aa3dqItO37CtsxI8CP7AWGQgF4yP4KWQoEWdnFG-P4UKK/s1600/18860_1325954155542_3808049_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSQdgKJQ0gHWAS4MzgLEwhw3R0HYsdR1zN8RoDbWG6-qZ3lUS0tvJsT-8Nhc81NrNP6BDToflx8RbnQclXWbKMiAFkXBLZ14aa3dqItO37CtsxI8CP7AWGQgF4yP4KWQoEWdnFG-P4UKK/s1600/18860_1325954155542_3808049_n.jpg" height="362" width="480" /></a></div>
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And oh this pitiful creature in blue is, yes...myself along with my two sisters. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcCIamE2hUpg_8yTgT_Rv78XlaWcanGcAT1F5Gu5g6Jo6k4AWUKLcqY2q1qOJHHCG6F1oyI-B8nVwOdUW21r5znnUgfujtKa2LZgqy1oolfPC8RRMjkYtW8W-ZUykiGDxgyCINsngebOf/s1600/1910048_1073971816141_5099_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcCIamE2hUpg_8yTgT_Rv78XlaWcanGcAT1F5Gu5g6Jo6k4AWUKLcqY2q1qOJHHCG6F1oyI-B8nVwOdUW21r5znnUgfujtKa2LZgqy1oolfPC8RRMjkYtW8W-ZUykiGDxgyCINsngebOf/s1600/1910048_1073971816141_5099_n.jpg" height="700" width="480" /></a></div>
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I had sisters growing up. I also had a step sister that isn't pictured here, but she was raised in the same house as my sisters and I, so there were four girls. My first sister, my step sister and I were all within three years of each other, so for a long time they were my friends. I didn't need to find any others...and when I did, they were usually very shallow friendships and with some questionable characters, I recall. I can remember my "best friend" in the fourth grade stabbing me in the leg with a pencil....for no reason....just because she felt like it...and I didn't do anything about it. Low self worth. </div>
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We moved constantly during my childhood. I think we moved on an average of every single year. Two times we lived somewhere for two years and then other times we lived places for only six months. So as I went on, I made very shallow friendships, and then my sisters were the only constant. It went on like that until high school (when we finally stayed one place for four years)....I had one dear sweet friend in high school. She was the one who introduced me to my faith, my husband, and absolutely changed my life, to which I am forever thankful :) She will always hold a place in my heart and my life </div>
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She graduated early from high school and went away (far far away) to college, got married and stayed out west. And although we visit each other here and there, we aren't really in each other's lives anymore. Throughout high school I felt like my whole identity was "Sacha's Friend" so when she left, I had to try and find friends on my own. It was really hard for me when she moved away. This was also the time when my VERY best friend (my sister Megan, my sister just under me pictured above) passed away... (a whole other story). Now two very huge crutches in my life, when it came to friendship, were all of the sudden gone. All I ever knew was how to make a very superficial "acquaintance" type of friend....and then I would get my feelings hurt so badly when they wouldn't reach out to me to do things....or leave me out of things. </div>
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This continued into my adult years. I always felt as though I had no friends. Sure I knew a ton of people, and I think most people liked me well enough (I guess)...but I always had this feeling that people didn't like my personality, or that I just plain didn't have one. I never reached out to others, but always got my feelings hurt when nobody would reach out to me. I guess I was just afraid and intimidated by other women. Too afraid of how I might be judged to let the real me shine through. Also, I might add, confidence is the most attractive thing to people, and I had none of it. The sad thing is, that I know that there are so many women out there that feel the same way. People have different ways of covering their insecurities and getting along, all the while feeling less than on the inside....and this is the reason I'm sharing this story. </div>
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I managed to make another good friend after we both left our mutual job at the same time...and stayed in touch. She has been one of my very best friends for the last 13 years. I know I said I felt like I had no friends, but I can't count her out! She has seen me though some major major things :) </div>
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We weren't super great friends at the very get go. We got along great, but the real friendship took time to blossom. One of the important things she has taught me is that deep friendships aren't made over night. You have to let things take their natural course and grow slowly. I could never imagine being as at ease with a friend as I am with her....that only comes with time and investment...something I knew nothing about. </div>
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Although I did have one very good friend, I still felt like people in general didn't like me. I didn't have a "group of girls" like I see in so many people's social media, etc., and I had always wanted that. I would get really down on myself about it. I have literally thrown birthday parties for myself where nobody would show up....I'm not making this stuff up, Y'all. I would think that "acquaintances" were pretty good friends and the other person would be like...huh? I don't really know you that well....it made for a lot of awkwardness.</div>
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I am at heart a super super super extroverted person. I am at my happiest when I am socializing....and my dream would be a neighborhood where all of the houses back up to each other (think backyardigans) and they were all filled with my best friends and family....and we would take walks together and hang out at night after the kids are in bed....my heaven. I never get tired of "people." </div>
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It wasn't until I was sitting in church one day and the lesson was on <a href="https://www.lds.org/youth/video/stop-judging-others?lang=eng">this talk</a> by Dieter F. Uchtdorf. (really...follow the link and go read it....seriously) The lesson was all about judging others....and he says, simply "Stop it!" ...I was really turning inward while listening to this lesson, trying to think of how I could apply it to myself. I kept coming up blank because I really don't judge others. It's always something I've thought of as a virtue of mine, I'm not judgmental, I like everybody.....then I thought, if only others would stop judging me...and then it hit me, BAM, like a ton of bricks! I AM judging others, by assuming that they are judging me (getting deep here...). Why must I keep such a negative image of myself in my mind that I refuse to give others the benefit of doubt that they aren't thinking bad things about me? We do this way way way too much ladies. It was such a revelation. After said revelation had struck me, a lady in the class made a comment...and let me tell you, this changed my life forever. She said that even though she may have this fault or that fault, her friends and sisters in our church "love her anyway." It was such a simple thing to say, but it struck me like a lightning bolt (which, looking back, was clearly the holy spirit enlightening me). I suddenly realized that people don't have to like every little tiny thing about me....and that's OK! I'm not perfect and neither is anybody else. I thought about how I felt about people that I really admired. Are there things about them that get on my nerves...sure! Do I still love and admire them....absolutely! I thought about how I felt about people I hardly thought of....do I still love and admire them? Why yes! If I felt that way about others, then they must feel the same way about me. I don't have to be perfect or even un-annoying for people to love me! I just have to be me and not afraid of friendship. </div>
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From that day forward I have been a different person. I have no issue making friends. Some of them come and go, some stay. Some have started to grow into really deep, long lasting, meaningful friendships. I realized that you have to take responsibility for the life you want to have and take action to make it so. If I want to hang out with someone, well....then I had better ask them! You can't expect other people to think of you first, you have to reach out to them. The best is when you find someone who also "gets it" and then they do reach out to you back. You just can't sit and wait for it. Never assume that people don't like you, or that you aren't even noteworthy enough for them to take notice and seek you out. It simply isn't the case. People generally are just into their own thing. If they aren't seeking you out, it's because they are busy thinking about what they've already got going on....which has nothing to do with you! </div>
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We all need to just stop trying to guess what other people have going on in their minds....and be okay with the fact that they typically aren't thinking about you.....oooor.....that it might even be something negative about you....heck I think critical things about people I love, value and cherish all of the time.....and I know you all do it too, admit it... I wouldn't say those things out loud, of course. But, guess what... it doesn't matter, because I love them anyway! </div>
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I'm happy to report that I now have so many friends that I find it hard to maintain a relationship with them all because I don't physically have the time. I have been freed from this life long issue of mine and I hope this post finds it's way to others that may benefit from this advice like I have. </div>
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Some of my friends!!!!</div>
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This was for my birthday...my good friend threw me a birthday brunch :)</div>
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Love to you all</div>
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Anna </div>
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Shared with: </div>
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<script async="" data-pin-color="red" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>annacarterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062600423763652148noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799018173383789764.post-58736190259776432782014-09-10T14:40:00.000-04:002014-09-20T13:27:24.858-04:00Spinach, Tomato, Gorgonzola and Cashew Salad with a Parmesan Balsamic Dressing. Hi Friends! Sorry I haven't posted in a few days. I'm still super sporadic with the posting. Maybe one day I can get myself settled into a routine...but that day hasn't come yet. Lately I have been on a really big healthy eating kick, and I am working on my second week of going to the gym every day. I am taking the classes every day after I drop my daughter off at preschool. I do Yoga on Monday and Wednesday, Body Pump (weights) on Tuesday and Thursday and then Pilates on Friday. I am committed! Wish me luck and consistency. :) <br />
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Today I thought I'd share with you my favorite thing right now. I eat this salad basically every day for lunch. It's a really really basic salad of Spinach, Tomatoes, Gorgonzola Cheese and Cashews and then I make this really amazing dressing from scratch (that I made up) that goes on it. Every time I make this for a baby shower or brunch or something, everybody raves about this dressing...and now I'm going to share it with you! </div>
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Here are the things you'll need: </div>
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Fresh Spinach</div>
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Cashews, Gorgonzola cheese, and tomatoes. I use one large tomato or two small ones (these are roma)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctOYSWZq0McGA2YDNCNwfmyPBLxIna87AFrC5qWmZEmYe5wrLrGZt3QaOK6OcGxf4ks-biLzh_rMrU0uoCwgg8Dk3L5sg52DKql5gS-GPXQRtdbqFCCga5darNpxO32j_Vf8j02zZcCG8/s1600/IMG_20140910_122821_311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctOYSWZq0McGA2YDNCNwfmyPBLxIna87AFrC5qWmZEmYe5wrLrGZt3QaOK6OcGxf4ks-biLzh_rMrU0uoCwgg8Dk3L5sg52DKql5gS-GPXQRtdbqFCCga5darNpxO32j_Vf8j02zZcCG8/s1600/IMG_20140910_122821_311.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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The salad is pretty simple. Chop your tomatoes and throw it all in a bowl. </div>
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I always put a ton of cashews on here because I'm substituting the nuts for a meat. Sometimes I'll throw some chicken on here, if I have it. If I do that, I go light on the nuts. </div>
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Here's how you make the dressing: </div>
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You need: </div>
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Olive oil</div>
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Balsamic vinegar</div>
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lemon juice </div>
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Cavender's Greek seasoning</div>
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Garlic powder</div>
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Salt (optional)</div>
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Pepper</div>
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Grated Parmesan Cheese</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwgzydvCLxYnOlUa2Z9PNbcQRRj1agKBXKeYpx35uqHoVoXySFi_xF8RJWTz1KtxFBa7c8f1zAmK1SuJz4blXfgdt1jiXfCpDFOWzQdIF1yjyrOHzRfsmfsuNSQENGQX3ahduqF-z9Q2H/s1600/IMG_20140910_122933_179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwgzydvCLxYnOlUa2Z9PNbcQRRj1agKBXKeYpx35uqHoVoXySFi_xF8RJWTz1KtxFBa7c8f1zAmK1SuJz4blXfgdt1jiXfCpDFOWzQdIF1yjyrOHzRfsmfsuNSQENGQX3ahduqF-z9Q2H/s1600/IMG_20140910_122933_179.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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There is no measuring here....you do everything to taste.</div>
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Start by covering the bottom of a small bowl with olive oil. Just the basic amount you think you'll need on the size of your salad. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVQwMb1gDYmYUmVgBNwOJlOVc_9zrREvbGbd_vTMkqlh7aYYbaoDiHrYkO9mlmg2_CQuzpJFtdXRzKJD4Vsnj7L0647k4bOHPWqrGO_AfnIv8yMx0Cey-IUb380BauUich04cswEbzpKv/s1600/IMG_20140910_123219_167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVQwMb1gDYmYUmVgBNwOJlOVc_9zrREvbGbd_vTMkqlh7aYYbaoDiHrYkO9mlmg2_CQuzpJFtdXRzKJD4Vsnj7L0647k4bOHPWqrGO_AfnIv8yMx0Cey-IUb380BauUich04cswEbzpKv/s1600/IMG_20140910_123219_167.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Add balsamic dressing. How much depends on how vinegary you like it. </div>
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a little bit of lemon juice cuts down on the sharpness of the vinegar. I prefer a fresh lemon...but this is all I had today. Just give it a little squirt.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2OSYuGmC7_1GyW74ux0nnDsPoWAR3ejppT86Es84FS98R-Lowb-OFG40JQ4qWLhekCR4ovxJO_Gl1qEpXvGC1QW_-P3TvpP4mAyNW-5MUHeo3lKE4AVgqFyhXrTlqWFbT-GknoiiQMzT/s1600/IMG_20140910_123257_101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2OSYuGmC7_1GyW74ux0nnDsPoWAR3ejppT86Es84FS98R-Lowb-OFG40JQ4qWLhekCR4ovxJO_Gl1qEpXvGC1QW_-P3TvpP4mAyNW-5MUHeo3lKE4AVgqFyhXrTlqWFbT-GknoiiQMzT/s1600/IMG_20140910_123257_101.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Cavender's Greek Seasoning. You can find it at Walmart. This stuff is my FAVORITE. I use it so much on so many dishes. This is the salt free kind, but I usually buy the regular kind...they were just out, so I got salt free. Cover the surface of the liquid in a good sprinkling of this seasoning. Think about it as if you were covering your whole salad and put basically that much in your dressing. </div>
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Next, sprinkle across Garlic, and cracked pepper. Salt is optional. I only used it because I had the salt free seasoning above. You really don't need it. </div>
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Dump in a bunch of grated parmesan cheese. This seriously MAKES the dressing. You don't want to soak up all of the liquid (as it looks like I have done below...I haven't). You just want a good thick sprinkling across the surface of the liquid. </div>
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whisk with a fork (or a whisk...but who wants another dirty dish) And it should look something like this.</div>
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Now taste. </div>
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See if you want a little more of any of the seasoning, or if it's too strong, you can add more olive oil to settle it down. </div>
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Pour desired amount over your salad</div>
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Mix it up and enjoy! </div>
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Oh man....this is so good. </div>
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Hope Y'all have a great day! </div>
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xoxo</div>
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Anna</div>
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annacarterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062600423763652148noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799018173383789764.post-26992224575995119522014-08-28T17:09:00.000-04:002014-09-27T18:03:28.993-04:00Disney's "Brave" Inspired Costume DressGood Afternoon! <br />
Today is a lovely, warm, sunny day....the kind of day that just makes you happy...and I have been perfectly happy all day :) Let's see if it lasts...<br />
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For the past couple of days I have been working on caulking and puttying my fireplace. I would be finished by now, but I ran out of supplies...so I will be finishing that this afternoon. <br />
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Today I am going to share with you the dress I made for my one-year-old niece's birthday party a couple of weeks ago. It was a "Brave" themed party and my sister was having a hard time finding a Brave costume for her daughter that was small enough to fit her newly one-year-old daughter. I started thinking about it, and decided I could make one for her. I can not believe how awesome it turned out! I made this before I started back blogging, so I regret that I don't have a lot of "detail" pictures of it. I did take a few though....because I just couldn't resist texting them to my sis while I was mid-project. <br />
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<b>Disney's "Brave" Inspired Costume Dress</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7KwDy4OffRN_BDjzwb8sYSWxHpqACE15S6HrmeEAZQ2bfqC3_VNQZ-LnS0o4IBXwYmZmE1XDViVZeRcG-xL67BtaeupEdfazlA0R6TCpoAJKccKEa8fUt3NdXgqNfiyiqJUB-dTmBZRT/s1600/IMG_20140807_154509_136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7KwDy4OffRN_BDjzwb8sYSWxHpqACE15S6HrmeEAZQ2bfqC3_VNQZ-LnS0o4IBXwYmZmE1XDViVZeRcG-xL67BtaeupEdfazlA0R6TCpoAJKccKEa8fUt3NdXgqNfiyiqJUB-dTmBZRT/s1600/IMG_20140807_154509_136.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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The materials I used were this:<br />
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Skirt<br />
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<ul>
<li>3 yards of dark teal netting</li>
<li>1.5 yards of kelly green netting</li>
<li>1.5 yards of light blue tulle </li>
<li>1.5 yards of lime green sparkly tulle</li>
<li>green crocheted headband stuff on a spool (yeah...I'm not sure what it's called...see picture below if you're confused) </li>
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Bodice</div>
<ul>
<li>1/8th yard of dark teal satin (ish) material</li>
<li>1/8th yard of gold satin (ish) material</li>
<li>1/8th yard of blue and green tartan plaid material</li>
<li>a whole bunch of gold rope trim. I bought three different kinds. </li>
<li>gold ribbon</li>
</ul>
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Quiver: </div>
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<ul>
<li> two sheets of brown felt</li>
<li>a small section of leather cording</li>
<li>hot glue</li>
<li>more gold rope trim</li>
<li>head of a fake daisy</li>
</ul>
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bow and arrows: </div>
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<ul>
<li>stem from a fake flower</li>
<li>gold elastic cording</li>
<li>small piece of leather cording</li>
<li>three strait sticks (or dowel rods could work)</li>
<li>brown "real looking" craft feathers</li>
<li>glitter gold felt</li>
</ul>
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Total cost: around $25 dollars and I bought it all at Hobby Lobby...I used my 40% off coupon! </div>
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Here is the skirt after I got it all assembled: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbV_uS8W5nq6d2eJjjLWP4syH8zs4u44QJGB0X3kd9pbMFBHtgdW0-kKdlkVn9xPyR1o0kB51YR8UC0TPiOe3YQCufolZI13lGPRCFT28DJ6qThGJ9APoGxMnZjLTznGHAy-g01yieIQC/s1600/IMG_20140807_002808_914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbV_uS8W5nq6d2eJjjLWP4syH8zs4u44QJGB0X3kd9pbMFBHtgdW0-kKdlkVn9xPyR1o0kB51YR8UC0TPiOe3YQCufolZI13lGPRCFT28DJ6qThGJ9APoGxMnZjLTznGHAy-g01yieIQC/s1600/IMG_20140807_002808_914.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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It's just your basic "tie tutu." I measured my niece's chest and then stretched out the stretchy crochet mesh so that it would fit her well, and then I sewed the crochet mesh closed into a circle. I used a zig zag stitch and sewed the heck out of it over and over so I could be sure it would hold up. </div>
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I cut all of the netting and tulle into equal lengths and folded them in half. I took the center fold of each tulle piece and put it through one of the crochet holes on the very bottom row of holes. I inserted it from the front so that a little loop of tulle was sticking through to the inside of the crocheted mesh. I then pulled the loop down, stuck my fingers through the loop and grabbed the tails of tulle that were hanging and pulled them through the loop and tightened, so that it made a knot. I wish I had a detail picture of this, but I don't. It's really easy though....just knot the tulle into the little holes....and repeat! until you've used up all of your tulle. I did a little math with mine so that it had an even pattern of the different kinds of netting and tulle. Here's a close up: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDUULEny6d2L67OS8pMLnF5Su_7Qc3XFKpCr8RvPuW65SSOIh0OF7IG9Nd7o98E5ReY8Ofn1cKyre2XtgPusTmHjAQj1RIUViwdf_pcLk6I9OtLzHQJKnRHvs4pRUURPXh2lNd8JmaD7g/s1600/IMG_20140807_002849_182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDUULEny6d2L67OS8pMLnF5Su_7Qc3XFKpCr8RvPuW65SSOIh0OF7IG9Nd7o98E5ReY8Ofn1cKyre2XtgPusTmHjAQj1RIUViwdf_pcLk6I9OtLzHQJKnRHvs4pRUURPXh2lNd8JmaD7g/s1600/IMG_20140807_002849_182.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Side note: Using both netting and tulle will make for a stiffer tutu. I loved the netting, but if you want it to be really soft and flowy, then I'd go all tulle...but you will need a lot more than what I used here. </div>
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After I finished the tutu, I took two pieces of braided gold rope to make straps. I hand stitched them into the inside of the front of the tutu only. I left the back pieces free so that I could adjust them on my niece when she put it on. Those were just safety pinned in when she put it on. </div>
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This much by itself is a perfectly good tutu dress, but I wanted it to be special, so I made an adjustable bodice to fit, unattached, over the tutu dress. Here's what I did: </div>
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This is the finished front of the bodice: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaR3dEahND5CifBLP_C13vHNauRuARMjoaAUUen2wwfTPFEQvVXSlS_0s9HLQFFnOlZTbhX1LfOqHuF2H8nH55Z7WHqPRumtQ2Q3C8L482IUxK1JR21xtntFaoqqN7HHPA1MYadsg9mJuu/s1600/IMG_20140807_142212_217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaR3dEahND5CifBLP_C13vHNauRuARMjoaAUUen2wwfTPFEQvVXSlS_0s9HLQFFnOlZTbhX1LfOqHuF2H8nH55Z7WHqPRumtQ2Q3C8L482IUxK1JR21xtntFaoqqN7HHPA1MYadsg9mJuu/s1600/IMG_20140807_142212_217.jpg" height="380" width="480" /></a></div>
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and the finished back: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVo58E-TTWutEzxGhVTCQi-7gyNN_p2bOYxPx6AJiMJBLr_XlfSC-n2-vTrHgLGg6UQFOzCj-dBvI8rp67HNYqQD_m8dMVmqMIyxyA86AQ-f78QaMTSPQ_Jpf1pisYJl12IR1mpS1OL7dI/s1600/IMG_20140807_142147_072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVo58E-TTWutEzxGhVTCQi-7gyNN_p2bOYxPx6AJiMJBLr_XlfSC-n2-vTrHgLGg6UQFOzCj-dBvI8rp67HNYqQD_m8dMVmqMIyxyA86AQ-f78QaMTSPQ_Jpf1pisYJl12IR1mpS1OL7dI/s1600/IMG_20140807_142147_072.jpg" height="380" width="480" /></a></div>
