tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66039936198948741132024-03-05T11:36:58.353-08:00ALMOST HOMEAdventures in making a house {or two} feel like a home . . .Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998248755046711340noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603993619894874113.post-18858984852808756352015-10-01T14:29:00.000-07:002015-10-01T14:36:57.353-07:00Our Newly Painted HouseI know there can be plenty of negatives when it comes to social media, but can I just say how great it can also be?! The fact that I posted on Instagram and Facebook last week asking for help choosing a paint color for our house, dozens of people took the time to read about <a href="http://anneworthington.blogspot.com/2015/09/help-sister-out-choosing-exterior-paint.html" target="_blank">my dilemna</a> and share their thoughts with me, and then all celebrated with me when the house got painted and I loved the color? That is just so great, and my heart is full. That is also a long-winded way of saying thank you! Thank you for caring about me and the color of our little house :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-dcWHo_8HHJMV6uq66WY1sHvu1J2DC6HJ4GwEfE3z2uXTjBOqlnP1RSTzkdXKxJZGF7UAu3JloqasVS9K95-XEoVS68B0-Lx_ZOhyphenhyphenAdEzO34SbUETH3iwCEFAqPbaPhZi0KLpE0f-IVv/s1600/IMG_3912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-dcWHo_8HHJMV6uq66WY1sHvu1J2DC6HJ4GwEfE3z2uXTjBOqlnP1RSTzkdXKxJZGF7UAu3JloqasVS9K95-XEoVS68B0-Lx_ZOhyphenhyphenAdEzO34SbUETH3iwCEFAqPbaPhZi0KLpE0f-IVv/s640/IMG_3912.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shout out to Sesame Street seen through the front windows! </span></td></tr>
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And speaking of the color, I could not love it more. When I put out my paint poll, it was encouraging to see that people's opinions were all over the map. At least I felt like I couldn't really go wrong, but it also made it a little harder to bite the bullet and choose one. Thinking back on the process, I think part of what had been holding me up was a lack of clarity over what direction to try to take our house in terms of style. While I'm not sure it truly qualifies as a classic midcentury home, it was built in the 60's and it certainly has elements of that era. Hearing people's feedback on the colors and finding examples on Pinterest of somewhat similar homes that had used the color Kendall Charcoal (by Benjamin Moore) helped solidify in my mind that this was the route I wanted to go. <br />
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Truth be told, I really loved the greenish gray color, Sharkskin (option "A" in my photo), and would probably have chosen that color for a different style house. But I am certain Kendall Charcoal is what this particular house was meant to be. And I am so relieved that I feel that way. Would it be a stretch to say that I feel that my soul has been revived as a result? Perhaps not. I'm happy to be the poster girl for why aesthetics and beauty matter because let me tell you--feeling excited about the way the outside of my house looks has done no small thing to my spirit! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was an uncharacteristically cloudy day yesterday when I snapped these pictures. You know I must love you all if I am including a picture of that sad yard. I have no shame.</span></td></tr>
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It was sort of a happy accident, but I love how the house color plays off the different colors in the brick and pebble patios. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'd like to find something that can climb up that blank wall...</span></td></tr>
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There is much to be done in terms of landscaping. I am far from an expert on this topic, so I am hoping that a trip to a local nursery + some photos of my house with info on lighting (that's pretty easy as it's sunny just about every day) will yield me some good options. I'd love to plant a bougainvillea in the large terra cotta pot and let it climb up and over the garage. A house down the street has done this, and I really like the look. We plan to move the bushes that are currently looking sparse (only because we hacked them all down prior to having the house painted) in the bed right in front of the windows to a different spot and do something new in their place. Green + height + drought tolerant are the main priorities. I think some window boxes under the small windows and the kitchen window (above the unpainted brick) could add some interest, so long as I can find a window box style that would work with our style house…<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Don't you love my little gardener? She's raking leaves on our <i>turf. </i>Philip recently installed it, and I have to say, it looks really good for fake grass. And it's always green! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We hope to plant a winter garden in our raised bed!</span></td></tr>
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Before we can attempt much of that though, it needs to do this thing called R A I N….we actually got our first shower in something like six months just yesterday! Hopefully more rain will be on the way (East Coast friends, I know you are getting dumped on…please send it our way!!), and we can start more substantial landscaping projects. Until then, I'll have to quench my thirst for green and color with some potted mums. Mums always make me feel like I'm ushering in Autumn.<br />
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**If anyone local is in need of a referral for a contractor, I'd love to put you in touch with our guy. He painted our house and also has done most all of our interior renovations. He's honest, dependable, does good work, and has the best prices in Davis! Also--I joke that he is like a father figure to me out here in CA…he even brought me a cheeseburger when they were here working…what more could you ask for?!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998248755046711340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603993619894874113.post-2289872090469616402015-09-24T14:10:00.000-07:002015-09-24T14:13:53.583-07:00Help a Sister Out! {Choosing Exterior Paint!}I am in a major time crunch to pick the color our house will be painted <i>tomorrow! </i>Please, dear friends and readers, lend an indecisive lady your eyes and insight, won't you please?!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything has been pulled away from the house and it has been pressure-washed as of this morning!</td></tr>
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I'll try to keep this short and sweet. For various reasons, I've decided I want to paint our house a dark color. Partly because I just want the chance to experiment with something different (and when you know you aren't going to live there forever, risky decisions seem a little less, well…risky.); partly because I think a dark, dramatic look may help our place stand out a bit. In the absence of much architectural interest or charm (I honestly do not even know what style/era our house is?), I feel like a dark gray could add a little weight and gravitas to our humble abode. I'm so excited to have it painted--once that's done, I've got big plans to spruce up the landscaping (if it will ever rain?!)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">This discussion is for another post, but let these pictures serve as evidence that the struggle is real out here in Cali…we are in a drought, hence my sad "yard" where everything is dying.</span></i></td></tr>
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I've basically narrowed it down to three options. <br />
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Option A is Benjamin Moore's Sharkskin, a grayish green. When I look at the swatch on my house, in certain light, it reads pretty green, and I'm not sure if it's maybe too green? But when I saw it painted on this house, I loved it and just had to find out the color. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kRj4TbzX3Fj9h86MaP2bYpB8BEug6VI_9z2JGJlO5XCYzgCGW3XGloYPveXkjtKv5UK14ychwvbi_sOTdLWR253RzvGFrvoYgxphfcdZsKYDaR5jPiLtRChB6bJaCh8IvWm1VUVP8l-A/s1600/ed7f4e4b3311cc2064610625cb815a21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kRj4TbzX3Fj9h86MaP2bYpB8BEug6VI_9z2JGJlO5XCYzgCGW3XGloYPveXkjtKv5UK14ychwvbi_sOTdLWR253RzvGFrvoYgxphfcdZsKYDaR5jPiLtRChB6bJaCh8IvWm1VUVP8l-A/s640/ed7f4e4b3311cc2064610625cb815a21.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.restoredstyle.com/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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Maybe a gray that has a little color to it (in this case, green) wouldn't be such a bad thing?!<br />
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Option B is Benjamin Moore's Kendall Charcoal, a darker gray with brown undertones. Here are some examples of houses that have been painted Kendall Charcoal (at least according to Pinterest--hope the captions are accurate!).<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tqLgNsARYz3Dgqfc2vfSQqp3oDRZre_Y0ljeu0MiH9h3lpEsBxJZLaNy1mw_ergK8kG1nymCujgqhJZR_1Mv3fHOXm58XEAP2w_o6bWdilqyD44CvkGz1qfGdP2lLy4mw52lNAZVlAiQ/s1600/b951dc55d54408526f34c1cd93de7e7c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tqLgNsARYz3Dgqfc2vfSQqp3oDRZre_Y0ljeu0MiH9h3lpEsBxJZLaNy1mw_ergK8kG1nymCujgqhJZR_1Mv3fHOXm58XEAP2w_o6bWdilqyD44CvkGz1qfGdP2lLy4mw52lNAZVlAiQ/s640/b951dc55d54408526f34c1cd93de7e7c.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/diamondpainting" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERXNiyGnlb7vTF_ELwMojbeUkgTY8t9wp0Iq8Bms2TFniU65outRjcnmc5mnDmwAewrCdeZ9WfYiqCvHrdqPnxob1fzLtGGuI7jHfasthPnNjiK-kGSWfd_hLxmOt6CXp6s7vn9w_TaaW/s1600/462cdd66db54a3d28dd10734ed5566ac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERXNiyGnlb7vTF_ELwMojbeUkgTY8t9wp0Iq8Bms2TFniU65outRjcnmc5mnDmwAewrCdeZ9WfYiqCvHrdqPnxob1fzLtGGuI7jHfasthPnNjiK-kGSWfd_hLxmOt6CXp6s7vn9w_TaaW/s640/462cdd66db54a3d28dd10734ed5566ac.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.iwilldecor.com/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyH2zkYi_eIQaAHeaPo2LnoQi34RtbPek2wKrIjk5xb2UvvCzCyIwybeZ8z1cwl91XpouEJbugGq-0XidTNob3M285AYHNPiortAV6F_lsg7McP8q8Zf2n4uug2tM1306by_k8JZY2Y_o/s1600/b05e57105334daae9f8325c56858b729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyH2zkYi_eIQaAHeaPo2LnoQi34RtbPek2wKrIjk5xb2UvvCzCyIwybeZ8z1cwl91XpouEJbugGq-0XidTNob3M285AYHNPiortAV6F_lsg7McP8q8Zf2n4uug2tM1306by_k8JZY2Y_o/s640/b05e57105334daae9f8325c56858b729.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: Pinterest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Option C is Benjamin Moore's Amherst Gray, which feels the most like a true gray to me, with less undertones in it. I was leaning toward going this route, and I think it's a pretty safe choice, but maybe safe is not always better?!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzr1FW_ciSyQUYzX8fMMffkFftzm1na-jNdZ93B2n45DGtZ1_CnsR4gL9dP9wb6u-yq11_LD8OlwS2mN_Zyv-eKR1XAlmpj4NjQn63mNohvdAVF2MG3eKklrd1lLawAqF3xt-EwSPbb88l/s1600/81e232fe7ffa84178859a8ab1d899084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzr1FW_ciSyQUYzX8fMMffkFftzm1na-jNdZ93B2n45DGtZ1_CnsR4gL9dP9wb6u-yq11_LD8OlwS2mN_Zyv-eKR1XAlmpj4NjQn63mNohvdAVF2MG3eKklrd1lLawAqF3xt-EwSPbb88l/s640/81e232fe7ffa84178859a8ab1d899084.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.atshirtandpearls.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKU_BwcQcYLZSZUnylThVh8hlv3ssj7TCb2izXvjX75V5bqO1i6FgkCoX82Qpdl4nnUOkeFXQqkzLU23DX3Dy5XaxDe9iGtrftTNDa04jP04U8evpgyTrMfuABtoCZ5JXrv-rV2v1IOea/s1600/b60f660e841343f9d9afc205497fee4f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKU_BwcQcYLZSZUnylThVh8hlv3ssj7TCb2izXvjX75V5bqO1i6FgkCoX82Qpdl4nnUOkeFXQqkzLU23DX3Dy5XaxDe9iGtrftTNDa04jP04U8evpgyTrMfuABtoCZ5JXrv-rV2v1IOea/s640/b60f660e841343f9d9afc205497fee4f.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.12oaksblog.com/" target="_blank">source</a><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
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A couple things to consider--most everything will be painted whatever color we choose…there will be a little bit of white at the windows and around the garage (not pictured), but I've decided I want the trim at the roofline painted the same as the body of the house. To me, a flat-roofed house doesn't do itself any favors by having the trim stand out. I was thinking of having that little block of brick painted, but at least for now, we may leave that as is…<br />
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So, what do you think?! Time is running out!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998248755046711340noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603993619894874113.post-61238067999125071312015-09-01T13:26:00.001-07:002015-09-01T13:30:30.145-07:00My Talented Friend CarsonOne of the highlights of my trip home this summer was getting to spend time with a talented friend and relative, <a href="http://www.carsonprice.com/" target="_blank">Carson Price</a>. We officially met years ago when we both lived in Richmond and instantly bonded over our love of interior design and our shared affection for a local midwife, <a href="http://www.richmondbirthservices.com/" target="_blank">Nancy Giglio</a>, we both used for our home births. Come to find out, we are even related--third cousins once removed! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuB9YrdZhmo76_aBZc4RehWwsbQWQ5BcmeTZ9qpdlqTekUk4bJVeBvnoNgo6UUEq16cbXqfh0Wb0EAWEi8050BVs1FeMTV2bhzYj2GOGzR0JmY2JPKM_Oa6h76-lbQ96sOdlQp2w-MVRnl/s1600/IMG_7580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuB9YrdZhmo76_aBZc4RehWwsbQWQ5BcmeTZ9qpdlqTekUk4bJVeBvnoNgo6UUEq16cbXqfh0Wb0EAWEi8050BVs1FeMTV2bhzYj2GOGzR0JmY2JPKM_Oa6h76-lbQ96sOdlQp2w-MVRnl/s640/IMG_7580.jpg" width="598" /></a></div>
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All of that to say, it was so fun to reconnect with Carson and get a peek at what she has been up to lately. She has gotten back into painting, and I'm so glad she did! <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4qTdM0emxTkYsTDEa2dOawFc9FY6TXap5R-qilZW8RZhTfUbdPdV_a9D1P-AperC9ctaVCSJyFZHYaVXqGL6uR3m938PaheUWdR8XmuDWMOuDttA7bhewccaYihWe8RfzA_fSoODnwqE/s1600/31f2f2be6847651938e86896b29af2e0-68ad45f14fb87424f5ab2eadf31ac0d3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4qTdM0emxTkYsTDEa2dOawFc9FY6TXap5R-qilZW8RZhTfUbdPdV_a9D1P-AperC9ctaVCSJyFZHYaVXqGL6uR3m938PaheUWdR8XmuDWMOuDttA7bhewccaYihWe8RfzA_fSoODnwqE/s640/31f2f2be6847651938e86896b29af2e0-68ad45f14fb87424f5ab2eadf31ac0d3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I LOVE LOVE LOVE this gorgeous painting of what I'm going to guess is the James River. </span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqB0T__fPGo13gX0wCZQV4DgFNk5GF6auwe1osuyJFx7PG8GVGZONnGF6DHn0erHeqb1xEjN6uEkC0SHSc7deHwrBOnJ5jDRsEz6K19EjgVYoX6i4dAjED4pdi_F2KI0EjE6g0erX1BdjP/s1600/dfc6f73df5ef6e56766d0b7a080b2af6-02747adcc78ce8b274e58f41cc4a4d45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqB0T__fPGo13gX0wCZQV4DgFNk5GF6auwe1osuyJFx7PG8GVGZONnGF6DHn0erHeqb1xEjN6uEkC0SHSc7deHwrBOnJ5jDRsEz6K19EjgVYoX6i4dAjED4pdi_F2KI0EjE6g0erX1BdjP/s640/dfc6f73df5ef6e56766d0b7a080b2af6-02747adcc78ce8b274e58f41cc4a4d45.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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She focuses on nudes, landscapes, and abstracts. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkpD57l3HaubQzfJCwbG-kR-yeP0OYyc8gDgL193EbD2TNTaBJpQt6H1IRZ32hSHQrWYu9BnRv07dPl6RQTrd-js0H5OKUNO7SnT6-qF_dj7j-7pUur8iMYp4AJ5XRf-VfyxrWgg-HMN6/s1600/f944cb9d5f04358993d5922950087cc7-7f1c411a5fd3abfb5a02056bc674a365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkpD57l3HaubQzfJCwbG-kR-yeP0OYyc8gDgL193EbD2TNTaBJpQt6H1IRZ32hSHQrWYu9BnRv07dPl6RQTrd-js0H5OKUNO7SnT6-qF_dj7j-7pUur8iMYp4AJ5XRf-VfyxrWgg-HMN6/s640/f944cb9d5f04358993d5922950087cc7-7f1c411a5fd3abfb5a02056bc674a365.jpg" width="570" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love the way she uses color in her nudes.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jvwexDBhRM3nUBWGnjjZjFeu5TJc0K_ET1VkliAUOE7ezm8fWQ_ZO_pPHehtAIHGI9uOpyuRyIjnRiiJjAsbHyuQ-4Y9O3QHIcv4cNtkS3thz22IgYkj_Sh4ZVBPJD0xed9ltECixfh_/s1600/abd62678b299255102390a66cbbf266d-e04f7b2be6552eed2d153fd2dd9708af.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jvwexDBhRM3nUBWGnjjZjFeu5TJc0K_ET1VkliAUOE7ezm8fWQ_ZO_pPHehtAIHGI9uOpyuRyIjnRiiJjAsbHyuQ-4Y9O3QHIcv4cNtkS3thz22IgYkj_Sh4ZVBPJD0xed9ltECixfh_/s640/abd62678b299255102390a66cbbf266d-e04f7b2be6552eed2d153fd2dd9708af.jpg" width="522" /></a></div>
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These are just a few favorites I pulled from her website. When I visited her at her home in Richmond, I could not help but snap a few pictures (with my phone…definitely not the best quality to capture how truly beautiful it all was!) of her lovely home! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUaJSobl3bYT9pvELCsACYBSVORd3EC77LDDhLvNmeyMUhIF6tP7LsOi2fxNK0l_YaaNF08XAp69zDMKqEd7noYo6iTZb1EdNbcFXf3gDDUdWnIoiVV7FopzHSRufO4zWqU7A8O7qVUFDf/s1600/IMG_7735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUaJSobl3bYT9pvELCsACYBSVORd3EC77LDDhLvNmeyMUhIF6tP7LsOi2fxNK0l_YaaNF08XAp69zDMKqEd7noYo6iTZb1EdNbcFXf3gDDUdWnIoiVV7FopzHSRufO4zWqU7A8O7qVUFDf/s640/IMG_7735.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6ZKSD5VdgcdgYkymmtvxfhjJESeB3-CwHI3LOkHFhknAjuoAnYyk2EmGqYKTiSJ4aYHWBKTVd5k82lSgUgDIu41aFoaR9TIBtHSryXRJpdngE6UPfAWQe6W_J2kGnF1nUSO6lUzFzPEO/s1600/IMG_7731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6ZKSD5VdgcdgYkymmtvxfhjJESeB3-CwHI3LOkHFhknAjuoAnYyk2EmGqYKTiSJ4aYHWBKTVd5k82lSgUgDIu41aFoaR9TIBtHSryXRJpdngE6UPfAWQe6W_J2kGnF1nUSO6lUzFzPEO/s640/IMG_7731.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPge7hLh3OKQWdakI8rrLOlfEiyGDzZ2o8Cuk2XQFjQbsyzTjGdWj8d4JUNcrwosNndk_WTG_xFvxz6-IK59HicvTWHYTAz4g3Wfdv_U9A9uyCHPmF0abICLxgMZ-Nh8JvwVP0Qpwoe7nk/s1600/IMG_7738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPge7hLh3OKQWdakI8rrLOlfEiyGDzZ2o8Cuk2XQFjQbsyzTjGdWj8d4JUNcrwosNndk_WTG_xFvxz6-IK59HicvTWHYTAz4g3Wfdv_U9A9uyCHPmF0abICLxgMZ-Nh8JvwVP0Qpwoe7nk/s640/IMG_7738.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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What is truly amazing is that so much of what you are seeing are DIY projects Carson has completed. You know you have got some skills when it looks like you paid a professional big bucks when really you whipped it out on the cheap! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtAKeLFlo-8Zz03knucDXUYLZSLTeh8_bXOMInLbm0T3UzkVL5jiIC-jVLBegbD7oo6JNpTlxvIvJ0y3vVipbTkOc3P2mLpDOMeuITgD-tKFn3d2NDA0qR_wHzD-OY_BgJSXpAZakYxhx/s1600/IMG_7730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtAKeLFlo-8Zz03knucDXUYLZSLTeh8_bXOMInLbm0T3UzkVL5jiIC-jVLBegbD7oo6JNpTlxvIvJ0y3vVipbTkOc3P2mLpDOMeuITgD-tKFn3d2NDA0qR_wHzD-OY_BgJSXpAZakYxhx/s640/IMG_7730.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">That credenza? She </span><i>lacquered</i><span style="font-size: small;"> it herself!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLiwZJUbOKsITvpWAkZSVsdgUPxC3erW8q_T37oKlhbz8OiNF-7H2xZRaRtQHGZpbQHod3rtfHJAk5mgDB2pBzHHwSsQx8onDLgCaUZjgeY153EFgeqF_GnbY3ddjIV5eOjMLBHbRZDHC/s1600/IMG_7733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLiwZJUbOKsITvpWAkZSVsdgUPxC3erW8q_T37oKlhbz8OiNF-7H2xZRaRtQHGZpbQHod3rtfHJAk5mgDB2pBzHHwSsQx8onDLgCaUZjgeY153EFgeqF_GnbY3ddjIV5eOjMLBHbRZDHC/s640/IMG_7733.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SuZ9__kvJlQ4n_qEmFPPR1CGbheJBEOZI7wc450udy8197CTwO6shG23XhyIyccHXC-a3-vpqGlYkK0iFBu4_2GPFxhJ9MlZhGqsLrVbzbS9ZnilH-ktdoHyjQNt8poODXT24f_iRxO-/s1600/IMG_7734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SuZ9__kvJlQ4n_qEmFPPR1CGbheJBEOZI7wc450udy8197CTwO6shG23XhyIyccHXC-a3-vpqGlYkK0iFBu4_2GPFxhJ9MlZhGqsLrVbzbS9ZnilH-ktdoHyjQNt8poODXT24f_iRxO-/s640/IMG_7734.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not wallpaper my friends…Carson hand stenciled these gorgeous walls. Do you spy that nude over the potty? Love that dark background...</span></td></tr>
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She has a show coming up at <a href="http://www.ruthandollie.com/" target="_blank">Ruth & Ollie</a> in Richmond on October 1 from 6-9 pm. Her home is bursting at the seams with beautiful pieces that will be on display there. As if I needed another reason to miss Richmond…<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQRFwGGB4UpAxBDixwGuAKg_icXh_f6k5euEyyq5OuXThFZ7yuwY5o7UurXqYv5UyPptfaz1I-U1uW7J0Gi1nwpQq-kvLTdeNF7zy6BauT93cpxnbGkcnqBO1ZRY-EssY9oft_zlSTVaz/s1600/IMG_7736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQRFwGGB4UpAxBDixwGuAKg_icXh_f6k5euEyyq5OuXThFZ7yuwY5o7UurXqYv5UyPptfaz1I-U1uW7J0Gi1nwpQq-kvLTdeNF7zy6BauT93cpxnbGkcnqBO1ZRY-EssY9oft_zlSTVaz/s640/IMG_7736.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Lucky for me, I got to bring home a little piece of Carson with me to California. Check out my very own Virginia-inspired landscape!<br />
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I love it! The bright colors are so happy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WBIYSxGQoTb3toTnc9Egt9_txvaYQx_CigCHoPTNJqrYeB1ChqBEQ4l4Qf4kNZ6R0GPYnk6Tk3YM6bJYS8_pEltfumj5eUfpA_EB5rND9xdPR_9Yx5TM0slyk4bQsYq-fgOZFk2O8mRn/s1600/IMG_3750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WBIYSxGQoTb3toTnc9Egt9_txvaYQx_CigCHoPTNJqrYeB1ChqBEQ4l4Qf4kNZ6R0GPYnk6Tk3YM6bJYS8_pEltfumj5eUfpA_EB5rND9xdPR_9Yx5TM0slyk4bQsYq-fgOZFk2O8mRn/s640/IMG_3750.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">(To anyone checking out my bookshelves…of course I've read Systematic Theology, cover to cover baby..where is that winking emoji when I need it?)</span></td></tr>
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Be sure to check out <a href="http://www.carsonprice.com/" target="_blank">Carson's website</a> and check out her work at <a href="http://www.ruthandollie.com/" target="_blank">Ruth & Ollie</a> starting in October! <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998248755046711340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603993619894874113.post-18458831640418315642015-06-29T00:08:00.000-07:002015-06-29T08:14:12.153-07:00Cookie Bites and Ottoman Covers, Oh My!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2FDRnI9c28PQ4Tdm6aePtMIUaZ-0P6CuRfIgQ8icJL2bRgAqVLF31fcm2IvW-f6iC6syofRxDXI9h-cPbwflTft4Cj8Z-IzwKQ_fHpXR4UqjDSCPME9q_eQWh-4zHgYzdt3_krnwxL6b/s1600/IMG_7327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2FDRnI9c28PQ4Tdm6aePtMIUaZ-0P6CuRfIgQ8icJL2bRgAqVLF31fcm2IvW-f6iC6syofRxDXI9h-cPbwflTft4Cj8Z-IzwKQ_fHpXR4UqjDSCPME9q_eQWh-4zHgYzdt3_krnwxL6b/s640/IMG_7327.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I posted this picture on Instagram recently, and a number of people asked me what exactly it was and if they could have the recipe.<br />
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I figured it would be easiest to share the recipe here, so here ya go!<br />
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<b>Cookie Dough Pretzel Bites*</b><br />
