tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51256516068330390612024-02-20T09:03:27.624-06:00Pretty PartridgeAshleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309148279389950204noreply@blogger.comBlogger280125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125651606833039061.post-60652095775262354042010-08-03T21:33:00.005-05:002010-08-04T21:07:24.461-05:00Easy And Inexpensive Wall Art<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LMh9xZTpN1CEhUL46jeImQeUS8ajAr7Iy1f3a2qjZXlitKRiMtC8e1saYbsx45VPyt6G2hQLdO1J8eMJna54d3OTJtkyehzRAR5cfW5a6QsCVL6epWZ7SmpQiJLvu77EZQ6WRGMXQak/s1600/Wall+Quiltish+Edit.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 399px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501740272133731618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LMh9xZTpN1CEhUL46jeImQeUS8ajAr7Iy1f3a2qjZXlitKRiMtC8e1saYbsx45VPyt6G2hQLdO1J8eMJna54d3OTJtkyehzRAR5cfW5a6QsCVL6epWZ7SmpQiJLvu77EZQ6WRGMXQak/s400/Wall+Quiltish+Edit.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="justify">I finally took down the the three framed <em>Il Piccolo Principe</em> calendar pages from my little girl's room. Since each one was in a 14 by 14 frame, I needed something pretty big for the space. Fortunately, I found this gigantic 28 by 28 frame at Goodwill for five dollars and had my husband spray paint it. I took a bunch of five by five fabric squares (cut out while watching <em><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hidden_Palms">Hidden Palms</a></em> on Netflix) and sewed them together. It doesn't have to be perfect -- you can see how mine aren't lined up. I don't know how you quilter peeps do it. Anyway, I wrapped the finished squares around a piece of stuff that is similar to corkboard that my husband fished out of the garbage, but you could use foamboard or a recycled bulletin board too. I had to nail it into the frame, but it turned out pretty good, I think. After we get it hung up, I'll post a picture.</div><br /><div align="justify">PS -- Thanks for your encouragement Lizzie. You're the best!</div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/157/A0238FF8EAABFAF894FDD330266FAB23.png" /></a>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309148279389950204noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125651606833039061.post-62380052445708291592010-03-01T21:57:00.007-06:002010-08-04T21:05:54.244-05:00Fun Mail For A Kid<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnC_RplvZHLkN0YysmAHgI3B1ujsZ9yKqZBSpKe9AwR3Wj2L_uogkO9GeInQ1CJQ9qKzP2_VrkqX47t_SWfOtjfxrejroAKFkxYOXtdfVsbXeo25-bUGWoQFAwTwfnAFrqS9jiV9YfBMI/s1600-h/Ciao+Card.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443881248527045970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnC_RplvZHLkN0YysmAHgI3B1ujsZ9yKqZBSpKe9AwR3Wj2L_uogkO9GeInQ1CJQ9qKzP2_VrkqX47t_SWfOtjfxrejroAKFkxYOXtdfVsbXeo25-bUGWoQFAwTwfnAFrqS9jiV9YfBMI/s400/Ciao+Card.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="justify">What little kid doesn't love getting mail? Here's something fun to send to a kid you know. Grab all your paper punches (or scissors!) and cut out a bunch of shapes from construction paper, scraps or even pretty junk mail or magazine ads. Put it all in a card and envelope with instruction that the punch-outs and stickers can be used to make a collage. This may seem like a mundane idea, but the reason I'm sharing it is because of what occurred at our house on Monday. While making an envelope of punch-outs for a friend's little boy, I gave my constant-activity-needing, bored-by-stuff-in-five-minutes, almost-three-year-old toddler some of the punch-outs and a non-toxic glue stick to make her own collages. No exaggeration, it kept her busy for nearly an hour. It was like a miracle.<br /><br />Hope you have a great weekend! </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNha-thfzFr2MTI0cOtKoQpT6L0EtOVQpST-mVKjEt32JRCCRizzrcFlRSpVpk-MB5m4GeB0k_OVeQk2Gi5r-wysAdFcFcrVDlxHQouFk3zEJ1G6fK-4jgMwyz2Lra7gtiazPkcl3opBI/s1600-h/Paper+Punches.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443881246047291730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNha-thfzFr2MTI0cOtKoQpT6L0EtOVQpST-mVKjEt32JRCCRizzrcFlRSpVpk-MB5m4GeB0k_OVeQk2Gi5r-wysAdFcFcrVDlxHQouFk3zEJ1G6fK-4jgMwyz2Lra7gtiazPkcl3opBI/s400/Paper+Punches.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/157/A0238FF8EAABFAF894FDD330266FAB23.png" /></a>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309148279389950204noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125651606833039061.post-57910509685685462632010-03-01T14:09:00.003-06:002010-03-05T10:23:35.659-06:00Sweet Photo Frame How-To<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0kvdVpZZsIXY7ve3XG8CZvsAzxodGrLclcpHAV7ULpZyCA2RAEjt79eOpI83VLwB4N3SxtOzOoaq_Y7LQU-6MxnlF6PNKsn8PghVqBvblfWaUOY2sVY-QKY77geRh3FDUunK5b4Ucq0/s1600-h/YoYo+Frame+Copyright.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443760380664729810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 399px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0kvdVpZZsIXY7ve3XG8CZvsAzxodGrLclcpHAV7ULpZyCA2RAEjt79eOpI83VLwB4N3SxtOzOoaq_Y7LQU-6MxnlF6PNKsn8PghVqBvblfWaUOY2sVY-QKY77geRh3FDUunK5b4Ucq0/s400/YoYo+Frame+Copyright.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Want a fun and easy (and inexpensive) gift? Well, here you go. You will need:</div><br />Unfinished wooden frame (I got this one at Michael's for $1)<br />Craft paint<br />Fabric yo-yos (made with fabric scraps, needle and embroidery floss)<br />Hot glue gun<br />Hard Coat Mod Podge (optional)<br />Acrylic sealer (optional)<br /><br /><div align="justify">1. Start by lightly sanding and painting your frame, front and back. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">2. Once paint dries, coat frame with Mod Podge (I like the hard coat version for this project) and acrylic sealer if desired. Let all of that dry overnight.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">2. For the embellishments, you'll take fabric scraps and make some yo-yos. All you need is a circle template for cutting your fabric, a needle and some thread (embroidery thread works really well). There are LOTS of free tutorials on the internet showing how to make a yo-yo. <a href="http://heatherbailey.typepad.com/photos/how_to_make_a_yoyo/index.html">Here</a> is one I like; and <a href="http://www.missbeesdesigns.com/yoyotutorial.pdf">here</a> and <a href="http://zakkalife.blogspot.com/2009/06/how-to-sew-fabric-yo-yos.html">here</a>. And you don't need to invest in one of <a href="http://www.createforless.com/Clover+Quick+Yo+Yo+Maker+Jumbo+3.5/pid147278.aspx">those</a> plastic yo-yo templates that are sold at quilting shops unless you want to. I took a 5.5-inch diameter spool of ribbon and used that to trace circles onto fabric scraps with a disappearing ink fabric marker, which I then cut out.</div><div align="justify"><br />3. Attach the yo-yos to the frame with hot glue. And there you have it!</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">PS -- If you use the $1 Michael's frame, you should know that it doesn't have a glass or plastic insert to cover the photo! Well, I guess for $1 I shouldn't have been surprised. I'll probably salvage something from an unused frame.</div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/157/A0238FF8EAABFAF894FDD330266FAB23.png" /></a>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309148279389950204noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125651606833039061.post-17831506307955767882010-02-14T13:22:00.006-06:002010-03-01T14:11:17.027-06:00Happy Valentine's Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlwtDsjROE9VF827ii5O8bxfTDWlO8wGqwVopx3O5O4REBxzPtY4QHr9dwzAvqm5xBY7Fj_O7u2CP8hqZ5Ii7uRBkX4_XRhWqmYm2Fz4jvjbttCy1xLBhOLTQ961uEL7LCLgJiuD0QmE/s1600-h/DSC_0008+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438184242243421426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlwtDsjROE9VF827ii5O8bxfTDWlO8wGqwVopx3O5O4REBxzPtY4QHr9dwzAvqm5xBY7Fj_O7u2CP8hqZ5Ii7uRBkX4_XRhWqmYm2Fz4jvjbttCy1xLBhOLTQ961uEL7LCLgJiuD0QmE/s400/DSC_0008+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div align="justify">We have been sickly this week, and none of us feels like doing anything very Valentine-y today. But the day is all about spending time together, and I'm happy that we are able to snuggle up and watch some Olympics (for those who don't know me, I am an Olympics-o-holic . . .). I hope you have a lovely Valentine's Day and enjoy lots of sweet treats.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/157/A0238FF8EAABFAF894FDD330266FAB23.png" /></a> </div></div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309148279389950204noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125651606833039061.post-90600558966514798532010-02-09T02:39:00.004-06:002010-02-14T13:29:09.419-06:00Bananas For Bananas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pWBgrlGLamGw18gQyxqlyzYLJViP4T73g9aamuOgHwRlhfTPhJv2oeSvXBTUUCj25pCZBh91hbE-QGObyKkYKFGOF3Xhu8VV3wS07IAiTK3Q_oKlf3Q8C6YL9ii1a5OgnNcz8n_bKNI/s1600-h/P2180019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436161621411978338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 352px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pWBgrlGLamGw18gQyxqlyzYLJViP4T73g9aamuOgHwRlhfTPhJv2oeSvXBTUUCj25pCZBh91hbE-QGObyKkYKFGOF3Xhu8VV3wS07IAiTK3Q_oKlf3Q8C6YL9ii1a5OgnNcz8n_bKNI/s400/P2180019.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">The lovely Shari from <a href="http://rottenbananasblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/mine-and-yours.html">Rotten Bananas</a> is an amazingly talented professional quilter. Visit her <a href="http://www.redllamastudio.com/">Red Llama Studio</a> to see the amazing custom quilts she has created. Then, stop by her blog for fun stories, craft ideas and inspiration. Hurry -- because Friday she will be giving away one of these awesome bags! Simply <a href="http://rottenbananasblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/mine-and-yours.html">visit Shari's blog </a>to enter.</div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/157/A0238FF8EAABFAF894FDD330266FAB23.png" /></a>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309148279389950204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125651606833039061.post-80823139326120112832010-02-04T17:54:00.011-06:002010-02-09T02:44:51.385-06:00More Valentine's Stuff<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlANECmM3kw0V1gXDW1vXuLHx3Ku0-cmKXZft1h2peSf03pVSuUNaXYkaGnW1FdjF6HiGI47kIprfN3hUzseQdcGYiZlncru4IgtJsAUXOOsB-9ZecA7asu-U99jEGS-R06addOvXcJVU/s1600-h/DSC_0002+(3).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434585013879480066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlANECmM3kw0V1gXDW1vXuLHx3Ku0-cmKXZft1h2peSf03pVSuUNaXYkaGnW1FdjF6HiGI47kIprfN3hUzseQdcGYiZlncru4IgtJsAUXOOsB-9ZecA7asu-U99jEGS-R06addOvXcJVU/s400/DSC_0002+(3).JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">Valentine's Day is sneaking up on us! I know it's overly-commercialized, but it's hard not to like a holiday that's all about LOVE, right?