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I measured by niece's chest circumference and made the length around approximately that length. I cut two matching pieces of the shiny blue fabric in a basic long rectangle, but added a little dip down to a point in the front, to make it look more medieval ....the length of this rectangle needs to be as long as the chest measurements. No pattern, I just eyeballed it. I made sure to keep in mind that I was going to do a 1/2 inch seam allowance around the whole thing. It looked kind of like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QNh_Al04IopvWT7Auxu5-TJFEPNG0HGoO9jUm9eHvbEpvNPWHpMFXGkymapNPWmvq3w0znuFVFdPcbZhx13p5h32rUGWZTMHDbQrkXvmYcwN5FImBZK7ISaI_rlFiwYMUeR5qfLdOeq3/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QNh_Al04IopvWT7Auxu5-TJFEPNG0HGoO9jUm9eHvbEpvNPWHpMFXGkymapNPWmvq3w0znuFVFdPcbZhx13p5h32rUGWZTMHDbQrkXvmYcwN5FImBZK7ISaI_rlFiwYMUeR5qfLdOeq3/s1600/Untitled.png" height="430" width="480" /></a></div>
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After that, I figured out how wide I wanted the plaid fabric to be and I cut out the piece of plaid fabric to the same height of the blue fabric. I then cut only one of the pieces of blue fabric (the one that will act as the front of the bodice....the other will be the lining of the bodice) in half and then cut off the part where the plaid fabric will go, except I left a 1/2 inch seam allowance on both the plaid piece and the space where I cut to make room for the plaid piece. Does this make sense? I am basically replacing part of the blue fabric with the plaid fabric....but you still want your entire front piece to perfectly match your still intact back piece. Jeez, I wish I had a real photograph of this. In my lovely diagram, pretend the green part is plaid. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghycIfy4Bf_FvvURKK3keRqYXV2SpgAcFYHw5FeLqdNZd3lcpSxvR1b20aJ-skadrT7vcsl8oGYxBVnt1jND7Awth8EjenN87ulhVut_aateT-GNlfxr4vsAAUmBpmvIpBpHfjQD3brN1b/s1600/cut+out.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghycIfy4Bf_FvvURKK3keRqYXV2SpgAcFYHw5FeLqdNZd3lcpSxvR1b20aJ-skadrT7vcsl8oGYxBVnt1jND7Awth8EjenN87ulhVut_aateT-GNlfxr4vsAAUmBpmvIpBpHfjQD3brN1b/s1600/cut+out.png" height="430" width="480" /></a></div>
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Before sewing this together, I cut several tiny pieces of gold rope and pinned them in a zig zag pattern across the plaid part in the middle. I would recommend gluing these in place before you sew it, because the seam itself wont' keep them in place. They slipped out a bunch. </div>
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Now you want to put your right sides together and sew the plaid piece to the left blue side and then do the same thing to the right blue side, so that you have the same shape you started with of blue, plaid, and then blue. Take this piece and then match it up to it to it's matching liner piece and set aside. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJL21afGzNgerBegz2c_EDA0NZkDPG12dFT5fC93h1uKrWKgNHOrQKmhdeQzhhqwxwPWsdS1HAm3gPMqoyQrHxgcx21Q6P0JEWK-vkgzwH-mC1t3AD25UrUfAALeL1eciFsATd69exPnQK/s1600/matching.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJL21afGzNgerBegz2c_EDA0NZkDPG12dFT5fC93h1uKrWKgNHOrQKmhdeQzhhqwxwPWsdS1HAm3gPMqoyQrHxgcx21Q6P0JEWK-vkgzwH-mC1t3AD25UrUfAALeL1eciFsATd69exPnQK/s1600/matching.png" height="430" width="480" /></a></div>
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I then cut four long rectangles out of the gold shiny fabric to make two sleeves. Two pieces for each sleeve. I put two pieces together, right sides together and sewed them along each long side, but left the ends open. I then turned it right side out using a safety pin to pull it through....and then I repeated for the second strap. These were about two inches wide and looked like a long strap before I added them to the dress. </div>
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I then dry fitted them into the bodice (everything right side out, and you have to fold the bodice around so that it makes a circle...like it's folded in the picture above) to see where I wanted them to go. I ended up putting them in at an angle so the strap would go off of her shoulder. Make sure they are long enough for an arm to fit. Pin the straps in where you want them at the front of the bodice and at the back. Only pin on the front piece of fabric, so that you can turn the pieces inside out (right sides together) while you sew. Once you have your straps pinned in place, take the bodice pieces apart and put them together with the shiny sides together....the tops of the strap pieces will be weird and squish up inside. I recommend pinning them down, so they won't sneak up and get caught in your seam. The ends of the straps will be sticking out of the seam. Pin all around, and then sew all of the way around on both the top and the bottom of the bodice, but leave the ends open. Be careful to remove pins as you sew...or some of them will wind up sewn inside of the bodice. Turn it inside out and it should look a lot like the above picture, just minus the rope. </div>
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On the open ends, I folded them in on themselves and then took two pieces of gold rope trim and made loops. I stuck the loops into the opening and then sewed it down. I repeated on the other side. I then got some of the skinny gold rope trim and threaded it through the loops like you would a shoelace and tied a bow. This way the top is somewhat adjustable. After that, I glued some braided rope trim on top of my stitches where the loops are, and then I glued the twisted rope trim all of the way around the bottom of the bodice. I used hot glue...but a better alternative is fabric glue. I just told my sister to only wash it in cold and not put it in the dryer. Fabric glue would be better...but you use what you have...</div>
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Here it is put together (not the skirt is not attached to the bodice, this is a two piece outfit). I also added a little bit of gold ribbon that I had to make a bow on the front of the dress. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQb361Pgn_JvRM3lHYcT4lIHyIxGW_Xhk5nvX_1M0q6tPEN-UM-sdOz8lFULNThsPA7SwDnIcuLVdHpHKKzi5IURmo6vm8lZK4n9iQVKqrxxDzi8cJbfNzquHvcbgKBT8njH3AsEXMeFO/s1600/IMG_20140807_150707_644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQb361Pgn_JvRM3lHYcT4lIHyIxGW_Xhk5nvX_1M0q6tPEN-UM-sdOz8lFULNThsPA7SwDnIcuLVdHpHKKzi5IURmo6vm8lZK4n9iQVKqrxxDzi8cJbfNzquHvcbgKBT8njH3AsEXMeFO/s1600/IMG_20140807_150707_644.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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After this I added some embellishments to the skirt. On the back, I tied in some of the braided gold rope into the loops on the crocheted mesh and then did the same with the ribbon. I got lucky and it curled by itself. :) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwn8AAzZmCKMEd_XkhaMq1we3wkSAGUhRPGSfIconoqAgUHGNRLw7c8PpuOwT8ozuyyFR962cmLtXeZNw7UFsMaeoRukXAobJx-gDetLsyReUJchmRI3dQQ-s-Fw4VCYZC1bh8DzS9BHu/s1600/IMG_20140807_150630_855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwn8AAzZmCKMEd_XkhaMq1we3wkSAGUhRPGSfIconoqAgUHGNRLw7c8PpuOwT8ozuyyFR962cmLtXeZNw7UFsMaeoRukXAobJx-gDetLsyReUJchmRI3dQQ-s-Fw4VCYZC1bh8DzS9BHu/s1600/IMG_20140807_150630_855.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I also made her a bow, arrows and a quiver for them to go into. Here is the bow:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZWj6ARbY9GijOtaTBhCMz7Y6sKum0kf9-2-pr-cm93hDewAfbu_V9Cm_tsJ64SYvyFxu9uYP3j_ls6QC0tXIGtmb1Cbq8UapyIxh2O-TLpiKtRXhhUOyRrp-GMc3UMByeCJbfEiuYhWn/s1600/IMG_20140807_153922_682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZWj6ARbY9GijOtaTBhCMz7Y6sKum0kf9-2-pr-cm93hDewAfbu_V9Cm_tsJ64SYvyFxu9uYP3j_ls6QC0tXIGtmb1Cbq8UapyIxh2O-TLpiKtRXhhUOyRrp-GMc3UMByeCJbfEiuYhWn/s1600/IMG_20140807_153922_682.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I made this by cutting the flower head off of a fake flower and using the bendy stem to bend into a bow. I then notched the ends with a knife and tied some of the skinny gold elastic cording to both ends, and then I hot glued a little bit of leather around the handle. It was the perfect size for a one year old and pretty child proof too. </div>
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I ended up adding more embellishment to the front of the dress too. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7KwDy4OffRN_BDjzwb8sYSWxHpqACE15S6HrmeEAZQ2bfqC3_VNQZ-LnS0o4IBXwYmZmE1XDViVZeRcG-xL67BtaeupEdfazlA0R6TCpoAJKccKEa8fUt3NdXgqNfiyiqJUB-dTmBZRT/s1600/IMG_20140807_154509_136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7KwDy4OffRN_BDjzwb8sYSWxHpqACE15S6HrmeEAZQ2bfqC3_VNQZ-LnS0o4IBXwYmZmE1XDViVZeRcG-xL67BtaeupEdfazlA0R6TCpoAJKccKEa8fUt3NdXgqNfiyiqJUB-dTmBZRT/s1600/IMG_20140807_154509_136.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I googled how to make a celtic knot and used my left over twisty gold rope to make one. I then looped some more gold rope through the top of the celtic knot so that I could hang it down the front of the dress. I just safety pinned it on the inside of the green crocheted mesh. I covered the ends of the rope with a little bit of blue fabric and hot glue. </div>
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For the quiver, I used all hot glue and brown felt. I cut a circle, cut little slits around the edge of the circle and folded them up. Next, I glued a rectangle sheet of felt around the folded up edges of the circle to make a cylinder. I then made some little holes in the felt and threaded through some extra leather laces that I found around the house (not sure what that belonged to...lol). I took the flower that I had already cut off of the stem to make the bow and glued it to the front of the quiver. I also made a shoulder strap out of the same brown felt and glued it on. I finished it off with a little bit of extra braided gold trim that you can barely see going around behind the flower. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeM0tiRsg3T9J4lOva3nu6GbV82V8O3JIzFGtEQ_-4f4S-d9j41uxonx04CudarU19L7TDX2fmBEdDxaW0NHWMqDKddzBv2Vc8nUnjbrfpbQLw1QRWYW77DBfsGZlULtlvJi7fiZXV24V/s1600/IMG952048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeM0tiRsg3T9J4lOva3nu6GbV82V8O3JIzFGtEQ_-4f4S-d9j41uxonx04CudarU19L7TDX2fmBEdDxaW0NHWMqDKddzBv2Vc8nUnjbrfpbQLw1QRWYW77DBfsGZlULtlvJi7fiZXV24V/s1600/IMG952048.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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For the arrows, I found sticks in the back yard, hot glued some craft store feathers to one end, and I cut two triangles out of gold glitter felt and sandwiched the stick in between them with hot glue. I don't have any great pictures of the arrows. My sis is supposed to be sending me one, but it's not downloading....I gave up trying to get it from her, lol. You can see them in some of these pictures. I'll add a better picture of the arrows later if I can get a hold of one. </div>
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Little princess in her dress! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_S7gq4DYic8c2DsRAy4PXo6BMx9BNmb82M65KkI9Xf8Ifw49T3Z5O2LysrlrbLwVru9KLtr8wy1S25Ru2m9Ww7DR3PgsGDZQP3tMi_yk5W94veMUHHP4xjL2wQLlb9OPaQxGYNm5lAyJ/s1600/10509684_10204636776185951_3728175931889735924_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_S7gq4DYic8c2DsRAy4PXo6BMx9BNmb82M65KkI9Xf8Ifw49T3Z5O2LysrlrbLwVru9KLtr8wy1S25Ru2m9Ww7DR3PgsGDZQP3tMi_yk5W94veMUHHP4xjL2wQLlb9OPaQxGYNm5lAyJ/s1600/10509684_10204636776185951_3728175931889735924_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEo_XSRb_8quum0evXp9BPB9tAxJWDk4k6c6b8M8HmyG3cuU6OiRH0iUW8eaLTXEEhUakgqFDoeJTXG_JSb-XKc8LTNaEhpRm29odf_leMBbWd3ZiOWEbG8rOP0jaAH0pGpQUQ2JC-BF5/s1600/10561686_10100573552498497_1502049126250482192_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEo_XSRb_8quum0evXp9BPB9tAxJWDk4k6c6b8M8HmyG3cuU6OiRH0iUW8eaLTXEEhUakgqFDoeJTXG_JSb-XKc8LTNaEhpRm29odf_leMBbWd3ZiOWEbG8rOP0jaAH0pGpQUQ2JC-BF5/s1600/10561686_10100573552498497_1502049126250482192_n.jpg" height="546" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjFCE_XtjQKd78vn8Q8bZtgxHjR7z6JqPq8DtdtaVdXHKyARYRxc4pt1XIciwufWEWhEKesz_EQ8q8Vs3g2wl7VhAQ8fVxGyy6VWkpwyz0RFUDlEz-eFKZ4R8ZGx7otpJwogwWPrkqxAW/s1600/10561555_10100573552423647_8646230937546621710_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjFCE_XtjQKd78vn8Q8bZtgxHjR7z6JqPq8DtdtaVdXHKyARYRxc4pt1XIciwufWEWhEKesz_EQ8q8Vs3g2wl7VhAQ8fVxGyy6VWkpwyz0RFUDlEz-eFKZ4R8ZGx7otpJwogwWPrkqxAW/s1600/10561555_10100573552423647_8646230937546621710_n.jpg" height="484" width="480" /></a></div>
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With her little baby best friend who also had a Brave tutu on. My sister, her husband and a friend are also pictured. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4xGCpSA_nYm5-CqRYtqh7bBsF6AJfQ22UNeyKo03WjJM0ilnKSmrZ2yphuFubqZwzVNyYXfc-0QjRuQrdH5pmnjvSl9N1o1TqOmedKc9BT0f02TjBQ0eHPiwI5YwkLI1cqmZAcBVOo0V/s1600/10394001_10100573548850807_3385500268886697987_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4xGCpSA_nYm5-CqRYtqh7bBsF6AJfQ22UNeyKo03WjJM0ilnKSmrZ2yphuFubqZwzVNyYXfc-0QjRuQrdH5pmnjvSl9N1o1TqOmedKc9BT0f02TjBQ0eHPiwI5YwkLI1cqmZAcBVOo0V/s1600/10394001_10100573548850807_3385500268886697987_n.jpg" height="380" width="480" /></a></div>
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I really love love love how it turned out! Funny story....my step-mom loved this so much, she asked me to make her an adult sized version for her to wear to work at a pediatric dentist's office on Halloween. It's just cracking me up that she wants to wear this! I'll bet the kids at the dental office will love it though. </div>
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I'll be back soon with more updates on the fireplace soon! Have a great day! </div>
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xoxo</div>
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Anna </div>
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annacarterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062600423763652148noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799018173383789764.post-7307596928187534392014-08-24T14:28:00.000-04:002014-09-18T16:49:14.137-04:00Tips for Cutting Moulding for Trim WorkHi Friends! Today is Sunday...and I'm playing hookey from church! Well, not really, I'm not feeling very well today and I'm just hanging out in my bed. What better thing to do than a blog post :) <br />
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Friday, I got started back with organizing a project to do list. Basically, making a step by step list of what I'm going to tackle and in what order. First priority is to finish this fireplace that I've been working on (sloooooowly) for an entire year. Well, I had several small pieces of trim that needed to be added and fixed. I can't exactly give you a "big reveal" of my fireplace just yet, but I thought I'd share the little bits I'm working on until I have it completely finished...and then I'll go back and give a detailed explanation of how I did the entire thing. </div>
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Here is the little area I needed to fix/finish the trim on:</div>
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I needed to take off the bit of baseboard that is already attached and re-position it...it looks bad...and then I needed to finish the baseboard all the way around the book shelf and back down the wall. I also needed to continue the trim around the tile and across the bottom shelf of the book shelf (right under where the dvds are).</div>
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The first thing I always do is measure the length of my piece of wood, by placing it where it will be going and marking the wood. This is always better than measuring. Sometimes you just have to measure, due to size of the wood or the location you are putting it, but always use this method if you have the option. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9u0JBUD0W8Yon9tIDCefWmRlEXVGKIW2I7-2A-twYf3caC3mXPlS-gIWgsZCBaSvUlT93lm-H4gj9v6nuO1WW7sG0_d8kZS95gVtsbZRc_1Wu81NjGpcp65sdsu24F5FC2fN9iu6DJkL/s1600/IMG_20140822_171108_067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9u0JBUD0W8Yon9tIDCefWmRlEXVGKIW2I7-2A-twYf3caC3mXPlS-gIWgsZCBaSvUlT93lm-H4gj9v6nuO1WW7sG0_d8kZS95gVtsbZRc_1Wu81NjGpcp65sdsu24F5FC2fN9iu6DJkL/s1600/IMG_20140822_171108_067.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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For an outside corner, I usually mark where the wood will miter. I mark both ends. First where the wood touches the corner on the short end of the miter, and then I draw a diagonal line approximating where the cut will be....and then I usually mark another line indicating where the outside end or the long end of the miter will wind up. Sometimes you can get a perfect measurement on this, and other times, it's an approximate measurement (I was able to get a perfect measurement this time, because there is a messed up piece that is too short, allowing me to lay my wood flush to get the measurement...more on that in a minute). The measurement you really want to pay attention to is the one on the inside, the part of the wood that is going to be the same length as what you are attaching it to. That is your precise measurement. The other marks are more for orientation when you get your wood out to the saw. It makes it a lot easier to know where you are going to cut the wood and how to hold your wood. </div>
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You can see why I needed to remove that piece of baseboard from this angle. Let me tell ya...I've gotten a lot better at this with practice. Those jacked up cuts were made a long time ago. Don't worry I'm going to show you how to do it the right way :)</div>
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Ok, so I've got my wood on my saw...you see that there is a slit opening for the saw to sink into when it's cutting....don't use this as a guide, your cut will be off. I know that I want the blade to cut along my little slanted line, right? My saw head only bends to 45 degrees on the left side (I didn't take any pictures of it to show you....but it's just your basic miter saw). I bent my blade to make a 45 degree cut at the saw....but did not move the base either direction (the base rotates left or right to a variety of angles). The base was kept strait. Usually, you'll use the head of the saw to miter if you have a piece that you want to miter into the skinny side of your board....like mine below. In other cases, you could use the base to rotate and keep the head strait if you have a piece that is thicker that will stand up on it's side and do the same thing, or if you have a piece that you want to miter into the long side (like as in a picture frame). A lot of the time you could probably do it either way....not this time though...(sorry it that didn't make any sense) </div>
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Based on my markings, the blade will enter the wood at the left marking and cut along the diagonal mark (across the whole piece of wood) exit approximately where the second mark is. </div>
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What you want to do is move the blade down (without turning it on) and see that the very outside skin of the blade touches your wood at the very outside edge of your mark...maybe even the teeniest bit over from your mark....you can always cut off more wood, but you can't make your piece longer if you've cut it too short. You want to make sure that all of the extra wood that will be pulverized by the width of the saw isn't included in your finished, cut piece. You want that to come out of the left over scrap.</div>
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You can't see my marks on this piece below, because they are on the skinny side of the piece and I'm cutting this on the flat side. I extended the one mark around the piece of wood, so that I could see where I needed to cut. </div>
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Once you have everything perfectly lined up, then turn the machine on and cut. Obviously, do all of the things your saw manufacturer says to do in regards to safety and what not....and please don't cut yourself! </div>
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My garage is awful...don't look at the ugly-ness...but this is what I ended up with. Sorry it's a really bad picture.</div>
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And here's how it fit. Perfect fit! Now, if only I had followed my own advice months ago when I cut those other (already attached) pieces. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKrf7ePevewsruucbxy-Fc5BUMk2zi_SmPzmhrg7cjVW53zFStoBRAOm3tc32sNKenFukBkgri25TWsNLHavfqBnzqrSfy4zV5DxNvuFXXv5kX8cmxKiWcCLJQpSUrtko4blqLm9kYGu54/s1600/IMG_20140822_172354_372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKrf7ePevewsruucbxy-Fc5BUMk2zi_SmPzmhrg7cjVW53zFStoBRAOm3tc32sNKenFukBkgri25TWsNLHavfqBnzqrSfy4zV5DxNvuFXXv5kX8cmxKiWcCLJQpSUrtko4blqLm9kYGu54/s1600/IMG_20140822_172354_372.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I went ahead and made a repair to the too short piece that you see in the picture above. Ideally, I would have just taken that piece off and cut a new one....but this was already grouted and caulked in there and you know, I just wasn't feeling it. Besides, it's amazing what some caulk can do to make a horrible mess look presentable. Here's what I did...I mitered the end of my wood first, then held it up to measure the gap directly onto my piece of wood, then I held it it place and cut off that small piece going in the same direction as my first miter (all with the same techniques I mentioned above). Keep your eye out, because those little pieces can go flying!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0W-BJdgl7vzk6Lhxoa9I-kjHOs08t9nsE_i88G-QE1q1o_L-rR9ZgqKuksY1NfMExsG3OuuEO3ZvuzcOi8GlHCpSVoMh1Ti0wW2bxZ_xz0x3UBgJrkcQtzP-CDsGdMTgElCSTnHUuL5I/s1600/IMG_20140822_173034_048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0W-BJdgl7vzk6Lhxoa9I-kjHOs08t9nsE_i88G-QE1q1o_L-rR9ZgqKuksY1NfMExsG3OuuEO3ZvuzcOi8GlHCpSVoMh1Ti0wW2bxZ_xz0x3UBgJrkcQtzP-CDsGdMTgElCSTnHUuL5I/s1600/IMG_20140822_173034_048.jpg" height="380" width="480" /></a></div>
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It fits! It doesn't look perfect, but it fills it in and will be completely concealed after I patch it up. I wont' nail this piece in, I am going to glue it with some liquid nails. If you try to nail it it, it won't be stable because you could really only get one nail in there....and most likely the nail will break the small piece of wood in half....How do I know that? Yeah, I tried to nail that piece, because I'm lazy....and it happened to me....and I had to re-do it. Don't repeat my mistakes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9Uf5AX5O1HTvy_O7UlmtiXP1ijGNxS64qhnVdWn_5w0dKojo8hBpSKsmtay_DosTX2JSSJv3afnTw5s5dbIiIZ4Do1-oCycLXvk5oZljyaztAQigeK_wHYtCwicmqu2cKyFWd5VrxnT9/s1600/IMG_20140822_173727_100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9Uf5AX5O1HTvy_O7UlmtiXP1ijGNxS64qhnVdWn_5w0dKojo8hBpSKsmtay_DosTX2JSSJv3afnTw5s5dbIiIZ4Do1-oCycLXvk5oZljyaztAQigeK_wHYtCwicmqu2cKyFWd5VrxnT9/s1600/IMG_20140822_173727_100.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I went ahead and made a few cuts of baseboard around my bookshelf. here's where I cut another outside corner and it looks perfect. This is what it's supposed to look like y'all. </div>
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This is an inside corner (between the bookshelf and the wall). This was done without coping (I know how, but don't have a coping saw...would love one of those). Coping is a whole other technique to give you really perfect inside corners....google it. I cut these in the same manner as before, but instead of having the long end pointing out, the long end is against the wood/wall. Whatever is against your wood or wall or ...whatever you are adding trim to, will be your firm measurement. It's basically the opposite of the outside corner. The piece of wood pictured on the right side of this picture actually is the same piece in the left side of the picture above...so one end was part of a outside corner and the other end was part of an inside corner....so mark your wood well! You don't want to get confused when you go to the saw.</div>
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It will look better after quarter round is added to cover the gap there...and caulk and paint is added to cover imperfections....the cut, however, is perfect! yay! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYTJopbyTzXJLXGuJGL4wGx9gcb0UJCk3wwQZW39Zkvmgj9WMQ2itrJbgdNWuIADUSv-DHK2dNemY4lbvdxDr139WlhTfzXiFZDmEnlx_LofVX5Na_fitdvNKDPqieVc7R5HqDZ4bV9y0/s1600/IMG_20140822_175754_516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYTJopbyTzXJLXGuJGL4wGx9gcb0UJCk3wwQZW39Zkvmgj9WMQ2itrJbgdNWuIADUSv-DHK2dNemY4lbvdxDr139WlhTfzXiFZDmEnlx_LofVX5Na_fitdvNKDPqieVc7R5HqDZ4bV9y0/s1600/IMG_20140822_175754_516.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I use a nail gun with a compressor to attach the trim. I got this one from Lowes as a combo for about 100 bucks. It has been great for my purposes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj629GC3XQU59UtaVn2jK6rClnSxPoiaFjMuVsAA7h1NYeF-KYz16y3mdzvSo1d6geU7PxkqYJHR2deDVWf_2MaLDNKbTR8ADHvILqtqahdRN-FYMPUbx7lNmeUtXgjscVt15POGkkgTqWF/s1600/IMG_20140822_180610_412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj629GC3XQU59UtaVn2jK6rClnSxPoiaFjMuVsAA7h1NYeF-KYz16y3mdzvSo1d6geU7PxkqYJHR2deDVWf_2MaLDNKbTR8ADHvILqtqahdRN-FYMPUbx7lNmeUtXgjscVt15POGkkgTqWF/s1600/IMG_20140822_180610_412.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Be careful! Read the directions and send the kids out of the room while you do this! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCxi0XEp4omfh5QWtsMHSegzHG-hgRKkLK3RQRn_btDu_LPOcbMGx_llUL-JEpv2X-0NcM9cM1yYfGxuQSh_nuzISLdXvHFJ4fOEBbOjAEHKNLyuOXqp35Gc_3F2smWDEoa9JtXunUfsK/s1600/IMG_20140822_180723_317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCxi0XEp4omfh5QWtsMHSegzHG-hgRKkLK3RQRn_btDu_LPOcbMGx_llUL-JEpv2X-0NcM9cM1yYfGxuQSh_nuzISLdXvHFJ4fOEBbOjAEHKNLyuOXqp35Gc_3F2smWDEoa9JtXunUfsK/s1600/IMG_20140822_180723_317.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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The nailing takes just a minute to finish...and it's really fun! </div>
