tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89497241513233136792024-03-16T09:50:17.068-04:00The Precious Little Things in LifeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949724151323313679.post-18526944891778290592018-03-07T23:50:00.001-05:002018-03-07T23:50:20.189-05:00A Taste of Things to Come<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15377238956663498895noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949724151323313679.post-26563815731019812682011-11-08T01:09:00.000-05:002011-11-08T01:09:43.605-05:00Someone SpecialThe intense feeling of longing that's present when you miss someone is something I've become very accustomed to. I can honestly say I've felt some measure of it every day for the last year and a half. I never thought there would come a time when I'd desperately long to hang out with my little brother. Guess you take the simple pleasures in life for granted until they are beyond your reach. I've missed him a lot since I left, but on this day more than most for some reason. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lhE-1-fGaEA/TrjDb1XB0NI/AAAAAAAABH4/WeKUAI2iZk4/s1600/302278_10150308418696662_512966661_8016531_1317117657_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lhE-1-fGaEA/TrjDb1XB0NI/AAAAAAAABH4/WeKUAI2iZk4/s550/302278_10150308418696662_512966661_8016531_1317117657_n.jpg" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949724151323313679.post-13236324656136679202011-10-04T02:16:00.001-04:002011-10-04T12:55:22.632-04:00Celebrating Life and LoveOctober 2nd is a special day for our family. It is a day in which we celebrate life and love.<br />
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On October 2, 1915, in Matanzas, Cuba, a beautiful blue-eyed girl was born, the third child of what would soon be a family of five children. Her parents named her Angela. When Angela was 21, she gave birth to a little girl she named Eloisa. Eloisa grew into a lovely young woman and had two sons of her own, Miguel and Hiram. When the boys were 7/8 yrs old, Eloisa moved them and her mother Angela to the United States. The boys grew up in northern New Jersey. On October 2, 1977, the two handsome young men married two special young ladies, Esther and Noemi. Hiram and Noemi had three children of their own. Well, this is where I come in. I happen to be one of those three children. So yes, this past Sunday, October 2nd, we celebrated my great grandmother's 96th birthday and my parents 34th wedding anniversary. Pretty special huh?<br />
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Here's a picture of my parents on their wedding day. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0eQrM3N1tE/ToqZD550GwI/AAAAAAAABFo/D1Sj71c-HkI/s1600/Reny+y+Mimi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0eQrM3N1tE/ToqZD550GwI/AAAAAAAABFo/D1Sj71c-HkI/s550/Reny+y+Mimi.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Wasn't she lovely? And that stud beside her...what a looker!</i></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OW0_aepYE5c/ToqZpearHAI/AAAAAAAABFs/7u6cXRdrneU/s1600/DSC02891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OW0_aepYE5c/ToqZpearHAI/AAAAAAAABFs/7u6cXRdrneU/s550/DSC02891.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>34 years later. Still going strong. </i></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qEDXLFmSjBw/ToqZ4nNZAPI/AAAAAAAABFw/EA9Gi1E6aVw/s1600/06111944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qEDXLFmSjBw/ToqZ4nNZAPI/AAAAAAAABFw/EA9Gi1E6aVw/s550/06111944.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Three grown children</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ognYfTKDzo/ToqZ5nr_mEI/AAAAAAAABF0/u0EVPZ83HiI/s1600/06111945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ognYfTKDzo/ToqZ5nr_mEI/AAAAAAAABF0/u0EVPZ83HiI/s550/06111945.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Six precious grandchildren</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Congratulations Mom and Dad! </b><i><br />
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</div>Here are a few pictures of my beautiful Abuelita Angela, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. I love her dearly and am very blessed to have her near. (She lives five miles away and comes to stay at our house every weekend Fri-Sun.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LqvsUlHQXSw/ToqEpIUy99I/AAAAAAAABFU/lHVMErtXaJ8/s1600/DSC03471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LqvsUlHQXSw/ToqEpIUy99I/AAAAAAAABFU/lHVMErtXaJ8/s550/DSC03471.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <i> My little girl kissing her great great grandma</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CfmsAd5Gqr0/ToqigVIbGNI/AAAAAAAABF8/VnSu2Ra01pE/s1600/cropped+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CfmsAd5Gqr0/ToqigVIbGNI/AAAAAAAABF8/VnSu2Ra01pE/s550/cropped+1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Here she is with all three of my children</i></span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W5DoWxMKmo4/ToqiNssB2gI/AAAAAAAABF4/ydUJGPDTpDU/s1600/cropped+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W5DoWxMKmo4/ToqiNssB2gI/AAAAAAAABF4/ydUJGPDTpDU/s550/cropped+2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Four generations of women, </i><i>my great grandmother Angela, my grandmother Eloisa, myself and my daughter</i><i>. (Technically, my daughter is fifth generation.)</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hgOWJ8JJdck/ToqH0xATcNI/AAAAAAAABFc/pdxlW_UE4Eo/s1600/DSC04004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hgOWJ8JJdck/ToqH0xATcNI/AAAAAAAABFc/pdxlW_UE4Eo/s550/DSC04004.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> <span style="font-size: small;">My beautiful granny</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sd4_EHAKhKk/ToqjVBnl1WI/AAAAAAAABGA/GxYrYqb2f_8/s1600/cropped+image+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sd4_EHAKhKk/ToqjVBnl1WI/AAAAAAAABGA/GxYrYqb2f_8/s550/cropped+image+1.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Some of Abuelita Angela's family. Top Row Left to Right: Her oldest daughter Eloisa, two granddaughters (Julia's daughters), nephew. Bottom row: I'm the one on her left and her youngest daughter Julia is on her right.</i></span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9NnZ-xzyZQ/ToqH_lsTuUI/AAAAAAAABFk/HQF4y8lGYjk/s1600/DSC04019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9NnZ-xzyZQ/ToqH_lsTuUI/AAAAAAAABFk/HQF4y8lGYjk/s550/DSC04019.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>A few of the great grandchildren and great great grandchildren</i></span></div><br />
Yes, October 2nd is truly a special day.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949724151323313679.post-85838940633553957632011-09-14T18:28:00.007-04:002011-10-04T12:55:37.166-04:00The Birthday PrincessOn a day like today, four years ago, our family was blessed with a precious gift.<br />
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She has captivated our hearts with her sweet smile.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-8JRCZ_sRA/TnCk8w1O3FI/AAAAAAAABCk/2qITFmzVyGw/s1600/My+lylita+pumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-8JRCZ_sRA/TnCk8w1O3FI/AAAAAAAABCk/2qITFmzVyGw/s400/My+lylita+pumpkin.jpg" width="353" /></a></div><br />
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She has filled our home with laughter.<br />
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She has astounded us with her beauty.<br />
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She has ignited us with her passion for life.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nAdF6HngCi4/TnEnHFNJ66I/AAAAAAAABDM/Ux4AKyGFzr8/s1600/DSC00621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nAdF6HngCi4/TnEnHFNJ66I/AAAAAAAABDM/Ux4AKyGFzr8/s400/DSC00621.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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She is the love of mommy's heart.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l2smpUoaPgk/TnEqMOggcQI/AAAAAAAABDc/O2Rip4cqxTw/s1600/DSC04108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l2smpUoaPgk/TnEqMOggcQI/AAAAAAAABDc/O2Rip4cqxTw/s550/DSC04108.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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Happy Birthday baby girl.<br />
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Source: <a href="http://www.bhg.com/kitchen/small/our-favorite-small-kitchens-that-live-large/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">bhg.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/lilthingsinlife/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stacy</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/98516310568238646/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak1.pinimg.com/550x/fc/7a/d9/fc7ad9816b96ab49e39e4200f7b45e74.jpg" height="366" width="550" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/98516310568238467/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak1.pinimg.com/550x/e1/01/56/e101565a857159ce2ad822ca61085ae3.jpg" height="693" width="493" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://decoratinggallery.bhg.com/RoomDetail.aspx?RIID=30918f02-5a31-467d-8e7a-4f7b89a3d23d&RoomTypeID=0a3bebe9-0f47-417e-b50e-bce655d0e1b5" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">decoratinggallery.bhg.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/lilthingsinlife/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stacy</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949724151323313679.post-71066167397190055052011-08-16T19:57:00.006-04:002011-09-28T21:04:46.374-04:00The Something I Can DoA few nights ago, I had an encounter that shook me to the core. It was late, raining, and the streets were deserted. My husband, cousin, and I were driving home from dinner at a friend's house when we came upon a man and woman fighting. The fighting had begun in their car and continued out on the sidewalk. As they shouted, hit, and wrestled one another, a little girl of about 9 years of age struggled to separate them. She was screaming at the top of her lungs and sobbing uncontrollably, first pushing one adult and then pulling the other. Her clothes was soaking wet and she shook all over. We immediately shone our lights on the pair and honked the car horn repeatedly. Startled, the man ran, and the woman began to chase him, crossing the four-laned street in her pursuit. The little girl stood screaming in the middle of the road, still begging the the two to stop. As my husband called the police, my cousin and I got out of the car and ran to the child, who'd returned to the sidewalk and collapsed onto the wet concrete. I wrapped my arms around her and held her tightly, whispering words of comfort. At first her little body was tense and rigid, but as she felt the warmth of my embrace and heard my soothing words, I felt her go limp against my chest. When the police arrived, they followed in the direction that the man and woman had gone. I was still holding the child when an officer returned with the child's mother. Reluctantly, I relinquished her and watched as she and her mother climbed back into their car and drove away. At that moment, I was filled with an overwhelming feeling of futility. I wanted to do so much more than just whisper empty words of reassurance. I wanted to do so much more. I wanted to help make things OK for her, to be part of the solution. I wanted to make a real difference in her life. Instead, all I could do was watch the car drive away.<br />
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When I got home, I went straight to where my children lay sleeping. They slept peacefully, nestled in bed, without a care in the world. My heart felt heavy as I thought of the little shivering bundle I'd held in my arms only minutes before and I cried for her. She deserves to feel safe, to rest peacefully at night, to have a childhood free of worry, anxiety and fear. <br />
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I'd heard stories about domestic abuse and seen it reenacted in shows and movies, but it had never hit home for me until that night. The harsh and gut-wrenching reality is that there are thousands of children living in an endless nightmare of violence and abuse. The events of that night opened my eyes to a world of pain that lies hidden behind a semblance of normalcy. I did some research and discovered staggering statistics about domestic violence and abuse in the state of New Jersey. The most recent report I could find was for the year <a href="http://www.state.nj.us/njsp/info/pdf/2009_domestic_violence.pdf" target="_blank">2009</a> in which 73,709 domestic violence offenses were reported. In 19,940 of those cases there were children present. Sadder still is the statistic that 30% to 60% of perpetrators who abuse spouses/intimate partners also abuse children in the household. Remember, these numbers represent occurrences in the state of New Jersey alone. I know it is impossible to eradicate pain and suffering from every home, for every child. I know that no matter how many children I help, there are still going to be thousands of others that no one will ever reach. But I also know that if I do nothing, the one child that I could have helped will continue to suffer, and I will be responsible. I have made inquires and hope to soon begin volunteering my time to <a href="http://www.shelteroursisters.org/">Shelter Our Sisters</a>, a place where not only women, but also their children, can go to find help and refuge from violent situations. <br />
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As odd as it may sound, I felt compelled to share this story with you because I want my voice to speak for her. We shop, go to school, go to work and ride the bus with silent victims every day. We live in complacent ignorance of the horrors that they'll have to face when they get home. It is the children that are the most vulnerable and that pay the steepest price. Please, take some time today to think of what you can do to help. <br />
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I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.<br />
<a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/h/helen_keller.html" target="_blank">Helen Keller</a><br />
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</a></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949724151323313679.post-36683248274507632502011-08-09T09:53:00.010-04:002011-11-06T14:33:42.475-05:00Guess What?!I'm being <a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/2011/08/staging-bookcase-beautifully-by-stacy.html#more">featured</a> over at <a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/">Remodelaholic</a> today! I am beyond honored and so thrilled! <a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/p/about-us.html">Cassity</a> has been so sweet and I've truly enjoyed getting to know her a bit more via email. If you've never visited her blog, you're in for quite a treat. Click on over there and check it out! If you've come over from Remodelaholic and are visiting for the first time, welcome! <br />
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I've been M.I.A. for a few weeks, busily enjoying every minute of this beautiful summer weather with my family, making memories that will last a lifetime. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949724151323313679.post-40204985354394479762011-07-14T23:54:00.009-04:002015-06-16T19:05:57.324-04:00The Perfect DaySome might say that the perfect day is one in which something spectacular happens. Maybe you spend the day in some exotic place or you shake hands with someone famous that you greatly admire. Maybe you eat some exquisite cuisine prepared by a world renowned chef, get invited to a party for the elite, or see a moving live performance. My idea of the perfect day may sound quite ordinary to some, but I've learned that the greatest, most precious moments in life happen on ordinary days, in ordinary places.<br />
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The perfect day for me begins with a sweet, wet kiss and an "I love you momma". A tiny little body crawling into my bed, wrapping pudgy little arms around my neck. On the perfect day, I open my eyes to the loving gaze of an amazing man whom I greatly respect. Such a day is filled with the excited giggles of my little ones and the flirtatious teasing of my lover and my friend. There is no need to go far to have a fabulous time. All it takes is a trip to the neighborhood park, to the local restaurant, to the corner ice cream shop; holding hands, telling jokes, laughing till our sides hurt, sharing stories, exploring, learning, and loving. It doesn't require weeks of planning, traveling long distances, or hundreds of dollars. In summery, the perfect day for me is spent enjoying precious moments with those I love the most.<br />
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Yesterday was the perfect day; a day spent romping around a nearby park, exploring and enjoying nature. Then eating pizza at our favorite local restaurant and finally, arriving home to crawl under the covers for bedtime stories. Yes, there was a scrapped knee, some whining and many potty breaks, but those too are ingredients of my perfect day. Kissing a boo-boo and wiping a tear, teaching independence and easing their fears, how sweet it is. <br />
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<i>We went to <a href="http://www.njpalisades.org/">Palisades Interstate Park</a>. </i></div>
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<i>It borders the Hudson River, with a view of New York</i></div>
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<i> and the George Washington Bridge.</i></div>
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<i> Beautiful winding road</i></div>
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<i>Beneath the George Washington Bridge</i></div>
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<i>Steep wall of rock</i></div>
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<i>Shots of the George Washington Bridge taken from the park</i></div>
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<i>Huge fallen tree kept from falling down the mountain side by another slender tree</i></div>
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<i> Taking a stroll towards Ross Dock</i></div>
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<i>Long climb up Carpenters Trail</i></div>
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<i> Up steps, through tunnels, and up more steps</i></div>
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<i>Breathtaking view from the top</i></div>
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<i>Rain!</i></div>
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<i>Waiting out the rain under the trees</i></div>
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<i>Beautiful rainbow after the downpour</i></div>
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<i>Bike riding in a large empty parking lot</i></div>
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<i>Yummy Cugino's Pizza</i></div>
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<i> Mmm-mmm good!</i></div>
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<i>Lovin' mommy and daddy's comfy bed for story time</i></div>
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What is your idea of a perfect day? </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949724151323313679.post-7222507339995525202011-07-13T00:53:00.008-04:002015-03-17T18:24:18.315-04:00Pinterest Inspiration: I Heart White FloorsThese are some of the pictures I've added to my "I Heart White Floors" board on Pinterest. Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/98516310568216418/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak1.pinimg.com/550x/86/cb/92/86cb92584f489abe3a1284c608419acc.jpg" height="323" width="480" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.designscouting.com/page/4/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">designscouting.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/lilthingsinlife/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stacy</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.countryliving.com/homes/decorating-with-green-0209" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">countryliving.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/lilthingsinlife/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stacy</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/blogging/doredoris-family-home-dos-family-113568?image_id=1322608" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">ohdeedoh.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/lilthingsinlife/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stacy</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/lilthingsinlife/"><img alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" src="http://d3io1k5o0zdpqr.cloudfront.net/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" height="26" width="156" /></a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949724151323313679.post-82142768370240392752011-07-06T02:52:00.025-04:002011-09-28T21:06:53.786-04:00How to DIY Book Covers With the Title Printed on the Spine : A Detailed Step-By-Step GuideAs promised, I would like to share how I covered my <strike>old </strike>well-loved books to give my bookcase a cleaner and more uniform look. (Read all about the make over <a href="http://thepreciouslittlethingsinlife.blogspot.com/2011/06/dont-judge-book-by-its-cover.html">here.</a>) Covering the books helped transform my bookcase, taking it from "far too busy and colorful for a bedroom":<br />