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1/2 c. unsalted butter<br />
1/2 c. brown sugar<br />
1/4 c. sugar<br />
2 Tbsp milk<br />
1 tsp. vanilla<br />
1 1/4 c. all purpose flour<br />
1/8 tsp. salt<br />
1/2 c. mini chocolate chips<br />
pretzels<br />
8 oz. chocolate chips (about 1 c.)<br />
1 tsp. coconut oil or shortening (for thinning the chocolate)<br />
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1. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.<br />
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2. In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and sugar together on medium speed until light and creamy. Add the milk and vanilla. Mix. Add the flour and salt all at once and slowly mix until everything is moist. Add the mini chocolate chips and mix. <br />
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3. Roll the dough into balls, about 1 1/2-2 tsp. of dough per sandwich, depending on desired cookie size. Sandwich balls between two pretzels and place on baking sheet. Freeze for 20 mins. <br />
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4. While the pretzel bites are chilling, melt the chocolate and the coconut oil or shortening in microwave for about 1 minute, stopping to stir every 20 seconds. Dip the pretzel bites halfway into the melted chocolate and place back on the baking sheet. Refrigerate the dipped bites for at least 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set. Cover and store pretzel bites in the fridge for up to five days. <br />
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*recipe found under my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/annebw/sweet-treats/" target="_blank">"<span style="color: black;">Sweet Treats"</span></a> Pinterest board. <br />
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It's an added bonus that this recipe is egg-free, which allows Wade to enjoy them! And enjoy them he did. I can't say that I blame him; they are quite tasty. <br />
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Switching gears, I just have to share a fun little project I just completed. Remember when I shared pictures of our entryway <a href="http://anneworthington.blogspot.com/2014/05/our-entryway.html" target="_blank">last year</a>?<br />
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I'd always planned to come up with some sort of slipcover for those ottomans because I knew that some fresh fabric could go a long way with their nice shape. (I was originally inspired by what <a href="http://emilyaclark.com/2012/04/finishing-our-foyer-new-ottomans.html" target="_blank">Emily A. Clark</a> did with a similar pair of ottomans.) I finally did it, and I have to say, I am so proud of myself! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrVpAdiLvlXvzh0JHrsLkPhY0hyphenhyphenZ7vX8H7ULCqovXxBNFePeXlJcdHcp_ujBJFBFpnP6OGGMpj_3ulf1HJ1oFFwve1rHOLcIbMk5kwt8C9zGQcahTqYgckzBcLElOwihX-94Yh7jkfTph/s1600/IMG_3554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrVpAdiLvlXvzh0JHrsLkPhY0hyphenhyphenZ7vX8H7ULCqovXxBNFePeXlJcdHcp_ujBJFBFpnP6OGGMpj_3ulf1HJ1oFFwve1rHOLcIbMk5kwt8C9zGQcahTqYgckzBcLElOwihX-94Yh7jkfTph/s640/IMG_3554.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Seriously, it is a minor miracle that I somehow managed to pull this off. I mean, I sewed these babies with minimal mistakes along the way and very little frustration. I can hardly believe it. I honestly find it challenging to even sew a straight line, so I really don't know how this happened. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZDAp7UiZTMrcDEKRHgRxRDvio4I80BUwu0olw2k1g9E7zuBd5sU0KNvcptZv38nGomCm_U-yGMqIxoRdMDqoe8_Yo0nbTE4MZHzi4rTfXTuatoBBSTWYR6CgoFJNGsW181zeNqV1TZMJ/s1600/IMG_3553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZDAp7UiZTMrcDEKRHgRxRDvio4I80BUwu0olw2k1g9E7zuBd5sU0KNvcptZv38nGomCm_U-yGMqIxoRdMDqoe8_Yo0nbTE4MZHzi4rTfXTuatoBBSTWYR6CgoFJNGsW181zeNqV1TZMJ/s640/IMG_3553.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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After I completed the first one, I was so tickled with myself, I may have giggled out loud with delight. (Let me be clear--I was also quite tired because I stayed up way too late getting these done. But I say, sometimes all a mama needs is to enjoy a finished project in the midst of the chaos, and the satisfaction that is found makes up for some of that lost sleep!)<br />
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The fabric I used is by <a href="http://www.housefabric.com/Safi-Dove-Grey-P166484C3638.aspx" target="_blank">Nate Berkus</a>. I had pinned it and then quite fortuitously found it for a very discounted price on eBay. I ordered it through <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1860655413"></span>this seller<span id="goog_1860655414"></span></a>. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWX23AEi9ngspr_ograqg4ZXo4ZMHn1VaaksHBTRQnpB5N6HP2H_D_cWs8kOOewiTFodGiYX9SvQ_s_CcwsheF9UWtxaA7LdQXc91hdGXp6glopkGHX_uTeuWjJ3AyGNJfOdIlvaaTF8h/s1600/IMG_3555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWX23AEi9ngspr_ograqg4ZXo4ZMHn1VaaksHBTRQnpB5N6HP2H_D_cWs8kOOewiTFodGiYX9SvQ_s_CcwsheF9UWtxaA7LdQXc91hdGXp6glopkGHX_uTeuWjJ3AyGNJfOdIlvaaTF8h/s640/IMG_3555.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Gosh, I love the feeling when my vision for a project comes to fruition! <br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6603993619894874113%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1845883164041831564&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-k6Pq9Euwv74%2FVZDojWr4HoI%2FAAAAAAAAK_I%2FSkl6DhtVHGU%2Fs640%2FIMG_7327.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.36&xuid=YDysgSsftCh5&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6603993619894874113%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1845883164041831564&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-k6Pq9Euwv74%2FVZDojWr4HoI%2FAAAAAAAAK_I%2FSkl6DhtVHGU%2Fs640%2FIMG_7327.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.36&xuid=YDysgSsftCh5&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998248755046711340noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603993619894874113.post-67848715527770140412015-06-16T00:04:00.002-07:002015-06-16T00:04:28.161-07:00Our New Patio SetOver the past couple weeks, Craigslist has been so kind to me. Humor me and get excited with me, won't you?<br />
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I've been scouring Craigslist for a teak patio set for a while now. (Did you know that when properly cared for, teak is said to last for generations? Amazing!) The wrought iron set we had was decent enough, but it only sat four, which made it difficult to host friends and eat outside. We were always wishing for more space and seating. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiooilzWynkVTqV5QcJpNjW3iYHRv2-K5_w9BLkmUT0CX1Dr6nDPQOzSnIJMDUHmytp5xgYRmJPNTmUbsH1ZHas_xRuJbHQECbRdUvFs0duN8RobCp85NtlMcggFDPKlFNXjp6E66m85SlD/s1600/31f792328e4f6ac34cd842e360fa8c64.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiooilzWynkVTqV5QcJpNjW3iYHRv2-K5_w9BLkmUT0CX1Dr6nDPQOzSnIJMDUHmytp5xgYRmJPNTmUbsH1ZHas_xRuJbHQECbRdUvFs0duN8RobCp85NtlMcggFDPKlFNXjp6E66m85SlD/s640/31f792328e4f6ac34cd842e360fa8c64.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Definitely not my house, but note the beautiful teak furniture!</span></td></tr>
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I have an alert set up through the Craigslist app (highly recommend, btw), so I am ready to pounce at a moment's notice when a post containing one of my keywords is found (in this case, "teak"). Can you imagine my horror when I inquired about a post literally six minutes after it went live, only to learn it was no longer available? Apparently, I was not the only one in hot pursuit of some teak. Not one to be easily deterred, this setback only intensified my drive, and a week or so later, a set was posted for sale for super cheap. The icing on the cake? It was located about 8 minutes from my house! <br />
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I'll leave out all the details of how obsessive and crazy I behaved while I waited to hear back from the sellers. Here I am rolling back up to my house with my new teak set in tow. Holler at my sweet neighbors who loaned me their van and trailer!!! <br />
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I love love love love love it! It even has a hidden leaf that extends the table to provide for more seating. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmgj1_ruIH8GKa4dqnljx3ItJjBbxQ65IIY0cvCqraIa91X-TAYFcAg1yYlTYfC3bRrTeyO8MA9g7dY0ePFj7W0a91jPcojU1sxBH9lVmdb07yfgyOSJDLm8V52sIKJONeWL6ZmbwkPCL/s1600/IMG_7105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmgj1_ruIH8GKa4dqnljx3ItJjBbxQ65IIY0cvCqraIa91X-TAYFcAg1yYlTYfC3bRrTeyO8MA9g7dY0ePFj7W0a91jPcojU1sxBH9lVmdb07yfgyOSJDLm8V52sIKJONeWL6ZmbwkPCL/s640/IMG_7105.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">grainy photo taken without enough light…</span></td></tr>
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I've started cleaning it, and it's amazing what a little elbow grease will do! I love the gray look of teak as it ages, but there was quite a bit of dirt that had to go. Check out what a difference it made:<br />
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Our new patio set has given me much-needed motivation to address the rest of our back, so hopefully some improvements will not be too far off in the future. And while I'm not going to show you just how rough the rest of our "yard" is, I will share some pictures of some gorgeous outdoor spaces I've recently pinned. Our back yard looks about like the opposite of these images, just in case you were wondering.<br />
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<i>all images and their sources can be found under the <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/annebw/patio-garden/" target="_blank">"Patio & Garden"</a> board on <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/annebw/" target="_blank">my Pinterest page</a>. </i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998248755046711340noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603993619894874113.post-28980704056547016232015-04-30T13:57:00.001-07:002015-04-30T13:57:41.434-07:00Getchu Some Art! {Susie Bettenhausen}I have so many amazing, new (to me) artists swimming around in my head, and I often think to myself, "I must share about such and such on my blog!" It's really quite wonderful all of the talent you can discover through social media. I kind of want to sell every non-essential thing in my home and fill every square inch of my little home's walls with original art. <br />
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Today I'm sharing some work by a friend (she counts as a friend in my book if you've "known" her through Instagram for two years!), <a href="http://www.susiebettenhausen.com/" target="_blank">Susie Bettenhausen</a>, who is as lovely as she is talented. She and her cute family split their time between the panhandle of Florida and way down in south Florida, where she creates the most beautiful art. I love the color combinations she chooses. To me, her paintings feel both energetic and exciting, while at the same time refreshing and calming. Susie just released pictures of new works that will be available TOMORROW on her website! Here are some of my favorites, all of which can be seen (plus many more!) on her <a href="http://www.susiebettenhausen.com/thelatest/2015/4/29/new-works-sneak-peak" target="_blank">website under the 'journal' tab</a>. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998248755046711340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603993619894874113.post-75620275979042377592015-04-03T15:58:00.001-07:002015-04-03T15:58:24.761-07:00A Tale of Two Coffee Tables {Part 3--The Big Reveal!}The wait is over, my friends. Are y'all ready to see my new coffee table*? I love it so much, and I hope you do too!<br />
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It's always nice to remember where we started, no? (<a href="http://anneworthington.blogspot.com/2015/03/a-tale-of-two-coffee-tables-part-i.html" target="_blank">Part I</a> and <a href="http://anneworthington.blogspot.com/2015/03/a-tale-of-two-coffee-tables-part-2.html" target="_blank">Part II</a> for reference :)<br />
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And here she is after I brought her back to her life!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It's rather nice to have a shot of my table with neat and organized piles on top of it. One forgets what that kind of order looks like without the pictures to serve as a reminder :)</i></td></tr>
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I am so happy I stayed the course and committed to my original plan to strip and stain vs. paint. <br />
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As you can see, I have plenty of painted pieces. I think the new coffee table is just what the room needed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>I just love that yummy walnut stain!</i></span></td></tr>
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You can also see that I went with one long bench cushion on my new sofa (I posted about that dilemma <a href="http://anneworthington.blogspot.com/2014/06/sofas-how-do-you-like-your-seat.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>), and I am pleased to report that we have been so happy with it. In the absence of a guest room, it comes in handy as the bench cushion <i>almost</i> feels like a bed. I have also been impressed with the Sunbrella indoor/outdoor fabric I chose for the sofa. It cleans up really nicely with soap and water as I had hoped. <br />
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One last before and after photo of the table that consumed my life for many weeks: <br />
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Many thanks to those of you who cheered me on when I felt like giving up! Once I finally removed all the old paint, I really enjoyed the process of staining the table, so I plan to tackle some similar projects in the future. Next on my list though is painting both of my bookshelves white….<br />
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*<i>disclaimer: my living room is never this clean and/or organized. These pretty pictures are courtesy of a kind friend who came by and picked up my older kids while MG napped (Hi Michelle!), which allowed me to tidy up. </i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998248755046711340noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603993619894874113.post-54245994097539344512015-03-31T14:21:00.000-07:002015-03-31T14:21:06.610-07:00A Tale of Two Coffee Tables {Part 2}As sad as I was to see my beloved marble-top coffee table go (read about that <a href="http://anneworthington.blogspot.com/2015/03/a-tale-of-two-coffee-tables-part-i.html" target="_blank">here</a>), there was a part of me that thought our current living room layout would actually work best with a round coffee table. The marble table was pretty big too, and there's not much in my California house that could be described as big…<br />
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So, round and smaller…my mission was clear. (I'm sure you don't have to guess where I went looking.) I eventually stumbled across this listing. <br />
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I loved the unique shape and the dimensions seemed perfect, but of course, a bright blue top and white base were not really what I had in mind. While the easiest thing would have been to just paint it, I really felt like my room could stand a dose of good 'ol fashioned wood. I have quite a few painted and upholstered pieces, and a pretty wood-stained piece seemed like the right addition.<br />
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I'm also nothing if not over-zealous for a daunting project that's perhaps just slightly out of my comfort zone.<br />
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Our sweet babysitter was kind enough to accompany me to go see the table. She is one of my very favorite things about California.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYR9NUlWm2k1f6NkZGja_cstd0_Hnzw-4qKiD8qWSG134pzsohYjOVpBIbYKHVi2MvsozQrj52UsBYDZpisz36CnmmvKa4tj4MD1QoHRW3IpT5Nvmkr88yZx1ZgXNjVT97JXe7VLWegUhI/s1600/IMG_5304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYR9NUlWm2k1f6NkZGja_cstd0_Hnzw-4qKiD8qWSG134pzsohYjOVpBIbYKHVi2MvsozQrj52UsBYDZpisz36CnmmvKa4tj4MD1QoHRW3IpT5Nvmkr88yZx1ZgXNjVT97JXe7VLWegUhI/s1600/IMG_5304.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>I am in denial about how old I am, so I like to pretend that our babysitter, Natalie and I are peers by asking her if she wants to hang out with me and take selfies with me.</i></span></td></tr>
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Now I have to confess, I almost backed out on the table when I saw it. It seemed like the top was a veneer, and it had some small splits in it. There's also something about seeing an old piece of furniture in the dark in a not so cute environment that can cause even the most visionary among us to doubt potential! But, when the seller said she'd take 40 bucks for it, I figured it was worth a try. (Also having the vote of confidence from some DIY gurus like my friend <a href="http://carsonprice.com/" target="_blank">Carson</a> and even <a href="http://www.littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jenny Komenda</a> herself gave me an extra dose of courage!)<br />
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I was itching to get started to see what would come of this guy with a little elbow grease, so I followed the advice I read on <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/01/how-to-strip-vintage-furniture.html" target="_blank">Little Green Notebook</a> and <a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/2013/03/high-gloss-dresser-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Little Black Door</a> and quickly got to work. I applied Citristrip all over the table and found that so long as I put it on thick enough, it took the paint right off the legs of the table. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQNza-DRrLKcg4GWay-aQ9NmoaNMMXwjKh9C-IAb-YjiouorUjMLKU_Du5FRT4RbzL7bif4bWLCG-1Zoi-jiwl2LJMyDFXld61rkk2uyGBMLGOtnSz0AYsE2xLxWvOoacpFPE0FvKrfnb/s1600/IMG_5399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQNza-DRrLKcg4GWay-aQ9NmoaNMMXwjKh9C-IAb-YjiouorUjMLKU_Du5FRT4RbzL7bif4bWLCG-1Zoi-jiwl2LJMyDFXld61rkk2uyGBMLGOtnSz0AYsE2xLxWvOoacpFPE0FvKrfnb/s1600/IMG_5399.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The orange substance is the Citristrip product.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_Fhz5oIlAZQChw-lVb8ZZy-6ug7xZGWqmPe3wGad-cBLO_FI5LQK1IlrXaDn7HOW7Ays1WW4-RFILObYVK1YhdOhjirsYw_eNqeCA9zXeJrzLPnWCWu01r6CnuaSj8tv63mFjJblHVem/s1600/IMG_5346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_Fhz5oIlAZQChw-lVb8ZZy-6ug7xZGWqmPe3wGad-cBLO_FI5LQK1IlrXaDn7HOW7Ays1WW4-RFILObYVK1YhdOhjirsYw_eNqeCA9zXeJrzLPnWCWu01r6CnuaSj8tv63mFjJblHVem/s1600/IMG_5346.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV76GInG68ZTbyeW9-ASQCp8JUjNu4CPWptjfYXlXvjzi8Zw1V6duaxNnhbU8B5OMmrYa4WI6zQdYfjFR2k6pbD-P1EWZrabz23P6FqUMDJAJjdyJqkVZclSzeSgJ26-H19u17EFJTB6UL/s1600/IMG_5344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV76GInG68ZTbyeW9-ASQCp8JUjNu4CPWptjfYXlXvjzi8Zw1V6duaxNnhbU8B5OMmrYa4WI6zQdYfjFR2k6pbD-P1EWZrabz23P6FqUMDJAJjdyJqkVZclSzeSgJ26-H19u17EFJTB6UL/s1600/IMG_5344.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>You can see how the stripper did its job by causing the paint to bubble up so that I could scrape it off. </i></span> </td></tr>
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The top was another story. Something about the wood veneer made for a surface that sucked that blue paint deep down into each and every crevice! When I had hit a wall with Citristrip, I figured I'd pull out the big guns and go for the <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_6058-78-GJBP00203_4294713165__?productId=3586548&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=" target="_blank">heavy duty stuff</a>. It seemed to be more effective, but it was still slow going and required multiple coats. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsgaz-MwTotBlUlc0jzvikpHanTnKArMs-L3uqfAKi1V1l3HGsLxVWX7VQMl_uwM80_gPXAsIUU4sKRnnrqCc8ib-zi8R0wk1b_zqZwjfa9fapKJnDWLDeCZxmAPdcpVi6Y5e05hOpIed/s1600/IMG_5361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsgaz-MwTotBlUlc0jzvikpHanTnKArMs-L3uqfAKi1V1l3HGsLxVWX7VQMl_uwM80_gPXAsIUU4sKRnnrqCc8ib-zi8R0wk1b_zqZwjfa9fapKJnDWLDeCZxmAPdcpVi6Y5e05hOpIed/s1600/IMG_5361.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I used our electric sander and made progress with that too, but no matter what I did, that blue paint would not disappear. <i>{This is when it comes in handy to be stubborn and obsessive. Eventually you will prevail.}</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>It was fascinating to see how the stripping agent literally lifted the blue out of the wood. </i></span> </td></tr>
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I finally got that sucker down to about as raw a state as it was gonna get (We are talking weeks went by with multiple coats of the stripper!). Sweet mercy.<br />
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I cleaned the wood with mineral spirits, gave it a final light sanding with a finer grit paper, and wiped it down. (I also repaired a few of the cracks in the veneer with a stainable wood filler)<br />
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Finally, it was time to apply the stain! I had only done one other stripping and staining project, so this was still pretty new to me. I used a brush to apply the stain, but I think a cloth would have perhaps worked better. Working with the grain of the wood, I applied the stain in manageable sections and allowed it to soak into the wood for 10-15 seconds or so before I wiped off whatever was remaining with a clean cloth. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerK1HhPdpKHJyLNSDgzmAln2ceg-MXHpGECEz5IOv-9a3QK6wwed4P49kr0RT3HD3xaHpJz-RQ1hXD3HFG3MBkcvkfuYiByUywpgJRAmgln610YbR3hyUV_UgvlL0q18CRju2OWqpHRoc/s1600/IMG_5564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerK1HhPdpKHJyLNSDgzmAln2ceg-MXHpGECEz5IOv-9a3QK6wwed4P49kr0RT3HD3xaHpJz-RQ1hXD3HFG3MBkcvkfuYiByUywpgJRAmgln610YbR3hyUV_UgvlL0q18CRju2OWqpHRoc/s1600/IMG_5564.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>This is the only photo I have of this process as I was nervously trying to work quickly, hoping I wouldn't mess it up!</i></span></td></tr>
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Staining the wood felt more creative than when you simply paint furniture, and I loved seeing the wood grain take on the stain. Once I had let the stain dry for the recommended amount of time, I applied several coats of poly in a satin finish. <br />
