tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46278688405578086042024-03-13T16:16:44.689-05:00Gladness of HeartDesaraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16694035359926635253noreply@blogger.comBlogger173125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4627868840557808604.post-78904374314679708252014-09-18T09:00:00.000-05:002014-09-18T09:00:04.710-05:00DIY Fabric and Marbles Necklace<div style="text-align: center;">
Who doesn't love a new piece of jewelry?!<br />
For everyone who mentally responded "me!" to that question,<br />
then this post is for you!<br />
</div>
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<br />
The only thing better than 'new' than 'free',<br />
and that is pretty much what this <b>DIY Marble Necklace</b> amounts to...just pennies!<br />
<br />
I'm sure y'all have seen these marble necklaces <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=fabric%20and%20marble%20necklace" target="_blank">all over Pinterest</a>.<br />
But at the risk of being redundant, <br />
I'm going to share my own post on the subject.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><u>All you need is...</u></b></h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li>fabric, cut into 2 1/2 x 45 or 60 inches long</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>marbles {you can buy a bag at the dollar store}</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<u>Equipment</u></h3>
<ul style="text-align: center;">
<li> ruler</li>
<li>scissors</li>
<li>sewing machine</li>
</ul>
<br />
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<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">1. Cut </span></u><br />
For a choker or high collar necklace {about 25 in. long}, I cut my strip <b>45 inches long</b>.<br />
For the longer necklace I sewed several strips together to make a tube <b>60 inches long</b>.<br />
This may seem really long, but once you start tying knots, it shortens up quite a bit.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>2. Sew</u></span><br />
First, if you are sewing strips together length wise,<br />
sew these first, right sides together.<br />
<br />
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<br />
Next fold your piece in half length wise (right sides together) and sew up the edge<br />
using a 1/4 inch seam.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>3. Turn</u></span><br />
Turn your tube right side out.<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>4. Stuff and Knot</u></span><br />
Put in your marbles and tie knots after each one.<br />
Experiment with the spacing between marbles and knots.<br />
<i>Be sure to leave enough fabric on either end to tie your necklace around your neck. </i><br />
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This necklace was done just by tying knots right after each marble, close together. <br />
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<br />
This necklace was done by leaving a gap in between the marble and the knots on either side.<br />
The next marble was tied tightly, followed by another marble with loose knots on either side.<br />
<br />
I really like how this changed up the look.<br />
I even made a bracelet to match!<br />
{Recognize those clothes? It is <a href="http://gladness-of-heart.blogspot.com/2013/09/refashioned-outfit-look-1.html" target="_blank">this refashioned outfit</a>!} <br />
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<br />
On my third necklace, I tied it the same as above, but made it longer,<br />
and only added marbles and knots to the bottom half.<br />
I LOVE that silky, multicolored fabric, it makes a great necklace!<br />
<br />
After making my own, I helped my little sister make one too, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
which she proceeded to wear both night and day (no kidding, she slept in it!) for probably a month.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She loved it so much, she made one as a Christmas gift for her best friend!<br />
<br />
How about you?<br />
Have you tried this Pinterest project yet?<br />
<br />
In case you haven't,<br />
consider this your official nudge in the ribs.</div>
Desaraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16694035359926635253noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4627868840557808604.post-32935765883986356902014-09-09T15:00:00.000-05:002014-09-09T15:00:02.492-05:00Basket Weave Pattern Crochet Baby Afghan <div align="center">
Before I knew how to sew,<br />
I spent most of my crafty energies crocheting,<br />
and often I had orders from family to crochet baby blankets.<br />
<br />
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<br />
This is one of the patterns I liked to turn to,<br />
granted, <i>this pattern will use more yarn than a blanket of the same size</i> in a different pattern,<br />
but you can't beat the dense, thick, lush feel of this blanket. <br />
<br />
<i> I don't have this pattern written down row for row,</i><br />
<i>but it is a repeating pattern so it is really easy to figure out.</i><br />
<br />
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<br />
<b>Worked in one piece,</b><br />
<b>the squares are created by working front post double crochet (FpDc) </b><br />
<b>and back post double crochet (BpDc).</b><br />
A post stitch is done by crocheting <i>around </i>the post<br />
(with the post either in front or in back of your hook)<br />
instead of working in the top stitches as you normally would. <br />
<br />
Here is a great video that explains this technique.<br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/c79JeKZiAEM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
So all you are doing is a double crochet (dc) either in front or in back of the post.<br />
<br />
This pattern is:<br />
<b>10 squares across x 12 squares high,</b><br />
<b>each square is 15 dc across, and 10dc rows high.</b><br />
<br />
So essentially, just dc in the front and back of the posts to create the look of squares,<br />
and once your squares are 12 rows high,<br />
you change your order of front and back posting to change the pattern.<br />
<br />
<b>Once you start working this pattern you won't need directions or row by row run through! </b><br />
Buuuuttt, just to help you along, here is a rough pattern<b>.</b><br />
<br />
<b>~~~~~~~~ </b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> Basket Weave Baby Afghan Pattern (rough)</b> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hook: H</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yarn: any type, I use soft, baby yarn</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1.5 lbs of yarn (4 normal 8 oz skeins, you may not use all 4)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 skein for trim, in contrasting, complimentary color (optional) </span> </span><b><span style="font-size: large;"></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<b> Starting chain </b>153 (10 squares across x 15 dc in each square + 3ch for beginning dc).</div>
<div align="center">
<br />
<br />
<b>Row 1</b>: Dc across, ch3, turn<br />
<b>Row 2:</b> (It doesn't matter if you start with the FpDc or the BpDc one this first row- just pick one)<br />