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to "cool, crisp, simple, clean, and bright":<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xCgpnh5_5xs/Te25cO6cGhI/AAAAAAAAAsU/5x4XB0C1ZFE/s1600/testing+456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xCgpnh5_5xs/Te25cO6cGhI/AAAAAAAAAsU/5x4XB0C1ZFE/s600/testing+456.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Before we jump into the tutorial of how I covered my books though, I'd like to share some information with you so that you can better explore what options you have when it comes to covering your books. Due to our limited budget, we DIY a lot around my place, but I did a little research and found <a href="http://juniperbooks.com/styles/custom-jackets/modern-contemporary/">Juniper Books</a>. They provide a variety of services, one of which is custom printing book jackets. If this is something your budget allows, you might want to check them out. They do not have pricing on their site, but they give quotes over the phone. Here is an example of what they can do:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EmKz8wAkrZc/ThEh86WLhYI/AAAAAAAAAxU/R8EprlzgJik/s1600/juniper+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EmKz8wAkrZc/ThEh86WLhYI/AAAAAAAAAxU/R8EprlzgJik/s500/juniper+books.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Although we chose to cover our books in white paper, we did explore numerous options and found a few inspiration pictures along the way.<br />
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Brown paper covered books:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0XVz58YDPmI/ThNLmF7swpI/AAAAAAAAAxc/2-gfqCcjExw/s1600/sacramento+street+seen+on+abodelove.blogspot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0XVz58YDPmI/ThNLmF7swpI/AAAAAAAAAxc/2-gfqCcjExw/s500/sacramento+street+seen+on+abodelove.blogspot.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://neithersnow.squarespace.com/">Mara Zepeda's</a> home as seen on <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2009/08/sneak-peek-mara-zepeda-of-neither-snow.html">Design Sponge</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YktIPUYneHc/ThNZ6dVJcrI/AAAAAAAAAxg/TT5PyOzSbjY/s1600/covered+books+seen+on+3meadowlakecottage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YktIPUYneHc/ThNZ6dVJcrI/AAAAAAAAAxg/TT5PyOzSbjY/s400/covered+books+seen+on+3meadowlakecottage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Seen on <a href="http://www.3meadowlakecottage.com/2011/03/bookcases-not-just-for-books.html">3 Meadow Lakes Cottage</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">There are also many other decorative options that we forwent because of the impracticality of the books not having visible printed titles. These, I feel, are great options if you are using the books soley for decorative purposes. </div>Burlap covered books: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zONz8ve5yPQ/ThEe26D1ukI/AAAAAAAAAxM/A1jGpuOKzSU/s1600/burlap+covered+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zONz8ve5yPQ/ThEe26D1ukI/AAAAAAAAAxM/A1jGpuOKzSU/s500/burlap+covered+books.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wheneightcreate.com/2011/03/covered-books.html">When Eight Create</a> </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-da-nmRonBQI/ThEfy_5v4rI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/Y4zVAvNiWLI/s1600/restoration_hardware_9_thumb%255B2%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-da-nmRonBQI/ThEfy_5v4rI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/Y4zVAvNiWLI/s500/restoration_hardware_9_thumb%255B2%255D.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Restoration Hardware via <a href="http://www.beneathmyheart.net/2009/08/burlap-covered-books/">Beneath My Heart</a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hQ9HwDWE-rg/ThNx-X2vqoI/AAAAAAAAAyM/jafeklRMF_4/s1600/thrifty+decorating+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hQ9HwDWE-rg/ThNx-X2vqoI/AAAAAAAAAyM/jafeklRMF_4/s500/thrifty+decorating+blog.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://thriftydecorating-nikkiw.blogspot.com/">Thrifty Decorating</a></div><br />
Fabric covered books:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2TuEYlcgEQg/ThNcJ75LfJI/AAAAAAAAAxk/QfNJg7pjmmk/s1600/fabric+covered+books+tutorial+available.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2TuEYlcgEQg/ThNcJ75LfJI/AAAAAAAAAxk/QfNJg7pjmmk/s500/fabric+covered+books+tutorial+available.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://myhomespunthreads.blogspot.com/2011/02/new-book-look.html"> Homespun-threads.com</a> includes a great tutorial</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Gift Wrap Paper, ScrapBooking Paper, or Craft Paper covered books:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-agDvUBMt9SU/ThEizO9GrMI/AAAAAAAAAxY/BC6AMyhSxgg/s1600/colorful+book+covers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-agDvUBMt9SU/ThEizO9GrMI/AAAAAAAAAxY/BC6AMyhSxgg/s500/colorful+book+covers.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://sweetblogchria.com/?p=1208">Sweet Blog Chria</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xuvUaLz1PGg/ThNc2NxvdlI/AAAAAAAAAxo/V7TIqwfMGf4/s1600/twig+and+thistle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xuvUaLz1PGg/ThNc2NxvdlI/AAAAAAAAAxo/V7TIqwfMGf4/s500/twig+and+thistle.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.twigandthistle.com/blog/2010/05/diy-book-cover-and-bookmark/">Twig and Thistle</a> includes a great tutorial</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YlppWqvMOSQ/ThNdTSRBCCI/AAAAAAAAAxs/khN0HrrjgUE/s1600/elizabeth+ann+designs+seen+on+inhonorofdesign.blogspot+covered+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YlppWqvMOSQ/ThNdTSRBCCI/AAAAAAAAAxs/khN0HrrjgUE/s500/elizabeth+ann+designs+seen+on+inhonorofdesign.blogspot+covered+books.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stephanie from <a href="http://styledcreative.com/">Styled Creative</a> as seen on <a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/2010/05/05/diy-mothers-day-gift-ideas/">Elizabeth Ann Designs</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> Graphical Images Book Jackets:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fut1ipI_sws/ThNiKUfBAHI/AAAAAAAAAx0/2DSugEPstPo/s1600/Elephant-3+juniper+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fut1ipI_sws/ThNiKUfBAHI/AAAAAAAAAx0/2DSugEPstPo/s500/Elephant-3+juniper+books.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://juniperbooks.com/styles/custom-jackets/">Juniper Books</a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-elCg8tejlD4/ThNgiB_-4ZI/AAAAAAAAAxw/85z3I30J5kI/s1600/very+artistic+bookcityjackets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-elCg8tejlD4/ThNgiB_-4ZI/AAAAAAAAAxw/85z3I30J5kI/s500/very+artistic+bookcityjackets.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Printed by <a href="http://www.bookcityjackets.com/">BookCityJackets</a> (on hiatus till 2012)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2lTlxJYKp6I/ThNmjEaHXpI/AAAAAAAAAyI/zO5tS2dxGX0/s1600/pixel-art-book-jackets_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2lTlxJYKp6I/ThNmjEaHXpI/AAAAAAAAAyI/zO5tS2dxGX0/s500/pixel-art-book-jackets_1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.icoeye.com/blog/?p=44">Pixel art book jackets</a> tutorial from <a href="http://icoeye.com/">Icoeye.com</a>- For all the Computer Geeks out there! :o) Lol!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Vintage Maps book covers:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1q9JjKsxWEo/ThNjxlvV0bI/AAAAAAAAAx8/lzvVAMPR1bk/s1600/seen+on+remodelista.com+map+covered+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1q9JjKsxWEo/ThNjxlvV0bI/AAAAAAAAAx8/lzvVAMPR1bk/s500/seen+on+remodelista.com+map+covered+books.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Etsy shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/41665071/antique-print-covered-book">Blue Bell Bazaar</a>- DIY idea at <a href="http://remodelista.com/posts/diy-books-covered-in-antique-maps">Remodelista</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-73FtYIvQqqg/ThNk4A6UUvI/AAAAAAAAAyA/O8ubU6AYrOo/s1600/aprilfoster+blogspot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-73FtYIvQqqg/ThNk4A6UUvI/AAAAAAAAAyA/O8ubU6AYrOo/s500/aprilfoster+blogspot.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">April Foster at <a href="http://aprilfoster.blogspot.com/2010/10/laundry-room.html">GoodBye City Life</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hAUgUThMBLU/ThNl6migarI/AAAAAAAAAyE/jENurxS1VAA/s1600/pine+to+the+pacific+blogspot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hAUgUThMBLU/ThNl6migarI/AAAAAAAAAyE/jENurxS1VAA/s500/pine+to+the+pacific+blogspot.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinetothepacific.blogspot.com/2011/04/before-after-patterned-bookcase.html">Pine to the Pacific</a> (used both vintage maps and wrapping paper)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope the above pictures have inspired you to think outside the box when it comes to books and how to cover them. Now, onto how I covered my own books. Here is the tutorial. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>A Step-By-Step Guide to Covering Your Books</u></span></b><br />
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For the purposes of this tutorial, before I begin delineating the steps, I'd like to explain the different measurement terms I'll be using. For measuring, I strongly suggest you use a tape measure or measuring tape which is a flexible form of ruler.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">The<i> height</i> of the book is measured vertically from top to bottom. </div><br />
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The <u><i>circumference length</i></u> is measured horizontally by wrapping the tape measure around the book, from the front edge of the cover to the back edge.<br />
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DO NOT MEASURE THE <i>CIRCUMFERENCE LENGTH</i> OF THE BOOK BY LAYING IT FLAT. The measurement will not be accurate if you do so.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_uCpswL0K_k/Tfu1OZj6KKI/AAAAAAAAAuU/KY-TBMigZzc/s1600/Do+not+measure+this+way.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_uCpswL0K_k/Tfu1OZj6KKI/AAAAAAAAAuU/KY-TBMigZzc/s400/Do+not+measure+this+way.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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The <i>length</i> is measured horizontally from one edge of the book face to the other.<br />
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Supplies:</span></b></u><br />
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White paper (see step 2 for details)<br />
Scissors <br />
Tape<br />
Tape measure/ measuring tape<br />
Printer<br />
Microsoft Office (or other word processing program)<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Instructions:</span></u></b><br />
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<b><u>Step 1: Divide and conquer.</u></b> Sort the books, grouping them by size, putting all the books of the exact same <u><i>height</i></u> together. Any book that has a nonstandard height put aside in an "odd size" pile to be measured and cut individually later.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JXb7ZKmP6ms/TfmuXOpT8wI/AAAAAAAAAuA/i2a9d3O4Dj8/s1600/DSC00688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JXb7ZKmP6ms/TfmuXOpT8wI/AAAAAAAAAuA/i2a9d3O4Dj8/s400/DSC00688.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<b>Step 2 - Choosing the Right Size Paper.</b> The next big thing you have to focus on is the paper you will use to cover the books. There are a few things you must consider. First of all, what is the <i>height</i> and <i>circumference</i> <i>width</i> of your largest book? Add 3" to your measured circumference width to allow for the folding in of the paper that will keep the cover in place. When the paper is in the horizontal or landscape orientation, it must be able to wrap completely around the book with an overhang of about 1 1/2" on either side.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-57V3djgl9V4/ThOBW6lxPII/AAAAAAAAAyg/yZ3la8i62oY/s1600/wrap+paper+around+the+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-57V3djgl9V4/ThOBW6lxPII/AAAAAAAAAyg/yZ3la8i62oY/s400/wrap+paper+around+the+book.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The standard sizes of paper sold at most office supply stores are 8 1/2" x 11", 8 1/2" x 14", and 11" x 17". If the largest book you will be covering is 8 1/2" or less in height and has a circumference width of less than 12", you will not be needing the 11" x 17" paper. If the largest book you will be covering is 8 1/2" or less in height and has a circumference width of less than 9", you will not be needing the 8 1/2" x 14" paper. However, it is most likely that you will have books that require the 11" x 17" paper. <br />
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Remember, before you run out and buy paper, check to see what size paper you already own and see if you can work with what you have. It just so happens that I had a huge stack of paper that had been given to us years ago, 11''x15" fanfold sheets (attached to one another and separated by serrated edge) with sprocket holes on both sides. Because it's always better (and cheaper) to work with what you've got, I used this paper for the majority of the books (some were small enough to be covered by regular 8 1/2" x 11" sheets) and cut/trimmed as needed for the various book sizes. The fact that the sheets were attached to one another actually worked well for me because I had a few books that were so large, that the 11" x 15" paper was not enough to cover them. When the books were too large and one sheet wasn't enough, I could use two sheets without having to tape them together. <br />
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I know you all don't have a stack of fanfold paper like I do, (and sprocket feed paper? it's been over a decade since I've seen that used) and this means, if you have books that are too large for the 11" x 17" paper, you will need to resort to taping two sheets of paper together or maybe you could use white butcher paper and cut it to size. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>Step 3 - Making the Book Jackets</u> </b>This is the step in which you will begin making the book jackets. I'd like to point out that the method that I employed creates jackets that do not cover the top and bottom edges of the book. (as seen below)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yqSeXTuPByE/ThN6Utvi58I/AAAAAAAAAyQ/MEdYtJmYazk/s1600/book+edges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yqSeXTuPByE/ThN6Utvi58I/AAAAAAAAAyQ/MEdYtJmYazk/s400/book+edges.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's a diagram of the type of jacket I made:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JcGrrjuHKaM/ThN6nuVAo8I/AAAAAAAAAyU/5Q48OA_N3-Y/s1600/my+example+of+a+cover.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JcGrrjuHKaM/ThN6nuVAo8I/AAAAAAAAAyU/5Q48OA_N3-Y/s400/my+example+of+a+cover.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't feel that the book edges take away for the overall clean look of the display but if you prefer the top and bottom edges covered, you would need a cover as the one diagrammed below:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TaDt9uMvqic/ThN7CTWvjHI/AAAAAAAAAyY/YekhOMwpn8w/s1600/cover+option.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TaDt9uMvqic/ThN7CTWvjHI/AAAAAAAAAyY/YekhOMwpn8w/s400/cover+option.jpg" width="352" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Choose the group of like-sized books you would like to begin with and determine which size paper will be needed to cover those books. If the paper is exactly the same height of the book, when in the horizontal or landscape orientation, you will not need to do any cutting or trimming.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QqydCZ_Ud_U/ThOGgrkdmvI/AAAAAAAAAyk/FrsgRwqWa34/s1600/DSC03222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QqydCZ_Ud_U/ThOGgrkdmvI/AAAAAAAAAyk/FrsgRwqWa34/s400/DSC03222.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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If the height of the paper is more than the height of the book you will need to cut it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jTtBuDVOeZk/ThOILOQH7aI/AAAAAAAAAyw/iJTVJIDVh0I/s1600/DSC03225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jTtBuDVOeZk/ThOILOQH7aI/AAAAAAAAAyw/iJTVJIDVh0I/s400/DSC03225.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"> This is where dividing the books by size saves you lots of time and energy. I cut multiple covers at one time, as many sheet of paper as my scissors could manage to cut at one time. If you have a paper cutter, even better. To avoid measuring each sheet individually and having to use the tape measure, I got a stack of about 5 sheets (which is the number of sheets of paper my scissors can cut at one time) and I placed one of the books on top of the sheet of paper, the bottom edge of the book lining up with the bottom of the paper. I then folded the excess paper from the top upward, making a crease that would mark the exact height of the book. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JErD3Vq1olM/ThOKs12ohjI/AAAAAAAAAy4/fa9EVl9ueVo/s1600/DSC03227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JErD3Vq1olM/ThOKs12ohjI/AAAAAAAAAy4/fa9EVl9ueVo/s400/DSC03227.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I then folded the papers at the crease.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-20K6xBx5FTM/ThOLB6lUFUI/AAAAAAAAAy8/ly_bVKz_Mu4/s1600/DSC03228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-20K6xBx5FTM/ThOLB6lUFUI/AAAAAAAAAy8/ly_bVKz_Mu4/s400/DSC03228.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Finally, I cut the sheets of paper along the crease.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cuQqGPnkaVk/ThOMTUxWPRI/AAAAAAAAAzA/ZOvoat0jHZ0/s1600/DSC03229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cuQqGPnkaVk/ThOMTUxWPRI/AAAAAAAAAzA/ZOvoat0jHZ0/s400/DSC03229.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I repeated the above steps till I had the number of sheets of paper that I would need to cover all the books of the first group. <br />