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Yes, it was a lot of work, but let me tell you, I LOVE my new table! Stay tuned for the final reveal!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998248755046711340noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603993619894874113.post-31135042551447004292015-03-26T23:26:00.002-07:002015-03-26T23:26:53.007-07:00A Tale of Two Coffee Tables {Part I}So, we have a new coffee table! It's very exciting, I assure you, and like nearly every other piece of furniture I own, it has a story about how it came to live in our home. But, before I get to sharing my new pride and joy, I feel I must tell y'all the story behind our old coffee table. (As it turns out, she's the reason we have a new one actually.) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVhQgMNBRRVYNZ3QzOVfi6tS3KxdcEXgchXPxqFUQj2eKKZ9nL4ju8-SzWDdDx7Gw5HNYgeUScPs7tf-SomaLMpNZpJ7oxOy7gr7fvftogq5qwxFW8a5hQhAqzeV9RH322kyWKTI19QNV/s1600/IMG_0749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVhQgMNBRRVYNZ3QzOVfi6tS3KxdcEXgchXPxqFUQj2eKKZ9nL4ju8-SzWDdDx7Gw5HNYgeUScPs7tf-SomaLMpNZpJ7oxOy7gr7fvftogq5qwxFW8a5hQhAqzeV9RH322kyWKTI19QNV/s1600/IMG_0749.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Two years ago, when we lived in Illinois, my living room was quite spacious, and I determined that we needed a fairly large coffee table to suit the space. As any Craigslist-obsessed person does, I diligently checked the St. Louis listings until one day I saw an ad for two marble coffee tables--one rectangular shaped table for $150 and its square-shaped mate for $100 or so. <br />
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Obviously, the price was more than fair, but it was going to be about a 45 minute drive, so I needed to do a little planning to figure out when to pick it up. Oh, and the seller said to bring help, as it was really heavy. Now, when I am in this kind of situation where I really want something that is listed, but I am dependent on the seller emailing me back and wanting to pick me as their buyer (because in my head like 20 other people are also emailing them about the awesome $100 marble coffee table!), I can be a little crazy. I try to walk that fine line between "very interested, yet level-headed buyer" and "strange obsessed person." Sometimes I probably do a better job at walking the line than other times. <br />
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Well on this cold December night, I did what any reasonable wife would do. I hired a babysitter to watch my kids and begged my husband to drive with me after work to pick up the heavy coffee table! God bless that man who had to get up at 5 am the next day (I'm telling you, I remember details when it comes to my CL acquisitions.) and agreed to come on this journey with me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">He's a keeper!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlqUr0o8oXm4yD5uT3p3T_fkaF14CyX0anSdp21d0QxeeNeIjmmZMjkvw9hmjclwsFJYzE0aWcuUWJm2fLJStuG3Z8Qq02mzXWo-k8fzSyxHgDCvYgjP9UkMRej7e4mm6rbRbKWsFgCFW/s1600/IMG_1126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlqUr0o8oXm4yD5uT3p3T_fkaF14CyX0anSdp21d0QxeeNeIjmmZMjkvw9hmjclwsFJYzE0aWcuUWJm2fLJStuG3Z8Qq02mzXWo-k8fzSyxHgDCvYgjP9UkMRej7e4mm6rbRbKWsFgCFW/s1600/IMG_1126.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just testing it out! Ah, my babies! They have grown so much since these pictures!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2_QP_PUiYeiQkK6_sjzXrvz2j6wjv-v4HmRx5g_nIqKgSclg3V9qPSqHBOveoRm5Vkmscnx6pF5uENBZGOXFW-TC0QcsTZ3J4mJ8xMOMk6FLYS0OEfnbSetAphPUkj3MPJQCPIePk22z/s1600/IMG_1130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2_QP_PUiYeiQkK6_sjzXrvz2j6wjv-v4HmRx5g_nIqKgSclg3V9qPSqHBOveoRm5Vkmscnx6pF5uENBZGOXFW-TC0QcsTZ3J4mJ8xMOMk6FLYS0OEfnbSetAphPUkj3MPJQCPIePk22z/s1600/IMG_1130.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once we arrived at the home of the coffee table, we realized how heavy this sucker actually was. Literally, it was 300-400 lbs. I kid you not. Thankfully the seller had a dolly, but between Philip, myself and the woman selling the table, we nearly had to give up on the whole thing it was so unbelievably heavy. Thankfully I did not have to call the whole thing a bust and somehow we managed to get it in the back of our car. Just to give you an idea of how involved, exhausting and flat out ridiculous the whole experience of trying to move the table was--the lady ended up giving it to us for free! I believe she said something along the lines of "If you want this table this badly, I just want you to have it for free!" I may have hugged her. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Are you seeing the kind of muscle that was required to move this thing?! Many thanks to these dear friends for their assistance :)</span></td></tr>
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Let me try to wrap this up. <br />
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The coffee table was everything I could have hoped it would be and more. I loved it in our living room. Fast forward to a year later and my table was not so kind to my girls.<br />
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The little lady on the right lost a tooth very prematurely thanks to an unfortunate collision with the table. The little lady on the left got a small chip in her tooth when she grazed its edge on her way down to the floor. <br />
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At this point I decided I should go ahead and hang my Mother-of-the-Year badge up and find us a different coffee table--maybe one not made of a hard stone?! Not to worry, my marble love lives in its own little crated bed in our garage (I'm totally serious) and will hopefully be able to join our family again in a couple years. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Proof that it does have its own bed. (Again, please note the grimacing occurring. These movers loved it when I mentioned that I got this for free. ha.) Surely y'all must have pictures documenting the life of your furniture too?</span></td></tr>
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Check back soon for the next installment in this riveting series :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998248755046711340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603993619894874113.post-70901146049303276852015-03-23T22:54:00.000-07:002015-03-24T08:36:04.039-07:00The Nursery: To Paint or not to Paint...Y'all know I like to paint walls, furniture, etc <strike>all the things</strike>, and I'm currently fixated on Mary Graham's nursery. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">For some reason, Blogger is not accurately depicting the colors in the room. The pinks (in the crib skirt, rug, and pillow) are brighter in person. Annoying.</span></td></tr>
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I'm trying to decide if I should keep the walls as is (Benjamin Moore's White Dove) or paint them a cozy blue/green. I was feeling the clean, white vibe until I saw this image, which I have not been able to get out of my head.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via Style me Pretty</td></tr>
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I love every last thing about this space, so there is really no need in listing all the delicious details. Just know that it makes me feel warm inside, and I love it all! And hey--my rug looks like it could be related to this room's rug, right? <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2oOBVTV92Cjch0lfYfUVqD6joInWLoxIM6gea_4Unna4zIs-P3K0RA5KVvJVB04oTYAzraFkftx7E5zzK9t2n1br3e4DJdNZwDJkolSvsiSVaIaXVuFN-pWpSM-FMvvvs9qUaEU_o8Cg6/s1600/IMG_1344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2oOBVTV92Cjch0lfYfUVqD6joInWLoxIM6gea_4Unna4zIs-P3K0RA5KVvJVB04oTYAzraFkftx7E5zzK9t2n1br3e4DJdNZwDJkolSvsiSVaIaXVuFN-pWpSM-FMvvvs9qUaEU_o8Cg6/s1600/IMG_1344.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Best $10 spent at a great little junk shop in O'fallon IL. </span></td></tr>
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I do realize half the wall is wainscoting in my inspiration room so there is quite a bit of white too…but I sure do love that wall color. It looks to me like it is perhaps a grasscloth wallpaper, but I feel like I could achieve a similar look with a can of paint.<br />
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Benjamin Moore's Palladian Blue perhaps?<br />
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Or even Benjamin Moore's Wedgwood Gray.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1S57SvxV-rUKmHXF1qiR7HXqsK-P_slWjDsqwym3feLfcOjO9Evufidr71Fp2_PGeg9Rfxx0l3BeNDHATaxpSdDmJU5qYve1wvTzQ9zQxv9UQuusdu4BcS6cpeeYAJ4ANl8-avBrjMj0/s1600/1e453ac360d2fe74fbe2b65bb60b90e2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1S57SvxV-rUKmHXF1qiR7HXqsK-P_slWjDsqwym3feLfcOjO9Evufidr71Fp2_PGeg9Rfxx0l3BeNDHATaxpSdDmJU5qYve1wvTzQ9zQxv9UQuusdu4BcS6cpeeYAJ4ANl8-avBrjMj0/s1600/1e453ac360d2fe74fbe2b65bb60b90e2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Again, color not translating well onto Blogger...</span></td></tr>
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What do y'all think? Time for a change (I'll be honest, change is just kind of fun sometimes in its own right, you know?) or should I leave well enough alone?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998248755046711340noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603993619894874113.post-43944796731562198032015-02-05T22:50:00.001-08:002015-02-06T08:41:05.969-08:00Give and Receive ArtBack before Christmas, when Philip and I were thinking through gifts for different family members, I became really excited about a few pieces of art that I thought would be just the thing for some of our loved ones. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQP-k4xtoKWZXHnOY1V-komcM15FYbpzu9y-AB3h4ZXRLFLw-Mq28AdPH55fsM02HsUT7QMN941L98bP_8s6m38lS0pmmhgB69MnFuBgJj3v6xSIGisy8j4Zqe35lhUohkVKp3ZMFw4hv/s1600/il_570xN.585257846_2dn7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQP-k4xtoKWZXHnOY1V-komcM15FYbpzu9y-AB3h4ZXRLFLw-Mq28AdPH55fsM02HsUT7QMN941L98bP_8s6m38lS0pmmhgB69MnFuBgJj3v6xSIGisy8j4Zqe35lhUohkVKp3ZMFw4hv/s1600/il_570xN.585257846_2dn7.jpg" height="640" width="438" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>We gave this cool <a href="https://www.etsy.com/transaction/252786728" target="_blank">nautical print</a> of Charleston to my brother (<a href="http://anneworthington.blogspot.com/2015/02/my-brothers-bedroom.html" target="_blank">this brother</a> :) </i></span></td></tr>
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Don't they say something about how it's common to want to give to others what you want to receive? I think I realized that was the case because I stopped whatever it was I was doing, looked at Philip and said with the utmost seriousness, "I want to <i>give</i> art! And I want to <i>receive</i> art!" It was probably the kind of thing you where you had to be there, but just trust me, it was quite funny. Even I could admit that it sounded rather strange, but what can I say? I tell it like it is. I wanna receive art! :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPoZv-EBMMqDWvpxkLYMc6aiX4Q8Fp3lFn_mFV-OXiIgepva4q5-LwuI9FR4BmgCDVghmJvAqpau4NrDKtrklKhpdEfhh_svqgWwpxAzzPL_UfU9SCX8AqRNSXnC5UXF11pNAmceEHmoJ/s1600/il_570xN.674710954_oxzi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPoZv-EBMMqDWvpxkLYMc6aiX4Q8Fp3lFn_mFV-OXiIgepva4q5-LwuI9FR4BmgCDVghmJvAqpau4NrDKtrklKhpdEfhh_svqgWwpxAzzPL_UfU9SCX8AqRNSXnC5UXF11pNAmceEHmoJ/s1600/il_570xN.674710954_oxzi.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>We got this print for my brother, Andrew, who graduated from Virginia Tech. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CustomPortraitsbyE?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Ellie Sibiga</a> did prints of several Virginia colleges right before Christmas. </i></span></td></tr>
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In honor of my desire to receive art*, I am going to share with you one of my new favorite artists! <br />
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I was introduced to <a href="http://www.oninstagram.com/profile/hayley_km" target="_blank">Hayley</a> through Instagram (oh how I love thee). I <strike>stalked</strike> looked through her pictures, and I was blown away by her work. I clicked over to her <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ARTbyHKM?ref=pr_shop_more">Etsy site</a> and found even more goodies. In fact, thanks to a little anticipated tax refund moolah, I am hoping for my very own piece from Hayley!<br />
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I love the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ARTbyHKM?section_id=16312058&ref=shopsection_leftnav_5">faces and people</a> she does.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZJT8yImwGZhpBvTj-YPuuozigszQpyYIJFPBIKIf-QKXRfKOHBueFxqOz2qhWdxBQPbXh8rEEBYaIOQls8A8ui60k3mnCFfn50i_WrsdlnMt162aOoh0377ty7YrxvbpwIEjowx1-qH9/s1600/il_570xN.689421348_pc83.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZJT8yImwGZhpBvTj-YPuuozigszQpyYIJFPBIKIf-QKXRfKOHBueFxqOz2qhWdxBQPbXh8rEEBYaIOQls8A8ui60k3mnCFfn50i_WrsdlnMt162aOoh0377ty7YrxvbpwIEjowx1-qH9/s1600/il_570xN.689421348_pc83.jpg" height="640" width="628" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/212958901/swimmers-23-34x-23-34?ref=shop_home_active_2" target="_blank">"Swimmers"</a> (I spent so much of my childhood swimming, so this one really speaks to me. In fact, part of me thinks I really should buy this one, and now I'm posting it here so I'm kind of afraid one of you will buy it instead!!)</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4qwXOyLrgTX8yM8LW34F6urUBZmGlSaGBPZB2YfuJFmYF94MwLXaFPFLJbhQiCGCQL3h_GvGn8uz5FWFhyyaLJYByRdIWVBLqBFBjIwEeWp7GwI5rAueCWyryBpXzQkKT6ikB-xgIPD2/s1600/il_570xN.689536545_683k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4qwXOyLrgTX8yM8LW34F6urUBZmGlSaGBPZB2YfuJFmYF94MwLXaFPFLJbhQiCGCQL3h_GvGn8uz5FWFhyyaLJYByRdIWVBLqBFBjIwEeWp7GwI5rAueCWyryBpXzQkKT6ikB-xgIPD2/s1600/il_570xN.689536545_683k.jpg" height="640" width="452" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Find this striking face <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/212957899/face-5-9x11?ref=shop_home_active_3" target="_blank">here</a></i></span></td></tr>
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I love the color combinations she uses in her <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ARTbyHKM?section_id=15710803&ref=shopsection_leftnav_1">floral</a> paintings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzSKL8VD9Pk6llVbClnWQ3br8DslGz493mhsprOTkH7H-Xu3gLEbkE5yZP9h9QecnhYyXjNJZtFqEDNClTJZaB2J6bH8yR7EIbdVBfrd3zGHydiGYdsYJdZ0gynKdMj4Zp-IVhMApLBHP/s1600/il_570xN.633477474_evso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzSKL8VD9Pk6llVbClnWQ3br8DslGz493mhsprOTkH7H-Xu3gLEbkE5yZP9h9QecnhYyXjNJZtFqEDNClTJZaB2J6bH8yR7EIbdVBfrd3zGHydiGYdsYJdZ0gynKdMj4Zp-IVhMApLBHP/s1600/il_570xN.633477474_evso.jpg" height="640" width="492" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/198087985/margo-16x20?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>"Margo"</i></span></a></td></tr>
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And I'm crazy for her <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ARTbyHKM?section_id=15710805&ref=shopsection_leftnav_2" target="_blank">abstracts</a>! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZ3AURTAz5xTeZsRo0bbZz_uaSsBWCb1zMfBBDbEfxSrt0OV7ucMw8HpOoWeCvSUbbrvxJ4dhnaXaI4Dz_Oos4MXt3Zj-0DKBdUTFBAwinzVpZwzZ1Y6YGb07bdDltotgbkhmPAWR4BG2/s1600/il_570xN.674790118_bsy9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZ3AURTAz5xTeZsRo0bbZz_uaSsBWCb1zMfBBDbEfxSrt0OV7ucMw8HpOoWeCvSUbbrvxJ4dhnaXaI4Dz_Oos4MXt3Zj-0DKBdUTFBAwinzVpZwzZ1Y6YGb07bdDltotgbkhmPAWR4BG2/s1600/il_570xN.674790118_bsy9.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/209165513/dream-sequence-2-24x36?ref=shop_home_active_17" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>"Dream Sequence"</i></span></a></td></tr>
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Her prices are really affordable too. Really can't be beat for original work. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVW_IdlKcN9BndvYa5pROo04YukmRUO1uIhOR3teqG4KpNqsBUCziUA_oL3MHJ1R6IHj9uskpj0WEuY3Q6cATS3zysVQX0k3hmOzozlqGJFhNXKboPU9WBY1rPxaxoO0IBUK5ubMwoZPg4/s1600/10919081_769383079797242_214530240_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVW_IdlKcN9BndvYa5pROo04YukmRUO1uIhOR3teqG4KpNqsBUCziUA_oL3MHJ1R6IHj9uskpj0WEuY3Q6cATS3zysVQX0k3hmOzozlqGJFhNXKboPU9WBY1rPxaxoO0IBUK5ubMwoZPg4/s1600/10919081_769383079797242_214530240_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>found via her Instagram (@hayley_km)</i></span></td></tr>
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*I actually was the recipient of some treasured pieces of art for Christmas! I hope to share them here soon, just need to find the chance to take some photos! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998248755046711340noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603993619894874113.post-78182196488599483042015-02-02T22:09:00.000-08:002015-02-02T22:58:37.069-08:00My Brother's Bedroom<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Happy times together at our parents' house over Christmas</i></span></td></tr>
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My brother, Taylor, recently bought a new house in the amazing city he is so lucky to call home, Charleston, South Carolina. Fortunately for me, he has allowed me to continue in my endearing role of the meddlesome older sister who likes to give her two cents on his endeavors. When he casually asked if I could give him some ideas for a duvet for his bed, I of course said "sure!" I then promptly whipped up a board complete with countless things my bachelor (you hear that, single ladies?) brother may not feel are super high on his priority list, but hey, I couldn't resist the opportunity :)</div>
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Here is a picture of his room. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qiUJ80S_Ff44Xhi3rbV90Tymuh-_qn-bXmOfS8inF0bopcFPj0ObcoqLptPi7wDI7L5_ttBfNgoDzXtoaE8q2XzxHzqxVchreStIwnsvjc19evMlJPpR5jS6ati34boXb4HgqeKM5awH/s1600/IMG_5763.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qiUJ80S_Ff44Xhi3rbV90Tymuh-_qn-bXmOfS8inF0bopcFPj0ObcoqLptPi7wDI7L5_ttBfNgoDzXtoaE8q2XzxHzqxVchreStIwnsvjc19evMlJPpR5jS6ati34boXb4HgqeKM5awH/s1600/IMG_5763.jpeg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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The wall color and rug were already in place, so I tried to work with them in making my suggestions. I'm not sure what color is on his wall, but I chose Manchester Tan for this board, as it appeared to be a close representation. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvkNJCFAoiGAxGBSVN90Iil0cTyuzZmxZfRJdllFLYheQm6mkvYrsTKHBG06jzRbXCsuqHdII9KQUisT6Jnlv2FHuNPZ_4oAkko3hmqIQmGfjiL0eOMG7rdMI6F2aZ939QDkvxqdNaorq/s1600/5bd7791957e620449ada1026b835efb5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvkNJCFAoiGAxGBSVN90Iil0cTyuzZmxZfRJdllFLYheQm6mkvYrsTKHBG06jzRbXCsuqHdII9KQUisT6Jnlv2FHuNPZ_4oAkko3hmqIQmGfjiL0eOMG7rdMI6F2aZ939QDkvxqdNaorq/s1600/5bd7791957e620449ada1026b835efb5.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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He has two-inch white wood blinds on his windows, but was hoping to add something to try and block the remaining light that was still coming through the blinds. Going with a true black-out drape would have been the obvious (and more expensive) route. Instead, I suggested these dark velvet Ikea drapes thinking that what they lacked in actual black-out lining, they may make up for in their dark color and heavy weight. The jury is still out, so we will have to see if they work for his purposes. At $40/pair, they are at least worth a try!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRsuBRQS8bREF2qn0Hxv6nZTWD1y6dexIzKKpdB5DHh8Hh15zsIREiQNWQBSnhXaqPXN2F9kX1iQDqd8cOCQoqU46KTUp-F53wFQ3QnazvheUX_MIhEuSTYUX0u0xI0xdH9fmn5xlI6Hw/s1600/6a4be58a940678ac237ef9cb899e91b5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRsuBRQS8bREF2qn0Hxv6nZTWD1y6dexIzKKpdB5DHh8Hh15zsIREiQNWQBSnhXaqPXN2F9kX1iQDqd8cOCQoqU46KTUp-F53wFQ3QnazvheUX_MIhEuSTYUX0u0xI0xdH9fmn5xlI6Hw/s1600/6a4be58a940678ac237ef9cb899e91b5.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I suggested a classic ticking stripe for his duvet. It's hard to go wrong with this simple masculine look, and I thought it paired nicely with all the pattern in his rug. (To clarify, the rug in the mock-up below is one I found for the purposes of this board. It's the best I could find that comes the closest to matching his rug) I also thought it would keep the room from feeling too dark by adding a white coverlet to the bed as well.<br />
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The light flax colored headboard brings in some more texture to the room, and the lamps add a fun midcentury vibe. I love the open design of the bedside tables. They feel kind of unexpected and fresh to me. <br />
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The fabric on the toss pillows almost mimics the design on the side tables, and they help make the red in the rug feel intentional. <br />
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I tied it all together with a more modern piece of art above the bed. It pulls all the colors in the room together and the loose, organic feel is a nice counterpoint to the traditional rug and the straight lines on the tables and pillows. <br />
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Here is everything together. Totally bachelor-friendly, yet still stylish right? :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/taylors_bedroom/set?.embedder=9780353&.svc=blogger&id=147165255" target="_blank"><img alt="Taylor's Bedroom" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/gA9BODokRi9Hl9baz0P6Bg/cid/147165255/id/8oPiRF2r5BGeyFLP7EzHKw/size/c600x533.jpg" height="533" title="Taylor's Bedroom" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/taylors_bedroom/set?.embedder=9780353&.svc=blogger&id=147165255" target="_blank">Taylor's Bedroom</a> by <a href="http://anneworthington.polyvore.com/?.embedder=9780353&.svc=blogger" target="_blank">anneworthington</a> featuring a <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/charcoal_gray_bedding/shop?query=charcoal+gray+bedding" target="_blank">charcoal gray bedding</a></small></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998248755046711340noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603993619894874113.post-43110925904013897162015-01-25T22:41:00.001-08:002015-01-25T23:31:38.600-08:00New Bunk Beds!<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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We made a big change to Wade and Holland's bedroom over the weekend…we finally installed their new bunk beds!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOhDchyphenhyphenbifrAnYOsMMyaEVxaughKaP_mP6bEKjyh_Lcc-4smxDzZHODyu4_2VOz3E6q-3bdwyJiZSyEEsbRy4ZHECGQhg3_3w3UtVwoAfrUFlfZ1wDBia21oRa3avNi3CDbS3Qlo51kyo/s1600/IMG_2784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOhDchyphenhyphenbifrAnYOsMMyaEVxaughKaP_mP6bEKjyh_Lcc-4smxDzZHODyu4_2VOz3E6q-3bdwyJiZSyEEsbRy4ZHECGQhg3_3w3UtVwoAfrUFlfZ1wDBia21oRa3avNi3CDbS3Qlo51kyo/s1600/IMG_2784.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>of course little sister had to get in on the fun!</i></span></td></tr>
