tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78371952435721499462024-03-28T20:29:46.758-07:00Nest. Nesting. Nested.A girl who loves to create for everyday livingEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134547946550659285noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837195243572149946.post-1138697694579182882018-03-11T00:14:00.000-08:002018-03-18T00:06:59.150-07:00New blogHi! After all these years, I am not sure if anyone visits my blog anymore, but I am back!!!<br />
I loved blogging so much, and enjoyed the friends that I made through my blog, but after having my third baby boy, I had so little time that my blog became abandoned. Then a couple years later I found myself pregnant again, with another boy! I now have four boys, life couldn’t be crazier or happier! Now that I am done having babies, I have decided to start a new blog <a href="http://lecultivateur.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">lecultivateur.com</a> I would be thrilled if y’all would follow along with me. Please comment on this, or my new blog...I would love to reconnect with everyone!!!💗<br />
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134547946550659285noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837195243572149946.post-1345896676690145242011-11-07T22:37:00.000-08:002011-11-07T22:49:27.203-08:00my love for linens<div align="center">Anyone who knows me, knows that I absolutely adore old linens. The other day, my sweet mom gave me this amazing old pin cushion; I absolutely love it!!! </div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq30mmI1gF277TCeTuiI0kLcbc92GYBl2yx3eHOUPZTCFH3YDyEOJ06p2NkI2nAAMeZeogdQv7SCzGvJmQ1gli5sq603aWTaQeW4gY2domGhTG4-NQf81QSa9yuFm1L3bkA5Y_rSnOgoLt/s1600/1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672510769438613634" 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/AVvXsEgq30mmI1gF277TCeTuiI0kLcbc92GYBl2yx3eHOUPZTCFH3YDyEOJ06p2NkI2nAAMeZeogdQv7SCzGvJmQ1gli5sq603aWTaQeW4gY2domGhTG4-NQf81QSa9yuFm1L3bkA5Y_rSnOgoLt/s400/1.JPG" border="0" /></a>My new vintage pin cushion now sits in an old egg basket that houses a lot of my beloved old linens.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVQiMf9Nprp6uBDmP3Dqitn1rvduG2pclaIXeYHVgmE1A9Kfy2RtQTFE8WzHU-_hzeNJeSDvuJQK6ixi1oEVhLtMZCo2of5MeZpewsnwc5DGiEXX5sSX0YUCJR-tnAZZdQ1mmSjdoTajf/s1600/2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672510765998038274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 291px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVQiMf9Nprp6uBDmP3Dqitn1rvduG2pclaIXeYHVgmE1A9Kfy2RtQTFE8WzHU-_hzeNJeSDvuJQK6ixi1oEVhLtMZCo2of5MeZpewsnwc5DGiEXX5sSX0YUCJR-tnAZZdQ1mmSjdoTajf/s400/2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KaofRvIxhyphenhyphen25HAgOkHo_c1rTYzoZ0NvT1zSDpGPWj7Pvm5bOY0IRIwBktQ_mKQm7cP3fhSYtx1m4B5J9-Il3ObQE_secLpiXcGlcAK-rANsvFV3azHgCYs20hIP8qk02f6PHVH3yceX3/s1600/3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672510759682281010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 312px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KaofRvIxhyphenhyphen25HAgOkHo_c1rTYzoZ0NvT1zSDpGPWj7Pvm5bOY0IRIwBktQ_mKQm7cP3fhSYtx1m4B5J9-Il3ObQE_secLpiXcGlcAK-rANsvFV3azHgCYs20hIP8qk02f6PHVH3yceX3/s400/3.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwCWqaFc6-kA3huPkHgvVgqBSUqujYm7r-Lvw7keIhlU1Nk6Mc_-Lkt8Hm6uSSH_8W2xPnvbeixA10V_buqpAgypBvVLunmmzthgVx69Z3xcCzCape7YILMSwTWvA0vKW8Ihc-N7Lb6za/s1600/4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672510752918935282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 366px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwCWqaFc6-kA3huPkHgvVgqBSUqujYm7r-Lvw7keIhlU1Nk6Mc_-Lkt8Hm6uSSH_8W2xPnvbeixA10V_buqpAgypBvVLunmmzthgVx69Z3xcCzCape7YILMSwTWvA0vKW8Ihc-N7Lb6za/s400/4.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVf9M6mcujpNNWXLQqS9i4cyKkuvOfppGtuNzs6iw2mxXcnE8issgtKmofTiyhMLg_o-c05jlOzR1_NmMx3o3znpdHD_cproHgOyxNF6uUBv56KgeiKmzQ1CjRl_TkiRkZvC_Y0eGmEqQu/s1600/5.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672510749536634722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 364px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVf9M6mcujpNNWXLQqS9i4cyKkuvOfppGtuNzs6iw2mxXcnE8issgtKmofTiyhMLg_o-c05jlOzR1_NmMx3o3znpdHD_cproHgOyxNF6uUBv56KgeiKmzQ1CjRl_TkiRkZvC_Y0eGmEqQu/s400/5.JPG" border="0" /></a> My laundry room now has new look...come back tomorrow and you will see what has been changed. </div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Thanks for reading! </span></div></div></div><br /></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134547946550659285noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837195243572149946.post-21923359850552202412011-10-28T22:31:00.000-07:002011-10-28T23:00:30.471-07:00what to do with all those broken crayons?<div align="center">Melt them down and reshape them!</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpbVENLWbtmQ9YrExxg40zr6K4-rw6KScDyujtJiMaSxAmV-nzs-V64O9-oA0At1v0UNWqJxGNLDkjRuyg376Bk2fBv0FFfMsaA1LGPP7VpCVGaAjB7lmQhy54HeCFojBuv4-p-HCfwkW/s1600/1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668783399143034322" 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/AVvXsEgWpbVENLWbtmQ9YrExxg40zr6K4-rw6KScDyujtJiMaSxAmV-nzs-V64O9-oA0At1v0UNWqJxGNLDkjRuyg376Bk2fBv0FFfMsaA1LGPP7VpCVGaAjB7lmQhy54HeCFojBuv4-p-HCfwkW/s400/1.JPG" border="0" /></a> My youngest boy LOVES to color, but whenever one of his crayons break, he thinks it is garbage and doesn't ever color with it again. What a waste, right?! Today as I was helping him sort out all of the broken crayons, I had an idea to melt the unwanted (broken) crayons and make them into "new" crayons that would be fun to color with once again. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Here's what we did it....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik66HpIVEs0ryVhz-q6poW6FCePaFY3fEQaUHBhyyOpuYk9aMu96toR8SqP1koW4njv1XAgNAK6XCwLMNPQekYGH7MhocJNa48oOEOgZN9t0DDkTuKFcIFc9ky2foeeLAIDS71YwZ6Ia7e/s1600/2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668783393025359010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 295px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik66HpIVEs0ryVhz-q6poW6FCePaFY3fEQaUHBhyyOpuYk9aMu96toR8SqP1koW4njv1XAgNAK6XCwLMNPQekYGH7MhocJNa48oOEOgZN9t0DDkTuKFcIFc9ky2foeeLAIDS71YwZ6Ia7e/s400/2.JPG" border="0" /></a>First we took all the paper off of the crayons.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaY2vBKgPrhOKFfDwPiQMbf5K-4TrUxUMMzDdE7FDFir2Q4js9pSsOLVV53wx_DTuEp4OSX70eEVx374tT8AYB5QCM7iEvmrjwq-ug0W2hGRRqkH1uE8ntxGciMFma7OCGJXdwoAVNYKZD/s1600/3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668783387583422322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 229px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaY2vBKgPrhOKFfDwPiQMbf5K-4TrUxUMMzDdE7FDFir2Q4js9pSsOLVV53wx_DTuEp4OSX70eEVx374tT8AYB5QCM7iEvmrjwq-ug0W2hGRRqkH1uE8ntxGciMFma7OCGJXdwoAVNYKZD/s400/3.JPG" border="0" /></a> Then separated them into two empty soup cans, one for all the oranges, and the other for the black crayons.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeCjhasHTYJOzPmqPRnwX6Vx1-u67glZ-BuAdLFoTEW2eSTGyAUs3oEQY44QmKI8XPwbrpQqCr9S8eFfB5EesfKanuKDYnCencBJdYMmZDjWZvkqVePIjOpfFhiPHgKmHM0vpI_X2Jk-V/s1600/4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668783383743563714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 305px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeCjhasHTYJOzPmqPRnwX6Vx1-u67glZ-BuAdLFoTEW2eSTGyAUs3oEQY44QmKI8XPwbrpQqCr9S8eFfB5EesfKanuKDYnCencBJdYMmZDjWZvkqVePIjOpfFhiPHgKmHM0vpI_X2Jk-V/s400/4.JPG" border="0" /></a> I placed the two cans of crayons into a pot of boiling water. The crayons melted surprisingly fast!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZrATjat3BZdAnXlO1Sn1awlm3sXw1Ii1OMx-Abtd8gtVky8opM0ERua9FyOfyf6tyckpv0IKHI1Aiwqz7MrB3zC0Z5YOAa9ADOkLVMKFOOwipYioBHYkgXEiNvKlE9nOBO1FZ3oorE4s/s1600/5.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668783025906271730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 233px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZrATjat3BZdAnXlO1Sn1awlm3sXw1Ii1OMx-Abtd8gtVky8opM0ERua9FyOfyf6tyckpv0IKHI1Aiwqz7MrB3zC0Z5YOAa9ADOkLVMKFOOwipYioBHYkgXEiNvKlE9nOBO1FZ3oorE4s/s400/5.JPG" border="0" /></a> After the crayons were melted, I poured them into a pumpkin shaped cookie cutter that I had placed into a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">disposable</span> aluminum baking pan. I was a little skeptical of using a cookie cutter to shape the crayons, but it worked!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyviNH5kDDl8cdwFHShc_88wAVVKTCSIRQN3-LcWheIz_h4SOGP_tq8KDRaZizb7fv1kVKBW2EDacavb3GHcSnBSezm32utIV1w6hqPDHh2sNaUJJu0lsFAQ4edxaa8sRtBhPbp37IvAO/s1600/6.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668783012985477890" 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/AVvXsEiWyviNH5kDDl8cdwFHShc_88wAVVKTCSIRQN3-LcWheIz_h4SOGP_tq8KDRaZizb7fv1kVKBW2EDacavb3GHcSnBSezm32utIV1w6hqPDHh2sNaUJJu0lsFAQ4edxaa8sRtBhPbp37IvAO/s400/6.JPG" border="0" /></a> After our new pumpkin crayons had completely cooled down, we wrapped a couple of them up for some of his friends...such a fun little Halloween surprise!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668783012040888594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0kxR0ksnB0efBYwfKa7Jzuy0o7HVG4I12Ekg_0ZIBPKe3jU7e7lL0WLbiHTpHbPxAWla0Y00wVyL0KJK4etC39BzayalAi0mbganI7zqzdhVMQSvRC2RyIL0Rg-XZvSJQxU1Y9jOHPmC/s400/7.JPG" border="0" />And here is the final product. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I love the design that the crayons picked up for my disposable baking pan.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZmqcOYvm0aDWhX9yEC1vqB4oNiLUg-xf94CfChgw9zeJLfN8L_UIlte4Z29wC7HE9URvefCCv9uhUqQSfuw0Io8XSXx0bWyI1YqT7hBRmU_-impKT1yB3vohlZJs-x98-tFTG6dWqIW2/s1600/8.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668783008046932898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 360px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZmqcOYvm0aDWhX9yEC1vqB4oNiLUg-xf94CfChgw9zeJLfN8L_UIlte4Z29wC7HE9URvefCCv9uhUqQSfuw0Io8XSXx0bWyI1YqT7hBRmU_-impKT1yB3vohlZJs-x98-tFTG6dWqIW2/s400/8.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is such a fun project that your kids are sure to love! Think of all the possibilities!!!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;">Thanks for reading! </span></div><span style="font-size:85%;">Please click on the links on my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check out the linky parties that I have joined.<br /><br /></span><br /><div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134547946550659285noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837195243572149946.post-7277038014923064342011-10-24T20:46:00.000-07:002011-10-24T21:20:44.864-07:00a ghostly treat<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Meringue Ghosts</span></div><br /><div align="center">These festive meringues are not only tasty but are also quite fun to make. My two little boys and I had a lot of fun trying to pipe out ghostly shapes today after school. </div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2TH24jHXU382d4yxxZp3PkqdRIiIwaoluADgVTYpZ88DDVHZ0z7UbpETLzuopjkSCsuPHbsLh5UZS99JOT0iF392S7OeLmY-dLMXtS43jIsLj_prHQf13RmfzMqCNCFdUO3Xs-I-RaXK/s1600/1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667271837780613170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 265px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2TH24jHXU382d4yxxZp3PkqdRIiIwaoluADgVTYpZ88DDVHZ0z7UbpETLzuopjkSCsuPHbsLh5UZS99JOT0iF392S7OeLmY-dLMXtS43jIsLj_prHQf13RmfzMqCNCFdUO3Xs-I-RaXK/s400/1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Ingredients<br /></span></strong>3 large egg whites (room temperature)<br />1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar<br />3/4 cup powdered sugar<br />1/2 teaspoon vanilla<br />miniature semisweet chocolate chips<br />~~~</div><br /><div align="center"><strong>1.</strong> Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper, or butter sheets and dust with flour.<br /><strong>2.</strong> In a deep bowl, with a mixer at high speed, whip egg whites and cream of tartar to a thick foam. Continuing to beat, add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, then whip until meringue holds very stiff peaks.<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqVblU6ahhDojW1fbmKDw-QwwKj0r0gevDHDkyX1T1GPj5_ZGktMlvoPpYTEVDN8Dd9IkNGgwWiXIXheiVMv-HxDIh-6BH3pk0nja4bjrvEAXDuzLXzyf6vSv2FytWeSA8DlcN6NacjOt/s1600/2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667271595284273970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 269px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqVblU6ahhDojW1fbmKDw-QwwKj0r0gevDHDkyX1T1GPj5_ZGktMlvoPpYTEVDN8Dd9IkNGgwWiXIXheiVMv-HxDIh-6BH3pk0nja4bjrvEAXDuzLXzyf6vSv2FytWeSA8DlcN6NacjOt/s400/2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ljWe4N76E4APQdP75mMNtT-XkyzMmAptWU_bKy8NYqlNLKGszQGoV4vZSxEIzPH8VRZXmpO2Z5wkPbnXuufHG4SeNxrqT6uibliCKW_dnZhiYOXiw7x7lgVHqq0MfBEt61e6nU9veuuJ/s1600/3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667271593778619298" 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/AVvXsEi2ljWe4N76E4APQdP75mMNtT-XkyzMmAptWU_bKy8NYqlNLKGszQGoV4vZSxEIzPH8VRZXmpO2Z5wkPbnXuufHG4SeNxrqT6uibliCKW_dnZhiYOXiw7x7lgVHqq0MfBEt61e6nU9veuuJ/s400/3.JPG" border="0" /></a><strong> 3.</strong> Beat in vanilla. </div><br /><div align="center"><strong>4.