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</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b> <u>Step 4 - Printing the Titles.</u></b> I’d like to begin this section by saying that I have a very small, cheap-o printer that cost me $9.95 on sale at Microcenter. It only fits sheets of paper that are 8 3/4” wide. I sincerely hope that you have a magnificent printer that can be fed 11” x 17” paper, but if you don’t, do not fret because I was able to pull this project off with my little cheap-o champion. </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">First, I’ll share how I printed the book titles on the book covers that did fit in my printer (8 ¾” or less in height). Then, I’ll share how I managed to put printed labels on the books that used sheets of paper that were too large for my printer.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Take the sheets of paper you’ve already cut to size and place them in your printer.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--U-juF-O8lg/ThPfK5dShrI/AAAAAAAAAzM/sq8vQ82QKVY/s1600/DSC00699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--U-juF-O8lg/ThPfK5dShrI/AAAAAAAAAzM/sq8vQ82QKVY/s400/DSC00699.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">Open up your word processing system. I used Microsoft Office Word 2007. Be sure to leave your page orientation on portrait. Go to “Page Layout” and click on “Size”. Then scroll down to "More Page Sizes".<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1--nPCH65Yc/ThPfYybPpgI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/FXoIgFcgt60/s1600/page+layout+size.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1--nPCH65Yc/ThPfYybPpgI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/FXoIgFcgt60/s640/page+layout+size.jpg" width="508" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div>When the "Page Setup" window opens, write in the width and height of the page you will be using. Keep in mind, the word processor is viewing this page with a portrait or vertical orientation, so when it asks for the “height” you will not be putting the height of the book, you’ll be putting the height of the page when turned vertically. In my example below, my page size is 7” width by 14” height.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IVickFjffyk/ThPfusxaIFI/AAAAAAAAAzU/Mv_hJ_oAE6s/s1600/Page+setup+page+size.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IVickFjffyk/ThPfusxaIFI/AAAAAAAAAzU/Mv_hJ_oAE6s/s640/Page+setup+page+size.jpg" width="413" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div>Once you’ve put the page size, you will need to bring your blinking cursor down to the center of the page. (Half of the page “height” measurement you inputted) Using my example of a 7” x 14” page size, I’d bring my cursor down 7”. (I actually let the bottom of my letters sit on the 7” mark) Don’t forget to account for the top and bottom margin. I find it easier to eliminate the top and bottom margins altogether.</div><div>After moving the cursor to the middle of the page, center your text and choose the font of your choice. I chose <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC";">Bradley Hand ITC </span></u></b> in bold. Choose the font size in proportion to each book’s spine width. </div><div class="separator"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5mzAcxY6nWg/ThPy6si9fUI/AAAAAAAAAzc/G4mLRH4RIKw/s1600/page+diagram+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5mzAcxY6nWg/ThPy6si9fUI/AAAAAAAAAzc/G4mLRH4RIKw/s640/page+diagram+2.jpg" width="372" /></a></div><div class="separator"><br />
</div><div class="separator">That’s it! Just type the title of the first book and hit print!</div><div class="separator"><br />
</div><div><i><b>If you have a small printer like mine, read on to learn how to print book titles for the larger books. If you own a printer that can print on larger size paper, skip to step 5.</b></i></div><div><br />
</div>Now, I’d like to share how I managed to put printed labels on the books that used sheets of paper that were too large for my printer. Here it is folks, the larger books got this treatment.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lPulQfpRyG0/ThPe6_YljBI/AAAAAAAAAzI/M4voSfarmzc/s1600/DSC03234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lPulQfpRyG0/ThPe6_YljBI/AAAAAAAAAzI/M4voSfarmzc/s500/DSC03234.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Yep, I had to cover the book with one sheet of paper, then print the title on a separate sheet of paper and tape it over the first cover. I had to do this for all books that were greater than 8 ¾” in height. I know, a little extra time spent, but I was willing to do this in order to work with what I had and save some money. If you have a small printer and want to avoid the hassle of covering the book and then printing the title on a separate sheet, you have the option of going to a nearby print shop (Kinko’s, Office Depot, Staples, etc) where they are able to print on the larger paper. If you’d rather save a few bucks and go with my “less than spectacular but get’s the job done cheap” method, it’s quite simple to do.<br />
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First, follow steps 1-3 which tell you how to choose and cut the paper for the book jacket. Instead of moving to step 4, which is printing the book title, simple cover your book with the “no printed title” paper. You will be printing your title on a separate 8 ½” x 11” sheet of paper. Put 8 ½” x 11” paper in the printer. <br />
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On your word processing program, change the orientation to Landscape.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GhpHEGJJT6I/ThP1IZ_IR5I/AAAAAAAAAzk/nXDo7NiC1pc/s1600/orientation+landscape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GhpHEGJJT6I/ThP1IZ_IR5I/AAAAAAAAAzk/nXDo7NiC1pc/s640/orientation+landscape.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Now, I don’t want to lose you here so read carefully. Although you are going to use 8 ½” x 11” size paper, you are going to go to “Page Layout”, “Size”, “More Paper Sizes” and in the “page width” box you’re are going to insert the measurement of the height of your book. (Remember, the height is measured vertically from top to bottom. Refer back to the measurement terms above.) The height will remain at 8 ½”. In the example below my book is 10” in height. (Hence the reason it didn’t fit in my printer.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dnvOOKuUOp8/ThP1UEmtPqI/AAAAAAAAAzo/nLsmmXZ8lJw/s1600/8+half+by+11+paper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dnvOOKuUOp8/ThP1UEmtPqI/AAAAAAAAAzo/nLsmmXZ8lJw/s640/8+half+by+11+paper.jpg" width="409" /></a></div><br />
Once you’ve put the page size, you will need to bring your blinking cursor down to the center of the page. For these print outs the center will always be 4 ¼” from the top because the height always remains at 8 ½”.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8FKIwIbvhRY/ThP13b1lSrI/AAAAAAAAAzs/SXh6KN8BDDA/s1600/8+half+by+11+paper+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8FKIwIbvhRY/ThP13b1lSrI/AAAAAAAAAzs/SXh6KN8BDDA/s400/8+half+by+11+paper+image.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
That’s it! Just type the title of the first book and hit print!<br />
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<b><u>Step 5 - Covering your book.</u> </b>Good news! All the hard work has been done. :) Now, just take your printed book cover, wrap it around your book, and fold in the flaps. I did not tape my flaps, but you might choose to do so they can stay in place better.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QsqEezg9hQY/ThP3fZ3uAbI/AAAAAAAAAz4/k1QBMgSxEeo/s1600/wrap+paper+around+the+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QsqEezg9hQY/ThP3fZ3uAbI/AAAAAAAAAz4/k1QBMgSxEeo/s500/wrap+paper+around+the+book.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eIRaqCeyojI/ThP3aAc-9aI/AAAAAAAAAz0/KjPx57zNFe8/s1600/fold+flaps+inward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eIRaqCeyojI/ThP3aAc-9aI/AAAAAAAAAz0/KjPx57zNFe8/s500/fold+flaps+inward.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SUTkD3yI89c/ThP4VarX-qI/AAAAAAAAAz8/ACoGircNP8c/s1600/cropped+image+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SUTkD3yI89c/ThP4VarX-qI/AAAAAAAAAz8/ACoGircNP8c/s500/cropped+image+3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oenpB-ZA90c/ThP4aT3Jy0I/AAAAAAAAA0A/Z8yxBLTELnI/s1600/cropped+image+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oenpB-ZA90c/ThP4aT3Jy0I/AAAAAAAAA0A/Z8yxBLTELnI/s500/cropped+image+4.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">For those of you with a small printer, that are printing the titles for the larger books on a separate 8 ½” x 11” paper, simply take your already covered book and place the second page that has the title printed on it and place it over the existing cover with the title showing on the spine of the book. Tape the second sheet onto the cover. (Refer to the second part of step 4 if unsure)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zm-GXUB0-ZA/ThP6J08JiUI/AAAAAAAAA0E/PUh6L32IN4Q/s1600/DSC03232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zm-GXUB0-ZA/ThP6J08JiUI/AAAAAAAAA0E/PUh6L32IN4Q/s500/DSC03232.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Your done! Well, almost. Now, just repeat the above 5 steps with every group of like-sized books until all the books are covered. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6C3lGLG-WNg/ThP7Tqrl-xI/AAAAAAAAA0I/zAUUNJ8EWlo/s1600/DSC00707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6C3lGLG-WNg/ThP7Tqrl-xI/AAAAAAAAA0I/zAUUNJ8EWlo/s500/DSC00707.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Remember to pace yourself. You will not be completeing this project in a few hours. I worked on mine in the evening, after my little ones were in bed, while watching some of my favorite shows. The end result was everything that I expected and more. Good Luck!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ld5kKRyAoR0/ThP8jYxk-GI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/1ixMH6KXdYw/s1600/DSC01874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ld5kKRyAoR0/ThP8jYxk-GI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/1ixMH6KXdYw/s600/DSC01874.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OS9sd452mTU/TfvvPS1r9QI/AAAAAAAAAu4/YZsOenRS4WI/s1600/DSC01884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OS9sd452mTU/TfvvPS1r9QI/AAAAAAAAAu4/YZsOenRS4WI/s600/DSC01884.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Would you like to know how I textured the wooden letter below with rolled up book pages? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Check out the tutorial <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://thepreciouslittlethingsinlife.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-to-texture-wooden-letter-using.html">here!</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uWnaO8qlF0A/TgOFMb-lmUI/AAAAAAAAAw8/aLdW0KqM9c4/s1600/DSC01869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uWnaO8qlF0A/TgOFMb-lmUI/AAAAAAAAAw8/aLdW0KqM9c4/s600/DSC01869.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Please feel free to ask any questions. I'd love to help in any way that I can. I know this is a very long and detailed tutorial, but I really want to make tackling this project as easy for you as possible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><i>To check out all the amazing blog parties I've joined,</i></u><i> <span style="font-size: large;">click <a href="http://thepreciouslittlethingsinlife.blogspot.com/p/party.html">here</a></span>!</i></span><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com62tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949724151323313679.post-82339869847105660872011-06-23T14:48:00.014-04:002011-09-28T21:07:13.888-04:00How To Texture A Wooden Letter Using Rolled Up Book PagesAs promised in my last post, I'd like to share the tutorial of how I textured a wooden letter "M" using the pages of a book, as seen on my newly <a href="http://thepreciouslittlethingsinlife.blogspot.com/2011/06/dont-judge-book-by-its-cover.html">revamped bedroom bookcase</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xCgpnh5_5xs/Te25cO6cGhI/AAAAAAAAAsU/5x4XB0C1ZFE/s1600/testing+456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xCgpnh5_5xs/Te25cO6cGhI/AAAAAAAAAsU/5x4XB0C1ZFE/s600/testing+456.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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As much as I'd like to take credit for coming up with this brilliant and creative idea, I was actually inspired to do this project by <a href="http://littlethingsbringsmiles.blogspot.com/2010/11/about-me_12.html">Katie</a> over at <a href="http://www.littlethingsbringsmiles.blogspot.com/">Little Things Bring Smiles</a>. I've had her <a href="http://littlethingsbringsmiles.blogspot.com/2011/01/book-letters.html">tutorial </a>of this very project on my side bar for months now because I love it so much. Check out her blog for many other <a href="http://littlethingsbringsmiles.blogspot.com/2011/05/tutorials.html">great ideas</a>. I followed her tutorial pretty closely, only changing a few things to better suit my preference. I'll be sharing my slightly different way of doing the same project with you today.<br />
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<b><u>How to Texture a Wooden Letter Using Rolled Up Book Pages:</u></b><br />
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<b>You will need the following items:</b><br />
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1- The letter or letters of your choice. I chose the letter M because it is the first letter of our last name. The letters can be purchased at most craft stores. Mine was purchased at A.C. Moore.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-24fw_76wzpo/Tf6-SgK9STI/AAAAAAAAAvo/3FpKLNeCgw4/s1600/cropped+M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-24fw_76wzpo/Tf6-SgK9STI/AAAAAAAAAvo/3FpKLNeCgw4/s450/cropped+M.jpg" /></a></div><br />
2-A chapter book with no pictures that you no longer want (Be sure the pages of the book are the color you wish to use on your letter. If you do not own such a book, a thrift store is a great place to find one.)<br />
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3. Scissors<br />
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4. Hot glue gun and glue refills<br />
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<u><b>Instructions:</b></u><br />
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1- After collecting all the necessary items, be sure to connect your hot glue gun so that it will be ready to go.<br />
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2. Begin by tearing the pages out of the book you'll be using. Just to give you an idea of how many pages you'll need, I used about 60 pages for me letter.<br />
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3. After all the pages are torn out, use the scissors to cut the margins off the pages, leaving only the text.<br />
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4. Cut a handful of the pages in half (for the narrower parts of the letter) and leave the rest as full sized sheets.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MIGYkHHKGQY/TgOAmjFwy5I/AAAAAAAAAwY/zWXEM14-2Uc/s1600/DSC01799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MIGYkHHKGQY/TgOAmjFwy5I/AAAAAAAAAwY/zWXEM14-2Uc/s450/DSC01799.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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5. Begin rolling up the sheets of paper. I rolled mine up tightly because I preferred the look of many small rolls of paper as opposed to fewer large rolls, but this is completely up to you. When you near the end of the roll, leave a 1/2 inch overhang and apply hot glue to the inner edge and then finish rolling up the paper,<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XCrck9QxCPw/TgOBUEjnO6I/AAAAAAAAAwo/Gy7qEVpsrXE/s1600/DSC01816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XCrck9QxCPw/TgOBUEjnO6I/AAAAAAAAAwo/Gy7qEVpsrXE/s450/DSC01816.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cauaQrv8_QM/TgOBO8nRhII/AAAAAAAAAwk/E-lt6sKwL_8/s1600/DSC01803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cauaQrv8_QM/TgOBO8nRhII/AAAAAAAAAwk/E-lt6sKwL_8/s450/DSC01803.JPG" /></a></div><br />
6. Using the roll of paper I'd already made, I roughly calculated how many rolls I would need and I made a<br />
handful of paper rolls before I began applying any of them to the letter. I just felt the project would move quicker this way. When you've made a good bundle of paper rolls, choose whether you will cover the letter from top to bottom or from bottom to top, (I did it from bottom to top) and place the first roll at your starting point.<br />
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7. Using the letter as a guideline, cut the roll of paper to match the exact width of the area you are covering.<br />
(In the picture below I am simply demonstrating how to cut the roll of paper to size so it's not placed at my starting point)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VZ6gxDAjxP4/TgOCGETsxxI/AAAAAAAAAws/vtfK2qisCMw/s1600/DSC01808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VZ6gxDAjxP4/TgOCGETsxxI/AAAAAAAAAws/vtfK2qisCMw/s450/DSC01808.JPG" /></a></div><br />
8. Glue the roll of paper to the letter. Because mine was a symmetrical letter and I wanted both sides to match, I alternated sides, gluing a roll of paper on one side, then the other and so on.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tVT1S3A2cf0/TgOIMv4S_2I/AAAAAAAAAxA/jH0yXy2Ec-8/s1600/DSC01812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tVT1S3A2cf0/TgOIMv4S_2I/AAAAAAAAAxA/jH0yXy2Ec-8/s450/DSC01812.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
9. Repeat steps 6-7 with each roll of paper you already have. I glued the rolls of paper together tightly because I liked the way it looked that way. Again, a matter of preference.<br />
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10. When you run out of the rolls of paper you've made, begin making more, repeating all above steps until the letter is covered. For the symmetrical letters, be sure the rolls of paper on both sides of the letter match up.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uWnaO8qlF0A/TgOFMb-lmUI/AAAAAAAAAw8/aLdW0KqM9c4/s1600/DSC01869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uWnaO8qlF0A/TgOFMb-lmUI/AAAAAAAAAw8/aLdW0KqM9c4/s600/DSC01869.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Got any questions? Feel free to ask. I'd love to help in any way I can. Stay tuned for a tutorial on how to make this felt wreath.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XdpUdhiHXN0/TgOJshBXvII/AAAAAAAAAxE/N-iCsYT1vq8/s1600/DSC01941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XdpUdhiHXN0/TgOJshBXvII/AAAAAAAAAxE/N-iCsYT1vq8/s600/DSC01941.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MhW4hGdI564/ToESyqS0L3I/AAAAAAAABE0/_uGbeQNqW94/s1600/justanothervoice4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Party with me <a href="http://thepreciouslittlethingsinlife.blogspot.com/p/party.html">HERE!</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/">http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/">http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/ </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/">http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/ </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/">http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/ </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mysimplehomelife.com/">http://www.mysimplehomelife.com/ </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/">http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/ </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.addicted2decorating.com/">http://blog.addicted2decorating.com/ </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/">http://www.remodelaholic.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/">http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/ </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/">http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/ </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/">http://www.bystephanielynn.com/ </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949724151323313679.post-33190127871223073072011-06-20T01:32:00.056-04:002011-09-28T21:07:49.302-04:00Don't Judge a Book By Its Cover<div class="MsoNormal">The truth is, we all do it. We take one look at something or someone and form an opinion, be it negative or positive, based solely on what we see. Although used by all, this method of selection is quite flawed, and because of it many have overlooked treasures of incalculable worth. Like gold nuggets in the mud, beauty is often hidden beneath a cloak of unsightliness. It happened to me when I approached a dirty sunburned homeless man, expecting slurred speech and irrational thoughts. To my surprise, I found a soft-spoken and articulate intellectual. It happened to me when I pulled into the littered and unkempt parking lot of a dingy shack, displaying a faded crooked sign that read “Ant qu s”. I almost left, but opted to stay, expecting to find a rusty foul-smelling collection of junk. Instead, I found an orderly display of priceless heirlooms. Take my torn and tattered collection of old books, for example. At first glance and to the untrained eye, they appear to be of no worth at all. The pages are yellow, the bindings and covers torn and creased, but it’s in the skillfully worded sentences and paragraphs that their true value lies; stories so beautifully told you can almost taste, smell, and see every detail. Although space is limited in our home, the books are simply too precious for us to discard. As you can see in the picture below, some of them are in very poor condition. All six of these books I've kept since my childhood and I cannot express what a thrill it has been for me to read them aloud to my own children. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv103rENp7U/Ta2Mchi_lII/AAAAAAAAAdo/RF68X-oQ2hk/s1600/DSC00709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv103rENp7U/Ta2Mchi_lII/AAAAAAAAAdo/RF68X-oQ2hk/s500/DSC00709.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