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If you recall, their room used to look like this.<br />
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Switching out their separate twin beds for bunks was motivated primarily by the need for more space. Their room is tiny. Our house is quite small. And we've got an increasing number of legos taking up residence on all of the surfaces in it. So, operation bunk bed was the first step in creating some space in the room for the legos to hopefully find a consolidated home!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSbEiOSB5zR6HMdyzrQxJf0GuowuiicXxtV1-ygLBqszl6cH3cyHspyGWy0nYoQXooWWOPGNB4gbd7FVHWYa5qTQ4uoVT5bMaW2AA96CegPlPYJmY5xvVr7194WeTZj9bLBWczNAgKAGd/s1600/IMG_2791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSbEiOSB5zR6HMdyzrQxJf0GuowuiicXxtV1-ygLBqszl6cH3cyHspyGWy0nYoQXooWWOPGNB4gbd7FVHWYa5qTQ4uoVT5bMaW2AA96CegPlPYJmY5xvVr7194WeTZj9bLBWczNAgKAGd/s1600/IMG_2791.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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The kids were so excited about their new bunks! Holland especially was just giddy as we were putting them together, bless her little heart. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Y'all, do you see my children cuddling together?! It was completely unprompted! My heart!!!</i></span></td></tr>
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The <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20102451/" target="_blank">bunk bed</a> is by Ikea and is about as budget-friendly as they come. And I have to tell you--aside from having a true custom bunk room, this is my favorite of any retail option I've seen.<br />
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I painted ours Duxbury Gray by Benjamin Moore (and yes, it took forever. Our back yard has been covered in the pieces of wood for weeks, while I used the incremental bits of time I have for this sort of thing to go out and put one coat on, wait till it dries, sand it, paint the other coat. Flip and repeat.) The walls are Horizon, also by Benjamin Moore, and I liked how the Duxbury worked with the Horizon in here. <br />
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For now, I stuck a Persian rug I already owned on the floor, but I think I'd like to get something a little more fun, and ideally a little larger. Aside from their shams, there's not a whole lot of other pattern in the room right now. Well, except for their little art wall I made.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbnhX9hfNKU_fv-YekKeiYpN5VWnF3KETwG6eYXKNZviYWavuFCdRqW__qKgceHbN9F8n5zcesy21YpR51dmfE_Ueavbo3TLIJ0cYaDPnRRMvW6vK6ixWn7VF4b0FZJVARxRhtgVmWiSM/s1600/IMG_2796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbnhX9hfNKU_fv-YekKeiYpN5VWnF3KETwG6eYXKNZviYWavuFCdRqW__qKgceHbN9F8n5zcesy21YpR51dmfE_Ueavbo3TLIJ0cYaDPnRRMvW6vK6ixWn7VF4b0FZJVARxRhtgVmWiSM/s1600/IMG_2796.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Ahem…someone likes to remove the bows from their handy little holding place!</i></span></td></tr>
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I'm inclined to go with a striped rug because 1) I just really like striped rugs in a kid space and 2) I feel like it would work well the trellis pattern on the shams + the check on the lampshade. <br />
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Here are my top picks to spice up their floor, all from my favorite place for rugs, Overstock.com.<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/striped_rugs_for_kids_rooms/set?.embedder=9780353&.svc=blogger&id=147420700" target="_blank"><img alt="Striped Rugs for Kids Rooms" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/HoppML5VzZnzGjKkSDuJA/cid/147420700/id/bk0CYyal5BGCJE9EXi33Qg/size/c600x553.jpg" height="553" title="Striped Rugs for Kids Rooms" width="600" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/striped_rugs_for_kids_rooms/set?.embedder=9780353&.svc=blogger&id=147420700" target="_blank">Striped Rugs for Kids Rooms</a> by <a href="http://anneworthington.polyvore.com/?.embedder=9780353&.svc=blogger" target="_blank">anneworthington</a> on <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/" target="_blank">Polyvore</a></small></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=9780353&.svc=blogger&id=129230286" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img align="left" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/129230286.jpg" height="50" hspace="4" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid #cccccc; margin: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 2px;" width="50" /></a></small></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=9780353&.svc=blogger&id=129230286" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cosmopolitan Rainbow Stripe Hand-tufted Wool Rug (5' x 8') -...</a></small><br />
<small>overstock.com</small><br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=9780353&.svc=blogger&id=129230357" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img align="left" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/129230357.jpg" height="50" hspace="4" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid #cccccc; margin: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 2px;" width="50" /></a></small></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=9780353&.svc=blogger&id=129230357" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hand-tufted Inca Stripes Red/ Multi Wool Rug (4'10 x 7'10) -...</a></small><br />
<small>overstock.com</small><br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=9780353&.svc=blogger&id=129230308" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img align="left" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/129230308.jpg" height="50" hspace="4" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid #cccccc; margin: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 2px;" width="50" /></a></small></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=9780353&.svc=blogger&id=129230308" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">nuLOOM Handmade Stripes Yellow Wool Rug (5' x 8') - Overstock™...</a></small><br />
<small>overstock.com</small><br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=9780353&.svc=blogger&id=129230335" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img align="left" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/129230335.jpg" height="50" hspace="4" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid #cccccc; margin: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 2px;" width="50" /></a></small></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=9780353&.svc=blogger&id=129230335" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Flat Weave Stripe Pattern Orange/ Blue Wool Area Rug (5'x8') -...</a></small><br />
<small>overstock.com</small><br />
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=9780353&.svc=blogger&id=129230253" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img align="left" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/129230253.jpg" height="50" hspace="4" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid #cccccc; margin: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 2px;" width="50" /></a></small></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=9780353&.svc=blogger&id=129230253" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Handmade Flat Weave Stripe Pattern Ivory Rug (5' x 8') - Overstock™...</a></small><br />
<small>overstock.com</small><br />
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<small>Which would you choose?</small></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998248755046711340noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603993619894874113.post-49693365341784023832014-12-04T22:40:00.001-08:002014-12-04T22:40:30.254-08:00'Tis the SeasonPopping my head above the waters of chaos to share a couple Christmasy things that have me excited and that I thought you might like as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpLv7LV8D2zpOEl7KNYWkhNqj7sTCJJwAwqWyOD-VSh3wlisgANuZPPhNMAX14lcmoyiisfWELf__WohSvW3SGg0-Bj7PZfLokCGq2VX4_BPqIcVHE8G3GKlhkxt7hW7wXCx0lAFBgXMl/s1600/il_570xN.684772740_6vsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpLv7LV8D2zpOEl7KNYWkhNqj7sTCJJwAwqWyOD-VSh3wlisgANuZPPhNMAX14lcmoyiisfWELf__WohSvW3SGg0-Bj7PZfLokCGq2VX4_BPqIcVHE8G3GKlhkxt7hW7wXCx0lAFBgXMl/s1600/il_570xN.684772740_6vsm.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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How cute are these <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/211777507/preppy-antlers-red-applique-pillow-cover?ref=shop_home_active_3" target="_blank">antler pillows</a> from <a href="http://www.winderandmain.com/" target="_blank">Winder & Main</a>?! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihJqr7o6x2K7Pml5NZSoofqjxE-RNSl9dypxehGCo_lTsZyp6wBozOoIowCCmt7CV2bxuosmJidGieEI2bz1msEb99YTfIQiVWtXxG4qt2cNdWegYXwKR8IMAUTE565xm0G8dkPz0wCVy/s1600/il_570xN.684895515_ejpb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihJqr7o6x2K7Pml5NZSoofqjxE-RNSl9dypxehGCo_lTsZyp6wBozOoIowCCmt7CV2bxuosmJidGieEI2bz1msEb99YTfIQiVWtXxG4qt2cNdWegYXwKR8IMAUTE565xm0G8dkPz0wCVy/s1600/il_570xN.684895515_ejpb.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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They are obviously a great way to bring some Christmas flair to your living room, but how great would they be in a boys' bedroom year round? Or if you are lucky enough to have a separate den in your home? So cozy, I just love 'em!<br />
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My dear friend, <a href="http://thereppards.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Shannon</a>, sent me the sweetest little canvas as an early Christmas gift.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xJr48Tnt5L2Ef0MgYE300iqwSUjZuTvkv1xiy8kziqgOyZkZ17wRkNZj0ooG538-VNnfmnoVimpLrk7jGOv8ljOt6aNoiLNRFe7CGf41FFDh_wrl5ZGIupHRhGrY3Kq4ZrSdUKPXuW6G/s1600/IMG_3763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xJr48Tnt5L2Ef0MgYE300iqwSUjZuTvkv1xiy8kziqgOyZkZ17wRkNZj0ooG538-VNnfmnoVimpLrk7jGOv8ljOt6aNoiLNRFe7CGf41FFDh_wrl5ZGIupHRhGrY3Kq4ZrSdUKPXuW6G/s1600/IMG_3763.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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She has different sizes and options for sale, wouldn't they be great Christmas gifts? Perfect for the new and seasoned mama alike :) Let me know if you need help getting in touch with her! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_4KVOLDmUuEb_bBZSujKsqOnxqlx-K3ncN4rpB1uursjNGMF0WoFesqjDclGBeNfZZYWmyXbm1iEePU6FUI1TRRcdBqROekqC9mgOHyKRsYph-rjTpewri4y_B2HyJdgxDdXHOlIpT2w/s1600/photo.PNG-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_4KVOLDmUuEb_bBZSujKsqOnxqlx-K3ncN4rpB1uursjNGMF0WoFesqjDclGBeNfZZYWmyXbm1iEePU6FUI1TRRcdBqROekqC9mgOHyKRsYph-rjTpewri4y_B2HyJdgxDdXHOlIpT2w/s1600/photo.PNG-2.jpeg" height="634" width="640" /></a></div>
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Stockings! When it came time to get stockings for Wade and Holland, I really wanted something that would last, stockings to serve them throughout their childhood. I was excited when I found some I loved a couple years ago at an <a href="http://www.atlanticembroideryworks.com/" target="_blank">embroidery shop</a> in Richmond. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8gRPd1B5igoH10IgPub95-eZVPfpgDSxYQWlW6hIEcejf5w3phRCMJGBIZ47HU0ssd_Yi3MlmVNrWV6M-eWGtSjAJqZTLecKY8EYrZvkv5szN3qgE0amlC0hCjxDVqXEU3ytjtnE1wBo/s1600/IMG_0856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8gRPd1B5igoH10IgPub95-eZVPfpgDSxYQWlW6hIEcejf5w3phRCMJGBIZ47HU0ssd_Yi3MlmVNrWV6M-eWGtSjAJqZTLecKY8EYrZvkv5szN3qgE0amlC0hCjxDVqXEU3ytjtnE1wBo/s1600/IMG_0856.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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I love a needlepoint stocking, and I think these are just the perfect blend of classic and whimsy. Exactly my favorite type of design for kids. They are made by <a href="http://www.kellyrightsell.com/" target="_blank">Kelly Rightsell</a>. For some reason, it looks like her<span style="text-align: center;"> site is not selling them this year, but leave it to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_15?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=kelly+rightsell+stocking&sprefix=kelly+rightsell%2Caps%2C330" target="_blank">Amazon</a> to stock them! (I believe Atlantic Embroidery Works may have a few left this year from last year's stock if you happen to be local in Richmond and in need of a fun stocking!) There are so many adorable designs. This will be Mary Graham's first Christmas, so it was fun to pick one out for her this year.</span><br />
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I also came across these cute stockings at TJMaxx. And only $12/pop!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisO84HN0x3-KqkwGFsH7rZjKQ8hjRiFrBBdzhKSnphmWICQhUaBoUl-okPPHOypGl-ijx8Iqr5py0RoWhpdpzcDRnleBFRF_X5d1MxQU9uzQMPhRXuHgqVeCkmQ34P87Z4bAF6V1eCa9QN/s1600/IMG_3601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisO84HN0x3-KqkwGFsH7rZjKQ8hjRiFrBBdzhKSnphmWICQhUaBoUl-okPPHOypGl-ijx8Iqr5py0RoWhpdpzcDRnleBFRF_X5d1MxQU9uzQMPhRXuHgqVeCkmQ34P87Z4bAF6V1eCa9QN/s1600/IMG_3601.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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We just started an Advent book that I am loving. After seeing it on a friend's Facebook post, I ordered it right away, and we were able to start it just one day late. (Amazon Prime really is amazing--I ordered it on Sunday and it came on Monday! And I did not pay extra shipping! All of that to say, if you are like me, and you are always lagging behind, it's never too late to start celebrating Advent.) We've done the devotionals from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Unwrapping-Greatest-Gift-Celebration-Christmas/dp/1414397542/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417760946&sr=1-1&keywords=unwrapping+the+greatest+gift" target="_blank">Unwrapping the Greatest Gift</a> the past couple of nights, and it's been great. The language is simple enough that I think (I hope!) my children are able to grasp bits of it, and yet it's also so thoughtfully written that it is just as meaningful to me and Philip. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUstMR9Klrb8JC6ttBeH1x1tjM2XTwBCYEVRQNTMGpIr6qbi_QBLDqFckq-m22tb5bTDnuzHzQhaHDeLVA3OtqmdM6iMtzpZt7GjLzLXL5n44nQ2DTHsj_cNp6dQ9N07TKRH7rIYZFCjS/s1600/photo-82.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUstMR9Klrb8JC6ttBeH1x1tjM2XTwBCYEVRQNTMGpIr6qbi_QBLDqFckq-m22tb5bTDnuzHzQhaHDeLVA3OtqmdM6iMtzpZt7GjLzLXL5n44nQ2DTHsj_cNp6dQ9N07TKRH7rIYZFCjS/s1600/photo-82.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I have not done a ton of Christmas decorating (I'm blaming it on this incredibly exhausting season of life in which I find myself), but we did get our tree up and decorated (well, the top half…we have a baby who is intent on investigating any and all items within her grasp, so the bottom half of our tree is naked). I brought out a few other bits of Christmas cheer, like this little pillow from last year's dollar section at Target.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSiNu8fYVKvlrA0o8qPapuK6ImJpapWeChw4lZ7P2h7qlh1jJATniO_JNTKsDnpiqwOhuaGXbop_zyT5SHlRvvAlYlO2mLSgrcofms3FqoZ6GphYlwxQpkkMaLyrqVXYizlq3i_MaPgK9/s1600/IMG_3707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSiNu8fYVKvlrA0o8qPapuK6ImJpapWeChw4lZ7P2h7qlh1jJATniO_JNTKsDnpiqwOhuaGXbop_zyT5SHlRvvAlYlO2mLSgrcofms3FqoZ6GphYlwxQpkkMaLyrqVXYizlq3i_MaPgK9/s1600/IMG_3707.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Also, Kevin, our elf…..he's back (and apparently, hungry!).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhT5xxwrBskXEjnoUC25SWRIqtlmhFjiQP4QtftSaP3eXWEBxV3uoeODOjgK5s0z4vtMGpsl5pgjl-Svvb99theCCmJ7Qvkz0gjDNEFPmQDTfyEfq0La54GdDtNs8tLNYiP5c3SjcOMhQ/s1600/IMG_3773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhT5xxwrBskXEjnoUC25SWRIqtlmhFjiQP4QtftSaP3eXWEBxV3uoeODOjgK5s0z4vtMGpsl5pgjl-Svvb99theCCmJ7Qvkz0gjDNEFPmQDTfyEfq0La54GdDtNs8tLNYiP5c3SjcOMhQ/s1600/IMG_3773.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DbbjE1_RSGNZMfyhWDFmso2EFB9gYMVb0BYKbVis2YIdeCGK1aT7cBZUSu8uYBgy3MRidei20SNjRvEFmdUmsCWKWqoaVrqGT3HFd3b-eh-Giutbg3ULwaXLN5pGAdwORIzIcxafw_Ly/s1600/GetAttachment.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DbbjE1_RSGNZMfyhWDFmso2EFB9gYMVb0BYKbVis2YIdeCGK1aT7cBZUSu8uYBgy3MRidei20SNjRvEFmdUmsCWKWqoaVrqGT3HFd3b-eh-Giutbg3ULwaXLN5pGAdwORIzIcxafw_Ly/s640/GetAttachment.aspx.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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These two (not sure why it's so blurry?) + this one…</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0xkm3Q8ECCoYL9RMKsTVPl6QnDSpY9U-XS66jQQ3RICrJkgh4aHGc3664bXrxU-ZuZ6kwFEAaTzd56r7cUcuOvpb8Zf5gVeW3JuD_dF6LWkiJqJ3889SvTB2KJwiOADGN5btgDohBW4r/s1600/photo-79.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0xkm3Q8ECCoYL9RMKsTVPl6QnDSpY9U-XS66jQQ3RICrJkgh4aHGc3664bXrxU-ZuZ6kwFEAaTzd56r7cUcuOvpb8Zf5gVeW3JuD_dF6LWkiJqJ3889SvTB2KJwiOADGN5btgDohBW4r/s640/photo-79.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I sure do love them, but my, I never knew how exhausting motherhood would be, in so many ways... I realize I'm not alone in this--many, if not all, mamas of young families probably feel this way, but it's still important to me that when you come to my blog, you get a sense of my real life! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYddCpXSJhXr_MIMCqt_JQtcpbqgpSIZ-25PFLtoMjunSRRKM8cstw57fAS1k8XzCZNI_VOBDzMLXr6TcNt7SrbUNsnK9C_0xM6-a5_jfnWbpWeJH6fBMhzowsHeQqAYSeFvyCh66nz3-/s1600/photo-80.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYddCpXSJhXr_MIMCqt_JQtcpbqgpSIZ-25PFLtoMjunSRRKM8cstw57fAS1k8XzCZNI_VOBDzMLXr6TcNt7SrbUNsnK9C_0xM6-a5_jfnWbpWeJH6fBMhzowsHeQqAYSeFvyCh66nz3-/s320/photo-80.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Many days, I feel just like this little love who wasn't too thrilled about waking up from her nap. (Except this look is not nearly so cute on me!)</div>
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Now, moving on to bamboo blinds... (made even more lovely by this precious girl!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2pysbgxJqUbqPaPFMWg_9UaEH0tCDfCHpAG8fGrwQiwJLiHEcMBC9B4ZUk_Toci36trbdQ4lamn0fSYQHsIiBhzQYXpT-T6E2QFR3mj6hdSXZK5Nv-Voe37Hcmv_wHUkyF4XH17CL7tE/s1600/IMG_0243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2pysbgxJqUbqPaPFMWg_9UaEH0tCDfCHpAG8fGrwQiwJLiHEcMBC9B4ZUk_Toci36trbdQ4lamn0fSYQHsIiBhzQYXpT-T6E2QFR3mj6hdSXZK5Nv-Voe37Hcmv_wHUkyF4XH17CL7tE/s640/IMG_0243.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've had several friends ask me about the bamboo blinds I've used in my home. Truth is, I have them throughout my house, on just about every window come to think of it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWkSyICVxVbbwCPwLLU7PmQLP-LydRHqE0JktXhpxFunCFKbO41zIiUZ93zkRfAtpnAXapYLD78_WCxLIU6-Tqyvn32OP9Z_gw6DHzaSuYgi838rOKIAP8pygZRXz3gzES_78PnASqR2b/s1600/IMG_1264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWkSyICVxVbbwCPwLLU7PmQLP-LydRHqE0JktXhpxFunCFKbO41zIiUZ93zkRfAtpnAXapYLD78_WCxLIU6-Tqyvn32OP9Z_gw6DHzaSuYgi838rOKIAP8pygZRXz3gzES_78PnASqR2b/s640/IMG_1264.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Find this style <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Rustique-Bamboo-54-inch-Long-Roman-Shade/3297086/product.html?searchidx=1" target="_blank">HERE</a></td></tr>