</strong> Spoon meringue into a pastry bag fitted (or, like I did, spoon into a gallon-size Ziploc bag and cut off 1 corner to make a small opening).<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkdEM8ZHpSQ-Y6LmCfL3u0_9f4clPnS3PF56yPTzRdOkkrDCT0iGWncrddJmBjDOk7S1TwNbEDIqgU4v91-AxSEEnF2FrphjvTJaWSEXRHIMs8kYu6LDepZtYM95Eg4IDgLHHXryyNCu4/s1600/4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667271588348498242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 218px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkdEM8ZHpSQ-Y6LmCfL3u0_9f4clPnS3PF56yPTzRdOkkrDCT0iGWncrddJmBjDOk7S1TwNbEDIqgU4v91-AxSEEnF2FrphjvTJaWSEXRHIMs8kYu6LDepZtYM95Eg4IDgLHHXryyNCu4/s400/4.JPG" border="0" /></a><strong> 5.</strong> Pipe meringue onto baking sheets into ghostly shapes about 1/2 inch thick. Place them about 2 inches apart. To make eyes simply press chocolate chips lightly into meringue.<br /><strong>6.</strong> Bake in a 200° oven until meringues begin to turn pale gold and are firm to touch, 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours (1 to 1 1/4 hours in a convection oven); switch pan positions halfway through baking. Turn off heat and leave meringues in closed oven for 1 hour.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0XylOfPVqiSh-tMzt9sVVhJJZU7gdDwIrUPMLwSpq6ZaYrhpLs9hWQkASvrw6OImVdFpMXQ8PoWOTAabKF7EZrzvSqTjRoWxkgl0_FGSW6rZq3jMtSZv6CvYKjjwkG_HQ6EhK4nIdcqH7/s1600/5.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667271574514282578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 376px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0XylOfPVqiSh-tMzt9sVVhJJZU7gdDwIrUPMLwSpq6ZaYrhpLs9hWQkASvrw6OImVdFpMXQ8PoWOTAabKF7EZrzvSqTjRoWxkgl0_FGSW6rZq3jMtSZv6CvYKjjwkG_HQ6EhK4nIdcqH7/s400/5.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePSGOMnibxzZbrjURmwu0WuexIRLzs5QqRjjmKSzy2U1rJKyM36EnovU0kN5_x4wYrw3Gi51L7N3BFmoAD2GeyxuPv-4CH6x_N4oVQ-a5HesHNlLE3StKDMWKqKelnC1iY1LSrUmkb9OT/s1600/6.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667271569752484530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 339px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePSGOMnibxzZbrjURmwu0WuexIRLzs5QqRjjmKSzy2U1rJKyM36EnovU0kN5_x4wYrw3Gi51L7N3BFmoAD2GeyxuPv-4CH6x_N4oVQ-a5HesHNlLE3StKDMWKqKelnC1iY1LSrUmkb9OT/s400/6.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Thank you for reading!<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">Please click on the links on my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check out the linky parties that I have joined. </span><br /></div></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134547946550659285noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837195243572149946.post-54075890943355437942011-10-18T21:04:00.000-07:002011-10-23T10:08:32.127-07:00Fall Wreath<p align="center">Every year as the air starts to get cooler and the leaves are begin to change color, I go out and gather beautiful colored leaves, acorns, rose hips, and whatever else I find fitting to make a simple, colorful fall wreath.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIl3IRT3gOX-y1P9bGxFn5K7C84Y7Utt1Ta0_J_CyRFR4NrOoFSpfsdpHloU3QdQiu1zJ0NXIh-jkksqKlIaEnlRcrnXixV3OcpFH1LVtPMwa-aVdn183oX1aVSmyXBN9Ne4bjiQaQIyP5/s1600/3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665034142525013378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIl3IRT3gOX-y1P9bGxFn5K7C84Y7Utt1Ta0_J_CyRFR4NrOoFSpfsdpHloU3QdQiu1zJ0NXIh-jkksqKlIaEnlRcrnXixV3OcpFH1LVtPMwa-aVdn183oX1aVSmyXBN9Ne4bjiQaQIyP5/s400/3.jpg" /></a> </p><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTsPxbvdbG0xF9IQyqqrtFH2QeGLGp5eQ5jYYNTClcj4zM1Y4iOH9BAa9clHHLmRIsr_JiD-WHk3t3ovFNCgkAN-jNdv14x0d1n2xWoqWriReYONPIpTsKMIoFiFHbLib1qEyt_Qh4GkO9/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 357px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665034248294923234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTsPxbvdbG0xF9IQyqqrtFH2QeGLGp5eQ5jYYNTClcj4zM1Y4iOH9BAa9clHHLmRIsr_JiD-WHk3t3ovFNCgkAN-jNdv14x0d1n2xWoqWriReYONPIpTsKMIoFiFHbLib1qEyt_Qh4GkO9/s400/1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbe4s7q6svCVEeNIHGhXUS-9S9VfA9YCgP-z168o_TuuNXq93fo6LOKKxdzk3dIS6foAI86RF2SeFBst3mfJAPfJJT5gUzcA_51LgQcw_tz9MXuoEikyjS9GIvt5Icr5f6j6wHUOsc9IT/s1600/2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665034146497173298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbe4s7q6svCVEeNIHGhXUS-9S9VfA9YCgP-z168o_TuuNXq93fo6LOKKxdzk3dIS6foAI86RF2SeFBst3mfJAPfJJT5gUzcA_51LgQcw_tz9MXuoEikyjS9GIvt5Icr5f6j6wHUOsc9IT/s400/2.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbjwxDRcd30WypmpCkHbq54U6UVakkDLh88kFeGqDhjWblnEnvnodNpwIHqwwHTKDCghDsqwzC1iiMEfLBizKUyxKkItMPZhRYcTYeCUkOREzyrRqyvozHsotwyBCwu7xu96iV6Ue6sgi/s1600/7.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665048274375378594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbjwxDRcd30WypmpCkHbq54U6UVakkDLh88kFeGqDhjWblnEnvnodNpwIHqwwHTKDCghDsqwzC1iiMEfLBizKUyxKkItMPZhRYcTYeCUkOREzyrRqyvozHsotwyBCwu7xu96iV6Ue6sgi/s400/7.jpg" /></a><br />This is such an easy little project, and like most all of my projects, it is super cheap! The only things that I bought for this project was some clear glossy lacquer and a grapevine wreath. After gathering leaves and such, I simply glued (using a hot glue gun) the leaves, acorns, etc to the grapevine wreath and then gave it a shiny coat of lacquer to help preserve the leaves and all their beautiful colors.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 288px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665050962368613186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjdNtHMVYrAnD40AN07H30AahXz9XCqoyXUX6lK7flQlvsTwXzGW7syTqkd5ZjxivDNqtE2RJJp6Fhyphenhyphen1YgjtWpVsdmhgNsaxd_qITOoMLqxONyNQRMtYwrC7ru_wD5h1-KRMeakVzkNxG/s400/5.jpg" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665034135042471282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgmbeux2bC0WT7vBhtg3tw-NwC3swkgSLe7csaNfy_PrtArNh26Vfpi6DWCagnOBTm9Owg3UQoUqeR4UADAqn2JJL52SKDTHJBQINPc28GMmj7y2QZEtkga916FIwMTl_NTIFZtIBLFDy/s400/4.jpg" /><span style="font-size:180%;">Thanks for reading!!!</span><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Please click on the links on my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check out the linky parties that I have joined. </span><a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com//"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000000;">The DIY Showoff </span></a><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://http//savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com//"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000000;">Saavy Southern Style</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, <span style="color:#000000;"></span></span><a href="http://http//http://www.bluecricketdesign.net///"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000000;">Blue Cricket Design</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000000;">, </span><a href="http://http//http://http://diybydesign.blogspot.com////"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000000;">DIY By Design</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000000;"><br /></span><a href="http://http//http://http://http://cleanandscentsible.blogspot.com/////"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000000;">Clean and Scentsible</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000000;"> </span></p></div></div></div></div><br /></span>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134547946550659285noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837195243572149946.post-66054618014956742352011-10-13T07:33:00.000-07:002011-10-23T09:57:59.491-07:00How to tile a backsplash<div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">I have had several questions about my back splash, so I thought I would post step-by-step instructions on how to tile, so that you too can tile your back splash.<br />This project only cost $115 and took less than an afternoon to do. So worth it!!!!<br /><br /></span></div><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 252px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662827604423917314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWB71nYydE4L4UqFdgkw8pHX27FoX-96NYorOjMYEPh5bBf2KnfxHxi6dhO_d5iwiEh_x7eXzd_8d87X1t-IwDOodv1zip-aEq-2TuvM1uEOc9odQgPf54MiOJst0bvuK3s6mZZTOB-sq/s400/3.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"></span><span style="color:#000000;">I purchased all my supplies (tile, thin set, grout, and tools) at Lowe's.</span><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fBXG8BMijHkWThEyNm6zKixy0uSZA3P96D_uDM9WPVmWOWZZfIP6SR-_5RbEPfRJKgRxq7ZYQpC7EZFkmUrjc7WXlre4-Q6Od8co9mpRBxEkFHJv9vj875tBLWIGxPbAi3D3La8TrPSn/s1600/2.JPG"><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662827606049581218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fBXG8BMijHkWThEyNm6zKixy0uSZA3P96D_uDM9WPVmWOWZZfIP6SR-_5RbEPfRJKgRxq7ZYQpC7EZFkmUrjc7WXlre4-Q6Od8co9mpRBxEkFHJv9vj875tBLWIGxPbAi3D3La8TrPSn/s400/2.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Step 1: Measure the surface area that you are going to tile </span></strong></div><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">Multiply the length of your back splash area by the width of your back splash area to find the total square footage.</span></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Step 2: Prepare your wall/ Cut Cement Board </span></strong></p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">Make sure to clean the wall that you are going to tile with an abrasive cleaner. Then, use your measurements to cut the cement board to size. This material is hard, but not too difficult to cut through. Use a razor knife to score one side, then turn the board over to finish the cut. Use caution when cutting to avoid pulling the mesh off the board. </span></p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">Because my back splash is such a small area and the tiles are not heavy at all, I did use cement board. If you are planning on doing a bigger area, such as a back splash that goes all the way up to the ceiling, or if you are using heavy tiles then I recommend that you use cement board.</span></p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">Once all the pieces of cement board are cut, lay them out to make sure it's a tight fit.<br />Secure the cement board to the floor using a drill with screwdriver attachment. Use special cement-board screws, and place them every 6 to 8 inches.<br /><br /><strong>Step 3: Decide where to start </strong></span></p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">For my black splash, I thought it was most logical to start in the corner and work my way out. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_XSRzpbFS9mA3kbIXU6BMkzKBzVy3erboW9XnPalqKJKlsbV5Ui_nomlW6ZRNQ5qEqjm7d-Gm2rmFZltNjJyMft9Fw1JCMBaB7JPAdbuWe1QhPYqFrvm-wqbzn72wBADCzb22Knj4gEm/s1600/1.JPG"><span style="color:#000000;"></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662827616036280306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_XSRzpbFS9mA3kbIXU6BMkzKBzVy3erboW9XnPalqKJKlsbV5Ui_nomlW6ZRNQ5qEqjm7d-Gm2rmFZltNjJyMft9Fw1JCMBaB7JPAdbuWe1QhPYqFrvm-wqbzn72wBADCzb22Knj4gEm/s400/1.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"><br /><strong>Step 4: Spread Adhesive</strong></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">Work in small sections. Spread the adhesive smoothly and evenly with a trowel. You'll want the adhesive to be about as thick as the tiles you're working with.<br />Lay all of the tiles that don't need to be cut first, and leave space for the tiles that are going to need to be cut. Then you can go back and tackle the tricky cuts toward the end. This really helped the job run quicker and smoother for me.<br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJlXDrwBPAYUj4e1QYSVKTm4hljN0yuciGjWZ75FihWg2O-G773jQUCLEyD971NkAVpd8QzA6sSFmwrw5oczQhoBCA7rPOBnPRcXJU3Ku0MxwhC64utr07hAHWmWsg_1_5Uvd8j5nUfuM/s1600/DSC_1418%255B2%255D.jpg"><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 371px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662844899699011746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJlXDrwBPAYUj4e1QYSVKTm4hljN0yuciGjWZ75FihWg2O-G773jQUCLEyD971NkAVpd8QzA6sSFmwrw5oczQhoBCA7rPOBnPRcXJU3Ku0MxwhC64utr07hAHWmWsg_1_5Uvd8j5nUfuM/s400/DSC_1418%255B2%255D.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDnvWmmrnd0z0NgDsvdXJNTegCf-XirtLM4qZs-HJ1ZbNZv6dv1FL6FqB4ALcanU9ZAm0yFtbwiM-zfv9zXFxY29xrOomK15nHCymlIqVt1MAIipYxErXC4hnbs6yCozrFOrjFkyXdnp0/s1600/DSC_1423%255B1%255D.jpg"><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662844891586092290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDnvWmmrnd0z0NgDsvdXJNTegCf-XirtLM4qZs-HJ1ZbNZv6dv1FL6FqB4ALcanU9ZAm0yFtbwiM-zfv9zXFxY29xrOomK15nHCymlIqVt1MAIipYxErXC4hnbs6yCozrFOrjFkyXdnp0/s400/DSC_1423%255B1%255D.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"><br /><strong>Step 5: Set Tiles in Place</strong><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">Set the first tile into place and press it firmly into the adhesive. For the second tile, remember to line up the pattern and check the spacing before setting it into place.<br /><br /><strong>Step 6: Cut Tile </strong></span></p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">The easiest way to cut individual tiles is with a wet saw. It uses water to keep the blade from getting too hot as it makes the cuts. Set the length wanted and guide the tile through the blade. You can rent a wet saw, or if you have just a few cuts to be made you can take it into Home Depot or Lowe's and they will cut it for you as long as you purchased it there.