Because these books are so near and dear to my heart, I did not want to stash them away somewhere or hide them behind cabinet doors. I wanted to display them in a way that would reflect their importance and also our family's passion and love for reading. The bookcase we chose to tackle first was the one in <a href="http://thepreciouslittlethingsinlife.blogspot.com/search/label/Master%20Bedroom">our bedroom</a>, since that is the room we've been working on completing for a while now. This bookcase has all the children's chapter books, my husbands resource/study books, and the majority of my books. Here is the bookcase as it looked before we began our makeover. (all the picture books were moved to the kids' room) <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you have not already done so, I’d like to invite you to read a previous post, <a href="http://thepreciouslittlethingsinlife.blogspot.com/2011/04/confessions-of-bookworm.html">“Confessions of a Bookworm”</a>, so you can better understand the following project. </span> </i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o3dOsOp8WE8/Ta0P1KiORLI/AAAAAAAAAc8/HPhEcyuklRk/s1600/DSC00291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o3dOsOp8WE8/Ta0P1KiORLI/AAAAAAAAAc8/HPhEcyuklRk/s500/DSC00291.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After looking at countless inspiration pictures of artfully displayed books and tastefully arranged bookcases, we were pretty sure we knew what we wanted. Here are two of the images that most inspired me. Source: Southern Living<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f4UISa6pbeE/TfgWk3V7mCI/AAAAAAAAAtM/Ru-nfdgX1S4/s1600/loft+and+cottage+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f4UISa6pbeE/TfgWk3V7mCI/AAAAAAAAAtM/Ru-nfdgX1S4/s500/loft+and+cottage+blog.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-No54ZpKAfAI/TfgWulgvhQI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/9atJ9vPNfRU/s1600/southernliving_bookcase_wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-No54ZpKAfAI/TfgWulgvhQI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/9atJ9vPNfRU/s500/southernliving_bookcase_wreath.jpg" /></a></div><br />
We began our bookcase makeover by removing all the books and knickknacks, focusing our attention on the bookcase itself. (Actually two bookcases joined to become one) These <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/83688210">Ikea bookcases</a> were handed down to me by my sister (check out her blog The Pear Tree Cottage <a href="http://thepeartreecottage.blogspot.com/">here</a>). They were taken apart and stored in my garage in Texas for a while before we moved, then transported 1,600 miles to New Jersey in a tightly packed Uhaul truck. They were in serious need of some TLC.<br />
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The particle board backing, which was suppose to be nailed with small nails to the middle shelf, had been nailed so many times it would no longer hold up. Not only did it not hold up, but the numerous attempts to nail it had left unsightly holes. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9mGNFllvgGc/TfmmlfJNjFI/AAAAAAAAAts/Ai0u-ErU6lA/s1600/DSC00553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9mGNFllvgGc/TfmmlfJNjFI/AAAAAAAAAts/Ai0u-ErU6lA/s500/DSC00553.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
We gave up on the nails altogether, aligned the boards, and used a staple gun to secure the backing instead. After the backing was secured we used caulk to cover the holes left behind by the numerous nailing attempts.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i5Y-Zj05KnU/Tfmm9kaBMNI/AAAAAAAAAtw/Br2hABs4GM0/s1600/DSC00566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i5Y-Zj05KnU/Tfmm9kaBMNI/AAAAAAAAAtw/Br2hABs4GM0/s500/DSC00566.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A0B734o45ok/TfmnDIIQXXI/AAAAAAAAAt0/wszqfRfYU-I/s1600/DSC00586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A0B734o45ok/TfmnDIIQXXI/AAAAAAAAAt0/wszqfRfYU-I/s500/DSC00586.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Once the backing was secured and the holes sealed, we were ready to choose a paint color for the inside/back of the bookcase. A sandy tan that would match our bedding and pillows was what we had in mind. We purchased a paint sample at Home Depot (the lighter color in the pic below) and painted a few strokes on the bookcase, along with the color we used in our kitchen, to see which one we felt would look the best. The lighter color was unanimously voted upon.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WEOP9X6oPL8/TfmoAIDcZsI/AAAAAAAAAt4/a0Sgw0MJ3rI/s1600/DSC00591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WEOP9X6oPL8/TfmoAIDcZsI/AAAAAAAAAt4/a0Sgw0MJ3rI/s500/DSC00591.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qBOeulvwynU/TfmoEe7nhLI/AAAAAAAAAt8/hO4ZEPEyEWk/s1600/DSC00597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qBOeulvwynU/TfmoEe7nhLI/AAAAAAAAAt8/hO4ZEPEyEWk/s500/DSC00597.JPG" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span id="goog_67504080"></span><span id="goog_67504081"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Once we were finished with the bookcase itself, we were able to move on to the books. As I mentioned in <a href="http://thepreciouslittlethingsinlife.blogspot.com/2011/04/confessions-of-bookworm.html">this post</a>, one of the things we wanted to change was how colorful and busy the bookcase looked. In our bedroom, we are going for what I call a cool and crisp look. Simple, clean, and bright. It was clear to us that the rainbow effect created by the colorful book bindings was making it impossible for us to achieve this overall look. Add to that the less than appealing appearance of some of the books and we had a real challenge on our hands.<br />
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After much discussion and deliberation, a rather unorthodox solution was decided upon. We would cover all the books, making our own book covers with white paper and printing the titles on the binding.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QS7H4j76wFI/Tf7lGg2Yo3I/AAAAAAAAAwM/k3HS7ayOr34/s1600/DSC00707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QS7H4j76wFI/Tf7lGg2Yo3I/AAAAAAAAAwM/k3HS7ayOr34/s500/DSC00707.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Although I immediately got giddy with excitement at the thought of how amazing the bookcase would look, the task of covering each book was rather daunting. I decided not to ponder too much the amount of work and time the project would take, knowing that if I did, I might be too intimidated to begin. I just jumped right into the chaos and I have not regretted it. <i>(I'll soon be sharing a detailed step-by-step tutorial on how I completed this project) </i><br />
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After the books were covered, we were able to move on to the fun part, collecting and arranging the accent pieces that would be displayed along with the books. This being our bedroom, we wanted a few pieces that would tell a story about our relationship and our family. I also wanted to include a few DIY crafts I'd worked on to give the bookcase that personalized and unique feel. Due to our restricted budget, the majority of the items were purchased secondhand at a nearby thrift store. So, without further ado, before and after pics of our new and improve bookcase!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">The "too busy and too colorful" BEFORE</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p7Sb55h-4WE/TfvQi2zzs3I/AAAAAAAAAug/0utwENw1ZyY/s1600/DSC00291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p7Sb55h-4WE/TfvQi2zzs3I/AAAAAAAAAug/0utwENw1ZyY/s600/DSC00291.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">The "cool, crisp, clean, simple, and bright" AFTER </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xCgpnh5_5xs/Te25cO6cGhI/AAAAAAAAAsU/5x4XB0C1ZFE/s1600/testing+456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xCgpnh5_5xs/Te25cO6cGhI/AAAAAAAAAsU/5x4XB0C1ZFE/s650/testing+456.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">BEFORE</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lcD4Hb7JkyU/TfvRrtyR2BI/AAAAAAAAAuo/5m98iMva6T0/s1600/DSC00287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lcD4Hb7JkyU/TfvRrtyR2BI/AAAAAAAAAuo/5m98iMva6T0/s600/DSC00287.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">AFTER</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sf54PTxxS7g/TfviBQvrA2I/AAAAAAAAAu0/zHIudhUc8kg/s1600/DSC01894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sf54PTxxS7g/TfviBQvrA2I/AAAAAAAAAu0/zHIudhUc8kg/s600/DSC01894.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">BEFORE</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT5dA6D-32M/TfvRm3Qy1SI/AAAAAAAAAuk/hElFYn51Uys/s1600/DSC00285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT5dA6D-32M/TfvRm3Qy1SI/AAAAAAAAAuk/hElFYn51Uys/s600/DSC00285.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">AFTER</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iotaS0Secho/Tfvh73jgnhI/AAAAAAAAAuw/A-kqQgYfjKM/s1600/DSC01893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iotaS0Secho/Tfvh73jgnhI/AAAAAAAAAuw/A-kqQgYfjKM/s600/DSC01893.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
You may notice that the books are not very evenly distributed, that the bottom shelves have more books than the top shelves. The thing is, I like the way the shelves look when they are not overly crowded with books, but we have a lot of books Due to the layout of our room, the bottom shelves can only be seen if you stand right in front of the window, so I decided early on that I wanted the bulk of the books to go on the bottom shelves.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now for a quick shelf by shelf breakdown. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OS9sd452mTU/TfvvPS1r9QI/AAAAAAAAAu4/YZsOenRS4WI/s1600/DSC01884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OS9sd452mTU/TfvvPS1r9QI/AAAAAAAAAu4/YZsOenRS4WI/s600/DSC01884.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Top two shelves on the left: <u>Plant pot</u> <i>Valentine's Day gift from hubby purchased at HomeGoods</i>, <u>House plant</u><i> HomeDepot $3.99,</i> <u>Picture frame</u> <i><a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10155162">IkeaVirserum Frame $2.99</a></i>, <u>Picture inside the frame</u><i> post card of Cancun, Mexico from our honeymoon</i>, <u>Woven tray</u> <i>thrift store find</i> <i>$1.41</i>, <u>Wooden number 14 </u><i>commemorating the day we became boyfriend and girlfriend March 14, 1996 read our love story <a href="http://thepreciouslittlethingsinlife.blogspot.com/2011/05/love-story-on-display.html">here</a></i> <i>-craft store purchase $.49 each</i>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G-5Hmyxd7GM/Tfvv13zBjyI/AAAAAAAAAu8/RY7vZnpgHFA/s1600/DSC01874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G-5Hmyxd7GM/Tfvv13zBjyI/AAAAAAAAAu8/RY7vZnpgHFA/s600/DSC01874.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Top two shelves on the right: <u>Felt wreath</u> <i>made by me-</i> <i>tutorial to come soon $10, </i><u>Wooden chair</u> <i>JoAnn's $7.99</i>, <u>Wooden "Shaker Seed Co." sign</u> <i>thrift store $.99</i>, <u>Glass bottle</u><i> thrift store $.69</i>, <u>Candles</u> <i>Ikea Jubla candles left over from previous project</i>, <u>Tin bucket</u> <i>Target $.99. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qt5-0mL6MSU/Tfv3NA9KhkI/AAAAAAAAAvA/VaO9kTCQHt8/s1600/DSC01872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qt5-0mL6MSU/Tfv3NA9KhkI/AAAAAAAAAvA/VaO9kTCQHt8/s600/DSC01872.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Third shelf on the right: Glass Bottle <i>thrift store $1.41</i>, Candle <i>gift</i>, Wooden tray<i> thrift store $1.61</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3KU2VhWc_7U/Tfv3SLyZBKI/AAAAAAAAAvE/MUMo5aNqrUo/s1600/DSC01881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3KU2VhWc_7U/Tfv3SLyZBKI/AAAAAAAAAvE/MUMo5aNqrUo/s600/DSC01881.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Third shelf on the left: <u> Lantern</u> <i>garage sale 1.50</i>, <u>Book bracket</u><i> thrift store $.99</i>, <u>Basket weave coaster</u> <i>gift</i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s_t3CpgENY8/Tfv56bcfEII/AAAAAAAAAvQ/aBK-Rwo0Cmo/s1600/shelf+4+right+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s_t3CpgENY8/Tfv56bcfEII/AAAAAAAAAvQ/aBK-Rwo0Cmo/s600/shelf+4+right+side.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Forth self on the right side: <u>Letter M craft store </u><i>$1.99 with added texture by me tutorial soon to come</i>, <u>Picture frame</u> <i>Ribba from Ikea $19.99</i>, <u>Print inside frame</u> <i>printed on our computer, MapQuest map with highlighted path from Houston (where my hubby lived while we were dating) to Fort Worth (where I lived). We had a <a href="http://thepreciouslittlethingsinlife.blogspot.com/2011/05/love-story-on-display.html">long distance relationship</a> and this 4 hour trip was much traveled by the two of us</i>, <u>Plant and <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00173736">Pot</a></u><i> Ikea $5</i>, <u>Crystal candle holder</u> <i>wedding gift</i>, Candle <i>already owned</i>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QqqLm0FY7Ww/Tfv5a-YtKqI/AAAAAAAAAvM/7qwX6xdd4k0/s1600/DSC01902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QqqLm0FY7Ww/Tfv5a-YtKqI/AAAAAAAAAvM/7qwX6xdd4k0/s600/DSC01902.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fifth shelf on the right: <u>Round frame with real pressed flowers</u> <i>thrift store already owned for many years</i>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7GU9h6D3FA8/Tfv-pYkY9sI/AAAAAAAAAvU/7JpK26gadKs/s1600/DSC01878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7GU9h6D3FA8/Tfv-pYkY9sI/AAAAAAAAAvU/7JpK26gadKs/s600/DSC01878.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fourth Shelf on the left: <u>Tray with number 3</u> <i>for our three children tray purchased at thrift store and then transformed by me, tutorial to come soon tray $1.61 number $1.99 paint, $2.94, </i><u>Shell</u><i> from <a href="http://thepreciouslittlethingsinlife.blogspot.com/2011/05/down-shore_13.html">this trip</a> down the shore on Mother's Day.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VA_N6sq_K0g/Tfv-yFogA5I/AAAAAAAAAvY/iqBAoZWzQsc/s1600/DSC01880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VA_N6sq_K0g/Tfv-yFogA5I/AAAAAAAAAvY/iqBAoZWzQsc/s600/DSC01880.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Fifth shelf on left side: <u>Tin Pail</u> <i>thrift store $.99</i>, <u>Ivy Plants</u> <i>HomeDepot $4 for both</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgUqKc7zdS0/Tfv-6UpfBkI/AAAAAAAAAvc/_hO3hLnbvr0/s1600/DSC01907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgUqKc7zdS0/Tfv-6UpfBkI/AAAAAAAAAvc/_hO3hLnbvr0/s600/DSC01907.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bottom Shelf on both sides: <u>Wooden box</u> <i>containing a few of our love letters, thrift store $.99 design painted by me,<u> </u></i><u>Letter "O"</u> <i>not pictured HomeGoods $3.99</i></span><br />
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<u><b>Overview of Complete Bookcase Transformation Costs:</b></u><br />
Accent Pieces- $79.03<br />
Bookcovers - free (used paper that was given to us)<br />
Paint sample used to paint bookcase backing: $2.94<br />
Paint sample used to paint tray and numbers: $2.94<i></i><br />
<i>_______________________________________________</i><br />
<b>Total Spent: $84.91</b><i> (Jump for Joy!)</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">You might have also noticed that we hung a framed chalkboard </span>on the column next to the bookcase. This is something I've dreamt of having in our bedroom for a long time; a place where my honey and I can leave each other notes of love and encouragement. What woman would not want to wake up to this sweet note from her man? (made using <a href="http://thepreciouslittlethingsinlife.blogspot.com/2011/02/you-did-what.html">this</a> old mirror and chalkboard paint)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3_fk56lhrYc/Tf65d8T2DpI/AAAAAAAAAvg/XkbJjthzEvc/s1600/DSC01918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3_fk56lhrYc/Tf65d8T2DpI/AAAAAAAAAvg/XkbJjthzEvc/s600/DSC01918.JPG" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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One last look for your viewing pleasure.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xCgpnh5_5xs/Te25cO6cGhI/AAAAAAAAAsU/5x4XB0C1ZFE/s1600/testing+456.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xCgpnh5_5xs/Te25cO6cGhI/AAAAAAAAAsU/5x4XB0C1ZFE/s650/testing+456.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
If you like the covered books and wish to tackle this kind of project in your own home, I've written up a very <a href="http://thepreciouslittlethingsinlife.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-cover-books-and-print-titles.html">detailed step-by-step tutorial</a> on how I accomplished this tedious and time consuming, yet exceedingly rewarding task. Check out that tutorial <a href="http://thepreciouslittlethingsinlife.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-cover-books-and-print-titles.html">HERE</a>. <br />
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Interested in knowing <a href="http://thepreciouslittlethingsinlife.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-to-texture-wooden-letter-using.html">how to texture a wooden letter with rolled up book pages</a>, like the letter "M" below? Check out a detailed tutorial <a href="http://thepreciouslittlethingsinlife.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-to-texture-wooden-letter-using.html">HERE.</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tm6fNWK5e40/Tf6-6Wts17I/AAAAAAAAAvs/l2elBy0McdU/s1600/DSC01868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tm6fNWK5e40/Tf6-6Wts17I/AAAAAAAAAvs/l2elBy0McdU/s600/DSC01868.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Want to know how this tray went from looking like this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VlY6nJBx7wk/Tf7ADE4H1-I/AAAAAAAAAvw/f5XEJ9su0jU/s1600/DSC00890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VlY6nJBx7wk/Tf7ADE4H1-I/AAAAAAAAAvw/f5XEJ9su0jU/s600/DSC00890.JPG" /></a></div><br />
to looking like this?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gs4jm3VbPIg/Tf7A_vcf9vI/AAAAAAAAAv0/tg5A404J8JQ/s1600/DSC01878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gs4jm3VbPIg/Tf7A_vcf9vI/AAAAAAAAAv0/tg5A404J8JQ/s600/DSC01878.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Tutorial Coming Soon<br />
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And lastly, would you like to know how I used these materials...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PeaSkHzEmNs/Tf7GZmdX0XI/AAAAAAAAAv8/oDbCuLkFhlU/s1600/DSC00488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PeaSkHzEmNs/Tf7GZmdX0XI/AAAAAAAAAv8/oDbCuLkFhlU/s600/DSC00488.JPG" /></a></div><br />
to make this wreath?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fJFbw_zfByw/Tf7SsqqWIBI/AAAAAAAAAwI/WEzdBGHTauM/s1600/DSC01941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fJFbw_zfByw/Tf7SsqqWIBI/AAAAAAAAAwI/WEzdBGHTauM/s600/DSC01941.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I'll be sharing this tutorial soon. If you'd like to be notified immediately when I post, simply scroll on over to the side bar and follow this blog. I'd be honored to have you. <br />
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I'll leave you now with this quote by <a href="http://www.roalddahl.com/">Roald Dahl</a> (author of <i>Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, James and the Giant Peach</i>, and many other amazing children's books)<br />