<br /></div><div align="justify"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434583839700011346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0LvGccl3e0zq-FH6uZpI5AG0yuplYpDNHrkWBqhMPVhtbzom_uv0zeZc6mWT307Wk-5W90i9NVm4_0J7-W8-SKHgKpTAVBE41Ia4rFG4LWthr9C1katAuiTkJL0olkzJoZ5AY6Aox-8/s400/DSC_0005+(4).JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="justify">For the headband "flower," I wanted to do a sort of "inverted" yo-yo. To make one, just cut a long strip of fabric and sew up one side with a long basting stitch -- it will pretty much just gather itself. Pull the threads a little to cinch it some more and then just sew the ends together on the sewing machine. For the middle, use a regular button or one covered in the same fabric, and then sewed the "flower" part to the button (or the shank of a covered button) with needle and thread. Attach the flower to the headband with hot glue (like I did) or your preferred method. By the way, I got the headband (part of a set of six) as the Claire's Boutique Outlet for not too much. I guess you can find supplies for your crafty obsession just about anywhere.<br /></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPByVnrlESAzZDv_8qxufnlIc44hPrIUDPLULgjzNorqM-6H_N8ohQUupfey3dLc_BabzQQG9ezI1h8BYvme980wh2KQQNjzicndkrJ7BOOBcgp-XkgW1Z-TAMnF3R2S9WDESueeEg9A/s1600-h/DSC_0006+(4)_edited-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434585006254521410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPByVnrlESAzZDv_8qxufnlIc44hPrIUDPLULgjzNorqM-6H_N8ohQUupfey3dLc_BabzQQG9ezI1h8BYvme980wh2KQQNjzicndkrJ7BOOBcgp-XkgW1Z-TAMnF3R2S9WDESueeEg9A/s400/DSC_0006+(4)_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Also that cool corduroy skirt with the tulle pettiskirt is from <a href="http://www.target.com/">Target</a>! $10! And it looks like it will still fit next year. I love that place. </div><div align="justify"><br /><a href="http://www.oneprettything.com/" target="oneprettything"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" alt="oneprettything" src="http://www.oneprettything.com/images/button-opt_125.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div align="justify">Head over to <a href="http://www.oneprettything.com/">One Pretty Thing</a> for more Valentine's ideas. You can select the "Valentine's Round-up" category from the drop down menu, check the box for "only show similar posts" and then scroll back through all Rachel's previous Valentine's day roundups. Also, check out <a href="http://alisaburke.blogspot.com/2010/01/junk-mail-heart-wreath-tutorial.html">this amazing wreath</a> that artist Alisa Burke made out of junk mail. Now THAT is serious talent and creativity. Amazing!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/157/A0238FF8EAABFAF894FDD330266FAB23.png" /></a> </div></div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309148279389950204noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125651606833039061.post-42179421219353686342010-01-30T14:38:00.010-06:002010-02-04T18:03:39.117-06:00Weekend Product Round-up<div align="justify">You know how stores put all the "home organization" stuff on sale in January? Turns out they also put a lot of cleaning supplies on sale or excellent coupons. That's how I came to purchase this basil-scented Mrs. Meyer's counter spray. As it turns out, I liked it so much that I have to run out and buy a bunch before the markdown ends. Besides being chemical-free, it smells awesome (like a fresh salad) and it really bubbles up so you don't have to use that much to get everything clean. You should be able to find this at most grocery stores and some Targets and <a href="http://www.mrsmeyers.com/">online</a>.<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcV6ek8JvaQrGn2ve0p3zdy-f4xdnpDZ0k4uA4bJza0oxez3HZ7V62lZpgrDJQKkjc7XJK_velXK2lW2deB9muo9r_DgaNdt6cZtUizClo-575UJqwluCVrXSm1zpir17gC4Y1PZR0Q0/s1600-h/DSC_0005+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432638435425203890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcV6ek8JvaQrGn2ve0p3zdy-f4xdnpDZ0k4uA4bJza0oxez3HZ7V62lZpgrDJQKkjc7XJK_velXK2lW2deB9muo9r_DgaNdt6cZtUizClo-575UJqwluCVrXSm1zpir17gC4Y1PZR0Q0/s400/DSC_0005+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">I also love this broccoli slaw. There are other brands, but this Mann's is my favorite of several I've tried. Its a combination of about 95 percent shredded broccoli, with some shredded carrots and purple cabbage. I love it for two reason. First, broccoli is a superfood, but I don't really love eating it the traditional way. So I use this instead of lettuce as the base for a salad and just put on my favorite toppings and dressing. Yum. Second, I put about 1/3 cup in a bowl, cut it into bite-sized pieces with scissors, mix in about a teaspoon of low-fat Ranch dressing and, voila, a healthy green veggie that your toddler will actually eat. You can print a $.55 coupon <a href="http://print.coupons.com/couponweb/Offers.aspx?pid=13735&nid=20&zid=yy07">here</a>.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXR1g0URG9u8kT5LZG8K6L6BFdg2LAuZRdUWTQPouVFIkB1fwTnKjLKse5mVimCzMQ0KzQjTTTTmZOYKQDlIaDsx5e3f4IlMtCGGyPMgwI3qUVCtThTzBQJO1kogUTNSLqCcdXmtXLxQ/s1600-h/DSC_0010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432638445927168482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXR1g0URG9u8kT5LZG8K6L6BFdg2LAuZRdUWTQPouVFIkB1fwTnKjLKse5mVimCzMQ0KzQjTTTTmZOYKQDlIaDsx5e3f4IlMtCGGyPMgwI3qUVCtThTzBQJO1kogUTNSLqCcdXmtXLxQ/s400/DSC_0010.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">The last thing I tried recently is the Teas' Tea brand of teas. I prefer the gigantic bottle of Jasmine Green tea, but I can only find it at Target. I love this tea. It's unsweetened green tea, which is so good for you, but it actually tastes good. It really all comes down to how much you want to spend. It is obviously a lot cheaper to buy green tea bags and make your own, but if you are willing to part with about $5 (yes, $5), you can have a big jug of this stuff. I just buy one every once in a while as a special treat.</div></div><div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTI06dVMAP0fsfoU8XdpC_oWfTyU9wP8K-XusVNu2hGXnXS-nvCmTo6O_f6sr6d00Hou3WnNFSgD0OO07KOIeYlrS0rNtLFPzjeRjewnQXcvPLgqdEe-5krF6r-_JLYdPrC6V-kxHqIYk/s1600-h/DSC_0012+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432638456410493954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTI06dVMAP0fsfoU8XdpC_oWfTyU9wP8K-XusVNu2hGXnXS-nvCmTo6O_f6sr6d00Hou3WnNFSgD0OO07KOIeYlrS0rNtLFPzjeRjewnQXcvPLgqdEe-5krF6r-_JLYdPrC6V-kxHqIYk/s400/DSC_0012+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>I hope you have a lovely weekend!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/157/A0238FF8EAABFAF894FDD330266FAB23.png" /></a> </div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309148279389950204noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125651606833039061.post-57736051189328500802010-01-26T18:08:00.009-06:002010-01-30T14:54:33.185-06:00Mod Podge Valentine's Hearts - Easy Tutorial<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObruFkhvwZf5h4LCdg1mPv3lkv9m9fZKM0yIOF8fGAXiE4W8Fjk8PvIrzS9Uk7NPi67A8c4CkaO9k-kVt6_c8h3Yv3CnSdl_HaHFOkdHWspRtUBikS0gJHN-Vy2wUGJsEx_IoNRohRh4/s1600-h/DSC_0005_edited-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431628171502719682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObruFkhvwZf5h4LCdg1mPv3lkv9m9fZKM0yIOF8fGAXiE4W8Fjk8PvIrzS9Uk7NPi67A8c4CkaO9k-kVt6_c8h3Yv3CnSdl_HaHFOkdHWspRtUBikS0gJHN-Vy2wUGJsEx_IoNRohRh4/s400/DSC_0005_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">Here's a little crafty something you can whip up while watching TV (tell me again how I got sucked into <a href="http://bachelor.abc.com/">The Bachelor</a> after swearing never to watch again?). I made these wood, paper and Mod Podge hearts for my little almost-three-year-old because she loves to sort and arrange things like this and also to pick out again and again which ones are her "favorites." I'll probably present them in a cellophane bag tied with ribbon.</div><div><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Supplies</span> </strong><br /></div><div>Bag of wooden hearts ($3.99 for a pack of 16 at Michael's, but I used a 40% off coupon) </div><div><br />Mod Podge or glue (I used Paper Mod Podge -- thanks <a href="http://www.modpodgerocks.blogspot.com/">Amy</a>, love ya) </div><br /><div>Enough scraps of paper to cover the fronts and back of all your hearts (the thinner the paper, the easier this project is)<br /></div><div>An X-acto knife or other sharp craft knife (mine is Martha Stewart Crafts from Wal-Mart and I love it so much)<br /></div><br /><div>Self-healing cutting mat<br /></div><br /><div>Ink in coordinating colors for the edges of the hearts (come to think of it, I guess you could also use markers or paint)<br /></div><br /><div>Fine grit sand paper or a sanding block</div><div><br />A sheet of wax paper</div><br /><div>Brayer (optional)<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWMZdSMGx22Bo9mDz3v7Xdy5_QuPA16GWawiVNOhR-HUTs1_-otQIdN5A_xKq-RgcVhTiSj0t_sCR9Ke2DZGddnxGTjL7dzIf1YVaQN0ACfoUJzEj2UNMAbQmSXNJy_tn3_bKJRxkzXM/s1600-h/DSC_0017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431272291603079906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWMZdSMGx22Bo9mDz3v7Xdy5_QuPA16GWawiVNOhR-HUTs1_-otQIdN5A_xKq-RgcVhTiSj0t_sCR9Ke2DZGddnxGTjL7dzIf1YVaQN0ACfoUJzEj2UNMAbQmSXNJy_tn3_bKJRxkzXM/s400/DSC_0017.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJov8D0Ng3NgXkijMiyRU9JvXtCdUIKNeNV7TtAnA0mjWvVqVCDIvUk2aaQNWF0q8JPmPT-v1j6dcu7d2z269xrYCGg5TsNeT6gQsrWRTwADA6VGSZTy-e4vR1MfGmBfbTNcsfQMjLUU/s1600-h/DSC_0022_edited-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431272313104685058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJov8D0Ng3NgXkijMiyRU9JvXtCdUIKNeNV7TtAnA0mjWvVqVCDIvUk2aaQNWF0q8JPmPT-v1j6dcu7d2z269xrYCGg5TsNeT6gQsrWRTwADA6VGSZTy-e4vR1MfGmBfbTNcsfQMjLUU/s400/DSC_0022_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />So here's what you do:<br /><div align="justify"><br />1. Cover the front of a heart with a THIN coat of Mod Podge. Not too thick or it will ooze out onto the paper and you'll have to cut it later. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">2. Press the heart glue side down onto the wrong side of a paper scrap. Press gently and evenly until the paper is stuck smoothly to the heart. You can flip it over and roll it with a brayer if you like, but it's probably unnecessary. I only used brayer on two or three before I got tired of messing with it. Let dry. I suggest making these hearts assembly-line style, which gives each side time to dry. By the time you finish gluing the last heart, the first will be dry and ready for step 3. </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOx4lqWV62R4riKj1M3cbcQruBDY5G03sZJPiFgRW6_NkgqIQxjM1F__tKaHvDcMh-7svnDcqzRvEJdK-y0imFCIGtQCufO64od6-5LOsJGI-Y96naouATqS1ydAelWY6reNbfzE0paQ/s1600-h/DSC_0023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431272318704833378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOx4lqWV62R4riKj1M3cbcQruBDY5G03sZJPiFgRW6_NkgqIQxjM1F__tKaHvDcMh-7svnDcqzRvEJdK-y0imFCIGtQCufO64od6-5LOsJGI-Y96naouATqS1ydAelWY6reNbfzE0paQ/s400/DSC_0023.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">3. Once dry, place on self-healing mat and use your craft knife to trace around the heart and cut away the excess paper. By the way, the wood is soft. If you get to close like I did a bunch of times, you will end up shaving off some wood. If you're okay with that, get as close as you want.