</span></p><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Step 7: Grout </span></strong></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong></strong></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">When mixing grout make sure it is creamy and easy to spread. Use "sanded"grout for larger spacing, "unsanded" grout for closer laid tiles. I used "unsanded" grout for this project.<br />Using a grout float, place a glob of grout on the tile and push it around the openings. Let it set for about 20 minutes then wipe the tiles with a damp sponge. Once the grout has hardened, buff the tile with a dry cloth.<br /><br /><strong>Step 8: Seal grout</strong></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">There are so many types of grout sealers. Some are a liquid that gets sponged on, and some are a spray. I used one that I sponged on. Make sure to seal the grout well to prevent staining. </span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Good Luck and Thanks for Reading!!!</span></div><span style="font-size:78%;">Please click on the links on my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check out the linky parties that I have joined.</span></div><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com//"><span style="color:#000000;">The DIY Showoff </span></a><span style="color:#000000;"></span></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="color:#000000;"><a></a></span></p>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134547946550659285noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837195243572149946.post-83999634837312019452011-10-11T22:47:00.000-07:002011-10-23T09:58:36.435-07:00look how far my kitchen has come...<div align="center">My kitchen has been the biggest work in progress for what seems like forever! With two young and very active boys and I seem to have very little time to focus on big projects (such as my kitchen), so I have tackled it by doing one small project at a time, making this kitchen one very long drawn out process. I just finished the island yesterday. It would have been done a few weeks ago, but indecisive me decided to paint it creamy white instead of the green that I originally painted it.<br /><br />Here is a picture of my kitchen as of today...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXORQS0h9dp6NnM4T_ctbC1FVZbIZOBpjGqMa0XnvRgGCdsMPl-imDhux-ZFH8E7u3W84FPEcNAwjoI8-W8863ISnXvhUFFuLkE8UQxXB-lMxaJkkf8BRePMoGzeji9qVPm580mYSpVtqp/s1600/01.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662478764396198818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXORQS0h9dp6NnM4T_ctbC1FVZbIZOBpjGqMa0XnvRgGCdsMPl-imDhux-ZFH8E7u3W84FPEcNAwjoI8-W8863ISnXvhUFFuLkE8UQxXB-lMxaJkkf8BRePMoGzeji9qVPm580mYSpVtqp/s400/01.JPG" /></a> And here it is just 1 short year ago...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1C6zgNKSilAHCLz8DjcEhsHzd9PgZQcVHFZrmXabJo4oPNQTnafeyE4OTdo6L2XROThrsrQoDuHAoqbUQ1baPPjPhq4JS5-sSnAmvx0QICrcqKf6AIjRAh_42_FkJY1es9RCkqIZwJ5V/s1600/02.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 296px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662487670210876898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1C6zgNKSilAHCLz8DjcEhsHzd9PgZQcVHFZrmXabJo4oPNQTnafeyE4OTdo6L2XROThrsrQoDuHAoqbUQ1baPPjPhq4JS5-sSnAmvx0QICrcqKf6AIjRAh_42_FkJY1es9RCkqIZwJ5V/s400/02.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBn18fyUpgaHKzd8MVH_gSpaxV_dcxd3nvwuR6T9CThENJP_8ySogGcF6DAP4oZoS18pnkll4XvzY4iyGwu_5kOp1aZwdqdPFbsL1HbQzH2p6mh9o9RlRdUIVf2tjqYTvgyWtc6q1GJrO/s1600/03.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 311px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662478988025820706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBn18fyUpgaHKzd8MVH_gSpaxV_dcxd3nvwuR6T9CThENJP_8ySogGcF6DAP4oZoS18pnkll4XvzY4iyGwu_5kOp1aZwdqdPFbsL1HbQzH2p6mh9o9RlRdUIVf2tjqYTvgyWtc6q1GJrO/s400/03.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWkARKBfFOCO6Foa6rHxJbdbiLQjbpfm1IHh0ooi8QpLCMkfhnKSqif_dZozxWtjtTDS1adWdwTpoVVsyRQ8Tv7UsNGfJgCJ_3AAmSjHE3YzOTJdR128ImZ211XfIKx4cz2P0jFyhAoOr/s1600/04.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 330px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662478753772273202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWkARKBfFOCO6Foa6rHxJbdbiLQjbpfm1IHh0ooi8QpLCMkfhnKSqif_dZozxWtjtTDS1adWdwTpoVVsyRQ8Tv7UsNGfJgCJ_3AAmSjHE3YzOTJdR128ImZ211XfIKx4cz2P0jFyhAoOr/s400/04.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0aPuQvkwMNwv3vCfsQk-DqPv6wrSvXLoy5H2NFt42IzHJUmlOwbJiT1lLq5ann9TiDRkUAUjMaX2Q_g5HJYepfcbxGKmTTaOZibMVZaSMrhOGlGW2ORYN324qvKuMw1lRvBq3WNjVoCg/s1600/7.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662491856862366418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0aPuQvkwMNwv3vCfsQk-DqPv6wrSvXLoy5H2NFt42IzHJUmlOwbJiT1lLq5ann9TiDRkUAUjMaX2Q_g5HJYepfcbxGKmTTaOZibMVZaSMrhOGlGW2ORYN324qvKuMw1lRvBq3WNjVoCg/s400/7.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjON9pGaaXqHAXexwC3Nzz-VZX_PYOHiJrtmZ4Kt9zeqvxRyfW5fORgxGecw4skS-8eRK7AHXnpdfQjIxZ4l08UAWhlDy5jeM9JTgcVC5iXQMlgI1nHCO1ttRguEYWgKTwoukVgEFkjXman/s1600/05.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662478745832314994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjON9pGaaXqHAXexwC3Nzz-VZX_PYOHiJrtmZ4Kt9zeqvxRyfW5fORgxGecw4skS-8eRK7AHXnpdfQjIxZ4l08UAWhlDy5jeM9JTgcVC5iXQMlgI1nHCO1ttRguEYWgKTwoukVgEFkjXman/s400/05.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7Vk40rWfd4sKR6roOcniZdXn-SSx139mlBwmROWTGdOLQCzVG8m0UmauKRyxLwHrE3N2xg_h3NLO72vT4ibYfYxluIDxtEWCt7v3BSXYsFMmcqDjEJC3Cptam9B8uSsDlUtOAnpufnvw/s1600/4-1%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 201px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662491844113734386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7Vk40rWfd4sKR6roOcniZdXn-SSx139mlBwmROWTGdOLQCzVG8m0UmauKRyxLwHrE3N2xg_h3NLO72vT4ibYfYxluIDxtEWCt7v3BSXYsFMmcqDjEJC3Cptam9B8uSsDlUtOAnpufnvw/s400/4-1%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uJYfsJ3rkDmnRUBo7oBwGmv_R1Wwm1LkHMPv72TqbeNUhnBLtV9zAJ9Z00bVGW6Xpx4ky2DmZ84uDSHkdNb4vadnpa_no1f_q0j8WiDO0udOtRHH7WHGVNQGw6LX4XiJQn9qxQWexY-t/s1600/06.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662478745322588626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uJYfsJ3rkDmnRUBo7oBwGmv_R1Wwm1LkHMPv72TqbeNUhnBLtV9zAJ9Z00bVGW6Xpx4ky2DmZ84uDSHkdNb4vadnpa_no1f_q0j8WiDO0udOtRHH7WHGVNQGw6LX4XiJQn9qxQWexY-t/s400/06.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSNBtG6oVC0slhTCjZ7nLhAngReAYeXvDZaHdyygmIqnRYZN7ctid6i9qlk_YTDm-FbBE6tWehaiZMmqVMSrcb5Xlvn6PyF57h3oIeM2eILGMKydF5pJjR9n2ZPsBK-xdqJ_RJm_20B7X/s1600/5-1%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 217px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662491846469981314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSNBtG6oVC0slhTCjZ7nLhAngReAYeXvDZaHdyygmIqnRYZN7ctid6i9qlk_YTDm-FbBE6tWehaiZMmqVMSrcb5Xlvn6PyF57h3oIeM2eILGMKydF5pJjR9n2ZPsBK-xdqJ_RJm_20B7X/s400/5-1%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Please click on the links on my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check out the linky parties that I have joined.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com//"><span style="color:#000000;">The DIY Showoff </span></a><span style="color:#000000;"></span></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="color:#000000;"><a>Thanks for reading!!!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"></div></div></div><br /></a></span></span>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134547946550659285noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837195243572149946.post-15704758162981858162011-10-03T00:09:00.000-07:002011-10-03T00:44:54.202-07:00I won!!!<div align="center">I am so excited to tell you all that I won the Shaw Area Rug giveaway that Roeshel at The DIY Showoff hosted! </div><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="The DIY Show Off" src="http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac195/Roeshel/DIYShowOffbuttonsmall.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">This is officially the first thing that I have ever won and I am sooooo excited! </div><br /><div align="center">Now, I need your help to choose the perfect rug for my dining room.</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 294px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652085032136360450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzG6G7l-Qgabyv4Ja0vS_yxj2PnDcAf4jjuLadMnSAU7I66EIv0AzfGUB-dU8J7vS6O49fo2_F_oVifeVJTG5lALUgd6M1PP6sQirfgr8E1OABB3XctN48liQDqRFjhrtvqKi4IkGd5_MC/s400/t3.JPG" /><br /><br /><p align="center">I am trying to decide between...</p><br /><p align="center">#1: Patina Rug</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 375px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 375px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659165210519592962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfg7j4JzVrQU0Hv4Ifecou1K4HX6VyGMT62wmY0ZBSo_Jh8AnStQInd_EMTU9EywxENxcNAk5dOe6TXy-vRlEehSKepLY2xMHnyN10Axsz5AjUAuSGSsaL7RmKoDxUq0OrLaRwEzbE61Ru/s400/rug1.bmp" /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center">#2: Vintage Bloom Rug</p><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh022avqTvwoYr6jxfuusNIzwipa1gjezF8zF-teV3g6GOWY6qRWP9JFtzJylYGB9KMQ_9t-GmBVcPNMhj_59Miwr8f1_oREXciK48-S_nHTm49RNQKF5_1r0HhdmhhlPzd9QEsEIqkRWp0/s1600/rug2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 375px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 375px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659165045182228626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh022avqTvwoYr6jxfuusNIzwipa1gjezF8zF-teV3g6GOWY6qRWP9JFtzJylYGB9KMQ_9t-GmBVcPNMhj_59Miwr8f1_oREXciK48-S_nHTm49RNQKF5_1r0HhdmhhlPzd9QEsEIqkRWp0/s400/rug2.jpg" /></a><br />-or-<br /><br />#3: Light Multi Rug<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpCCzhLIfSs8Ocqkvlg5_Fm-VuVEBSlOOdPF6OsVN0VROc37KcMQvc_ma1_NrJzd2nZXl8EfxcamEYK1FdYiKsT-A2XjDO_hLNOvX477aAwGiAP-9zNOVBQfelFaqVR2o5WNVyPFcmzTl/s1600/rug5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 375px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 375px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659165040832290434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpCCzhLIfSs8Ocqkvlg5_Fm-VuVEBSlOOdPF6OsVN0VROc37KcMQvc_ma1_NrJzd2nZXl8EfxcamEYK1FdYiKsT-A2XjDO_hLNOvX477aAwGiAP-9zNOVBQfelFaqVR2o5WNVyPFcmzTl/s400/rug5.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center">Which rug do you think would look best in my dining room?</div><br /><div align="center">Thank you for reading!</div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134547946550659285noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837195243572149946.post-35932616603066469002011-09-23T21:37:00.000-07:002011-10-03T00:35:47.914-07:00my little dining area<div align="center">Have you all been linking up to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Roomspiration</span> link parties? There are so many great ideas!!!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Today, Dining Room link ups over at Involving Color.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a title="Roomspiration" href="http://involvingcolor.com/"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" alt="Roomspiration" src="http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd408/lizzygal18/orangebackground.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">My dining room </span></strong><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEJ89gX83tgOuKEkmCaKOfSCRtHJDdOa5cJaCIgITdMzOUgCnttN3A_2C1oeeIYChQoCJT36s5PWkyeNdO-kID6ol2b74gGOd_J9RnrxsF0Gmpfg1xfF1Ns5J_A6nM5M1DbVOwEpR7Um4/s1600/DSC_1170.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 218px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573083512801894530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEJ89gX83tgOuKEkmCaKOfSCRtHJDdOa5cJaCIgITdMzOUgCnttN3A_2C1oeeIYChQoCJT36s5PWkyeNdO-kID6ol2b74gGOd_J9RnrxsF0Gmpfg1xfF1Ns5J_A6nM5M1DbVOwEpR7Um4/s320/DSC_1170.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOh-9u2BJUWmKM0aYuIyZCShXwWcHgs-fmaRyDSzE60AX78UyQ2hxxrhE9pS3_x9SxdEZrVyDdgzJlyqb862F4uwrwYHoSeGQwufBvN503msk9o3My8PBKaPmxeUCEcs9gcaeAFnLAjnI/s1600/101.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 228px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572323306452229506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOh-9u2BJUWmKM0aYuIyZCShXwWcHgs-fmaRyDSzE60AX78UyQ2hxxrhE9pS3_x9SxdEZrVyDdgzJlyqb862F4uwrwYHoSeGQwufBvN503msk9o3My8PBKaPmxeUCEcs9gcaeAFnLAjnI/s320/101.JPG" /></a> This light fixture that started it all.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIIy4xOdnmlvzgcv1B8zvxzXiUOm6f35f94BPSCwotPv78vcR61msuEO9kfXwBeB_zRiP8KRGoGRW4irUEJROAmKEHPSDnUlHADzg5efBUQlc1cCB6KmP7rXollLJA03nCmJ9M2JNaxXm/s1600/102.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 291px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572323302294080178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIIy4xOdnmlvzgcv1B8zvxzXiUOm6f35f94BPSCwotPv78vcR61msuEO9kfXwBeB_zRiP8KRGoGRW4irUEJROAmKEHPSDnUlHADzg5efBUQlc1cCB6KmP7rXollLJA03nCmJ9M2JNaxXm/s320/102.JPG" /></a> Check out my table...only $80. It was a horrible shiny brown. I sanded it down, painted it, and distressed it. A while later I decided I would sand the paint off the top and stain it. Love the way it turned out.