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"Please, oh please, we beg, we pray, go throw your TV set away, and in its place you can install, a lovely bookcase on the wall." -<a href="http://www.roalddahl.com/">Roald Dahl</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JqbO3P57AR8/TWdQJgsUZ1I/AAAAAAAAAVY/1GxIQxOtBcQ/s1600/Signiture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><i><span style="font-size: small;">To check out all the amazing blog parties I've joined,</span></i></u><i> <span style="font-size: large;">click <a href="http://thepreciouslittlethingsinlife.blogspot.com/p/party.html">here</a>.</span></i></span></div><br />
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<div align="center"><a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/how-to-install-cabinet-moldin" title="The Lettered Cottage"><img alt="The Lettered Cottage" src="http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj29/LaylaPalmer/How%20To/How_To_Linky_Button.jpg" style="border: currentColor;" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com91tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949724151323313679.post-48150751974099464762011-05-26T14:47:00.046-04:002011-11-10T11:44:09.873-05:00A Love Story On DisplayI remember the evening of March 14, 1996 well. I was fourteen and in love. It was a warm night, and although there were many people walking past, I felt that it was just him and I in all the world. We were strolling together <i>(a few feet away from our friends and family)</i> down the crowded "streets" of Six Flags, after having spent an unforgettable day together. His silly jokes and polite manner made every moment with him special, and the way he stared into my eyes sent my heart into an accelerated frenzy. He said there was something he wanted to ask me. He was nervous as he tried to get the words out and then quickly blurted, "Would you like to be my girlfriend?" My timid response? "Are you sure?" I couldn't believe this cute boy with the kind hazel eyes actually liked <i>me</i>! When he assured me that he was indeed serious, I immediately consented. The following day he spoke with my father, a brave and admirable feat for a boy of seventeen, and requested his permission to "get to know his daughter." My father patiently waited till he finished his "she's very special and I have feelings for her" speech, before informing him that at fourteen his daughter was not ready to have a boyfriend, adding that if he was still interested in pursuing a relationship with her when she turned fifteen, he would give his consent at that time. Being the reasonable man that he is though, my father did say he'd allow us to correspond with one another and even agreed to a phone call now and then. What softened his heart was seeing what a special young man this was. The fact that he lived 4 hours away also helped to set his mind at ease. Surely, if the young man was not serious about his feelings, this childhood romance would never survive a long distance friendship and a one year trial period. <br />
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What a thrill it was for me to receive his letters. I'd make a mad-dash for the mailbox every day after school. I also enjoyed writing him, painstakingly rereading each sentence to be sure that it was perfectly worded. I'd write many rough copies before carefully penning the final draft. We wrote each other dozens of letters. He'd usually call on Saturday nights, at first twice a month and then weekly. I'd wait by the phone for his call. Our phone conversations went from 20 minutes long to 2 hours long, and at times, unbeknownst to my parents, 5 hours long. We simply never ran out of things to talk about, covering every imaginable topic. Oh, how he could make me laugh! No matter what mood I was in when our conversation began, he'd have me laughing by the end of it. Gradually our letters and our conversations became more and more affectionate. He began to make surprise visits up to see me and a few times even came by to pick me up after school <i>(with my little brother, the appointed chaperone, at his side)</i>. Three months after our Six Flags outing, during one of his visits, as we stood together on the front porch saying goodbye, he whispered, "I love you." By the time my 15th birthday rolled around he'd become a part of our family and my parents were as in love with him as I was. When I reminded my father of his stipulation 1 yr. prior, he seemed to have forgotten all about it. In May of 1998, when I was 16 yrs old, he took me (and our chaperone) to the Houston Galleria, a cherished spot for both of us. There, with swarms of people walking by, he knelt down on one knee and holding out a red, heart shaped velvet ring box said to me, "I want you to be my wife." I cried, and could only nod my head yes, as he stood and hugged me tight. We were two children so deeply in love, not knowing what life had in store for us, but knowing without a doubt that we wanted to be together always. On June 25, 2000, one month after I graduated from high school, we were married. <br />
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It's been 15 years since that warm summer evening in March. The awkwardly spoken words of two timid teenagers marks the beginning of a beautiful relationship, that defying all odds, has stood the test of time. <br />
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This is a picture of us, the hazel-eyed boy and me, at my Quinceañera celebration <i>(a coming out party celebrated in the Latin American culture when a young lady turns 15).</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XWCI4F7nz-0/Tf7Qp9Sh-YI/AAAAAAAAAwE/mqvZhAkSd7s/s1600/15s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XWCI4F7nz-0/Tf7Qp9Sh-YI/AAAAAAAAAwE/mqvZhAkSd7s/s500/15s.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I wanted to share our story with you so that you could better appreciate how meaningful the following collection of frames is to us. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p7sIa3c7T6s/Td5ZVyeqJVI/AAAAAAAAApk/bUSjjfvyP6M/s1600/DSC00281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p7sIa3c7T6s/Td5ZVyeqJVI/AAAAAAAAApk/bUSjjfvyP6M/s600/DSC00281.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Before I go into further detail about what we carefully chose to place in each frame, I'd like to give a few guided instructions on how we arranged and hung this gallery for those of you who might be interested in displaying a similar arrangement in your own home.<br />
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My arrangement inspiration came from this collection of frames found above Sherry and John Petersik's console table, as seen on their amazing site <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/">Young House Love</a>. <i>(This is actually the entryway of their previous home.) </i>I visit this site first thing when I sit at my computer every day. I love it!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aSodzWYyx_Q/Td5cbdIk0jI/AAAAAAAAApo/3WMxWSOwrUE/s1600/june-flowers-far.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aSodzWYyx_Q/Td5cbdIk0jI/AAAAAAAAApo/3WMxWSOwrUE/s600/june-flowers-far.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>As Sherry cleverly classifies it in <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2009/08/getting-the-hang-of-it/">this video</a> <i>(which I recommend if your looking for inspiration and guidance in hanging your own frames)</i>, this arrangement is symmetrical with a twist. We wanted a relaxed yet formal look; structured fun is what I call it. There are many great tutorials out there on how to hang a collection of frames, and after doing a little research, I felt confident enough to tackle the project, taking bits and pieces of what I'd read and doing a little improvising along the way. <i> (please excuse the fuzzy and ill-lit pictures)</i><br />
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1. The first thing I did was lay the frames out to be sure I liked the way the arrangement looked and to determine exact placing. Although I already had a very defined idea of the placement in my head and had lay the frames out on the floor of the store aisle before purchasing them <i>(yes, I'm "the weird, crazy lady with the poor, embarrassed husband by her side"</i>), I wanted to be sure I was satisfied with the way the arrangement was going to look. When you lay the frames out, decide on the spacing width you'd like to use between each frame. <i> (For those of you who are as forgetful as I, write the space measurement down for future reference.) </i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XzQT1DN_WVM/Td6QItmDQpI/AAAAAAAAAqc/PWefLsMjBN0/s1600/DSC01357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XzQT1DN_WVM/Td6QItmDQpI/AAAAAAAAAqc/PWefLsMjBN0/s400/DSC01357.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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2. I then numbered each frame, writing the number in pencil on the back. I did this after noticing that the frames, even the matching ones, had the hardware spaced differently on the back.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bk9Iu3kws_k/Td5k3YtzHeI/AAAAAAAAAp0/exwUk0f3HQA/s1600/DSC01363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bk9Iu3kws_k/Td5k3YtzHeI/AAAAAAAAAp0/exwUk0f3HQA/s400/DSC01363.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
3. Next, I cut sheets of paper to match the size of each picture frame (taping two sheets together for larger frames) and wrote the number on the paper that corresponded with the matching frame.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-devWDDwwMVo/Td5k18uWkvI/AAAAAAAAApw/PO7Xdib_SYM/s1600/DSC01358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-devWDDwwMVo/Td5k18uWkvI/AAAAAAAAApw/PO7Xdib_SYM/s400/DSC01358.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xMKeeBdbxjI/Td5k7jrdm4I/AAAAAAAAAqA/H8vy-psAkVY/s1600/DSC01367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xMKeeBdbxjI/Td5k7jrdm4I/AAAAAAAAAqA/H8vy-psAkVY/s400/DSC01367.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
4. I lay each paper over the back of each corresponding frame and marked the location of the hardware, making a pencil mark exactly where each nail would need to be placed. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JAFoMlzNpEo/Td5k4qwLhhI/AAAAAAAAAp4/9R9cEaU5qKQ/s1600/DSC01364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JAFoMlzNpEo/Td5k4qwLhhI/AAAAAAAAAp4/9R9cEaU5qKQ/s400/DSC01364.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
5. After I had every sheet of paper labeled and marked, I was ready to begin measuring and placing the sheets of paper on the wall. These are the supplies I used for the next few steps.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WmaGd8v2fWQ/Td5k9KYpzFI/AAAAAAAAAqE/46SSm0iU6H0/s1600/DSC01369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WmaGd8v2fWQ/Td5k9KYpzFI/AAAAAAAAAqE/46SSm0iU6H0/s400/DSC01369.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It is important to first determine if you are going to center the arrangement over a focal point in the room or with the wall itself. Due to the<strike> ridiculous</strike> unique placement of our air conditioning unit, I struggled a little with the placement.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DBX6YZFw-CA/Td6g5E4C--I/AAAAAAAAAqw/qEiXqbuCOxU/s1600/yikes+a+c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DBX6YZFw-CA/Td6g5E4C--I/AAAAAAAAAqw/qEiXqbuCOxU/s400/yikes+a+c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Being the perfectionist that I am, it bothered me to no end that, because of the air conditioner, the arrangement would appear unbalanced. I eventually decided to ignore the air conditioner all together, knowing that whatever we decided to put on that wall would be adversely affected by it's placement. I simply moved the bed and nightstands as far to the right as I could and centered the arrangement above the bed. Because I had a limited amount of space on the left due to the air conditioner, I had to make the space between each frame a lot smaller than I originally intended.<br />
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<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6. Once you've decided how your going to center the arrangement, measure and place the sheet of paper for the the large middle frame first, being sure to put the marked side of the sheet forward-facing. Be sure to use painters tape to keep from damaging the paint on your wall. Use the level along the top edge of the paper to ensure that it is straight. When the placement is just right, apply pressure to the tape to secure the sheet of paper to the wall. You don't want the paper moving out of place as you begin measuring and placing the other sheets. Once the sheet of paper for the large middle frame has been taped to the wall, use a ruler to find the middle of the frame, measuring vertically, and work your way out from there. Remember to use the level to keep the papers straight. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(<i>Instead of writing a wordy explanation, I hope this picture will help you understand the quickest and most accurate way to measure out and place the sheets of paper. I spaced my frames 3/4in apart due to space constraints caused by the placement of our air conditioner. )</i></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L0UDIzqCtwA/Td6BVO8PMGI/AAAAAAAAAqM/uLukUv9iQFM/s1600/frame+spacing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L0UDIzqCtwA/Td6BVO8PMGI/AAAAAAAAAqM/uLukUv9iQFM/s640/frame+spacing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>7. After you've taped all the sheets of paper on the wall, hammer the nails through the previously made pencil markings.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1MrFIBEDL78/Td6FZPkEFVI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/bmxNcuJQ0d0/s1600/DSC01378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1MrFIBEDL78/Td6FZPkEFVI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/bmxNcuJQ0d0/s400/DSC01378.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
8. When you've nailed all the nails, rip off each sheet and hang the corresponding frame in it's place. I highly recommend you do one at a time (remove the sheet of paper and place the corresponding frame) so you will not lose track of which frame goes where.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FWt7tqLj2b4/Td6GgBGQ_hI/AAAAAAAAAqU/agC-vfHG4Fg/s1600/DSC01379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FWt7tqLj2b4/Td6GgBGQ_hI/AAAAAAAAAqU/agC-vfHG4Fg/s400/DSC01379.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This is what it looked like when I finished.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cflkZCcCYAk/Td6HTCZRn8I/AAAAAAAAAqY/q3lMcErONW8/s1600/DSC01385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cflkZCcCYAk/Td6HTCZRn8I/AAAAAAAAAqY/q3lMcErONW8/s400/DSC01385.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Once we had the frames hung, we began discussing what we wanted each frame to display. Because it is our bedroom, we both wanted this collection to be about our relationship, our family, and the love we have for one another. My sweet hubby created the print found in the large middle frame, "The Martinez Family, Established 2000".<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W6zSzMsdYoA/Td6WaBRBdaI/AAAAAAAAAqg/vs8ZMm5FpAQ/s1600/DSC01787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W6zSzMsdYoA/Td6WaBRBdaI/AAAAAAAAAqg/vs8ZMm5FpAQ/s400/DSC01787.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
In each of the four small frames to the immediate left and right of the large frame, we put a time stamped envelope from our days of courtship. The envelopes still hold inside of them precious love letters we wrote to one another.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7Rw5VV4zEg/Td6aAFRHPoI/AAAAAAAAAqk/rE4lN7xTC5w/s1600/envelope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7Rw5VV4zEg/Td6aAFRHPoI/AAAAAAAAAqk/rE4lN7xTC5w/s400/envelope.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
In the medium sized frame on the far left, we put a letter my husband wrote to me. Notice the paper is still creased from being folded inside an envelope and stored for so many years.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ru53wHFdK9c/Td6c1eHpe5I/AAAAAAAAAqs/EP-Bo28Iptw/s1600/DSC01789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ru53wHFdK9c/Td6c1eHpe5I/AAAAAAAAAqs/EP-Bo28Iptw/s400/DSC01789.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>In the medium sized frame on the far right, we put a crossword puzzle that I made years ago for my hubby to solve (back when we were teenagers with lots of free time on our hands :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ozo0jsRiSus/Td6cfjEEM0I/AAAAAAAAAqo/8YIuC1Cy_DA/s1600/DSC01788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ozo0jsRiSus/Td6cfjEEM0I/AAAAAAAAAqo/8YIuC1Cy_DA/s400/DSC01788.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Here are few pictures of the completed project, taken from different angles.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ZbR6AZO4Uc/Td4DOinKXPI/AAAAAAAAApg/MAHyZ-3TF70/s1600/DSC00423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ZbR6AZO4Uc/Td4DOinKXPI/AAAAAAAAApg/MAHyZ-3TF70/s600/DSC00423.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R9QV0HFr20U/Td4CygHqOjI/AAAAAAAAApM/-mhuvBUr6R0/s1600/DSC00264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R9QV0HFr20U/Td4CygHqOjI/AAAAAAAAApM/-mhuvBUr6R0/s600/DSC00264.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i0HtKN7Xgro/TaPfph3RySI/AAAAAAAAAb8/ig1KNdzdXBA/s1600/DSC00417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i0HtKN7Xgro/TaPfph3RySI/AAAAAAAAAb8/ig1KNdzdXBA/s600/DSC00417.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>And that concludes the long-winded story of the frame arrangement above our bed. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Please see the "Party!" tab beneath the header for links to the parties I've joined. </span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Check them out to see inspiring transformations, renovations, crafts, and more. </i></span><br />
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<div align="center"><a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/diy-art-how-to" title="The Lettered Cottage"><img alt="The Lettered Cottage" src="http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj29/LaylaPalmer/How%20To/How_To_Linky_Button.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949724151323313679.post-49596446693560636272011-05-13T16:23:00.037-04:002011-09-28T21:08:42.049-04:00The Little Hutch That Could<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>After suffering years of abuse at the hands of neglectful and unappreciative owners, a little hutch wound up on the curb, wet and miserable, awaiting its impending doom. From the waist down, the little hutch had been destroyed beyond repair. There it stood dejected, having given up all hope of ever being useful to anyone again. In the distance, the ominous sound of the dump truck making its way up the street, filled the little hutch with dread. The moment had come and there was truly no hope. But then, as if by a miracle, the little hutch felt himself being lifted from the curb and carried into the warm house just next door to where the little hutch had lived all its life.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W_vbtQJwnNM/Tc2D2DMIPlI/AAAAAAAAAmU/0vUG9akdgc4/s1600/DSC00659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W_vbtQJwnNM/Tc2D2DMIPlI/AAAAAAAAAmU/0vUG9akdgc4/s600/DSC00659.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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A sense of relief washed over the little hutch, feeling immediately the twinges of hope, that maybe there was some use for him after all. The kind people of the warm house looked him over very closely, opening and shutting his doors, inspecting the damage and talking amongst themselves.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D76pShy-v1U/Tc2D6gKBdYI/AAAAAAAAAmY/NB7c2YncbYY/s1600/DSC00662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D76pShy-v1U/Tc2D6gKBdYI/AAAAAAAAAmY/NB7c2YncbYY/s600/DSC00662.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>They measured and remeasured, making numerous pencil marks.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rdwdilt6M0g/Tc2EANlRgEI/AAAAAAAAAmc/5k0dCVAuYjc/s1600/DSC00663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rdwdilt6M0g/Tc2EANlRgEI/AAAAAAAAAmc/5k0dCVAuYjc/s600/DSC00663.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TMkrfABWFFk/Tc2EFAir4aI/AAAAAAAAAmg/LnjFN1ICa04/s1600/DSC00665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TMkrfABWFFk/Tc2EFAir4aI/AAAAAAAAAmg/LnjFN1ICa04/s600/DSC00665.JPG" /></a></div> <br />