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I used them on a couple windows in our home in Richmond (I happened to find these at Target.com marked way down on Clearance!).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnI94c1iQa4qYS6YfvGMcJjTdnubWG6y273_fwc5I-2oqunBzx3Af8aImMor8fyTdsX-Rf2MRQkJNU6wtBbPEf6Gedx7xKyfYA6eVK03v21QVqof7NY0vkExNi9YccLBeRiKmTwD7GGib/s1600/IMG_7739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnI94c1iQa4qYS6YfvGMcJjTdnubWG6y273_fwc5I-2oqunBzx3Af8aImMor8fyTdsX-Rf2MRQkJNU6wtBbPEf6Gedx7xKyfYA6eVK03v21QVqof7NY0vkExNi9YccLBeRiKmTwD7GGib/s640/IMG_7739.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0PwdK3uu5STeTqQ7OnTmHD-R3MqpHucP8Js7k3EVwxKNdd26jt32SRLIqFPaSChKXobU1ytOOiGBTNZgUFYpkCttvmMkwK8forWL0SrBSXpxp5mWjp3s9AovLwQyOGjrXUtcIkB77dS-/s1600/IMG_7810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0PwdK3uu5STeTqQ7OnTmHD-R3MqpHucP8Js7k3EVwxKNdd26jt32SRLIqFPaSChKXobU1ytOOiGBTNZgUFYpkCttvmMkwK8forWL0SrBSXpxp5mWjp3s9AovLwQyOGjrXUtcIkB77dS-/s640/IMG_7810.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Bamboo blinds are great for lots of reasons--they bring warmth to a room, they are a great source of texture, and they are easily found at very affordable price points.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMQqyUcfN3v76aPfCTa81SBZukRaYzQY5tTkGDr2AAw-xgReLf4erhn2hGfrePepb8YaAq_fORRnE96YmcGWAYnNxD0iaG-rnruDAOqq75hfsNBH0pZ8k35UWtLug0VcphJpn8vsk2gag/s1600/IMG_1355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMQqyUcfN3v76aPfCTa81SBZukRaYzQY5tTkGDr2AAw-xgReLf4erhn2hGfrePepb8YaAq_fORRnE96YmcGWAYnNxD0iaG-rnruDAOqq75hfsNBH0pZ8k35UWtLug0VcphJpn8vsk2gag/s640/IMG_1355.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My favorite source is Overstock.com. The shade in the nursery (above) is <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Petite-Rustique-Bamboo-54-inch-Long-Roman-Shade/3053180/product.html?searchidx=1" target="_blank">THIS</a> style. (Note: The two shades I have linked at Overstock are available in three different lengths and in any width.)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiin880uDC6L132WuTHXfT04Zw5JNG45C00jV-Kbeej8FxGiTBcK9mMQULeIf5jae9FuU7IE_WvYgpWZJKgma83M3QoxSnoR9doXIyaSi8_RLwaBgnoty7oezj-ChquxE-b5X-amk1uD8Ky/s1600/IMG_1860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiin880uDC6L132WuTHXfT04Zw5JNG45C00jV-Kbeej8FxGiTBcK9mMQULeIf5jae9FuU7IE_WvYgpWZJKgma83M3QoxSnoR9doXIyaSi8_RLwaBgnoty7oezj-ChquxE-b5X-amk1uD8Ky/s640/IMG_1860.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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I like bamboo blinds all by themselves.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3iBcK1rlLVzFELa_PCaD9UU5eYsFppd1Qmkb_f3XxwVxXECEs2mI4XGgo_Fn3UFiZBnnyI9d3Wvs91yPCPIyHcs3xGwMKarjHMqEa4NukodFqsNbd1mPlcMOOxAnesIww6ZILQVyZ5lpD/s1600/a6c30913849f335cc76522b11895dbb0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3iBcK1rlLVzFELa_PCaD9UU5eYsFppd1Qmkb_f3XxwVxXECEs2mI4XGgo_Fn3UFiZBnnyI9d3Wvs91yPCPIyHcs3xGwMKarjHMqEa4NukodFqsNbd1mPlcMOOxAnesIww6ZILQVyZ5lpD/s640/a6c30913849f335cc76522b11895dbb0.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.habituallychic.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4qm-B1A4hBkhJfcZPMiXVmFG59kYcE6WuwUrCK4BSbnh0GtVRMY3TVHuyCWFhCUo2ppwbxXnK8PzyZsYkBYTbhRXxE0raLumEBuLwy1d77k9a77hy2Lu6LzIFXZLCXVJJb31WXr47q6H/s1600/6acfaf4060ec2ef0539609d03e978320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4qm-B1A4hBkhJfcZPMiXVmFG59kYcE6WuwUrCK4BSbnh0GtVRMY3TVHuyCWFhCUo2ppwbxXnK8PzyZsYkBYTbhRXxE0raLumEBuLwy1d77k9a77hy2Lu6LzIFXZLCXVJJb31WXr47q6H/s640/6acfaf4060ec2ef0539609d03e978320.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lookbook.elledecor.com/?designer=Scott+Currie&page=6&pause=1" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqox4qtUiNMUIiqyEhctU39YTfQTV9eB3NDHnY-Y7w_eyMXVIpEumL8T6wEgQZR5L9pNOEQf_8VT_4ZnsSvfgmPhSYjs3F4-shsjQo0Yj2ZIa1fxH50BM21QnZgioLqpoxGZ0pGYs_lCy/s1600/29bc28063301cb7681ad5647762e7886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqox4qtUiNMUIiqyEhctU39YTfQTV9eB3NDHnY-Y7w_eyMXVIpEumL8T6wEgQZR5L9pNOEQf_8VT_4ZnsSvfgmPhSYjs3F4-shsjQo0Yj2ZIa1fxH50BM21QnZgioLqpoxGZ0pGYs_lCy/s640/29bc28063301cb7681ad5647762e7886.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source unknown</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Or layered with drapes. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LtqhT0THnxaQ_EhNwAdpBEpwe2q4mx8xeaz0-zBmnZpHoABsbVWocg3wRnV5ubm0W6QqUdFuMndyVNoypvMqpgWqS-B1jMeRvPJICT9JGEtyNkYUroz7_CawTIHTDFGITTa1QtvhhVLz/s1600/67176577e7b983e610933421c4911e3b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LtqhT0THnxaQ_EhNwAdpBEpwe2q4mx8xeaz0-zBmnZpHoABsbVWocg3wRnV5ubm0W6QqUdFuMndyVNoypvMqpgWqS-B1jMeRvPJICT9JGEtyNkYUroz7_CawTIHTDFGITTa1QtvhhVLz/s640/67176577e7b983e610933421c4911e3b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://trishatroutz.blogspot.com/2014/01/charming-in-university-park.html" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvbNPPLFX88ZZ7YjwOXTIKpwEFOsfne80ZhRUyuGfMHmdB9mCeIOcXGOwzUSCEsY-WUafkGYD5qwHjbA8kI6mRCl3fsv1gTJQ1jxEyOtbH24fdEvafXczSqsLy4ovy1cLsiNgi4JL_Zof/s1600/6dc01ce087fb6bdd8e5d571c67829f4b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvbNPPLFX88ZZ7YjwOXTIKpwEFOsfne80ZhRUyuGfMHmdB9mCeIOcXGOwzUSCEsY-WUafkGYD5qwHjbA8kI6mRCl3fsv1gTJQ1jxEyOtbH24fdEvafXczSqsLy4ovy1cLsiNgi4JL_Zof/s640/6dc01ce087fb6bdd8e5d571c67829f4b.jpg" width="494" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wernerstraube.com.temp.livebooks.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDt-Z_sbRSu9rwJI8l6P_B_av3QHpWq4I0_WkAtxyHsY5LOTi_ZuanWioKT9DtdP30d_eSx6-I-Q9Aa4RkWbXNV-OyeQZzcrKh5m8__QDHltTLI1K4Xae11VQ5y9eowIhCtL2U2UTDXwav/s1600/e6337fed84109d9db67652bbba210e18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDt-Z_sbRSu9rwJI8l6P_B_av3QHpWq4I0_WkAtxyHsY5LOTi_ZuanWioKT9DtdP30d_eSx6-I-Q9Aa4RkWbXNV-OyeQZzcrKh5m8__QDHltTLI1K4Xae11VQ5y9eowIhCtL2U2UTDXwav/s640/e6337fed84109d9db67652bbba210e18.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://brynalexandra.blogspot.com/2013/03/adding-visual-interest-contrast-trim.html" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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On their own, they filter the light, so if you want something for complete privacy, you may want to consider having yours black-out lined. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijI_elHiVcZxTm7f70qtIpMw7og1BmNdMMxYl6EdUNjro_KlPLlJaIqHXUSF1A63B5lgr_X5sfqOgS_HsUaLQbhi6APYHL5j6gH79SG3O72obtT2Yh93BirS87pSCEw4jjP2YVSXcTcEuk/s1600/IMG_1858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijI_elHiVcZxTm7f70qtIpMw7og1BmNdMMxYl6EdUNjro_KlPLlJaIqHXUSF1A63B5lgr_X5sfqOgS_HsUaLQbhi6APYHL5j6gH79SG3O72obtT2Yh93BirS87pSCEw4jjP2YVSXcTcEuk/s640/IMG_1858.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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The shade in Wade and Holland's room (above) is from Lowes. They have a number of different colors, and they will cut yours to fit your measurements in the store. I still favor the tones in the ones from Overstock myself, but depending on the look you are after, Lowes is a great option too. (Plus, you can't beat the instant gratification of walking in the store and getting what you need right away!) Also! Check out <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2014/11/psa-roman-shades-at-lowes.html" target="_blank">Little Green Notebook's</a> recent post on some great shade options at Lowes currently on major sale!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRiMy_LnGmkGIRbZkN5JUU8ZkJHKbLwiB7FXBj6nqC7xornCAvdKWyCoxGGVVo0KMBTkCX82wHnVHwMLkpuIOiybmPgqcvJBwBvc27gX-QEJg4hH75Z49AHucu7gohw7VzPPtjwjl3GNY/s1600/IMG_1859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRiMy_LnGmkGIRbZkN5JUU8ZkJHKbLwiB7FXBj6nqC7xornCAvdKWyCoxGGVVo0KMBTkCX82wHnVHwMLkpuIOiybmPgqcvJBwBvc27gX-QEJg4hH75Z49AHucu7gohw7VzPPtjwjl3GNY/s640/IMG_1859.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's a close up of the Lowes shade. I lined this one with blackout lining fabric I purchased at Jo Ann's. It's fairly simple to do this; a quick search on Pinterest or Google will turn up a handful of tutorials.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998248755046711340noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603993619894874113.post-8087524119356073592014-09-11T11:04:00.001-07:002014-09-11T11:04:59.084-07:00National Make Your Bed DayWithout intending to degrade the solemnity of today and its history, I thought I would share with my dear readers something that may be new to you about September 11th. Today is National Make Your Bed Day, my friends.<div>
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In honor of this inspiring day, I thought I would share with you some of my favorite places to find unique and quality bedding. </div>
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<b><a href="http://www.serenaandlily.com/" target="_blank">Serena and Lily</a>.</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywY4Fnji3FXt79xBn-5tCq-DX09PBXTUEIWZsvTeP8fYlw5RXnZrN4duBEVQd8zZ6fDtv9oYv1slJNOpvmXb0YcjBivWsnT0WzjFKpUQrDgmVTUMVwG7ivD-4Nrrag6ILtq9MpBRa7HY5/s1600/ATBN_2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywY4Fnji3FXt79xBn-5tCq-DX09PBXTUEIWZsvTeP8fYlw5RXnZrN4duBEVQd8zZ6fDtv9oYv1slJNOpvmXb0YcjBivWsnT0WzjFKpUQrDgmVTUMVwG7ivD-4Nrrag6ILtq9MpBRa7HY5/s1600/ATBN_2.jpeg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.serenaandlily.com/Bedding/Duvets-Catalina-Duvet" target="_blank">Catalina Duvet Cover & Shams</a></td></tr>
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Their linens feel fresh, bright and cheery to me. (If you sign up for their emails, they do fairly frequent sales.) </div>
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<b><a href="http://www.biscuit-home.com/" target="_blank">Biscuit Bedding</a>.</b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotQUf_MXD5n3FROVnOle6Tr1SyUdVYcbaZdvdetxbkN3vkfEdiCsCAr5l35stqmx8vcO8EqsADekFxq2VYGCM84ZYsWwTAP979_xOuNA_zsCRE4h7SejbQrMCSU9eF7yCqedAU47w3hri/s1600/fiona-duvet-lilac-add.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotQUf_MXD5n3FROVnOle6Tr1SyUdVYcbaZdvdetxbkN3vkfEdiCsCAr5l35stqmx8vcO8EqsADekFxq2VYGCM84ZYsWwTAP979_xOuNA_zsCRE4h7SejbQrMCSU9eF7yCqedAU47w3hri/s1600/fiona-duvet-lilac-add.png" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.biscuit-home.com/store/fiona-duvet-lilac/dp/279" target="_blank">Fiona Duvet and Shams in Lilac</a></td></tr>
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I think Biscuit bedding manages to strike the perfect balance between whimsical and sophisticated at the same time (and I love how easy it is to mix and match within their different lines…nothing feels too matchy!).</div>
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<b><a href="http://melaandroam.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">Mela and Roam</a>.</b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgpyHScXJ8nDhL1nm5sDr6YJ5q4jx4U2CLe3eAGRCOJkR-eMwSvw6p8aT_bPqeN_g5nanPdxBjKxCGi3d28H4PrRgNwHtkUPOmkSWpRHhuyKAk2ZbyuADmDUI9ypZ653WHVXT4Du5p7Km/s1600/Sikha.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgpyHScXJ8nDhL1nm5sDr6YJ5q4jx4U2CLe3eAGRCOJkR-eMwSvw6p8aT_bPqeN_g5nanPdxBjKxCGi3d28H4PrRgNwHtkUPOmkSWpRHhuyKAk2ZbyuADmDUI9ypZ653WHVXT4Du5p7Km/s1600/Sikha.png" height="558" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their dohars are my favorite! I need one! Read about this unique bedding <a href="http://melaandroam.bigcartel.com/product/queen-dohar-sikha" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</td></tr>
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Gorgeous hand-blocked textiles from southeast Asia. <i>All Mela and Roam stock is 15% off today in honor of Make Your Bed Day! Use code 'cozy' at checkout</i>!</div>
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<a href="http://www.landsend.com/" target="_blank"><b>Land's End</b></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuupI-ZVovUmuF3BSH2b_upvdSDtKQ4kYbOL1Z0Lzo2vpvKdjqovvX4EkwU1AGjwxeblx5AYM-2ZzjYlY6o7611bIAqi_BYE_NVu3THuVxT_JpsXDB6MuGGfw1_CD_8fSgfGRev3k6dEH/s1600/460c8a1adcaf11116fe9e4b2c61945e7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuupI-ZVovUmuF3BSH2b_upvdSDtKQ4kYbOL1Z0Lzo2vpvKdjqovvX4EkwU1AGjwxeblx5AYM-2ZzjYlY6o7611bIAqi_BYE_NVu3THuVxT_JpsXDB6MuGGfw1_CD_8fSgfGRev3k6dEH/s1600/460c8a1adcaf11116fe9e4b2c61945e7.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You know I like <a href="http://www.landsend.com/products/400-count-lands-end-five-star-hotel-embroidered-rope-duvet-cover-or-sham/id_265633" target="_blank">this one</a>…it's what I have on my bed. Speaking of which, I've got some master bedroom updates to share soon!</td></tr>
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A great price point for simple, classic bedding.</div>
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<a href="http://www.craneandcanopy.com/" target="_blank"><b>Crane and Canopy</b></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpeCyYB7Ia8aU1tOtmlsaTpYLyTBoQm2evwU4_piGD5YSYvbw6jj5Hgh-WvOxyHFBJZniAiTc7l8OteynbpR8qxp-jPdNBpPEXaoVwzEhrUPiprpXl4mmlk9ARnScDpJUVTvbdYR88-7wS/s1600/coral_sheet_bigimage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpeCyYB7Ia8aU1tOtmlsaTpYLyTBoQm2evwU4_piGD5YSYvbw6jj5Hgh-WvOxyHFBJZniAiTc7l8OteynbpR8qxp-jPdNBpPEXaoVwzEhrUPiprpXl4mmlk9ARnScDpJUVTvbdYR88-7wS/s1600/coral_sheet_bigimage2.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.craneandcanopy.com/products/the-linden-coral-border-duvet-cover" target="_blank">Linden Coral Border Collection</a></td></tr>
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They pride themselves on designer bedding offered at a fraction of retail price. <a href="http://pawleysislandposh.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Julia Ryan</a> recently got a new duvet and shams from them….see that <a href="http://pawleysislandposh.blogspot.com/2014/09/a-fresh-duvet-cover-with-crane-canopy.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </div>
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Where are your favorite places to shop for bedding?<br /><div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 32px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3195px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 32px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3195px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 32px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3195px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 32px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3195px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 32px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3195px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 32px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3195px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 32px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3195px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 32px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3195px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998248755046711340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603993619894874113.post-58610109075760725122014-09-09T05:00:00.000-07:002014-09-09T10:47:07.833-07:00First DaysKindergarten and preschool have both officially started for my kids, so we are trying to find our rhythm with this new pace of life. I know I'm not the first mom to say this, but there is quite a bit of shuffling to be done when there are no school buses involved and kindergarten is only a half day. Yes, you heard me right. Half day kindergarten. Forgive me if I've already bemoaned this fact to you, but it's just never what I expected when I imagined what my life might be like as a mother to a school-aged child. But I guess that's life right? Often times it's different than what we expect. I'll be the first to admit I'm not the best at gracefully handling the times when my expectations aren't met. All that to say, my kids and I will be in a similar boat this year--all with lots to learn and plenty of room for growth! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1Pto-lTq9mX0i6Q8gi11VfnAIJtosnOmtv2xYl5FNvcLA1KsJoFG976SUiSP8RPanCTAvO-UAs2ofF9q3OloIRz5Dz3n3Q0SV0rHK5Sovvc_StwQ2xJPpjxAV2cXNKC5uw4mQOPez1fT/s1600/IMG_1809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1Pto-lTq9mX0i6Q8gi11VfnAIJtosnOmtv2xYl5FNvcLA1KsJoFG976SUiSP8RPanCTAvO-UAs2ofF9q3OloIRz5Dz3n3Q0SV0rHK5Sovvc_StwQ2xJPpjxAV2cXNKC5uw4mQOPez1fT/s1600/IMG_1809.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Kindergarten is obviously a big milestone, and I'm just really proud of Wade. He had plenty of challenges in his early years and there's been no shortage of change and transition in his little life. And yet, he has embraced this new season. Really, I could stand to learn a lot from him.<br />
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Sometimes the thought of him being in elementary school makes me feel teary and nostalgic and my throat begins to tighten. Other times I really enjoy what life is like with a five year old, and I am thankful for the many ways mothering this boy for half a decade has shaped me. We aren't without our hard days, but there are also more rewarding times with an older-ish child. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1HJyjH4hVLbNPztCp9LgyJDpFTIc_owBvaMLgRmD5E-HuglkqugiNquAj3iNwiFus1jWLvMIB7tvJgJRGfU5CMJ_VO-uV3WlnlC6yq8lRgLWkNO-zZRPiCPtC3vHfEF4PH-L0HM2z9fF/s1600/IMG_2184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1HJyjH4hVLbNPztCp9LgyJDpFTIc_owBvaMLgRmD5E-HuglkqugiNquAj3iNwiFus1jWLvMIB7tvJgJRGfU5CMJ_VO-uV3WlnlC6yq8lRgLWkNO-zZRPiCPtC3vHfEF4PH-L0HM2z9fF/s1600/IMG_2184.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Wade is in a Montessori program which is offered through our neighborhood school. He tends to be a man of few words when it comes to these sorts of things, but he seems to like it so I can't complain. His class is a blend of kindergarten and first graders, which I actually think is a pretty cool thing. <br />
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Most days we walk and/or ride bikes to school. <br />
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This is a pretty sweet little tradition. Our walk is about ten minutes (if we are efficient :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uFPp_v7Z_Ca9mk5IVaHsycKqBlE_Mo79-f2MUSE12UGtpSW4bybUcGFBxDMp7wrcSKohdmrMsZDN3Lb-2agkzjVVLKZrUJsa-4Sz6c4_G5Q1IQSUmokTSU51iDyEe4o9tnGk85PRzy0s/s1600/IMG_2265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uFPp_v7Z_Ca9mk5IVaHsycKqBlE_Mo79-f2MUSE12UGtpSW4bybUcGFBxDMp7wrcSKohdmrMsZDN3Lb-2agkzjVVLKZrUJsa-4Sz6c4_G5Q1IQSUmokTSU51iDyEe4o9tnGk85PRzy0s/s1600/IMG_2265.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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After I drop off Wade, I take Holland to preschool. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DhEjvx0IIy7M_EChLxwqvkNIWNHWri0jbZgpuc0zf03S3dJnDKPSzrAwp1mFhbvF0ppNkmvQzBqxBE3nQ6ge-Pj28Zm0G_QHt0wR900cbZu5st5q9JhY2uA4Te8NgRGqFfWT9XhqgYm8/s1600/IMG_1840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DhEjvx0IIy7M_EChLxwqvkNIWNHWri0jbZgpuc0zf03S3dJnDKPSzrAwp1mFhbvF0ppNkmvQzBqxBE3nQ6ge-Pj28Zm0G_QHt0wR900cbZu5st5q9JhY2uA4Te8NgRGqFfWT9XhqgYm8/s1600/IMG_1840.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Holland barely made the cut off for pre-K, so she's actually doing the curriculum Wade did last year even though they will be two years apart in school going forward. She thrives in school and is generally just a delightful little lady. <br />
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She <i>loves</i> to do art, and try as I may to provide lots of creative opportunities at home, I think she and I are both happy that preschool will fulfill some of that interest too!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYm1oqqGQA2cDFHZ6mplhCxVlmG8iy2T-Ps670VPOI_8YuTDqPcIUePwOJYscV7sSPwew5AHFSEqBrRFiVoMHLmRqdeFTYpm-LpM5PWoAnN-LAqCj8E7JIa-BQNT8p07L_gPG-3J8WDapW/s1600/IMG_2323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYm1oqqGQA2cDFHZ6mplhCxVlmG8iy2T-Ps670VPOI_8YuTDqPcIUePwOJYscV7sSPwew5AHFSEqBrRFiVoMHLmRqdeFTYpm-LpM5PWoAnN-LAqCj8E7JIa-BQNT8p07L_gPG-3J8WDapW/s1600/IMG_2323.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Holland and her snaggle tooth buddy, her special friend Lucian. </span></td></tr>
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After school drop offs, I rush home to get my tired baby down for a nap. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIZn-CmnyuoOHyC06ZROBxOze-eVb8PLPohJpfcJCXeHDVaHm4Lovs88nl6Ass4fPr0heVVVUwu7_9DXKd6lVm9EukWEajov-95HJ3EjMAr7mxCtqcNJqlkYR8Ti4E-8jL1uhk1Rs7hXC/s1600/IMG_2299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIZn-CmnyuoOHyC06ZROBxOze-eVb8PLPohJpfcJCXeHDVaHm4Lovs88nl6Ass4fPr0heVVVUwu7_9DXKd6lVm9EukWEajov-95HJ3EjMAr7mxCtqcNJqlkYR8Ti4E-8jL1uhk1Rs7hXC/s1600/IMG_2299.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">{clearly post nap}</span></td></tr>
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Then I hope and pray (like, literally) I get a couple hours of quiet time to regain my sanity and perhaps get a bit done around the house so that I am ready to be the patient, engaged mother I'd like to be.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkIzwakfl1JajcLHtqzv0tb_bZRBkVLkhrBuxySbAqtpytBVxBpWy3zDpl76o9wwW7vMcBLGgbKr8vCcVzHQQNAnnE1RnjTWaU9AN7lDxpAGLPnu4guk_cNqc2JnbTdSjb6G7Jc9lspRD/s1600/IMG_1836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkIzwakfl1JajcLHtqzv0tb_bZRBkVLkhrBuxySbAqtpytBVxBpWy3zDpl76o9wwW7vMcBLGgbKr8vCcVzHQQNAnnE1RnjTWaU9AN7lDxpAGLPnu4guk_cNqc2JnbTdSjb6G7Jc9lspRD/s1600/IMG_1836.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We arrived to pick up Holland from her first day at school, and she was so immersed in her book, she had no idea I was sitting right in front of her with a camera :)</span></td></tr>
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Speaking of being patient and engaged, I really feel like time to myself helps me more than anything with this. I'm curious as to how you fellow mamas build time into your week for yourself? A regular sitter? Preschool for your kids? Time to exercise? I'd really love to take a painting class. I've also been thinking of getting involved in some sort of volunteer work that combats sex trafficking in the Sacramento area (it's something like the second largest city in the US for human trafficking. Horrifying.) Time while I'm at home and my baby is napping is great, but in order to thrive, I just feel like I'd love a little something outside of all of that. What are your thoughts?</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998248755046711340noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603993619894874113.post-38003426226833936062014-09-03T05:00:00.000-07:002014-09-03T05:00:12.197-07:00Our Kitchen DetailsWay back when, I posted the <a href="http://anneworthington.blogspot.com/2014/06/our-new-kitchen-before-after.html" target="_blank">before and after</a> pictures of our kitchen. I promised to come back with the details on the sources we used, so here I am several months later as promised. Better late than never? :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8CACU43miat3Ryrvol18pMN7O7UCdtskWWRM0AEyu9btEQfxyNCayOz8aSKArcOuJRGZKBhZ3ibeGZYkSvxPO-kZ-M8QqxFS0gnNdp_jJCveFbdgB8vq-d3Vq02ypsjaczv9GEYge4a7/s1600/IMG_1222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8CACU43miat3Ryrvol18pMN7O7UCdtskWWRM0AEyu9btEQfxyNCayOz8aSKArcOuJRGZKBhZ3ibeGZYkSvxPO-kZ-M8QqxFS0gnNdp_jJCveFbdgB8vq-d3Vq02ypsjaczv9GEYge4a7/s1600/IMG_1222.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The majority of our kitchen is from <a href="http://www.ikea.com/" target="_blank">Ikea</a>. You really cannot beat Ikea's prices when it comes to pre-made (ie. non-custom), yet good quality cabinetry options. Sure, I will drool over the amazing work of cabinetry artisans like the next person, but Ikea was definitely the right choice for this house. We couldn't have afforded high-end cabinets in the first place, but even if we could have, we would not have gotten a return for our investment when we sell this little place in a few years. Real estate out here is just a different animal…but that's another post for another time! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKN4LYYTQ43HmVXiNY9wCNmczodTdja2wVf800w9e23mJZVzPgUN0E-wRGJpF7ItzfoxAsextGPtikM2nhfd-z_x-YNIp54cd57voPy4tppYGjDysziIEzcJkiryTCh8yh03WQKdpZpMmP/s1600/IMG_1244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKN4LYYTQ43HmVXiNY9wCNmczodTdja2wVf800w9e23mJZVzPgUN0E-wRGJpF7ItzfoxAsextGPtikM2nhfd-z_x-YNIp54cd57voPy4tppYGjDysziIEzcJkiryTCh8yh03WQKdpZpMmP/s1600/IMG_1244.JPG" height="442" width="640" /></a></div>
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We opted for lower drawers instead of cabinets, which we love (Our drawers/cabinets are the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/search/?query=Adel&category=products&color=white" target="_blank">"Adel"</a> style). So much easier to keep things organized and to access hard-to-reach items. In addition to features like soft-close drawers, Ikea has a variety of <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/kitchen/20626/" target="_blank">options</a> for organizing your drawers and cabinets. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_xVOhM6MtxtQS-h62EQZc-DdaNMWBABFpf20GJ_kR1oPIHX5YySgyLj5sTmqerrRiGr-MX9vhkt8zeNmpTqsbUq_tzWLcEimvWZJMkNiF5_M1yPvF_hdMA__YbcphRA4doxgHZMwru8f/s1600/IMG_1259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_xVOhM6MtxtQS-h62EQZc-DdaNMWBABFpf20GJ_kR1oPIHX5YySgyLj5sTmqerrRiGr-MX9vhkt8zeNmpTqsbUq_tzWLcEimvWZJMkNiF5_M1yPvF_hdMA__YbcphRA4doxgHZMwru8f/s1600/IMG_1259.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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On the pantry wall, we chose to do <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/kitchen/20628/" target="_blank">drawers</a> on the left (again, really increases the efficiency of those cabinets!) and shelves on the right. We had our electrician wire the wall behind the cabinets so we could keep our microwave in the cabinet. I love that it's out of sight!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJjOR4aammfCMa5XS7H6ndwiPFhOYl6lyw4QYb3aEpcMovUpR33rYDO2nYYwJxGoxX51uGsf6a5H955EdXKTTpiAcI9r6OC_pphLfeHckPdX76V4EnWQrvF6vTDjiagG5Is3j9kueSwpan/s1600/IMG_1254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJjOR4aammfCMa5XS7H6ndwiPFhOYl6lyw4QYb3aEpcMovUpR33rYDO2nYYwJxGoxX51uGsf6a5H955EdXKTTpiAcI9r6OC_pphLfeHckPdX76V4EnWQrvF6vTDjiagG5Is3j9kueSwpan/s1600/IMG_1254.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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By eliminating upper cabinets, we were able to save some money and keep the space feeling really airy and open. Trading upper cabinets for shelving is pretty popular in kitchen design these days, and we figured why not try it out? We'll be selling our house in three years, so if we hate it, lesson learned and no harm done. <br />