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzVcPo9AbFqq1N5ak_R9IyyWX15hOC_9E3y6XKa84roG2Z1Qk7VNd73tAMk80tZXFFZvqDGZr8WtSn5ewwAPUO4T5LQ-RpmX0zL1qzp1dXX5EtcCiSLbcCEsE7MT5io_PRMyTvRNSQqT4/s1600/103.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572323084506000194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzVcPo9AbFqq1N5ak_R9IyyWX15hOC_9E3y6XKa84roG2Z1Qk7VNd73tAMk80tZXFFZvqDGZr8WtSn5ewwAPUO4T5LQ-RpmX0zL1qzp1dXX5EtcCiSLbcCEsE7MT5io_PRMyTvRNSQqT4/s320/103.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6u4Qu9w84biCmsIfJd4vRuOoxdWdf-1mogpw5K61w-g3B_akepQ6tqGaNDp-Ez3EfmLPFTha_p_X0OrW6vy19-uba2o249_7ziJ0RsfGfDa9jzP2C0QRJSgPtpgekxcQhOHYOHpj_vIW-/s1600/104.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 228px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572323082401533970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6u4Qu9w84biCmsIfJd4vRuOoxdWdf-1mogpw5K61w-g3B_akepQ6tqGaNDp-Ez3EfmLPFTha_p_X0OrW6vy19-uba2o249_7ziJ0RsfGfDa9jzP2C0QRJSgPtpgekxcQhOHYOHpj_vIW-/s320/104.JPG" /></a>framed plates...</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">One day as I was going through my house, trying to get organized, I came across a large print that I had stored under my bed. I thought that I would paint the frame, get a new mat and hang it on the wall by my kitchen table. Well, my sweet boys decided it would be fun to throw a ball at my picture...the glass broke. I was a little mad, but am happy with the end result; a frame without glass, perfect for my plate display.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6kW_Euxwf_9IDu64uFpNgsjdQpFiKQp7bvIHujx0koRR9pxrVphA0A3IMjlnrYn6Jb75lHp4XBbnjsU-HG9WrgVy6Y_GlUcf4QuXbIzYs0QFGZ9AmOEVng21kBfei3qEY_owvadsbwWw/s1600/106-1%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 141px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572323075015582722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6kW_Euxwf_9IDu64uFpNgsjdQpFiKQp7bvIHujx0koRR9pxrVphA0A3IMjlnrYn6Jb75lHp4XBbnjsU-HG9WrgVy6Y_GlUcf4QuXbIzYs0QFGZ9AmOEVng21kBfei3qEY_owvadsbwWw/s320/106-1%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a> I have seen numbered chairs in magazines and on blogs a lot lately. I really like the idea, so I got a stencil and painted numbers. I tried them in black first, a bit too stark for me, so I went with the same color as I have on my walls, "Monks Cloth." After the paint dried I went over the numbers with sand paper, just to give it a bit of an aged look.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXSjN0kXN9-0R445rvThrCJ0DXYmtr4QcmG7TwuXGeQ1oAueWc6qhQrYvqjrzMYZXt_OAap98208N0Q4TH91-ZZP81MXHpb2bA82L2fBPaWdxqS-XBpqyNeORyzR6RUaRO4zMnfTc39vZ/s1600/108.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572322664631729938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXSjN0kXN9-0R445rvThrCJ0DXYmtr4QcmG7TwuXGeQ1oAueWc6qhQrYvqjrzMYZXt_OAap98208N0Q4TH91-ZZP81MXHpb2bA82L2fBPaWdxqS-XBpqyNeORyzR6RUaRO4zMnfTc39vZ/s320/108.JPG" /></a> My chairs...the one on the left has a brown glaze. After looking at the chairs side by side for a few days, I decided to go without the glaze. Although it does bring out the details of the chair a bit more, I thought the brown interfered with my wall color too much.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-tfc962BcugpKsK7SdA0duo8Qj9HkIFbzzxU_rlg8k02IyHI1sYz7AC1GhFg_uP7HLyReDbSb6DzRoNNx4WIhxxOHyYdKEYO391v3Erq-xEhqt_n9zkJ880a2D106Gst4YeYY73lABv3/s1600/109.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572322661110629858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-tfc962BcugpKsK7SdA0duo8Qj9HkIFbzzxU_rlg8k02IyHI1sYz7AC1GhFg_uP7HLyReDbSb6DzRoNNx4WIhxxOHyYdKEYO391v3Erq-xEhqt_n9zkJ880a2D106Gst4YeYY73lABv3/s320/109.JPG" /></a> This is my textured wallpaper that I got at Lowe's for only $20. It was my first wallpaper project and it turned out surprisingly good. After I got it on the wall, I hung some chair rail, painted it (wallpaper & chair rail) "pure white" in semi-gloss, and love it! And that darling little pillow...got it at a little antique/consignment store back East for a mere $4.</div><br /></div></div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 294px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652085032136360450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzG6G7l-Qgabyv4Ja0vS_yxj2PnDcAf4jjuLadMnSAU7I66EIv0AzfGUB-dU8J7vS6O49fo2_F_oVifeVJTG5lALUgd6M1PP6sQirfgr8E1OABB3XctN48liQDqRFjhrtvqKi4IkGd5_MC/s400/t3.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center">After putting butcher block on my little island area, my kitchen/dining area was starting to feel way too brown for my liking...brown walls, tan curtains, wood floors, butcher block counter, and a dark wood top table! In hopes of creating a more cohesive space, I decided to eliminate one of the shades of brown, and painted the table top creamy white again!<br /><br /><br /></p>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134547946550659285noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837195243572149946.post-88131762447441506002011-09-21T21:10:00.001-07:002011-10-04T23:19:10.255-07:00DIY cabinet lighting for under $10<div align="center">For a while now I have been wanting to add lighting inside my glass front cabinet, but was unsure if I was willing to pay an electrician $400-$600 to do it, so I did it myself for $10. That's right, only $10!!!<br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9HxY74nNNYmvL2lPjXqdfumF7AgA0HpiHZIDPQWwcs5MaNEWwshTpGhTP3NvaeRbHQdXQJLfBES9Sd2x5iciFuiW6JwQ7Vn_fXsLhKX8nJynig_uT8XtJBs8LtckcUepZ0mjVfb_EE80m/s1600/5.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 306px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655032009958587282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9HxY74nNNYmvL2lPjXqdfumF7AgA0HpiHZIDPQWwcs5MaNEWwshTpGhTP3NvaeRbHQdXQJLfBES9Sd2x5iciFuiW6JwQ7Vn_fXsLhKX8nJynig_uT8XtJBs8LtckcUepZ0mjVfb_EE80m/s400/5.JPG" /></a> This was seriously the easiest project ever! I went to Target and bought two boxes of battery powered mini lights, brought them home and simply (using a staple gun) hung a strand of lights up both sides of the cabinet. The cords are neatly hidden behind the sides of the cabinet.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TFZVcevkOIsEB3uC8QNGhYj6bd0MtA7bRw43zSO3DXzE-nmqKSIuo8Y1ZvA2FetU3GRxuTuqsOL3EmymmlOBe9jDXZ4_U1WehqIx770c2oCKKEQT7JWKl2yXnJIfXO7l2gZct4Mc1GsL/s1600/1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655032026742460722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TFZVcevkOIsEB3uC8QNGhYj6bd0MtA7bRw43zSO3DXzE-nmqKSIuo8Y1ZvA2FetU3GRxuTuqsOL3EmymmlOBe9jDXZ4_U1WehqIx770c2oCKKEQT7JWKl2yXnJIfXO7l2gZct4Mc1GsL/s400/1.JPG" /></a> Is my cabinet lighting as bright as that an electrician would install? Probably not, but it also cost a whole lot less! I am really quite happy with the bit of ambiance that my new lights add. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYRxSoJb_IVRVovYc8G3B0Zy7zHD0LInk67wn9xU81DoBwkpyOiUn0D0ztxfbHskba_sQnM55Spkbo0DZ7LeEIUB28algJ7Pu_TPXGgUU-XWJSGSGWVvmX75nkN5UQ_1dytsfTUIC1p47/s1600/2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 262px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655032021673352402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYRxSoJb_IVRVovYc8G3B0Zy7zHD0LInk67wn9xU81DoBwkpyOiUn0D0ztxfbHskba_sQnM55Spkbo0DZ7LeEIUB28algJ7Pu_TPXGgUU-XWJSGSGWVvmX75nkN5UQ_1dytsfTUIC1p47/s400/2.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNKc34Yfj7GNeDAR4pAOtsneyIVkWtE2LawD__gwTnIbljM7iu3SS-Ew2pKLOfTHrG25kYVWQgVOwinKLU3qYjk-OE0fGWGQtzpI0risuV2K4Ri5_f1SB3R2QzSkYdMfts9LHEtl08O5Y/s1600/3.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655032019102870818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNKc34Yfj7GNeDAR4pAOtsneyIVkWtE2LawD__gwTnIbljM7iu3SS-Ew2pKLOfTHrG25kYVWQgVOwinKLU3qYjk-OE0fGWGQtzpI0risuV2K4Ri5_f1SB3R2QzSkYdMfts9LHEtl08O5Y/s400/3.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mjJG4R6VxxeNtLROpryDskVMJvGlGVRSksYzbr9ILddIy9UFvMz4gXhL1Z6hAQoRCGbNxF5M4IPvlSb-7c24eJ06OG9WpbW20MCwojm_JsBWl_Nwg5oeIOUxieLBxvo9AB0qfDXxzEnz/s1600/4.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655032013033725922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mjJG4R6VxxeNtLROpryDskVMJvGlGVRSksYzbr9ILddIy9UFvMz4gXhL1Z6hAQoRCGbNxF5M4IPvlSb-7c24eJ06OG9WpbW20MCwojm_JsBWl_Nwg5oeIOUxieLBxvo9AB0qfDXxzEnz/s400/4.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Please click on the links on my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check out the linky parties that I have joined</span>.<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Thanks for reading!!!<br /></span></p>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134547946550659285noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837195243572149946.post-5962652164214010772011-09-20T09:00:00.000-07:002011-09-21T08:05:37.425-07:00Guest Post: Dabbling in Dappled Color<div align="center">I absolutely adore paint and love the way that it can transform any space, and that is why I was so excited when Debbie from the <span style="color:#ff6666;">Paint Quality Institute blog</span> contacted me and wanted to do a guest post. After reading this, you will probably want to get out some paints, glazes, and brushes, I know I do! </div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>Dabbling in Dappled Color<br /></strong>The vast majority of interior painting involves the use of solid color. But there’s another way to embellish a home interior with paint that can be even more exciting – one that involves special application techniques to create dappled or “broken” paint color.<br /><br />Often involving multiple paint colors applied in layers with unlikely tools, so- called “decorative painting techniques” impart walls or woodwork with varied tone and texture, all the while adding character and personality to interior spaces.<br /><br />In a way, decorative interior painting is where home improvement enters the realm of artistic expression. . .a world that can be addictive for those with creative flare. If you’re game, there are a few things you need to know before you get started.<br /><br />Virtually all decorative painting techniques employ glazes or washes to work their magic. Glazes and washes are really modified paints. Both give a textured look to the painted surface.</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><br />Glazes, which are made of oil-based paint mixed with linseed oil, turpentine or varnish, are more transparent than washes. They add a rich glow to walls and other surfaces.<br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center">Washes are simply latex paints that have been thinned with water. They produce color that is fresher, purer, and more delicately textured than that produced by glazes. Part of the beauty of washes is due to the fact that they show brush strokes and other marks, which adds depth to the painted surface.<br /><br />Deciding whether to use a glaze or a wash depends upon the visual effect you want to achieve and the complexity of the application technique you’ll be using. Since oil- based paints dry more slowly, glazes are preferable when you want to “work” the paint extensively. However, washes are easier to make, modify, and clean up after. As a result, washes are usually favored by do-it-yourself painters.<br /><br />Some of the most common decorative painting techniques are sponging, ragging-off, and stippling, each of which produces a slightly different dappled effect. Here’s how to proceed when working with water-based washes.<br /><br />Sponging is a simple broken color painting technique that is used to produce a mottled, irregular pattern using an ocean sponge, which you can buy at the paint store. You can sponge either solid-color paint or a wash onto a wall or other surface. Two or more colors can be sponged on, as long as each is allowed to dry before the next one is added.<br /><br />Start by applying a solid color of paint to the entire surface you’ll be sponging, typically in a light neutral or pastel color – this will serve as the canvas for your sponging. Next, lightly moisten the sponge and dip it sparingly into the second color of paint or wash. Start sponging in the center of the wall by gently tapping the sponge against the surface, while frequently turning the sponge and changing directions to produce a variegated effect. When you get the look you want on the center of the wall, begin to work outwardly towards the corners until the wall is completed.<br /><br />If you plan to sponge on more than one color, be sure to allow plenty of basecoat to show through when applying the first color. Otherwise, there won’t be enough space left to accommodate the next color of paint.<br /><br />Ragging-off produces broken color patterns reminiscent of brocade or watered silk. As the name implies, the technique involves removing wet paint from the surface with an absorbent cloth or clean rag. Often, two or three colors are ragged off in succession, typically in related tones or shades from the same family of paint colors.<br /><br />As with sponging, the first step is to apply a solid basecoat color and allow it to dry completely. Next, decide what type of fabric you want to work with – you can use pieces of old sheets, chamois cloth. . . even paper towels.