<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVp6MXnxWvOyTROYavN8K_8IIQuLgnrv1o-RTq_NrF1Odr42Eobc0-SD9ezbV82HnnfytDW74iX8X0gHC5eyp6MSs3rZgQ4ZFcFSH8CXvAK7IX9vMp3e5snojPSb0XGyHB5ewgl4AXIv8/s1600-h/DSC_0034.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431272327204468242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 399px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVp6MXnxWvOyTROYavN8K_8IIQuLgnrv1o-RTq_NrF1Odr42Eobc0-SD9ezbV82HnnfytDW74iX8X0gHC5eyp6MSs3rZgQ4ZFcFSH8CXvAK7IX9vMp3e5snojPSb0XGyHB5ewgl4AXIv8/s400/DSC_0034.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>4. Repeat the paper gluing process for the other side of the heart.</div><br /><div align="justify">5. Once all your hearts are covered in paper, gently sand the edges to remove any last bits of paper. </div><div align="justify"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96EkpN3RaXNMFwGlnLua3jYbdupZrt4y75UqSOih4rvsZLdiBABWRAQNd-_UZVA879nDLiAWtzANlbL6U8xGFc5Ib0TPFFjgWKnj6LLk6J49p84Vs0PkOEnPh8FsNmU3au8KOV2SKL_o/s1600-h/DSC_0008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431628179446816594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96EkpN3RaXNMFwGlnLua3jYbdupZrt4y75UqSOih4rvsZLdiBABWRAQNd-_UZVA879nDLiAWtzANlbL6U8xGFc5Ib0TPFFjgWKnj6LLk6J49p84Vs0PkOEnPh8FsNmU3au8KOV2SKL_o/s400/DSC_0008.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">6. Carefully cover the edges of the hearts with coordnating ink, paint, etc. The reason I didn't do this before applying the paper (which probably would have been easier) is because of the wood shaving issue described above, requiring you to re-ink/paint/etc. You can also use distressing ink at this point if you like that look.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Rev3hK7meqMWNDkaBaxL1LcUwx0mzo8v04Omf8MiOJytfjQ_m0aacx9fQj1kukaRHBRuF_H-o5aLx3qFXQqRuqySLnsCtIcOnQ2fUVDtoKURUengIxK1eLyVr3-dCjovph9G0E-xOPA/s1600-h/DSC_0011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431628185041799682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Rev3hK7meqMWNDkaBaxL1LcUwx0mzo8v04Omf8MiOJytfjQ_m0aacx9fQj1kukaRHBRuF_H-o5aLx3qFXQqRuqySLnsCtIcOnQ2fUVDtoKURUengIxK1eLyVr3-dCjovph9G0E-xOPA/s400/DSC_0011.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div align="justify">7. Once the ink is dry, lay your hearts out on a sheet of wax paper. Brush top and sides with a thin coat of Mod Podge. When dry, flip the hearts over and brush Mod Podge on the back. </div><div align="justify"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithWTl_EJmLOmbvWqD4IIwca8lDv3RS4ndkyn8fqjvXFUa23V5GtGLaq4h02rgkLTXpgJH4vOeba9I0xU91XCzTGNmx8oKzxowRi7CQaTYh3aPDb_JYzK6RMeDWaW8l9g0f-vEJHvIvxc/s1600-h/DSC_0012_edited-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431628195046835378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithWTl_EJmLOmbvWqD4IIwca8lDv3RS4ndkyn8fqjvXFUa23V5GtGLaq4h02rgkLTXpgJH4vOeba9I0xU91XCzTGNmx8oKzxowRi7CQaTYh3aPDb_JYzK6RMeDWaW8l9g0f-vEJHvIvxc/s400/DSC_0012_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">And you're done! You could also get a teeny bit and drill a hole at the top to make a necklace. Thanks for stopping by! Have a great rest of the week! </div><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhUoNtObWBou-PlIcXO4boeS4VR50ajPBGgLAXZ4jYHs0DtWCRD5W1awD3XtXflZ11RrPTuzqzSnRMSvY_BT-TgU41wNVBXRjnV6o7B1aEb85q7VtPpR3HqASnoAsds9_eTvEj1PsNwo/s1600-h/DSC_0003_edited-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431628164147806770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 399px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhUoNtObWBou-PlIcXO4boeS4VR50ajPBGgLAXZ4jYHs0DtWCRD5W1awD3XtXflZ11RrPTuzqzSnRMSvY_BT-TgU41wNVBXRjnV6o7B1aEb85q7VtPpR3HqASnoAsds9_eTvEj1PsNwo/s400/DSC_0003_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/157/A0238FF8EAABFAF894FDD330266FAB23.png" /></a> </div></div></div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309148279389950204noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125651606833039061.post-25006839923333797092010-01-18T22:01:00.009-06:002010-01-26T18:09:04.578-06:00Valentine's Day Shirt & Other Stuff<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyfVejGzs6FBtRJGn9usmCsBbSOlXDVA-0z_IjozV2nmVP4gsaLk_T7r6-Aolf7-O67sNahqbCZsQk4xpJDGLQi6V2lKaCLCxFWxACIH7S3XLx50q4JUY6WHHP_eqL_T2WnoACpHk6EA/s1600-h/DSC_0005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428297740469908610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyfVejGzs6FBtRJGn9usmCsBbSOlXDVA-0z_IjozV2nmVP4gsaLk_T7r6-Aolf7-O67sNahqbCZsQk4xpJDGLQi6V2lKaCLCxFWxACIH7S3XLx50q4JUY6WHHP_eqL_T2WnoACpHk6EA/s400/DSC_0005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">Have you been looking at all the amazing Valentine's Day ideas in the blog world? Between stuff to eat, greeting cards, gifts, stuff to wear and decorations, it's overwhelming. So far the only thing I've made is this teeshirt for my little girl (sorry for the hideous lighting) using <a href="http://prettypartridge.blogspot.com/2009/02/worlds-easiest-applique-tutorial.html">this tutorial</a>. I liked it so much I'm considering making one for myself. I have an idea for a little wreath and some baked goods, so now I have to find some time to get them done. Some other Valentine's ideas I really like are: Bakerella's chocolate-covered red velvet cakeballs <a href="http://www.bakerella.com/red-velvet-cake-balls/">here</a>, the Purl Bee's fabric window Valentine cards <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/fabric-window-valentines/">here</a>, the Gaines Gang's fancy red burlap LOVE wreath <a href="http://thegainesgang4.blogspot.com/2010/01/never-ending-red-burlap.html">here</a> and Maya Made's paper heart flower bouquet <a href="http://mayamade.blogspot.com/2009/02/heart-flower-bouquets.html">here</a>! And I love <a href="http://therubberpunkin.blogspot.com/2010/01/be-mine-freebie.html">these</a> free printable cards from <a href="http://therubberpunkin.blogspot.com/">Rubber Punkin</a>. And <a href="http://fabulousfunfinds.blogspot.com/">here</a> is a Valentine's-themed giveaway at Fabulous Finds. XOXO to all.</div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/157/A0238FF8EAABFAF894FDD330266FAB23.png" /></a>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309148279389950204noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125651606833039061.post-13509621332505096732010-01-15T23:18:00.006-06:002010-01-18T22:06:28.117-06:00Awesome Book Giveaway<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cz0Kue15F-N7sleW19PpK-NU28OQ6JvWl5QFNkxaINwGI2VhzIv52nXRUrfLVxvdn2iUTT-De4rXXGV2ejjxaM4W7X9FLpjkc7e0bpCbD1Dkx7K3Uxxn-LwLwFBDSNYT0EYcjbI__7A/s1600-h/bookcover_oneyardwonders.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427203092840867762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 377px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cz0Kue15F-N7sleW19PpK-NU28OQ6JvWl5QFNkxaINwGI2VhzIv52nXRUrfLVxvdn2iUTT-De4rXXGV2ejjxaM4W7X9FLpjkc7e0bpCbD1Dkx7K3Uxxn-LwLwFBDSNYT0EYcjbI__7A/s400/bookcover_oneyardwonders.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">I would really like to win the <em>One Yard Wonders</em> book that Jaime & Jacinda from <a href="http://prudentbaby.blogspot.com/">Prudent Baby</a> are giving away. BUT if I can't win, I'd really like you to win! So go enter. Drawing closes Monday night. Good luck!</div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/157/A0238FF8EAABFAF894FDD330266FAB23.png" /></a>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309148279389950204noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125651606833039061.post-34537520778821615292010-01-14T21:37:00.005-06:002010-01-15T23:20:26.390-06:00Stash Week Day 4: Paper<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZELZZ5nlbtwJFOrqTyQWM4ncFVZ_A-137U-iKFB2lF7uRRDSc95gsPEHbHe50E76I4zXLAyesAfJ8mVowFXv_e6nZcn9rbWeY4xbjc39n2hlvY_s2_kb9DN4aMQhExAbyQve3f0ODgGg/s1600-h/DSC_0013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426806032042888130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZELZZ5nlbtwJFOrqTyQWM4ncFVZ_A-137U-iKFB2lF7uRRDSc95gsPEHbHe50E76I4zXLAyesAfJ8mVowFXv_e6nZcn9rbWeY4xbjc39n2hlvY_s2_kb9DN4aMQhExAbyQve3f0ODgGg/s400/DSC_0013.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">Oh how I love paper. Any kind of paper. Scrapbook paper, origami paper, handmade paper, cardstock, you name it. I keep most of it in a drawer in the built-in island I mentioned yesterday. My favorite scrapbook paper has come from Michael's or Hobby Lobby, but I also have some Martha Stewart Crafts paper from Wal-Mart that I love. I get pads instead of individual sheets because I just can't see paying $.60 or more for a sheet, even when they are marked down. And I have to completely avoid scrapbooking stores for the same reason. I also keep cardstock in this drawer. I have lots of white cardstock that I use to print out all the wonderful free downloads from the internet, but I have some other colors too that I use for cards, etc. </div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7x0AryKf_qjZDPRKWg1b75WQMDehxoyp4Y3TV8SrK9lbqqtyou19Zat911GwTjGUsp1Ir0s9UOtAW4iTaYhyy6OttPwNpBMaIoF4cRwtRkh8dRow-stxwNzxwA_HFp5UISoo42yO7jzE/s1600-h/DSC_0012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426806027576967954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 399px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7x0AryKf_qjZDPRKWg1b75WQMDehxoyp4Y3TV8SrK9lbqqtyou19Zat911GwTjGUsp1Ir0s9UOtAW4iTaYhyy6OttPwNpBMaIoF4cRwtRkh8dRow-stxwNzxwA_HFp5UISoo42yO7jzE/s400/DSC_0012.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This drawer has card-making stuff, as well as stationery. The stationery sets, including those awesome Marimekko notecards, were received as gifts. A wonderful gift if you ask me. There is also a stack of blank cards and envelopes purchased from Target (store brand) for 75 percent off. The quality of the paper is excellent, and you can just slap a printed out photo on the front and have an instant card. Awesome for keeping up with grandparents. There are also some blank cards from the Target dollar spot before I imposed a moratorium on visiting that particular aisle. Way in the back is a box of blank little notecards and envelopes I got from <a href="http://www.katespaperie.com/">Kate's Paperie </a>in NYC. All you have to do is punch a design in the corner or at the top of one of these babies (or stick on a sticker or stamp something on the card) and you have an instant cute notecard. I've seen similar sets at Target from time to time.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBEPAhcCvqG7q8x6skKzkhLgmMLcW1F2zOjx90D5YT4eUz-Uj4FUf78q_fW5mR8fw-zsrmq17eudE8l_S0bSga8lqo8QfdUbj9kD_4F2opCT5kLKoy-QXW9NfQxGtgWT158t7GXSkGtIo/s1600-h/DSC_0008_edited-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426806020262447346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 342px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBEPAhcCvqG7q8x6skKzkhLgmMLcW1F2zOjx90D5YT4eUz-Uj4FUf78q_fW5mR8fw-zsrmq17eudE8l_S0bSga8lqo8QfdUbj9kD_4F2opCT5kLKoy-QXW9NfQxGtgWT158t7GXSkGtIo/s400/DSC_0008_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Here is our all-in-one color printer, which we also use for work. The magazine files on the right have regular printer paper, white cardstock and Avery label sheets for printing address labels.