Suddenly, the hutch felt it was being laid on its side! A sharp pain around its middle indicated that something painful yet necessary was being done to him. These kind people were operating on him, removing the destroyed components of his structure, in order to salvage that which was still useful.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaC8lLYfW4o/Tc2EKvVx26I/AAAAAAAAAmk/_mG8KTcD2qw/s1600/DSC00674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaC8lLYfW4o/Tc2EKvVx26I/AAAAAAAAAmk/_mG8KTcD2qw/s600/DSC00674.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>After he endured much pain, the hutch watched as the kind people carried out his bottom half and placed it back on the curb.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lQ9B5kAgc1k/Tc2EPD13K9I/AAAAAAAAAmo/R0Uzi39fTHk/s1600/DSC00675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lQ9B5kAgc1k/Tc2EPD13K9I/AAAAAAAAAmo/R0Uzi39fTHk/s600/DSC00675.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVF65Diz1J8/Tc2EUS6ItFI/AAAAAAAAAms/rvqSRRbll6w/s1600/DSC00676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVF65Diz1J8/Tc2EUS6ItFI/AAAAAAAAAms/rvqSRRbll6w/s600/DSC00676.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The little hutch was a little scared, but oh what joy flooded his heart when he thought of the possibility of being beautiful and useful once more. The first thing the kind people did was lift him up and move him from place to place to see where he would look best. They chose a very important and visible spot in the kitchen, above <a href="http://thepreciouslittlethingsinlife.blogspot.com/2011/05/diy-dishwasher-cabinet.html">the dishwasher cabinet.</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Gz81cYH_uA/Tc2EaXWd0zI/AAAAAAAAAmw/W5NotCsDTMY/s1600/DSC00925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Gz81cYH_uA/Tc2EaXWd0zI/AAAAAAAAAmw/W5NotCsDTMY/s600/DSC00925.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ISAbZ_L_cYM/Tc2Ef_Vfb8I/AAAAAAAAAm0/ZFCGZr7O0k0/s1600/DSC00927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ISAbZ_L_cYM/Tc2Ef_Vfb8I/AAAAAAAAAm0/ZFCGZr7O0k0/s600/DSC00927.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">The kind people immediately got to work, ripping dirty wallpaper...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFTEpEdagzo/Tc2ElAYJg1I/AAAAAAAAAm4/kuKn1mV3BrQ/s1600/DSC00929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFTEpEdagzo/Tc2ElAYJg1I/AAAAAAAAAm4/kuKn1mV3BrQ/s600/DSC00929.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>prying off rusty staples...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GSbqt81XyAw/Tc2PnmxgTJI/AAAAAAAAAoI/UGqsiKESgIQ/s1600/DSC01005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GSbqt81XyAw/Tc2PnmxgTJI/AAAAAAAAAoI/UGqsiKESgIQ/s600/DSC01005.JPG" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">scrapping paint off the glass...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N5EbMoHpby4/Tc2Ep6sSCSI/AAAAAAAAAm8/2WF62p20J8k/s1600/DSC01003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N5EbMoHpby4/Tc2Ep6sSCSI/AAAAAAAAAm8/2WF62p20J8k/s600/DSC01003.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AsrlwcMyDE0/Tc2EvO0Ax9I/AAAAAAAAAnA/oxqv-d46kvU/s1600/DSC01006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AsrlwcMyDE0/Tc2EvO0Ax9I/AAAAAAAAAnA/oxqv-d46kvU/s600/DSC01006.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">removing old handles...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a4nQA1PGNfs/Tc2E0eO0VII/AAAAAAAAAnE/s55DwoHkdEI/s1600/DSC01012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a4nQA1PGNfs/Tc2E0eO0VII/AAAAAAAAAnE/s55DwoHkdEI/s600/DSC01012.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">filling in all the cracks, gaps, and holes... </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yf_AyH8EWoU/Tc2FLuNwrDI/AAAAAAAAAnY/AYHIyepFXes/s1600/DSC01309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yf_AyH8EWoU/Tc2FLuNwrDI/AAAAAAAAAnY/AYHIyepFXes/s600/DSC01309.JPG" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">cleaning thoroughly every inch...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-snjZMXmG9zE/Tc2E5FEoZOI/AAAAAAAAAnI/7WuhlD6XGsY/s1600/DSC01279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-snjZMXmG9zE/Tc2E5FEoZOI/AAAAAAAAAnI/7WuhlD6XGsY/s600/DSC01279.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yuck!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-prA32F5XA9s/Tc2FC-4ExJI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/pxnVA0FfTkw/s1600/DSC01281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-prA32F5XA9s/Tc2FC-4ExJI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/pxnVA0FfTkw/s600/DSC01281.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div> Lastly, they prepared the little hutch for all the painting ahead.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-97n_eulFby4/Tc2FHNo227I/AAAAAAAAAnU/QiH2UZgmlBg/s1600/DSC01292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-97n_eulFby4/Tc2FHNo227I/AAAAAAAAAnU/QiH2UZgmlBg/s600/DSC01292.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>When all the preparation work was done, they began painting his body with a very stinky, oil-based primer to make sure all the stains and flaws were well covered. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dTf_rKI4o0U/Tc2FQgffz8I/AAAAAAAAAnc/zqVkTlGT71M/s1600/DSC01325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dTf_rKI4o0U/Tc2FQgffz8I/AAAAAAAAAnc/zqVkTlGT71M/s600/DSC01325.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Open the window and ventilate!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OcWUgbnFF00/Tc2FV56XARI/AAAAAAAAAng/ha6v7KRn7zY/s1600/DSC01328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OcWUgbnFF00/Tc2FV56XARI/AAAAAAAAAng/ha6v7KRn7zY/s600/DSC01328.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Then came the paint. The the cheerful green made the little hutch looks stunning!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_fyXmOUuDo/Tc2FbJjjXpI/AAAAAAAAAnk/83MvhIMXbpI/s1600/DSC01445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_fyXmOUuDo/Tc2FbJjjXpI/AAAAAAAAAnk/83MvhIMXbpI/s600/DSC01445.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PzNRKe9v_oU/Tc2Fgr_hi6I/AAAAAAAAAno/-3dssgZ4g4U/s1600/DSC01450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PzNRKe9v_oU/Tc2Fgr_hi6I/AAAAAAAAAno/-3dssgZ4g4U/s600/DSC01450.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">Finally, the little hutch was hung careful in a place of honor, where many could see and admire him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--oo4xktUlHQ/Tc2Kj9GiYkI/AAAAAAAAAns/88BJq-h-p0A/s1600/DSC01459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--oo4xktUlHQ/Tc2Kj9GiYkI/AAAAAAAAAns/88BJq-h-p0A/s600/DSC01459.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0L6rO5sApCA/Tc2KtNCj09I/AAAAAAAAAn0/LkG8s0YC7eU/s1600/DSC01467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0L6rO5sApCA/Tc2KtNCj09I/AAAAAAAAAn0/LkG8s0YC7eU/s600/DSC01467.JPG" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
The new handles were put on and his shelves were filled with many pretty things.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9HS9EtCUnlQ/Tc2KoQjGPlI/AAAAAAAAAnw/5KvhgBwjPks/s1600/DSC01460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9HS9EtCUnlQ/Tc2KoQjGPlI/AAAAAAAAAnw/5KvhgBwjPks/s600/DSC01460.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">Through many a hardship, the little hutch endured and this is how the little hutch went from being damaged...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W_vbtQJwnNM/Tc2D2DMIPlI/AAAAAAAAAmU/0vUG9akdgc4/s1600/DSC00659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W_vbtQJwnNM/Tc2D2DMIPlI/AAAAAAAAAmU/0vUG9akdgc4/s600/DSC00659.JPG" /></a></div><br />
unwanted and useless ...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ISAbZ_L_cYM/Tc2Ef_Vfb8I/AAAAAAAAAm0/ZFCGZr7O0k0/s1600/DSC00927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ISAbZ_L_cYM/Tc2Ef_Vfb8I/AAAAAAAAAm0/ZFCGZr7O0k0/s600/DSC00927.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">to stunning, valued, and useful!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ob7MP1fCTP8/Tc2K3MehrjI/AAAAAAAAAn8/856TI28K2aA/s1600/DSC01480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ob7MP1fCTP8/Tc2K3MehrjI/AAAAAAAAAn8/856TI28K2aA/s600/DSC01480.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YR2zXINjruA/Tc2KyfmMLpI/AAAAAAAAAn4/qGZoIwjEtXY/s1600/DSC01469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YR2zXINjruA/Tc2KyfmMLpI/AAAAAAAAAn4/qGZoIwjEtXY/s600/DSC01469.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BG74fX5TBQs/Td3uVjGDdpI/AAAAAAAAAo4/iJXxOkFr4SI/s1600/DSC01764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BG74fX5TBQs/Td3uVjGDdpI/AAAAAAAAAo4/iJXxOkFr4SI/s600/DSC01764.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
And that is the story of the little hutch that could.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
Project Cost Breakdown:<br />
<br />
Martha Stewart Bay Leaf Green paint sample- $2.94<br />
Home Depot Hardware Drawer Pulls - $2 x2<br />
Total Cost- $6.94<br />
<br />
Ya cain't beat that with uh stick!<br />
<br />
<i>Read all about how we DIY'ed the above dishwasher cabinet <a href="http://thepreciouslittlethingsinlife.blogspot.com/2011/05/diy-dishwasher-cabinet.html">here</a>.</i><br />
<i>See pictures of the rest of our home <a href="http://thepreciouslittlethingsinlife.blogspot.com/p/our-home.html">here.</a></i><br />
<i>Wanna know what I did for Mother's Day? Pics <a href="http://thepreciouslittlethingsinlife.blogspot.com/2011/05/down-shore_13.html">here</a>. </i><br />
<br />
<i>Wanna know all about the frame arrangement below? Read about it here: </i> <a href="http://thepreciouslittlethingsinlife.blogspot.com/2011/05/love-story-on-display.html">Love Story on Display</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thepreciouslittlethingsinlife.blogspot.com/2011/05/love-story-on-display.html"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p7sIa3c7T6s/Td5ZVyeqJVI/AAAAAAAAApk/bUSjjfvyP6M/s500/DSC00281.JPG" /></a></div><br />
This project was so much fun! I'd love to hear your input. Drop me a comment and let me know what you think. Till next time!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><br />
<i>Let's party ya'll! You know all those adorable buttons on my side bar, under the <u>Link Parties</u> label? Those are links to the sites I'm partying at this week. Yeah, I know, I've become quite the party animal. Lol! If you wanna feast your eyes on some amazing home renovations, furniture restorations, crafts, decorations, and more, visit these sites. You'll find countless ideas and inspiration, and hey, maybe you can link up and share something spectacular that you've done. Below you'll find links to some of the sites as well. They are all pretty amazing so... have fun!</i><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1503643840"><br />
</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/search/label/Show%20Off%20Your%20Stuff%20Party">http://www.firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com </a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/2011/05/sys-blog-link-party-and-giveaway-from-essential-swimwear/">http://www.somewhatsimple.com </a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/">http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/ </a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://www.acreativeprincess.blogspot.com/">http://www.acreativeprincess.blogspot.com/ </a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2011/05/under-100-linky-party_18.html">http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/ </a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/">http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/ </a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/">http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/ </a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/">http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/ </a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://sassysites.blogspot.com/">http://sassysites.blogspot.com/ </a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://ladybug-blessings.com/">http://ladybug-blessings.com/ </a></i></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949724151323313679.post-73032757759872970542011-05-13T14:03:00.001-04:002011-09-28T21:09:05.243-04:00Down The Shore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Wanna know what we did for Mother's Day? We went down the shore. This, I've learned, is how many here in New Jersey say they are going to the beach or to hang out on the boardwalk. Having lived 5 hours away from the nearest beach my whole life, I can't tell you how thrilled I am to have such beautiful beaches less than an hour and a half away from our home. I took this picture myself, as our beautiful day was nearing it's end. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XHGmWAno0sE/TcowZuvvE7I/AAAAAAAAAjo/OiCmzR-rTtw/s1600/DSC01179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XHGmWAno0sE/TcowZuvvE7I/AAAAAAAAAjo/OiCmzR-rTtw/s600/DSC01179.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But wait, I am getting ahead of myself. Let's back track a bit. When we stepped out onto our porch, after running around the house for a few hours, getting every one ready to go, and dealing with a slight pluming problem, we were greeted by a gorgeous, sunny and breezy spring day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EMi4wWCq9Jg/TcozQXezd9I/AAAAAAAAAjs/xIUfP_8SF6w/s1600/croped+kids+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EMi4wWCq9Jg/TcozQXezd9I/AAAAAAAAAjs/xIUfP_8SF6w/s600/croped+kids+photo.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Hmm, very sunny. To quote her directly, "The sun is looking at me!"</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AJN_VqdCRBM/TcozfDww0hI/AAAAAAAAAjw/dXvGIl8TiCA/s1600/kids+photo+croped+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AJN_VqdCRBM/TcozfDww0hI/AAAAAAAAAjw/dXvGIl8TiCA/s600/kids+photo+croped+2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <i>Quick, take the picture!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We piled into the car and headed over to my Aunt Julia's house to drop off the Grannies. (They've been sick with a cold and were not feeling up to an outing.)<i> </i>We then passed by and picked up our friend Rene, who went with us and acted as our tour guide for the rest of the day.<i> </i>Although we've lived here 9 months already, there is so much we still have not seen. Rene took us the scenic route, so the ride was a very nice one, although some chose to forgo the sightseeing to pursue more "relaxing" endeavors.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QTrQ6cVw_u4/Tco2XyjijwI/AAAAAAAAAj0/05B-vKvLkCE/s1600/DSC01033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QTrQ6cVw_u4/Tco2XyjijwI/AAAAAAAAAj0/05B-vKvLkCE/s600/DSC01033.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> These coastal towns have the most gorgeous homes, with wrap-around porches, manicured lawns, and loads of character. Here are just a few of the many we saw, along with other neat things we caught glimpes of outside our car window. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x--73wXp8IE/Tco4Yb_EJEI/AAAAAAAAAj4/WPMdtH9dzXs/s1600/DSC01070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x--73wXp8IE/Tco4Yb_EJEI/AAAAAAAAAj4/WPMdtH9dzXs/s600/DSC01070.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-98HhPLiyvsQ/TcsGSl7sbKI/AAAAAAAAAkA/jKACDS0Hnx8/s1600/DSC01074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-98HhPLiyvsQ/TcsGSl7sbKI/AAAAAAAAAkA/jKACDS0Hnx8/s600/DSC01074.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FEZoC3C639Y/TcsPhT7FLNI/AAAAAAAAAko/aD1_4f-O0cQ/s1600/croped+church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FEZoC3C639Y/TcsPhT7FLNI/AAAAAAAAAko/aD1_4f-O0cQ/s600/croped+church.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-50jQQIE4Sbw/TcsP37qEiGI/AAAAAAAAAks/9tOtfPlOAvU/s1600/DSC01042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-50jQQIE4Sbw/TcsP37qEiGI/AAAAAAAAAks/9tOtfPlOAvU/s600/DSC01042.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We then stopped in the quaint little town of Point Pleasant to browse through some adorable shops they have there. One of my favorites? <a href="http://www.tesshome.com/">This one.</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bPV9kQOqc6w/TcsRvCFO5UI/AAAAAAAAAk4/KUn-xq6fYTM/s1600/croped+tess+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bPV9kQOqc6w/TcsRvCFO5UI/AAAAAAAAAk4/KUn-xq6fYTM/s600/croped+tess+sign.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yh7tc_qS51c/TcsUaFAusDI/AAAAAAAAAlM/KYf3oDbM8w4/s1600/DSC01115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yh7tc_qS51c/TcsUaFAusDI/AAAAAAAAAlM/KYf3oDbM8w4/s600/DSC01115.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For lunch, we had <a href="http://www.valpak.com/coupons/display/FEDERICOS-PIZZA-SUBS/Point+Pleasant+Beach/NJ/1012588/1011052">Federico's Pizza.</a> Finger lickin' good!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TNNf3cOsAO4/TcsV8WzydrI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/Yja8umkimB0/s1600/DSC01139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TNNf3cOsAO4/TcsV8WzydrI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/Yja8umkimB0/s600/DSC01139.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After lunch, we continued our ride down the shore to Seaside Heights Boardwalk. This boardwalk is one of many that line the Jersey shore, with concession stands, carnival and arcade games, and rides.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c5iQqfwM4-A/Tcsc-ZcoAqI/AAAAAAAAAlc/NcV3o4tjCJ8/s1600/DSC01158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c5iQqfwM4-A/Tcsc-ZcoAqI/AAAAAAAAAlc/NcV3o4tjCJ8/s600/DSC01158.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of my favorite parts of the day? Watching my children have the time of their lives. It's fitting for a mother to enjoy the sweet pleasure of hearing her children's laughter on Mother's Day, is it not?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aU1zHJPg1xI/TcshXzqrxDI/AAAAAAAAAlg/zcoiOkVnCIQ/s1600/buried+in+the+sand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aU1zHJPg1xI/TcshXzqrxDI/AAAAAAAAAlg/zcoiOkVnCIQ/s600/buried+in+the+sand.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0yXMMDVE6lY/TcshqkrNFpI/AAAAAAAAAlk/alBNQAK5Z-w/s1600/DSC01161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0yXMMDVE6lY/TcshqkrNFpI/AAAAAAAAAlk/alBNQAK5Z-w/s600/DSC01161.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SkC4eveRTis/Tc1wqFn-BUI/AAAAAAAAAmI/RXM6g07J4UA/s1600/sand+angel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SkC4eveRTis/Tc1wqFn-BUI/AAAAAAAAAmI/RXM6g07J4UA/s600/sand+angel.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--N6bTmGgjC4/Tc1w8joA95I/AAAAAAAAAmM/YBQBVXpav1k/s1600/DSC01169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--N6bTmGgjC4/Tc1w8joA95I/AAAAAAAAAmM/YBQBVXpav1k/s600/DSC01169.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Although I missed my mother very much, this Mother's Day was unforgettable for me. I'll leave you now with a picture of me holding my three precious treasures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IZ2nBgEMjXg/Tc1xnfJ4xtI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/vS83JnRKi2s/s1600/DSC01164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IZ2nBgEMjXg/Tc1xnfJ4xtI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/vS83JnRKi2s/s600/DSC01164.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, what did you and your family do on Mother's Day?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949724151323313679.post-53984303533516118262011-05-08T03:57:00.002-04:002011-09-28T21:09:40.793-04:00Dear Mom,<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Every day I try my best to be the kind of mother that you are to me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XfyOMTHyHX4/TcZJo0Oy8ZI/AAAAAAAAAic/WtJv-_avmL0/s1600/Test+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XfyOMTHyHX4/TcZJo0Oy8ZI/AAAAAAAAAic/WtJv-_avmL0/s535/Test+1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love you. Happy Mother's Day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949724151323313679.post-449256594983519142011-05-06T04:14:00.025-04:002011-09-28T21:09:53.368-04:00DIY Dishwasher CabinetAt long last, we have completed our dishwasher cabinet! From the moment I knew that our future home did not have a dishwasher, I began plotting and planning how we could change that. We are a family of six (my husband, our three children, my grandmother, and I) that spends the majority of the day in the home. I am a stay-at-home mom, our kids are homeschooled, and my husband works from home. More time spent at home equals more dishes to wash.<br />