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This is the little area I finished today all complete! </div>
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Not a huge difference, but this completed all of trim work that was left on my fireplace! Can I get a whoooo! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4p5g46q3nP-w_PQXbnayCPGKGQLLSjy9pn_u32N2DESMXhDcnioCMnxTIMUq3ZGQoTwyJ8gTRXpEJep54spdvM_bpw5FHz8ncbR1A8B8zix2XvDLsnXDYb8gzuGxMvoQx5qSnsNXq2DF/s1600/IMG_20140822_181431_078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4p5g46q3nP-w_PQXbnayCPGKGQLLSjy9pn_u32N2DESMXhDcnioCMnxTIMUq3ZGQoTwyJ8gTRXpEJep54spdvM_bpw5FHz8ncbR1A8B8zix2XvDLsnXDYb8gzuGxMvoQx5qSnsNXq2DF/s1600/IMG_20140822_181431_078.jpg" height="380" width="480" /></a></div>
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Hope that was helpful to some. It really has taken me a lot of trial and error to get the hang of the little things you have to do to make a perfect cut. Good luck! </div>
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Next up is caulking the whole. dang. thing....and then I'll be puttying, sanding and painting. In addition, I"ll be casing in the window right next to the fireplace and repairing the trim around my back door, to complete this wall. Almost there guys! </div>
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xoxo! </div>
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Anna</div>
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three mango seeds</div>
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annacarterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062600423763652148noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799018173383789764.post-42003576638300062882014-08-20T17:19:00.000-04:002014-08-20T17:19:04.739-04:00I'm baaaack! Hey Guys! I'm back! So sorry to abandon blogging for the summer, but it had to be done. I just could not keep it up. I enjoy blogging so much, so that was kind of a bummer for me, but I am ready to start it back up full swing!<br />
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Our summer stayed very busy. If you read back to the <a href="http://www.home-heart-and-hands.blogspot.com/2014/07/a-bit-of-hiatus.html">previous post</a> you will see that I had two extra kids with me all summer. We had some major challenges, that I probably had better not explain on the internet, but let's just say it was HARD....well, 6 kids without challenges would be hard anyway. It was a very rewarding experience, though, and I know what I am capable of, for sure. It's amazing how, when you have one child, you think...wow, I have no idea how someone can do this with two....and then you have a second and think... how does she do it with three...and so on and so on....but yet you are able to expand your abilities with each child you have, and you adjust....and it's rewarding. I expanded my abilities this summer...boy did I. The nice thing is that in comparison, it makes me appreciate my own children so much more. Caring for just them feels easy now...and that is such a blessing :)<br />
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School started around here this past Monday. I now have a 6th grader, a 3rd grader, a Kindergartner and my baby is starting preschool for the first time on this coming Monday. We have three different "firsts" for my kids right now, and I have to say, it has made mama a little bit weepy. I think the worst so far has been sending my oldest to middle school for the first time. You don't walk them in for middle school....they are too old for that...I still tried (unsuccessfully). My kid's elementary school is right next door to the middle school and elm school starts 30 minutes before the middle school does, so we drop them all off at the same time and my oldest walks the bridge and path over to the middle school. I just dropped him off and watched him walk that long path all the way to the school...and cried! Sigh...I still can't believe it. My Kindergartner surprisingly was awesome! She just marched right in there and took charge of the room. She was ready to go. I think the real test will come this Monday when I have to drop off my baby for the first time. Bring on the waterworks.<br />
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Some shots of my kids' first day of school: <br />
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Silly photos are always part of the deal. </div>
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My littlest had to join the fun. She's a bunny in all her photos now, lol.</div>
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They all did this face....I spared you shots of everybody else.</div>
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You can see a shot of his middle school behind him. </div>
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There he goes. </div>
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off into the sunrise! He is so grown up...I can't take it! </div>
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****tear</div>
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anyways...<br />
As far as my home goes....it has been a MESS this entire summer. Either we were gone the entire day, or I spent the entire day cleaning and it still stayed a horrible mess. I was doing two full loads in the dishwasher per day! I have been so so so ready for some structure around here. Since Monday, I have had three days to get things back into order and get a schedule set. Let me tell you, it has been great! I got back to my cleaning schedule that I detailed in <a href="http://www.home-heart-and-hands.blogspot.com/2014/02/how-to-keep-clean-house-for-non-type.html">this pos</a>t. This seriously is the best way to keep your house clean. This morning I had a perfectly clean house by 9:30 am! I have felt like a lazy bones all day long. I have not had my house all the way clean, all at once, since well before the summer started. I made a chronological list of the home improvement projects that I need to do. It helps me to not be overwhelmed by the amount of stuff that needs to be done, to make a list of each step that needs to be completed in the order they need to be done. That way I can just take it one step at a time. First up, I am going to concentrate hard on getting my fireplace completely done. I got it like 90 percent there and then just abandoned it. It's so sad too....because it is almost BEAUTIFUL.....almost. I also have a few crafts up my sleeve and sewing projects. I made an awesome Disney's Brave inspired costume for my niece's for her first birthday party and I will do a post on how I made that...and I have a bunch of pillow making to do etc.<br />
Here's a peek at the Brave costume. I love it so much!<br />
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Wow....I feel like there is so much to share and catch up on, but I have already made this post too long. I'm so happy to be back and I will do my best to share all of the projects I'm working on in as real of time as possible. Until then!<br />
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Anna<br />
xoxoannacarterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062600423763652148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799018173383789764.post-19779471993921006952014-07-08T00:51:00.002-04:002014-07-08T00:52:53.311-04:00A Bit of a Hiatus Hey Lovely blog readers :) <br />
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I'm so sorry for the complete lack of blog posts for the past, well...three weeks. If you read <a href="http://www.home-heart-and-hands.blogspot.com/2014/06/a-day-in-life-my-summer-schedule-for.html">this post</a>, you can catch a glimpse of why I haven't been posting anything. Honestly, I just haven't had the TIME. It's been an eye opening adventure to say the least to have six children full time for the summer. There have been some big challenges, and I haven't been able to maintain any sort of posting schedule, or be able to do any projects since completing my <a href="http://www.home-heart-and-hands.blogspot.com/2014/05/diy-front-porch-planter-with-gold.html">front porch planters</a> or the end of the year <a href="http://www.home-heart-and-hands.blogspot.com/2014/06/teachers-gifts-diy-monogrammed-clip.html">teacher's gifts</a>. I'm not abandoning my blog, however! I am going to switch to a different type of posting for the summer, though. I'm just going to post here and there, and primarily journal style. Things that I just feel like talking about, as opposed to diy projects. If I get any projects completed this summer, then of course I will share, but it doesn't seem like I'm going to have the time. I was really stressed about this, at first, but you know what....the blog will always be here, and I can always just pick up right where I left off. I decided that I'm just going to take it easy and not try to monetize (which is what I was working towards) or anything like that until after school starts....when I will only have one child home with me during the day....as opposed to 6... <br />
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So far this summer, we have done some fun things. I went on a beach trip with a few of my girlfriends. That was a lot of fun. I got really sun burnt...which wasn't so fun. <br />
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We had a pizza movie night for my boy and some of his friends. </div>
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We have gone to several parks and pools and splash pads</div>
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We've been to the movies....I don't have a shot of that...but, yes, I took six kids to the movies, and afterwards they all played in the water fountain out front until they were soaking wet :) </div>
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We have baked a lot....and made a lot of messes while doing so.</div>
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I have done approximately 10,000 loads of dishes and 5,000 loads of laundry. </div>
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We had an awesome Fourth of July with our extended family.</div>
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...and celebrated my husband's birthday with friends as well. </div>
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So that's what has been going on with us! How about you? Wish me luck for the rest of the summer. We have roller skating, blueberry picking, carousel rides, the zoo, and another beach trip left on the itinerary. I'll try to not stay away so long next time. Wishing you all a happy summer :) </div>
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xoxo</div>
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Anna </div>
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<br />annacarterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062600423763652148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799018173383789764.post-87568836061457235242014-06-10T00:40:00.000-04:002014-06-10T00:40:13.572-04:0013th Anniversary You know I've been married a long time when I am sitting here at 11:00 at night on my 13th wedding anniversary writing a blog post about said anniversary, while my husband is sitting across from me belly laughing while watching old episodes of Frazier. We are lively aren't we....lol... <br />
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This is one of my all time favorite shots of my husband and I. </div>
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I love it so much :)<br />
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Well, we do have a big date planned for Friday night, so I guess that is something. We got take out and milkshakes tonight to celebrate and posted lovey dovey things to each other on Facebook. I still can't believe it has been 13 years since we were married and 17 years since we met. Here is a shot of us when we were first dating. </div>
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We met when I was halfway through my sophmore year in high school and he had already graduated the previous year (I was always after the older guys, I guess). We lived 100 miles apart and he just happened to tag along for a road trip with a friend of his who was going to attend my best friend in high school's sweet 16 party. He didn't even know my friend (who's party it was). It was the most improbable meeting ever. Below is a shot of the very first moment I took notice of him at that party. He was asked to sing (he has an amazing voice) a song that he and a friend had written. This picture is of him in the back ground singing and me looking at the camera with a huge smile on my face, turning to complete mush, because I was SMITTEN!</div>
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Can you tell this was from a high school girl's birthday album...haha! I am the one all the way to the left in the foreground and my husband is the one all the way to the right in the background. </div>
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This is one of the most precious pictures to me. Not many people have the very moment they met captured this way. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZWwIlgSJO3ASiAu66fBAtd9CqPRpwSkGg3sclIv_RQkRI6r8aA1tAC7nJrwzJJnDX93f6Vf5wEX04Nv-9sZmSviNgGAMj4RgIoKQIDrU-3JvM6AfvRLQhTaxTDaYHbyo05OvMQ4DseJm/s1600/1278816_10202030554072027_783208982_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZWwIlgSJO3ASiAu66fBAtd9CqPRpwSkGg3sclIv_RQkRI6r8aA1tAC7nJrwzJJnDX93f6Vf5wEX04Nv-9sZmSviNgGAMj4RgIoKQIDrU-3JvM6AfvRLQhTaxTDaYHbyo05OvMQ4DseJm/s1600/1278816_10202030554072027_783208982_o.jpg" height="443" width="480" /></a></div>
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We both formed crushes on each other this night, but we both thought we'd never see each other again...until I bumped into him a few weeks later on a trip to Columbia, SC (I was from Charleston, SC) to attend the circus. He got my number, we went on a few dates....and it was LOVE. We only dated for a few short months (6) before he headed off to serve a 2 year mission in northern California for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We promised to meet back up once he came home. I dated other boys while he was gone, graduated high school and when he came home, we basically picked right back up where we left off. </div>
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This is us the very day he came home in 1999.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbSaRwBrwyDT5b5Z5JJDnmjixNTANPE5MpG6NaC2WblviILY4DuzFfm7XCHrLGQO_m1Z-ST-BD0KEQkdf3JO1dsWWWsYdvHpTUMhYGlphRfZP9WqW5RqaxZmCboOXisJNxaPOYD7AyNnt/s1600/998187_10201468606778275_432637411_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbSaRwBrwyDT5b5Z5JJDnmjixNTANPE5MpG6NaC2WblviILY4DuzFfm7XCHrLGQO_m1Z-ST-BD0KEQkdf3JO1dsWWWsYdvHpTUMhYGlphRfZP9WqW5RqaxZmCboOXisJNxaPOYD7AyNnt/s1600/998187_10201468606778275_432637411_n.jpg" height="332" width="480" /></a></div>
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We did one year commuting back and forth 100 miles to see each other every week. I drove up to see him once a week and he drove down to see me once a week. When my little sister passed away that very same year (pictured above sitting on the floor in front of me), I moved up to Columbia to have a fresh start and to live near him. We were married one year later. I was 19, he was 22 (almost 23). He saw me through the hardest thing that ever happened in my life, and I knew that he was it for me :) </div>
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Our Wedding</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJs4l5Xdp5IwiKqU8qfab-NdzuVi6ZZlRkSuPGC9tG2EW8IXsIg0_MND7i2ZCOAvuelL3_cnB9nHdnh51JuzHEgP96Jsm3rkbgkKVQwcXsdcnmALr_OntDu52sT2cG-EAgOvfhNdKuOLq6/s1600/258680_2110192601013_5762238_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJs4l5Xdp5IwiKqU8qfab-NdzuVi6ZZlRkSuPGC9tG2EW8IXsIg0_MND7i2ZCOAvuelL3_cnB9nHdnh51JuzHEgP96Jsm3rkbgkKVQwcXsdcnmALr_OntDu52sT2cG-EAgOvfhNdKuOLq6/s1600/258680_2110192601013_5762238_o.jpg" height="680" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPMYloNgGUVzStigyS-wteHod_W8lp_rBMpNocfy9UOsNJvJwawvNcniLWn-fKlsYY56_RPsxUXZ4X4fnsVh-QY4N_sM203kls_LU6eZgMwryzxY3RDt7tk9v_m3DdbDd_07DDPIW_D7G/s1600/243864_2110192121001_1335891_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPMYloNgGUVzStigyS-wteHod_W8lp_rBMpNocfy9UOsNJvJwawvNcniLWn-fKlsYY56_RPsxUXZ4X4fnsVh-QY4N_sM203kls_LU6eZgMwryzxY3RDt7tk9v_m3DdbDd_07DDPIW_D7G/s1600/243864_2110192121001_1335891_o.jpg" height="644" width="480" /></a></div>
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We have seen each other through the hardest of times and the happiest of times. I love this man more than anything in the world. He is the best man I know. He is always the most hilarious person in the room, always has everybody in stitches....he is usually the smartest person in the room...he talks to me every day, tells me everything he thinks and does, he is my very best friend. He always finds me attractive no matter how much of a mess I am, and how many pounds I may have gained. I've never met another person who is more genuine than this man. He is fiercely loyal and does not ever compromise what is right, no matter what. I have never met anyone who is more sure of them-self. He is full of integrity and does not follow the crowd. At the same time, he is also wonderful with people. He is able to always stand his ground and buck the trends and people always love him for it. I am always in awe of him, every day....even after all of these years. He is an incredible example to those around him and most of all to our children. I could not say enough good about this man. Here are some pictures, of us over the years. </div>
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2006</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQiUhX0KocVOoJHelS3JCnTcpJhmbh2d2ROMLfSj2LAdwDfGXpAGDm5gt6EtwxGqKI4kfNOrQiPHGsATLfptLNhRcJ9ONfEI5B7vb9SLdsLer48J_xFZ30OP4ysehvg-bNMk8ZNZ9r46E/s1600/2574_1103833602667_2601925_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQiUhX0KocVOoJHelS3JCnTcpJhmbh2d2ROMLfSj2LAdwDfGXpAGDm5gt6EtwxGqKI4kfNOrQiPHGsATLfptLNhRcJ9ONfEI5B7vb9SLdsLer48J_xFZ30OP4ysehvg-bNMk8ZNZ9r46E/s1600/2574_1103833602667_2601925_n.jpg" height="380" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbStAK_7A01JP3iN2_qhKL_S8O9r8n7TljtyFvWaYQCeGb4tqf7iWKP9BiO-W9B0Mh8JxCalHszEd2jcu2f4LlKmFB-1XPLw3_o6LD1_-fejBfu-IHoeJiMUpeq9Vwz4qGvq217eoYXstC/s1600/2574_1103834122680_3592352_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbStAK_7A01JP3iN2_qhKL_S8O9r8n7TljtyFvWaYQCeGb4tqf7iWKP9BiO-W9B0Mh8JxCalHszEd2jcu2f4LlKmFB-1XPLw3_o6LD1_-fejBfu-IHoeJiMUpeq9Vwz4qGvq217eoYXstC/s1600/2574_1103834122680_3592352_n.jpg" height="380" width="480" /></a></div>
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2007</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXaFMbZN92me2WRsgRM0vOt5lh2luwmS-dmHzU-CKRoMLfmO2zDvx11TwV_c12nEz5SM-AH9oF2hfRoegbKstYaxsBX8AOF8z3XaT5Jo-_sekG26-geFQMupnPLVC9rFe_se_qcsEkuzj/s1600/2574_1103834802697_5386661_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXaFMbZN92me2WRsgRM0vOt5lh2luwmS-dmHzU-CKRoMLfmO2zDvx11TwV_c12nEz5SM-AH9oF2hfRoegbKstYaxsBX8AOF8z3XaT5Jo-_sekG26-geFQMupnPLVC9rFe_se_qcsEkuzj/s1600/2574_1103834802697_5386661_n.jpg" height="380" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAaRguA12eKQTnXydqW4JMVilWC8eNvM7kNzEkEq-xL0jzy2p-YfoINsTXHn5RzjmYSGeQvSPsfWDgyOa2UE1a2g4BcjjwChISoMGdm7dpkMeZQloI-uK_dtgcfSiYcm8ZbV9JwlxkSAJ/s1600/2574_1103833722670_323145_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAaRguA12eKQTnXydqW4JMVilWC8eNvM7kNzEkEq-xL0jzy2p-YfoINsTXHn5RzjmYSGeQvSPsfWDgyOa2UE1a2g4BcjjwChISoMGdm7dpkMeZQloI-uK_dtgcfSiYcm8ZbV9JwlxkSAJ/s1600/2574_1103833722670_323145_n.jpg" height="380" width="480" /></a></div>
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2008</div>
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Easter with just two little boys </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnvLtY2bVKxcWtMGbMLwZXJluAJ9ckGzZ9Mc59AuiXvGTOuuLvi0CDsOMUD63Og4_2Ob7pDTnQLhxOpqg8eLf-vG9lANym_1-uIXcxlKFhuL8Mh5VllrbHlOuOHwrWPtrMaoHzDQKuYng/s1600/197431_1007431512675_6782_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnvLtY2bVKxcWtMGbMLwZXJluAJ9ckGzZ9Mc59AuiXvGTOuuLvi0CDsOMUD63Og4_2Ob7pDTnQLhxOpqg8eLf-vG9lANym_1-uIXcxlKFhuL8Mh5VllrbHlOuOHwrWPtrMaoHzDQKuYng/s1600/197431_1007431512675_6782_n.jpg" height="385" width="480" /></a></div>
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Pregnant with our first daughter here on my birthday in December of 2008</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwmseqZ8PzGXl86OuGwGZ7C9kuulJzT4uaeqf9EONcYi7Fxd5BuwCJeMDnqgygZEAPfZ5a0vXfuQw4on8GNU_KvlL_DFOsZnbIlioiyIlfssXZOQraZzbdeC2RC9JfOhcJA1f-KNqPrQv/s1600/653_1095828282539_1846294_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwmseqZ8PzGXl86OuGwGZ7C9kuulJzT4uaeqf9EONcYi7Fxd5BuwCJeMDnqgygZEAPfZ5a0vXfuQw4on8GNU_KvlL_DFOsZnbIlioiyIlfssXZOQraZzbdeC2RC9JfOhcJA1f-KNqPrQv/s1600/653_1095828282539_1846294_n.jpg" height="380" width="480" /></a></div>
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2009</div>
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Love this one...it shows his real smile...and I am clearly cracking up at something he did</div>
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2010</div>
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The birth of our fourth child...an emergency C-section....super scary</div>
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2011 </div>
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Easter </div>
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2012</div>
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the beard (in case you can't tell, it goes down to his chest)..... You can't say I'm not a supportive wife. Oh, the beard....</div>
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2013</div>
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so glad the beard is gone</div>
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Easter this year. Not sure why I look so much larger than him here...</div>
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And this was my tribute to my husband on our Anniversary. Love you Babe! With all my heart :) </div>
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xoxo</div>
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Anna</div>
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annacarterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062600423763652148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799018173383789764.post-6688937679035262332014-06-06T17:12:00.000-04:002014-06-12T17:39:12.132-04:00A Day in The Life. My Summer Schedule for Six KidsWhat a summer this is going to be! I am going to be babysitting all summer, which means I now have two extra kids for the summer....that makes SIX y'all. They are, as follows: 11, 8, 7, 5, 3 and 2. I love having an extra child to babysit during the school year. I only had 1 child home with me during the day this year and this gave her someone to play with and it helped with the cash flow. Part of the deal, though, is to also watch her big sister during the summer. I didn't really think that through, I think...ha! I wasn't remembering that I'd have all of MY kids home too. Oh well, it is what it is and I'm not about to go back on my promise to anybody. Six kids it is! <br />
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I had to take everybody to Walmart the other day and I really didn't have any choice. I took a picture because, well, I had six kids in Walmart....we made it out alive though :) My oldest son is too funny in this picture, he is hitting that pre-teen age where everything embarrasses him. I had the three little girls in the first shopping cart, and the three older kids walking, with my oldest pushing a second cart full of groceries. It was nuts. I was constantly fussing at the little ones to sit down and to not fight, while the 7 and 8 year-olds chased each other in circles around my shopping cart. </div>
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I am taking the opportunity this summer to really crack down on our whole family. I HAVE to. We will not make it through this if I don't. </div>
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We have instituted new rules. It's been a long time coming, but I'm finally enforcing the "only eating in the kitchen" rule. Everything in my living room area is wipeable, so I've always let them eat on the couch and watch TV for lunch and snacks (not dinner)....the problem with that is they always manage to sneak off with food into the bedrooms and we all know what kind of problem that creates. It just adds to the chaos as well. I am being super hard core about chores. My boys have to do a whole bunch of chores each day in order to have one precious hour on their beloved Xbox. I am also really working hard to not repeat myself when I am dealing with my little girls. It's hard, but I'm trying to make sure I punish them immediately if they don't listen to me the first time. We are going to be working hard on consistent exercise and diet as a family....stuff like that. </div>