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cmt5T_4Efd536eYsW23lKCWulCB5AHtU8XAZ4kUvfpwK2H4QX3THlSDwz9UP0q1BLTBpZLwUpaKc54tP-OMX491n23hnf-fl1DphRowEsCLLSa1XgXo2uTz8W1Qye6w2PZX3hKM9kPQ/s1600-h/DSC_0003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426806006258120338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cmt5T_4Efd536eYsW23lKCWulCB5AHtU8XAZ4kUvfpwK2H4QX3THlSDwz9UP0q1BLTBpZLwUpaKc54tP-OMX491n23hnf-fl1DphRowEsCLLSa1XgXo2uTz8W1Qye6w2PZX3hKM9kPQ/s400/DSC_0003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Last but not least, in this out of the way drawer I keep scrap cardboard, such as the backs off of scrapbook paper pads, inserts from kids' toys, cut up cereal boxes, etc. You can cut or punch it and use it like chipboard (instead of having to buy chipboard). I also use it to make templates for fabric appliques. Then you can use them over and over again without having to make a new pattern everytime.</div><div></div><div></div><div>Come back tomorrow for some more stash! Off to watch the premiere of Project Runway -- woo!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/157/A0238FF8EAABFAF894FDD330266FAB23.png" /></a> </div></div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309148279389950204noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125651606833039061.post-9225868413250325112010-01-14T11:52:00.006-06:002010-01-14T21:39:52.878-06:00Adorable Owl-y Giveaway<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxkn-aaSvFQFowVwPTOOqOsfzF37VKvSL2QJEjgBKYHvEu3aIkbx9VhX4y_8oQKhpXn2Nkm6sj-qhOBl2V-o_5Wauhd2TKaP4Qu9S1EXR59AmhiNp8nNpCeL_VwQtISEbvnxSwt88rZc/s1600-h/Owl+giveaway"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426655528689826882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxkn-aaSvFQFowVwPTOOqOsfzF37VKvSL2QJEjgBKYHvEu3aIkbx9VhX4y_8oQKhpXn2Nkm6sj-qhOBl2V-o_5Wauhd2TKaP4Qu9S1EXR59AmhiNp8nNpCeL_VwQtISEbvnxSwt88rZc/s400/Owl+giveaway" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">The adorable and talented Becca from <a href="http://naptimejournal.blogspot.com/">Naptime Journal </a>is giving away this super-cute owl on her blog. Head over there between now and Sunday, January 17, to enter. While you are there, check out all her clever projects and tutorials. She also has an <a href="http://littlepolkadot.etsy.com/">Etsy shop</a> with lots more owl-y cuteness. Good luck!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/157/A0238FF8EAABFAF894FDD330266FAB23.png" /></a> </div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309148279389950204noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125651606833039061.post-87611301385439994652010-01-13T21:08:00.003-06:002010-01-14T11:56:40.349-06:00Stash Week Day 3: Fabric<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tUA5lsmamx_HkKEzp3nx9GdRNgr3Q1kNssUADISfJ8nOyWmoCTePoGoBmiUwy7rK4Ow_KeC8pn5MxyBtlDFN8pKkDQ-0ej-JjncKDcfdp7MtIMFlQVTzeNP71Ypndo6_7MV6YSI7rD8/s1600-h/DSC_0002+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426427452808978226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 316px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tUA5lsmamx_HkKEzp3nx9GdRNgr3Q1kNssUADISfJ8nOyWmoCTePoGoBmiUwy7rK4Ow_KeC8pn5MxyBtlDFN8pKkDQ-0ej-JjncKDcfdp7MtIMFlQVTzeNP71Ypndo6_7MV6YSI7rD8/s400/DSC_0002+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a><br />So here's the fabric stash. The previous owner of our house was an avid knitter and had this island with baskets installed to hold all of her knitting supplies. The top row and middle right row hold the cotton prints. At various times they are more or less arranged by color palette. Most of this fabric was purchased from various <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">Etsy</a> sellers (you can see some of my favorites by going to <a href="http://prettypartridge.etsy.com/">my dormant Etsy shop</a> and looking at my Favorites), one or two local quilt shops, <a href="http://www.berninaconnection.com/">my all-time favorite fabric store in Phoenix</a>, <a href="http://www.jcarolinecreative.com/">J. Caroline Creative</a> and <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/">the Fat Quarter Shop</a>. I have been on a fabric-buying moratorium since late 2008, so you probably aren't seeing any new prints in there! Bottom left holds a small selection of home decor fabrics for projects that have been envisioned but not executed. Bottom right holds fabric scraps. So here's a quick tip for finding new fabrics. When you are going out of town and will have a few minutes to kill, find a few fabric shops beforehand to visit. To do this, go to the website of one of the popular fabric designers, like <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/buy/">Amy Butler</a> or <a href="http://www.joeldewberry.com/WhereToBuy.html">Joel Dewberry</a>, and find out where they sell fabric in the town you are visiting.</div><br />See you tomorrow, and thanks for stopping by!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/157/A0238FF8EAABFAF894FDD330266FAB23.png" /></a>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309148279389950204noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125651606833039061.post-61740141232585258902010-01-11T21:52:00.008-06:002010-01-13T21:10:49.243-06:00Stash Week Day 2: Ribbon<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8VL4ytokOXZsIZKs0Av1nHEDF5_5CUUqsANEgGXAf-Zf2ZwcqtxdihfEibcpoASAoZEBn4zi1Qh-JpmAAADNPptxaYrB4J7gbddu3mL7FBJ1E0eRBVSYz3QY_faN5nIAL4QhUkv9OXI/s1600-h/Ribbon+Drawer.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425698656821083650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8VL4ytokOXZsIZKs0Av1nHEDF5_5CUUqsANEgGXAf-Zf2ZwcqtxdihfEibcpoASAoZEBn4zi1Qh-JpmAAADNPptxaYrB4J7gbddu3mL7FBJ1E0eRBVSYz3QY_faN5nIAL4QhUkv9OXI/s400/Ribbon+Drawer.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">Yes, this is the drawer directly above yesterday's drawer. Let me start by saying that this does not include Christmas ribbon. Christmas ribbon goes with the Christmas stuff. I know that super-organized people like Martha Stewart keep all their ribbon on the spools, then put a dowel through the spools and then hang the dowel somewhere. It looks nice, plus you have information about each type of ribbon in case you need to get some more. This method doesn't work for me because I don't have a good place to hang it. Instead everything but sheer and satin ribbon (which gets picked and runs too easily) gets taken off the spool, and the empty spools get tossed, repurposed or recycled. Here how it's all organized.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">1. I used an empty roll from home decor weight fabric to hold wide ribbons (1 inch wide or wider), which are secured with teeny gold safety pins. You can ask at your local fabric store if they have any empty ones they'd be willing to give you. If you buy the end of a roll or enough yardage, the store will sometimes give you the roll, too. In any event, I just need to figure out how to mount this thing on the wall. I'll add it to the "to do" list.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">2. Ric-rac how I love thee. I cut a strip of a very stiff cardboard and wrapped all my ric-rac around it so I could have it all in one place. I used a tiny piece of double-sided, removable, acid-free tape to hold the ends in place, wrapped the ribbon around and secured it with straight pins.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">3. Sheer and satin ribbon stays on its spools and resides in this shoebox. There are also a couple of rolls of paper ribbon that I got on clearance for pennies at Ikea.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">4. This little basket holds super skinny satin ribbon that's just loosely piled in there. This is the kind that you can get on sale three rolls for $1 at Michael's. I use it primarily for hanging tags on gifts and hanging ornaments on the Christmas tree.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">5. This tiny toddler sneaker box holds scraps of ribbon, generally shorter than a foot long.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">6. This old cardboard box holds all the rest of my ribbon, namely, the half-inch ribbon used to make kids' hair clips. I just sort of loosely "fold" the ribbon and lay it in the box. I can't see it all at once, but I know what is in there, so I generally can find what I need.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">So, yes, I have (in the past, I swear) amassed quite a bit of ribbon. But like I said, as soon as I get the two-year-old trained, we'll be cranking out crafts like sausage. Just wait and see. Come back the rest of the week for more stash talk. Have a great week!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/157/A0238FF8EAABFAF894FDD330266FAB23.png" /></a> </div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309148279389950204noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125651606833039061.post-34194587884347117982010-01-10T12:08:00.005-06:002010-01-11T21:57:02.138-06:00Stash Week Day 1: Kid Craft Supplies<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OZaFO39hLptM6oq-kqifTJNvjOn_ouV01Ag-ZQjhH9FuIqAMVQuhBdQJkJKwTQLbtdCfLPsekFRJorEVIWs0-hq8zc0uoudFbp2oDNqgE0DXhFypBBsbvIORokTS2nzOA8C6_pq-J1w/s1600-h/Kid+Craft+Supplies.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425174946775487762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OZaFO39hLptM6oq-kqifTJNvjOn_ouV01Ag-ZQjhH9FuIqAMVQuhBdQJkJKwTQLbtdCfLPsekFRJorEVIWs0-hq8zc0uoudFbp2oDNqgE0DXhFypBBsbvIORokTS2nzOA8C6_pq-J1w/s400/Kid+Craft+Supplies.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">When you have no time to create, organize! I have been trying to get the craft room all cleaned up and ready for lots of future creating (that I'll be doing in all my spare time . . . whenever that happens). So I thought I would share with you the contents of my craft supply stash. Today we are looking at the kid craft supply drawer. Since my little girl is only 2 (almost three), there hasn't been a whole of lot of crafting other than coloring, painting and sticking stickers. But I have high hopes. And now everything is organized and ready.</div><br />1. An adult-sized sneaker box is the perfect size for fitting most of the kid craft stuff, like pom-poms, glitter paint, stamps and ink pads, pipe cleaners, beads, popsicle sticks, a glue stick and safety scissors.<br /><br />2. I got some of these awesome Martha Stewart Crafts kits at Big Lots ($2 each, woo!), and my friend Christina bought me some too without me knowing it! Now that is a real friend -- someone who knows you well enough to know you'd prefer these over just about any other present.<br /><br />3. A gigantic stack of multi-colored construction paper that will last until your child is in high school can be purchased from Costco for about $8. Seriously. I have been using this stack since 2004, and it's still about eight inches high.<br /><br />4. These little craft kits -- necklaces with wooden beads, etc. -- sell for $1 at Michael's and JoAnn. Not expensive, but they put them in the clearance bin eventually (especially at JoAnn), and you can get them for $.25 to $.50. I was thinking this would be an easy birthday party craft for littler kids.