<br /><br />Because speed of application is important when ragging-off, it’s best to work with a partner. One person applies the paint or wash with a brush or roller, the other lightly rolls the cloth through the coating while it is still wet, removing some, but not all, of the color.<br /><br />Different rolling techniques will produce different effects. For example, single- directional ragging will create a much different pattern than random ragging-off, but both can yield attractive results.<br /><br />Stippling is another decorative technique used to create broken color that is more subtly textured than that produced by either sponging or ragging-off. Rather than being mottled, the effect created by stippling is more accurately described as suede-like, with greater depth than flat paint color.<br /><br />Again, start the process of stippling by applying a basecoat, which can be either a light tint or dark shade.<br /><br />After the basecoat dries, start working from one end of the wall to the other, applying a wash to the wall in foot-wide strips from ceiling to floor. Working quickly, before the strips of paint dry, stab at the wet paint with a large, soft-bristled brush to remove dots of paint. Periodically blot excess paint from the brush onto an absorbent cloth. Working the paint in this way will break up the wall color into a mass of very small dots, giving your wall a rich-looking, patterned finish.<br /><br />Sponging, ragging-off, and stippling are just three of the more basic decorative painting techniques. If you’re aching to be even more artistic, you can take your interior painting to a still higher level by trying your hand at marbling or trompe l’oeil. But even if you go no further than creating dappled color, you’ll have done more than the vast majority of do-it-yourself painters. . .and most professional painters as well!<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-AJXEdRIYOhWAWjo2NTTcij7rpK-F_VzIihmE-keGpQGEG_HHG-lIOjyh_1tAW84-c6rawomG0sdtOMZezOrJxz9IHNn1YSOdF5AepiHAUpv0snH-L1clY2J68e7c7mm6oE_EFCAhzmn/s1600/guest+%25231.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654293129810516626" 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/AVvXsEh0-AJXEdRIYOhWAWjo2NTTcij7rpK-F_VzIihmE-keGpQGEG_HHG-lIOjyh_1tAW84-c6rawomG0sdtOMZezOrJxz9IHNn1YSOdF5AepiHAUpv0snH-L1clY2J68e7c7mm6oE_EFCAhzmn/s400/guest+%25231.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p align="center"></a>About The Author: Debbie Zimmer is editor-in-chief of the <span style="color:#ff6666;">Paint Quality Institute blog, <a href="http://blog.paintquality.com/">http://blog.paintquality.com/</a></span>. She's a widely cited authority on color, use of paints in interior and exterior design, and decorative painting techniques. She can be found on Twitter as @PaintQualityIns.<br /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Thanks for reading!!!</span></p>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134547946550659285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837195243572149946.post-89267261126374519132011-09-16T01:40:00.000-07:002011-09-16T12:48:30.308-07:00one of my favorite pieces of furniture<div align="center">There is something about this piece of furniture that I absolutely LOVE! It might be all of the character that it has, or maybe because it is was one of my very first furniture fix-ups, or it could also be the fact that my husband grew up with it in his room? Whatever the reason, I adore this piece! </div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAvRXQHthOE4Z5x_Dawv5X1MLaXRHvcUUjz3CG2HQrb_2z0HaCUT5rbRqjOqtZsRE30VFlfTqqNzT6BLcRpdpp11ZxBTUP3W5aghXuffRzTimWjeb-HaEyKmRr5gSnhsOvG4MPkNt2-dK/s1600/2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653029867462483026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 283px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAvRXQHthOE4Z5x_Dawv5X1MLaXRHvcUUjz3CG2HQrb_2z0HaCUT5rbRqjOqtZsRE30VFlfTqqNzT6BLcRpdpp11ZxBTUP3W5aghXuffRzTimWjeb-HaEyKmRr5gSnhsOvG4MPkNt2-dK/s400/2.JPG" border="0" /></a> When I first got this piece, it had never been painted or fixed up, a true diamond in the rough. I was so excited to start fixing it up for my little boy's room. I sanded it, painted it, distressed it just a bit, fixed all of the drawers, bought new knobs, and added some small bun feet. My husband suggested that I get new mirrors and fix all the little dings and dents, but those are the things that add character and make this piece so charming! </div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5KAJCSK3GabYvp7rIfPdcGNCHlKu1I7g9xURxgB_OpvatG2IknZ6oEv9gGnCPPIXqhOazjy4Az8jmmnLgL21b40IjW_j1qXGKqtKwXt4YgkHMPN5wwm7GMaHoSfj6AJLkLLiNo7WB-IW/s1600/4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653029860252252962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 355px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5KAJCSK3GabYvp7rIfPdcGNCHlKu1I7g9xURxgB_OpvatG2IknZ6oEv9gGnCPPIXqhOazjy4Az8jmmnLgL21b40IjW_j1qXGKqtKwXt4YgkHMPN5wwm7GMaHoSfj6AJLkLLiNo7WB-IW/s400/4.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRatLN7zdyGgdqd6YsFk7Vr75xTTsnW6OrYFCENnL_OSUHD7Zo1X_67_7ESsouBFkoCQtcrfFqVanh5WZyPZV05NVNiWi7rTIyaBIiPwypYQIA0do79MyP5UVs9a4UUZS7OwmlL-QGbaCQ/s1600/1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653029852555707474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 313px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRatLN7zdyGgdqd6YsFk7Vr75xTTsnW6OrYFCENnL_OSUHD7Zo1X_67_7ESsouBFkoCQtcrfFqVanh5WZyPZV05NVNiWi7rTIyaBIiPwypYQIA0do79MyP5UVs9a4UUZS7OwmlL-QGbaCQ/s400/1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtMLeogEydRxFpgWndhqCgiNIeh40NG-YwopliNJHUBzKEA7p3038m6GBzUq0eEzNzhMBYOjTcRgDPF-iFgy8kjCKy5rHEZVK9oFR5OQGU4fx9H54xCLl1QgkM9YgsNMOGjRTTAdQep5Z/s1600/3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653029851304338882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 361px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtMLeogEydRxFpgWndhqCgiNIeh40NG-YwopliNJHUBzKEA7p3038m6GBzUq0eEzNzhMBYOjTcRgDPF-iFgy8kjCKy5rHEZVK9oFR5OQGU4fx9H54xCLl1QgkM9YgsNMOGjRTTAdQep5Z/s400/3.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Please click on the links on my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check out the linky parties that I have joined.<br /></span><span style="font-size:180%;">Thanks for reading!!! </span></p>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134547946550659285noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837195243572149946.post-59347632166576422192011-09-13T21:07:00.000-07:002011-09-23T21:43:40.211-07:00another painting project<div align="center">My latest paint project, my dining table. </div><br /><br /><div align="center">I decided to paint my dining table creamy white, again! </div><br /><br /><div align="center">After putting butcher block on my little island area, my kitchen/dining area was starting to feel way too brown for my liking...brown walls, tan curtains, wood floors, butcher block counter, and a dark wood top table! In hopes of creating a more cohesive space, I decided to eliminate one of the shades of brown. </div><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><br /><p align="center">before... </p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpU6BoI05MUxJx5S5x5uoQwhB9xZhC2ElaEfKMTXYtlRVfLvBs0QVvzCa3emPJgdL7RwhYQm3Vsn_vyTGKRQvD0I4mwZQNPzIFx2cgfLLmjLtFqXnIggz2ZELxTdgBiqmjaNLN7JyojsD/s1600/101.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652062579686125618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 285px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpU6BoI05MUxJx5S5x5uoQwhB9xZhC2ElaEfKMTXYtlRVfLvBs0QVvzCa3emPJgdL7RwhYQm3Vsn_vyTGKRQvD0I4mwZQNPzIFx2cgfLLmjLtFqXnIggz2ZELxTdgBiqmjaNLN7JyojsD/s400/101.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /></a><br /><br /><p align="center">and after... </p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzG6G7l-Qgabyv4Ja0vS_yxj2PnDcAf4jjuLadMnSAU7I66EIv0AzfGUB-dU8J7vS6O49fo2_F_oVifeVJTG5lALUgd6M1PP6sQirfgr8E1OABB3XctN48liQDqRFjhrtvqKi4IkGd5_MC/s1600/t3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652085032136360450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 294px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzG6G7l-Qgabyv4Ja0vS_yxj2PnDcAf4jjuLadMnSAU7I66EIv0AzfGUB-dU8J7vS6O49fo2_F_oVifeVJTG5lALUgd6M1PP6sQirfgr8E1OABB3XctN48liQDqRFjhrtvqKi4IkGd5_MC/s400/t3.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><p align="center"></a>Who knows, I may sand my table top down again one day. For today, I am happy that there is one less shade of brown in this space.<br /></p><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Please click on the links on my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check out the linky parties that I have joined.<br /></span><span style="font-size:180%;">Thanks for reading!!! </span></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134547946550659285noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837195243572149946.post-74023519497607967002011-09-07T22:38:00.000-07:002011-09-08T20:55:01.582-07:00A little more distressing<div align="center">Remember this desk that I painted a couple months ago? </div><br /><div align="center">Well, I wasn't completely lovin' it, so I painted it again! </div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tHPSLTemGMv3Z_WD4PdK9V-bbScbHSP83ijZvv6K4sq7uI2Mp6NEbBOUwT6JoAQ1XdgjxcNyx3lf-C7dUc6ynVao52oEBnvVhVmRnp4DKYeffx7yFFNUGumHl7r0OuBlo1V1pX92O6zE/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 365px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649860639611546354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tHPSLTemGMv3Z_WD4PdK9V-bbScbHSP83ijZvv6K4sq7uI2Mp6NEbBOUwT6JoAQ1XdgjxcNyx3lf-C7dUc6ynVao52oEBnvVhVmRnp4DKYeffx7yFFNUGumHl7r0OuBlo1V1pX92O6zE/s400/001.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPR1H_ZZhiW5LE_WMAPOSmsn6XjQQ0jKng_VYoQ2DwN5RxPPJTZD4tLq4QpHGixNF9E42deDkc2_nBhdZWwyJmAMfgfUksT_zCsmhnVgAKGKsTrIav5dMrvnTQVz4bPMH-qeqa-DYzjlpz/s1600/001-5.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 388px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649860639586232866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPR1H_ZZhiW5LE_WMAPOSmsn6XjQQ0jKng_VYoQ2DwN5RxPPJTZD4tLq4QpHGixNF9E42deDkc2_nBhdZWwyJmAMfgfUksT_zCsmhnVgAKGKsTrIav5dMrvnTQVz4bPMH-qeqa-DYzjlpz/s400/001-5.JPG" /></a> I painted the desk creamy white, and then... <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBYorW3EB4na8PDBmSg1hhTtLU9B5iKXnRznTIidGlaU4wy_gbdG-HvsRUYKwQ6wPtvJmlNlgLw4_orPxpHdS1N7Vm_d3HB5ERhD_q2d2T595fJoPKRIOzS7PdoPq9fSdoiozH_gsf7Ei/s1600/1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 316px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649860633517589538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBYorW3EB4na8PDBmSg1hhTtLU9B5iKXnRznTIidGlaU4wy_gbdG-HvsRUYKwQ6wPtvJmlNlgLw4_orPxpHdS1N7Vm_d3HB5ERhD_q2d2T595fJoPKRIOzS7PdoPq9fSdoiozH_gsf7Ei/s400/1.JPG" /></a>The new paint was peeling off because I didn't take the time to properly prepare the surface before painting. I was so frustrated that I tried to rush through yet another project, and was going to have to start all over. Seriously!?!<br />As soon as I started to sand the creamy white paint off, I realized that I just might like the desk a whole lot better if it were more distressed.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Azkvdm9mfsudTLqXf258c4VxRffRkOoa_hae7Ip09psS08xjs-EV_PCtR_F464ZK0XTXswoAac_0zojpUQOfUkSQKHgLDuhAD1S_3rohkuLxGMY0ROYYgdpqHOtpBoX_c-PDmEXQBT13/s1600/001-1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649860630378197618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Azkvdm9mfsudTLqXf258c4VxRffRkOoa_hae7Ip09psS08xjs-EV_PCtR_F464ZK0XTXswoAac_0zojpUQOfUkSQKHgLDuhAD1S_3rohkuLxGMY0ROYYgdpqHOtpBoX_c-PDmEXQBT13/s400/001-1.JPG" /></a> I sanded, and sanded a little more, until the desk looked old and worn. Then added a bit of Valspar Antiquing Glaze and a quick coat of Wipe-On Poly.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmknWN42Pg8DbiWf3BMWm59Q9UixTMwCiN4aX8VdRyoKij_9TgShF1U6jTTYq-eniWJuixNkQE3ztl_t5VGBzmMMLXILNpfIU0vyYx7HR9VBLHo8wB41-lNdvujZ7nveccNML1pmksdqH/s1600/001-2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649860627010497842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmknWN42Pg8DbiWf3BMWm59Q9UixTMwCiN4aX8VdRyoKij_9TgShF1U6jTTYq-eniWJuixNkQE3ztl_t5VGBzmMMLXILNpfIU0vyYx7HR9VBLHo8wB41-lNdvujZ7nveccNML1pmksdqH/s400/001-2.JPG" /></a> This sweet little desk now sits happily in my dining area. </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 366px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649860834561529362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRPBS6ehN6-qp-C_aH1dpaO_WO94cOV30lckkarNJE_1rxX7-mZ6x7KqF98EbBAHUMwnniM5aaI8nzU6dGiP5vLxJlS026QCs2KqadTxZGfUAfir3L0VdM1nbafDcla59VL-2bTQEJUwv/s400/001-3.JPG" /><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Please click on the links on my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check out the linky parties that I have joined.<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">Thanks for reading!!!<br /><br /></p></span>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134547946550659285noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837195243572149946.post-84501670921977150562011-09-03T11:05:00.000-07:002011-09-03T11:43:36.498-07:00Another Pinterest Pinning Party at Nest. Nesting. Nested.<p align="center">Welcome to my second Pinterest Pinning Party!