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I also have a pretty tight schedule that we are going to follow. I thought I would share it with you guys. </div>
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It starts at 7:00 am (I'm still working on getting up this early...I'm still sort of rolling out of bed at 7:30 when the kids I watch get here). Ideally, I would get up at 7:00, start a load of laundry, do my morning walk through (mentioned <a href="http://home-heart-and-hands.blogspot.com/2014/02/how-to-keep-clean-house-for-non-type.html">here</a>), make breakfast and get dressed before they get here.</div>
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7:30: Kids arrive and I get all of the kids to sit down to breakfast, (I usually make mine at this point too). Unload the dishwasher and wipe the counters down after breakfast....maybe start laundry at some point in the day (gotta get better about this!)</div>
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8:30: Get the kids ready and head out the door! (the gym is 5 minutes away...it takes the rest of the time just getting in the car)</div>
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9:00: We all go to the gym....ahhhh, time to myself :) My gym allows me to bring kids I babysit, so this helps a lot. They also have a pool, so we are going to rotate one kid per day getting to come swim with me for a little one on one pool time/swim lesson. </div>
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11:00: Head home, kids do chores and play while I make lunch. I'm going to make up a big chore chart soon...but for now, they just do what I tell them to do. We also make sure to pick up all toys that have been pulled out before lunch at this time too. </div>
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12:30: Eat lunch, clean up after lunch...do some dinner prep (crock pot) or maybe make cookies or granola bars with the kids. </div>
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1:00: Quiet time. The only child I have that takes a nap is the youngest. I lucked out and she is a super heavy sleeper....so I just put her down on the couch and have the rest of the kids line up and sit on the couch with her. I put her to sleep with the TV blaring, so the other kids don't wake her up with their inevitable noises. It works like a charm! The older kids don't need a nap anymore, but they definitely require some down time. I put the little girls on the couch with a movie and I let the older boys go up to their bedroom and play on the Xbox (because they worked so hard to earn this time earlier doing all those chores) The boys each get 1 hour on the Xbox and the girls have to sit quietly for at least an hour, and then they can play quietly until the little one gets up. I use this time to sweep the floors, do any other small chores that need to be done and then log some computer time. </div>
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Quiet time :)</div>
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2:30: Quiet time is essentially over at this time and the kids just play until 3:00 when the girls I babysits' mom comes to get them. (that was an awkward sentence to write) </div>
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3:00: Take a huge sigh of relief because we have gone from 6 kids back to four. There is nothing like adding two more kids all day to make it seem like the ones you have aren't that much work. We usually just do whatever we want for a little bit. The kids get snacks. I will blog, or work on projects. The kids play or watch TV. I will have my oldest watch the little girls and I will go take a shower (at this point, I'm still all sweaty from the gym). Sometimes we will run errands or play outside....whatever...it all seems like a break at this point. </div>
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5:00: Start preparing dinner</div>
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6:00: Sit down to dinner. </div>
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After dinner, the little girls clear the table and scrape food into the trash, my oldest scrubs all of the dinner dishes and loads the dishwasher and my second oldest does a walk through of the main living areas and picks up toys, etc. Everybody makes sure their bedrooms are clean.</div>
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7:00: The boys go off to take showers, we give the girls a bath (realistically, we usually alternate boys one night, girls the next, unless someone is exceptionally dirty). </div>
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7:30: Read scriptures as a family, family prayers, kids brush teeth, put little girls in bed. </div>
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8:00: Little girls are asleep by now and we send the boys off to their room. </div>
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8:30: Start dishwasher, Collapse on the couch and have a nightly chat session with the hubby and watch our TV shows. </div>
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11:00: If I haven't sacked out on the couch already, we go to bed! </div>
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If I can stick to this schedule, I can handle everything. If I veer away, things fall apart and I become an overwhelmed crazy person. </div>
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We also have lots of fun things planned for this summer as well. I started a play group with a bunch of friends, so we will be doing a different fun thing with friends every Tuesday (instead of the gym), and I figured we make sure to plan at least one other outing per week as well. We have plans to go to the beach a few times and for my older boys to have "movie nights" with their friends and we just took a bunch of them to the arcade last night. I think it will be a good summer. Funny thing is, the fact that I have so many kids to watch is what is going to force me to make sure this will be a fun summer instead of years past where we would spend day after day in our jammies. </div>
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Well, guys, wish me luck! </div>
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What kind of summer will you be having? </div>
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xoxo</div>
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Anna<br />
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linked at:<br />
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<a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.com/2014/06/whimsy-wednesdays-118.html/2">ny melrose family</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.freeprettythingsforyou.com/2014/06/pretty-wednesday-linky-party-no-37/">free pretty things for you</a></div>
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<a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/2014/06/whatever-goes-wednesday-225.html">someday crafts</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/cast-party-wednesday-143/">lady behind the curtain</a></div>
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<a href="http://733blog.com/2014/06/inspire-me-wednesday-23.html">seven thirty three</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2014/06/wow-me-wednesday-157.html">ginger snap crafts</a></div>
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<a href="http://justagirlandherblog.com/hit-me-with-your-best-shot-21/">Just a girl and her blog</a></div>
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<a href="http://thehappyhousie.com/work-it-wednesday-500-cash-giveaway/">the happy housie</a></div>
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<a href="http://crystalandcomp.com/2014/06/the-mommy-club-share-your-resources-and-solutions-150/">crystal and co.</a></div>
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annacarterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062600423763652148noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799018173383789764.post-2250177717754755532014-06-04T18:11:00.000-04:002014-08-29T11:42:01.968-04:00 Teacher's Gifts: DIY Monogrammed Clip BoardGood Morning Friends! <br />
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Today is the last day of school for my kids. My oldest had his graduation from elementary school yesterday (I can not believe it!!!) and they are all having parties and lots of fun today. I am going to be spending my whole day running between classes at the elementary school (with three little girls in tow) delivering teacher's gifts and bringing class party supplies, etc. Should be crazy. I'll let you know how that goes....<br />
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I thought I would share with you what we made for teacher's gifts this year. I have seen this idea all over the blogisphere, but I didn't really copy anything I've seen out there. The best thing about this project is that it is super cheap, but it comes across as something really special and personal. I bought 6 plain clip boards, a big pack of really cute scrap book paper, pulled out my Modge Podge and went to town! <br />
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I had a friend of mine cut out the letters on her Silhouette, but you could easily do this by printing out the letters on printer paper, cutting them out and then tracing on the scrap book paper (would be a pain, but it's doable)....or even put your scrap book paper into the printer and print the letters directly onto the scrap book paper, you just have to make sure you remove all of the printed letter while you are cutting it out. If you aren't familiar with the Modge Podge process....here's how it goes...really simple:<br />
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<li>paint it on</li>
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<li>paint it over the paper</li>
<li>repeat if you want to add more layers of paper</li>
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Here are the first two we made for my daughter's preschool teachers. The kids call these teachers by their first names, so we used first names for them<br />
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I tried to choose papers that seemed to go along with their personalities. Not sure how well I did, but they both seemed to like them! </div>
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The next four are for the elementary school teachers. I went with initials only for these, since the kids don't call these teachers by their first names. </div>
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I thought they were all so fun! I can't wait to see what the teachers think of them :) </div>
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After letting them all dry for 24 hours, I sprayed them down with a clear coat poly (in a spray paint). It helps keep them from being tacky. They didn't feel tacky, but in my experience, things finished with Modge Podge will stick together if something is left against it for a long time....and clip boards will probably have papers stuck to them for more than five minutes. I'd hate for the papers to stick to the modge podge...so better safe than sorry. </div>
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Hope you all have a great day! </div>
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xoxo</div>
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Anna </div>
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annacarterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062600423763652148noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799018173383789764.post-84023206585247501752014-05-31T23:05:00.000-04:002014-08-29T11:42:26.578-04:00DIY Front Porch Planter With Gold Dipped LegsHello! I hope everyone is having a good day. Things around here have been pretty crazy. It was the last week of school for my preschooler (Kindergarten here we come) and this coming week is the last week for my elementary school kids. My oldest is starting middle school, then I'll have a third grader, my oldest daughter is starting Kindergarten and my baby is starting preschool. This new school year will bring a lot of changes for us. It will be the first time I won't have any of my own kids at home with me full time. I am still babysitting, so I'm not throwing a party or anything, but even so....it's surreal. I've been super busy making teacher's gifts and attending end of school parties and events like graduations...*tear*. I have actually had this planter, that I've mentioned a few times, finished for a little while. I'm completely in love with how it turned out.<br />
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Here she is! Drumroll pleeeaaaase....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSexAnSYhz7Ufj3W99Hhba4VKmA8L36jxpvO-IHwHpIi6xpbvNyoRHz_B075HVQw6KCWysTxNtv6oy5TJdxNr5IEu4u0ROVULCWJxJQBSFN1H5dp775QUCposK8W4Y6i53k63X1wlNcDTe/s1600/water+marked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSexAnSYhz7Ufj3W99Hhba4VKmA8L36jxpvO-IHwHpIi6xpbvNyoRHz_B075HVQw6KCWysTxNtv6oy5TJdxNr5IEu4u0ROVULCWJxJQBSFN1H5dp775QUCposK8W4Y6i53k63X1wlNcDTe/s1600/water+marked.jpg" height="724" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here is my supply list:</div>
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3 8ft lengths of 2x2s</div>
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3 to 4 8ft lengths of 1x4s</div>
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4 cedar fence pickets</div>
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outdoor paint or stain </div>
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sandpaper</div>
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nail gun and compressor</div>
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Measuring tape </div>
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Miter saw (or circular saw) </div>
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newspaper</div>
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soil</div>
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flowers</div>
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Gold spray paint for the legs</div>
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I started by cutting the wood on my miter saw. In the picture below, you see enough pieces for two planters. I made two of them at once. One for either side of my front door. </div>
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For one planter, you need to cut 4 2x2s to 30 inches long. These are each of your legs. You can customize how long the legs are on yours, or how tall you want it to be. This is just what I did. Then you need 8 1x4s cut to 15 inches long. These will make up your basic frame. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRGXbrezfj9ZAKHjIOm8QV6tArOK331yOaRyNqexrvFRrvPghZOJK-kgTyENasm3ItBK2bHV1WV-sq6_QztS-698uFIPvgKp0wQ771cWldmliVmLlwuBSbrYRbwYipoFYiIMxOSZOgHoL/s1600/IMG_20140508_190522_979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRGXbrezfj9ZAKHjIOm8QV6tArOK331yOaRyNqexrvFRrvPghZOJK-kgTyENasm3ItBK2bHV1WV-sq6_QztS-698uFIPvgKp0wQ771cWldmliVmLlwuBSbrYRbwYipoFYiIMxOSZOgHoL/s1600/IMG_20140508_190522_979.jpg" height="380" width="480" /></a></div>
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I used an envelope as my marker and marked off the same distance down from the top on all four legs. I wanted to have a little bit of the side sticking up above the top edge, just because I like the way it looks. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmg5GI6lPGg5OR7Wu0zgImp34ZdFVrzin8291u-X8oF6C4pOmdKReIVdPVtuEIy6ZNYsNbCuEYdAUQYBp1GRhyphenhyphenJuET32Hs2EW0Aerg25qSbPmYbjdUebM-mDpPDRsPXYfLNAuokfplYZpW/s1600/IMG_20140508_191114_736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmg5GI6lPGg5OR7Wu0zgImp34ZdFVrzin8291u-X8oF6C4pOmdKReIVdPVtuEIy6ZNYsNbCuEYdAUQYBp1GRhyphenhyphenJuET32Hs2EW0Aerg25qSbPmYbjdUebM-mDpPDRsPXYfLNAuokfplYZpW/s1600/IMG_20140508_191114_736.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I used my nail gun and nailed in through the side of the 2x2 into the end of the 1x4 at the marked spot, so they would both be equidistant from the top. Check for level and make sure all of your angles are square. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCeGGdtpGDuVLl81_7EGBj9iKqQ8ntIeAJ0qemeBIaiCr43BRxR_0lmp5ZPBYKmtbny877k3V0GwJeCtbN_ddji-v8PCPS6qy9OtRRX57Hvs1l_add9b4OcMvoJotp_PtISyWwi6NfAs0/s1600/IMG_20140508_191502_719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCeGGdtpGDuVLl81_7EGBj9iKqQ8ntIeAJ0qemeBIaiCr43BRxR_0lmp5ZPBYKmtbny877k3V0GwJeCtbN_ddji-v8PCPS6qy9OtRRX57Hvs1l_add9b4OcMvoJotp_PtISyWwi6NfAs0/s1600/IMG_20140508_191502_719.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I measured down 14.5 inches on each piece and added a second 1x4 in the same way with my nailer.</div>
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Let me tell you....you really want a right angle clamp. It was a pain trying to get these nailed together while keeping it all square. My technique (without a fancy clamp) is always to shoot in one nail so it's held together, but can still wiggle around....then get it in the right place, and then add another nail to secure it....and then add in 15 more nails because I always over do it with the nails. Make two of these "frames." (or four if you are making two planters like you see below). Also, make sure you check for square on each right angle, but also check by making sure the measurements from one corner to the opposite diagonal corner match each other on each side. That way you know you have a perfect square. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9j0JzwaOfk8POPmFY9DtmDJXFHfjtxnQ1pVXHo6JMYcmrXM76wj9q-GHBnk8AUgWmNWXHqpnMSyyioQFz6XCegBKPOo7UEfPXfO3o_izlRBbpyYGYgxmsdzgiaUcDxlJSFTkfvchc4RK/s1600/IMG_20140508_195107_697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9j0JzwaOfk8POPmFY9DtmDJXFHfjtxnQ1pVXHo6JMYcmrXM76wj9q-GHBnk8AUgWmNWXHqpnMSyyioQFz6XCegBKPOo7UEfPXfO3o_izlRBbpyYGYgxmsdzgiaUcDxlJSFTkfvchc4RK/s1600/IMG_20140508_195107_697.jpg" height="380" width="480" /></a></div>
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Now add two more 1x4s to each side in the same manner as before. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglssoPka4fR_dVRdR-4BdORtC3ayJEtMbG_WXkvfUrr-126M-wQcNnk8XGbg4jSOQ6umtQhNOrb8buC92IcBK2hq7vkNEz2cnJGC1FXar88v3crLx1UKumKp_Fp04ITPlJjWb8Z6Y_JWgi/s1600/IMG_20140508_195326_033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglssoPka4fR_dVRdR-4BdORtC3ayJEtMbG_WXkvfUrr-126M-wQcNnk8XGbg4jSOQ6umtQhNOrb8buC92IcBK2hq7vkNEz2cnJGC1FXar88v3crLx1UKumKp_Fp04ITPlJjWb8Z6Y_JWgi/s1600/IMG_20140508_195326_033.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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It was major over-kill with the nails. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwWzlSmZyOxJlvxnj1H9lfkVE9HrZkJsSp0VW13c_I_-c6Z5yZTq9TdGRxgLQ-C9WRLkwnuOCrdx85bg4-89o8y764UP4NlVetTUOrdbPUCG7WXVQRvFGe6tx-BVG9hsQuwD6UPKN8l_v/s1600/IMG_20140508_200910_228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwWzlSmZyOxJlvxnj1H9lfkVE9HrZkJsSp0VW13c_I_-c6Z5yZTq9TdGRxgLQ-C9WRLkwnuOCrdx85bg4-89o8y764UP4NlVetTUOrdbPUCG7WXVQRvFGe6tx-BVG9hsQuwD6UPKN8l_v/s1600/IMG_20140508_200910_228.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Use the 1x4s to connect the two square pieces you made at both the top and bottom. Make sure you check for square again. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi325m4ewnj5Y19p_Xok9O_X-mpcq32zQrd5i38JZjAEkNDe397q2tFe5L8uY-yfNZ5whSZ6ZFeq1_lVm8Wvh6JHxGqePwMeXN59bRDon6DOOCWCP68OhyDhGlz8wux8avONmPPJksOHoFw/s1600/IMG_20140508_200925_638+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi325m4ewnj5Y19p_Xok9O_X-mpcq32zQrd5i38JZjAEkNDe397q2tFe5L8uY-yfNZ5whSZ6ZFeq1_lVm8Wvh6JHxGqePwMeXN59bRDon6DOOCWCP68OhyDhGlz8wux8avONmPPJksOHoFw/s1600/IMG_20140508_200925_638+%25281%2529.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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You will get a piece that looks like this. Now, at this point mine was a bit wobbly. It's because we used nails and not screws. If you want this thing to be super crazy sturdy, use screws...but screws take a lot of effort and I'm building a planter, not a playground for my children to play on....so I used nails! I did, however sure it up a lot on the inside, so it is in fact very sturdy....you'll see below...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVVPmJOZjjnhIMA42PFtC-c7XERxVNBixVWGLDoFF0XGI6Ft_D0BJ9MW1lRJ3nGXTtPEymmBeU2Dfk5KJB7rf7dy_Ir0r5qIK4M-Y0Ar01IEVg-2ETCuH1zmb9FW_NE9BxegMeLLx4Hzu/s1600/IMG_20140508_201544_927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVVPmJOZjjnhIMA42PFtC-c7XERxVNBixVWGLDoFF0XGI6Ft_D0BJ9MW1lRJ3nGXTtPEymmBeU2Dfk5KJB7rf7dy_Ir0r5qIK4M-Y0Ar01IEVg-2ETCuH1zmb9FW_NE9BxegMeLLx4Hzu/s1600/IMG_20140508_201544_927.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Next I cut my cedar fence planks. These are cut at 20 inches long. I did three for each side of my box. You really could just go for a solid plywood for this part. I think it would be a little more streamline, but these babies were less than a dollar for one long plank, and I was going for inexpensive. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigTKnpTP8r01BnFFX05ODMRIjclAPv-EjgrePJ9jVXM9vjIKS7tiOLjz7RAFfoueTmOd6NjaYd6-FM0fGcrRFsP8BP5XfEVwhBmJUfrO1EnPQyj8Zhgk097FmtAnmRCpjdNRYCcvVPwB3C/s1600/IMG_20140517_145209_741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigTKnpTP8r01BnFFX05ODMRIjclAPv-EjgrePJ9jVXM9vjIKS7tiOLjz7RAFfoueTmOd6NjaYd6-FM0fGcrRFsP8BP5XfEVwhBmJUfrO1EnPQyj8Zhgk097FmtAnmRCpjdNRYCcvVPwB3C/s1600/IMG_20140517_145209_741.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Laying them out, so you can see how they fit. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvhOsCeW6s448sqybDEsWiM6Tdsf_kdYQkK16QmnRXqbRM86ISjKsFwmEDs4OvW4NpZvunDsDY0v0G5NvTFKYCVJiiuugWngFsVGRIhT1cqeN2fiaygLCCOfZy5x8eSumxypkygL7hp8x/s1600/IMG_20140517_145851_892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvhOsCeW6s448sqybDEsWiM6Tdsf_kdYQkK16QmnRXqbRM86ISjKsFwmEDs4OvW4NpZvunDsDY0v0G5NvTFKYCVJiiuugWngFsVGRIhT1cqeN2fiaygLCCOfZy5x8eSumxypkygL7hp8x/s1600/IMG_20140517_145851_892.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I held the plank underneath the 1x4 (which is what I'm nailing into in this picture) and secured it in place behind the 1x4 on the inside of the box. </div>
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One side done. </div>
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I continued around until all sides were done. </div>
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Looks kind of pretty already....but won't hold any dirt like this...</div>
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Here's a problem to deal with....your nails will be waaay too long, so they will be sticking out all over the place on the inside. To keep myself from becoming impaled, I just went through and bent them all flat with a hammer. When I finished the entire thing, I went ahead and removed the ones you could see by bending it back and forth until they snapped with some needle nose pliers.....but there was no point in doing that for all of them, especially not the ones way down on the bottom that you'll never see. </div>
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Here is where we sure it up. Hold up a 2x2 against the inside corner of your planter and measure to fit the length from the top to the bottom. Go cut four equal pieces. </div>
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nail it in from the front on both sides. I nailed it through the top and bottom 1x4s and also all along the cedar planks on both sides as well. </div>
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Repeat for all four sides. This makes it much more sturdy. </div>
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Now you want to add something for your plants to sit on. I went ahead and made mine very shallow. I knew that I was going to put some small flowers in here, so I didn't make it very deep. I do have plans, however, to put some shrubs in here in the future, so when I do that, I'll add a lower tier, so I can have the option of switching depths. </div>
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Measure the gap between 2x2s and cut a piece of scrap wood to fit. I had some 1x2s laying around, so I used those. Nail it in from the front. </div>
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Go all the way around, making sure it is the same distance from the top all the way around. </div>
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Next I used some leftovers from my cedar fence pickets to make slats to go across for the plants to sit on. You want it to be slats and not a solid piece of wood, so that water can get through easily. </div>
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Next we have to cover up the gaps on the sides. I cut more pieces of 1x4 into 14.5 lengths (measure the distance on your piece). I needed 8 pieces. </div>
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This was a little tricky. The 1x4s just barely covered the gap, so I had to nail them in at an angle (outward angle...the picture is misleading...looks like I'm going inward. I was pretending to nail, since I was holding a camera in my hand) and I had to stay at the very edge. </div>
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Again...you have to bend all of the nails that poked through down with a hammer. </div>
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And she's done! Now she just needs some make up and a pretty dress ;) </div>