*FpDc in next 15 dc, BpDc in next 15dc* repeat to end of row. Ch3, turn<br />
<br />
<i>(I suggest keeping a row marker at the beginning row of each square,</i><br />
<i>this makes it easier to know when to switch.)</i><br />
<br />
<b>Row 3:</b> *BpDc in first 15 st (should be on top of BpDc from previous row), FpDc in next 15 st (also should be on top of FpDc from previous row)* repeat to end of row. Ch 3, turn<br />
<br />
<b>*When you turn the work your pattern is flipping, you are not actually</b><br />
<b>alternating rows, though it looks like it on paper.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Repeat rows 2-3 until your square is 12 rows high.</b><br />
Now change so you are back posting on top of the front post row of 15dc, and front posting on the back post 15dc row. This creates the changing of the squares.<br />
Mark the beginning of this row, the change in the pattern for your next square. <br />
<br />
<b>Repeat like rows 2-3 to complete your next row of squares.</b><br />
Continue working in this manner.<br />
You will see the pattern clearly, and you will know when to change!<b> </b><br />
End off.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Edging</span></b><br />
<i>The edging is a half double crochet (hdc) shell and post pattern</i><br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Start in corner along the smaller, <b>top edge</b> of blanket.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
ch2 (counts as hdc) and 1 hdc in corner, *ch 1, skip two st, 2 hdc in space between dc,*<br />
repeat until you reach the other corner. </div>
<div align="center">
In corner, 2hdc, ch1, 2hdc, ch 1, hdc around each dc stitch down the side- <b>do not</b> chain in between.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
When you reach the bottom corner, do as other corner (2hdc, ch1, 2hdc)<br />
return to ch 1, sk two, 2 hdc along the bottom edge.</div>
<div align="center">
Do next corner same as last, repeat 1 hdc around each dc up the next side</div>
<div align="center">
When you reach the corner you started in,</div>
<div align="center">
do 2 hdc, ch1 then connect to top stitch of starting ch 2.</div>
<div align="center">
Finish off, weave in ends securely. </div>
<div align="center">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLhPKio93VikEX5CdfrPEh4tKi-18kG0QojpeMm7EEV_CAgHbsYdw4inWh8IOye9ZvMVC-EMYA2BdqOegLznquBu4UiocCCbfYjuQHa8WQzjvndtBhdPashbLdqik0Jfi5jSBlmnxX_g/s1600/IMG_4044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLhPKio93VikEX5CdfrPEh4tKi-18kG0QojpeMm7EEV_CAgHbsYdw4inWh8IOye9ZvMVC-EMYA2BdqOegLznquBu4UiocCCbfYjuQHa8WQzjvndtBhdPashbLdqik0Jfi5jSBlmnxX_g/s1600/IMG_4044.JPG" height="640" width="480" /> </a></div>
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This is an indulgent pattern...because the way the stitches are worked, your rows aren't quite as tall, thus your yarn doesn't go quite as far as other patterns might, but I absolutely love the outcome! </div>
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It is so beautiful both in texture, weight and appearance. </div>
<br />
How about you,<br />
do you sacrifice practicality for the sake of appearance and overall outcome<br />
in your crafting projects?<br />
<br />
Do these 'cooking without measuring' type of crochet directions make sense,<br />
or are you a strict row by row type of crocheter?<br />
<br />
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</div>
</div>
Desaraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16694035359926635253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4627868840557808604.post-9554829665210510822014-09-07T13:00:00.000-05:002014-09-07T13:00:00.494-05:00More Mer...Maids and Men<div style="text-align: center;">
I never imagined when I shared my first</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://gladness-of-heart.blogspot.com/2013/06/little-mermaid-crochet-doll.html" target="_blank">crocheted mermaid doll</a> that it would be so well received, by cyber and real life friends alike!</div>
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<br /></div>
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It wasn't long after making my first doll that I received an order from a friend</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for eight more!!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Here is what I came up with...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZj2zHvQtJLaoHqwrLIkEDy20-G5Q6vq2jwdFS8cnN8CIz7nWLvevrlBpKXYj59UdA6QyUf6-9moc0rONACx1QHsfKkpRR9Nb_4ZmhYcXmf8lSq2PMFSE5SF8KZoiIQeQW4O3jP4U5BrM/s1600/IMG_6030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZj2zHvQtJLaoHqwrLIkEDy20-G5Q6vq2jwdFS8cnN8CIz7nWLvevrlBpKXYj59UdA6QyUf6-9moc0rONACx1QHsfKkpRR9Nb_4ZmhYcXmf8lSq2PMFSE5SF8KZoiIQeQW4O3jP4U5BrM/s1600/IMG_6030.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19d_e6Y1Q_tR8toc_KU-vpEwd7uu3vsMOCFMH4lwJOenmi_EHFihXyITCFJiAOf-YvUp6dohQAC4SWZ4FDDIrNZSsy-u-jP-_8KzsLtJPNjHkE7cfm9vZ5x4AmX8cysKwUL-Qu-4eYbQ/s1600/IMG_6033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19d_e6Y1Q_tR8toc_KU-vpEwd7uu3vsMOCFMH4lwJOenmi_EHFihXyITCFJiAOf-YvUp6dohQAC4SWZ4FDDIrNZSsy-u-jP-_8KzsLtJPNjHkE7cfm9vZ5x4AmX8cysKwUL-Qu-4eYbQ/s1600/IMG_6033.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNjM65YUgwen-SUTSZJQ32RUGLRLalAlR9cwKKreqIXjVyBtVZy4kj4aQsUDBYDq9yDUxVlLsTonjS7-CHesR4RVD486yHNgGciICeuaN79u387FKsUIhIIiHDl9Yhvfb4WlTiat7Zgk/s1600/IMG_6038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNjM65YUgwen-SUTSZJQ32RUGLRLalAlR9cwKKreqIXjVyBtVZy4kj4aQsUDBYDq9yDUxVlLsTonjS7-CHesR4RVD486yHNgGciICeuaN79u387FKsUIhIIiHDl9Yhvfb4WlTiat7Zgk/s1600/IMG_6038.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I had fun coming up with different hair and fin combinations...not to mention eye color!</div>
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AND</div>
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of course, who doesn't want a little romance...mermaids are no exception,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so a merman order soon followed.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-UZhEDI0On1DBvvIZ5brGMkPpQzus8N8tdQhY4pp_oUwWkH3pX50tjonp5M9GRAMXK2UYvM_0AV6ggiA13KoF2-cWlvy4KYw-GG6-KFs03XJsqWTDaW6n5YUiEbA38rYiMzxhhe7sJs/s1600/IMG_7144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-UZhEDI0On1DBvvIZ5brGMkPpQzus8N8tdQhY4pp_oUwWkH3pX50tjonp5M9GRAMXK2UYvM_0AV6ggiA13KoF2-cWlvy4KYw-GG6-KFs03XJsqWTDaW6n5YUiEbA38rYiMzxhhe7sJs/s1600/IMG_7144.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here is my hunky mer of a man!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzztSBu9IT1F1ByeTOxktJuCh5TSU7_3WlEKu5AqR3j0y7sZ2wW_wNT3bbW96VXK15t2qbNRDOV2TyRw2YT11RLXcyoVUpsW1Yh2SSHRvP4dxsUHfwHvt2aU0zEI7M6sjOoHrvxufyAyc/s1600/IMG_7146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzztSBu9IT1F1ByeTOxktJuCh5TSU7_3WlEKu5AqR3j0y7sZ2wW_wNT3bbW96VXK15t2qbNRDOV2TyRw2YT11RLXcyoVUpsW1Yh2SSHRvP4dxsUHfwHvt2aU0zEI7M6sjOoHrvxufyAyc/s1600/IMG_7146.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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You can barely see it, but he has a cock eyed grin.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlP3SinebidTRumvzT3gmvFXYpxm6uCgTN4ANfwmJWW3o_jlkZ6BUZJjqVdatfQ1ynsYIsm6xfYxaNF_CCyEaTSNXn4mwCK472hN0v-yDI0y5p2Jy9_ISEqrLDCALtEQFJuYQlhMWdK-k/s1600/IMG_7147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlP3SinebidTRumvzT3gmvFXYpxm6uCgTN4ANfwmJWW3o_jlkZ6BUZJjqVdatfQ1ynsYIsm6xfYxaNF_CCyEaTSNXn4mwCK472hN0v-yDI0y5p2Jy9_ISEqrLDCALtEQFJuYQlhMWdK-k/s1600/IMG_7147.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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As with the ladies, I find the hair and facial details the most challenging part,</div>