<br /><br />5. Miscellaneous stuff goes over here. I have some old-school scrapbooking supplies (before the days of all the matching, fancy coordinating stuff) from Big Lots, some little paint-by-number kits she got for Christmas and travel-sized Color Wonder coloring books.<br /><br />I'd love to hear your ideas for kid craft supplies. Come back the rest of the week to see more stash.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/157/A0238FF8EAABFAF894FDD330266FAB23.png" /></a> </div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309148279389950204noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125651606833039061.post-78745258585622598422010-01-05T21:51:00.009-06:002010-01-10T12:15:36.987-06:00Just In Time For, Er, Other Holidays Besides Christmas: Gift Wrap Ideas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3o9GiVxPjr54KACt3KsyLN0zCquwyc9orEZ92Kc3M3pYajewcHwHjcA487IoWDHPdfmKbfYUprB_1CuDTh3zxHfZox34cSbhAk4TA7ukYUnm3s-Tn3kP2GRgtRsWP7IX5OnNX2HFgHo/s1600-h/DSC_0029.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423472676752500370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3o9GiVxPjr54KACt3KsyLN0zCquwyc9orEZ92Kc3M3pYajewcHwHjcA487IoWDHPdfmKbfYUprB_1CuDTh3zxHfZox34cSbhAk4TA7ukYUnm3s-Tn3kP2GRgtRsWP7IX5OnNX2HFgHo/s400/DSC_0029.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">Still no time to do anything but work and then veg for an hour or so before bed. However, I do have these photos of some of our Christmas gifts/tags to share. I didn't have much time to "decorate" too many presents, but I did a few. Thanks for looking.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJdunJcAlsgDX2nZi6-g-ygPZc_b2frSRaNFqSn6vTsyT_z0UGqvkgRFnkL3rpz_XvrosOeCs6BU9wPQWmALDg8Zq2esaT1kLUXdUhLFjKAXGBuxZ5XBGZnYcJFdg09l3zShG-9ApHlI/s1600-h/DSC_0037+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423471431296801490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJdunJcAlsgDX2nZi6-g-ygPZc_b2frSRaNFqSn6vTsyT_z0UGqvkgRFnkL3rpz_XvrosOeCs6BU9wPQWmALDg8Zq2esaT1kLUXdUhLFjKAXGBuxZ5XBGZnYcJFdg09l3zShG-9ApHlI/s400/DSC_0037+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgI6qap_6n7udosix4qZ_bSYzOcfxb-uBO3DMJ3d8KCG3H-VMzScNU73pGzFIM9_oydH69O1LrwvHFTTADpS-fGarhcG_q4hgUxgYemHHsYKJl0Ef_Hx_aamTG5kvRHWGQheav_fcsgs/s1600-h/DSC_0044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423470931903508658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgI6qap_6n7udosix4qZ_bSYzOcfxb-uBO3DMJ3d8KCG3H-VMzScNU73pGzFIM9_oydH69O1LrwvHFTTADpS-fGarhcG_q4hgUxgYemHHsYKJl0Ef_Hx_aamTG5kvRHWGQheav_fcsgs/s400/DSC_0044.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEdFWlb73FUvCjTKwlLwTtOdQNGZWXlep_zBc6ki-_ukMWQqpjljK5l3oMQWF_jVITAxJwMcYservcetxCJora_Ps-KseERO0BOhDm0teI0FU_s7Ht8oaM-J5G9iZS62UBjNt1pZeKgnM/s1600-h/DSC_0045.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423470920214004210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEdFWlb73FUvCjTKwlLwTtOdQNGZWXlep_zBc6ki-_ukMWQqpjljK5l3oMQWF_jVITAxJwMcYservcetxCJora_Ps-KseERO0BOhDm0teI0FU_s7Ht8oaM-J5G9iZS62UBjNt1pZeKgnM/s400/DSC_0045.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCN_XgWu8XkK91dgqc4WAY91aArrOG-rIxTwXHhmbIMw5vppmMc6RQQkd_NS2sQXqw8TuEszRt-fY37BIFIbeMOjysZMF1oCYt8s8MGJ9607xH40tRh-uQlYsbNISboSUoQXFcM-ztzg/s1600-h/DSC_0046.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423470913727748258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCN_XgWu8XkK91dgqc4WAY91aArrOG-rIxTwXHhmbIMw5vppmMc6RQQkd_NS2sQXqw8TuEszRt-fY37BIFIbeMOjysZMF1oCYt8s8MGJ9607xH40tRh-uQlYsbNISboSUoQXFcM-ztzg/s400/DSC_0046.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXN3IGTA111Lr9TtRk2H5hynLgPQxzG2g9j0b8zw9AkmDufkN9Toa2J3pYdqizoAwSFPJCsOQCbdLtyqqgdmm1AwXRRHh_bayUXn7qDIMTaH6F69x03NRv3LY1ikDkPWF7J1w-vELJNQ/s1600-h/DSC_0047.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423470913175186722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXN3IGTA111Lr9TtRk2H5hynLgPQxzG2g9j0b8zw9AkmDufkN9Toa2J3pYdqizoAwSFPJCsOQCbdLtyqqgdmm1AwXRRHh_bayUXn7qDIMTaH6F69x03NRv3LY1ikDkPWF7J1w-vELJNQ/s400/DSC_0047.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3kPUBsdNfrrw50QAVXk3CDgN7KKP5h1uklPwpZUkkg3kA3RM_dVujdebQhe0WGHv2A9QsLGeI0KcUPXyWTmVWi5CTHd1xJxsPOCWIDTEuoxmoYByPublxKKpOQFcToB8bjmw2chrrK0/s1600-h/DSC_0053.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423470905739595346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3kPUBsdNfrrw50QAVXk3CDgN7KKP5h1uklPwpZUkkg3kA3RM_dVujdebQhe0WGHv2A9QsLGeI0KcUPXyWTmVWi5CTHd1xJxsPOCWIDTEuoxmoYByPublxKKpOQFcToB8bjmw2chrrK0/s400/DSC_0053.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjreG8UU6rONmUVJdRVJLdkfBhZSi97jIFfo1UI4y6xj4dbdynNdIToH44XpKIYH09wqq_nRqjE9u4Jp-rEThCrUFLr016zL9py95GvaxPppnGgGtHgj2aE1eVibTnWQlNPmB3SO_xAwA/s1600-h/DSC_0028.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423471455149715314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjreG8UU6rONmUVJdRVJLdkfBhZSi97jIFfo1UI4y6xj4dbdynNdIToH44XpKIYH09wqq_nRqjE9u4Jp-rEThCrUFLr016zL9py95GvaxPppnGgGtHgj2aE1eVibTnWQlNPmB3SO_xAwA/s400/DSC_0028.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/157/A0238FF8EAABFAF894FDD330266FAB23.png" /></a> </div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309148279389950204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125651606833039061.post-1459240418953678892010-01-03T21:27:00.007-06:002010-01-05T21:53:46.606-06:00Welcome 2010!<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVnODmGQjc-BmvMJZcLb7FLbpOhpxOsnO5X21pYQY39dwg-09zNn8GdXgmv6X1pH2QhRdUmkqCrtSLxNYtZ0uZn7bTei5px36Wjpmk40_x5j9RvP0yLELi_Op4LN1mvwXl-o3qY5b2ao/s1600-h/DSC_0009+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422722075958482338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVnODmGQjc-BmvMJZcLb7FLbpOhpxOsnO5X21pYQY39dwg-09zNn8GdXgmv6X1pH2QhRdUmkqCrtSLxNYtZ0uZn7bTei5px36Wjpmk40_x5j9RvP0yLELi_Op4LN1mvwXl-o3qY5b2ao/s400/DSC_0009+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">Hi, everybody! I hope everyone had a lovely and relaxing holiday. Hopefully nobody ran into trouble like this guy! Anyway, I love to make lists and plan stuff out. I only wish I could be as determined and focused in the actual execution. So here is a rough outline of projects for 2010. I reserve the right to add/delete as necessary. I'd love to hear what you are up to this year.</div><div align="justify"></div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">January</span> -- Organize the house and send unused items to the appropriate place (Goodwill, Freecycle, Craigslist, friends and family who might want them, etc.). My two inspirations: Martha Stewart's Homekeeping book and the Fly Lady.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">February</span> -- Valentine's Day! Make something sweet for my family and send a few handmade greeting cards. I also need to start planning for a certain person's third birthday party in March. Which would include working on the dollhouse. Ummm....yeah. It's not exactly "finished" yet.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;">March</span> -- Third Birthday Party! I am thinking about the tried-and-true polka dot birthday party. There is <a href="http://www.polkadotbirthday.com/">an amazing amount of information and ideas about this theme</a> on the internet. Yay for creative people sharing!</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">April</span> -- Easter! I would like to do some "Spring" decorating and send some handmade Easter cards like I did last year. Also, it should be wildflower season in Texas, so we need to do the annual "side of the road" photo shoot. At the end of the month is a 48-hour business trip to Atlanta, only about 4 or 5 hours of which will be available for shopping. Must make a strategic plan for visiting old favorites and new places. Back in Texas, I need to find a place for us to go pick our own fruit later in the spring/summer. Any ideas?</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6600cc;">May</span> -- Time to head out to the lake house and get everything ready for summer! We need lots of cleaning, but I also want to see what I can find for free/cheap to make the house more comfortable. I also want to get our outdoor living area to be reasonably usable. I don't see spending money on a landscape architect or anything like that, but I'd like to make a shady area where we can eat without bugs.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">June</span> -- Summer is here!!!! I am dying to have a pool party. Anyway, of all the years we've been in this house, we have never had a pool party. Now is the time. I'd also like to start the little one in a gymnastics or ballet class. One where she is on her own, but they let me stay and watch.<br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">July</span> -- This is a perfect month to start getting ready for Christmas. It is about 8,000 degrees in Austin in July, so I don't want to spend too much time outside. Also, the Fourth of July! Yay! I hope we can get the whole family out to the lake or together at someone's house. I would also love to have a weekend getaway for our seventh wedding anniversary.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;">August</span> -- Beach vacation! I want to minimize the amount of luggage we take. I also plan to start way in advance searching for cheap flights (hallelujah the new airport in Panama City should be open and make it a LOT easier to access Santa Rosa Beach).</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">September</span> -- Hopefully the little one will be starting part-time school. In all my "free" time I'd love to work on my photography skills (non-existent) and do some more Christmas preparation.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6600cc;">October</span> -- I really want to make a Halloween costume this year. I'd also like to organize a little Halloween party for the neighborhood kids. Plus, we have to get to the pumpkin patch for a photo opportunity.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">November</span> -- Thanksgiving!!!! I would really like to contribute something different this year, since I've been making mashed potatoes and a Bundt cake for several years now. Also, I plan to have my Christmas cards done and all Christmas presents bought by Thanksgiving. I can hope, right?</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">December</span> -- Christmas!!!! Trail of Lights, Riverbend Christmas program, parties, work dinner at a fancy restaurant, friends, family, Santa pictures. I can't wait!!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/157/A0238FF8EAABFAF894FDD330266FAB23.png" /></a><br /></div>PS -- I received a <a href="http://www.getmycricut.com/">Cricut</a> for Christmas. The package from the infomercial (I love that infomercial). I only hope I can prove myself worthy of such a gift.Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309148279389950204noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125651606833039061.post-81746349604136311682009-12-02T21:33:00.008-06:002010-01-03T21:46:58.563-06:00It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like . . .