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I sanded it down all over first and then I gave it a quick coat of Color Place outdoor white paint in a gloss finish before doing any repairing of holes or anything. I always throw on a coat of paint first. I tend to skip the priming step unless I really really need to, because who wants to buy another material if you don't have to. I always start out with a coat of paint because paint will actually cover a lot of the little tiny nail holes and things. It really does save me some time when I do paint first. </div>
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I filled all of my holes with this Dry Dex wood filler. It is for indoor or outdoor use and I love how it goes on pink and dries white. Super useful for those of us who are impatient and want things to dry as fast as possible. (and yes, I used a butter knife...I have no excuse, I have putty knives....I'm just slack)</div>
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Next I used regular latex caulk along all of the cracks and then I sanded it all down again and added a second coat of paint. </div>
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The final thing, which I took pictures of, but have since LOST (boo!) was painting the ends of the legs gold. This was a last second decision, so in hind-sight, I would have spray painted the tips of the legs gold first, then taped off the edge of the gold while I was painting it white....if you do this project, do it that way. What I ended up doing was putting the entire thing upside down into a contractor garbage bag and taping off one leg at a time with garbage bag protecting all of the rest of it and spraying it that way. It was a ridiculous mess...but it worked. I would just totally recommend doing it the other way, though....way easier. </div>
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Here she is....All finished! </div>
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To plant the flowers, I stapled several layers of newspaper on top of the slats and then filled with dirt. The newspaper will probably only last about as long as these flowers, and we'll most likely replace it with gardening fabric, but it worked in a pinch. The water drains through very well....as you can see in the picture above. </div>
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The price breakdown is as follows: </div>
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3 2x2s = $3</div>
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4 1x4s = $4</div>
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4 cedar fence pickets 1.50</div>
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paint, spackle, sandpaper, caulk, nail gun, nails, gold spraypaint = already owned</div>
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Total spent = 8.50 (boo-ya!)</div>
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I also got a great deal on the flowers I paid 9 bucks for all of it! I'd say it was totally worth all of the work for a gorgeous planter with flowers for under 20 bucks! It makes me so happy just walking up to my front porch now. I'm ready for summer now. </div>
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This is the first step of a complete front porch makeover, so stay tuned for that coming up! </div>
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xoxo! </div>
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Anna </div>
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shared with</div>
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<a href="http://too-much-time.com/">too much time on my hands</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.onemoretimeevents.com/2014/05/share-it-one-more-time-features-and_31.html">one more time events</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/">be different act normal</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.justusfourblog.com/2014/05/pinworthy-projects-party-43/">just us four</a></div>
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<a href="http://alittleclaireification.com/2014/05/30/raspberry-rhubarb-crisp-bars-more-best-of-the-weekend-party/">a little clairification</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2014/05/strut-your-stuff-saturday-link-party-week-149.html">six sisters stuff</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thesitsgirls.com/community/may-31-share-favorite-post-saturday-sharefest/">sits girls</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.reasonstoskipthehousework.com/skip-housework-21/">reasons to skip the housework</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2014/05/30/link-party-diy-inspired-3.html">the girl creative</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flamingotoes.com/2014/05/think-pink-sunday-167/">flamingo toes</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.titicrafty.com/2014/06/bewitch-me-titi-link-party-56/#more-4660">titi crafty</a></div>
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<a href="http://threemangoseeds.blogspot.com/">three mango seeds</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/">it's overflowing</a></div>
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<a href="http://diyshowoff.com/2014/06/01/diy-party-15/">diy showoff</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2014/06/02/made-by-you-monday-206/">skip to my lou</a></div>
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<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/add-curb-appeal-with-a-flower-garden-for-the-mailbox/">between naps on the front porch</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/outdoor-crafts/">CRAFT</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.twelveoeightblog.com/2014/06/inspiration-monday-party-summer-diy-projects-to-make.html">twelve o eight</a></div>
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<a href="http://carriethishome.com/2014/06/frugal-crafty-home-blog-hop-78/">carrie this home</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/2014/06/inspire-monday-10.html">domestically speaking</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.kammyskorner.com/2014/06/trash-2-treasure-tuesday-linky-party.html">kammy's korner</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2014/06/sunday-showcase-246.html">under the table and dreaming</a></div>
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<a href="http://com/">burlap and babies</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.vmg206.com/2014/06/brag-about-it-link-party-no-57-vmg206.html">vmg206</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.tinysidekick.com/makers-link-party-20/">tiny sidekick</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/tutorials/tutorials-tips-link-party-161.html">home stories a to z</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.carolynshomework.com/2014/06/the-inspiration-board-creative-party-157.html">home work</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/2014/06/show-me-what-ya-got-167.html">not just a housewife</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2014/06/take-look-tuesday.html">sugar bee crafts</a></div>
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<a href="http://ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com/2014/06/live-show-me-what-you-got-linky-party.html">our delightful home</a></div>
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annacarterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062600423763652148noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799018173383789764.post-73148988255574674782014-05-20T18:47:00.000-04:002014-08-29T11:42:52.039-04:00Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly in Coconut OilHey! How is everyone today? I am doing well. We tagged along with my five year old's field trip today to the local splash pad and we got a fair amount of sun. It feels really good to be slightly sun kissed. It makes me feel like I've had a full and fun day :) <br />
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Today I'm going to share with you something that will blow your mind! Well, maybe a little. Some of you may have heard of this, but I had never. I have a good friend who spent some time living in China. I overheard her asking her daughter what she wanted for lunch one day while we were on the phone. One of the options she gave her daughter was a "grilled pb&J" ....and I was all, whaaa? really? grilled? ...that's so weird... She said that it is served that way in restaurants in China, and it is really really good. I was skeptical at first. I'm not a big PB&J gal. I mean, it's ok if I need nourishment and that's all I've got, but I'd much rather have something else. I decided to give it a shot one day, and let me tell ya....it's fantastic! I was absolutely surprised. I never expected the flavor of something to change so drastically, but it did. It was like I was eating a fancy pastry of some sort. The peanut butter and Jelly both get ooey and gooey and the flavors meld so much better than if it were cold. I also think the coconut oil made a huge difference. Everything tastes better cooked in coconut oil!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXttQgppbcfJgaThyt1JScjN9S8rHbAPlnz_-JqBB6WVON7h9GAwRlY9q46VrX763jgG-k5XpUh7FhDmCUFkpDkGEJMfTf7T06uuI0MH_rqvYVcZOn1qcpPjTr0TsTHFqERk8HzMwz-PO/s1600/pbandj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXttQgppbcfJgaThyt1JScjN9S8rHbAPlnz_-JqBB6WVON7h9GAwRlY9q46VrX763jgG-k5XpUh7FhDmCUFkpDkGEJMfTf7T06uuI0MH_rqvYVcZOn1qcpPjTr0TsTHFqERk8HzMwz-PO/s1600/pbandj.jpg" height="410" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here's what you do....if you can't figure this out on your own....</div>
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You start off with a plain old PB&J. I made mine with whole wheat bread. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0hUQRRg6pzXmJczu6RbyzPlLk8DlG1VNsGbD_Dht4o18Co8mJVB_EdNR3KLm3rLRDP0PYb2tlhhBS4nx0MPJIJX1EmmHRNORcnT9IdRC5CCYDMeB_dRPfn3I3HWDOP0a0HweQuIw-kxf/s1600/IMG_20140517_125414_453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0hUQRRg6pzXmJczu6RbyzPlLk8DlG1VNsGbD_Dht4o18Co8mJVB_EdNR3KLm3rLRDP0PYb2tlhhBS4nx0MPJIJX1EmmHRNORcnT9IdRC5CCYDMeB_dRPfn3I3HWDOP0a0HweQuIw-kxf/s1600/IMG_20140517_125414_453.jpg" height="646" width="480" /></a></div>
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Heat some coconut oil in your pan on medium heat. You want to make sure you get the unrefined kind vs the refined. The unrefined has the good coconut smell and is more flavorful. </div>
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grill it up! I usually have to add some more coconut oil once I flip the sandwich. The bread soaks up the oil, so when you flip it there's no more left. </div>
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This is basically cooking a PB&J like you would a grilled cheese sandwich, but with coconut oil instead of butter. </div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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um, yeah....I totally made two. You probably will too....I warned you. </div>
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I got 99.99 percent of my planters done over the weekend. I just have to fill some holes and add another coat of paint, so I will finally have that finished for you guys to see with my next post! </div>
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Have a lovely day!</div>
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xoxo</div>
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Anna</div>
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<a href="http://thecraftiestallie.blogspot.com/2014/05/worthwhile-wednesdays-18.html">crafty allie</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2014/05/wow-me-wednesday-155.html">ginger snap crafts</a><br />
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<a href="http://lifeinvelvet.com/">life in velvet</a><br />
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<a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/">my romantic home</a><br />
<a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/2014/05/inspire-please-linky-party-9/">liz marie blog</a><br />
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annacarterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062600423763652148noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799018173383789764.post-79896172915969132702014-05-15T14:21:00.000-04:002014-05-15T14:21:46.889-04:00Today is Just an Ordinary Day Hey there! So, I'm just going to write a personal post today....just about what I'm thinking and feeling at this moment. I had hoped to get my planters done, and share those with you. That is why I haven't posted at all this week, because that was what I was planning on posting about next. But...today it is raining and I have been working on them outside and well, dang it...I have just had NO free time. I always forget how nuts the end of the school year is. We haven't had a free evening with both of us home all week. In order for me to work on any building project, I need to have my husband home, so that my children will be supervised. He works weird hours too. I have tried having the 11 year old watch them, but it usually doesn't end well.<br />
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I am beginning to feel the pressure of always having to have an amazing post to share, every couple of days with an original awesome new idea. Now don't get me wrong, I have TONS of ideas in the line up and they are all amazing in my book....But having them completed, photographed and blogged about in a short amount of time, one after another after another is TOUGH. I have just got to make myself accept that I am ONE PERSON. I need to not run faster than I am able. I always get so excited and caught up in the possibility of a project, envisioning every step I need to take and then the final result, that I always imagine that things are less difficult and less time consuming than they really are. Supermom I am not (seriously, I do not know how some of you ladies do it) and my four kids and also the one that I babysit (yeah that makes FIVE) are more important than meeting a self imposed blog deadline. So, if that means just sharing what is on my mind today, instead of a new amazing DIY adventure, then that is going to be just fine. What's so funny is that I have read blogs for years now, and inevitably everybody will have a post where they say something similar to what I have just said. I have seen it so many times, and I have always thought....wow, don't stress girl, this is your blog and nobody is expecting anything from you. I, as a reader, was never put off if someone didn't meet their normal posting schedule or whathaveyou. Now that I'm writing one, I get it...boy do I get it... But I'm going to be the first one to tell myself not to feel like that. You guys shouldn't either! This is my little corner of the internet and I get to choose to write about what makes me happy. And DIY projects make me SO happy. Like over the moon, hopping up and down with little girly giggles HAPPY. I seriously LOVE them....but I'm afraid that if I try to force myself to churn them out like I'm on a production line, I'm going to lose the happiness that it gives me, and then what am I doing all of this for? I just have to find my groove. <br />
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That being said, I'm going to share with you what we had for lunch today....because it was awesome! I made <a href="http://prettyprovidence.com/german-pancakes/">these</a> German pancakes from <a href="http://prettyprovidence.com/">Pretty Providence</a>. I found it on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/homehearthands">Pinterest</a> this morning and they were really good....and so super easy. I ran out of syrup, so we used honey and powdered sugar. Mmmmm. Now, I feel like I need a nap....but it was worth it. I'm wishing I had taken a picture....I guess I could take a shot of the empty pan...lol. <br />
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Here are some throwback Thursday shots for ya!<br />
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My boys....they were so little. They are 11 and 8 now...tear...</div>
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My hubby and I on a trip to Colorado in 2007</div>
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You guys have a great day! </div>
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xoxo</div>
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<br />annacarterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062600423763652148noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799018173383789764.post-18778215762603895962014-05-09T11:20:00.000-04:002014-08-29T11:43:10.239-04:00Upcycle a Too Small Dress in 5 Minutes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: center;">Good morning! How is everyone today? I am honestly....in a grumpy mood...but I won't let that stop me! Do you ever just wake up on the wrong side of the bed. There's no reason for it at all. I blame hormones.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"> Anyways, now that I've discussed hormones with you all (check that off the list)....I'm going to show you a quick quick little project that really comes in handy for extending the life of your little girl's clothes. I had intended to be showing you my new planters today, but life happens, and they are only half done. They are up next though! </span><br />
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I have done this several of times, with all types of dresses. Some kinds of dresses involve a little bit of sewing, but this was NO SEW. Easy peasy. </div>
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My girls have a few of these cheapo sun dresses that are shirred on top and then have ruffles on the bottom. I can't remember where we got this one from, but we've all seen them. This dress was a 3T. I have one little girl that is in a size 4/5 and another that is in a size 6. I made this one to fit my little girl who wears a size 6 (you know we love hand me downs). </div>
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The first thing I did was just cut of the top and left myself a few inches above the skirt to make a waist band with. </div>
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Because it is shirred (ruffled with stretchy thread), you can't sew a hem into it. If you did, it would no longer be stretchy. I guess you could sew it with the stretchy thread like you do when you shirr it....but that's too much to go through for this little project. I just turned it inside out and then cut closely along one of the little lines of shirring that you can see below. </div>
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All I did after that was add fray chek to it so it wouldn't fray. </div>
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At this point you have a skirt already....but in my situation, the shirring wasn't quite elasticy (is that a word) enough to really keep it on my daughter's hips....it would start to fall after a few minutes. My solution was to add some ribbon. I cut two long pieces of polka dot ribbon. </div>
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Here's where it gets ghetto. I told you, no sew and five minutes...I literally just safety pinned the ribbon to the side seams on the inside of the dress. Now, I will probably go back and sew those on at least, but I just didn't feel like getting out the sewing machine today....remember, grumpy mood today.... Now you could just take a needle and thread to it really quickly as well. You can use my mother-in-law's trick to make a fast fat knot that I posted about <a href="http://www.home-heart-and-hands.blogspot.com/2014/04/a-quick-life-saving-sewing-tip.html">here</a>.</div>
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Then I just cut two teensy tiny slits at about a third of the way over from each side on the front of the skirt. I mean TINY....you don't want to see the rough-ness of a hole in the front of the skirt. You want the pressure from the ribbon coming through the hole to make it look finished and keep it from fraying. Thread the ribbon through the tiny holes like so....</div>
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And then all you have to do is tie the bow to fit! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1gZNB1Zc9ajAPz1iK-7iCs-aOtLXCkH-fZB5J0Be23mm9Jri_ku2r5tA51ctQzeGQCwuWiwBhrdlIBia5eLcG0lQEf2yJeuVWYCDijI729mVcyzInbm5p5GGJWcUt3_StCtFWgLYDiUTg/s1600/IMG_20140509_085933_100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1gZNB1Zc9ajAPz1iK-7iCs-aOtLXCkH-fZB5J0Be23mm9Jri_ku2r5tA51ctQzeGQCwuWiwBhrdlIBia5eLcG0lQEf2yJeuVWYCDijI729mVcyzInbm5p5GGJWcUt3_StCtFWgLYDiUTg/s1600/IMG_20140509_085933_100.jpg" height="646" width="480" /></a></div>
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A super cute skirt! </div>
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She really got into the modeling thing. </div>
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Oh, and make sure you put the fray check on the ends of your ribbon too. </div>
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You can do this with most kinds of little girl's dresses. If it doesn't have a stretchy top, then usually I will cut it and hem it at the top. I will either add elastic under the hem or I will make a closure in the back with a button and an extra flap of fabric from the top of the dress that I cut off. It's just a really easy way to extend the life of your kid's clothes. They grow out of them so fast! </div>
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Have a great day everyone! </div>
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Xoxo</div>
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Anna</div>
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sharing with: </div>
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<a href="http://thenymelrosefamily.com/2014/05/whimsy-wednesdays-115.html/2">ny melrose place</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.freeprettythingsforyou.com/2014/05/pretty-wednesday-linky-party-no-35/">free pretty things for you</a></div>
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annacarterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062600423763652148noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799018173383789764.post-84853281424843293622014-05-06T14:12:00.000-04:002014-08-29T11:43:30.699-04:00Black and White Gallery WallGood afternoon! Today I am working on a building project (that I will share in a couple of days), so I thought I would share with you our kitchen gallery wall. My whole kitchen has a black and white color scheme. The cabinets and floor are white, while the counter tops are a dark grey speckled color and I have a white bead board backsplash. I started this color scheme because, well, I love black and white, but also because one of the gifts my mother-in-law gave me when I was first married was a black and white Spode platter. She has a blue and white (you know, the standard stuff you see) collection of Spode so she has always bought some of it for her daughters and daugther-in-laws. I didn't even know they made it in black and white until she found some on a trip to the mountains. I just love it and think it's absolutely gorgeous. <br />
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I have the platter hanging over my stove. You can't tell in the picture, but it's pretty big. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbSlVrLsyS8uP6g_mMGrD1VpQgAo_UDqpDtslOx-XJvCoz3zyYmEvn9a_nvLATK-qDxkn20hQoQf7SVQinWgHNpPZKTpfNWDPR-S8OMrKfWZ2bKICZWvxNOCLENb0TvjIcIiOXKeeY_kf/s1600/IMG_20140506_115650_488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbSlVrLsyS8uP6g_mMGrD1VpQgAo_UDqpDtslOx-XJvCoz3zyYmEvn9a_nvLATK-qDxkn20hQoQf7SVQinWgHNpPZKTpfNWDPR-S8OMrKfWZ2bKICZWvxNOCLENb0TvjIcIiOXKeeY_kf/s1600/IMG_20140506_115650_488.jpg" height="376" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4tmi_40YDC9gYQgqIlvO0vSmvGFxxMIkJuiOft7GrjCgKtL3cE4J3sOVie5ckVeRS771CD_86k31oM5764FqUpFkbgB0eaLx8fb_esozaM2g7yhw1Lox6S_Xzt6sEHxWCd2angmbu58C/s1600/IMG_20140506_115639_399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4tmi_40YDC9gYQgqIlvO0vSmvGFxxMIkJuiOft7GrjCgKtL3cE4J3sOVie5ckVeRS771CD_86k31oM5764FqUpFkbgB0eaLx8fb_esozaM2g7yhw1Lox6S_Xzt6sEHxWCd2angmbu58C/s1600/IMG_20140506_115639_399.jpg" height="397" width="480" /></a></div>
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This bowl is Spode too....and it was crazy expensive. That was a gift from the hubby years ago. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3RzxW5CfO2o7di0HTrfMOYUcCNUZFhv7y07Ks6-dHtQIYxW3LqNtlORdqYgN26I_M3pVJo2415EkIko5WyQ6p_wJH_NIDrU73Un-2ubecV4iA6E91r7SwIa_qtIs9jP_cVTPCUIsEutY/s1600/IMG_20140506_115715_028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3RzxW5CfO2o7di0HTrfMOYUcCNUZFhv7y07Ks6-dHtQIYxW3LqNtlORdqYgN26I_M3pVJo2415EkIko5WyQ6p_wJH_NIDrU73Un-2ubecV4iA6E91r7SwIa_qtIs9jP_cVTPCUIsEutY/s1600/IMG_20140506_115715_028.jpg" height="646" width="480" /></a></div>
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I have four smaller (dinner size) plates that I have hung on the wall in a gallery wall behind my kitchen table. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNG8F84Pc60zzWIyhb06ExGWw4hGDQOGK_97hhyiMqnkH3fDTGo4plHRklr2r1xaq3ZpqVGehThP-qX_ND_uVCy4RhnckDQtrrPn0gMHOAmj7UADXH2-tds7D1fhPIivgBpd9LyfF-DCPc/s1600/SAM_2653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNG8F84Pc60zzWIyhb06ExGWw4hGDQOGK_97hhyiMqnkH3fDTGo4plHRklr2r1xaq3ZpqVGehThP-qX_ND_uVCy4RhnckDQtrrPn0gMHOAmj7UADXH2-tds7D1fhPIivgBpd9LyfF-DCPc/s1600/SAM_2653.JPG" height="512" width="480" /></a></div>