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but I think he turned out lookin' pretty good. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloFFK0wUXSXFR7IkkxsU26COb__gA9SH_1fLFSkj8QbB86ryW2u2UzXjsd6N3OdlbDCxknY5bKIYLnc8C2hxu-og5TQIxpLYJgs1JPGVqoS5v1o3Kgfj69sx7NKe6GBfcmrLbt2c166k/s1600/IMG_7149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloFFK0wUXSXFR7IkkxsU26COb__gA9SH_1fLFSkj8QbB86ryW2u2UzXjsd6N3OdlbDCxknY5bKIYLnc8C2hxu-og5TQIxpLYJgs1JPGVqoS5v1o3Kgfj69sx7NKe6GBfcmrLbt2c166k/s1600/IMG_7149.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>"Look at you, still all muscly and everything."</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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As it goes with <strike>people</strike> mers in love, </div>
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I expect there to be a couple of merbabies by Christmas. ;)</div>
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<br /></div>
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For those of you who have asked about this pattern,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
after making nine of the ladies, I have a pretty good working pattern down,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and with a little more work I can probably do the same with the merman.<br />I plan to offer these patterns for sale on Etsy in the future...but right now, there is no definite date. </div>
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I will be sure to announce it here on the blog when I do though!</div>
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<br /></div>
Desaraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16694035359926635253noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4627868840557808604.post-64642231834589533642014-09-06T13:00:00.000-05:002014-09-06T13:00:00.475-05:00DIY Decoupage Trunk Recovery <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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Today,<br />
I'm going to share with you the wonder of decoupage.<br />
This is a super easy method for prettfying things, and it has soooo many applications {ha!}.</div>
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<br /></div>
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My <strike>victim</strike> candidate was a set of miniature, floral patterned trunks.</div>
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I think they are made out of thin, pressed cardboard??<br />
Not really sure, but this process works on wood and metal as well.</div>
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<br /></div>
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After having them in my possession since I was a tween, I decided they needed an upgrade. </div>
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Granted, I did this project about four years ago, so I don't really have process pictures. <br />
That makes this the first post in my month long <a href="http://gladness-of-heart.blogspot.com/2014/09/blog-redesign-and-throwback-month.html" target="_blank">Throwback series</a>!<br />
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukVsUB6bF6e3cZsxufWYBZIZH-NtpmaYrSR9cFOqQjtPDLZuW5borlfpJBI29GrFOIzVmQqDXBJlXghBjRwKHU5KLITTKD2nCFZrXcP9V73TyRe172ZE8pupCMJcOOJ7XhfBpl8x86RA/s1600/IMG_5737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukVsUB6bF6e3cZsxufWYBZIZH-NtpmaYrSR9cFOqQjtPDLZuW5borlfpJBI29GrFOIzVmQqDXBJlXghBjRwKHU5KLITTKD2nCFZrXcP9V73TyRe172ZE8pupCMJcOOJ7XhfBpl8x86RA/s1600/IMG_5737.JPG" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
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Although this is mid process, you can see what the trunks looked like before.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not pretty.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDcgkWrMmXnRxleLqya5_eC3MMFuHKz6qWycu60IsFb-ZafiFf-d6ohF3DlzFTleTUlQjxYzQHDsuXpiof77VJgzw-hkW8sL0_-1z5AR7qYikNFuELkukfxwFeY6tqaIfe5wjSqNwGYk/s1600/IMG_7191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDcgkWrMmXnRxleLqya5_eC3MMFuHKz6qWycu60IsFb-ZafiFf-d6ohF3DlzFTleTUlQjxYzQHDsuXpiof77VJgzw-hkW8sL0_-1z5AR7qYikNFuELkukfxwFeY6tqaIfe5wjSqNwGYk/s1600/IMG_7191.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Don't worry, </div>
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dollar store wrapping paper to the rescue!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBKVwvpo5elg0FTTnBH4TTgXqEnRAGA6RIZB8xF5Tvz0TjbsTgzkZsUUFPJTBKS3CB0oj4BfCtjl8GOaHRhd7GVAH94rU4Njb_wBMRI-ui0UP1Carl7vHujIarYIUSpkTyXLk1gb6SdI/s1600/IMG_5738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBKVwvpo5elg0FTTnBH4TTgXqEnRAGA6RIZB8xF5Tvz0TjbsTgzkZsUUFPJTBKS3CB0oj4BfCtjl8GOaHRhd7GVAH94rU4Njb_wBMRI-ui0UP1Carl7vHujIarYIUSpkTyXLk1gb6SdI/s1600/IMG_5738.JPG" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>What You Need:</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>glue {regular Elmer's school glue}</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>water</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>wrapping paper</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>small brush </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>scissors</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Step One: Clean</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Start with a clean surface by wiping down the item you plan to recover with a damp rag</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Step Two: Mix</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In a cup or dish, mix together enough glue and water to make a spreadable mix...think paint consistency.</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Step Three: Cut and Paste</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Work in small sections at a time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First 'paint' a section with your glue mixture,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
tear up pieces of wrapping paper and stick to your pasted area.<br />
Paste over with glue again, tear more pieces of paper and stick them on, overlapping each other.<br />
The key here being sure to have a layer of glue underneath the overlapping paper<br />
and on the surface you are sticking them to.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Keep repeating that process until you get all the way around,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
being sure to seal your paper down with a good coat of glue paste. </div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>For the Bottom</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can either do the bottom in pieces of paper like you did the rest of the trunk,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or you could cut one, solid piece and lay it over the bottom.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The option is up to you and what you want!<br />