<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxj_cI43y9lNmY0lIuDfuPSLzkTJmPUNdQUenOrkZ7xFl5bueBR0z4JXyMuoVpUJS9iBSo3TlhzQiGGF024KhsF-fr6SavwvGtrjjVm0y-XCWl_V3eg522SqFUDRg8AIyQFmtrkRdf99U/s1600-h/DSC_0002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411147401032522658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxj_cI43y9lNmY0lIuDfuPSLzkTJmPUNdQUenOrkZ7xFl5bueBR0z4JXyMuoVpUJS9iBSo3TlhzQiGGF024KhsF-fr6SavwvGtrjjVm0y-XCWl_V3eg522SqFUDRg8AIyQFmtrkRdf99U/s400/DSC_0002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_a5JHXnjgZTy1EVlmmjlbNjCwIYzGFe5oUQV-vn9VmAuZRm3Sbe5a4XeTaI5e9MZ5EmRMw9A1E4KAbLV7KvgjR_7EYxjmkWNm9hsk7vhETTm3JkJm-OoZlO3c5UE9qPvbM1KIRMQWEfs/s1600-h/DSC_0019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410849260065389426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_a5JHXnjgZTy1EVlmmjlbNjCwIYzGFe5oUQV-vn9VmAuZRm3Sbe5a4XeTaI5e9MZ5EmRMw9A1E4KAbLV7KvgjR_7EYxjmkWNm9hsk7vhETTm3JkJm-OoZlO3c5UE9qPvbM1KIRMQWEfs/s400/DSC_0019.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">I am so excited, and there is so much stuff I want to show you guys. As luck would have it, I've been slammed at work and haven't had time to do anything bloggy. Here is one thing I have done -- the banister. </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcxbB-FZcL2GaeREhh-fbiPa1LehExZl65e7mSriRlPh7U9-WVK4gf4GSOe23OiMIwGsJYyt0LT8v1TxCCzNNL3hyphenhyphenG5Bnl0ssOaiQfFtePjK9kdoTRfF55qLOabvI-0IRDCHAMVoTEVs/s1600-h/DSC_0021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410849267713553746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcxbB-FZcL2GaeREhh-fbiPa1LehExZl65e7mSriRlPh7U9-WVK4gf4GSOe23OiMIwGsJYyt0LT8v1TxCCzNNL3hyphenhyphenG5Bnl0ssOaiQfFtePjK9kdoTRfF55qLOabvI-0IRDCHAMVoTEVs/s400/DSC_0021.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />It's super easy to decorate a banister if you haven't done it before. I use the cheapy 9-foot faux garlands (you can get these for a few dollars at the craft store). Wind two of them together to give them more body. Then you wind in strands of mini lights, which you can hold in place with the garland's bendable branches. </div><div align="justify"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhNUqNj0Mwl5snttgaC5_ED-Nweh4zsVoYS3BCNEvruI1S5Nr_DKMxAlgI5q3eVLJjUjD8yFppT8eGdaxCyTxDfMz-2wtkB8pfdSrnlaEykcdZDIBEAWN_czVcfyTc-mBhrvhrTSXK10/s1600-h/DSC_0004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411147408336789810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhNUqNj0Mwl5snttgaC5_ED-Nweh4zsVoYS3BCNEvruI1S5Nr_DKMxAlgI5q3eVLJjUjD8yFppT8eGdaxCyTxDfMz-2wtkB8pfdSrnlaEykcdZDIBEAWN_czVcfyTc-mBhrvhrTSXK10/s400/DSC_0004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />You can attach the lighted garland to the banister with small gauge floral wire. Then add whatever embellishments you want. I used an extremely long strand of "pearl" beads that I got at Hobby Lobby, some awesome ribbon I love from Martha Stewart's K-mart collection and the blooms off of silk lily "bushes" I got at Michael's. One other thing -- if you have any framed art or pictures you can take down, you can stick a wreath on the nail or hanger for the holiday season.<br /></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiLgR-GvXJrqjty63G7r2iJmvGljkD0i-_Xf4RuhipsOmQtz0sMh3IdSfFNsH2I2b9mWBWotlFl21tgh9s64XetyjQEM7MPGwjwHxWB3HUs-f6MoMtzZt2ielENVzHfQy5a5DAywV61w/s1600-h/DSC_0017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410849248294246450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiLgR-GvXJrqjty63G7r2iJmvGljkD0i-_Xf4RuhipsOmQtz0sMh3IdSfFNsH2I2b9mWBWotlFl21tgh9s64XetyjQEM7MPGwjwHxWB3HUs-f6MoMtzZt2ielENVzHfQy5a5DAywV61w/s400/DSC_0017.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I sure hope I'll have time to get back on here any show you some more cool stuff I've seen and read recently. Until then, I hope you're having a wonderful holiday season!</div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/157/A0238FF8EAABFAF894FDD330266FAB23.png" /></a>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309148279389950204noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125651606833039061.post-45885288633851039102009-11-23T21:52:00.009-06:002010-01-05T22:01:12.635-06:00Make These Easy & Cute Wooden Ornaments<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymhilURbc_hEn3zwqU8_IXLd5AXqaBaU90V4cC06hnpVBQGvxdBfbvUnYUeRFXlhNPeQ-Lz1jrSH2beoccaoWwDO-uFPk32-ejqi2AifS3GPk4yUZL5yMXrTugPbulzYAy2w9qaLP04M/s1600/Photo+12.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407514282407805554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymhilURbc_hEn3zwqU8_IXLd5AXqaBaU90V4cC06hnpVBQGvxdBfbvUnYUeRFXlhNPeQ-Lz1jrSH2beoccaoWwDO-uFPk32-ejqi2AifS3GPk4yUZL5yMXrTugPbulzYAy2w9qaLP04M/s400/Photo+12.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I had two issues. First, I needed non-breakable ornaments for my little girl's miniature Christmas tree. Second, I had some fancy stickers and other things I didn't want to "use up" because then I couldn't look at them anymore. Soooo, I decided to make these little wooden ornaments using the stickers. These are not limited to Christmas, and you can make them without the hangers and put them together as wall art. In any event, it's super easy, and here's how you do it. Start with some unfinished wooden discs, which you can find at any craft store. The packaging will look something like this, although these are much smaller than the 3-inch discs I used.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tbhS48xutZerzTQEQZhfvSs_vNxoxNXD07GrjXrE0MHkE8TTw9_DvPJCX53UT5Kw_wFdDh5by-vrkMA6juQT7IBk79J8iy6WKO286rutQmzGH5Cg4i5s4WA9BZq9ioiuYDtujPriqcM/s1600/Discs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407513646645262466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tbhS48xutZerzTQEQZhfvSs_vNxoxNXD07GrjXrE0MHkE8TTw9_DvPJCX53UT5Kw_wFdDh5by-vrkMA6juQT7IBk79J8iy6WKO286rutQmzGH5Cg4i5s4WA9BZq9ioiuYDtujPriqcM/s400/Discs.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here is what they look like before you start.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnBI5-xDnfW5C6rtSbECFoeHt_BATh_8jJWh0L-Jn4NW4mC8Rx7Ss78udVD4KYO89yVVRDY1V31fcYYh1O5gpWPN7zYCwVzUUY6NDoFicSdXJ0zmay1yueEA_ehioJDWQv_PemfFxd4c/s1600/Photo+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407513649681181330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 399px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnBI5-xDnfW5C6rtSbECFoeHt_BATh_8jJWh0L-Jn4NW4mC8Rx7Ss78udVD4KYO89yVVRDY1V31fcYYh1O5gpWPN7zYCwVzUUY6NDoFicSdXJ0zmay1yueEA_ehioJDWQv_PemfFxd4c/s400/Photo+1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Lightly sand both sides and the edges with fine grit sandpaper.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanYcHaDCuylxw4EE3QNi5KuBJKAiSg7-YTxKjCFf531q1kdJ1vz_1VHD3f34lTlxxH_PzQzMfE2ekeWbQ6mZjljLrOgWzwdJRHUFnwOoXXDOq5I8lxqDCUC8esDLFOtMvFkz4apPCK0M/s1600/Photo+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407513652126319938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanYcHaDCuylxw4EE3QNi5KuBJKAiSg7-YTxKjCFf531q1kdJ1vz_1VHD3f34lTlxxH_PzQzMfE2ekeWbQ6mZjljLrOgWzwdJRHUFnwOoXXDOq5I8lxqDCUC8esDLFOtMvFkz4apPCK0M/s400/Photo+2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I covered the back of my ornaments with coordinating paper in case the ornament gets turned around on the tree. If you want to do that, trace your disc on some paper to get the right size circle.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNE7JCeSgIJCRuU2KBsCFxS12RpMAizOLXH2DMcSnLgj4akjgKwBhPONRl2BfC1DQf1MKAU2DAb_7wSc1Hme8Urf5G4aKc2BHP8oOOXAsKsO8DMkz5BYatpq_gEwOF_dUKvxEUqAa9dhs/s1600/Photo+3_edited-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407513661513000050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 399px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNE7JCeSgIJCRuU2KBsCFxS12RpMAizOLXH2DMcSnLgj4akjgKwBhPONRl2BfC1DQf1MKAU2DAb_7wSc1Hme8Urf5G4aKc2BHP8oOOXAsKsO8DMkz5BYatpq_gEwOF_dUKvxEUqAa9dhs/s400/Photo+3_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /></a>Then cut out your circle.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9Mi-I4SY4nSHdAUihWmxFm1VhBtEVM7OnFSdVMMhA8W2O4lseyYzzxjvQ04GN4wEEoNmoJGGhnvUqySGAWklekcBRBtS_msUl3vYmLTGTf-_APSLd6tq6Q80b1Uh95zjSHnjr8ifhUU/s1600/Photo+4_edited-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407513671316464914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9Mi-I4SY4nSHdAUihWmxFm1VhBtEVM7OnFSdVMMhA8W2O4lseyYzzxjvQ04GN4wEEoNmoJGGhnvUqySGAWklekcBRBtS_msUl3vYmLTGTf-_APSLd6tq6Q80b1Uh95zjSHnjr8ifhUU/s400/Photo+4_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Paint both sides of the disc and the edges with craft paint. I used two coats since the wood is pretty soft and really soaks up the paint.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rPtOrkA95lcatd2UcCCwcz40bsSqfnTDC9L5uUoeWXbVqaNEKC0NFiMI7Z72A-mw9DE21VNizwmtPzqpjLNeXtBKqHViD6f7NlUZ-Sece2Q5A_cxofcOd5cK7iG1p9YojhAuREPZWmI/s1600/Photo+6_edited-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407513984403200786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rPtOrkA95lcatd2UcCCwcz40bsSqfnTDC9L5uUoeWXbVqaNEKC0NFiMI7Z72A-mw9DE21VNizwmtPzqpjLNeXtBKqHViD6f7NlUZ-Sece2Q5A_cxofcOd5cK7iG1p9YojhAuREPZWmI/s400/Photo+6_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Once the paint is dry, glue down your paper backing on the back and your embellishment on the front using Mod Podge. Three-dimensional embellishments may not lay flat, so you might want to put something heavy on top overnight to glue it down flat. Cover both sides of the disc and the edges with two or three coats of Mod Podge. Let each coat dry thoroughly before adding the next coat.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6cwGizzDVMivgqT7SQlv0Llt1vGDcmFPZ0c5vc_Jif9-WlLiv6A6VNALDXnJPN9q4OvznUEUYtNArMzXWFcbmG5lCIguaahH4o6LXXKKs2DCkP9nTZ222AjwWBHR8kRZqeT4hAsuX5U/s1600/Photo+7.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407513989660783394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 399px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6cwGizzDVMivgqT7SQlv0Llt1vGDcmFPZ0c5vc_Jif9-WlLiv6A6VNALDXnJPN9q4OvznUEUYtNArMzXWFcbmG5lCIguaahH4o6LXXKKs2DCkP9nTZ222AjwWBHR8kRZqeT4hAsuX5U/s400/Photo+7.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />If you are making a hanging ornament, drill a tiny hole at the top of the disc. I realize this photo does not show a safe drilling technique, but I trust that you will do your drilling carefully!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44ILa9iwmjqYvrYlHkIS4KAgClvfVKBbarPCn9c3k5u9S5ylTvrTSakkSrDxEPAQ0x8Yb7Pfo9GGAUph44bO7yUu_z97AR_UnYTY871wQrk2C2vERExIGGhYqUlsJRsFH3qj62KS3B_4/s1600/Photo+8.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407513992235820626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 399px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44ILa9iwmjqYvrYlHkIS4KAgClvfVKBbarPCn9c3k5u9S5ylTvrTSakkSrDxEPAQ0x8Yb7Pfo9GGAUph44bO7yUu_z97AR_UnYTY871wQrk2C2vERExIGGhYqUlsJRsFH3qj62KS3B_4/s400/Photo+8.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>For the hanger, get some teeny satin ribbon (or the ribbon of your choice -- just make sure it will fit through the hole you drilled), and a needle with a large enough eye to accommodate the ribbon. Thread your needle with the ribbon.