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I hate the off center light fixture.....which I ramble on about in <a href="http://home-heart-and-hands.blogspot.com/2014/04/good-afternoon-friends-i-am-going-to.html">this post</a>. And I SO wish there was a better place to put the trash can....but alas there just isn't. </div>
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Funny thing is I have had this gallery wall up for a pretty long time, well before it became an "in" thing to do (ditto for the plates on the wall). And you know what? I STILL love it just as much as I did when I first hung it. I think it could stand a few pictures switched out and a few new frames, but I do love it :). The plans for this space are to add crown molding and then add some wainscoting across the wall under the gallery wall.....and not to mention fixing up the table and getting new chairs, and a new chandelier. </div>
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Here are some more shots of the gallery wall. All of the pictures are black and whites of my babies. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMEg_6TabLX5rMd37GQeqG3NgTmV6nOpZkhdmLkO3w-fHYU9rhPMYqOCHBX7IU5-IKEcN-UjaUiN-9u6frex3cRBnn0FZ-UVSFQ-56iOC9UzGQgNgedV86vkk6hEk261Zb0HlL1v3F35T/s1600/IMG_20140506_115335_026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMEg_6TabLX5rMd37GQeqG3NgTmV6nOpZkhdmLkO3w-fHYU9rhPMYqOCHBX7IU5-IKEcN-UjaUiN-9u6frex3cRBnn0FZ-UVSFQ-56iOC9UzGQgNgedV86vkk6hEk261Zb0HlL1v3F35T/s1600/IMG_20140506_115335_026.jpg" height="330" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLYiCCBFiOebmlrIMXvh6xI0gokOd9HOG390OEWS_z2JU_KKQbLaiGpCW-W-0rQtrYBegAnKEuh0KQTt8Z0pSgX3aAFlulAGd7So3SasUzmQnIznKs-w8dkzCRCdu1Gk1X9RSfLjJeKzE/s1600/IMG_20140506_115512_345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLYiCCBFiOebmlrIMXvh6xI0gokOd9HOG390OEWS_z2JU_KKQbLaiGpCW-W-0rQtrYBegAnKEuh0KQTt8Z0pSgX3aAFlulAGd7So3SasUzmQnIznKs-w8dkzCRCdu1Gk1X9RSfLjJeKzE/s1600/IMG_20140506_115512_345.jpg" height="646" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWHxSIuCoAIdipp4n8X2nLqbrqiiwhFxA4fvwxY76YNP9c6pb28BUVwQzVGXHk_B96EskcW_ufaySFbbvKbzmJUr3nThBcFF313ShSGvQLcRHjlxlmw1A4dJfH_saPNmIexKm0oA3smVS/s1600/IMG_20140506_115953_686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWHxSIuCoAIdipp4n8X2nLqbrqiiwhFxA4fvwxY76YNP9c6pb28BUVwQzVGXHk_B96EskcW_ufaySFbbvKbzmJUr3nThBcFF313ShSGvQLcRHjlxlmw1A4dJfH_saPNmIexKm0oA3smVS/s1600/IMG_20140506_115953_686.jpg" height="347" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8HoBUOTkhjOknMxkVbL1VY-pljPYif-B45teQA1u4lu0tOaXNiuirxgILZndmrF0t6tVSdJ-Jzf5gMxd5i96FscyNKHMCfvP0Az17wKh0C9tNkEfEJMSnmSgxzF8weftyUGqFaWarWBtv/s1600/SAM_2647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8HoBUOTkhjOknMxkVbL1VY-pljPYif-B45teQA1u4lu0tOaXNiuirxgILZndmrF0t6tVSdJ-Jzf5gMxd5i96FscyNKHMCfvP0Az17wKh0C9tNkEfEJMSnmSgxzF8weftyUGqFaWarWBtv/s1600/SAM_2647.JPG" height="656" width="480" /></a></div>
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My boys when they were little. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBwfJ589Ata82o91BL-HCf_nkrPYwd9sWZYmRSvMP9h2W0AqJ_pabFr1ibUGLwMxKRnpXhyT-LtbWqdw_tchHQBLcTc5IK461rDfdYx_rlnbhHvSEX9yNXuWeCBAdT6GEFzY2-Xo9lj74/s1600/IMG_20140506_115417_756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBwfJ589Ata82o91BL-HCf_nkrPYwd9sWZYmRSvMP9h2W0AqJ_pabFr1ibUGLwMxKRnpXhyT-LtbWqdw_tchHQBLcTc5IK461rDfdYx_rlnbhHvSEX9yNXuWeCBAdT6GEFzY2-Xo9lj74/s1600/IMG_20140506_115417_756.jpg" height="393" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FvWLF7XJKhGfYLsZbGLa_WLlTmoY-G2k2wXlTii1IQX2PxTXDgrEeDBTwPriRUj4paQ9-DWtdrO-WoJkI7Xcg5SYJ5E0pWa_Ksyd8Nrto03MoqVFh8Mo6A_18eXcGROwKnilMfsuJc59/s1600/SAM_2648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FvWLF7XJKhGfYLsZbGLa_WLlTmoY-G2k2wXlTii1IQX2PxTXDgrEeDBTwPriRUj4paQ9-DWtdrO-WoJkI7Xcg5SYJ5E0pWa_Ksyd8Nrto03MoqVFh8Mo6A_18eXcGROwKnilMfsuJc59/s1600/SAM_2648.JPG" height="522" width="480" /></a></div>
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You can see the true wall color in this shot below....it's a very very light almost white blue grey. I don't know what color it is, because I mixed it up myself with a couple of test pots of darker colors and a big gallon of white paint. I LOVE it though. It ended up being my favorite paint color in the house. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLbZgL35i8SP5oVE_qk8w1tF7GKxq4HvJupCsXVsSnmsBbCmEsaaYChamCDYMGsOj6K8s1zjqsfmTRAdB4B0yYbwvBjtEuDuSOIIuJHeP5Uv0mv6A84AxcU2Jt8WRZsExdQfz3WYzmEtC/s1600/IMG_20140506_120121_999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLbZgL35i8SP5oVE_qk8w1tF7GKxq4HvJupCsXVsSnmsBbCmEsaaYChamCDYMGsOj6K8s1zjqsfmTRAdB4B0yYbwvBjtEuDuSOIIuJHeP5Uv0mv6A84AxcU2Jt8WRZsExdQfz3WYzmEtC/s1600/IMG_20140506_120121_999.jpg" height="646" width="480" /></a></div>
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I have curtains framing out the entrance to my kitchen and you can see them in this shot. </div>
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I also have plans to remove single upper cabinet you see in this shot and put up open shelves....just in that spot, but that's a long way down on the priority list. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoprKDD06Q3ZzHwhuq0EdK_Eiz1t56MD44M8PZZJfEhZqQZ_AyKM7eA3LlyhmvLZCU17nfRvA1eFc_mTTdROgYgUS3Uq6NRbbLFVfyyqD3fF8lhGWRmb2TowAbh6dC77YjesODazIUXWWC/s1600/SAM_2654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoprKDD06Q3ZzHwhuq0EdK_Eiz1t56MD44M8PZZJfEhZqQZ_AyKM7eA3LlyhmvLZCU17nfRvA1eFc_mTTdROgYgUS3Uq6NRbbLFVfyyqD3fF8lhGWRmb2TowAbh6dC77YjesODazIUXWWC/s1600/SAM_2654.JPG" height="412" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here's what was happening when I pushed the table out of the way to get a decent shot of the wall.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OVhP3uizGw7dFRvuwbtGS1NRkhr_H1wJpYii5GELDGxKXc6LYvyLK9W2ZrRf_di5TDXl26ZqO_yZ2E5uoLjAchnomswImyakXnju3dA5TT3RFsUzztgE46u_Q1hZFXPREIuVKpgxcdyl/s1600/SAM_2649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OVhP3uizGw7dFRvuwbtGS1NRkhr_H1wJpYii5GELDGxKXc6LYvyLK9W2ZrRf_di5TDXl26ZqO_yZ2E5uoLjAchnomswImyakXnju3dA5TT3RFsUzztgE46u_Q1hZFXPREIuVKpgxcdyl/s1600/SAM_2649.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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and then she dumped her cheerios all over the floor. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OtGF77etF_9JSPK4sNDVZzClzAeRA0UZsKwB7XnSg0Bft8xA3X4rNHSZRdmg2FBB-Dbx9bmhqJ56j4ZRvsaCGQlxfJph4BheDcodJTPPgdINU7QAke3oWI67JFeBsSd8ODZgp3c4C0-B/s1600/SAM_2652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OtGF77etF_9JSPK4sNDVZzClzAeRA0UZsKwB7XnSg0Bft8xA3X4rNHSZRdmg2FBB-Dbx9bmhqJ56j4ZRvsaCGQlxfJph4BheDcodJTPPgdINU7QAke3oWI67JFeBsSd8ODZgp3c4C0-B/s1600/SAM_2652.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I love motherhood :) </div>
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Anyways, that's my little black and white gallery wall. Hope everybody has a great day and I'll be back soon with the planters I'm building :) </div>
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xoxo</div>
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Anna </div>
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annacarterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062600423763652148noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799018173383789764.post-38371716677931601032014-05-01T08:28:00.000-04:002014-08-29T11:43:49.427-04:00Emotional DecisionsYou know what I just realized today? My name is Anna and I have a problem always making emotional decisions. You guys be my AA (or NA or OA, etc) for a sec, okay? Should we call it EDMA (emotional decision making anonymous)? I started my day out today rather bummed out...for no particular reason. That happens to me often enough. Not often enough that I would say that I have a problem with depression, but often enough to bug me. I just sulked through the first part of my day, deciding not to do things because I didn't <i>feel </i>like it....or I will only do the things I do <i>feel like. </i>Like, oh....the dishes need to be done, or I need to finish this project (ahem fireplace), or whathaveyou. Instead, I spend the whole time immersed in the one project or occupation that I suddenly feel an interest in. Today, I spent way too long on the computer researching ways to grow your blog and connecting with people on facebook and all of this online stuff that I've found can make your entire day vanish in an instant. Or right now....I had this thought and suddenly I'm whisked away to my computer writing a blog post instead of folding the laundry and making my boys do their chores. I have a problem.<br />
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I said a silent prayer on the way to taking my girl to preschool this morning for strength to do it all, the ability to keep up with all of the things I take on and do each thing all of the way, diligently, enduring to the end. It's so hard keeping all of the plates spinning, ya know. After that prayer, I came to the realization that my issue lies with the choices I make in each small moment. I mean really, what is life? It's a series of choices. My problem is that my choices are almost always based on how I feel in the moment. Fantastic if I'm in this amazing mood....but not too fantastic if I'm bummed out....and we all get bummed out. Whether I go to the gym, whether I keep my house clean, whether I spend money on something frivolous (uh, restaurant food) Don't even get me started on food....diet totally falls in this category as well. I went off my eating plan (that I talked about <a href="http://www.home-heart-and-hands.blogspot.com/2014/01/hello-are-back-to-regular-grind-after.html">here</a>) and I've been trying for two weeks to get back to it. I get halfway through the day eating right and then bail when it comes to dinner and snacking after the kids go to bed....and when I say bail....I mean binge. Eating bad food is fun and it makes me happy....emotional decision. I point my focus toward one thing, one day....get way into to it (usually go way overboard) and then drop it for something else the next day. I have the hardest dang time with consistency. My poor kids, they never know what to expect....I don't think I could surprise them anymore. If my choices in any given moment were listed out in priority order, I'm telling you, unless it has to do with an imminent need of my child, husband or a friend, I'm most likely going to choose something other than the first priority.<br />
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Ok....so, yes....I have this problem, finally was able to put my finger on what exactly makes me this way! whooo, for self discovery. Now how to I go about fixing it? </div>
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I need a big sign for my fridge like this: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkV9vrfiYg3quDTJnTdrpVBPHr9hM6vhjvENssnbD_Bm4lpMi8W6occG5QkSyBN99iHPgn_I5b1ZklIAhrHmkcgbJh8SZs_L4dpQ-Xbk7RTietSZpf3gd_ixUOJpi_M7DHP5uDI3q_iwgG/s1600/emotional+choices.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkV9vrfiYg3quDTJnTdrpVBPHr9hM6vhjvENssnbD_Bm4lpMi8W6occG5QkSyBN99iHPgn_I5b1ZklIAhrHmkcgbJh8SZs_L4dpQ-Xbk7RTietSZpf3gd_ixUOJpi_M7DHP5uDI3q_iwgG/s1600/emotional+choices.jpg" height="480" width="480" /></a></div>
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I might just do that....the sign turned out pretty cute...</div>
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Wish me luck with that....</div>
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annacarterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062600423763652148noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799018173383789764.post-15021978018641497962014-04-29T16:14:00.000-04:002014-05-07T18:19:19.711-04:00Gorgeous Lighting Want List Good Afternoon Friends! <br />
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I am going to attempt this again. If you follow me on facebook, then maybe you saw my ranting yesterday that this entire blog post got erased. I just had to step. away. from. the. computer at that point. Sometimes when the stress gets to ya....you just have to take a break, and that's what I did :) Today I'm feeling much better. Today the kids are behaving, and haven't trashed the house as quickly as they did yesterday, and the sun is shining and I'm feeling good. Let's just forget about yesterday shall we! </div>
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Today I am going to share with you my lighting want-list and see if I can get some opinions out of you guys! I have had lighting on my mind a lot recently. We have done a lot of updates to this house in the years we have lived here....we've also done a lot of wrecking this poor house as well....but that's another post. One thing we haven't done at all is upgrade any of the lighting. Every light in this house is the original light that was here when the house was built. I thought it would be fun to show you what we currently have, and then a couple of pictures of what I am thinking of replacing it with. Now, it will certainly take me a long time to get through all of them....but I have plans to replace all of them. There are a few rooms I didn't include at this point, like the master bedroom and my boys room. I figured I'd tackle first things first. </div>
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First up is the kitchen and dining area: </div>
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This is the chandelier over my kitchen table. While it's not the most hideous chandelier ever, my tastes have changed and I no longer like this one at all.....and it doesn't hang strait. It has always bugged me from day one. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQRa0Z87xKqBj-TZ0n3B9qK2GA1rWC29euBpXnG-Q7d895YPUFuRSIvBGWwWkhGLYUIuglrsQG2ENqkiE8LQdtWcsoWZe4Y2EAeeiB-qFd_Fi4dvMCWGbOWQaU2tGRRwtiseCpGNCUO1a/s1600/SAM_2576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQRa0Z87xKqBj-TZ0n3B9qK2GA1rWC29euBpXnG-Q7d895YPUFuRSIvBGWwWkhGLYUIuglrsQG2ENqkiE8LQdtWcsoWZe4Y2EAeeiB-qFd_Fi4dvMCWGbOWQaU2tGRRwtiseCpGNCUO1a/s1600/SAM_2576.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here is what I want to replace it with: </div>
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Either this one:, without the shades....</div>
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<a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Iron-8-light-Black-Chandelier/3285729/product.html?refccid=SC77EC3SABYKLPKFXZS7CFGTRQ&searchidx=90">(link here)</a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisihvjqg4eD0anrNkfn3V8T0TihhOB36iv91uAA0oboHTlKOxpxaXKEMuOvIab9fx3Yo0jGwzGEWryPjcKhjwJgOeFrnMD0GcHRuxGUr6qAnlNgANXjMfeHJ0rFUIWbdut34sxWM-rmXgx/s1600/Iron-8-light-Black-Chandelier-L11387581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisihvjqg4eD0anrNkfn3V8T0TihhOB36iv91uAA0oboHTlKOxpxaXKEMuOvIab9fx3Yo0jGwzGEWryPjcKhjwJgOeFrnMD0GcHRuxGUr6qAnlNgANXjMfeHJ0rFUIWbdut34sxWM-rmXgx/s1600/Iron-8-light-Black-Chandelier-L11387581.jpg" height="480" width="480" /></a></div>
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Or this one </div>
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(<a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Renate-Mushroom-Chandelier/7411409/product.html?refccid=IGE3C2HIO3XLRCCMABEOW4J33M&searchidx=43">link here</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkG13ANGopTLf5oTTuzRJPJoooN4-Ey6Ag3HUD2sA8gZkWbqwkgwGDpdaA-onYcigvfig0aqmR47XSj94BhcNXG_xRTuUzDrh0T9ta45o9wNVPOmp34qtXeU-kATMxq9KfGaN-OjEzxmI/s1600/Renate-Mushroom-Chandelier-55c123c8-ae58-4356-9a28-c4c302281764_600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkG13ANGopTLf5oTTuzRJPJoooN4-Ey6Ag3HUD2sA8gZkWbqwkgwGDpdaA-onYcigvfig0aqmR47XSj94BhcNXG_xRTuUzDrh0T9ta45o9wNVPOmp34qtXeU-kATMxq9KfGaN-OjEzxmI/s1600/Renate-Mushroom-Chandelier-55c123c8-ae58-4356-9a28-c4c302281764_600.jpg" height="480" width="480" /></a></div>
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Gosh I love them both.....which one do you vote for? </div>
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Here is the other side of my kitchen. It's just the worst. I just hate hate hate this fluorescent light. It's really tricky though. I have several totally different options to put here because I have no idea what kind of light to put. Ideally it would be several can lights, but I'm not shelling out money to have the electrical re-wired when this isn't going to be our forever home. There is no Island, so it has to be some sort of flush mount, but it's a longish rectangular space, so I wonder if I need a longer string of lights or if one in the middle will do......I don't know...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwZzU_Lo-FkpZX9JfBwvJd0qbuXDWuKFrI5oEMbFAtURmQglZo_CLDc_lFmGm-Th3Z-36FoPMvar-Dr_kq-X8QupOmxrVhyW35JPQciVdZ-lrB8RWzO_eexavNGcOSj2G-_Y1IXU0GvN8/s1600/SAM_2577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwZzU_Lo-FkpZX9JfBwvJd0qbuXDWuKFrI5oEMbFAtURmQglZo_CLDc_lFmGm-Th3Z-36FoPMvar-Dr_kq-X8QupOmxrVhyW35JPQciVdZ-lrB8RWzO_eexavNGcOSj2G-_Y1IXU0GvN8/s1600/SAM_2577.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here are the options: </div>
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This first one is just soooo pretty and it has length to it. I figured that if there was a way to make it closer to the ceiling instead of dropping it down with those two bars on top, it could work. It's super pricey though. </div>
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(<a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Quoizel-Emery-3-light-Chandelier/8615997/product.html?refccid=GLL5LGGJ6TI35T2BUKLBLRFSBE&searchidx=47">link here</a>) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFnHdIQOs1s4KVo5JtYI-yoDchblImH4utzSF6ZkD5IfBAmqWFUw_sncboF84RI61rxlkE28lJBpHUpQe0NbjVjjKLsz5TmzWaUJpWo7TNgmDR344s3ntjOD9BVNV7iTmGk8n9vdab0an/s1600/40e2baed-4225-47b7-b0cf-ed535530a3f6_1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFnHdIQOs1s4KVo5JtYI-yoDchblImH4utzSF6ZkD5IfBAmqWFUw_sncboF84RI61rxlkE28lJBpHUpQe0NbjVjjKLsz5TmzWaUJpWo7TNgmDR344s3ntjOD9BVNV7iTmGk8n9vdab0an/s1600/40e2baed-4225-47b7-b0cf-ed535530a3f6_1000.jpg" height="480" width="480" /></a></div>
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I'm kind of leaning toward this one. It's just fun, and different and it makes me smile. I think it's big enough to work. You can see it <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2013/08/starry-starry-night/">here in John and Sherry of Young House Love's entryway</a>. </div>
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(<a href="http://www.shadesoflight.com/moravian-star-ceiling-light.html">link here</a>) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70aEMNqng21e-w480zKffi_y0SRcaLt4CXIrx8IUHRUiKakrzH8Z9Yhu0ZtZPlqTa1j-Dr-G7oi8At5mHo6lVVZJAu7FIsD3yM-CXmLlbp8BKKUDrz07a7C5hPhmUm7y9R4Zsr_iFAHS8/s1600/FM05005BNI-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70aEMNqng21e-w480zKffi_y0SRcaLt4CXIrx8IUHRUiKakrzH8Z9Yhu0ZtZPlqTa1j-Dr-G7oi8At5mHo6lVVZJAu7FIsD3yM-CXmLlbp8BKKUDrz07a7C5hPhmUm7y9R4Zsr_iFAHS8/s1600/FM05005BNI-01.jpg" height="480" width="480" /></a></div>
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This is more of a traditional approach. I like this just as much. It's just the safer way to go. </div>
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(<a href="http://www.shadesoflight.com/springfield-linen-shade-ceiling-light-3-finishes.html">link here</a>) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4awLlxROKgP1W0O05ULdTrOgljpNWek2XrMnTRSRf7jzUd_QIVG65E6_zNbhYJE-lfnKotP6n1RQU1Rre2hUwFRNsxBPGVj9qLkw8kVJZ9meAnuoSVrY419B0CTNqIq-icmfdd1IGyBL/s1600/FM10005PN-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4awLlxROKgP1W0O05ULdTrOgljpNWek2XrMnTRSRf7jzUd_QIVG65E6_zNbhYJE-lfnKotP6n1RQU1Rre2hUwFRNsxBPGVj9qLkw8kVJZ9meAnuoSVrY419B0CTNqIq-icmfdd1IGyBL/s1600/FM10005PN-01.jpg" height="480" width="480" /></a></div>
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Over the sink. It's just a boring little light that gets dust trapped in it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tlsLue-dfScDOzZUiKwuVEVyFFbSje81AU1U-TpP2x2HNFlwz9KwvL7m4znETXizCw2oWGhe2Dpq21OdtbE_2YH_0fZlK7GaZ1GzLHMYBBBqFbKPJXdE-RpQfUCQnU49n6JAhlLf9bL3/s1600/SAM_2578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tlsLue-dfScDOzZUiKwuVEVyFFbSje81AU1U-TpP2x2HNFlwz9KwvL7m4znETXizCw2oWGhe2Dpq21OdtbE_2YH_0fZlK7GaZ1GzLHMYBBBqFbKPJXdE-RpQfUCQnU49n6JAhlLf9bL3/s1600/SAM_2578.JPG" height="700" width="480" /></a></div>
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I want a glam pendant to hang here.</div>
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This one is pretty and it also comes in chrome, so I have options. I like the fact that it's a closed globe, but I'm liking the one below a little better with minimal hardware. </div>
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<a href="http://www.shadesoflight.com/clear-glass-globe-industrial_pendant.html">(link here)</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPqKuJNvaqNht9GM6CIrLqcvkeglab5dSVATR628m4IuqQqGF1SUyB81W6ki5dt42f6kas7GFeyVWvh3j9MuDcK2mluXPO8qgUzPJ428d3yuQfQSWbpa0YMdlLwoWcXkTIfJSoTfqjaNf/s1600/PE11020BZ-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPqKuJNvaqNht9GM6CIrLqcvkeglab5dSVATR628m4IuqQqGF1SUyB81W6ki5dt42f6kas7GFeyVWvh3j9MuDcK2mluXPO8qgUzPJ428d3yuQfQSWbpa0YMdlLwoWcXkTIfJSoTfqjaNf/s1600/PE11020BZ-01.jpg" height="480" width="480" /></a></div>
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I think I'm leaning towards this one....but something in me is thinking I could DIY this one....but it is pretty cheap....decisions decisions...</div>
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(<a href="http://www.shadesoflight.com/product.php?productid=428411&cat=581&page=1">link here)</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_LrKx_d__EURnVAjMg3mocMeKAQVVuaw0jT9er29eQzSp6RqNJnFv2r-vYNdd2BCQFBDNkiM6ROaAoVZCDzzEUzdMVIwxxDvuiU3lPNCtFcFo-3uO6Xmb_M3gDCYhpm7rj2v83ZTrcLJ/s1600/PE12087ACL-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_LrKx_d__EURnVAjMg3mocMeKAQVVuaw0jT9er29eQzSp6RqNJnFv2r-vYNdd2BCQFBDNkiM6ROaAoVZCDzzEUzdMVIwxxDvuiU3lPNCtFcFo-3uO6Xmb_M3gDCYhpm7rj2v83ZTrcLJ/s1600/PE12087ACL-01.jpg" height="480" width="480" /></a></div>
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This silver one is just GORGEOUS and I would totally put it somewhere else in the house if I didn't decide to use it in the kitchen. I do love it. Can you tell I like shiny things. </div>
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(<a href="http://www.shadesoflight.com/silver-onion-dome_pendant-light.html">link here)</a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSlkmlH6Mkz9jQx4iX00SW9mKLyzPHTvIcZd_u7GdMB-FaeGvPWtYuw8ioFM0hHVOA8_uRpffA_mW2MQTC4_KCphiOPQFpN_Tb-Gb0gbWsgm4WLlV1l-E2qfudpyGVFkTOeht5E1TgtPX/s1600/PE13107PN-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSlkmlH6Mkz9jQx4iX00SW9mKLyzPHTvIcZd_u7GdMB-FaeGvPWtYuw8ioFM0hHVOA8_uRpffA_mW2MQTC4_KCphiOPQFpN_Tb-Gb0gbWsgm4WLlV1l-E2qfudpyGVFkTOeht5E1TgtPX/s1600/PE13107PN-01.jpg" height="480" width="480" /></a></div>
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Next is the living room/great room, which is visible from the dining area. </div>
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We have a big black fan with a nice mammary shaped light shade. </div>
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I haven't told the husband that I intend on ditching the fan....hope he doesn't fight for it (fingers crossed) It really doesn't do us much good in this room anyway. Now, if it were the master bedroom fan, I'm sure we'd have a fight. But that's okay, I'm not planning on taking that one out. I'm all kinds of fine with sacrificing aesthetics for comfort when it comes to our bedroom....but this one, it needs to go. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6lRaMyg3OA3qaLZqv6mNe9gE8FKuodCq31bSiPUtGb8sB1DrEwgbnj9FHueRRHanFMkglE7em6vRvL_N1fmkz4hODKJZ90PguQOcPRglDHJziY59peJJhpRvfE7MuvDxEt0SCYLbyE8q/s1600/SAM_2575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6lRaMyg3OA3qaLZqv6mNe9gE8FKuodCq31bSiPUtGb8sB1DrEwgbnj9FHueRRHanFMkglE7em6vRvL_N1fmkz4hODKJZ90PguQOcPRglDHJziY59peJJhpRvfE7MuvDxEt0SCYLbyE8q/s1600/SAM_2575.JPG" height="380" width="480" /></a></div>
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I'm not going to buy either one of these lights specifically, but this is the idea I'm going for. I want it to be HUGE and have a much bigger light fixture than what's inside either one of these. I think this one is going to be a DIY. I just have to find something good at a thrift store that I can use as the light base. Wish me luck on that one. Renaissance woman I may be, but I have never even pretended to wear the hat of "electrician." Scares me even thinking about it. </div>
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Still deciding if I want big dark metal loops, or more delicate wire ones. </div>
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(l<a href="http://www.shadesoflight.com/metal-strap-globe-lantern-medium.html">ink here</a>) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf08She6JY_FNqTszXzy-xDrpU6b-BkPxaf5zuhVYMmOaF-yMqEBMwhQr7t3TNNTTuyqJmHi7k0GsaDkUVaONwjNknf7ojMqD9KIZ0T_H7ofz8N4ZteGjhW3HZoadlRQvZ-Db1wiTujaUH/s1600/LA12022MIR-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf08She6JY_FNqTszXzy-xDrpU6b-BkPxaf5zuhVYMmOaF-yMqEBMwhQr7t3TNNTTuyqJmHi7k0GsaDkUVaONwjNknf7ojMqD9KIZ0T_H7ofz8N4ZteGjhW3HZoadlRQvZ-Db1wiTujaUH/s1600/LA12022MIR-26.jpg" height="480" width="480" /></a></div>