{In my opinion, the solid piece <i>looks </i>better, but is trickier to do.} </div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Hinges & Handles</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you can take your hardware off, great!<br />
But if not, just trace and cut your paper piece to fit snugly around them as best you can.</div>
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And that is it!</div>
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Simple, simple!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIsGBskKCoQefvP77qrHNIcNelp6bSNxlWbOVZPh-WDqzmQAvyvlNFNk301qn5Tq9Lhv08RBvM6ai5GdiaPgjHLvg-JJAYi3JVupTxUQLQ0ohKAVxJy3pcfwj2up7LHhkM04lTBikYhc/s1600/IMG_6993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIsGBskKCoQefvP77qrHNIcNelp6bSNxlWbOVZPh-WDqzmQAvyvlNFNk301qn5Tq9Lhv08RBvM6ai5GdiaPgjHLvg-JJAYi3JVupTxUQLQ0ohKAVxJy3pcfwj2up7LHhkM04lTBikYhc/s1600/IMG_6993.JPG" height="640" width="506" /></a></div>
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Now they look bright and cheery...so much better than before!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7Q_Uaf_kmAvp6XqlG1ZaLEdt7NuwNRUIwMKZJ8ogYhjZXMsR00vQ6eikViBLcYCvi5SmJd8ko8G_IJ0Uw9b_SYHv9Cc95A4KwbnOdhqkdufHq3QmF8OkYNsqADiKFd1u5yd_7rLUx3Q/s1600/TrunkBA.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7Q_Uaf_kmAvp6XqlG1ZaLEdt7NuwNRUIwMKZJ8ogYhjZXMsR00vQ6eikViBLcYCvi5SmJd8ko8G_IJ0Uw9b_SYHv9Cc95A4KwbnOdhqkdufHq3QmF8OkYNsqADiKFd1u5yd_7rLUx3Q/s1600/TrunkBA.png" height="394" width="640" /></a></div>
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What do you think?<br />
Does this give you any ideas for decoupage projects of your own?<br />
<br /></div>
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Hello lovely readers!!</div>
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Were you a little worried,</div>
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when you first arrived at this blog page, thinking perhaps you had taken a wrong turn in ciber space?</div>
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Let me assure you, things may look a little different around here, but you did indeed</div>
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reach the same Gladness of Heart blog that you have {hopefully} come to know and love!</div>
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<br /></div>
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I decided it was time to update the look of the place,</div>
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make it more my own and move away from the pre-fabricated blog header and background.</div>
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<i>What do you think?!</i></div>
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<i> {Seriously, please tell me!}</i></div>
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I still have a few little things to tweak here and there,</div>
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but for the most part, I love the new look!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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Moving on to the next order of business:</div>
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In a stroke of irony, following on the heals of a new blog design,</div>
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I am dubbing September Throwback Month here on Gladness of Heart!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wI8Beh-7Do0upDebuCf5M9aNBHhnE67KLESgUdl2MASTlhbcXI55WowD1aGzTA3k5sRPCh0qOmnBebAK86oJYCxlXTakkeG2QkclvPEnB86e-ykw0qHsDd6dfgMMeqxs1TJIB-FAFt4/s1600/Throwback.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wI8Beh-7Do0upDebuCf5M9aNBHhnE67KLESgUdl2MASTlhbcXI55WowD1aGzTA3k5sRPCh0qOmnBebAK86oJYCxlXTakkeG2QkclvPEnB86e-ykw0qHsDd6dfgMMeqxs1TJIB-FAFt4/s1600/Throwback.png" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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I will take you on a blast from the past with projects that I did before my blogging days,</div>
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and some that just got lost in the craziness of life and were never shared with you!<br />
You know the type, I call them MIA projects- they happened, but then in the line<br />
of blogging duty, they fell behind the schedule and just didn't happen. </div>
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If you are looking for a theme to blog to this month, I welcome you to join me!</div>
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This is a great excuse to show off some of your projects that you might</div>
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otherwise be a bit embarrassed to post because it was so long ago since you did them.</div>
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So what do you say, do you think you'll join me for a Throwback Month?<br />
I hope to see you around!</div>
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Desaraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16694035359926635253noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4627868840557808604.post-38515226992631848272014-08-23T08:00:00.000-05:002014-08-23T08:00:01.533-05:00Host a Clothing Swap Party!<div style="text-align: center;">
Whoo!</div>
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What better way to clean our your closet than to have a fashion show </div>
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with your good friends and get some new digs in return?!</div>
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That is just what three of my lady friends and myself did last Saturday</div>
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when I hosted what will most likely become an annual (seasonal?!) event!</div>
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<br /></div>
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I hosted a Clothing Swap Party!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKrp6cVMaeGZC4030WuxX2rxBA4XAuKeCC_SdaApjmR8IRglqvxPZJBq62tk8R8aR0vI18r3GjdEjwCbMnwuctPgCzqDmJBSy2UZhfpCnxyFeZOozVkCYofCJHLXmRhLmSO3A_4PwXgM/s1600/0816141633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKrp6cVMaeGZC4030WuxX2rxBA4XAuKeCC_SdaApjmR8IRglqvxPZJBq62tk8R8aR0vI18r3GjdEjwCbMnwuctPgCzqDmJBSy2UZhfpCnxyFeZOozVkCYofCJHLXmRhLmSO3A_4PwXgM/s1600/0816141633.jpg" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
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<b>If you haven't heard about clothing swaps, let me fill you in.</b></div>
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A clothing swap is like shopping your friends' closet.</div>
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Everyone brings <i>an agreed minimum amount of items</i>,</div>
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that can include clothes, accessories, shoes etc. that are in good, clean condition.</div>
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Our group agreed upon <i>at least 10 pieces</i>, and we kept it to clothing and accessories.</div>
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To make things easier, I recommend <i>hanging up your clothing items</i>.</div>