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJI8O-nMzyvFq8U8snwgpxzgebhxg1ze-3bilivqovNIZW8Re0BQHjbchZNv6l92hV9PepMQFfhylblOge10IG000RqxAlhu6q83BiOHa3hSFS1XAs0LyzlDxcRYG0J4BOFa_DzSnS78/s1600/Photo+9.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407513997994377170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJI8O-nMzyvFq8U8snwgpxzgebhxg1ze-3bilivqovNIZW8Re0BQHjbchZNv6l92hV9PepMQFfhylblOge10IG000RqxAlhu6q83BiOHa3hSFS1XAs0LyzlDxcRYG0J4BOFa_DzSnS78/s400/Photo+9.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Push the needle with ribbon up through the hole you drilled, and pull one side of the ribbon all the way through. tie at the top.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXP6RP_oQBvdyS40PbH21HWfI2hJPQWxJBZ049YYUvQWFQ7BEHME5UOSb29Akb4kPZgDWANsjAg6BqbSkIVBJztBO45bm1_SxljNsh-OSofjrqnY2bOL-XsVFT1B6oV4Eqc777UnbvJSw/s1600/Photo+10.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407514000550391458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXP6RP_oQBvdyS40PbH21HWfI2hJPQWxJBZ049YYUvQWFQ7BEHME5UOSb29Akb4kPZgDWANsjAg6BqbSkIVBJztBO45bm1_SxljNsh-OSofjrqnY2bOL-XsVFT1B6oV4Eqc777UnbvJSw/s400/Photo+10.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>And there you have it! I'll try to get some better pictures of these ornaments on the tree when I set it up this weekend.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymhilURbc_hEn3zwqU8_IXLd5AXqaBaU90V4cC06hnpVBQGvxdBfbvUnYUeRFXlhNPeQ-Lz1jrSH2beoccaoWwDO-uFPk32-ejqi2AifS3GPk4yUZL5yMXrTugPbulzYAy2w9qaLP04M/s1600/Photo+12.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407514282407805554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymhilURbc_hEn3zwqU8_IXLd5AXqaBaU90V4cC06hnpVBQGvxdBfbvUnYUeRFXlhNPeQ-Lz1jrSH2beoccaoWwDO-uFPk32-ejqi2AifS3GPk4yUZL5yMXrTugPbulzYAy2w9qaLP04M/s400/Photo+12.JPG" border="0" /></a>Have a great day!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/157/A0238FF8EAABFAF894FDD330266FAB23.png" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309148279389950204noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125651606833039061.post-75273084414410820512009-11-18T10:44:00.010-06:002009-11-23T21:58:30.356-06:00Come To A Christmas Affair!<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizzLGu6M-JEPv3ovyeRf8OAjiMhLSaGZdOfmb_HDXcBIHb0s9_uvIXNaTKEIHEpxC8v9NPizCEQpFiUxbKKatL0uq2lgc45-yYP9OeRapRm8PIjfVGs-PQmJZLLWKYIxS88aK5hIofog/s1600/untitled.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405485599126216994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizzLGu6M-JEPv3ovyeRf8OAjiMhLSaGZdOfmb_HDXcBIHb0s9_uvIXNaTKEIHEpxC8v9NPizCEQpFiUxbKKatL0uq2lgc45-yYP9OeRapRm8PIjfVGs-PQmJZLLWKYIxS88aK5hIofog/s400/untitled.bmp" border="0" /></a><br />Do you live in Austin? Or anywhere near Austin? Or, really, anywhere in the US and have some frequent flyer miles burning a hole in your pocket? If so, come on over to the Palmer Events Center this weekend for the 34th Annual "A Christmas Affair," sponsored by the Junior League of Austin. This year's theme is safari, and there are more than 200 vendors, a silent auction, parties and events, pictures with Santa, delicious food (and a bar!) and much more! Visit the <a href="http://www.jlaustin.org/">Junior League of Austin </a>website for all the details! I'll be there Thursday until 2 p.m. and all day Sunday, so let me know if you're coming so I can say "hi!" There are tons of awesome vendors, but here are some of the places I've purchased well-received gifts in the past (you can order online from most of them, too):<br /></div><div align="justify">Get super fun marshmallow blasters and bow & mallow sets from <a href="http://www.marshmallowville.com/">Marshmallow Fun</a> (seriously, I saw people buying stacks of these . . . they are so much fun to play with):<br /></div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHBL0tKatf_GEJKUYQuH_Xxp0p8l2YxUrlpP1nDBKxk1jkh1rTPDDlI1IuigAnztR8hiF6LyfSbF_BMLNgBlxtyGNJiF1468bz9v43qva1j7jgNthdWxiGAMUeECnI07Rj-_ov7JWYVs/s1600/Marshmallowville.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405491075004508578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 172px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHBL0tKatf_GEJKUYQuH_Xxp0p8l2YxUrlpP1nDBKxk1jkh1rTPDDlI1IuigAnztR8hiF6LyfSbF_BMLNgBlxtyGNJiF1468bz9v43qva1j7jgNthdWxiGAMUeECnI07Rj-_ov7JWYVs/s400/Marshmallowville.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.kendrascott.com/">Kendra Scott</a>, jewelry designer to the stars and many fabulous retailers, has a booth. She was there in person last year. She is so chic! This awesome cocktail rink is only $75!</p><div align="justify"><a href="http://www.loredanas.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405491071018857746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4KECK3_U9W44gRpEUssedmqarKoEqYr9my64QvOBEWItEsU1xztQP5nVvVFzUAuxxssFUzAWU365PzPIwitum6-70UHz_0EAPb7q_4JuZbTE6QN0fhY35fpZRE37VxW0xzZze9sRlSkE/s400/kendra+scott.png" border="0" /> Loredana's</a> will be there with samples of their delicious spreads and tapenades. I could eat an entire jar of the garlic and jalapeno spread.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bearcreeksmokehouse.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405491066955231090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 276px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 271px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukjJXffY2UZ8Vwx1o-zck8jWO1A8mXpSETqrCyltlC8OcS-xqy6qDlhNwLaV-YXMExyIjSSenZh8_9LD_6AubgR-UJKIASGp-0gAFeemx4YTFQPegvNTtniysessC2yKk671x7hMIf4Q/s400/loreda1.bmp" border="0" />Bearcreek Smokehouse </a>has the most delicious smoked meats and soup mixes. The pork tenderloin is to die for.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9GWOHr-DlA9aGP_CPVz4RV2FsoaDsM_G3G8jB33siS77tT1Falu2oo2pEaqLP9XXN8_FNpWYoU_OUjrijuj_CTZq49E7Vpmb5UULqHHK0Eb3g-fN-IAJuZvJ6aF0bIl_fWyz1it6BlsY/s1600/Bearcreek+Smokehouse.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405491061614221186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 273px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 188px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9GWOHr-DlA9aGP_CPVz4RV2FsoaDsM_G3G8jB33siS77tT1Falu2oo2pEaqLP9XXN8_FNpWYoU_OUjrijuj_CTZq49E7Vpmb5UULqHHK0Eb3g-fN-IAJuZvJ6aF0bIl_fWyz1it6BlsY/s400/Bearcreek+Smokehouse.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.austincakeball.com/">Austin Cakeball </a>makes these delicious bite-sized cakes. Perfect for a hostess gift for holiday parties.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkHPXw1uCksScNIQGlrz5caIEyJUWmfV7t5GkTQ5HSIklvj1_-UNbkjEdOv7FDu4PJQIQuz_8UqG8Jwb_JC3QFo6Wm__OEK78NZUnmXzrOVYKVPZpT4wXI2VLdrPsA7HpkTHMmVJ4t6g/s1600/Austin+Cake+Ball.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405491057836706706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkHPXw1uCksScNIQGlrz5caIEyJUWmfV7t5GkTQ5HSIklvj1_-UNbkjEdOv7FDu4PJQIQuz_8UqG8Jwb_JC3QFo6Wm__OEK78NZUnmXzrOVYKVPZpT4wXI2VLdrPsA7HpkTHMmVJ4t6g/s400/Austin+Cake+Ball.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>By far my favorite merchant, <a href="http://www.wineglace.com/">Wine A Rita</a>, will be there again this year. They make these awesome mixes that can turn the most mundane bottle of red wine into a delicious frozen drink. Yummers.<br /><br /></div><a href="http://www.osborneandmiller.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405492204010038114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63aCWonE03WIdoFWrM6MjzBACPV_uEwLk3jqAfSvledOBezTlCSoGJPl_Z9p62rVmxNt501Q9Faxhd32dOdksK7iJoX8Q2g0P5Vsd1O7_V5Faxt06JyiwW0A0YdGQEn3F3bj_82uvaPY/s400/Wineglace.jpg" border="0" />Osborne & Miller Stationary</a> makes beautiful note cards, gift tags, etc., on rich, creamy papers. You can have them personalized, too. </div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoeVmfmj_4glsS92hfzf1-cEOqEldEhzntl3BjCJl-Eb9w6YIYFLbQz8rPx7bpXT_UocBPSWQ_oz8L4A6XyM0zfaFp6yf3THxaSv4ohxZYT6mRHiARpw8c21JDus_dQghQ3pdA9FfTDw/s1600/Osbornemiller.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405492203134561682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoeVmfmj_4glsS92hfzf1-cEOqEldEhzntl3BjCJl-Eb9w6YIYFLbQz8rPx7bpXT_UocBPSWQ_oz8L4A6XyM0zfaFp6yf3THxaSv4ohxZYT6mRHiARpw8c21JDus_dQghQ3pdA9FfTDw/s400/Osbornemiller.jpg" border="0" /></a> I hope to see you there!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/157/A0238FF8EAABFAF894FDD330266FAB23.png" /></a> </div></div><br /></div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309148279389950204noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125651606833039061.post-56276469890336820492009-11-17T10:41:00.003-06:002009-11-17T10:52:15.882-06:00Etsy Christmas Finds (For YOU!)<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdXq_EdvZDC6-Twmc5F0gqM571mbiLhtFzkro5N8aSmzIFO3uaxYVhx7TVSlWKfAGsg3ITHwPLU2bAD3h30QpKJjm9lX6ADwdOU3NjfzpL9CnSIJB-uimFYVsVfrs4O7SVD-0TuDI7XA/s1600/Christmas+Shopping+Collage.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405114162801692178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdXq_EdvZDC6-Twmc5F0gqM571mbiLhtFzkro5N8aSmzIFO3uaxYVhx7TVSlWKfAGsg3ITHwPLU2bAD3h30QpKJjm9lX6ADwdOU3NjfzpL9CnSIJB-uimFYVsVfrs4O7SVD-0TuDI7XA/s400/Christmas+Shopping+Collage.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">I know all you sweethearts out there have selected thoughtful gifts for everyone you know. BUT I have some suggestions for gifts for you! Yes, YOU, mama! These are some of my current <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">Etsy</a> favorites, and all would make wonderful Christmas presents. If anyone in my family is reading, I would love anything from <a href="http://artlab.etsy.com/">Artlab</a>. And your presence of course! Happy shopping.</div><br /><div align="justify">Top row: <a href="http://unearthed.etsy.com/">Unearthed</a> leather cuff ($65); <a href="http://morelle.etsy.com/">Morelle</a> leather Truffle handbag ($235); <a href="http://artlab.etsy.com/">Artlab</a> scarf ($78).</div><br />Middle row: <a href="http://lupin.etsy.com/">Lupin</a> wool felt Poppy bracelet ($18.25); <a href="http://ashesandempires.etsy.com/">Ashes and Empires</a> leather spats ($76) (convert any pair of shoes into stylish booties!); "The Red Sky" by <a href="http://pamelatang.etsy.com/">Pamela Tang</a> oil on canvas ($120).<br /><br />Bottom row: Trinket box by <a href="http://funwallart.etsy.com/">Fun Wall Art</a> ($25); <a href="http://modernradar.etsy.com/">Modern Radar</a> pleated pouch (you could use this as a clutch, too) ($14); Treslyn necklace with vintage Lucite rose by <a href="http://rachelled.etsy.com/">RachelleD</a> ($29.50).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/157/A0238FF8EAABFAF894FDD330266FAB23.png" /></a> </div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309148279389950204noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125651606833039061.post-20457939377758007302009-11-12T21:56:00.006-06:002009-11-18T10:45:29.380-06:00Easy And Fun Play Market<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKg5yvX5LuMmRxBsHpA5qy6WIa3-YU7n5-FHONV8Tiuwa0ToI_TKpmp8UU4p8VM_B6qKgSJuMmXCDQwVJKDRdEKCK64617uK3JGAEE1H5YxI3KnuhYm4VJ2YeNd_UBjrcL0WSjM-FsCR8/s1600-h/DSC_0018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403432501269243458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 399px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKg5yvX5LuMmRxBsHpA5qy6WIa3-YU7n5-FHONV8Tiuwa0ToI_TKpmp8UU4p8VM_B6qKgSJuMmXCDQwVJKDRdEKCK64617uK3JGAEE1H5YxI3KnuhYm4VJ2YeNd_UBjrcL0WSjM-FsCR8/s400/DSC_0018.