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We eventually purchased a dishwasher in November of last year for the amazing price of $50 (a refurbished floor model from Lowe's found by a friend who works there) and it wasn't until two days ago that we actually washed our first load of dishes. Although it may appear that way, this was not a severe case of procrastinitis, a disease that has plagued many of our home improvement projects in the past. No, there were legitimate set backs that made this project a real challenge. For instance, after getting permission from our landlord to cut the existing cabinets to make room for and install our new dishwasher, we realized the cabinets of this very old kitchen were custom made and did not conform to current standards in cabinet depth/height. The dishwasher was too deep and too tall.<br />
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Our brilliant Plan B was to make our own dishwasher cabinet. This lead to many debates as to what would be the best setup. Before long we were saying to one another, "Hmm, we might as well take advantage of the situation... " Beware folks, these words mark the beginning of all "what have we gotten ourselves into?" projects! If you so much as utter these words, your "do it in a couple of hours" job can quickly grow into a "don't think we'll finish this year" job. For us it was, "Hmm, we might as well take advantage of the situation and add some much needed counter space and storage." Famous last words. :o) Not really, it was actually a brilliant idea and we are now really glad we weren't afraid to grab the bull by the horns. (Yep, I'm a Texan, born n' raised) After we'd pieced together in our minds an idea of what we wanted, we had to find the right size cabinets and counter top. This led to much searching and store hopping. After we found and purchased the cabinets and the counter top, hubs had to figure out how to run the water/drainage connections, which was not an easy task considering the distance from the dishwasher to the sink.<br />
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We hurdled many obstacles, but all our hard work paid off. We are loving our new dishwasher and cabinet. Check out the pics below to see how it all went down. (The pics will also reflect other changes made to that side of our kitchen such as fresh paint, new hardware and new stove/microwave. I'll soon be posting about our complete kitchen revamp, so check back!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CpWmaj1RdSs/TcOXRyxw3kI/AAAAAAAAAgY/9s-4CdpIS_s/s1600/kitchen+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CpWmaj1RdSs/TcOXRyxw3kI/AAAAAAAAAgY/9s-4CdpIS_s/s400/kitchen+before.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The picture below is of our kitchen after we'd painted the dark wood paneling and replaced the stove. When this picture was take we still had not changed the cabinet door pulls or installed the microwave above the stove. The last after picture of this post shows the kitchen how it is right now.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">The pictures below show all the steps we took in building the cabinet.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Quick Overview of the Before, During, and After</span></b></div><br />
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In the above after picture you will notice the microwave is installed, the cabinet door pulls have been changed, and the metal inserts on the cabinet doors beneath the sink have been painted. I'd like to mention, for those of you out there that take note of the details, that our oven door has never opened completely because of the way the wall juts out there <i>(there's an old fireplace that has long been covered, behind the cabinet)</i> and the placement of the cabinet did not make accessing the oven any more of a challenge than it already was.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">We still have a few more plans for this room, one of which involves re-purposing and dramatically trasforming of this curb side find...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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...which we did this to...<br />
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Wanna know how it turned out? I'll be sharing all about it this week. If you choose to follow this blog, your Reading List (on your Dashboard) will alert you the moment I post the details of this project. This is, hands down, one of my favorites. Maybe it's because it cost $0! :o)<br />
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Update: This is how this area of the kitchen looks like now. Read about the above curbside find, <a href="http://thepreciouslittlethingsinlife.blogspot.com/2011/05/little-hutch-that-could.html">The Little Hutch That Could</a>.<br />
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<u>Dishwasher Cabinet Price Breakdown:</u><br />
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<a href="http://www.lowes.com/">Lowe's Dishwasher Whirlpool - $50</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00086414">Ikea Counter Top - $89</a><br />
<a href="http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100376173/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053">Home Depot Dark Walnut Wood Stain - $5</a><br />
<a href="http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202020616/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053">Home Depot Cabinets - $79x2</a><br />
<a href="http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202246759/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053">Cabinet Paint Glidden Navajo Sand - $23 </a><br />
Home Depot Hardware Drawer Pulls - $2x2<br />
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Total Cost of Project: $329<br />
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Be a dear, leave a comment, and let me know what you think! Have any questions about the project? Feel free to ask. Got a dishwasher related story to share? Would love to hear it. Till next time ya'll!<br />
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<i>I am linking to parties on the following blogs. Check them out for loads of great ideas and inspiration!</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/"><i>http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/</i></a><br />
<a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/"><i>http://www.remodelaholic.com/</i></a><br />
<a href="http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/"><i>http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/</i></a><br />
<a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/"><i>http://www.atthepicketfence.com/</i></a><br />
<a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/"><i>http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/</i></a><br />
<a href="http://www.missmustardseed.blogspot.com/"><i>http://www.missmustardseed.blogspot.com/ </i></a><br />
<a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/"><i>http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/</i></a><br />
<a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><i>http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/</i></a><br />
<a href="http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/"><i>http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/</i></a><br />
<a href="http://www.hopestudios.blogspot.com/"><i>http://www.hopestudios.blogspot.com/</i></a><br />
<i><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/">http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/ </a></i><br />
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</i><br />
<a href="http://tipjunkie.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Tip Junkie handmade projects" border="0" src="http://www.tipjunkie.com/images/TipMeTuesdayButton1.png" /></a><br />
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<center></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com70tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949724151323313679.post-44753240444048149912011-04-29T16:28:00.006-04:002011-09-28T21:10:24.480-04:00Side Table TransformationAs mentioned in the previous post, I want to share how the side table in my hubby's office went from hideous to fabulous. Just a little paint and some new hardware, that's all it takes sometimes. I'll let the pictures do all the talking.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YAhROhBXwaY/Tbsa30iOnZI/AAAAAAAAAf0/hoM77CYka_0/s1600/after+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YAhROhBXwaY/Tbsa30iOnZI/AAAAAAAAAf0/hoM77CYka_0/s535/after+1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VEpODzXKN5w/TbsbBBcwtaI/AAAAAAAAAf4/BBxZvbmlKVg/s1600/after+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VEpODzXKN5w/TbsbBBcwtaI/AAAAAAAAAf4/BBxZvbmlKVg/s535/after+2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This project only took me a few hours, with waiting for paint to dry between coats. The total cost was $30 for<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20190834"> lamp</a>, <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90092825">plant pot</a>, plant, and<a href="http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100543216/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053&superSkuId=202784178"> hardware</a>. I already owned the table and I used paint/primer left over from another project. Great results on a limited budget. Gotta love it!<br />
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<center><a href="http://thriftydecorchick.com/"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TZpxoF0cwzI/AAAAAAAAM14/CZOygj6Royw/beforeAndAfterButton_thumb%5B1%5D.gif?imgmax=800" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=8949724151323313679&postID=4475324044404814991" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab229/remodelaholic/RemodelaholicPartyFriday.jpg" /></a></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949724151323313679.post-1737639585291793952011-04-27T00:32:00.010-04:002011-09-28T21:11:00.776-04:00Soap Suds, Cookies, and Bicycles<span style="font-size: large;">“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” -Robert Brault</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HPrTYSkqvkk/TbeVR5TviMI/AAAAAAAAAdw/je3-sE8beN8/s1600/DSC00366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HPrTYSkqvkk/TbeVR5TviMI/AAAAAAAAAdw/je3-sE8beN8/s535/DSC00366.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vR6LgxAC5iY/TbeVbqrSCuI/AAAAAAAAAd0/YSRupCBJ_0M/s1600/DSC00365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vR6LgxAC5iY/TbeVbqrSCuI/AAAAAAAAAd0/YSRupCBJ_0M/s535/DSC00365.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mommy's little helper</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-buGYDkCgdBI/TbeX7UjtqKI/AAAAAAAAAd4/nqKmk9HRGFk/s1600/DSC00431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-buGYDkCgdBI/TbeX7UjtqKI/AAAAAAAAAd4/nqKmk9HRGFk/s535/DSC00431.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Why don't those cookies finish baking already?!</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4_PH3cwCdaM/TbeYWp5u--I/AAAAAAAAAd8/JqbwTjYo8a4/s1600/DSC00435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4_PH3cwCdaM/TbeYWp5u--I/AAAAAAAAAd8/JqbwTjYo8a4/s535/DSC00435.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Ah, finally!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NkwBDbrZBa8/TbeYl_Y8DkI/AAAAAAAAAeA/MGmRZ7nvby0/s1600/DSC00436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NkwBDbrZBa8/TbeYl_Y8DkI/AAAAAAAAAeA/MGmRZ7nvby0/s535/DSC00436.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">mmm - mmm, tasty</span></i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-klXC5DVmHwI/TbeZ3xWzCVI/AAAAAAAAAeE/vDI4y5-Ii6c/s1600/DSC00801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-klXC5DVmHwI/TbeZ3xWzCVI/AAAAAAAAAeE/vDI4y5-Ii6c/s535/DSC00801.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I can ride my bike without training wheels!</span></i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1VlIBfbu0zQ/TbeaOhnQOvI/AAAAAAAAAeI/0R4Fxk_vpnM/s1600/DSC00807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1VlIBfbu0zQ/TbeaOhnQOvI/AAAAAAAAAeI/0R4Fxk_vpnM/s535/DSC00807.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-paFalEtBg10/TbeamfkRLUI/AAAAAAAAAeM/0hQCTwNoeZg/s1600/DSC00809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-paFalEtBg10/TbeamfkRLUI/AAAAAAAAAeM/0hQCTwNoeZg/s535/DSC00809.JPG" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Daddy, if I give you a really big kiss, will you please get off my bike?</i></span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Savor every precious moment.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949724151323313679.post-64230816352820013332011-04-19T02:29:00.019-04:002011-09-28T21:11:16.075-04:00Confessions Of A Bookworm<i>Bibliophilia</i> or <i>bibliophilism</i> is the love of books. Accordingly, a<i> bibliophile</i> is an individual who loves books. I am a bibliophile. In layman's terms, I am a bookworm. Since my childhood, I've been an avid reader. Yes, I was that girl, the one that got in trouble for reading in class when she should be paying attention to the teacher. My fourth grade math teacher actually sent a letter home to my parents about it. I spent summer vacations with my nose buried in a book and at night read under the blanket with a flashlight till the wee hours of the morning. I still get a knot of excitement in my stomach when I enter a library and I'm particularly fond of the distinctive "library book" smell. :o) I still remember books that were read to me when I was in preschool and cherish the memory of listening to my teachers read chapter books aloud after lunch. When our school librarian set piles of old or damaged books aside to discard, I would "rescue" them and take them home.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv103rENp7U/Ta2Mchi_lII/AAAAAAAAAdo/RF68X-oQ2hk/s1600/DSC00709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv103rENp7U/Ta2Mchi_lII/AAAAAAAAAdo/RF68X-oQ2hk/s535/DSC00709.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Here they are now, a few of the aforementioned books, in all their dilapidated glory</i><i>.</i></span></div><br />
So you see, it's fair to say that I've had a passionate, lifelong love affair with books. As a direct result of that, I own a great number of books. I have books that I've carried with me since I was a child, moving with me from one home to another. (9 homes to be exact) Many of them are worn and tattered, others have my name sprawled all over the first page, written in beautiful, third grade beginners cursive handwriting. Their pages are yellow, stained and torn. It may seem silly to some to keep these books that are in such poor condition and which I have already read numerous times, but to me they are too precious to discard. I cannot express what a thrill it has been for me to read my cherished childhood books aloud to my own children. As many of you know, I also home school my three children and have always sought to instill in them a love for reading that I hope they too will carry into adulthood. This means books, books, and more books! Books from garage sales, <a href="http://www.hpb.com/">Half Price Books</a>, thrift stores, library sales, birthday and Christmas gifts, online stores, and even a few from (although not many) purchased new from Barnes and Noble. (Reduce, Reuse Recycle!)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rw-Su7XKkqk/Ta2NQVbuLQI/AAAAAAAAAds/RWlVDAoZyuw/s1600/DSC00725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rw-Su7XKkqk/Ta2NQVbuLQI/AAAAAAAAAds/RWlVDAoZyuw/s535/DSC00725.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>For those of you who wonder what little girls do while mommy is busy on a big project.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>As I mentioned in<a href="http://thepreciouslittlethingsinlife.blogspot.com/2011/04/window-without-view.html"> this post</a> a few days back, we have been busy tackling a new bedroom project, our bookcase. I've thought long and hard, and searched for inspiration pictures high and low, to find an aesthetically pleasing way to display my dear yet (hurts to say this) ugly collection of books. The bookcase in my bedroom contains many of my books, my hub's reference and study books, some homeschooling text books, and the kid's chapter books. Here is a picture I shared last week of what the bookcase looked like the week after we moved into our new home in New Jersey. Books, homeschooling supplies, binders, puzzles and board games all placed haphazardly on the shelves. Chaotic, to say the least.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ofldK2AHdrE/Ta0KTYBjfaI/AAAAAAAAAc4/Y_3oq7KyCqE/s1600/DSC00243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ofldK2AHdrE/Ta0KTYBjfaI/AAAAAAAAAc4/Y_3oq7KyCqE/s535/DSC00243.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I then moved the bookcases to another corner of the room where they fit perfectly in a niche created by the chimney column. I removed many of the homeschooling supplies and transferred them to other bookcases I have upstairs in the attic. (Supplies that are needed on a daily basis are downstairs because we now do our lessons in the dining room) Here are a couple of pictures of the bookcases as they looked just last week...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-icZoDKcOxJI/Ta0QEXASzNI/AAAAAAAAAdA/y711KD4mCzg/s1600/DSC00420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-icZoDKcOxJI/Ta0QEXASzNI/AAAAAAAAAdA/y711KD4mCzg/s535/DSC00420.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o3dOsOp8WE8/Ta0P1KiORLI/AAAAAAAAAc8/HPhEcyuklRk/s1600/DSC00291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o3dOsOp8WE8/Ta0P1KiORLI/AAAAAAAAAc8/HPhEcyuklRk/s535/DSC00291.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Yes, the bookcase on the left is currently being held up by a small pile of books. Don't worry, these are just trashy romance novels that were given to me and I never read past the first page. No, not all books are worth reading, but can be useful nonetheless. My husband is known near (New Jersey) and far (Texas) for using very unorthodox methods to achieve desired results (pretty why of sayin' he's....Ghetto!) It was his idea to use the books. They were needed because our bedroom floor is very uneven and slopes drastically in that corner. We raised the bookcase on the left, leveled it to match the bookcase on the right, and then screwed the two together. They are both also attached to the wall with safety straps.<br />