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Philip cut wood to make the shelves and we purchased the <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Foster-Decorative-Millwork-9-5-8-in-x-9-5-8-in-x-1-3-4-in-Wood-Arched-Corbel-CR310/202287727" target="_blank">brackets</a> from Home Depot. I painted both the shelves and the brackets to match the trim (Snowfall White by Benjamin Moore). <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHo8DU7zIIY4VKFZDEQV2HnZCyAc8T29l-Xw24yCz-7rsoxSImaWXMY7Hs9ymdgYPO8dYVsSRt2dzvR2ejoHJEmrPSlL4fOupWE2TwvJGsKrY6F3EFj9efL33hbpGt96Qpi0h-Mc_t_6e6/s1600/IMG_9164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHo8DU7zIIY4VKFZDEQV2HnZCyAc8T29l-Xw24yCz-7rsoxSImaWXMY7Hs9ymdgYPO8dYVsSRt2dzvR2ejoHJEmrPSlL4fOupWE2TwvJGsKrY6F3EFj9efL33hbpGt96Qpi0h-Mc_t_6e6/s1600/IMG_9164.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">testing them out…no babies were harmed in this demonstration, I assure you :)</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCliw9-5PLl_0yWb1EjQqLoj11Le2FxlEN5npetnSLZ9QlIJHQxL_sj5929jlVBtXgPEHoH3qcY-tAGW3dDPFPOrOHSgctJ25d_kwlXhCLf2s5ia-yRYuj2QKrT7gRTv-qNEBLbnzFmb74/s1600/IMG_1230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCliw9-5PLl_0yWb1EjQqLoj11Le2FxlEN5npetnSLZ9QlIJHQxL_sj5929jlVBtXgPEHoH3qcY-tAGW3dDPFPOrOHSgctJ25d_kwlXhCLf2s5ia-yRYuj2QKrT7gRTv-qNEBLbnzFmb74/s1600/IMG_1230.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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A few months in and I would say I like the open shelving. Everyone seems to worry about dust, right? Here is my take: the dishes on the bottom shelves get used on a regular basis, so I haven't had any problems with dust. I'm sure that the lesser used items on the upper shelves have their share of dust, but since I don't use them often, I just don't worry about it :)<br />
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Our counters are quartz. Ours were fabricated by the company <a href="http://www.counterfitstone.com/index-2.html" target="_blank">Counter-Fit</a>, though they were part of our Ikea order (word to the wise: if you are considering using Ikea for a relatively large kitchen renovation, wait and do so until one of their kitchen sales! At least twice a year (maybe more? anyone know?) they offer 20% off your total purchase if your total spent equals $4500 or 15% off if you spend $3500.)<br />
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We debated going with soapstone or marble (two personal favorites!) and settled on quartz (in part because they were our main option if we wanted to go through Ikea), and we are really happy with them! To my understanding, quartz is a composite of some natural material and some man-made materials. They have a look (and price) very similar to granite, but there is very little upkeep required. (for example, no sealing needed). They have held up great with young kids and with a cook who may or may not leave various foods and residues to linger till she feels compelled to clean them :) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrx47pAYIFWS0BFg-iqKElJKxp4wQgr40r82mYAoHwU7JIOP1gtoO36vZjWJdrfbvU0NWEvoAavqZRwB6IsIM90fZTpSwbix10WtdpRlI8cqKwrCXwG9IdcHH68qZ7yszFDy2X8tKYrkA/s1600/IMG_1263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrx47pAYIFWS0BFg-iqKElJKxp4wQgr40r82mYAoHwU7JIOP1gtoO36vZjWJdrfbvU0NWEvoAavqZRwB6IsIM90fZTpSwbix10WtdpRlI8cqKwrCXwG9IdcHH68qZ7yszFDy2X8tKYrkA/s1600/IMG_1263.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80254804/" target="_blank">range</a> and <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10222538/" target="_blank">hood</a> are all also Ikea (though I believe they are made by Whirlpool). They are pretty basic models without any bells and whistles but they get the job done. Aside from the fact that I find a true "simmer" somewhat tough to achieve, I have been very happy with their performance. My biggest complaint is that I had to get an electric range top instead of a gas one (but that complaint is directed at the city of Davis and their ridiculous regulations! again, another post for another time.) <br />
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The sink (I can't find it on their site to link…sure hope they have not discontinued it!) is Ikea and the faucet is Lowes. We ended up with this faucet because the city of Davis only allows faucets with a low enough flow rate…(are you sensing a theme?) It was relatively hard to find one that would meet their requirements, and in an effort to get everything taken care of so we could pass our city inspection in time, we grabbed this one.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZsah7dcXUl3-Abv6aduQXR5KiE2vGTNF4junLnrhg03pwR1K_DpcjHWV6jjKT6XBS1-xS1w6pSIarp9pRqd-oVSMWAZXtFXl0LdL4RdYxJXafDQS9yZq9G1d9IfbMvXud6p947CJWTlW/s1600/IMG_1280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZsah7dcXUl3-Abv6aduQXR5KiE2vGTNF4junLnrhg03pwR1K_DpcjHWV6jjKT6XBS1-xS1w6pSIarp9pRqd-oVSMWAZXtFXl0LdL4RdYxJXafDQS9yZq9G1d9IfbMvXud6p947CJWTlW/s1600/IMG_1280.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">whoops! you caught me thawing hotdogs in the sink.</span></td></tr>
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Our <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_498130-39047-SHX4ATF5UC_0__?productId=4765219&Ntt=bosch+dishwashers&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dbosch%2Bdishwashers&facetInfo=" target="_blank">dishwasher</a> is a bosch that we were able to get on major sale. Key to our satisfaction was a quiet dishwasher since our living space is very close to our kitchen. It delivers in this respect and does a good job of cleaning our dishes. I had always heard bosch referred to as the cream of the crop for dishwashers. I'd say ours works well, but not necessarily more so than others I have used. <br />
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We really wanted a counter-depth refrigerator, so we went with the least expensive model that received good reviews. Counter-depth models are great because they mimic a built in style and don't stick out in the room like a traditional fridge. You do pay an up-charge for them, but I feel like it's worth it. We have been really happy with <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_492537-2251-FGHC2331PF_0__?productId=4757245&Ntt=frigidaire+gallery&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dfrigidaire%2Bgallery&facetInfo=" target="_blank">this fridge</a>, and I would definitely recommend it. <br />
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Our <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Home-Decorators-Collection-1-Light-Ceiling-Clear-Glass-Funnel-Pendant-25401-36/202786146" target="_blank">pendant lights</a> (which I debated over in <a href="http://anneworthington.blogspot.com/2014/01/kitchen-lighting-our-house.html" target="_blank">this post</a>) are from Home Depot. I feel like they were the right choice for the space. Not a lot of visual weight in our small home, but enough interest and style to please the eye. You can see that we also had our electrician wire the ceiling for a total of five can lights. <br />
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The pulls and knobs are from Home Depot (I think? or maybe it was Lowes…). <br />
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The<a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Tabouret-24-inch-Metal-Counter-Stools-Set-of-2/3879160/product.html" target="_blank"> counter stools</a> are from Overstock. They were having some flash sale right around Christmas last year where you could get three stools for the price of two.<br />
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Let me know if there is anything else you would like to know about the kitchen!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998248755046711340noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603993619894874113.post-82526418453823417182014-08-31T10:07:00.000-07:002014-08-31T10:07:21.920-07:00Progress on our Hall BathWhile the kids and I were in Virginia this summer, Philip took on the task of tiling the hall bathroom floor. This was so great for a couple reasons. First, our floor before was white laminate that looked dingy and dirty even when it was technically clean. Now, it looks like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTw_3GTiS8uLdgQdUuk2Q7vzOeezTmPlje2vDvkgsbmt3J2uR0v9DloMNiwWVpdZPsAAxM541eSHMdz5A_vy6ymhjvSRwUq2LCCBl7wa8wUdz1LiDT7TyCugT4kKSaHNb_2XVRxBlC9Ixh/s1600/IMG_1820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTw_3GTiS8uLdgQdUuk2Q7vzOeezTmPlje2vDvkgsbmt3J2uR0v9DloMNiwWVpdZPsAAxM541eSHMdz5A_vy6ymhjvSRwUq2LCCBl7wa8wUdz1LiDT7TyCugT4kKSaHNb_2XVRxBlC9Ixh/s1600/IMG_1820.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Second, like so often occurs, this tiling project catapulted our plans for giving this little bathroom a facelift. Now, we also have freshly painted walls and a new vanity to boot! <br />
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When we set out to freshen up this bathroom, I settled on this beautiful space as my inspiration. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6s7S18FgzBrJTujx9SEix0Pi7SsRN8TsRXZW9aVRNUwld4vpSZA9SnqvC8Htt_M4AF8dW6Opva-wOxh5fC_a9uBqd_KBs8fplJAWgmrGbAaIVmZQQSjU8Gzu0nUxRnKLpazYMCS_VsLY/s1600/c1388a5198b697bc2165f57ae4b5e4b1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6s7S18FgzBrJTujx9SEix0Pi7SsRN8TsRXZW9aVRNUwld4vpSZA9SnqvC8Htt_M4AF8dW6Opva-wOxh5fC_a9uBqd_KBs8fplJAWgmrGbAaIVmZQQSjU8Gzu0nUxRnKLpazYMCS_VsLY/s1600/c1388a5198b697bc2165f57ae4b5e4b1.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.decorpad.com/nextPhoto.htm;jsessionid=E78CAB5B14CBBC14506DDA5D4BA9D492?index=0&spaceId=2" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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I painted the walls <a href="http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW6189-opaline/" target="_blank">this color</a>. I found a vanity on Craigslist in San Francisco. Naturally, I convinced my whole crew to trek down there with me a couple Friday nights ago so we could snag it. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsGUMPlgV5f6z43sIlggneuj2_WebiGmwoljmEld40CxWaIgzuK9fpKZqbCwOSdqgib71ShqFMAWOuiXgmwV17f_CboxwtmeECfe4SppzWlRpLpqNc0zMKD33YUM_ifwTcEOcL86IW2zM/s1600/IMG_2053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsGUMPlgV5f6z43sIlggneuj2_WebiGmwoljmEld40CxWaIgzuK9fpKZqbCwOSdqgib71ShqFMAWOuiXgmwV17f_CboxwtmeECfe4SppzWlRpLpqNc0zMKD33YUM_ifwTcEOcL86IW2zM/s1600/IMG_2053.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wayfairsupply.com/Elements-of-Design-Claremont-Double-Handle-Mini-Widespread-Bathroom-Faucet-with-Brass-Pop-Up-KS494-EDE3416.html" target="_blank">This faucet</a> just arrived in the mail. I found <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/atoll-rectangular-mirror-with-clear-glass/wall/category/mirrors/all-mirrors/198109" target="_blank">this mirror</a> at a local thrift store, and it's waiting to be hung. It's admittedly not consistent with my inspiration image but I've always loved it, it was $30, and I still think it'll look good. (Need to figure out what to do about the current medicine cabinet situation). Still need to find a new light fixture to replace the granny-chic one we currently have going on. Baseboard should go in within the next couple of days.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xeCOZZstWm3uDz2K5g00s6dsLYLeSdlFreyAcUbFkIin-ArSMp1Pcfcvm1xJfi7RjPhIHCH95LWUEsceTApViGV78aQ0bspaaxkdddeFMqm72JVe3EBJnbVZpoxSp7WJ1iptp7iKtZjH/s1600/IMG_1822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xeCOZZstWm3uDz2K5g00s6dsLYLeSdlFreyAcUbFkIin-ArSMp1Pcfcvm1xJfi7RjPhIHCH95LWUEsceTApViGV78aQ0bspaaxkdddeFMqm72JVe3EBJnbVZpoxSp7WJ1iptp7iKtZjH/s1600/IMG_1822.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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My current dilemna is whether or not to paint the vanity. When we originally set out to select a vanity, I was thinking we'd settle on one of the lower grade options at Home Depot or Lowes, so I would definitely paint it. However, the vanity we ended up getting is nicer than those, and really not offensive at all in its current state. It's a nicer, solid wood, and the dark, espresso stain is pretty nice as is. The thing is, nearly all the bathrooms I'm drawn to (a quick perusing of my bathroom pins told me this) include a painted vanity. I feel like I'm leaning towards painting it (thinking <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/vanderbergblue" target="_blank">this color</a> would be a good match for my inspiration image). What do you think? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YKPG_marGNa1Wmn3MOcKPQrANLHsKeb8K9JOHBAUgpqQhBM_3NPKQ8ivyPHAZ8zO3Wa_ZsoZHe2dbtsLgAy_BgUHkUoXCfSssEz4sy5vNawkgusape9bVcANPze4FCIva6gRbd9hNn7T/s1600/IMG_1824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YKPG_marGNa1Wmn3MOcKPQrANLHsKeb8K9JOHBAUgpqQhBM_3NPKQ8ivyPHAZ8zO3Wa_ZsoZHe2dbtsLgAy_BgUHkUoXCfSssEz4sy5vNawkgusape9bVcANPze4FCIva6gRbd9hNn7T/s1600/IMG_1824.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Here are a few painted vanities for your consideration…<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKXjqpjAuihzLEmpEwrt1BP_FAZTpQm7YwN-Y3qE-CJ7aeBq2-09JN2gVau_GvNX2a-6uTKI4fJsnteJHFyKWzvfRcbYGC9seAZvEDmEHslGMhRBVkdOLTv0ewVhnp3fKPr5KRnRX-aqr/s1600/4b2413e0de7e05aaffc8fc3466fed84c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKXjqpjAuihzLEmpEwrt1BP_FAZTpQm7YwN-Y3qE-CJ7aeBq2-09JN2gVau_GvNX2a-6uTKI4fJsnteJHFyKWzvfRcbYGC9seAZvEDmEHslGMhRBVkdOLTv0ewVhnp3fKPr5KRnRX-aqr/s1600/4b2413e0de7e05aaffc8fc3466fed84c.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.classiccasualhome.com/2013/03/orc-finale-blue-white-guest-room.html" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmy9NtehvDPQeG8QgqaYhhyA3dZiy0XyrycBxFKT-govv2COEjGtWquwfH1g6fvj9qdpp_xiki9VTw5PME8rB_2yVf3PoScG_8A7Q-f0yXT69xWmdaz_1pqEdvUk9hzXLbjO5hPtAp3tzB/s1600/9ff68c6b6c7e0f5b36273c58e07f334b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmy9NtehvDPQeG8QgqaYhhyA3dZiy0XyrycBxFKT-govv2COEjGtWquwfH1g6fvj9qdpp_xiki9VTw5PME8rB_2yVf3PoScG_8A7Q-f0yXT69xWmdaz_1pqEdvUk9hzXLbjO5hPtAp3tzB/s1600/9ff68c6b6c7e0f5b36273c58e07f334b.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.meredithheron.com/blog/entry/getting_her_all_spiffy_unveiling_our_madison_project" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jZ41nGp1_mpnCi4If8cvrlZsrrKFUUQ16D6TSt_IHeMfDytkgpU1X82F8tNjBjDmVIy-cp1QwV-Lzcj76G0vILjyWtRlz7_tyryxfSC_3QOgUyPdpuW2yUvxQcYQLp6gNbPG8CEEvrzI/s1600/79fe45dc7cdbf5619d9ed43bc8047a3c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jZ41nGp1_mpnCi4If8cvrlZsrrKFUUQ16D6TSt_IHeMfDytkgpU1X82F8tNjBjDmVIy-cp1QwV-Lzcj76G0vILjyWtRlz7_tyryxfSC_3QOgUyPdpuW2yUvxQcYQLp6gNbPG8CEEvrzI/s1600/79fe45dc7cdbf5619d9ed43bc8047a3c.jpg" height="640" width="446" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hollymathisinteriors.com/2013/08/at-home-with-grace-happens/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqa6EPOAofv7GWRptRPI8rYzQoBo3Kg0c2kdYDeo4J5Qf_YwO8e5ge1AlvF6CGlkxQ8XwenbLWtGrBDDqETpLCov2m2y7WtEx75fk0ieilq9WcmNKb0Rb_PpupUGHlganKV1H-8TPvj7m/s1600/466c066cfdfaaa9e171a3e738a1c7ef9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqa6EPOAofv7GWRptRPI8rYzQoBo3Kg0c2kdYDeo4J5Qf_YwO8e5ge1AlvF6CGlkxQ8XwenbLWtGrBDDqETpLCov2m2y7WtEx75fk0ieilq9WcmNKb0Rb_PpupUGHlganKV1H-8TPvj7m/s1600/466c066cfdfaaa9e171a3e738a1c7ef9.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pawleysislandposh.blogspot.com/2014/08/green-bathroom-cabinets.html" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQYSskLd_pavdtQgiB4iXgixD4zA4oLLrXpCOeLsrPXfeo2B6NNakZ14XiqWd1JozTqchIGVuKGBoxWqkyODrFMWFpaPpK7OwFP-rC-qjeasCu8L_0zE06yqj7ekTDmII6FKCmhbNDz3y/s1600/6964eeb8cc351ae5589f5bbe2df0e836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQYSskLd_pavdtQgiB4iXgixD4zA4oLLrXpCOeLsrPXfeo2B6NNakZ14XiqWd1JozTqchIGVuKGBoxWqkyODrFMWFpaPpK7OwFP-rC-qjeasCu8L_0zE06yqj7ekTDmII6FKCmhbNDz3y/s1600/6964eeb8cc351ae5589f5bbe2df0e836.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://emilyaclark.com/2013/03/thinking-about-boys-bathroom.html" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Sooooo, to paint or not to paint?!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1nUfV9nkkTVxJILuJ_8dz57Zw0YWqE8HsgTIhW5d6FvLocYwVBDR6X93GbN8-Lpp1fUGSOFkTZvjDJaeLVoepjHdQ2CbLcxIFj5wdVm6AF70HnBRI_AP27fH0Ra71TuXqO4GuWNcXA1g/s1600/IMG_1822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1nUfV9nkkTVxJILuJ_8dz57Zw0YWqE8HsgTIhW5d6FvLocYwVBDR6X93GbN8-Lpp1fUGSOFkTZvjDJaeLVoepjHdQ2CbLcxIFj5wdVm6AF70HnBRI_AP27fH0Ra71TuXqO4GuWNcXA1g/s1600/IMG_1822.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 90px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 90px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 90px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 90px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998248755046711340noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603993619894874113.post-44808253541097229552014-08-27T05:00:00.000-07:002014-08-27T05:00:08.856-07:00A Summer RecapWell, Wade starts kindergarten today. So as not to focus on the fact that my heart is currently in my throat, I thought I would share some of my favorite moments captured from our adventures this summer. There are tons more (I am a bit snap-happy with my camera), but I'm not sure you have the stamina to read through the forty or so I whittled it down to as it is, so here goes…<br />
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Back in June, the kids and I worked on a painting for Mary Graham's nursery. I LOVED it! This was in the beginning stages…<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sqtcnGFslzdUGDrMwt-t_In2CjhLrn2wP_sG4ie4zC8N4RFpu5XVAfcNjiQDlfFPhrk3X0PmHRPynzT-TK0sLUoI1AFrQPQqscSi_LeQzUGzWwlSSBQQ-QXa8QdwRwgsu3qWqfccIv4X/s1600/IMG_0549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sqtcnGFslzdUGDrMwt-t_In2CjhLrn2wP_sG4ie4zC8N4RFpu5XVAfcNjiQDlfFPhrk3X0PmHRPynzT-TK0sLUoI1AFrQPQqscSi_LeQzUGzWwlSSBQQ-QXa8QdwRwgsu3qWqfccIv4X/s1600/IMG_0549.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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We spent most of our summer back in sweet Virginia, where we visited family and friends and just soaked up the general awesomeness that is the Commonwealth.<br />
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So much fun to get to spend some time with grandparents and cousins in northern VA! Just look at the faces on those precious children.<br />
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Fourth of July fun!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhod2gtE38s8ZBhoAg_KtxYMbctTzptLEqYPyS8QNnOkooKmqikm0812GSj3Pzx4EGC2b2M9MtmgLHM3o3YtUYjYyHnJwi2xtE5XNZVVFOes4p97W4wyA1NyAdoa5DHeNP87aStT-flQSFl/s1600/IMG_0858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhod2gtE38s8ZBhoAg_KtxYMbctTzptLEqYPyS8QNnOkooKmqikm0812GSj3Pzx4EGC2b2M9MtmgLHM3o3YtUYjYyHnJwi2xtE5XNZVVFOes4p97W4wyA1NyAdoa5DHeNP87aStT-flQSFl/s1600/IMG_0858.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mary Graham loved cuddling up to her Uncle Taylor during our time at the beach. Had the best time hearing his crazy stories about being a landlord. I need to laugh like that on a more regular basis. We so wish he didn't live so far away :( <br />
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MG was also quite smitten with her Mimi.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoLxG_L9OqjrmoIt8ooTvXhioRIBgiA0abo2tyxB6Jixp1jyEzxOF6RU1bjmzZ5jxY59TndK0OtMZH1IX987b3DEYf2lpaR0dl3vVwYCuIESq_rAkuvnamglIgK7lSHYGk32c-Cx_pHKU/s1600/IMG_0912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoLxG_L9OqjrmoIt8ooTvXhioRIBgiA0abo2tyxB6Jixp1jyEzxOF6RU1bjmzZ5jxY59TndK0OtMZH1IX987b3DEYf2lpaR0dl3vVwYCuIESq_rAkuvnamglIgK7lSHYGk32c-Cx_pHKU/s1600/IMG_0912.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I don't think this picture needs any words, but it was too funny for me to leave out. (that's a king-size bed, btw.)<br />
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Kiawah, South Carolina<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJcNRas6F7oxsGe4-T1k12yj5gDBN68JoEW7o5pasJs-7dNABjvlSrCGscMmhTC0IRcFQnMnkGac5fgCuePqd7-83xV8O9GKcjUs2iH6J2-UHAsjwds5AteCqVbcFjaYxratLTRqePOlF/s1600/IMG_0928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJcNRas6F7oxsGe4-T1k12yj5gDBN68JoEW7o5pasJs-7dNABjvlSrCGscMmhTC0IRcFQnMnkGac5fgCuePqd7-83xV8O9GKcjUs2iH6J2-UHAsjwds5AteCqVbcFjaYxratLTRqePOlF/s1600/IMG_0928.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Enjoying some quiet on the beach with my dad. There is no one quite like him. I love that he encourages me for major acts of bravery (like my cross-country flight with all three kids by myself, for example) by urging me to consider the life of Louie Zamperini (of <u>Unbroken</u> fame) and how, really, my troubles pale in comparison. (And it's true, I have to admit.) <br />
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Who is this grown man I was like a little mama to all those years growing up? He was never more than five years old in my mind. Love him.<br />
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My two guys out on the water. We had a great time, just the three of us. I think having older kids is really fun. (I realize five is hardly "old," but you know what I mean)<br />
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babies + bonnets + beach = heaven<br />
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Mary Graham and my dad developed quite the bond.<br />
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My sweet Holland. Every age of hers is my favorite.<br />
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Just a typical kind of day. Philip carrying Graham like a sack of potatoes into the ocean.<br />
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Sometimes it's hard for me to believe that here I am, married and with three children. <br />
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Just look at these three munchkins. I am blessed to call them mine.<br />
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One of Holland's strengths as a big sister is reading to MG. She is quite remarkable at it actually. I need to post a video.<br />
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I celebrated my 32nd birthday while we were in Virginia. It was wonderful to spend the afternoon at the Ploughcroft Tea Room with almost all the women in our family (we missed you Megan!).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">all the granddaughters!</td></tr>