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(l<a href="http://www.shadesoflight.com/young-house-love-large-wire-globe-lantern-7-colors.html">ink here</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxTZx4gIQ1BdAplCuUa0hSMm9n7wp3qJJz7PqtSYIVfJ3uJt9i_ie6b2JeObn9TDbPzT0TAmj5a_spYZRjsHE4l2ZxZIXAk5dJBZ1TELsCFxRBWK5eJQ_P-UpLGout7v9c_Q9u33TcCrT/s1600/LA12040RU-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxTZx4gIQ1BdAplCuUa0hSMm9n7wp3qJJz7PqtSYIVfJ3uJt9i_ie6b2JeObn9TDbPzT0TAmj5a_spYZRjsHE4l2ZxZIXAk5dJBZ1TELsCFxRBWK5eJQ_P-UpLGout7v9c_Q9u33TcCrT/s1600/LA12040RU-01.jpg" height="480" width="480" /></a></div>
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Other lights I want to add in the living room: </div>
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I may have to paint this one gold....maybe....</div>
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(<a href="http://www.target.com/p/threshold-jumbo-architect-floor-lamp/-/A-14727404#prodSlot=medium_1_29">link here)</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgON5rPdcGQCTtQdTkSVNLsgZQ-JHHVGm01uO-T0MlmXibZfd7RA9mlt5VQGJneXbqNwA9MY63cFQwnt1ETW0RbuRCbkr-hsX0t4J5DP1QnvoJ8N8IbFJH5gtyGJXZw-R2xbFaaFqNctMqI/s1600/14580982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgON5rPdcGQCTtQdTkSVNLsgZQ-JHHVGm01uO-T0MlmXibZfd7RA9mlt5VQGJneXbqNwA9MY63cFQwnt1ETW0RbuRCbkr-hsX0t4J5DP1QnvoJ8N8IbFJH5gtyGJXZw-R2xbFaaFqNctMqI/s1600/14580982.jpg" height="480" width="480" /></a></div>
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The next two are the same light...just different finishes. I could see myself using both finishes depending on getting the room "finished"</div>
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(<a href="http://www.shadesoflight.com/hammered-nickel-sconce.html">link here</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikq62nrW_y81VEX8se62XPM07AY6rW9G9Bg8AMThA5nSvRwHWp_yTCYX1QnchJFSHN6wtIX6qyvSWlIED6-_Ng9pnI17f3dK1_f6vMW9yEHTg-2y73CThnsuLUZghmcFLUD-sGhyo1UKaT/s1600/SC13152AB-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikq62nrW_y81VEX8se62XPM07AY6rW9G9Bg8AMThA5nSvRwHWp_yTCYX1QnchJFSHN6wtIX6qyvSWlIED6-_Ng9pnI17f3dK1_f6vMW9yEHTg-2y73CThnsuLUZghmcFLUD-sGhyo1UKaT/s1600/SC13152AB-01.jpg" height="480" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqe4b4gTSDGFIqfxFBRQaP3o73qR8rdERNx65WWOZqntlWE1h5f8TySztLvSL21e_k3nZe2Wu-YT73fHIQuJN72hE8DNEVHL_MUONmsDBYIZTxRhCjGm9UsBCF_ClGOqAlVmUTYahOgHXN/s1600/SC13152NI-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqe4b4gTSDGFIqfxFBRQaP3o73qR8rdERNx65WWOZqntlWE1h5f8TySztLvSL21e_k3nZe2Wu-YT73fHIQuJN72hE8DNEVHL_MUONmsDBYIZTxRhCjGm9UsBCF_ClGOqAlVmUTYahOgHXN/s1600/SC13152NI-01.jpg" height="480" width="480" /></a></div>
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Out of all of the sconces, I like this one the best</div>
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(l<a href="http://www.shadesoflight.com/reclaimed-wood-swing-arm-wall-lamp.html">ink here</a>) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8IaLQmKvfnVXffIdtaAjJi3_Bmo5H9dGE1B_d4RDTbqJ8N2qwRFxn0BGXm9lzi79JXFGsJH6AuGE6_bKszVPCUlIhIBhGB8Oel4rf50sB5GpJKUCoG0-xMBRpr8_Hzs2kLUt4r4-ULrzW/s1600/WS13004NA-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8IaLQmKvfnVXffIdtaAjJi3_Bmo5H9dGE1B_d4RDTbqJ8N2qwRFxn0BGXm9lzi79JXFGsJH6AuGE6_bKszVPCUlIhIBhGB8Oel4rf50sB5GpJKUCoG0-xMBRpr8_Hzs2kLUt4r4-ULrzW/s1600/WS13004NA-01.jpg" height="480" width="480" /></a></div>
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The next area is the entryway. This has a slightly fancy "boob" light. Sorry if that offends anyone's sensibilities, but every since I heard someone call it that, I can't see anything else when I look at these things.....one more reason they have to go. </div>
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The entry is very small....I am standing in the front door to take this shot. So anything I put here has to hang pretty close to the ceiling....but I still want it to make a statement since it's the first thing you see when you come in the front door. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEaBqjyf4QzP4ehUD1CIRHz-GGGSWyqCwuLxgYN5MosbPEWyPbrx504ZsM7vpwo6iVer4GE-pVIYxwo2bKMiJ6nnNjnKyGnCqlvh1nbFHQ4rqtI-2rANM-agLKVwE8Qou0yOXDLhzkOE8C/s1600/SAM_2574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEaBqjyf4QzP4ehUD1CIRHz-GGGSWyqCwuLxgYN5MosbPEWyPbrx504ZsM7vpwo6iVer4GE-pVIYxwo2bKMiJ6nnNjnKyGnCqlvh1nbFHQ4rqtI-2rANM-agLKVwE8Qou0yOXDLhzkOE8C/s1600/SAM_2574.JPG" height="380" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here's what I found: </div>
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love all three of these.....</div>
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(<a href="http://www.shadesoflight.com/pierced-moroccan-metal-globe-ceiling-light.html">link here</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGlqR7Gbj0T5EwrnagsGIMCBOhgnNHwgXLZP_NlFtoLn9B3stdnX8ownQO-8cUkwuvUe2RFGt_GWj-qM9geOpB3Brqdl6F9QUL3eTZ-AKqms_jCHV5A501jZl1lRdeRE0CjvD4X8Qox7E/s1600/FM12029SL-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGlqR7Gbj0T5EwrnagsGIMCBOhgnNHwgXLZP_NlFtoLn9B3stdnX8ownQO-8cUkwuvUe2RFGt_GWj-qM9geOpB3Brqdl6F9QUL3eTZ-AKqms_jCHV5A501jZl1lRdeRE0CjvD4X8Qox7E/s1600/FM12029SL-01.jpg" height="480" width="480" /></a></div>
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This one might be my fav</div>
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(l<a href="http://www.shadesoflight.com/faceted-antique-mirror_pendant.html">ink here</a>) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlRvcyCC3C6YgWsPzQEV2FAVcuyUeihQFo0RTxomXeOQrbDcawGrT9KlryYE60hXgPcnvJQIguQnsSsB6h5ihyBEy9r5BupEm56nExIXf9fQ5_rRtKdfECcpaL-RpjLPG8MTiqkshfEnc/s1600/PE13110MW-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlRvcyCC3C6YgWsPzQEV2FAVcuyUeihQFo0RTxomXeOQrbDcawGrT9KlryYE60hXgPcnvJQIguQnsSsB6h5ihyBEy9r5BupEm56nExIXf9fQ5_rRtKdfECcpaL-RpjLPG8MTiqkshfEnc/s1600/PE13110MW-01.jpg" height="480" width="480" /></a></div>
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(<a href="http://www.shadesoflight.com/polyhedron_pendant-light.html">link here</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlQUNWKcCwVQmJ_WNmdLztmbzpTme-N-7MZ-zZrbyJgvDXdV8yCvGgQY28XotsYF89D8mPS6KwBdB0cnRTl4dmQJmtR24h709XOv4Fo2EN92PJG6xvm2TpaeViSuOCjIjhzWcajk-TB-1/s1600/PE14011AB-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlQUNWKcCwVQmJ_WNmdLztmbzpTme-N-7MZ-zZrbyJgvDXdV8yCvGgQY28XotsYF89D8mPS6KwBdB0cnRTl4dmQJmtR24h709XOv4Fo2EN92PJG6xvm2TpaeViSuOCjIjhzWcajk-TB-1/s1600/PE14011AB-01.jpg" height="480" width="480" /></a></div>
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All of the other rooms (except the bathrooms) have lights like these next pictures. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnZp1EgO3tmeaYs-0xAIizxB6eW8u9B8yam3KGr86clCOHbcqxZYmipr4WkI_vzRfY_a43zJRlzl6Tlx4fcQjb7aLdAoSOGkSgbuaX8Me3SGN9ibG41Kdw8dOcc7kHtoyFUnWeo0NIKBr/s1600/SAM_2580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnZp1EgO3tmeaYs-0xAIizxB6eW8u9B8yam3KGr86clCOHbcqxZYmipr4WkI_vzRfY_a43zJRlzl6Tlx4fcQjb7aLdAoSOGkSgbuaX8Me3SGN9ibG41Kdw8dOcc7kHtoyFUnWeo0NIKBr/s1600/SAM_2580.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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In the hallways and laundry room, I want to do different pendants. I would go with any of the ones I didn't choose for over the sink or the entryway... and then I also liked these: </div>
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(<a href="http://www.shadesoflight.com/hammered-nickel_pendant.html">link here</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdxG37tgBrGxIgLx8hFRHvRheE1cEuzxuB4ETI7zNlVujujqniPAKI-V-xVNZ0MwrJEjoTs-IEEhIJZEM6QFil3qYxiVobypcRlk1BOt_Zgy_N8iczot2yvjbRtuQb-OJEg8GBntd3xsY/s1600/PE12026GL-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdxG37tgBrGxIgLx8hFRHvRheE1cEuzxuB4ETI7zNlVujujqniPAKI-V-xVNZ0MwrJEjoTs-IEEhIJZEM6QFil3qYxiVobypcRlk1BOt_Zgy_N8iczot2yvjbRtuQb-OJEg8GBntd3xsY/s1600/PE12026GL-01.jpg" height="480" width="480" /></a></div>
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Same one, different finish....like them both.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aJA_qIqV9DtnNry7xyrp_noEimSUwgSU_ETIXS0HjDm-JQmucSwv_ORPK9Nkhqhl4ofYcb9oMkWFpz2P6IMWU9IprwRYgZ4IBl3Z9TTfw0r_2zOMPqCmRQh6Th6EVFpgOD-XEwOTBlyy/s1600/PE12026PN-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aJA_qIqV9DtnNry7xyrp_noEimSUwgSU_ETIXS0HjDm-JQmucSwv_ORPK9Nkhqhl4ofYcb9oMkWFpz2P6IMWU9IprwRYgZ4IBl3Z9TTfw0r_2zOMPqCmRQh6Th6EVFpgOD-XEwOTBlyy/s1600/PE12026PN-01.jpg" height="480" width="480" /></a></div>
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Could totally diy this one</div>
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(<a href="http://www.shadesoflight.com/young-house-love-geometric-diamond-lantern.html">link here</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIHHq7qwMeYOcXtcIS9-MbnhPamIIWMjVyhCgvSGNKHvNx9pw_VChwJefH_RbbdlW-h3I0FXYc95lvZpbbz0uqzgvyPi8fucxKRYeqolI5v5NZBnUh7xFcMYg4-pZQWUwH_57EfQC1fpXL/s1600/LA14005BZ-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIHHq7qwMeYOcXtcIS9-MbnhPamIIWMjVyhCgvSGNKHvNx9pw_VChwJefH_RbbdlW-h3I0FXYc95lvZpbbz0uqzgvyPi8fucxKRYeqolI5v5NZBnUh7xFcMYg4-pZQWUwH_57EfQC1fpXL/s1600/LA14005BZ-01.jpg" height="480" width="480" /></a></div>
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and this one</div>
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(<a href="http://www.shadesoflight.com/chicken-wire-basket_pendant-light.html">link here</a>) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiaxmAv3cr4fAztFn990IjPqwY3yefVEfomuMerpedRTat8AjtKMGu1YmZN8npm13_gDLqI2JYNl4_qf12RwRI3_ZmXJfC6ZGvIObiue77A5Xkrao3nSLwXEvwIBnkTjBtsXDE_VyIWZex/s1600/PE12028BK-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiaxmAv3cr4fAztFn990IjPqwY3yefVEfomuMerpedRTat8AjtKMGu1YmZN8npm13_gDLqI2JYNl4_qf12RwRI3_ZmXJfC6ZGvIObiue77A5Xkrao3nSLwXEvwIBnkTjBtsXDE_VyIWZex/s1600/PE12028BK-01.jpg" height="480" width="480" /></a></div>
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(<a href="http://www.shadesoflight.com/zebra-stripe-linen-drum-shade_pendant-3-colors.html">link here</a>) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgt3zqpsP571BUw_uWNTuvNzQBQuTMYYDDWUMqcoeSHP5BE-g7S0rDI1MBRX7XasSu9Wn6cSr0bFRZTq0GQk1MgxozEJkA0PjFxR4_DNhELYcOpv_OWTVuismOPXtDCykNqRW60R44yq5/s1600/PE10011BL-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgt3zqpsP571BUw_uWNTuvNzQBQuTMYYDDWUMqcoeSHP5BE-g7S0rDI1MBRX7XasSu9Wn6cSr0bFRZTq0GQk1MgxozEJkA0PjFxR4_DNhELYcOpv_OWTVuismOPXtDCykNqRW60R44yq5/s1600/PE10011BL-01.jpg" height="480" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.shadesoflight.com/trellis-linen-drum-shade-ceiling-light-2-colors.html">(link here</a>) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnQ65w6MDO-A3YF45CqlqdXsCvrFj4E6-xEIZI_SLa7ryp_PGwnbk64z0lMJguoQKM2cnIdi7hTV8Xc66lZUISDXd8f46RYSsS1Sg0fauKA39PQOVRtV50e1YD8DnOKGRzkOdYzMe0lpQ/s1600/PE10014GY-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnQ65w6MDO-A3YF45CqlqdXsCvrFj4E6-xEIZI_SLa7ryp_PGwnbk64z0lMJguoQKM2cnIdi7hTV8Xc66lZUISDXd8f46RYSsS1Sg0fauKA39PQOVRtV50e1YD8DnOKGRzkOdYzMe0lpQ/s1600/PE10014GY-01.jpg" height="480" width="480" /></a></div>
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for my girl's room.....I'm going to DIY a crystal chandelier. I already have the pink crystals for it :). My mother in law bought a big fancy one for her bathroom and it came with both clear and pink crystals.....so she just gave them to me. Score! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGN1SwQhyphenhyphenoA7ff32OqYwbRUWNtRN9GATeRwkuNT4wBgEddCm2pKxZeftxraZ7xEMP7ayjo6B7GF7eNGwwEqfKqUHHw9T03Hr4a_1satquFKbQW4hirnoqfFhoVe2Ojrs6j4V2i4wGzIkS/s1600/SAM_2579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGN1SwQhyphenhyphenoA7ff32OqYwbRUWNtRN9GATeRwkuNT4wBgEddCm2pKxZeftxraZ7xEMP7ayjo6B7GF7eNGwwEqfKqUHHw9T03Hr4a_1satquFKbQW4hirnoqfFhoVe2Ojrs6j4V2i4wGzIkS/s1600/SAM_2579.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
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For the spare room/guest room/office/ place I keep my daughter's dressers....which is totally NOT done yet, I want one of these cute shades. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBL3UA2BEgerhxPBeqFVTMQKgO2Lyl7qu78fkvffq0o_SZ7lVxrEzP8YKzsSyq-8snp1TEKsskQ9wF0zjnR_i4mBp_62gz51bCSXP8x2EQeGTRNt5Rlpunz5ftjsBeNMM0klj2m7c8A3p/s1600/SAM_2581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBL3UA2BEgerhxPBeqFVTMQKgO2Lyl7qu78fkvffq0o_SZ7lVxrEzP8YKzsSyq-8snp1TEKsskQ9wF0zjnR_i4mBp_62gz51bCSXP8x2EQeGTRNt5Rlpunz5ftjsBeNMM0klj2m7c8A3p/s1600/SAM_2581.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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(<a href="http://www.shadesoflight.com/ikat-batik-drum-shade_pendant.html">link here</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRdKXzzSy1zC4z3NKUHerBlb5ZNaBIYwojqA6W70mY9FKf74UuSbfM0_vVEu_-l1SKmuyb0uDJih8Vk8KXosRvRHUevxUYTLQGAJ2pzDQFMSaxqA5O8Py14cb1s0CYhtjtpB4BsTmTISP/s1600/PE12040BL-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRdKXzzSy1zC4z3NKUHerBlb5ZNaBIYwojqA6W70mY9FKf74UuSbfM0_vVEu_-l1SKmuyb0uDJih8Vk8KXosRvRHUevxUYTLQGAJ2pzDQFMSaxqA5O8Py14cb1s0CYhtjtpB4BsTmTISP/s1600/PE12040BL-02.jpg" height="480" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.shadesoflight.com/deck-stripe-drum-shade-ceiling-light-3-colors.html">(link here</a>) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyIeXxQLw22J1jxR-wDhChYuKKkWTkypZ98lgrDJA8sBDl67WAYiuIuW5SFkoERHhJ-wVdnw3pDxe8hegV2ljMTmvrjeg_a4P7wWgiuOk7RdZRM9vHU6Gg3rKco6NcEnbfikQ1UQXgOSq/s1600/PE12036YE-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyIeXxQLw22J1jxR-wDhChYuKKkWTkypZ98lgrDJA8sBDl67WAYiuIuW5SFkoERHhJ-wVdnw3pDxe8hegV2ljMTmvrjeg_a4P7wWgiuOk7RdZRM9vHU6Gg3rKco6NcEnbfikQ1UQXgOSq/s1600/PE12036YE-01.jpg" height="480" width="480" /></a></div>
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That's all I'm going to do for today. I have more house and more places to put lights....but yeesh....I don't know if I'll ever get it all finished. I will say that this was SO fun. I get little twitterpated heartbeats when I see these light fixtures. What do you guys think? Which are your favorite? I'm excited to get started on DIYing some of these.....and saving up for the rest of them. </div>
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Have a great day! </div>
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xo</div>
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Anna</div>
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shared with: </div>
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<a href="http://www.733blog.com/2014/04/inspire-me-wednesday-18.html">seven thirty three</a></div>
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<a href="http://thecraftiestallie.blogspot.com/2014/04/worthwhile-wednesdays-15.html">craftie alley</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/2014/05/frugal-friday.html">the shabby nest</a></div>
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<a href="http://confessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com/2014/05/please-join-me-for-scoop-116.html">confessions of a plate addict</a></div>
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<a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/">ivy and elephants</a></div>
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annacarterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062600423763652148noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799018173383789764.post-5010091682841750812014-04-24T12:54:00.000-04:002014-04-24T12:55:34.831-04:00Tips To Get Over a Cold Quickly and Naturally: The Journey to WellnessGood Afternoon! Today is a beeeeautiful spring day. I am one of the few who get to actually enjoy the spectacular springs in South Carolina. A lot people around here are shut indoors with seasonal allergies because the pollen is pretty intense. Anyways, I'm loving this time of year. It has inspired me to get some outside projects started. I'm working on making over my front porch area soon. It's currently pretty sad. Stay tuned for those projects. I'm also slowly chipping away on finishing my fireplace, so that will be a pretty big reveal coming up pretty soon too. <br />
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Today I'm going to share an article from another blog.<br />
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<a href="http://www.the-journey-to-wellness.blogspot.com/">The Journey To Wellness</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuXprNqvPxNCydXtptK3_BBhUOAS1g0IFwrH2ZrT_tTh0TUiNt3mITM9rCrfyWSopqjWcXuuwrOEh8HvF11vGsbDRfxKLh7RHK6gioViSxIdDuhm_KkqQkxQ9fYKnmsDckYlB0m6JFbdA/s1600/121a52b6-24b9-4113-9158-ed095630f42d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuXprNqvPxNCydXtptK3_BBhUOAS1g0IFwrH2ZrT_tTh0TUiNt3mITM9rCrfyWSopqjWcXuuwrOEh8HvF11vGsbDRfxKLh7RHK6gioViSxIdDuhm_KkqQkxQ9fYKnmsDckYlB0m6JFbdA/s1600/121a52b6-24b9-4113-9158-ed095630f42d.jpg" height="584" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5PIfyl08AXmweog9sa6R2E6b0NXwBmcwTJxN3YOGJHaqATfL90hRQ7bKVpCmHp8kHbLQSUe7EGOLpuFOD4uT5aCE7jXigc0dmYoKooP2WtBPA668kfCJoiYn1BDDRy0V4cZkjozBpFXC/s1600/271_18570779474_926_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5PIfyl08AXmweog9sa6R2E6b0NXwBmcwTJxN3YOGJHaqATfL90hRQ7bKVpCmHp8kHbLQSUe7EGOLpuFOD4uT5aCE7jXigc0dmYoKooP2WtBPA668kfCJoiYn1BDDRy0V4cZkjozBpFXC/s1600/271_18570779474_926_n.jpg" height="333" width="480" /></a></div>
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The article is called <a href="http://the-journey-to-wellness.blogspot.com/2014/04/natural-remedies-for-common-cold.html">Natural Remedies for the Common Cold</a>. and it is written by Joi from <a href="http://www.the-journey-to-wellness.blogspot.com/">The Journey to Wellness</a>. I read this post this morning and, Let me tell ya....I was very impressed. These are some very helpful tips on how to ward off a cold using natural remedies....and why some of the over the counter remedies are doing more harm than good. I just had to share with you guys. I've always been interested in health and wellness and have actually done a lot of research on it myself. Everything she says here is spot on with what I've read before, and also....it's SO SIMPLE. My eight year old could read this and understand it completely. She has a knack for taking a complicated topic and breaking it down very simply for you. It's a very easy read and you come away with a bunch of information that makes you go...."oh, wow, I didn't know that...that's good to know." like this little excerpt:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #545454; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">"9.</span><b style="color: #545454; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Stay away from refined sugar. </b><span style="color: #545454; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Refined sugars like margarine or white flour can actually repress your immune system and reduce the action of your white blood cells. Not to mention, it also feeds bacteria and viruses, and has absolutely no nutritional value. I know it is hard not to grab for the ice cream when you're feeling under the weather, but resist, and you will feel so much better!"</span></span><br />
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I hope you go check out this brand new blog, show her some love, and educate yourself to a better way of living and eating. <br />
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Okay....and I do have one more little thing to say<br />
Joi from <a href="http://www.the-journey-to-wellness.blogspot.com/">The Journey to Wellness</a> is also my little sis! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidg5MkQF58Hu7CbYssEpg9TKl8LXLBMsnqTL9aXlA_bRhKHsFdgI2ffOJUEzqr3YIUiof7qgxPQW-49p6L_WQxn8LtA1dG2ARrwABB92ZKIOw1wiLRD0q5TqpVJ968dLw0RKp6MKWnDmzD/s1600/19760_1304586941375_5408876_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidg5MkQF58Hu7CbYssEpg9TKl8LXLBMsnqTL9aXlA_bRhKHsFdgI2ffOJUEzqr3YIUiof7qgxPQW-49p6L_WQxn8LtA1dG2ARrwABB92ZKIOw1wiLRD0q5TqpVJ968dLw0RKp6MKWnDmzD/s1600/19760_1304586941375_5408876_n.jpg" height="350" width="480" /></a></div>
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I didn't want to start off with that because I didn't want people to think that my raving review of her blog was just because she's my sister. My review is based solely on my true opinion. In fact, she asked me to share her blog a week ago, and (even though I liked it) I told her I was going to wait until she had more content because it is so brand new.....but when I read this post, I liked it so much, I just had to share! <br />
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There you have it, go visit my sis at <a href="http://www.the-journey-to-wellness/">The Journey to Wellness</a> and you can follow her facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Thejourneytowellness">here</a> and her google plus page <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/116491448488311831830/posts">here</a>. <br />
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Here are some obligatory cute pictures of my sis and I<br />
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With our mom</div>
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Hugging my cute kids</div>
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It was the 80s! I'm holding her as a baby. </div>
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Hope you all have a lovely spring day :) <br />
xoxo<br />
Annaannacarterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062600423763652148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799018173383789764.post-39766374920392740652014-04-22T17:36:00.001-04:002014-05-07T09:06:26.312-04:00Budgeting Ideas and DIY Spending Priority Command Post Hey guys! Hope everyone had a great Easter!<br />
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Today.....I'm going to talk MONEY ;) I made a quick, fun little DIY craft yesterday to help us keep our spending in check and I thought I would go over how we balance and maintain our meager little budget.....and a few tips I have for keeping things in check. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36pJj4Iz90haTwGkzej5aXIHnP4WaXTA661ETQW-Fs01FRpersu_yNA-jMflKoRATasIgESjgvBV6VK5n7GEhZkivPmm89G5Wkh4tdgxIkSMgoigPVGrTPf7MvH5kWINLUySx9xYbNBJG/s1600/img-thing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36pJj4Iz90haTwGkzej5aXIHnP4WaXTA661ETQW-Fs01FRpersu_yNA-jMflKoRATasIgESjgvBV6VK5n7GEhZkivPmm89G5Wkh4tdgxIkSMgoigPVGrTPf7MvH5kWINLUySx9xYbNBJG/s1600/img-thing.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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Let me start off by saying that we don't use credit cards. The only debt we have is our mortgage and usually a car payment.....we did have a car payment until we paid it off with our tax return a month ago (YEAH!). We tried the whole credit card/random loan thing back when we first got married and the results were disastrous. So, we save up for every big purchase we have. A lot of big big things end up coming out of our tax return, since we are lucky enough to get a decent one each year. <br />
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Here's what ends up happening though.....we go through lean times and really buckle down and budget the heck out of ourselves and get creative with money saving techniques and really save every penny....this in turn results in more prosperous times....then, because we feel like we have plenty of "extra" money, we lose our minds a little bit and overspend....sending us back to the scrimping and saving. Am I alone in the cycle? I doubt I am. <br />
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Usually what I do is lay out a budget for each pay day. I list all of the things I've allocated to be paid with the first pay check under it's date. Then I move on to the next pay day (we have two a month) and lay out the rest of the things for the month under that date. I include all bills, tithing, savings and I always budget a specific amount for groceries and gas. Anything misc usually gets included in the grocery budget if it's small. Then what I do is I go to the bank on pay day and pull out our grocery money, gas money and any money that is left over after all of the bills are paid in CASH. I get the bank to give me extra little envelopes to separate it out. :) Doing this helps me to not swipe my "magic card" and unknowingly spend the money that's already allocated for something else....or it keeps the hubs and I from both spending the same money....we both think we have the same amount, and we both spend it on different things (this totally happens when we leave money in our account). If you pull out everything extra in cash, then you can see what you have in front of you and you are less likely to mindlessly spend. Now, one problem you can have with cash is how quickly it can go once you break a big bill. The envelopes help with this.....and my new DIY project below will help with this as well. </div>
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You know, they say that no matter how much money you have, you will never get ahead until you can learn to live beneath your means. Spend less than you bring in, whether you have a small income or a large one, you can accomplish your goals if you are strict on yourself.....it'll just take you a lot longer the less you have (sigh....I'm in that boat, lol) </div>
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To help our family prioritize our spending, I made a list.....I have made this list a hundred times before. I Guess it wasn't working since I've had to make my list over and over again. I have trouble remembering what I've put on my list when my list is put away in my notebook. I decided we needed a big, visible, board that I will see constantly. The problem was that I knew it wasn't going to be pretty (or so I thought) and I didn't want guests to see all of our financial business posted all over our walls. I decided to go ahead and see what I could come up with. </div>