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />My husband announced yesterday that our 2.5-year-old was "bored," so I decided to move some stuff around and create a little grocery store where she could play "shop." We have this weird little nook in our spare room, so it became "Mary's Market." A while back, I got two gigantic bags of play food for $1 at the resale shop, so I loaded some of that onto the store "shelves" (a bookcase). I used some <a href="http://www.plaidcraftexpress.com/Product/FolkArt++Chalkboard+Paint++Hot+Pink+8+oz.aspx">awesome Folk Art pink chalkboard paint</a> that I got from my <a href="http://modpodgerocks.blogspot.com/">Rocking Friend Amy</a> to make a little board where we can write the daily specials (hint: use soft chalk, not sidewalk chalk like I used). I made a little store sign with scrapbook paper and a cash register out of a shoebox and hung some reusable shopping bags near the "register." I googled "play money printable" and found a bunch of sites, including <a href="http://www.moneyinstructor.com/play.asp">this one</a>, where you can print out play money to put in the cash register. I'll probably put some real coins in as well. Last but not least is the shopping cart, which we got for a dollar at a yard sale and is currently held together with a combination of electrical and painter's tape. I hope you had a great week. One of these days I will get my act together and show you some Christmas stuff I've been doing. Or at least post some links to stuff that other people have been doing!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqUIq-2HMNoE2-rIty3bN6DdzRHDiLeWYXdUySDlryivnTeDPahveY-GwK8GbMaMPn_Ejx_PpiFrfagWdpKXFSJVxNSnYX5akuCJgUjYrg0hjJvmAFMzdKQ51AmiCmgDLb2sgTZFegsc/s1600-h/DSC_0024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403432515186053442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 351px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqUIq-2HMNoE2-rIty3bN6DdzRHDiLeWYXdUySDlryivnTeDPahveY-GwK8GbMaMPn_Ejx_PpiFrfagWdpKXFSJVxNSnYX5akuCJgUjYrg0hjJvmAFMzdKQ51AmiCmgDLb2sgTZFegsc/s400/DSC_0024.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpk7j6FpT-kXZuKf5jxX224KunGwNthUs9owbapG1Jn8oh_UOh_HMJ20eD5HsMTmpcm6eR0fgyBC6Z2-5ZYfQLtg8JMVWEu37UQCJ3dKrvUmcgISCwSaUVWnReMhzJk5X7RnwmzIHX9o/s1600-h/DSC_0022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403432505481346466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 307px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpk7j6FpT-kXZuKf5jxX224KunGwNthUs9owbapG1Jn8oh_UOh_HMJ20eD5HsMTmpcm6eR0fgyBC6Z2-5ZYfQLtg8JMVWEu37UQCJ3dKrvUmcgISCwSaUVWnReMhzJk5X7RnwmzIHX9o/s400/DSC_0022.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/157/A0238FF8EAABFAF894FDD330266FAB23.png" /></a>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309148279389950204noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125651606833039061.post-21527664070181317862009-11-02T21:43:00.012-06:002009-11-12T21:58:37.268-06:00Top Five Holiday To-Do List Items<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeT12aDUCWgdqB5qnWvCUaaURLF7lUm52sALEtbvK98qjK9BuHRymgdWldkK_b7WQ4nI62w-BdNKGzu7qCFYE8pIA1hadgmiHyWkCQAH1P9_JRuZNR2MGB4_0ySIwi5Z-dS3oNsZDkDLc/s1600-h/Mary+Christmas.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399719473214577202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 288px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeT12aDUCWgdqB5qnWvCUaaURLF7lUm52sALEtbvK98qjK9BuHRymgdWldkK_b7WQ4nI62w-BdNKGzu7qCFYE8pIA1hadgmiHyWkCQAH1P9_JRuZNR2MGB4_0ySIwi5Z-dS3oNsZDkDLc/s400/Mary+Christmas.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">I am so EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Even though my plan to work on something Christmas-y every week during 2009 didn't exactly pan out, I am excited to say I've already knocked a couple of things off my to-do list. I hope this helps inspire you and get everyone excited for Christmas. Woo! Sorry in advance for the boring, bossy post, but I LOVE making lists!!!</div><br />1. <strong>Order or buy your holiday cards</strong>. There are tons of options for photo cards (the best kind in my opinion!), from fancy pants places like <a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/">Tiny Prints</a> to your <a href="http://www.walgreens.com/">local drugstore</a>. You can also sign up for <a href="http://www.kodakgallery.com/">Kodak Gallery</a> or <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/">Shutterfly</a> and get 50 free photos just for signing up, which you could stick inside regular store-bought cards. Just do something! It's an inexpensive way to keep in touch and spread cheer! Hand addressing is nice and of course more traditional, but I print address labels on <a href="http://www.officedepot.com/">Office Depot</a> brand labels and just stick them on the envelopes. Most of <a href="http://www.avery.com/">the big-name labels</a> have instructions for downloading the label templates on their website. Go ahead and get your label templates made now so all you have to do it print them out when the cards arrive. Also, get your stamps NOW! The pretty Christmas ones sell out! I did my labels and ordered my cards on November 1. PHEW! CHECK!<br /><br />2. Use your computer (or pen and paper!) to make a spreadsheet of everyone for whom you want to buy/make a present or give a holiday tip (hairdresser, babysitter, trainer, etc.). Brainstorm ideas for gifts -- look at those holiday shopping guides on the websites for your favorite magazines and stores. Check out the Etsy gift guides. See if your giftees have Amazon wish lists. Surreptitiously ask for suggestions from the giftee's spouse or close friends. Your list should have several colums: Name, Gift Idea, Gift Purchased, Wrapped, Delivered. Just check off as you go.<br /><br />3. Plan your FOOD! What events will require you to make/bake something? A school party? Open house? Family dinner? Plates of goodies for your neighbors or office? Make a list of what needs to be made and the deadline for doing so. Gather all your recipes in one place and start gathering your non-perishable ingredients every time you go out. Figure out what can be made in advance and frozen (like undecorated sugar cookies and shortbread). Most important: once you've decided, consider not adding in other treats that you see in magazines, blogs, etc.! You'll get too bogged down! Save them for next year!<br /><br />4. Make a plan for decorating. Even write out or sketch your thoughts for how the outside of your house and each room will look. Determine whether you need to buy anything and go ahead and order it now before everything is picked over. Also, places like <a href="http://www.hobbylobby.com/">Hobby Lobby</a> already have Christmas stuff for 50 percent off. Or use your <a href="http://www.michaels.com/">Michael's</a> coupon! Look at catalogs for decorating inspiration -- one of my favorites is Ballard Designs. Don't forget to check out thrift shops and consignment stores for decorations. Lots of places save this stuff in the back and then haul it out onto the sales floor before the holidays.<br /><br />5. Get your schedule in order NOW! Make a list of every event you want to attend, such as family gatherings, parties, open houses, holiday concerts, church events, lights displays, caroling, living nativities, artist markets, Santa visits, etc. If you don't have a big calendar that lays flat, tape several pieces of scrap paper together and draw a big November and December calendar and write in all the events. Make sure you have plenty of time for these activities by getting all your shopping/decoration planning/etc. done early! Like asap!<br /></div><p align="justify">I'll be back later with some more holiday stuff! Also <a href="http://www.oneprettything.com/">One Pretty Thing </a>has up what appears to be the FIRST CHRISTMAS POST of craft ideas (including my faux-quilted stocking tutorial). I want to make everything on there! Thanks for including me again Rachel!</p><p align="justify"><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/157/A0238FF8EAABFAF894FDD330266FAB23.png" /></a> </p>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309148279389950204noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125651606833039061.post-27193360612554884722009-10-29T17:49:00.006-05:002009-11-02T21:49:58.282-06:00Making Lemonade Out Of Lemons<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8BCJW1nLZoXhKnSXWXlSQujAjQltbeK9QDJLwvbV0xOOL7f1BZJkf_KRdG50InjtJ1eUumy6JhVuXWWW3viJjgPpUFotkuDHQrj7BHwStHuMbOuFPaDBEKfYIbviKSQkV5VKVHFoiNQ/s1600-h/DSC_0001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398159637679141090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 399px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8BCJW1nLZoXhKnSXWXlSQujAjQltbeK9QDJLwvbV0xOOL7f1BZJkf_KRdG50InjtJ1eUumy6JhVuXWWW3viJjgPpUFotkuDHQrj7BHwStHuMbOuFPaDBEKfYIbviKSQkV5VKVHFoiNQ/s400/DSC_0001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">My mom just had hip replacement surgery and is going through the grueling recovery period. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised when this Halloween card arrived for my little girl this afternoon, and it contained a ghost made out of gauze. Which I am assuming came from the stash she has for dressing her surgical site! Gotta love the ingenuity. Happy Halloween!</div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/157/A0238FF8EAABFAF894FDD330266FAB23.png" /></a>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309148279389950204noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5125651606833039061.post-37755673663951984922009-10-25T19:36:00.006-05:002009-10-29T17:57:07.368-05:00My Awesome Target Necklace<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5t9yYZ10sZBDWiCr644iJZ8hbMM5E5jHRIsGrNGVHIgIz5fbMITszTtkMACzu2OH_wy3WraJasso4Xs2_81QD7iX0ypZHAP1hCdEG46X4OpFuxqF17WP0ryRB853BCTsY8qwhaztSfo/s1600-h/necklace.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396702217790079922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5t9yYZ10sZBDWiCr644iJZ8hbMM5E5jHRIsGrNGVHIgIz5fbMITszTtkMACzu2OH_wy3WraJasso4Xs2_81QD7iX0ypZHAP1hCdEG46X4OpFuxqF17WP0ryRB853BCTsY8qwhaztSfo/s400/necklace.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify">Hey I am traveling for work and stopped at <a href="http://www.target.com/">Target</a> on the way down for a bottle of tea. Look what I found! Okay, so it doesn't look great with the gigantic men's teeshirt, but it looks really nice in person and way more expensive than $14. It is too short for the dress I'm wearing tomorrow (it's choker length), so I tied some black ribbon on each end and just tied that in a bow in the back. Yay for Target. Also, did you know their next designer collaboration is with <a href="http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/F2009RTW-RODARTE?viewall=true">Rodarte</a>? I love Rodarte! Happy week!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/157/A0238FF8EAABFAF894FDD330266FAB23.png" /></a> </div>Ashleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06309148279389950204noreply@blogger.com7