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We all pitched in and organized the clothes by tops, skirts, pants, and jackety-things (a new term we invented) and it made it go really quickly!</div>
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<i>TIP:</i></div>
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<i>I would recommend marking your hangers by tying a colored ribbon on them,</i></div>
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<i>or putting a piece of colored tape around it, to avoid mix ups with other swappers.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH13rrZwsAvyxteanyZgrDKUPq1qSvCmvgMVssJKVNeDgvEfiddj4haXB5YY_d5ZjNH1wTeMujyvgreadgMMyoDm4MabYUzqMeNag_EqBEgswUHneA92cbmfCRWss8_r6sjGMCZ4upmKg/s1600/0816141634a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH13rrZwsAvyxteanyZgrDKUPq1qSvCmvgMVssJKVNeDgvEfiddj4haXB5YY_d5ZjNH1wTeMujyvgreadgMMyoDm4MabYUzqMeNag_EqBEgswUHneA92cbmfCRWss8_r6sjGMCZ4upmKg/s1600/0816141634a.jpg" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
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After the clothes were all organized this is how I chose to proceed.</div>
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Instead of going at it all at the same time, <i>we took turns, each lady drawing a number to determine what order we would 'shop' in</i>.</div>
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But before we started shopping, we got to look over the items,</div>
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and each lady was given an equal amount of stickers that she could use to mark the pieces </div>
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she wanted.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6uLVPzgK932FGtNuuUhUf7OWA9CIUMygs1Crxp2oCnqExX2syBYC1OBJCvmqNj36sCwOMBSDmSBCIFf9jDxe6HT59UQsAA4QCHqxMxriBbX6dlAZamAz2ACGGylGya1LsEZZpxBXr2Wk/s1600/0816141634d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6uLVPzgK932FGtNuuUhUf7OWA9CIUMygs1Crxp2oCnqExX2syBYC1OBJCvmqNj36sCwOMBSDmSBCIFf9jDxe6HT59UQsAA4QCHqxMxriBbX6dlAZamAz2ACGGylGya1LsEZZpxBXr2Wk/s1600/0816141634d.jpg" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
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When your turn came around, you were allowed to pick 3 pieces.</div>
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If two ladies had marked or 'claimed' the same item, we just did a little fashion show,</div>
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and had each one try on the piece, to see which it fit better.</div>
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There really were no problems in this area, everyone was very gracious.</div>
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Once everyone had about three turns each, </div>
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we just went in and picked through the leftovers together.</div>
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It was really relaxed, we simply asked, "Does anyone mind if I take piece," or "is anyone else interested in this?" and it worked out very smoothly.</div>
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Everyone ended up with several pieces that they really liked and looked great on them.</div>
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One thing I did notice that I found interesting was that on at least two occasions,</div>
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someone tried on a piece that they really weren't sure about, but when they modeled </div>
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it in front of the others, they received a wonderful response that they hadn't expected!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwKDk9DcSf7_hTQ3aYdGWTsWqWZu1hBevMDlwpX3q0oru5_pfjQt6xlYjAyBDWgBa-0LncQdu9y-hvSr1SWXuabu7ytxDRssVNUU7FEks6x8Okf4n1PNv2L-Z10RZP3c20zVbu3VFt_I/s1600/0816141634e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwKDk9DcSf7_hTQ3aYdGWTsWqWZu1hBevMDlwpX3q0oru5_pfjQt6xlYjAyBDWgBa-0LncQdu9y-hvSr1SWXuabu7ytxDRssVNUU7FEks6x8Okf4n1PNv2L-Z10RZP3c20zVbu3VFt_I/s1600/0816141634e.jpg" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
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It was a lot of fun and everyone agreed that we need to do it again</div>
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I ended up with a pretty intimate group, only four ladies including myself,</div>
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and I was worried there wouldn't be enough items to generate a good mix to choose from,</div>
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but it ended up working out great! Everyone brought more than 10 pieces, which helped a lot.</div>
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</div>
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Since it was a ladies get together,</div>
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I used it as a excuse to try out a new Pinterest recipe, and a special girly one at that!</div>
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I made these<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/15692298676602399/" target="_blank"> French Vanilla Cappuccino Cupcakes</a>!</div>
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They turned out pretty good, although I would make a few adjustments in the future.</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxl44oaCMsfSxx9vJ9YR-6L4KPayiYHoj19HqY-IJvO8weGywZeAzClpwsTjBcDQR6yFXwOZ8O0g_jOBYARk9oB6B1RL3_Ryv_aEwOjbXGQ5bYXUb-fxCJR8N3PBrKFXY9w2RUZac9c4/s1600/IMG_7186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxl44oaCMsfSxx9vJ9YR-6L4KPayiYHoj19HqY-IJvO8weGywZeAzClpwsTjBcDQR6yFXwOZ8O0g_jOBYARk9oB6B1RL3_Ryv_aEwOjbXGQ5bYXUb-fxCJR8N3PBrKFXY9w2RUZac9c4/s1600/IMG_7186.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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So there you have it, ladies get together with new clothes and dessert!</div>
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I call that a triple win!</div>
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Have any of you been to a clothing swap? </div>
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Anxious to host one? </div>
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I hope this gives you a great idea for a ladies night out!</div>
Desaraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16694035359926635253noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4627868840557808604.post-51604224847562377012014-08-21T13:59:00.002-05:002014-08-21T13:59:50.600-05:00Vote for a Cause, Make a Difference<div style="text-align: center;">
Ok,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm just gonna come right out and say that I have a little fire burning under my bum today,</div>
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and I decided to set out and try to do something about it.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is the story.</div>
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Those of you who have been with me very long know that I have a heart</div>
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for India. Well, I try to put my money where my mouth is a support works</div>