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What I wanted was to force us to narrow down our top five priorities, and focus on paying for those things first. I'm talking big ticket items, small things and medium things. Basically anything, big or small, that we need to pay for or want to buy that isn't included in our monthly budget. </div>
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Here's what I made: </div>
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It's a dry erase board made out of a large frame, and some pretty scrap book paper. </div>
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Ok....laugh at me....I spray painted our yard. I was in a hurry. It will wash away. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQSAFz5sGBeqKF2YbIO4H3QeFa0gamgznB1QInc4_xWE5ykwCAr1YN5ei8eeGZqTJ5-p9FjaUr_OlK9NvFn_daiXixNyaaZsicoKlkzz5PQLxnlIJ-Y22jmZp-SM2e_xHz6d_Zb43-pLT/s1600/SAM_2558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQSAFz5sGBeqKF2YbIO4H3QeFa0gamgznB1QInc4_xWE5ykwCAr1YN5ei8eeGZqTJ5-p9FjaUr_OlK9NvFn_daiXixNyaaZsicoKlkzz5PQLxnlIJ-Y22jmZp-SM2e_xHz6d_Zb43-pLT/s1600/SAM_2558.JPG" height="380" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKrCxGR1G6WjS89MKTCudw6jYk0Fk5TzYavfRwg_fObfb8nkJrfqxDlrg42_DWuQ7x0DyQUSqVuTt700XjJQazXBAZDxZKcvHSGdk7S3ZlgHdjpOZc-S_fbTDaHCC49HSSTaws_P1hvRwq/s1600/SAM_2560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKrCxGR1G6WjS89MKTCudw6jYk0Fk5TzYavfRwg_fObfb8nkJrfqxDlrg42_DWuQ7x0DyQUSqVuTt700XjJQazXBAZDxZKcvHSGdk7S3ZlgHdjpOZc-S_fbTDaHCC49HSSTaws_P1hvRwq/s1600/SAM_2560.JPG" height="410" width="480" /></a></div>
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To miter the edges of the paper, I folded like so....and cut. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxoQKHC1lKRQMmZqLqZqDhz7BblrlwDJJzdROWFdt7RiZSn7Nbc281KiZKnKltvdrExcq2zx0ysBlP2LEXAYA0QCnG6W_PjHNqLr1lONHFTvtIlfuN1_RC4jr7rXULgCWiibGggamXuDl/s1600/SAM_2561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxoQKHC1lKRQMmZqLqZqDhz7BblrlwDJJzdROWFdt7RiZSn7Nbc281KiZKnKltvdrExcq2zx0ysBlP2LEXAYA0QCnG6W_PjHNqLr1lONHFTvtIlfuN1_RC4jr7rXULgCWiibGggamXuDl/s1600/SAM_2561.JPG" height="380" width="480" /></a></div>
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I put it all together with spray adhesive. I glued it all to the random piece of card board that came between the backing and the glass in the frame. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90AmDiX1vgLCZPXktwB3mGNYFBwFyvaLDbHfEsAe0sSy2_EQg47EynwTgBXNwsqSNF9_inBaCTPjbK93L9KQlwkt2n89-iRDy5Ujy5GZGB3_ClPmsVBwJN_W8C8Ot3HaAUNO0z3EWIHnL/s1600/SAM_2562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90AmDiX1vgLCZPXktwB3mGNYFBwFyvaLDbHfEsAe0sSy2_EQg47EynwTgBXNwsqSNF9_inBaCTPjbK93L9KQlwkt2n89-iRDy5Ujy5GZGB3_ClPmsVBwJN_W8C8Ot3HaAUNO0z3EWIHnL/s1600/SAM_2562.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngUKkVvY7wOrgL7qlwCw1KzuDWcnkKR-_A-bysBx1d0bapIbCJ2jJcg83boSZG81pFHuoVxvfPxSMW9ZQpj6QOvFJDGWGDFP79GYl0diOYcbmcKNOOKvAsxb0UL2xug8RGiRvyaMS6Job/s1600/SAM_2564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngUKkVvY7wOrgL7qlwCw1KzuDWcnkKR-_A-bysBx1d0bapIbCJ2jJcg83boSZG81pFHuoVxvfPxSMW9ZQpj6QOvFJDGWGDFP79GYl0diOYcbmcKNOOKvAsxb0UL2xug8RGiRvyaMS6Job/s1600/SAM_2564.JPG" height="492" width="480" /></a></div>
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I trimmed the edges and put it in the frame. Easy peasy. </div>
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In case you can't see what this says (it's blurry no matter what I do, since the glass is reflecting back the dry erase marker) The top says: Budget Priorities. Then the pink words are "top 5 priorities," "cost", and "$ allocated." The blue words at the bottom say "amount in reserve" and "notes." </div>
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Basically, we list off our top five spending priorities. We made sure to include one big ticket item, two small trivial things, and two medium priced things. As we pull out any extra cash we have on paydays, we go and decide what to allocate it to. It may cover the entire thing or we may slowly chip away at it. As new things come up, there's a space to jot them down at the bottom, so we re-evaluate what is most important considering the new items. The amount in reserve section is just a total of the amount of money we are holding as we are saving up for these things. </div>
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Here's an example of it all filled out. These are dummy ideas, and money amounts....as much as I love getting personal with y'all, I'll probably refrain from showing you exactly what's in our budget if you don't mind ;) .....I WISH we were saving up for Disney....but we aren't.... won't be long with this new system though! </div>
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I really wish I could get a good picture of this. I tried like crazy to get a good one of it hanging on the wall, but those were even worse. Here's the best I could get. This really is one of those things that is WAY cuter in person. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNQDQR67pGV3HIzobWOt3CEB_2haIa_dHLJBYYMdgTD_r4DkTm-gXJhWWU9CyfHhMJgf5o2fFYjip1SkXhWGdWUeyf5be_JKhWEGCXqsCUW9R_16mWSj8ssI-ddHfQGIKVAN_74bIcmOX/s1600/IMG_20140422_165638_474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNQDQR67pGV3HIzobWOt3CEB_2haIa_dHLJBYYMdgTD_r4DkTm-gXJhWWU9CyfHhMJgf5o2fFYjip1SkXhWGdWUeyf5be_JKhWEGCXqsCUW9R_16mWSj8ssI-ddHfQGIKVAN_74bIcmOX/s1600/IMG_20140422_165638_474.jpg" height="646" width="480" /></a></div>
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It's hanging on the wall in the hallway across from my bedroom door. I can't miss it. This is one spot that you can see from most of the house. It has been a bright blue reminder to keep ourselves in check and work toward the goals that really matter, instead of buying trivial stuff, nickeling and diming ourselves into oblivion. </div>
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I have more plans to come up with something very cool to cover this when we have company over, so I'll probably do a second blog post when I have that finished. </div>
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Hope you all have a great day! </div>
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xoxo! </div>
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Anna</div>
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<br />annacarterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062600423763652148noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799018173383789764.post-22586880538570140792014-04-20T15:08:00.001-04:002014-04-20T15:08:27.152-04:00Happy Easter! <p dir=ltr>Happy Easter Everyone!  </p>
<p dir=ltr>I am posting this from my cellphone as we head from church over across town to our annual easter celebration with the family. Everyone looks so cute with their coordinating easter outfits on.  We'll do pictures first, then pig out on delicious food, then we'll have an easter egg hunt. I'll post our Easter pictures later on, but I took a few shots with my phone in the car. <br>
Hope you all have a wonderful day! <br>
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheX1A27IVMU4aiy3TMaW_cvn3avuXbqdwL9cWZeHU4Vc9_PEX-0lKOLsHpwOQ72x-FE-wepk7MWWI2i7Ef6ylEdBiBRbnXXXVF6G2kk6ZlsQehtbbkmRDjdVKeID_W4ZQMULTH9lw5wJhU/s1600/IMG_20140420_144751_036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheX1A27IVMU4aiy3TMaW_cvn3avuXbqdwL9cWZeHU4Vc9_PEX-0lKOLsHpwOQ72x-FE-wepk7MWWI2i7Ef6ylEdBiBRbnXXXVF6G2kk6ZlsQehtbbkmRDjdVKeID_W4ZQMULTH9lw5wJhU/s640/IMG_20140420_144751_036.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFwXeUsgBrt_CK4z74ed34_s-MbnNm2Sggl4l41xipVn0TfVUZNuodU8rvgSGP29-dRKZdH9iwNj5MiSBaXL37Z_daIgrYw5Mpg4i9ySD9f4JDxYhxRy8B1aCEoo_fsv3avPyjCZN1FXC/s1600/IMG_20140420_144525_800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFwXeUsgBrt_CK4z74ed34_s-MbnNm2Sggl4l41xipVn0TfVUZNuodU8rvgSGP29-dRKZdH9iwNj5MiSBaXL37Z_daIgrYw5Mpg4i9ySD9f4JDxYhxRy8B1aCEoo_fsv3avPyjCZN1FXC/s640/IMG_20140420_144525_800.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoy2CSL1rZE55qGGf3b8mwmbOqjmC-TpsQKcViTjK629o-jhyZgu9-Qq5mN-vpokK-nnqscYO5Fnjr3zmR7JAB4wcs7kNrYcraxNks5sNb3t6mRH44zf9y2dIIryRC2XxPD7g7bL3wzWJp/s1600/IMG_20140420_144430_841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoy2CSL1rZE55qGGf3b8mwmbOqjmC-TpsQKcViTjK629o-jhyZgu9-Qq5mN-vpokK-nnqscYO5Fnjr3zmR7JAB4wcs7kNrYcraxNks5sNb3t6mRH44zf9y2dIIryRC2XxPD7g7bL3wzWJp/s640/IMG_20140420_144430_841.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmE87rgA8jOe6XNc3SACSTr_bgzWRJOcd45lbnYY7Mlh1b7dFlrBFcbdIjhbkZiAD7wwBV_Nxzgvpqsohb0mCU_TkV6mNg7p38nkASjVcd_QA0voTD-zFjjpMrBk2JnNlRXdANguCMMre/s1600/1398020289082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmE87rgA8jOe6XNc3SACSTr_bgzWRJOcd45lbnYY7Mlh1b7dFlrBFcbdIjhbkZiAD7wwBV_Nxzgvpqsohb0mCU_TkV6mNg7p38nkASjVcd_QA0voTD-zFjjpMrBk2JnNlRXdANguCMMre/s640/1398020289082.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrcXzexLaSIxzxY5MJRNz8a4VpAmUVDWDjbNem7f-6WUh_HuDJ5QkNwWSoZjbKhaWJm10Pcl1YzblX1r9VwTRClFfYM8hXz-qXfAGh4LtDHQiMlOoETqsqY4kDj-_7lemfEc1wyLDfRQl/s1600/IMG_20140420_144143_199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrcXzexLaSIxzxY5MJRNz8a4VpAmUVDWDjbNem7f-6WUh_HuDJ5QkNwWSoZjbKhaWJm10Pcl1YzblX1r9VwTRClFfYM8hXz-qXfAGh4LtDHQiMlOoETqsqY4kDj-_7lemfEc1wyLDfRQl/s640/IMG_20140420_144143_199.jpg"> </a> </div>annacarterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062600423763652148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799018173383789764.post-50300611930603520242014-04-16T12:28:00.000-04:002014-05-07T09:05:54.594-04:00Frozen Inspired Painted Door. Elsa's Bedroom Door. Hey everyone! Today we are smack in the middle of spring break. All of my kids have been home for a few days and we have had absolutely nothing planned. We have literally done...nothing. I have slept in until 10 every day this week. I feel like I'm in high school...haha. My oldest is finally old enough to watch the youngest when she wakes up, so I don't have to. They are currently having "game day" (board games) on the kitchen table right now....and my two little girls have been assigned the cleverly chosen job of "cheerleader." My son is quite crafty when it comes to both appeasing and deflecting his little sisters. I did miss my Monday post because we were SUPER busy over the weekend, so sorry for that. I'm trying so hard to stick to a schedule. I am going to do a post on Friday and I'll tell you about our awesome weekend. <br />
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Today, I have an awesome post to share with you. This, my friends, is all the proof you need that I am the coolest mom ever! Ha! Well, at least my kids think so, and that's all that counts...but let me tell you, I scored some major brownie points with this one. We have been watching quite a bit of Disney's Frozen since it came out. My little girls are obsessed. (along with the rest of the girls in this country it seems) They know every word to every song (which means so do I) and they have already decided that they will be Elsa and Anna for Halloween this year. For me, although I do really like the music, the best part of that movie was the lavish, gorgeous detail on EVERYTHING. It was such eye candy to me. Every time I watched it, I noticed something new and I would just gawk. I really loved all of the beautiful hand painted details all over. I believe they call it rosemaling. I had never heard of it before this, but I'm well versed now, I tell ya. One of my favorite things from the movie was Elsa's blue bedroom door...I was just stunned. I think it's BEAUTIFUL. I also think it's one of the most recognizable features from the movie as well. Every little girl that sees it, knows exactly where it is from. After watching the movie, I kept thinking that I needed to paint some kind of Norwegian style rosemaling on one of our doors somewhere.... but then I though that it wouldn't really "go" with the style I've got going on in here....but I still love it so much! Then one night when I was sitting in my girls' bedroom putting them to sleep, I had the thought to paint Elsa's bedroom door....on their closet! I couldn't hold myself back after that. It was on.... like Donkey Kong. <br />
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I started by looking for pictures of the door.....which were incredibly hard to find! You can find little snap shots, but not full door pictures that were close enough to tell what was painted on it. I ended up pulling up the video clip of Do You Want To Build a Snowman and freezing the shots where you could see good detail of the door. You're welcome for doing that for you if you want to recreate this. It was a big pain it the behind. Seriously.<br />
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Here's the video. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5SzfyDHl85j9nMpNcAEMTrFdKo2tjKVFmIlYYXz47A8u1hsCOBGyTpQC_C_-50jUSm9ggImDFs6oxY-vww278oIc4j57b9gtpU-w_cFk904dlHq2VQJiZC2N9SCcP-cnkygayaiBhDXR/s1600/elsasdoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5SzfyDHl85j9nMpNcAEMTrFdKo2tjKVFmIlYYXz47A8u1hsCOBGyTpQC_C_-50jUSm9ggImDFs6oxY-vww278oIc4j57b9gtpU-w_cFk904dlHq2VQJiZC2N9SCcP-cnkygayaiBhDXR/s1600/elsasdoor.jpg" height="499" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVJlbr9uRLILkk8C3nXcXhaetHzqTcq53VEXluEaTFQFxBiotyw53NgNWL_x8SiuFRgIozHwFJy1pWF2mwnyn5zSooMBHuWSjB41hOvyrTBrWzIJuDksJVF593nxlASmJCJy8SZ601bhQ/s1600/frozen-snowman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVJlbr9uRLILkk8C3nXcXhaetHzqTcq53VEXluEaTFQFxBiotyw53NgNWL_x8SiuFRgIozHwFJy1pWF2mwnyn5zSooMBHuWSjB41hOvyrTBrWzIJuDksJVF593nxlASmJCJy8SZ601bhQ/s1600/frozen-snowman.jpg" height="480" width="480" /></a></div>
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Then I sketched the design on my closet door. I copied the design exactly, but I changed the scale of it in some places, so that it would fit on my door. It's mostly just squished to be skinnier. My door is not a "palace door." I also added a few little design elements of my own for balance. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqrQlAGgX3XTbYRsqJjziiEy3lR_V3gF7I7kNXel69QXhidzi1uDErtD2LgCyFj39otLZgH5JA8ANuCb947UX1ISHrWkBfZQUGuCUvPXRhcQdXe00X-YF4SyV8ZcUvcFNZMb8R_zw0svd/s1600/IMG_20140324_154418_189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqrQlAGgX3XTbYRsqJjziiEy3lR_V3gF7I7kNXel69QXhidzi1uDErtD2LgCyFj39otLZgH5JA8ANuCb947UX1ISHrWkBfZQUGuCUvPXRhcQdXe00X-YF4SyV8ZcUvcFNZMb8R_zw0svd/s1600/IMG_20140324_154418_189.jpg" height="646" width="480" /></a></div>
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This took a lot of patience and quite a lot of erasing, but I eventually got it down. I think I could draw this in my sleep now. In hind sight, I think I would have benefited from a ruler or tape measure, but I was impatient and free-handed the whole thing. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXfp8zCgQMnmkAKoPNfoE2no1qCO0DuAKuivuH66N0zA_OIHajKMUUyN2GJ1T11Xooqa1yjC3jj4nwP6OXsAtRqqnXQC9dyb0BNrCibVQaCPRY8Ytf4xeQQz6DRHgOZkNuPB-oYrnwIgv/s1600/IMG_20140324_180048_290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXfp8zCgQMnmkAKoPNfoE2no1qCO0DuAKuivuH66N0zA_OIHajKMUUyN2GJ1T11Xooqa1yjC3jj4nwP6OXsAtRqqnXQC9dyb0BNrCibVQaCPRY8Ytf4xeQQz6DRHgOZkNuPB-oYrnwIgv/s1600/IMG_20140324_180048_290.jpg" height="646" width="480" /></a></div>
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Next I started adding the royal blue paint. I just used regular craft paint and a tiny paintbrush. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjpJZHNFJgw0SGY0IgfOVEGKUmlgPKKSSzR0EO5wzOgV2K3YjNOQV8A0JgFfkm2UGGEdFhh225A7Og6WdYQ7ttyDMAbkn9tx9teN5D45LGbPTveOfmAZ6XyIdKDMTaHOv28UHhh0iVZ32/s1600/IMG_20140324_201721_882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjpJZHNFJgw0SGY0IgfOVEGKUmlgPKKSSzR0EO5wzOgV2K3YjNOQV8A0JgFfkm2UGGEdFhh225A7Og6WdYQ7ttyDMAbkn9tx9teN5D45LGbPTveOfmAZ6XyIdKDMTaHOv28UHhh0iVZ32/s1600/IMG_20140324_201721_882.jpg" height="646" width="480" /></a></div>
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There were quite a lot of dark eraser smudges. I ended up finding a big white eraser to get those off. The darkness came from using one that was on the end of a pencil, instead of a decent one. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5PEOPNa2gB8cnkRA1PL1585OHgAnzdA6A_bJqnAIdyqUHgkNKOSRVRM-FpRpaZZh6LhNSNI3PRRxZPT3Y0wA1ZGfH7x_-QLmKeiAIGMyVYS-AVyzrFLkPi9uMp-rqYAxwpuCeDwOhM7zp/s1600/IMG_20140324_201745_093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5PEOPNa2gB8cnkRA1PL1585OHgAnzdA6A_bJqnAIdyqUHgkNKOSRVRM-FpRpaZZh6LhNSNI3PRRxZPT3Y0wA1ZGfH7x_-QLmKeiAIGMyVYS-AVyzrFLkPi9uMp-rqYAxwpuCeDwOhM7zp/s1600/IMG_20140324_201745_093.jpg" height="646" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpchD-KaNqkGB3ld8qVaXIQhgNjBOqROAxWwSLMNf4JEf2_u0UigPoyTTLqx31R1CYGrQ4ky_P6jOEXMhZyfNKX25qmZNXkG3ve20Oe7nDDcgNQCgfMMSSXltU600q9qZwE6b5HRZZbBrM/s1600/IMG_20140325_200005_171%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpchD-KaNqkGB3ld8qVaXIQhgNjBOqROAxWwSLMNf4JEf2_u0UigPoyTTLqx31R1CYGrQ4ky_P6jOEXMhZyfNKX25qmZNXkG3ve20Oe7nDDcgNQCgfMMSSXltU600q9qZwE6b5HRZZbBrM/s1600/IMG_20140325_200005_171%257E2.jpg" height="718" width="480" /></a></div>
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After the royal blue, I added some dark violet purple in a few places and then a light ice blue/lavender in a few others. It was hard to pinpoint the exact colors of the secondary colors from the video, so I went with what I though would suite the room best, while trying to be as true to the original as possible. When I was done, I went back with white paint, and covered any smudges or mistakes or wavy, wonky lines to make it all look crisp. </div>
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Here's the finished product. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvGk-h0i7im2aTxDPkQmccjhRYydjmg8yK9EYBGSdrdyxHaeKKQRz7iL58wwheQp0ddlS-48XFDpydI8YTfK7PIgWzTY7ZEy6Tr18es5OUoVzlq81Xz7clxnElLJYNhuJonW615KWm8uV/s1600/SAM_2539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvGk-h0i7im2aTxDPkQmccjhRYydjmg8yK9EYBGSdrdyxHaeKKQRz7iL58wwheQp0ddlS-48XFDpydI8YTfK7PIgWzTY7ZEy6Tr18es5OUoVzlq81Xz7clxnElLJYNhuJonW615KWm8uV/s1600/SAM_2539.JPG" height="630" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmSJSBBiIxrfqq1U3dXxuFZu3yMBShFwRoigUhhlFi4w9v9kPmNZzjnE4gtH-TyyJHXusUxV6GBVIe-yV12nRrMxg83uS_qGNCdygm8tRw-SzccC5KtUw9CNIXpzdjzs5axLSUOVHAuWP/s1600/SAM_2547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmSJSBBiIxrfqq1U3dXxuFZu3yMBShFwRoigUhhlFi4w9v9kPmNZzjnE4gtH-TyyJHXusUxV6GBVIe-yV12nRrMxg83uS_qGNCdygm8tRw-SzccC5KtUw9CNIXpzdjzs5axLSUOVHAuWP/s1600/SAM_2547.JPG" height="468" width="480" /></a></div>
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I had to paint it over the indentions on the door,so at some angles the lines don't look strait, but they are....it's just an optical illusion. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DBqGib-xUsyU-Iz0jX95Wz22Y9b9DRpD8EnoRHogr0ARCFwR3KZSpqVgISiioP8Gmti8oQFvLtJ3EBtNbXBXDMJStNwKpRkgFkDmMkksfpTDBEVK4Od5_wjo2Ak59Mru3LYxzLCfPINE/s1600/SAM_2540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DBqGib-xUsyU-Iz0jX95Wz22Y9b9DRpD8EnoRHogr0ARCFwR3KZSpqVgISiioP8Gmti8oQFvLtJ3EBtNbXBXDMJStNwKpRkgFkDmMkksfpTDBEVK4Od5_wjo2Ak59Mru3LYxzLCfPINE/s1600/SAM_2540.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JBw7FEjtzRKddnr8Lmk77vQHTcctG2D4_zW3spBU6RMJyGrWweKT7J_LTRKbVRgKVNzpHHRDLREQ0xf9V-7AJRUANZLt0w7nnkPW5Kw6tdNYfDrqpgsxvPqLOZUDGODmqikG8cdFLpfE/s1600/SAM_2541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JBw7FEjtzRKddnr8Lmk77vQHTcctG2D4_zW3spBU6RMJyGrWweKT7J_LTRKbVRgKVNzpHHRDLREQ0xf9V-7AJRUANZLt0w7nnkPW5Kw6tdNYfDrqpgsxvPqLOZUDGODmqikG8cdFLpfE/s1600/SAM_2541.JPG" height="632" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1kY8D4lp6QrzFwPcAaunfAekPvh4r2rAdD0scLrXdg4cBCx3ZDW5DkX5zsU-oOVQaCDWp-aimXPsuk7rjXiMVtWAUMkLIavYhN9i_Qrk0arqQALu3OYp7U9A77isyKR8L6jNWR-jliZr/s1600/SAM_2543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1kY8D4lp6QrzFwPcAaunfAekPvh4r2rAdD0scLrXdg4cBCx3ZDW5DkX5zsU-oOVQaCDWp-aimXPsuk7rjXiMVtWAUMkLIavYhN9i_Qrk0arqQALu3OYp7U9A77isyKR8L6jNWR-jliZr/s1600/SAM_2543.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgso-CkwXK_9R_-_-6n715vdIkeHJGOYHG6tjx73eXm4QEUliII95LwgSmozu7Qgy5XBzuEb_Lj1UlzAPzZ18e_QaWhEduK_3KOsf-FLH3zBNRXO5ZG0-D4guK96x1MR8x9wnH517mSKxZg/s1600/SAM_2549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgso-CkwXK_9R_-_-6n715vdIkeHJGOYHG6tjx73eXm4QEUliII95LwgSmozu7Qgy5XBzuEb_Lj1UlzAPzZ18e_QaWhEduK_3KOsf-FLH3zBNRXO5ZG0-D4guK96x1MR8x9wnH517mSKxZg/s1600/SAM_2549.JPG" height="658" width="480" /></a></div>
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I added the design at the top out of my own imagination. I just needed something to fill that space, proportionately. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHnoTGXCM25VQxRcr32y6RU83aSdFkvhTcniChKbnKS2-tyx2RtAZsa5mrtP_xEgjVB6vYFoN7jfOBh9Ut8GEzimcV5R0qGA1o7HGXYbe2m9dqmhh1PLNTweLCcGnuRGmp6I6HeTqDNvU/s1600/SAM_2551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHnoTGXCM25VQxRcr32y6RU83aSdFkvhTcniChKbnKS2-tyx2RtAZsa5mrtP_xEgjVB6vYFoN7jfOBh9Ut8GEzimcV5R0qGA1o7HGXYbe2m9dqmhh1PLNTweLCcGnuRGmp6I6HeTqDNvU/s1600/SAM_2551.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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The paint did give a little bit of a painterly effect, although, it's kind of exaggerated a little in this picture. I like it though. You can tell it's hand painted and that's ok. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqQkvy3dRucWgQlryHkgXI16TSTygLP_0Q55T6-sRUNbeuToj-jAVJEj9hEkqIWnxMApkjhsXd6jD4Mako66bOBug0UhoZqUg48fWPuTTN2Ex2iCWMoNb_Muo_vjwPX0fCPWeW4DuwlaP/s1600/SAM_2546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqQkvy3dRucWgQlryHkgXI16TSTygLP_0Q55T6-sRUNbeuToj-jAVJEj9hEkqIWnxMApkjhsXd6jD4Mako66bOBug0UhoZqUg48fWPuTTN2Ex2iCWMoNb_Muo_vjwPX0fCPWeW4DuwlaP/s1600/SAM_2546.JPG" height="626" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPsUi1x5xzw61jvtA5aJdKHZqITbRPdgz-dAx-Dty5xQMG7nBQsIJj4h6_R3fumU2HKkVV5UFFqmkMhk-QIOlKuMaZ8lGs-cxfrdz_tyEoxcQ8hdRRVapXHMgdzFGxmbLeoytssmtl4WZ/s1600/SAM_2545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPsUi1x5xzw61jvtA5aJdKHZqITbRPdgz-dAx-Dty5xQMG7nBQsIJj4h6_R3fumU2HKkVV5UFFqmkMhk-QIOlKuMaZ8lGs-cxfrdz_tyEoxcQ8hdRRVapXHMgdzFGxmbLeoytssmtl4WZ/s1600/SAM_2545.JPG" height="596" width="480" /></a></div>
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I wanted to do four of the boxed in patterns like it is in the movie, but it just really wouldn't fit, so I ended up just repeating the flower pattern all the way down instead. </div>
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Sorry about the crazy shadows....I really stink at taking pictures. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0xV4hdAmJElBzuh1voyvM_zFVLkTCAL0onR92PQSoppl0XRhh8XSYYBduyBz2wZfHxQo4gdUNswe_SpeC27Rz-msEiCO5-MPXBzsX8u9ofOuG2BCNdxlSbHOnXd-4LnaKEnwqV_2fNxs/s1600/SAM_2548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0xV4hdAmJElBzuh1voyvM_zFVLkTCAL0onR92PQSoppl0XRhh8XSYYBduyBz2wZfHxQo4gdUNswe_SpeC27Rz-msEiCO5-MPXBzsX8u9ofOuG2BCNdxlSbHOnXd-4LnaKEnwqV_2fNxs/s1600/SAM_2548.JPG" height="490" width="480" /></a></div>
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I also added the parts shown above and below to it. The middle just needed "something" and this is what I came up with. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsS9xRKiH_gvbPQJTSSr464lYxx-TQxPe9H8KKsFzMVfGWTAtZXW1f0S2sYT39AltnLuClrq3wwRszUsolHnIDyn7RgTRIKUnysu-_7rT1kArIKT7j7PkH1dIy3v78PBuaGaYgsfF26wW/s1600/SAM_2550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsS9xRKiH_gvbPQJTSSr464lYxx-TQxPe9H8KKsFzMVfGWTAtZXW1f0S2sYT39AltnLuClrq3wwRszUsolHnIDyn7RgTRIKUnysu-_7rT1kArIKT7j7PkH1dIy3v78PBuaGaYgsfF26wW/s1600/SAM_2550.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAaa4EebGTVBTftxAouHvE9DZ5rgRN2JtWx8bR5i0ExcvpRLLLKxsj9IHWB1W86MTWVIe6e-CNpvcTsYrc_n3olKNrJCVHnJlpm3n5kmrenbPrLS2T_6trdd-4s4hBmsXxdYuRbwbhdkcw/s1600/SAM_2542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAaa4EebGTVBTftxAouHvE9DZ5rgRN2JtWx8bR5i0ExcvpRLLLKxsj9IHWB1W86MTWVIe6e-CNpvcTsYrc_n3olKNrJCVHnJlpm3n5kmrenbPrLS2T_6trdd-4s4hBmsXxdYuRbwbhdkcw/s1600/SAM_2542.JPG" height="490" width="480" /></a></div>
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I painted the knobs with a little flower pattern as well....not sure if I like it though...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVYxJ6VSb1tzGB7XHkyJgtA2Xu_A8-swLJH60NsbYMZfLsmYDhyK7hxFvUgLk8DSBKv5-VN8gxhewfnmh4SA7VRTjoY1NKZcnzdwA5EuUEH5LWGkk5Z-0rUDq2QS1qO4Nevpsg0se9XvQ/s1600/SAM_2552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVYxJ6VSb1tzGB7XHkyJgtA2Xu_A8-swLJH60NsbYMZfLsmYDhyK7hxFvUgLk8DSBKv5-VN8gxhewfnmh4SA7VRTjoY1NKZcnzdwA5EuUEH5LWGkk5Z-0rUDq2QS1qO4Nevpsg0se9XvQ/s1600/SAM_2552.JPG" height="634" width="480" /></a></div>
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My girls LOVE this....and so do I! I think whenever we move, this door is coming with us! </div>
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I still have a couple of touch ups to do, and I've thought about giving it a clear coat of poly, so that I can scrub it and keep it clean without having to worry about scrubbing the craft paint off. I'll let you know how that goes. For now....I'm totally happy with it! </div>
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Now.....to work up the courage to take care of what's on the other side of that door....it's scary y'all. </div>
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xoxo! </div>
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Anna</div>
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shared with</div>
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