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Holland was SO excited to make my birthday cake. She has no idea that her precious excitement over it was by far the best part of my birthday. <br />
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Sure missed being with Philip, but I made sure to get some birthday kisses from these goobers.<br />
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I am so thankful for these two women, my beloved grandmothers. They are so dear to me and don't think I took for granted one moment that my children got to sit on their laps and get their cheeks kissed by them. <br />
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I had my first painting lesson!<br />
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Wrestling with Papa! This instantly took me back to the day when my brothers and I were in their place. And yes, Taylor and Andrew, I told Wade and Holland the secret to getting out of a vice! (breathe on dad, of course)<br />
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We had a picnic at the Peaks of Otter and walked around the lake. It was a gorgeous night.<br />
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There is just something special about a grandmother with her grandchildren.<br />
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Papa and Mary Graham were early morning buddies. Is there anything better than being able to pass your baby off to your dad so you can sneak back up to bed and sleep? Fellow mamas, am I right?<br />
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Wade and his cousin, Nolan playing with trucks together. Classic.<br />
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All my babies in the tub together! <br />
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Witnessing my children run through the yard at my parent's house on a beautiful summer night? I wanted to hit the pause button.<br />
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We love you Mimi!<br />
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Holland has always been the crafty one, but Wade recently developed a love for coloring pictures. It is really endearing. (He will explain that he prefers to color when there is already a picture drawn, just so we're clear :) <br />
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And if Holland doesn't have it made, then I don't know anything. I mean, look at this girl living the dream while her big brother pulls her along for the ride!<br />
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And with that, we bid farewell to summer. Our journey continues at kindergarten…I hope to return soon with more to report :) Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998248755046711340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603993619894874113.post-86915686067637022902014-06-24T15:18:00.000-07:002014-06-24T15:20:01.461-07:00Sofas: How do you like your seat?I'd like to take a little poll, partly for curiosity's sake and partly because I've got a little something brewing…So humor me if you will and tell me your thoughts:<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Do you prefer a sofa with three seat cushions, two seat cushions, or one long bench seat cushion? </span></b><br />
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I feel like the each have their own advantages and disadvantages…<br />
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For the sake of keeping other things constant, let's compare different style seat cushions with the same style sofa--in this case, the English Roll Arm style, which happens to be my very favorite :)<br />
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Three seat cushions feel the most traditional to me. (Also: I know I just recently posted this room. It is just so good.)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61oZ2tuVYy-kD_LbOu6JA74NfoSr0INiJyOCzUDvrTOTqyovjzl6UMFWbstzaY5AkaJ01lTANkQJLyTiBzDUOiWwAGF8ZPCkLF1TY-NPJZuOKnJ5v63aiHXm1_rdYbORP-gpN4L2z-zL-/s1600/b02ed3afd37b8080b07f77919d4a802b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61oZ2tuVYy-kD_LbOu6JA74NfoSr0INiJyOCzUDvrTOTqyovjzl6UMFWbstzaY5AkaJ01lTANkQJLyTiBzDUOiWwAGF8ZPCkLF1TY-NPJZuOKnJ5v63aiHXm1_rdYbORP-gpN4L2z-zL-/s1600/b02ed3afd37b8080b07f77919d4a802b.jpg" height="380" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TcDNCtrorHI/AAAAAAABElg/kpMeqMwS7FA/s1600-h/image79[5].png" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I feel like the look comes across really balanced since the three seat cushions mimic the divisions on the back of the sofa. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7X4VpFAWn7fk68s7rhjY0pOd3N59bZV6_uoHD1tvwm4It5DYRtrRwXq-SOZlcMmv6mgHkLN-mJqvGgUP2KqvQ9aHl_Cz1uHQtkYJhaWMOstp9_W16EAaWvCSy2BvDapZsw2C-eHlaeQw/s1600/London+Townhouse+NY+T+Magazine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7X4VpFAWn7fk68s7rhjY0pOd3N59bZV6_uoHD1tvwm4It5DYRtrRwXq-SOZlcMmv6mgHkLN-mJqvGgUP2KqvQ9aHl_Cz1uHQtkYJhaWMOstp9_W16EAaWvCSy2BvDapZsw2C-eHlaeQw/s1600/London+Townhouse+NY+T+Magazine.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://maddesigninterest.blogspot.com/2012/04/trend-report-english-roll-arm-sofa.html" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I wonder if three cushions is the easiest style for maintaining nicely fluffed cushions? Seems possible since the sections are smaller…<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGn1ZVHU9HdwGKSweZAnlJRfxYTKskHV4rRC1ruHJISr_4r46gCV4G0JLG3uYXK_9QTFVFxPDv9XPaA6VHzRTDkidmonjwAJhaBaViXDDZRt0eB5J5GMz5IddF_sTQ9ndRYclE5Ryl0Gl/s1600/77d3ad59eb31f018cc4b5d3247ff41ac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGn1ZVHU9HdwGKSweZAnlJRfxYTKskHV4rRC1ruHJISr_4r46gCV4G0JLG3uYXK_9QTFVFxPDv9XPaA6VHzRTDkidmonjwAJhaBaViXDDZRt0eB5J5GMz5IddF_sTQ9ndRYclE5Ryl0Gl/s1600/77d3ad59eb31f018cc4b5d3247ff41ac.jpg" height="640" width="458" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tabletonic.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-06-23T00:00:00%2B08:00&max-results=9" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I also feel like three cushions could be easier for spot treating--just remove the cushion cover that needs to be cleaned, leaving the rest in tact.<br />
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At the same time, I am not a fan of sitting on seams or being stuck in the space between cushions. Some people say that even on a sofa with three cushions, three people rarely sit there at the same time, so the two people inevitably end up sitting on top of a seam. Not so good if you ask me. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2zNVMsZecJ7udOx0nc7x8X1mqxbD88KtSqEORhRcXxISd_EetdTnsjg6xR6pc0hHYhZ2GLsSS3IWZexXsjkc2zl922beaOAHheq1AIhW0teoGmSm5S39zo9bLfAXdiuuVHRr8RUCV9cE/s1600/59ab33d425ea9efaafe085e412d04278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2zNVMsZecJ7udOx0nc7x8X1mqxbD88KtSqEORhRcXxISd_EetdTnsjg6xR6pc0hHYhZ2GLsSS3IWZexXsjkc2zl922beaOAHheq1AIhW0teoGmSm5S39zo9bLfAXdiuuVHRr8RUCV9cE/s1600/59ab33d425ea9efaafe085e412d04278.jpg" height="640" width="508" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lonny.com/photos/Living+Room/v_rPqfBt68p" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Two cushions present less of a problem if you have that same scenario. Each person get their own cushion with no problems.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bcR9KJ6f46-W0UhusxFxK3Yea3BlfmsacFMGXw30YAlv1i-7tl404UUIxOW8hjtjHZR5sbeh7TS0nV68_msnqpsEKf75EIB2_IkMrIPqCSi5VHMSrW6R23mztv-FoJ6Uf1WNr4V7ffwq/s1600/e3ffff96d4e90a2efa9ec63b4d1bdb12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bcR9KJ6f46-W0UhusxFxK3Yea3BlfmsacFMGXw30YAlv1i-7tl404UUIxOW8hjtjHZR5sbeh7TS0nV68_msnqpsEKf75EIB2_IkMrIPqCSi5VHMSrW6R23mztv-FoJ6Uf1WNr4V7ffwq/s1600/e3ffff96d4e90a2efa9ec63b4d1bdb12.jpg" height="640" width="450" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.atlantahomesmag.com/article/ann-mashburn" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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It's a nice clean look, and I think it works best when the sofa has that one division down the back to match the split in the two seat cushions…<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4hu5nGo74LpqHa-uuRykTNrXzumyozybF2PzMTE6JVk2kkRpDS1BpVZ95tixMhINmbrbhCTYFkv3_09oXkLP4yTD7TgcLBoe1wocvD7eOQ3oyQn1lphXV-XwyFfMtHmFVnYaM4MrpCix/s1600/51d896cfaad2fbf556788a74d6793e50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4hu5nGo74LpqHa-uuRykTNrXzumyozybF2PzMTE6JVk2kkRpDS1BpVZ95tixMhINmbrbhCTYFkv3_09oXkLP4yTD7TgcLBoe1wocvD7eOQ3oyQn1lphXV-XwyFfMtHmFVnYaM4MrpCix/s1600/51d896cfaad2fbf556788a74d6793e50.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://inspirationfordecor.ca/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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Lastly, we have the single bench seat cushion.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtivoa6yIeI7YZZu4kM4emLeTzqHP5ZDMSa-aAQt-YsOgbUl5clCbR7_sr5FNWR4OJA7xMs_VjFPyJk0auaAf-Up1_RntjL9k2RMoNQqpmMQXNHjpaen6nFqRqkUARHay-ZOW-p3Adr24/s1600/P1020259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtivoa6yIeI7YZZu4kM4emLeTzqHP5ZDMSa-aAQt-YsOgbUl5clCbR7_sr5FNWR4OJA7xMs_VjFPyJk0auaAf-Up1_RntjL9k2RMoNQqpmMQXNHjpaen6nFqRqkUARHay-ZOW-p3Adr24/s1600/P1020259.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.cococozy.com/" target="_blank">source</a><br />I <i>really </i>love that long bolster pillow paired with the lone seat cushion!</span></td></tr>
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I'm seeing one single cushion done more and more these days. It strikes me as as a more streamlined, modern look. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnO_dEZVZAJZ9gd37DQsO_VBebg8l3pvrXGeC5SUjZ8_XP6kWMaKM4luWXuwpmO8TwqUQ0-Rmv40vLhxoCDRyNTAO-oN2lbvMNY0Z5MIK4vNpworEKO3Fb81k-z0gX07I9dNZHdBH1zBbW/s1600/1cd799cd7eb3bbb0e0296484905ec0ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnO_dEZVZAJZ9gd37DQsO_VBebg8l3pvrXGeC5SUjZ8_XP6kWMaKM4luWXuwpmO8TwqUQ0-Rmv40vLhxoCDRyNTAO-oN2lbvMNY0Z5MIK4vNpworEKO3Fb81k-z0gX07I9dNZHdBH1zBbW/s1600/1cd799cd7eb3bbb0e0296484905ec0ba.jpg" height="640" width="520" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thenowstylebook.com/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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I think it's nice not to have to worry about any seams in the cushions…nobody gets stuck in a gap! And frankly, having spent time on a bench seat sofa, it kinda feels like a big bed. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVuKYK943Gyv2JGnD7Vpplqevy074XgAThtJcmSa9KhHGuITWL0FLWCH3NWkn_H-dQdhFu7TmLXoDDiZ9o6H1mQ2v08UES8JxDyRd8htP2E-M_RUqYuVrycL0Cke_vfd9XTfPHu_z8zMq/s1600/Traditional-English-Arm-Sofa-Style.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVuKYK943Gyv2JGnD7Vpplqevy074XgAThtJcmSa9KhHGuITWL0FLWCH3NWkn_H-dQdhFu7TmLXoDDiZ9o6H1mQ2v08UES8JxDyRd8htP2E-M_RUqYuVrycL0Cke_vfd9XTfPHu_z8zMq/s1600/Traditional-English-Arm-Sofa-Style.png" height="320" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://garrisonhullinger.com/2012/07/11/how-to-choose-a-sofa-whats-your-sofa-style/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvn2SKi850MH9ti21rMAhvV3HRzD-4-2VLTfU5frDSeZknkgmx5zNR1CFQ9xOip0ycnvXb5oeI6S0J9AbL1ogH8u6dQ1dq3Tkxn8ZzSy67f5EhdcgS7sLkAYO6p3EyKyEhGqRZGsOU9t5/s1600/gs3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvn2SKi850MH9ti21rMAhvV3HRzD-4-2VLTfU5frDSeZknkgmx5zNR1CFQ9xOip0ycnvXb5oeI6S0J9AbL1ogH8u6dQ1dq3Tkxn8ZzSy67f5EhdcgS7sLkAYO6p3EyKyEhGqRZGsOU9t5/s1600/gs3.jpg" height="430" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.goodbonesgreatpieces.com/" target="_blank">via</a> </td></tr>
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It's a little hard to tell, but the sofa in the photo above has one long cushion.<br />
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So, what do you think? One, two, or three seat cushions? Maybe you think it's absurd to spend so much time thinking about the number of seat cushions on your sofa. That's ok. I can handle that kind of feedback too :) I would love to know your opinion on this very important topic. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998248755046711340noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603993619894874113.post-22654049219441019072014-06-18T05:00:00.000-07:002014-06-18T05:00:02.909-07:00Summer Grace<div>
Thank y'all so much for all the kind words about our new kitchen! Each and every comment meant so very much to me! I hope to post the details about the kitchen soon. In the meantime, I need to talk about my babies. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfkPMPRD3XJ9WfJAtNL4qidgqz9xc5tIPNfligzl243qrKFpfMNOVyGCLy2aoh6Rdh42lrPigGBRyyGwjZpa2i99gEWp7lkLoM_bNSAQWm5Em_PT20-C8GQGL3WMFWbHFYVb3t7L1PvEQ/s1600/IMG_1305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfkPMPRD3XJ9WfJAtNL4qidgqz9xc5tIPNfligzl243qrKFpfMNOVyGCLy2aoh6Rdh42lrPigGBRyyGwjZpa2i99gEWp7lkLoM_bNSAQWm5Em_PT20-C8GQGL3WMFWbHFYVb3t7L1PvEQ/s1600/IMG_1305.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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So, (pre) school is officially out, and summer is here! As much as the few hours of Mary Graham and mama time are nice, I have actually really enjoyed the leisurely pace of our mornings these past few days. It has been nice to put MG down for a morning nap when she is actually tired instead of once we have gotten back home from preschool drop off and I have dragged her sweet, tired self all over the place first. Of course I appreciate some time to myself as much as the next mom, but God has been gracious and these first days of summer have felt more manageable that I anticipated. Dare I say I have actually enjoyed them :)<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPI5gGW7ZCL2w8u9qpsLWZqScgotdivoSHgiO1Aop_m8uuFLadKLYrstM3x2XPyJKbt1lP1rI_EHMJ6BkIeGFh00XW74eivkFyX5IQ4yIF1Y84iXMwIGiA6hHzsr5SDANR7PWmHwlWbFN/s1600/IMG_0355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPI5gGW7ZCL2w8u9qpsLWZqScgotdivoSHgiO1Aop_m8uuFLadKLYrstM3x2XPyJKbt1lP1rI_EHMJ6BkIeGFh00XW74eivkFyX5IQ4yIF1Y84iXMwIGiA6hHzsr5SDANR7PWmHwlWbFN/s1600/IMG_0355.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mary Graham's first swim (besides her birth, that is :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFC2h_fbuZ6NyZKpIraQ2wOcCqrvMM7UxP3TR2Qq6W1iDDZUaXOYJZRvr2lxhn-zzwKs07YlLzTWGZGQanHLYB1bxNaiMJSxNl1usI_g5r9OVt3u3F4wg4KfBdowAozbCsn_1eR1S4shX/s1600/IMG_0446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFC2h_fbuZ6NyZKpIraQ2wOcCqrvMM7UxP3TR2Qq6W1iDDZUaXOYJZRvr2lxhn-zzwKs07YlLzTWGZGQanHLYB1bxNaiMJSxNl1usI_g5r9OVt3u3F4wg4KfBdowAozbCsn_1eR1S4shX/s1600/IMG_0446.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mary Graham's first time swinging! Lovingly pushed by her big bro, what could be better?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Jg_2I7Aoll6GM7o895i765XnHBKpHdbvxFpcfbPZAUpcAP9O-CBvhCHwrzzbF4srmRtLkq_ndkATj7-kLm_bvmxkaOww5m6rIxAmM_3ADQdAZfoRNfnnTVBavIwJEymFv0rCwU19ZO6G/s1600/IMG_0345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Jg_2I7Aoll6GM7o895i765XnHBKpHdbvxFpcfbPZAUpcAP9O-CBvhCHwrzzbF4srmRtLkq_ndkATj7-kLm_bvmxkaOww5m6rIxAmM_3ADQdAZfoRNfnnTVBavIwJEymFv0rCwU19ZO6G/s1600/IMG_0345.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Holland absolutely loves having me paint her nails. I must have really driven home the part about not touching anything when your nails are wet because she promptly asked me to "scratch my forehead really hard." When you have an itch, you have an itch!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifT55bVt5WmrftWBu2zhyphenhyphenJ4cIPnQbQizT-wWWCM6kn-EELcuJw2hI7d11Mg_qr4Lf-ifF3_P_2C9Olb1JEqMHdMwwLUDxytD_RQyu3px30fTP5RNaQqAecXOEqofDU4Hj4M2wxkAf-YU9J/s1600/IMG_0340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifT55bVt5WmrftWBu2zhyphenhyphenJ4cIPnQbQizT-wWWCM6kn-EELcuJw2hI7d11Mg_qr4Lf-ifF3_P_2C9Olb1JEqMHdMwwLUDxytD_RQyu3px30fTP5RNaQqAecXOEqofDU4Hj4M2wxkAf-YU9J/s1600/IMG_0340.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is her "I'm too sweet to go to sleep at a reasonable hour" face.</span></td></tr>
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In the days since summer began, we have visited the park. We have run errands. We have ridden a train and a carousel. We have worked on Father's Day treats and baked muffins. Wade and Holland have played together so nicely. They have also fought over the silliest of things and I have been impatient and harsh. I have had moments of thoughtful parenting and I have had my share of parenting moments I would rather forget. <br /><div>
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It could be that kindergarten looms in the Fall for my oldest (I can feel my heart in my throat as I type that), but I am feeling more and more what people have always said about mothering young ones--it goes by so fast. Mary Graham is nearly six months old. Holland is so mature and amazes me every day with the things she says and does. And Wade is headed to kindergarten in mere months. I know it sounds corny, but the time when my children are all really small just seems to be like sand slipping through my fingers. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6TeoYRbHpOeKOmEL1GhxFZWuAMaAioLnLJC9o2YxJY4Uuhh1Zmbt9TQQGeoBjkEGKTisYLt8fGqVcK2N4w3PJaleaat2W43Vz1zZrNi-H1K5RptS0VK3rOXOOrIDI8_Cm1H5dPxT0wHf/s1600/IMG_0312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6TeoYRbHpOeKOmEL1GhxFZWuAMaAioLnLJC9o2YxJY4Uuhh1Zmbt9TQQGeoBjkEGKTisYLt8fGqVcK2N4w3PJaleaat2W43Vz1zZrNi-H1K5RptS0VK3rOXOOrIDI8_Cm1H5dPxT0wHf/s1600/IMG_0312.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Very excited about their new jammies from Mimi!</span></td></tr>
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I don't want to waste that time stressing out about the little things. I don't want to fret over what I have or haven't gotten done since there's no preschool to provide me some free time. I don't even want to get hung up on how much I think I need a creative outlet (this blog is supposed to be part of that…) in order to be a better mom.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">rolling around on the floor at Staples. Clearly, I must be doing something right...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">last day of pre-k :(</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Big Sis reading to Little Sis</span></td></tr>
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I want to find joy in the seemingly mundane moments we spend together. I want to be content with the life we have together <i>right now</i>. I don't even want to wish away the nights when I am awoken by the sounds of my baby who knows I will attend to her, and I am the only one she wants. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">She started out on a playmat…I turned away and found her far away…it will not be long before she is on the move!</span></td></tr>
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These days when they feel the need to come find me just to tell me they need to go to the potty are fleeting. Hearing one of them ask the other if they want to go play dollhouse? It's so normal right now, but it won't always be. How many summers will they dress up in costumes and dance around together?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFsX3JZVxKVd2ZjIvNKSv5VBevCuHBBht2nhZlhM4jxDF-f-d4PhVFlMtcxI4uT80WVGcSySkS6dtDLI164lpofxXqXiqm7vQdKFsQkqWF4OAvSAIfcAmlJnd3vlFJduPgcC29Quv9gn1/s1600/IMG_0254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFsX3JZVxKVd2ZjIvNKSv5VBevCuHBBht2nhZlhM4jxDF-f-d4PhVFlMtcxI4uT80WVGcSySkS6dtDLI164lpofxXqXiqm7vQdKFsQkqWF4OAvSAIfcAmlJnd3vlFJduPgcC29Quv9gn1/s1600/IMG_0254.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">These were their best "we don't want to go to bed" looks...</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2PbEkKyDESLrQRm8-SBj_FTo2pRiGLo0O5vnIssKA-NdM2-l8iCFeE6hkq5a7INPEACaKOU2LmMb6vO78od-1KJKF9qnvAKjk0vemLshC8fQ0WqRQfhrfo4AbLEWj81sQ-_2lOtQYX6v/s1600/IMG_0468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2PbEkKyDESLrQRm8-SBj_FTo2pRiGLo0O5vnIssKA-NdM2-l8iCFeE6hkq5a7INPEACaKOU2LmMb6vO78od-1KJKF9qnvAKjk0vemLshC8fQ0WqRQfhrfo4AbLEWj81sQ-_2lOtQYX6v/s1600/IMG_0468.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">please note this is a DOLL jog stroller...</span></td></tr>
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I'm going to do my very best to hold onto these thoughts when the days start to go downhill…because they inevitably will. But I know I am so blessed to be the mama to these three, and I want to live that way. </div>
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Cheers to you, summer. Cheers to time with my babies while they are an age they'll never be again. Cheers to growing in grace with one another. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998248755046711340noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603993619894874113.post-22173276103001699442014-06-13T13:12:00.000-07:002014-06-13T13:12:10.565-07:00Our New Kitchen {Before & After}Last weekend we had friends over for dinner, so I picked up a couple bouquets of peonies from Trader Joes. Aren't they so beautiful?! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyycZ7SQxQNen37R2VUktGz-iURsfP9uBP8Ar33i4EC-2Izs5peoi2P5QTJ_p309ixrVdNjXqo1xVR5O8WL1XnYc8KwimfATnOqlaQZbHknGKRbQHvVhD2e96mvxYTl7Y4uzrdrcZhJon/s1600/IMG_1249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyycZ7SQxQNen37R2VUktGz-iURsfP9uBP8Ar33i4EC-2Izs5peoi2P5QTJ_p309ixrVdNjXqo1xVR5O8WL1XnYc8KwimfATnOqlaQZbHknGKRbQHvVhD2e96mvxYTl7Y4uzrdrcZhJon/s1600/IMG_1249.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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While I had gorgeous flowers around, I figured it would be the perfect time to give the kitchen a good thorough cleaning and finally take the time to photograph it in all its renovated glory! I've been wanting to share it with you all for a while now!<br />
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If you remember, when we bought the house this past November, the kitchen looked like this:<br />
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Here it is today:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaZ5evjGIgwoGQlEEUzIzLvxIxLELjFP6x_HKCgrqA34NQagHgKCSlYSFLXWfiIw0B2uF2kBM3uD3_QzPQGR8ny8D0h97rHe0xTLim800U2mOgNtwjdFVlVXRT6F5EHD_u3OesMpAIhKH/s1600/IMG_1222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaZ5evjGIgwoGQlEEUzIzLvxIxLELjFP6x_HKCgrqA34NQagHgKCSlYSFLXWfiIw0B2uF2kBM3uD3_QzPQGR8ny8D0h97rHe0xTLim800U2mOgNtwjdFVlVXRT6F5EHD_u3OesMpAIhKH/s1600/IMG_1222.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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We are so happy with how it all came together! Here are a couple more comparison shots for fun :)<br />
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Looking back toward the living room, there obviously used to be a wall separating the two rooms. <br />
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Not anymore! We knocked the wall down (when I say we, I really mean our amazing contractor!) and built it back up half way for cabinets and an eat-in counter area on the other side. <br />