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in that country, and one way that I do that is by giving to <a href="http://www.indiapartners.org/" target="_blank">India Partners</a>,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a Christ centered organization that aims at "partnering with the people of India in ministry by cultivating
relationships, sharing resources, and encouraging self-sufficiency
through the compassion and wisdom of Jesus Christ." </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today I read an email from India Partners and</div>
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learned that <b>they have entered a photo contest hosted by Global Giving.</b></div>
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<b>which will give $1,000 to the non-profit organization who's picture wins first place. </b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Such a great idea, and I was happy to cast my vote and support them.</div>
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And then I saw it.</div>
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The organizations that are currently in top place</div>
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are not ones that are aimed at saving orphans,</div>
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providing a better education for children overseas, or funding urgent medical needs.</div>
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No.</div>
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<b>The most championed causes in the lead right now are those that</b></div>
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<b>aim to save abandoned birds, and street dogs. </b></div>
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<br /></div>
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This made me sad.</div>
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And then, very angry.</div>
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I love animals, y'all, and it does make me sad when they are mistreated. </div>
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But they are just that.</div>
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Animals.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>I believe <i>people </i>are infinitely more valuable and important! </b></div>
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We are created in the image of God and have eternal destinies.</div>
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There should be no contest!</div>
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For me, this contest isn't so much about the actual photos,</div>
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but about the organization that the photo will support. </div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://dpqe0zkrjo0ak.cloudfront.net/pfil/15452/pict_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="https://dpqe0zkrjo0ak.cloudfront.net/pfil/15452/pict_large.jpg" border="0" class="shrinkToFit decoded" height="423" src="https://dpqe0zkrjo0ak.cloudfront.net/pfil/15452/pict_large.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">
This is the photo entered by India Partners.</div>
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By voting for India Partners, you help an orphan in India, like this girl, receive an education.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you feel the same as I,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
please <a href="http://www.globalgiving.org/poll/vote/?pollOptionId=789" target="_blank">go VOTE for India Partners</a>,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a reputable Christian based organization that is doing a good work,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and make your voice heard that people are more valuable than animals. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>All you have to do is go to the link above that says "go vote",</b></div>
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<b>enter you email address, then wait for the confirmation email that will make your vote count.</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The deadline for voting is August 29th! </b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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And that is all.</div>
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Such a very little thing can make a big difference.</div>
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You could make a difference between $1,000 being thrown away on rescuing birds,</div>
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like the ones that sadly fly into our windshields every now and then, or by providing a better life</div>
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and education to a precious, orphaned child...a human being who has a calling and destiny. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Your vote stresses the importance of Christ's love to children. </b></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Thank you for reading my little rant.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And thank you in advance on behalf of India Partners, for your vote!</div>
Desaraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16694035359926635253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4627868840557808604.post-73653147735412472812014-08-21T12:00:00.000-05:002014-08-21T12:00:04.425-05:00Hand Painted Thriftstore Mugs...Fail?<div style="text-align: center;">
Give a girl two thrifted mugs.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Two painter pens.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
40 minutes.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And what do you get?</div>
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T H E S E!</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2ZFDlH8qvQWZaOLXirByd7Hx7_Bceca6krZKy7kT7_s8JKjJtDL-dM_GxantGtVsBBVNHGPlK2cE7MCSwufHSQP7ADavL2JpvlNGEJl1NzfCHnTel5WmS_7ILtQKOhsEtJ-N-A2XM7c/s1600/IMG_6903.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Free-hand, one of a kind painted mugs!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Believe it or not, I took pictures of flowers on our shower curtain and referred to them for inspiration!</div>
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Pretty darling, huh?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7l3SWJvPPYJBIFWWR7dEgsuXTeaGU5i-XwoyoBya4LIjm5LAJLZtbyDLMyG1LwhUulGunng-vmdxHqoOBafK9jCqRcVzU6fd0D2jUk9va739OzRKLvveS0B0jht4O-VilRHbXm2pbOMU/s1600/IMG_6891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7l3SWJvPPYJBIFWWR7dEgsuXTeaGU5i-XwoyoBya4LIjm5LAJLZtbyDLMyG1LwhUulGunng-vmdxHqoOBafK9jCqRcVzU6fd0D2jUk9va739OzRKLvveS0B0jht4O-VilRHbXm2pbOMU/s1600/IMG_6891.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now...I need to make a confession.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These were done a long time ago.</div>
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How long you ask...errmmm...last November?!</div>
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</div>
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Why the long wait to share?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, it is kind of a half success/half fail project, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I don't like sharing things with you unless I have it figured out!</div>