<br />I hope you all enjoyed looking at all the linked up Pin Boards as much as I did. I seriously LOVED each and every Pin Board that was linked up to my Pinning Party last week. My boards are slowly, but surely, filling up with beautiful images of rooms that I can only dream about, and things that I hope to create for my home.</p>
<br /><p align="center">Simply put <strong>YOUR Pinterest Pin Board Permalink</strong> into the linky and show us what you have been pinning. </p>
<br /><p align="center">I cannot wait to be inspired by all of your pins, and continue filling my pin boards, and find new boards to follow! Feel free to grab my Pinterest Pinning Party Button to help spread the word. Happy Pinning!</p>
<br /><center><a title="Nest Nesting Nested" href="http://nestnestingnested.blogspot.com/2011/09/another-pinterest-pinning-party-at-nest.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Nest Nesting Nested" src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k625/emilytrax22/bird-11-1.jpg" /></a>
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<br /><center><textarea id="code-source" rows="3" name="code-source"><center><a href="http://nestnestingnested.blogspot.com/2011/09/another-pinterest-pinning-party-at-nest.html"><img border="0" src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k625/emilytrax22/bird-11-1.jpg"/></a></center></textarea></center></center>
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<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134547946550659285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837195243572149946.post-61797445586549028532011-09-01T20:56:00.000-07:002011-09-08T10:30:27.845-07:00fresh herbs all year long<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNnnMNc94wQFviWy8vkhuEXgudCUYiEtxu5XAy1z5iq__8hiv9d0APLzVTt1p-Bgoirn3QlmYDhUqZhyphenhyphen7OZ2ASdx6q_9OkbvuYG3miQG7rIdhuEd6cLVgVZvfLARLgAiculi4_6h-rmqz/s1600/herb1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650042150104941666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 292px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNnnMNc94wQFviWy8vkhuEXgudCUYiEtxu5XAy1z5iq__8hiv9d0APLzVTt1p-Bgoirn3QlmYDhUqZhyphenhyphen7OZ2ASdx6q_9OkbvuYG3miQG7rIdhuEd6cLVgVZvfLARLgAiculi4_6h-rmqz/s400/herb1.JPG" border="0" /></a> The other day I was at Wal*Mart and I happened to notice that all of the herbs were 75% off. I grabbed some and decided to plant my herb garden that I never got around to doing earlier in the season. The herbs are planted in little buckets and attached to some twigs that I attached to my fence using eye hooks. <br /><div align="center">I planted the herbs in buckets so that I can bring them inside when the weather changes. I am excited to have fresh herbs all winter long! </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647606793017861058" 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/AVvXsEgl2hsWq-phS0KFbkptVMCDT7wBn6Hzdafb1OtCbUq4pjAkcrx1XT65nW_-t5RJ2FMwjTjXml37TCaMcdusSIi58QpIRW9cLuPXnRWf1ZCsuvyAOVaQIaE_e0Kry5eFgC2htDsPX_DBF5se/s400/01.1.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647606783023773922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 198px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKUmOucJwL-DkrP_OhG2bk4tL2ZCNgfOvz_sKjxNdhRGhnyq_vKnkbD9xi0T3BKt20FHelUTOdt9l3dXY8ctjG4lZSvRgyDQeOoK4_X63copHiz3p5vP3tHrQUFQm6UXpf2cjXfRpK9l9/s400/001.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCzUGXWcPH6ywLqeRIpS-1RQ8PmO-wUsVbtvx1i0-KIuhdcjMUbs_8ETkrtSo-uF6ThUnfhR_HNIUZTcDYY3SfWYgUiBTkAcXDREs6-RP-UBkpmWCjvqhTwCeHFNLsZkCRaI_bzlPoTlr/s1600/001-1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647606780691612066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 178px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCzUGXWcPH6ywLqeRIpS-1RQ8PmO-wUsVbtvx1i0-KIuhdcjMUbs_8ETkrtSo-uF6ThUnfhR_HNIUZTcDYY3SfWYgUiBTkAcXDREs6-RP-UBkpmWCjvqhTwCeHFNLsZkCRaI_bzlPoTlr/s400/001-1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Please click on the links on my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check out the linky parties that I have joined.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">Thanks for reading!!!<br /></span></div></div><br /></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134547946550659285noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837195243572149946.post-75565050793538121142011-08-27T10:00:00.000-07:002011-09-03T11:32:34.661-07:00Pinterest Pinning Party at Nest. Nesting.Nested.<div align="center">Because so many of us {heart} Pinterest, I thought it would be a lot of fun to start a Pinterest Pinning Party here at Nest. Nesting. Nested. every Sunday. Anyone and Everyone with a Pinterest Account can link up! </div>
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<br /><p align="center">Simply put <strong>YOUR Pinterest Pin Board Permalink</strong> into the linky and show us what you have been pinning.</p>
<br /><p align="center">I cannot wait to be inspired by all of your pins, start filling my nearly empty pin boards, and find new boards to follow!</p>
<br /><p align="center">Feel free to grab a Pinterest Pinning Party Button to help spread the word. Happy Pinning!</p>
<br /><center><a title="Nest Nesting Nested" href="http://nestnestingnested.blogspot.com/2011/08/pinterest-pinning-party-at-nest.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Nest Nesting Nested" src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k625/emilytrax22/bird-11-1.jpg" /></a>
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<br /><center><textarea id="code-source" name="code-source" rows="3"><center><a href="http://nestnestingnested.blogspot.com/2011/08/pinterest-pinning-party-at-nest.html"><img border="0" src="http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k625/emilytrax22/bird-11-1.jpg"/></a></center></textarea></center></center>
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<br /><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=104271" type="text/javascript"></script>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134547946550659285noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837195243572149946.post-66674227854040968772011-08-25T18:44:00.000-07:002011-08-31T22:34:13.466-07:00my new $50 countertop
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<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAE5YTtsYNrxmGoIGKOYjzM8shk832CJf0toTbDlsxcPBrEYGlRBTaOUuu991D_C1MhqnCG0Pi3rhiWNUFN-9nEKQraoT1eJE81iGhm30Zy6lEF-Sz4OdLly-ehAIW837ApZiquaRSTTo/s1600/c01.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644975379183983058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 322px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAE5YTtsYNrxmGoIGKOYjzM8shk832CJf0toTbDlsxcPBrEYGlRBTaOUuu991D_C1MhqnCG0Pi3rhiWNUFN-9nEKQraoT1eJE81iGhm30Zy6lEF-Sz4OdLly-ehAIW837ApZiquaRSTTo/s400/c01.JPG" border="0" /></a> With the help of my sweet brother, my new butcher block counter top is cut to size and installed.
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<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjE2MJyQwJQcyBz9S1zLUdF1ipciWzcxuO1g4axjLNi6FsWrFytCfV4n4_Oc24A56gqcSLOTf7e_Yfg3WvuGf-04ExNCtDrE1WZTXvN2lMAZDxW4KL431uRGbLIs5xbQQC_D_gr2os8nsd/s1600/c01-1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644975372714718674" 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/AVvXsEjjE2MJyQwJQcyBz9S1zLUdF1ipciWzcxuO1g4axjLNi6FsWrFytCfV4n4_Oc24A56gqcSLOTf7e_Yfg3WvuGf-04ExNCtDrE1WZTXvN2lMAZDxW4KL431uRGbLIs5xbQQC_D_gr2os8nsd/s400/c01-1.JPG" border="0" /></a> I knew that I wanted butcher block on my island area, but as I started to research custom butcher block counter tops, I found them to be pricier (about the same as you'd pay for granite) than I thought they were worth. If you want butcher block, Ikea is definitely the place to go! My piece of "Lagan" solid birch butcher block was only $39 at Ikea. Can you believe it? I was so excited!
<br />After getting it home and taking it out of the box, I realized that I was going to stain it. On a scrap piece of the butcher block, I tested out a few different colors. The stain went on super blotchy.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpe_qj_9bLYnhnBvw3lsM4dd3nbdFHaWP-BXWVe8KQy9O9ygc6fyAE1SiAVJRtvZTNzsZknxWhj0J4gVcLxMThhzSw777DqQQQqFd_ZycPGciwHTNprVhQ9mZhMiftiBieNAHbv2p8TS3x/s1600/c01-2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644975045550153378" 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/AVvXsEhpe_qj_9bLYnhnBvw3lsM4dd3nbdFHaWP-BXWVe8KQy9O9ygc6fyAE1SiAVJRtvZTNzsZknxWhj0J4gVcLxMThhzSw777DqQQQqFd_ZycPGciwHTNprVhQ9mZhMiftiBieNAHbv2p8TS3x/s400/c01-2.JPG" border="0" /></a> I then realized that I was going to have to pre-treat the wood with Minwax Wood Conditioner. It worked magic!
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLI554DhT3L80thBBuHhHKnWDdyOt3Dwy8mwSLseJL8rpZN_594ka6fHODvia0UXc_HSRaZPKVFuI3Mc84jH41eTptmrEIEh-PJ_wycScRdbjD9bbcZ57-_ZMeA3EoVxNXNsQ5Buay6jmb/s1600/c3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644975043617866210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 201px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLI554DhT3L80thBBuHhHKnWDdyOt3Dwy8mwSLseJL8rpZN_594ka6fHODvia0UXc_HSRaZPKVFuI3Mc84jH41eTptmrEIEh-PJ_wycScRdbjD9bbcZ57-_ZMeA3EoVxNXNsQ5Buay6jmb/s400/c3.JPG" border="0" /></a> After using the wood conditioner, I tested out three other colors on another piece of scrap wood. The stain went on a lot smoother with the help of the wood conditioner. Because I didn't want the color of the butcher block to interfere with my wall color I went with a medium-light Minwax stain color called "Puritan Pine."