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While the original cabinets were charming (they were solid wood!), they didn't make full use of the space and that refrigerator really stuck out in the room. <br />
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We moved the refrigerator and put the range in its place.<br />
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We relocated the refrigerator to the wall opposite the window.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">see that gap above the fridge? One day it'll get covered up so the fridge appears to truly be "built in"</td></tr>
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This "before" photo shows the long empty wall on the left where we relocated the fridge and added pantry cabinets. <br />
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As a result, we had to reduce the size of that doorway into the room with the stove, but since it was so large to begin with, it worked out fine.<br />
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This post is already really long, so I'll do a separate one with more information on the details of the kitchen. Hope you like our new kitchen as much as we do!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998248755046711340noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603993619894874113.post-24242844067128251142014-05-20T11:05:00.001-07:002014-05-20T11:06:37.822-07:00Painted Interior DoorsThere are some design elements in a room that I think strike you right away. Fabric choices on furniture. Statement art on the walls. A really interesting rug. Kitchen countertops. Fabulous Lighting. Deciding on these things is important and definitely shapes the feel of your home. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_sPAd5KgicdiNq0V0m9dNeRNgpQrJ1rvm1_NnnpPC_d7Kk3-lkd9yBvj0ZZXmEt-6vSA4CJl0w3pOHKa_dmn0e0CYH500FiCE2C9cDgl2EyUu3ZHTSpNCQ58ECwgmxny_57Air5d2Uli/s1600/3f5155a8a4c74a661e596a1858d228a5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_sPAd5KgicdiNq0V0m9dNeRNgpQrJ1rvm1_NnnpPC_d7Kk3-lkd9yBvj0ZZXmEt-6vSA4CJl0w3pOHKa_dmn0e0CYH500FiCE2C9cDgl2EyUu3ZHTSpNCQ58ECwgmxny_57Air5d2Uli/s1600/3f5155a8a4c74a661e596a1858d228a5.jpg" height="640" width="484" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://laurenleonardinteriors.com/blog/stylish-elements-from-a-cottage-living-favorite/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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I also think there are some elements in a room that deliver a big impact in a more subtle way. It's not secret that I love to paint things, and what I'm thinking about today are painted interior doors. Maybe not the first thing you'd think to address in your home, but I love the way they warm up a space and create a good dose of contrast. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4cOpV-aG55LWCNm5s4Jd-oUk-c8Srqr42mkWvkfQw4Qd9l5DvY_gJH_XQjV2ybDqA175AawuwXgwNOib4XHtUftN_PgOvCSB2YE8PRaZQ0J5OC3KafimikwoL-0Gh8I5lEIG0gOgujcJ/s1600/6a01156e5d7bde970c01538ef98f84970b-450wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4cOpV-aG55LWCNm5s4Jd-oUk-c8Srqr42mkWvkfQw4Qd9l5DvY_gJH_XQjV2ybDqA175AawuwXgwNOib4XHtUftN_PgOvCSB2YE8PRaZQ0J5OC3KafimikwoL-0Gh8I5lEIG0gOgujcJ/s1600/6a01156e5d7bde970c01538ef98f84970b-450wi.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://nestegg.typepad.com/nest-egg/2011/06/dark-doors.html?cid=6a01156e5d7bde970c015432d000ef970c#comment-6a01156e5d7bde970c015432d000ef970c" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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In our home in Richmond, I painted the inside of our front door black.<br />
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I also painted the inside of our back door and an interior bathroom door gray (Benjamin Moore's Gunmetal to be exact). This small change did so much for the kitchen I thought!<br />
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Our current home has lots of options for painted interior doors. There's the back of the front door, several doors in our dining room and the hallway, which in its current state is not interesting in the least. It's lined with cheapo, hollow core doors that are just begging for some love.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My apologies for all the junk laying around…these photos were not styled :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">{I feel the need to explain the water dispenser you can see here…I have always been a tap water kinda girl. Well, not in California. According to the city's water quality report, Davis water may contain boron and hexavalent chromium (Erin Brokovich anyone?), so we aren't too keen on drinking it. The trade off is this beauty in my dining room. Philip's parents thoughtfully gifted us with water delivered to us for the year! I'll happy take a water dispenser over toxins in my drinking water, thank you very much :) }</span></td></tr>
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Baskets of laundry, always. Also, a ceiling light fixture that I am so not friends with.</div>
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I could, however be friends with a blue door.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisephbxTkk8Qhtz88UDWlGpGNZMD2pTiGqzHYXmVxeSq0K5SHWTnug3CGR9QP8PB8LMneJ51BKcw0Z_-7tykpdRWv2G83x7Zx8FWv3xfvxtBZEE1dckLkx-ATcjz52owVcbwoYAm8k021I/s1600/582dff4c2eb0b1dcacb18c601ad3239b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisephbxTkk8Qhtz88UDWlGpGNZMD2pTiGqzHYXmVxeSq0K5SHWTnug3CGR9QP8PB8LMneJ51BKcw0Z_-7tykpdRWv2G83x7Zx8FWv3xfvxtBZEE1dckLkx-ATcjz52owVcbwoYAm8k021I/s1600/582dff4c2eb0b1dcacb18c601ad3239b.jpg" height="640" width="502" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source unknown</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9-DfFPZV9BXsNSOuqvA8uhSTjKWJvo2akfTA1C_okXjk77ISRqbdSMh0Vc7ZbQ_X1tt1CQAhEBsDK9Ko8CSx69yxSL0WBXfpPblucT-yFTSsA38r55E8gtIvkdJQGZgBAsLxeaQBR1hV/s1600/c912f31a8c27d70fbe6a989948c108bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9-DfFPZV9BXsNSOuqvA8uhSTjKWJvo2akfTA1C_okXjk77ISRqbdSMh0Vc7ZbQ_X1tt1CQAhEBsDK9Ko8CSx69yxSL0WBXfpPblucT-yFTSsA38r55E8gtIvkdJQGZgBAsLxeaQBR1hV/s1600/c912f31a8c27d70fbe6a989948c108bb.jpg" height="640" width="520" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://domino.com/galleries/image/51a866a49ea870222df208b2/source_type/share/source_id/98609" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96uyx60GbZc8wKF4WO0l7Jo1pdM_hKYwxVqwJacxhnf9iyTq93bOwVJwbwhEJfZrOmLTQ2E9G57SdUQdaZve_FQSL0TsFUnkWGYBIvDW47j3cIdOoprjNZnUKl4VkkL9yWIafEiRKpFyS/s1600/af92f61b45cefa9b40ef345096b32a97.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96uyx60GbZc8wKF4WO0l7Jo1pdM_hKYwxVqwJacxhnf9iyTq93bOwVJwbwhEJfZrOmLTQ2E9G57SdUQdaZve_FQSL0TsFUnkWGYBIvDW47j3cIdOoprjNZnUKl4VkkL9yWIafEiRKpFyS/s1600/af92f61b45cefa9b40ef345096b32a97.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source unknown</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Gray is nice…<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmt9MuT94VRnyb1IcM1L8qPwgq4AryC3hILGw9IXZCirWVLj9pPG5Rjf3JyzuGTAaFgnKNzcbN-zJBvuunrdRm8cWhAP_oiVCcXNO7_TpOK5Jjmawjwtp3lrAT3K1f_I5SFQVNFMi0t-Qq/s1600/268cbc444a6ff968e5d9d59b324af2ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmt9MuT94VRnyb1IcM1L8qPwgq4AryC3hILGw9IXZCirWVLj9pPG5Rjf3JyzuGTAaFgnKNzcbN-zJBvuunrdRm8cWhAP_oiVCcXNO7_TpOK5Jjmawjwtp3lrAT3K1f_I5SFQVNFMi0t-Qq/s1600/268cbc444a6ff968e5d9d59b324af2ad.jpg" height="640" width="472" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://athoughtfuleye.wordpress.com/2011/02/23/steven-gambrel-a-lovely-home-by-the-sea/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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I think yellow is really pretty in this particular space.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYsxXHzc8REJET379VY0YZGrFfLXIg0C3QNijPBPBC3PB3-44SSqWM6lcyu-w9Gk4iD7qc7uvPBYIUCudAHk3qdUFPlE6BHxJmZgO1B1R-jqhUpioq2XfCC7y1wT6ww52UJ6h5xqJX8pY/s1600/e4c06f0fc120f47a08eab13959a4ce1c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYsxXHzc8REJET379VY0YZGrFfLXIg0C3QNijPBPBC3PB3-44SSqWM6lcyu-w9Gk4iD7qc7uvPBYIUCudAHk3qdUFPlE6BHxJmZgO1B1R-jqhUpioq2XfCC7y1wT6ww52UJ6h5xqJX8pY/s1600/e4c06f0fc120f47a08eab13959a4ce1c.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Maybe I'm just a wimp, but I'm inclined to go more neutral in our wee little house with 8' ceilings. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CYU5F7S8kJOxC2sqpWUGhqaUMZ-Z9ckVYYWMSQnO_1Ag5F-yA-8o2Drs1mPZC56TY3OeM8ZERcHULITdGmcq9U3H20VMg-9oHUno541w63I-0ZNdqNdN_uSplVhptgVpKBqpUSITBHe7/s1600/6a01156e5d7bde970c01538ef9912a970b-450wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CYU5F7S8kJOxC2sqpWUGhqaUMZ-Z9ckVYYWMSQnO_1Ag5F-yA-8o2Drs1mPZC56TY3OeM8ZERcHULITdGmcq9U3H20VMg-9oHUno541w63I-0ZNdqNdN_uSplVhptgVpKBqpUSITBHe7/s1600/6a01156e5d7bde970c01538ef9912a970b-450wi.jpg" height="640" width="608" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://nestegg.typepad.com/nest-egg/2011/06/dark-doors.html?cid=6a01156e5d7bde970c015432d000ef970c#comment-6a01156e5d7bde970c015432d000ef970c" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<a href="http://www.rachelhalvorson.com/" target="_blank">Rachel Halvorson</a> is uber talented and wrote a great <a href="http://nestegg.typepad.com/nest-egg/2011/06/dark-doors.html?cid=6a01156e5d7bde970c015432d000ef970c#comment-6a01156e5d7bde970c015432d000ef970c" target="_blank">blog post</a> about dark doors. One of her color recommendations is Sherwin Williams' Urbane Bronze, which is actually the color I painted the walls of our master in our Illinois house. </div>
<div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_VGLn8JrSBn6UQr_w-FEE4uJuRJ2EJTrWCnB1oiEeI9RiiKYHTmA4dzTx_joJF9WlAXsymAPfACE3o7wFapKxorKMKT7LIoqSd0JQ-p7LCMw1Je4CMYHlMMNcjizbOBixqx-E4LbrT8_/s1600/IMG_0494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_VGLn8JrSBn6UQr_w-FEE4uJuRJ2EJTrWCnB1oiEeI9RiiKYHTmA4dzTx_joJF9WlAXsymAPfACE3o7wFapKxorKMKT7LIoqSd0JQ-p7LCMw1Je4CMYHlMMNcjizbOBixqx-E4LbrT8_/s1600/IMG_0494.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<div>
Black is a classic choice, and you know what they say about it--every room needs a dose. If you're looking around your room and noticing that you are lacking in the black department, why not grab a paint brush and give a door a quick makeover? <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic32z16O1huO-lLxe4TS_t6AVHHu4slNu8NxTVuFqb_y-qu5f-SIMWnIR9ZWt5PKbQUpCMsCKu9E6aeuxCmWe13wX0lBeansEToqPFUPD9nAgn-ZibULIR2rmeoQVIla228vkiPGpdm4t8/s1600/686c1ef9e69a33f86d4580d7cdcb3a66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic32z16O1huO-lLxe4TS_t6AVHHu4slNu8NxTVuFqb_y-qu5f-SIMWnIR9ZWt5PKbQUpCMsCKu9E6aeuxCmWe13wX0lBeansEToqPFUPD9nAgn-ZibULIR2rmeoQVIla228vkiPGpdm4t8/s1600/686c1ef9e69a33f86d4580d7cdcb3a66.jpg" height="640" width="520" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2012_08_30_archive.html" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcglgiyBG2oluNu5HvHHmTanxqzIcf8tBNYR-4V2nZSsUv2_xHalu-R_A9R_80qLZ-45yIjcxAl2rLUIxfHRJW-84_zO_AQhfJpIzN_Jt5CRW_-u78alZC4z8_5i3ekv89iToZUAl0DF1s/s1600/6a01156e5d7bde970c014e88ece063970d-450wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcglgiyBG2oluNu5HvHHmTanxqzIcf8tBNYR-4V2nZSsUv2_xHalu-R_A9R_80qLZ-45yIjcxAl2rLUIxfHRJW-84_zO_AQhfJpIzN_Jt5CRW_-u78alZC4z8_5i3ekv89iToZUAl0DF1s/s1600/6a01156e5d7bde970c014e88ece063970d-450wi.jpg" height="640" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.laurenliess.com/pure-style-home" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div>
We already have black countertops or else black would be a given for our front door. I'm wondering if it might just be too much in our little place, and I should go with a gray or a brownish-black. Hhhhmmm. Too much or just right? </div>
<div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-_-jDfaHqsE5nO4Ll9s8yq7M0dmok3NAU1kbo0mmmsg6pcr45fYUiJj5VnfxLM89OYJWL2t_LiMV-8MIfarY6B5IjXm0hXZ8WMyIBtsQKEpliofM7IXihIzMaLJU4nsG_rVG9-JI0OWw/s1600/3f4c9767a9659cdfff5759ef2ee6093c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-_-jDfaHqsE5nO4Ll9s8yq7M0dmok3NAU1kbo0mmmsg6pcr45fYUiJj5VnfxLM89OYJWL2t_LiMV-8MIfarY6B5IjXm0hXZ8WMyIBtsQKEpliofM7IXihIzMaLJU4nsG_rVG9-JI0OWw/s1600/3f4c9767a9659cdfff5759ef2ee6093c.jpg" height="640" width="608" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://brynalexandra.blogspot.com/2013/05/inspired-by-for-my-home.html" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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The thing I love about a project like this is you can knock it out pretty quickly without too much hassle. So long as there aren't any tiny people running amuck (cue the nap time chorus!), you can paint a door without much fuss. </div>
<div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdH7T9vyoem20r5HEFYMq7vgdXkpLhnzNdtVS06_hju7a9kGKKjC-C2fV0Q4eEFMIBWnQLKnIS5iBcK2SjqR3FKnr-oRQL2zAvGKNpGJQu383_sQ_VnN1-2Y4PzmZRbbdSbCmgPRTqOG8/s1600/ef25879960e76d999d869f0a69ae9876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdH7T9vyoem20r5HEFYMq7vgdXkpLhnzNdtVS06_hju7a9kGKKjC-C2fV0Q4eEFMIBWnQLKnIS5iBcK2SjqR3FKnr-oRQL2zAvGKNpGJQu383_sQ_VnN1-2Y4PzmZRbbdSbCmgPRTqOG8/s1600/ef25879960e76d999d869f0a69ae9876.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source unknown</td></tr>
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<div>
So, have I convinced you? Who else is with me and is ready to paint some doors?!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998248755046711340noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6603993619894874113.post-2687084361180834312014-05-01T05:00:00.000-07:002014-05-01T05:00:10.290-07:00Our EntrywayThanks for all of your kind words about Mary Graham's birth story! I am so happy to know that you all enjoyed reading it and that my experience can be an encouragement to others. I love to talk about birth, so if anyone ever wants to chat, please let me know! :)<br />
<br />
Moving on from one topic I feel passionately about (birth) to another--decorating!<br />
<br />
I've been wanting to share some of the updates I've made around the house with you all for a while now. Problem is I can hardly find the time to clean up around here, much less take photographs before my cleaning and organizing efforts quickly come undone. If you're anything like me, you appreciate seeing photos of people's homes that look less than perfectly clean and organized. I'm all for that kind of transparency (trust me, I've got lots of dust and laundry and dishes, etc.!), but for the sake of memorializing my little attempts at creating beauty amidst the chaos, I'd like to at least tidy up the space that's being photographed :)<br />
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When I last showed you our entryway, this is what it looked like:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2C1Fap1qGNsD1kFkikQA66aHfyRIOV6E1CSoXRlSEx9L4Ehc7hEj9I9bUf5GULj-mywRy3ZOBoopntgFPlKv8Zi7o2D5vzueRiC8IZlTx6cJxoEAyLc1gD-QK2uPYgGWEhdpi7npY3e7/s1600/IMG_7763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2C1Fap1qGNsD1kFkikQA66aHfyRIOV6E1CSoXRlSEx9L4Ehc7hEj9I9bUf5GULj-mywRy3ZOBoopntgFPlKv8Zi7o2D5vzueRiC8IZlTx6cJxoEAyLc1gD-QK2uPYgGWEhdpi7npY3e7/s1600/IMG_7763.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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And here it is now:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DbArVb8TFmhDm7eWuwmmcsVJ2mOpgljj3x09XA7nXnvveftTPkBwFJWVrgG1is9Zyw7_HCy7PIwJMC08Wk0Ukmdsbxx8uQALIcSqWg25zzTFXhRn5Qu7RwoRhZMRXDcjNW3djQ_qPmmR/s1600/IMG_1195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DbArVb8TFmhDm7eWuwmmcsVJ2mOpgljj3x09XA7nXnvveftTPkBwFJWVrgG1is9Zyw7_HCy7PIwJMC08Wk0Ukmdsbxx8uQALIcSqWg25zzTFXhRn5Qu7RwoRhZMRXDcjNW3djQ_qPmmR/s1600/IMG_1195.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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The term 'entryway' is a bit of a misnomer because this is simply the back wall of our living room. However, in our little place, you can practically touch both the sofa and the kitchen counter from the front door, so entryway it is!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DCwF-ECq2O6FP_FZDhW5bJXYjEd9IMHgyeOXy9Cx-8CZ3tsFJV5TkOe3vPDwiwvfnJVz79wqyE-i2ayy729g_RihRjBOC3CMU8BVYIiQKy8x7giAlcDTwAh_GTsT-kmrQ3eSHuZJjaoW/s1600/IMG_1196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DCwF-ECq2O6FP_FZDhW5bJXYjEd9IMHgyeOXy9Cx-8CZ3tsFJV5TkOe3vPDwiwvfnJVz79wqyE-i2ayy729g_RihRjBOC3CMU8BVYIiQKy8x7giAlcDTwAh_GTsT-kmrQ3eSHuZJjaoW/s1600/IMG_1196.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you recall, I was inspired by this image I saw in a recent House Beautiful issue. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLfbOFefgHv0SAPqcfQrGwH2bqUYLC5tdUb-ZSZ49xf5ZuXhqlCM8IvcVIH7Jc6reOrSvWSVYCUn-W9VwFKyZuorEXoPgeBpSxVTACP3UYSBM66Sr1WBrGP3gTcwwdO4jXC7xsagOLAsa/s1600/original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLfbOFefgHv0SAPqcfQrGwH2bqUYLC5tdUb-ZSZ49xf5ZuXhqlCM8IvcVIH7Jc6reOrSvWSVYCUn-W9VwFKyZuorEXoPgeBpSxVTACP3UYSBM66Sr1WBrGP3gTcwwdO4jXC7xsagOLAsa/s1600/original.jpg" height="640" width="522" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtqYDnSnm4tmryTKEoDFWq6bxpvqhY3ynNG937k_YTRNQ6aWQIyjzq_OQg9mFwlPv7kCTFKqCtEzsxYOok8bw-LcPNqMLboN7wzNn7NqBJni3JoqAlcUwEo5V9BFqGhIRw2i1vXoMd-4Z/s1600/IMG_1199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtqYDnSnm4tmryTKEoDFWq6bxpvqhY3ynNG937k_YTRNQ6aWQIyjzq_OQg9mFwlPv7kCTFKqCtEzsxYOok8bw-LcPNqMLboN7wzNn7NqBJni3JoqAlcUwEo5V9BFqGhIRw2i1vXoMd-4Z/s1600/IMG_1199.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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My <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/606475/?catalogId=44&sku=606475&bnrid=3918508&cm_ven=Google_PLA&cm_cat=Furniture&cm_pla=Coffee_Tables_+_Side_Tables&cm_ite=West_Elm_Parsons_Console%2C_White_Lacquer&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=35-200478366-2" target="_blank">parsons table</a> is West Elm.</div>
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The <a href="http://www.jcpenney.com/gift-registry/wedding/add-our-gifts/home-decor/lighting-lamps/jcp-home%25e2%2584%25a2-possibilities-mix-match-lighting---global-stacked-ball/prod.jump?ppId=ens6003620042&catId=cat100240024&subcatId=cat100240022&deptId=dept20000011&&colorizedImg=DP1007201317121261M.tif" target="_blank">lamps and shades</a> are from JCPenny. Ever since <a href="http://twoellie.com/" target="_blank">Paula</a> <a href="http://twoellie.com/two-ellie/2013/12/30/local-real-estate-its-a-good-one.html" target="_blank">posted pictures</a> from <a href="http://www.lindseyellisbeatty.com/" target="_blank">Lindsey Ellis Beatty</a>'s house in Birmingham, I was set on finding a pair of lamps similar to the ones I spied in her living room. She has the same West Elm table, but her lamps look like they could be Johnathan Adler maybe? Anyway, I thought the curved shape was a nice complement to the angular lines of the parsons table. At less than $60 for the JCPenny lamp and shade combined (I got them on sale), I was sold.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcrWqwOBsJBzX6_ZR4IQxuLJS-7Byb6N6UsXNUTVTshUQr9LulKAhRod2LuM6pGlkw-nlOLr97o7KcX7fSufhPJ91pPeXrC9kghQJFZtvmgNmPnNzM6mbMInZnr3zsliNytICo30PJuGb/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcrWqwOBsJBzX6_ZR4IQxuLJS-7Byb6N6UsXNUTVTshUQr9LulKAhRod2LuM6pGlkw-nlOLr97o7KcX7fSufhPJ91pPeXrC9kghQJFZtvmgNmPnNzM6mbMInZnr3zsliNytICo30PJuGb/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Do you spy her parsons table and lamps in the background? ps. I'm obsessed with her whole house! (<a href="http://www.lindseyellisbeatty.com/index-slides.html?gallery=Le%20Jeune%20Way&folio=Portfolio" target="_blank">Source</a>)</span></td></tr>
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The <a href="http://www.target.com/p/square-storage-ottoman-herringbone-tan/-/A-14084394#guest-reviews" target="_blank">storage ottomans</a> are from Target. We use them for stashing the kids' toys! You can actually fit a lot of junk in them! :) I looked at lots of different styles, but found that most affordable ones were not the cutest. I have plans to do something like <a href="http://emilyaclark.com/2012/04/finishing-our-foyer-new-ottomans.html" target="_blank">Emily A. Clark did</a> with hers, but in the meantime these were the least offensive fabric (they're actually a neutral herringbone pattern and nice looking as is, but I'd like to bring in a little more color with a different fabric), so I figured I wouldn't mind them till I can find the time to make new covers for them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKzSALIuLYg8NsGub2FTPKxwbRdKPoQtOghzZ7w02bPe0p3MYVaF6tNM-RHoJ-u7O4CC1sGCCuSt6cweCbacW3IpadXcVnV-4tjGpJvZLQrpQcvkiaX1zcUQay_S_kHeC8yaLfWtIFDU8/s1600/IMG_1197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKzSALIuLYg8NsGub2FTPKxwbRdKPoQtOghzZ7w02bPe0p3MYVaF6tNM-RHoJ-u7O4CC1sGCCuSt6cweCbacW3IpadXcVnV-4tjGpJvZLQrpQcvkiaX1zcUQay_S_kHeC8yaLfWtIFDU8/s1600/IMG_1197.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The woven basket is from HomeGoods and it's always filled with shoes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5azg6oTQer2qJBZH9zltU3bVLlMj7Tco4tXYs8dB0nitTlOssj114KQ7bKGp-tszovr5J-lKQRnfCjhvNevBUd1dWT1XFojawzvznzdwaqdJnyrwNlQ_b9WI_4Njf_Tn0fibh1vjpxN2/s1600/IMG_1202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5azg6oTQer2qJBZH9zltU3bVLlMj7Tco4tXYs8dB0nitTlOssj114KQ7bKGp-tszovr5J-lKQRnfCjhvNevBUd1dWT1XFojawzvznzdwaqdJnyrwNlQ_b9WI_4Njf_Tn0fibh1vjpxN2/s1600/IMG_1202.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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The <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Rustique-Bamboo-Roman-Shade-74-Length/2951638/product.html?searchidx=0" target="_blank">bamboo blinds</a> are from Overstock. We (and by we, I mean Philip. must give credit where credit is due!) mounted them high above our windows, which I think does wonders for our moulding-less windows. <br />
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Here's a picture from before we moved in which I think highlights the need to mount the blinds high. The windows feel choppy and your eye just kind of gets stuck. It seemed to me that the ceiling seemed lower than it actually was or something. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-qHm8Wvh9MEdW0ydzAYYRfe1h1yFjnE3oPh_A7XrdspTQOJ_qx6AsyZuUze2Ftls1Dv0Le2_nog6e7Y4vJN4sygakZ0tNriSST3N2Bl4oy_X-2f16WF5Fvnztg2milaaKU2A0CqLnfhv/s1600/IS9luuvaut4atl0000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-qHm8Wvh9MEdW0ydzAYYRfe1h1yFjnE3oPh_A7XrdspTQOJ_qx6AsyZuUze2Ftls1Dv0Le2_nog6e7Y4vJN4sygakZ0tNriSST3N2Bl4oy_X-2f16WF5Fvnztg2milaaKU2A0CqLnfhv/s1600/IS9luuvaut4atl0000000000.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mounting the blinds high draws your eye up and disguises the fact that there is no charming moulding to enjoy around our windows without blocking the light.</div>
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Hooray for a pretty, welcoming spot to drop your keys, your sunglasses and your shoes. And perhaps stash a toy or two as well :)</div>
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