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With the arrangement and overall look of the bookcases, there were a few things that were not really working for me and that I knew I wanted to change. Simply stated, too busy. We are going for what I call a cool and crisp look in this room. We want simple, clean, and bright. You know what they say, less is more. I'll leave you for now with some of the great inspiration pictures I found. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pf0SRtroRiE/Ta0Xxb1RydI/AAAAAAAAAdE/ur3ny-Hd2rw/s1600/bookcase-makeover-s+living+southern+living+seen+on+loft+and+cottage.blogspot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pf0SRtroRiE/Ta0Xxb1RydI/AAAAAAAAAdE/ur3ny-Hd2rw/s535/bookcase-makeover-s+living+southern+living+seen+on+loft+and+cottage.blogspot.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Southern Living</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v17DWNo4-W4/Ta0X7iiqywI/AAAAAAAAAdI/i8QpS4kDWj8/s1600/apartment+therapy+boookcase+seen+on+whereyouhangyourhat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v17DWNo4-W4/Ta0X7iiqywI/AAAAAAAAAdI/i8QpS4kDWj8/s535/apartment+therapy+boookcase+seen+on+whereyouhangyourhat.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Apartment Therapy</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2p-kOqCTPNk/Ta0YP6-aRQI/AAAAAAAAAdM/OOFoRCgV1IE/s1600/photo+credit+susan+moses+3dblur+design+seen+on+beachbungalow8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2p-kOqCTPNk/Ta0YP6-aRQI/AAAAAAAAAdM/OOFoRCgV1IE/s535/photo+credit+susan+moses+3dblur+design+seen+on+beachbungalow8.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Photo Credit Susan Moses - 3D Blur Design seen on B</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">ungalow 8</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nMQS6AGvBcA/Ta0Y8CVtDcI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/v_1DEscbaks/s1600/seen+on+abodelove+unknown+source.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nMQS6AGvBcA/Ta0Y8CVtDcI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/v_1DEscbaks/s535/seen+on+abodelove+unknown+source.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Unknown Source - Seen on <a href="http://abodelove.blogspot.com/2011/02/book-jacket.html">Abode Love</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jtv7dUtNUdw/Ta0ZpdYQETI/AAAAAAAAAdU/kxYyf0KCiyI/s1600/seen+on+marleyandlockyer.blogspot+sarah+richardson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jtv7dUtNUdw/Ta0ZpdYQETI/AAAAAAAAAdU/kxYyf0KCiyI/s535/seen+on+marleyandlockyer.blogspot+sarah+richardson.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Sarah Richardson</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZGN6luhSpo/Ta0airgMeBI/AAAAAAAAAdY/EDtfjD4YwLs/s1600/tillyscottage.wordpress+white+dust+covers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZGN6luhSpo/Ta0airgMeBI/AAAAAAAAAdY/EDtfjD4YwLs/s1600/tillyscottage.wordpress+white+dust+covers.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Seen at <a href="http://tillyscottage.wordpress.com/?s=white+books&submit=Search">Tillys Cottage</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ByK1qm2Dhq0/Ta0c4jTpn9I/AAAAAAAAAdc/5ujlb0ArsfM/s1600/southernliving_bookcase_wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ByK1qm2Dhq0/Ta0c4jTpn9I/AAAAAAAAAdc/5ujlb0ArsfM/s535/southernliving_bookcase_wreath.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Southern Living</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3bQnT0ios4/Ta0eAQTdtfI/AAAAAAAAAdk/Xe7-q1JjO4Q/s1600/seen+on+developingdesigns+southern+accents+AmyDMorris.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3bQnT0ios4/Ta0eAQTdtfI/AAAAAAAAAdk/Xe7-q1JjO4Q/s535/seen+on+developingdesigns+southern+accents+AmyDMorris.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> <a href="http://www.amydmorris.com/amydmorris.specialtyroom.4.html">Amy D. Morris Interiors</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jj1Fzs8uB04/Ta0dAmwq_jI/AAAAAAAAAdg/Lr5J5mwWBp8/s1600/tobi+farley+bookcase+seen+on+developingdesigns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jj1Fzs8uB04/Ta0dAmwq_jI/AAAAAAAAAdg/Lr5J5mwWBp8/s535/tobi+farley+bookcase+seen+on+developingdesigns.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> </i><i>Tobi Fairely seen on <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1767509733">Developing Designs</a></i></span><a href="http://developingdesigns.blogspot.com/2010/04/bookcases-built-insback-drop-display.html"><br />
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So, what do you think? You notice what they all have in common? Just a hint as to what we're doing with our own bookcase. Check back soon for our big reveal. --chuckle, giggle, snort-- 858 words, 14 pictures, and loads of drama for a seemingly insignificant bookcase. As the title of this blog points out, it's the precious little things in life that often bring the greatest pleasure.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949724151323313679.post-30731628850553971912011-04-14T17:57:00.006-04:002011-09-28T21:11:55.038-04:00A Healthy Birthday Cake AlternativeHubs and I made this delicious fruit pizza for I.D. on his birthday. It was finger-lickin' good. I got the recipe <a href="http://family.go.com/food/recipe-sk-19070-fruit-pizza-t/">here</a>. I've included it below for your convenience. We replaced the peach and pineapple with cantaloupe. This recipe was fast, easy, and healthy. Who could ask for more? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-euPFGPvgD34/TadrLHGABDI/AAAAAAAAAco/UaGQJ0UILBM/s1600/DSC00679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-euPFGPvgD34/TadrLHGABDI/AAAAAAAAAco/UaGQJ0UILBM/s535/DSC00679.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<i>Ingredients, Cookie Crust:</i><br />
1/2 cup margarine <br />
1/2 cup sugar <br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract <br />
1 egg <br />
2 cups flour <br />
2 teaspoons baking powder <br />
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<i>Ingredients, Cheese Spread:</i> <br />
8 ounces cream cheese (nonfat or light) <br />
1/2 cup sugar <br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract <br />
1 drop of red food color - optional) <br />
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<i>Fruit topping:</i> <br />
Can be a variety of slices or small pieces of such fruits as strawberries, kiwis, bananas, pineapple, mandarin oranges, pears, peaches, blueberries or grapes.<br />
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<i>Directions:</i> <br />
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.<br />
2. For the crust, in a bowl, cream margarine, sugar, vanilla and egg until light and fluffy. Add flour and baking powder, mixing well.<br />
3. Spread mixture about 1/8-inch thick on pizza pan, baking sheet or 9 X 13 inch pan. (Or, for individual fruit pizzas, divide the dough into 12 balls and pat out into circles.)<br />
4. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool.<br />
5. Mix together cream cheese, sugar and vanilla. Spread on cooled cookie crust.<br />
6. Arrange fruit on top of pizza. Cover and refrigerate until serving time.<br />
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<b>Safety tip:</b> <br />
Young children may need help in using an electric mixer. They also should learn to turn the mixer off before using a rubber scraper to clean the sides of the bowl. If children are not tall enough to reach the countertop, they'll need adult supervision as they stand on a stable stool. (No teetering on a chair or bar stool!)<br />
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<b>Teaching point:</b> <br />
This cookie dough crust is a simple sugar cookie recipe, and making it is much less expensive than buying tubes of cookie dough in the dairy section at the grocery store!<br />
Per serving: 260 calories, 9 grams of fat (1.5 gram saturated), 20 mg cholesterol, 6 grams protein, 40 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram dietary fiber, 280 milligrams sodium. <img alt="family-ender.gif" class=" imgSizeMax20x20" height="10" id="image3" src="http://static.family.go.com/images/partners/sheKnows/000/001/550/family-ender.gif" width="15" /> <br />
<hr size="1" /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i> <b>About this article:</b> Kids a Cookin' is an educational program produced by Kansas State University Research and Extension's Family Nutrition Program. For more information, more recipes and cooking tips, and a link to a Spanish version, check the Kids a Cookin' Web site at <a class="" href="http://www.kidsacookin.ksu.edu/" target="new">kidsacookin.ksu.edu</a>. This article appeared on <a class="" href="http://chefmom.com/">ChefMom.com</a>, a web site offering recipes, menu planning ideas, food tips and more for the family chef! ChefMom is part of the <a class="" href="http://sheknows.com/">SheKnows</a> network of websites. Some popular recipe categories: <a class="" href="http://chefmom.com/recipebox/Specialties/Slow_Cooker/">Slow cooker</a> and <a class="" href="http://chefmom.com/recipebox/Specialties/Quick_Dishes/">Quick dishes</a>.</i> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab229/remodelaholic/RecipeSwapSundaysRemodelaholic125x1.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JqbO3P57AR8/TWdQJgsUZ1I/AAAAAAAAAVY/1GxIQxOtBcQ/s1600/Signiture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div></div><br />
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<center></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949724151323313679.post-2165082921345619972011-04-12T16:43:00.010-04:002011-09-28T21:12:06.079-04:00Happy Birthday My Sweet BoyOn this day, 8 years ago, I became a mother. On this day, 8 years ago, I felt for the first time in my life unconditional, self-sacrificial love. When I looked into those big, trusting eyes, I knew my life would never be the same again.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Bo4nG7s7p4/TaS8Bjq5AjI/AAAAAAAAAcg/xGbOgx9np9E/s1600/isaac+baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Bo4nG7s7p4/TaS8Bjq5AjI/AAAAAAAAAcg/xGbOgx9np9E/s535/isaac+baby.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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I love you my sweet boy. What a joy you have brought into our life. Even from an early age, we could see in you so many wonderful qualities: friendly, easy going, happy, sweet and thoughtful.<br />
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We are so proud of the beautiful young man you've become. Your kindness melts the heart of everyone you meet and your thoughtfulness still amazes me. You are so special, uniquely different, and precious to me. You have a zeal for life that's unmatched, you embrace each day as a new opportunity to learn, explore, and enjoy your loved ones to the fullest. My son, above all, it fills me with such joy to see how much you love God and how you praise Him with a sincere heart. Happy Birthday sweetheart! We love you!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GeIO9sb7SOc/TaS43VvvUwI/AAAAAAAAAcU/OC_E_I1kSqw/s1600/isaac+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GeIO9sb7SOc/TaS43VvvUwI/AAAAAAAAAcU/OC_E_I1kSqw/s535/isaac+3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949724151323313679.post-54174674550641159222011-04-12T01:22:00.004-04:002011-09-28T21:12:18.987-04:00The Window Without a ViewIt is quite common here in New Jersey to look out of a window and see....a brick wall. :o) This is the case with my bedroom window but I've gotta say I don't mind it one bit. Lucky for us the brick wall (which is actually the side wall of the fire station) is not very close to our house. It's actually about 10 ft. away and thus does not block the sunlight. As promised yesterday, I'd like to share pictures of our window and how we've dressed her up. She went from sad to rad. Lol! Sorry, it's late. :o)<br />
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Here she is before the makeover began:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ADUE0dtack/TaPShPHLgLI/AAAAAAAAAbg/5_UP7iRusbU/s1600/DSC01351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ADUE0dtack/TaPShPHLgLI/AAAAAAAAAbg/5_UP7iRusbU/s535/DSC01351.JPG" /></a></div><br />
As you can tell, she is not centered on the wall, so we used <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2010/02/nursery-progress-getting-the-hang-of-it/">this idea</a> of hanging the blinds and curtains over to the right some to make her appear centered.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5MUtGB7fd1k/TaPWaM4FbDI/AAAAAAAAAbk/avjXSqdTwkY/s1600/DSC01392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5MUtGB7fd1k/TaPWaM4FbDI/AAAAAAAAAbk/avjXSqdTwkY/s535/DSC01392.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WxN2dIyHMto/TaPWewzaojI/AAAAAAAAAbo/bf5CFLK4-88/s1600/DSC01394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WxN2dIyHMto/TaPWewzaojI/AAAAAAAAAbo/bf5CFLK4-88/s535/DSC01394.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ctp6h0G9BM/TaPXhVUDjdI/AAAAAAAAAbs/wqO9HIcOWyA/s1600/DSC01397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ctp6h0G9BM/TaPXhVUDjdI/AAAAAAAAAbs/wqO9HIcOWyA/s535/DSC01397.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AMywcGKLXKw/TaPX1ZWV5LI/AAAAAAAAAbw/MS5HgLixFek/s1600/DSC01401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AMywcGKLXKw/TaPX1ZWV5LI/AAAAAAAAAbw/MS5HgLixFek/s535/DSC01401.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/Decor-Blinds-Window-Treatments-Blinds-Shades-Natural-Woven/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbt0v/R-100429405/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053">Mirada bamboo blinds</a> we bought at The Home Depot and the <a href="http://www.target.com/Room-Essentials-Ball-Cafe-Drapery/dp/B000MXBIH4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&keywords=black%20curtain%20rod&fromGsearch=true&sr=1-2&qid=1302584900&rh=&searchRank=target104545&id=Room%20Essentials%20Ball%20Cafe%20Drapery&node=1038576%7C1287991011&searchSize=30&searchPage=1&searchNodeID=1038576%7C1287991011&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&frombrowse=0">black curtain rod</a> at Target. We chose Ikea's versatile and affordable <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_739621179">Ritva curtain</a><a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40111992"> panels</a>, paying $19.99 for the pair. They are sold long (98") to be hemmed at desired length. We hung them, pinned the bottom up, removed them, hemmed and ironed them and hung them again. The curtains come with an iron-on hemming strip, but I decided to sew the hem up instead so that it will be easier to adjust the length if we need it for a different window in the future. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M4ZWfqR98uo/TaPcaRkjX7I/AAAAAAAAAb0/hdgLf1Qu55k/s1600/DSC00513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M4ZWfqR98uo/TaPcaRkjX7I/AAAAAAAAAb0/hdgLf1Qu55k/s535/DSC00513.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q3CjE2QDvW0/TaPckkYdpXI/AAAAAAAAAb4/JZp-dxHwp80/s1600/DSC00516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q3CjE2QDvW0/TaPckkYdpXI/AAAAAAAAAb4/JZp-dxHwp80/s535/DSC00516.JPG" /></a></div><br />
So, there you have it, a play by play of how our window went from this...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ADUE0dtack/TaPShPHLgLI/AAAAAAAAAbg/5_UP7iRusbU/s1600/DSC01351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ADUE0dtack/TaPShPHLgLI/AAAAAAAAAbg/5_UP7iRusbU/s535/DSC01351.JPG" /></a></div><br />
to this...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i0HtKN7Xgro/TaPfph3RySI/AAAAAAAAAb8/ig1KNdzdXBA/s1600/DSC00417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i0HtKN7Xgro/TaPfph3RySI/AAAAAAAAAb8/ig1KNdzdXBA/s535/DSC00417.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Isn't she pur-tee?<br />
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The next design dilemma in our bedroom? The bookcase. Stay tuned for I'll soon be posting some of my inspiration pictures for this project and what we've done so far. Buh-Bye!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-apnfRxm_KhE/TaPj40LBWJI/AAAAAAAAAcE/6B_vY8NBhKk/s1600/DSC00420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-apnfRxm_KhE/TaPj40LBWJI/AAAAAAAAAcE/6B_vY8NBhKk/s535/DSC00420.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949724151323313679.post-7950628950561273792011-04-10T23:01:00.010-04:002011-09-28T21:12:31.573-04:00Mirror, Mirror on the wall...you are the fairest of them all! ;o) Yes, after much <a href="http://thepreciouslittlethingsinlife.blogspot.com/2011/03/last-mile-of-way.html">deliberation</a>, we swapped the black hemnes mirror for the white hemnes mirror and we love it! It's stunning, yet blends in well, falling right in line with the cool, crisp look we are going for. As a few of you suggested, we've used dresser top accessories to carry the black of the headboard over to this side of the room. We have not completely settled on the arrangement of the accessories quite yet, so keep that in mind when you're looking at the final after picture below. Let's take a stroll down memory lane, shall we? I'd like to show you how much this corner or wall of our bedroom has evolve over the past 8 months.<br />
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It went from this:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(1 week after we moved in. Hence the chaotic bookcase crammed with homeschooling books/supplies.) </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9gSyFnydvtM/TaJfe6ZhtQI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/M9BWiad845M/s1600/DSC00244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9gSyFnydvtM/TaJfe6ZhtQI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/M9BWiad845M/s535/DSC00244.JPG" /></a></div><br />
To this:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Remember this <a href="http://thepreciouslittlethingsinlife.blogspot.com/2011/02/you-did-what.html">chest of drawers</a> I covered in contact paper?)</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nfro7XmWBiM/TaJgbjqo7-I/AAAAAAAAAbU/We1s2VKi0gk/s1600/DSC01330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nfro7XmWBiM/TaJgbjqo7-I/AAAAAAAAAbU/We1s2VKi0gk/s535/DSC01330.JPG" /></a></div><br />
To this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UBQElWHoov8/TaJhSSDxq9I/AAAAAAAAAbY/nZ3f9lxut-U/s1600/DSC00152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UBQElWHoov8/TaJhSSDxq9I/AAAAAAAAAbY/nZ3f9lxut-U/s535/DSC00152.JPG" /></a></div><br />
and finally to this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s3YlujJHHyY/TaJhkTSA_3I/AAAAAAAAAbc/a1w-CE1SR_c/s1600/DSC00386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s3YlujJHHyY/TaJhkTSA_3I/AAAAAAAAAbc/a1w-CE1SR_c/s535/DSC00386.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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So, what do you think? We're totally diggin' it. I love the functionality of having a mirror that spans the complete width of the dresser. As many as four people can comfortably use the mirror. Although this is not something that your average family needs, our unique situation of living in a parsonage means we often have overnight guests. Also, there have been a couple of times when our little house has been inundated with visiting brethren from nearby congregations. You know how it is, after a long drive girls always need to freshen up and powder their noses. The little mirror we had before just wasn't cuttin' it.<br />
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Well, there ya have it folks....our mirror. It's a real trooper. Must be tough having to see my ugly mug first thing in the morning and numerous times throughout the day. Oh...if mirror's could talk! Ponder on that for a while. Lol!<br />
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Don't be gone long and check back soon. Later today or tomorrow, I'm gonna share pictures of the other side of the room (the wall directly across the above mentioned one) so you can see our new window treatment. Later ya'll! (Nope, haven't lost my Texan Twang, even after bein' in Jersey for 8 months. It's only logical, seein' as I did live in Texas for 28 years. Think maybe the twang is here to stay. :o)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949724151323313679.post-72657356736253761402011-04-08T13:22:00.004-04:002011-09-28T21:12:48.424-04:00Happy Birthday Lisa!!Just want to take a moment to congratulate my dear friend Lisa on her special day. Lisa, I've been so blessed by your friendship and consider our relationship to be a precious gift I will cherish always. Your virtues are countless and I admire and love you very much! Happy Birthday!<br />
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Here are a few pictures of Lisa and I from this past November when she came to visit me in New Jersey. Can't wait till the next time she can come and visit!<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(From Left to Right: Karen, Lisa, Me, Enilce - waiting to be seated at <a href="http://www.loscharritos.com/">Charrito's Mexican Restaurant </a>in Weehawken, NJ )</span></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fEd2I7F8mko/TZ9CgoBk93I/AAAAAAAAAa8/R614QOyRmEw/s1600/stacy+and+lisa+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fEd2I7F8mko/TZ9CgoBk93I/AAAAAAAAAa8/R614QOyRmEw/s535/stacy+and+lisa+2.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(From Left to Right: Me, Lisa, Enilce- Entering subway station in New York City)</span></i> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b1vipWmZm8Q/TZ9DlKiIbWI/AAAAAAAAAbA/BZ9KBYIqB_s/s1600/stacy+and+girls+in+ny2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img \="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b1vipWmZm8Q/TZ9DlKiIbWI/AAAAAAAAAbA/BZ9KBYIqB_s/s535/stacy+and+girls+in+ny2.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Me and Lisa</i></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>on <a href="http://www.crabhouseseafood.com/index.html">The Crab House</a> pier in Edgewater, NJ with New York City skyline in the background)</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MQoLVFjXka4/TZ9DsUMNIXI/AAAAAAAAAbE/D7-JzF7Fncs/s1600/stacy+and+lisa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MQoLVFjXka4/TZ9DsUMNIXI/AAAAAAAAAbE/D7-JzF7Fncs/s535/stacy+and+lisa.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Love you Lisa!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1