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBicBuTCc2qzNGowPnVr1kAIRYtgLgONt0Bxd4uR8R1m3iYhIGl-queyfuAzFL7mNnIaX7PjR54BvHCFudAGBorx8BtivEvbRBuehFannvYVJJ9bC7F6-xY_qKYSRDlrPRYbDf4Zt4EIM/s1600/c4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644975034120155714" 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/AVvXsEjZBicBuTCc2qzNGowPnVr1kAIRYtgLgONt0Bxd4uR8R1m3iYhIGl-queyfuAzFL7mNnIaX7PjR54BvHCFudAGBorx8BtivEvbRBuehFannvYVJJ9bC7F6-xY_qKYSRDlrPRYbDf4Zt4EIM/s400/c4.JPG" border="0" /></a> After the butcher block was installed, stained, and sealed, I realized that it was lacking some detail, so I did what I always do...added mouldings.
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<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiV92wPZPElrPwlRUTULYQG-uzamwWvlwi1mWUKmQflGbSvB2XpyLE000RFHs3-mOKGidfHwYErwL7BkWDpWFvAmt5JU4ehR8iymQEJTRNq-NGhg-FUqWi8Tz5hFDrC_Y6a2XpVdLAkISh/s1600/c5.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644975030693407426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 368px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiV92wPZPElrPwlRUTULYQG-uzamwWvlwi1mWUKmQflGbSvB2XpyLE000RFHs3-mOKGidfHwYErwL7BkWDpWFvAmt5JU4ehR8iymQEJTRNq-NGhg-FUqWi8Tz5hFDrC_Y6a2XpVdLAkISh/s400/c5.JPG" border="0" /></a> I found a "stain grade" moulding at Home Depot that worked perfectly. After the mouldings were cut and nailed in place, I stained it to match the butcher block. It matches perfectly! It is always amazing what you can do with a few dollars of mouldings and some creative thinking.</div>
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<br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Please click on the links on my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check out the linky parties that I have joined.
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<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">Thanks for reading!!!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrw8SOF-pNx2hxUYu7ZgrL0UzO-_gSdgC_DWjHcPlOWZkAEUjGE2ycsCaoNwUHJG52M7dGFWapuur0R0l1EDu7mdOBb9SzqLxzo-RPEnxBPXXbPcMXQufeFvqS5OtXjPolKWBbR2qyB3np/s1600/monthlydiyprojectparty-button-300x300%255B1%255D%255B2%255D.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647259943027696002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrw8SOF-pNx2hxUYu7ZgrL0UzO-_gSdgC_DWjHcPlOWZkAEUjGE2ycsCaoNwUHJG52M7dGFWapuur0R0l1EDu7mdOBb9SzqLxzo-RPEnxBPXXbPcMXQufeFvqS5OtXjPolKWBbR2qyB3np/s400/monthlydiyprojectparty-button-300x300%255B1%255D%255B2%255D.png" border="0" /></a>
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<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134547946550659285noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837195243572149946.post-85855273889481458012011-08-18T20:04:00.000-07:002011-08-18T20:07:35.793-07:00going green...
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<br /><div align="center">Here is a glimpse of how my island is turning out. </div>
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<br /><div align="center">It is now painted a soft green with a mocha glaze. There are just a few more little details that need to be finished before I show you all the entire space. I cannot wait!</div>
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<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR263jVhi6DrFm-XcfEzJ-_tQa0XAckkyRJpA97TTIXzvcYn5nZPtnlsvzcVt_vETHu4ylRFBYNQldudruTiJ_iCJ-AxmdtItfE7gAr78NTdPrAMKs-tTj-GWj_aC6Q6CXNbz9LFR6hftc/s1600/2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642391611861696994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 337px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR263jVhi6DrFm-XcfEzJ-_tQa0XAckkyRJpA97TTIXzvcYn5nZPtnlsvzcVt_vETHu4ylRFBYNQldudruTiJ_iCJ-AxmdtItfE7gAr78NTdPrAMKs-tTj-GWj_aC6Q6CXNbz9LFR6hftc/s400/2.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwgvBeuvZOaiAl1bXSYV7M-vWHv4LUfOb200h3Qsh725tLzYDoywWQw48G9Dm19NqRdOXwuXXMXb38GDWuqzvW2qXcV3G27r7XoUZc1VkmL1-KJEQ-Hsp25Zh0xPA55ze5VENywkwVgh0/s1600/1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642391615559634450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 364px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwgvBeuvZOaiAl1bXSYV7M-vWHv4LUfOb200h3Qsh725tLzYDoywWQw48G9Dm19NqRdOXwuXXMXb38GDWuqzvW2qXcV3G27r7XoUZc1VkmL1-KJEQ-Hsp25Zh0xPA55ze5VENywkwVgh0/s400/1.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<br />The paint color is "Garden Shed" by Martha Stewart
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<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHxtQ8a1ncIqQDyVA0AwCr2j3rPmexJivk_X6ScT433xAJ8a62hzzfGzc2f33pFKOJv6UoF7G1UBJvO-IAdJHzJpyBbUBtHPwGj9gsaJJkZF5DIBqiPnskcDCgWUVlOMDbtSazhluCaQh/s1600/3.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642391604578793682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHxtQ8a1ncIqQDyVA0AwCr2j3rPmexJivk_X6ScT433xAJ8a62hzzfGzc2f33pFKOJv6UoF7G1UBJvO-IAdJHzJpyBbUBtHPwGj9gsaJJkZF5DIBqiPnskcDCgWUVlOMDbtSazhluCaQh/s400/3.bmp" border="0" /></a> </div></div>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFzTef2Wrm6xSL7urCdq3Tx_oTLHswzelWUtZGWGqPGhKnTSYHd-EUmqXt_jf83OCMOYLAH3haiXBHpUXDUwvCgVXmHycMt5bfukW08PBo4g-OIiBp3kY1h-JeHsLi5H6WaumXRbunUtz/s1600/4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642394455155114450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 281px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFzTef2Wrm6xSL7urCdq3Tx_oTLHswzelWUtZGWGqPGhKnTSYHd-EUmqXt_jf83OCMOYLAH3haiXBHpUXDUwvCgVXmHycMt5bfukW08PBo4g-OIiBp3kY1h-JeHsLi5H6WaumXRbunUtz/s400/4.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134547946550659285noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837195243572149946.post-24107828546835172152011-08-16T20:13:00.000-07:002011-08-31T22:36:40.293-07:00another little peek into my kitchen<div align="center">Originally I was going to paint all of the lower cabinets in my kitchen a different color than the upper cabinets, but because I really want my island area to stand out I decided to paint all the cabinets, excluding the island, in my kitchen the same creamy white. The island...well, that color is yet to be decided. </div>
<br /><div align="center">Here are a few pictures of my newly painted lower cabinets. Beadborad and mouldings were added to just two cabinet doors, I am trying to achieve a "created over time" look. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0KRmJ7DddPvYTrOjN8C7EV1Khj-bXCPC9VCrtiKZ4KlsXswP4wth0YHSA5alIwejCiOYat9jZcVxfr4cfjsF0AdSTcDwgRhOZl4kucxw1x4kq43ZeRvP98w3qa6hTPR3etDgpW6hwIF_/s1600/01.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641705172555762578" 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/AVvXsEjG0KRmJ7DddPvYTrOjN8C7EV1Khj-bXCPC9VCrtiKZ4KlsXswP4wth0YHSA5alIwejCiOYat9jZcVxfr4cfjsF0AdSTcDwgRhOZl4kucxw1x4kq43ZeRvP98w3qa6hTPR3etDgpW6hwIF_/s400/01.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkm1oi62gFkBZkhA-YjWKjxcndwlzsHA4fSxe8TEBbdGYzYtriBtztMPRJ8tggzOYt8f5B4h12zx7YHekmY1vUwZqsVre3jk6pN55_28e2mnok_2aUW2mLsIPWj7gTemIT-3JUUwroSuy/s1600/02.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641705167365210562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 263px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkm1oi62gFkBZkhA-YjWKjxcndwlzsHA4fSxe8TEBbdGYzYtriBtztMPRJ8tggzOYt8f5B4h12zx7YHekmY1vUwZqsVre3jk6pN55_28e2mnok_2aUW2mLsIPWj7gTemIT-3JUUwroSuy/s400/02.JPG" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFD2UqLmX-wTGsRkYncv9oPwi91_9cDde5-mQFr23DWvFPjeNV-vKySzIJkGehv9YQfWkd8ISeIDY8Y8fHNV5iJUXZAYDxP1hAoFgW9ffqy_3D0W3uFXW3d1LLI3PlL3sJBnGz_nzHXCf/s1600/03.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641704986933003218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 287px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFD2UqLmX-wTGsRkYncv9oPwi91_9cDde5-mQFr23DWvFPjeNV-vKySzIJkGehv9YQfWkd8ISeIDY8Y8fHNV5iJUXZAYDxP1hAoFgW9ffqy_3D0W3uFXW3d1LLI3PlL3sJBnGz_nzHXCf/s400/03.JPG" border="0" />
<br /><p align="center"></a>Here is a picture of what my kitchen looked like just a few short days ago
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<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwrNuTZU3_iL9G5ZNdCS9SwsJ5jlnkK1-uCpMtI6P1_S3_iwzuZbDiJEE_yeRXRJQfnV_4s4MVWW2RWLYt2HzGOB6Rk5NTPIyeIBqLC1B1HeoOH3s3HkVI9eKw7zEkMDiUOep2kRACLzO/s1600/05.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641658331838536882" 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/AVvXsEjiwrNuTZU3_iL9G5ZNdCS9SwsJ5jlnkK1-uCpMtI6P1_S3_iwzuZbDiJEE_yeRXRJQfnV_4s4MVWW2RWLYt2HzGOB6Rk5NTPIyeIBqLC1B1HeoOH3s3HkVI9eKw7zEkMDiUOep2kRACLzO/s400/05.JPG" border="0" />
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<br />If you'd like to how to achieve the look of my painted and glazed cabinets, here is step-by-step instructions:
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<br />Supplies used:
<br /><span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>*TSP
<br />*sandpaper
<br />*electric sander
<br />*beadboard
<br />*decorative mouldings
<br />*liquid nails
<br />*finish nails
<br />*primer
<br />*Martha Stewart "Heavy Cream" paint
<br />*Paint brushes and paint roller
<br />* Wipe-on Poly *Valspar glaze in "Mocha" </strong></span>
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<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjd-GuUHw-LDyg0jaj0oBv16hXth8RL87T_An8eJndz8kZnI7YI2dtqC46YLKP2eBIk4iRUsqBaoL-CPWwKTbsw-DZAnKp1TRxiH5rHj9kkkzfiXQS5l2ZZ_kagyIovBJ3ZNKdubOOYTFX/s1600/a2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577126021655693634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 225px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjd-GuUHw-LDyg0jaj0oBv16hXth8RL87T_An8eJndz8kZnI7YI2dtqC46YLKP2eBIk4iRUsqBaoL-CPWwKTbsw-DZAnKp1TRxiH5rHj9kkkzfiXQS5l2ZZ_kagyIovBJ3ZNKdubOOYTFX/s320/a2.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>
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<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2j9oPBWk0_oNA4X7qz5plU6MOjq9nWHEglQXETJiX-dsEXCpmEY8Qi8m0md4RcdVJvR0Q8WJ3IPgmkaRAnXoi7vkMXn18QyisCEJLAOlMuBoIcYfuNPpl7vrXicjYlHWt5zID1xlF9Dcs/s1600/c14-1%255B1%255D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577125107930348482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2j9oPBWk0_oNA4X7qz5plU6MOjq9nWHEglQXETJiX-dsEXCpmEY8Qi8m0md4RcdVJvR0Q8WJ3IPgmkaRAnXoi7vkMXn18QyisCEJLAOlMuBoIcYfuNPpl7vrXicjYlHWt5zID1xlF9Dcs/s320/c14-1%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" /></a>I first thought long and hard about how I would accomplish a more custom and updated looking cabinet. I came up with a plan that included beadboard, mouldings, paint, glaze and new hardware.</div>
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<br />Now to really get started...</div>
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<br />First you'll need to prepare your cabinet's surface by cleaning it with TSP and sanding it thoroughly. I used an electric sander to make the job easier and quicker, but you could always sand it by hand too.</div>
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<br /><div align="center">Next I measured and cut two pieces of beadbord and then glued it, using liquid nails, to the recessed part of my cabinet doors. Finally, I finished it off by framing the beadboard with a decorative a moulding.
<br />Now it's time to prime. I used two coats of primer and then waited until the next day to apply the paint. I used two coats of paint as well. 24 hrs. later, when the paint was completely dry, I sanded the cabinet just a little bit to smooth out any rough spots or drips.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZXGHqIT-UGI61RGhnDi-Rri3HBgba59izJrfVsTFxFJS_FTZfkmWjYzB9nhZ87S7Z04N_C1GK7eO9hE3_cMZzBAsq_rklReZXxjAEuery_qC_PbwhuhnCmQo672BuFEFiKDVJk-JW2wI/s1600/DSC_1337.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578299493466998354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 229px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZXGHqIT-UGI61RGhnDi-Rri3HBgba59izJrfVsTFxFJS_FTZfkmWjYzB9nhZ87S7Z04N_C1GK7eO9hE3_cMZzBAsq_rklReZXxjAEuery_qC_PbwhuhnCmQo672BuFEFiKDVJk-JW2wI/s320/DSC_1337.JPG" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFn9nwQ9HQBNdX2Ao5N0J4v9S_cd4LUsah__c3ScRIycKb8WpoyK8DH6wEKkKh4cwYZgmZYSNamiXhjWnKtK5vyEsGyWUG19j3yeWBw8P3QQXyYIYGgdbw8ZvvNMlOnWalZyy2Kr4zjjHr/s1600/DSC_1339.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577760706326792914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFn9nwQ9HQBNdX2Ao5N0J4v9S_cd4LUsah__c3ScRIycKb8WpoyK8DH6wEKkKh4cwYZgmZYSNamiXhjWnKtK5vyEsGyWUG19j3yeWBw8P3QQXyYIYGgdbw8ZvvNMlOnWalZyy2Kr4zjjHr/s320/DSC_1339.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577122164184344194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 107px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6p9cJ6wf9hCRIz6ppByo_gEEf-hXdGxSchgSlDWugWZQRVFa5oHTKgAPnRttsztnD1wclsFr9_L1rrVXpsBTvmOLnBaAUICymCz8cs5oWSwK9dw327fmYf0BVMMB43TfjXmPtYKPd8ovQ/s320/c.jpg" border="0" /> You're almost done now...the glaze is so easy to apply. All you need to do is either wipe or brush a coat of glaze on, wait a minute or two and wipe some, most, or all of it off depending on how worn you want it to look.
<br />The directions on the back of the glaze say to wait one week after glazing to apply a clear protective coat. I used a wipe-on polyurethane. </div>
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<br /><div align="center">I am so happy with the end result...a beautiful, updated cabinet for very little money!</div>
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<br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Please click on the links on my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check out the linky parties that I have joined.</span></p>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrw8SOF-pNx2hxUYu7ZgrL0UzO-_gSdgC_DWjHcPlOWZkAEUjGE2ycsCaoNwUHJG52M7dGFWapuur0R0l1EDu7mdOBb9SzqLxzo-RPEnxBPXXbPcMXQufeFvqS5OtXjPolKWBbR2qyB3np/s1600/monthlydiyprojectparty-button-300x300%255B1%255D%255B2%255D.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647259943027696002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrw8SOF-pNx2hxUYu7ZgrL0UzO-_gSdgC_DWjHcPlOWZkAEUjGE2ycsCaoNwUHJG52M7dGFWapuur0R0l1EDu7mdOBb9SzqLxzo-RPEnxBPXXbPcMXQufeFvqS5OtXjPolKWBbR2qyB3np/s400/monthlydiyprojectparty-button-300x300%255B1%255D%255B2%255D.png" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Thanks for reading!!! </span></p>
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134547946550659285noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837195243572149946.post-61252713327648160882011-08-14T21:04:00.000-07:002011-08-14T21:16:59.709-07:00and the winner of the vintage lace lampshade is....<div align="center">Thank you to all that entered this month's giveaway and for all the sweet comments!
<br />I wish you all could win!!! </div>
<br /><div align="center"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilW8zNCPYpxiG_9DxRZpzgasQb5lZ6rMCmm6pX3En2KfgEgMhvy7nga3fiQqL3HIwK_xQGhZw4Sp6dZAOWNzc22hyVehad8al3XliDZ6ZYs4F2rfNyo749di2ivWMjQWeLReNDyIsUCgJZ/s1600/.03.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 254px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640929123860068802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilW8zNCPYpxiG_9DxRZpzgasQb5lZ6rMCmm6pX3En2KfgEgMhvy7nga3fiQqL3HIwK_xQGhZw4Sp6dZAOWNzc22hyVehad8al3XliDZ6ZYs4F2rfNyo749di2ivWMjQWeLReNDyIsUCgJZ/s400/.03.jpg" /></a>
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<br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff6666;">True Random Number Generator
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<br />Min: 1
<br />Max: 25
<br />Result:
<br />15
<br />Powered by RANDOM.ORG </span></div>
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<br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Comment #15</strong></span></div>
<br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>jennie_elisa_greene said...
<br />I am a very faithful follower. I love everything you do. You have so many creative ideas. Thanks for sharing your ideas with all of us!!
<br />August 9, 2011 12:55 PM </strong></span></div>
<br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong></div>
<br /><div align="center">Congratulations!</div>
<br /><div align="center">Please email me with your information so I can ship this to you soon.</div>
<br /><div align="center">Thank you!</div>
<br /><p align="center"></p>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134547946550659285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837195243572149946.post-71109457605670035492011-08-09T20:04:00.000-07:002011-08-09T20:04:00.373-07:00Progress in my kitchen<div align="center">Here are a few pictures of what is going on in my kitchen....
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<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_aC4rXtZKf2SAbjZj8d5dR5KDVlyRHaaLr4wKTK_YdA1iHkTObI-wEi12FMN6nLg2-tr8rn9Pl3kEViPn9CWc_yskH4YqjFqUzBbML3pxP_hrdR0Rys1v-J5Gkfkcp21vYK7nrdxCt8M/s1600/.001.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638718086752845810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_aC4rXtZKf2SAbjZj8d5dR5KDVlyRHaaLr4wKTK_YdA1iHkTObI-wEi12FMN6nLg2-tr8rn9Pl3kEViPn9CWc_yskH4YqjFqUzBbML3pxP_hrdR0Rys1v-J5Gkfkcp21vYK7nrdxCt8M/s400/.001.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwb7TKWFZFGBEh4lW8iDKmxHO2EUhZTTw4ZVlEOntvMmYfN65KWw6HKZi6Eb5-g1zADgz2sfYRu2tYOBuAKi3quAy6Ay-0PrOggv8UuAvjQT118bhHDcAt6KTEmAY4f-vKpwq8V4pBMpen/s1600/.001-3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638718082135870706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwb7TKWFZFGBEh4lW8iDKmxHO2EUhZTTw4ZVlEOntvMmYfN65KWw6HKZi6Eb5-g1zADgz2sfYRu2tYOBuAKi3quAy6Ay-0PrOggv8UuAvjQT118bhHDcAt6KTEmAY4f-vKpwq8V4pBMpen/s400/.001-3.jpg" /></a>
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<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldIq9AXF6QXtnRbxlnchly08G-d8-oNq64SgiVr1dG9FtrGyfYJd8kfCL3bmhULsgDNoeG4rAYuLxl2iBdthL8HRc31WdA4ZY8i0IFZQDcO8YOYaFYY6KK3HX3Spi3gIP-OVVzpD2_d6O/s1600/.001-2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638718076329494162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldIq9AXF6QXtnRbxlnchly08G-d8-oNq64SgiVr1dG9FtrGyfYJd8kfCL3bmhULsgDNoeG4rAYuLxl2iBdthL8HRc31WdA4ZY8i0IFZQDcO8YOYaFYY6KK3HX3Spi3gIP-OVVzpD2_d6O/s400/.001-2.jpg" /></a> Here it is again, now covered with smooth MDF and mouldings of course!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEy6dPExwKGBC_tvxv1jRV7rYtM8-BYzm-Yl4-vW_aLHCa4x5dSQ65lAjCymqrfQZgGzo7rPHHHGgw456-2DGVezpgHfo1RK48h5-vvLDhUTs5p5XUep2HjjkjkQH4WqMzho8g9dIzndMb/s1600/.001-1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 319px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638718076189046258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEy6dPExwKGBC_tvxv1jRV7rYtM8-BYzm-Yl4-vW_aLHCa4x5dSQ65lAjCymqrfQZgGzo7rPHHHGgw456-2DGVezpgHfo1RK48h5-vvLDhUTs5p5XUep2HjjkjkQH4WqMzho8g9dIzndMb/s400/.001-1.jpg" /></a> Now time to paint...what color though?
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<br /></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134547946550659285noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837195243572149946.post-32882842526671867092011-08-08T20:45:00.000-07:002011-08-08T21:34:41.504-07:00Vintage Lace Lampshade & Lamp Giveaway<div align="center">Today marks the official 6 month anniversary of Nest. Nesting. Nested. To celebrate, I am giving away a sweet little white lamp with a vintage lace lampshade that I made just for you. This lamp would be perfect in almost any space...in your laundry room, a bathroom, on a desk, in your kitchen, a bedroom, etc. </div>
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<br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 245px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638702715948123378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATi1IKOC-5o08Ub4Epsmz-qECT27U0kwFdK4ZrdhyXEh8mh5o_c8gYW2GCcyi6ZbBx_CDxiepaDTOPMEN3YHvHDuPK1bEKv2KvIw2IkPpW1EfwxTqSUJfZjVNsEoqQGDf_KK7_tLh70J9/s400/.01.jpg" />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WOMVqmPGgnqKTTeZ-kKlzZObSeZfdI3QdZmqt3enYG6Mp9Hs4oS8LBVLaV9WdqH5WVdLFdgKjRu7HezRJhHj1fYlEb0LXoFUaBL61wwi-LWvHK3NVYpUxwzbRFaBJ_AZwH99WVzF2zcO/s1600/.02.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 284px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638702712247980098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WOMVqmPGgnqKTTeZ-kKlzZObSeZfdI3QdZmqt3enYG6Mp9Hs4oS8LBVLaV9WdqH5WVdLFdgKjRu7HezRJhHj1fYlEb0LXoFUaBL61wwi-LWvHK3NVYpUxwzbRFaBJ_AZwH99WVzF2zcO/s400/.02.jpg" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwejXEAo5HnDnS9Wy_2E9Swp5u-v2Nul7oBJbGl-dsQZw9HdMZbuAgX2WHcS8IK-iBF0U90k6N0q27UaoJWivhRbG0fmzf6vY7zyQRoIxXC1LcbyTjx8Ml2JteHyQ934dlxVT9QAQLlYF/s1600/.04.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638702709526033058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwejXEAo5HnDnS9Wy_2E9Swp5u-v2Nul7oBJbGl-dsQZw9HdMZbuAgX2WHcS8IK-iBF0U90k6N0q27UaoJWivhRbG0fmzf6vY7zyQRoIxXC1LcbyTjx8Ml2JteHyQ934dlxVT9QAQLlYF/s400/.04.jpg" /></a>
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<br /><p align="center">To Enter My Giveaway:
<br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>1</strong></span> entry for simply leaving a comment letting me know what your favorite Nest.Nesting.Nested. project has been thus far</p>
<br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>2</strong> </span>entries for being a follower</p>
<br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>3</strong></span> entries for all those following Nest.Nesting.Nested. prior to this post</p>
<br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Additional entry for:
<br /></span>~blogging about this giveaway or sharing it on facebook~</p>
<br /><p align="center">Please make sure to leave separate comments for each entry, up to<span style="font-size:180%;"> 4</span> entries per person.
<br />The winner will be randomly selected Sunday August 14, 2011.
<br /><strong>Good Luck!!! </strong></p>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134547946550659285noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837195243572149946.post-26789362826723260292011-08-04T08:25:00.000-07:002011-08-04T08:25:00.583-07:006 months...<div align="center">It has almost been six months since I started Nest. Nesting. Nested. I can hardly believe it!!! Monday August 8, 2011 will mark the official six month mark. Be sure to check back Monday, I am going to have a fun giveaway and will have a few fun projects (I am finally finishing my lower kitchen cabinets...exciting!) to share with you all.</div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134547946550659285noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837195243572149946.post-9920923780815720022011-08-02T09:10:00.001-07:002011-08-02T09:46:08.664-07:00A little sneak peek...<div align="center">First, I want to thank all of you for all the sweet comments on my last post. I have read and reread them all....seriously Thank You!!!! </div><br /><div align="center"><br />Remember all of those frames...</div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FaNEVSU6yuqUBnMLIyTbRt9oOsjVQ-cnKBsTzy5JU6EUNz7J_VPZrROpq2Jfmc5qi6tWi2hjlQ3V-IOACJ2OSRmIL_OoxA9uWU0e5Fj15xgtCYtnZzIcLieNKfBWSpkJSZzF_xSK0WCb/s1600/000-112.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 339px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636296077924199282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FaNEVSU6yuqUBnMLIyTbRt9oOsjVQ-cnKBsTzy5JU6EUNz7J_VPZrROpq2Jfmc5qi6tWi2hjlQ3V-IOACJ2OSRmIL_OoxA9uWU0e5Fj15xgtCYtnZzIcLieNKfBWSpkJSZzF_xSK0WCb/s400/000-112.jpg" /> <br /><p align="center"></a>I painted all the frames white and have begun to work on a gallery wall in a little hallway in my home. This is a project that I thought would come together quick and easy, but really it hasn't. Every time I walk by the frames, I have ideas of what to change, what to add, etc. I first added chair rail and then painted the walls a darker color. I have started to hang the empty white frames, now just need to find the perfect pictures and things to fill them with. Hoping it is done soon!<br /><br />Here is a little sneak peek...</p><br /><p align="center">(sorry about the poor picture quality, my camera battery was about to die)</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrdps1xwEqNK1IQKEZPmPwEuUGxEJ6LatVHk1lh_rdBB2TGAT6VOWy0uCUxSD_ttjbf0qegrB9tU4-0bdkEPytn5-0v8EdRm1DMRIpnnAJY35fFquI0IOKRC3Vw0xr1yvzRpJjZ784rpe/s1600/000-111.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636296075145447186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrdps1xwEqNK1IQKEZPmPwEuUGxEJ6LatVHk1lh_rdBB2TGAT6VOWy0uCUxSD_ttjbf0qegrB9tU4-0bdkEPytn5-0v8EdRm1DMRIpnnAJY35fFquI0IOKRC3Vw0xr1yvzRpJjZ784rpe/s400/000-111.jpg" /></a>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134547946550659285noreply@blogger.com2