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</div>
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So actually, I'm coming to <i>you</i> for help!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is the situation.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kqJWniMnt8DY5FsNWoiMUTdSFMig-n_MPVV-UoZBViYQVs_pr2H-tYB6xr0ks8fOI-dM_ygQDgBaNFNoW9Z-LQEa_m991tAUsNrCcrR8qPj5HXOytVGb1Tt5TTxD7wcQ7S8f1BWOMTY/s1600/IMG_6897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kqJWniMnt8DY5FsNWoiMUTdSFMig-n_MPVV-UoZBViYQVs_pr2H-tYB6xr0ks8fOI-dM_ygQDgBaNFNoW9Z-LQEa_m991tAUsNrCcrR8qPj5HXOytVGb1Tt5TTxD7wcQ7S8f1BWOMTY/s1600/IMG_6897.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhta-orjtWg-8IrFY2LGvJanuTtvCpMDlLNyFpuH-hkYI1RK9xNNBfz4pn54OdWZahpb7qzuur3ijmJqRBTXqCPtG2_-930TXggBeKKBl8PhCAh3srQa9tqJq_VlDQQhetelPWVZv7wIuk/s1600/IMG_6899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhta-orjtWg-8IrFY2LGvJanuTtvCpMDlLNyFpuH-hkYI1RK9xNNBfz4pn54OdWZahpb7qzuur3ijmJqRBTXqCPtG2_-930TXggBeKKBl8PhCAh3srQa9tqJq_VlDQQhetelPWVZv7wIuk/s1600/IMG_6899.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br />
Originally I was going to paint these using the infamous colored sharpie method from Pinterest.<br />
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However, after doing some research, I found lots of failed sharpie projects.<br />
The poor dears put so much time and effort into beautifully, detailed designs<br />
only to discover it scratched right off, even after baking.</div>
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</div>
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I like to make my own mistakes, but I have no problem learning from those of others,</div>
so I decided to go another route. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YTdDRBSNvDX1v-aXE0PgzK1E6ptM-O4XQB9Va0y21uGzYLyWyXTr-nWRomKdf00140BIcp3s8gOqv2JK3-QCtTppcIom20sSpwJgkwSdbdtG6Qnjy28wltSYvSdaKHMCqmP-kckZq3Y/s1600/IMG_6901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YTdDRBSNvDX1v-aXE0PgzK1E6ptM-O4XQB9Va0y21uGzYLyWyXTr-nWRomKdf00140BIcp3s8gOqv2JK3-QCtTppcIom20sSpwJgkwSdbdtG6Qnjy28wltSYvSdaKHMCqmP-kckZq3Y/s1600/IMG_6901.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AGR5LNTraihebDRok6YqA6XN5LNJzRml7P_RS1dktsHd7bqv9w5e7QP1Xg2Y4pC8GF-n3i-c08pSQ7JniZHKZ52pyb0xIF2ff2wlvsYpHviOacFuFqtVSElStAwYpZEBa80v4sI7x5A/s1600/IMG_6902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AGR5LNTraihebDRok6YqA6XN5LNJzRml7P_RS1dktsHd7bqv9w5e7QP1Xg2Y4pC8GF-n3i-c08pSQ7JniZHKZ52pyb0xIF2ff2wlvsYpHviOacFuFqtVSElStAwYpZEBa80v4sI7x5A/s1600/IMG_6902.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
At Wal-Mart I purchased two <b>Painters Brand Opaque Paint Markers</b>, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
one medium-point blue and the other metallic silver in fine point.<br />
Truthfully, I couldn't tell a difference in the applicator size and wish they had been smaller.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I found the points too big to do small, fine detail work. </div>
<br />
Though I took another route, I'm sorry to say that I ended up in the same predicament as<br />
the failed Sharpie gals. Even after baking my mugs twice, the design scratches off with my fingernail!<br />
<br />
My poor, drooping heart!<br />
<br />
Upon some investigation I discovered that these were <i>acrylic paint pens</i>.<br />
The pens themselves were not labeled <i>anywhere</i> saying acrylic, I only found that out by visiting the product website and reading up on them.<br />
<br />
Acrylic = non permanent, not food safe as is.<br />
<br />
<i><b>This is where I need your help. </b></i><br />
I want to preserve my designs if I can, but I still want to keep them food-safe. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In this wide, wonderful wold of crafters, I'm hoping one of you can give me some hard earned knowledge from hands-on-experience as to how I can fix and improve upon this situation!</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Is there something food safe I can coat these with?</i></b></div>
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<b><i>What sort of paints should I use in the future that are food safe but permanent? </i></b><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWJuOAD_c-I09_9Z0xSTb4I7nle4xqgscO31F2hD3F8FF8L15u6tI_16IN4xH4hHHNVodMctTZItnrapEq0nsSinjZcOukG3pssTmiuj73n3Hx-os-VXtzbEr5vCqjiPYyPyNDbEfnSg/s1600/IMG_6904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWJuOAD_c-I09_9Z0xSTb4I7nle4xqgscO31F2hD3F8FF8L15u6tI_16IN4xH4hHHNVodMctTZItnrapEq0nsSinjZcOukG3pssTmiuj73n3Hx-os-VXtzbEr5vCqjiPYyPyNDbEfnSg/s1600/IMG_6904.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
I would love to do more painted ceramic projects, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it was quite addicting and the results are so rewarding!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There are dozens of ideas floating around in my head (and some on my Pinterest boards).<br />
Colored paint, colored mugs, stencils, sayings, verses...so many designs, so many possibilities! </div>
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Desaraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16694035359926635253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4627868840557808604.post-43945787763172305932014-08-19T20:53:00.000-05:002014-08-19T20:53:03.626-05:00Someone Always Mourns: On the Passing of Robin Williams and To Those Who Contemplate Suicide<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhRVTv0RVF73EjAOndaUCSPCTu2cd0ztOcatGN2caEXeIdbt1V-OGxwDMITgKGaGzrNcscXrXeT5n_mTVOdzXEyM3IsCtU4bRR69welbmW9zTku5w8npwUOIR6JXajKCJXZAkUf9paz1i0fR6JD1Y-vUihMEtDxSxctYTbHNFs_dwVHw2tq6OQMdeCYeq5YUHlr5Z75PzBr=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="weeping statue" border="0" class="attachment-single-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" src="http://www.frontporchrepublic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/weeping-statue-150x150.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b> </b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Someone always mourns.<br />You will always be missed.</b><br /><br /><i>You have robbed the world of your presence, and left a hole that cannot be filled.<br /><br />No matter who you are. What you have done.<br /><br />You cannot make the choice to exit this world </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>and not open questions and sorrow in the hearts left behind.</i><br /><br /><br />I am deeply saddened. No. My heart aches over the lately departed Robin Williams. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To be so appreciated, applauded, and respected, he left this world alone and hurting. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I wish so earnestly that someone could have given him Hope. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Hope that could have saved his life here and eternally.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hope and Peace...the Ultimate Hope and Peace that comes by no other name then that of Jesus. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That name alone could have silenced Williams' demons. <br /><br />I grew up with his voice, his kind and funny face. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And though I never met him, never reached out to him...as a person that existed not to him, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I feel a sad, gray emptiness that he has gone. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I didn't always support every role and work that he committed himself to, but I recognized in him a genuine, compassionate person...a soul of deep waters. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He refreshed a thirsty world, yet couldn't calm the stormy waves that raged inside. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And I sorrow for him.<br /><br />To anyone who considers ending their life, STOP.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Stop and see the ripples from Williams' death. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The man had his demons, he had his legitimate issues...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">but see the flood of well wishes, supporters, admirers and tear streaked faces he leaves in his wake. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Those same people could have been his support system. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You are never alone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Your absence will not go unnoticed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>There is always someone who mourns.</i> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My children will grow up in a world without the talented, funny and kind hearted man found in Robin Williams that through the wonder of film, made himself at home in my childhood.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, when his name is mentioned they will say "Robin who?" and will grow up thinking of him as the dead guy who does the voice of Genie. </span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">There will be no personal connection...</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>a curtain has been drawn over time that they can never be seen through clearly.</i><b> </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>That is the same sort of hole you will leave if you take your life too, friend. <br />You are not killing your demons, you are leaving them to haunt your loved ones. <br />You are not bringing to an end the loneliness you feel, you are only further and forever separating yourself further from those living and those you could have met in the future.</b><br /><br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And if you have not made the choice to accept Jesus...you are not ending a life of torment and coming into peace, you are leaving the only world where an invitation of Peace has been offered to you and entering into an eternal world of torment.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>And there is always someone who mourns.</i></span><br /><br />When you leave this world without Christ as your Savior....God mourns. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He mourns that you will be forever separated from Him in your eternal life because you didn't make the choice to be with Him in this present life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It is your choice. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can choose life...or you can choose death. <br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> "This day...I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life..."</span></b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">~Deuteronomy 30:19~</span></b></i></span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">These words were a challenge and an invitation issued by God Himself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Daily, He invites us to choose life...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and the Bible says in John 14:6 that Jesus said of himself, " I am THE Life".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I pray you choose Him.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I pray you choose Peace. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I pray you choose Hope.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I pray you take the Hand that can lift you from the stormy waves.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I pray you heed the Voice that can silence your demons.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I pray... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">you choose Life.</span></div>
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Lookie, lookie...I was twice nominated for the Liebster Blogger Award!<br />
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<a href="http://thefashionschizo.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/liebster_award_badges.jpg?w=700" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Liebster award badges" border="0" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-544" src="http://thefashionschizo.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/liebster_award_badges.jpg?w=700" /></a></div>
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<br />
I really feel I should be getting a terrible blogger award y'all, instead of this.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I mean, I disappeared for about four months with no word.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yeah. I'm pretty sure that falls under the terrible blogger distinction.<br />
<br />
BUT...I will graciously accept these awards and try to get up on my blogging horse.<br />
Actually, just as a little heads up, I am in the throes of redesigning my blog,<br />
so get ready for an overhaul and face lift sometime in the future!<br />
<br />
I also have some completed refashions (finally!) that I just need to<br />
take 'after' pictures of, then I can share them with you!<br />
<br />
Yep. Good things are coming!<br />
<br />
Back to the present.<br />
Or rather the past.<br />
<br />
My first nomination came from the sweet <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://cherishingmyrole.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">McKenna</a> </span>over at <a href="http://cherishingmyrole.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-liebster-awardor-two.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Cherishing My Role</span></a>.<br />
Here are her questions and my answers to them.<br />
<br />
<b><i>1. (Hardest Question Ever) How would you describe yourself?</i></b><br />
Creative, caring, passionate, stubborn, quietly opinionated,<br />
intuitive, funny, cautious, curious, a dreamer, better one on one.<br />
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<b><i>2. How would you describe your sense of fashion?</i></b><br />
<b><i> </i></b>Color. Always color.<br />
Some days I'm elegant and retro, other days bright and boho.<br />
I wear what is pretty and what makes me feel happy-- I don't limit<br />
that to a certain style or era, because I love so many different ones.<br />
But flowey things always make it into my closet.<br />
Free, fun and colorful.<br />
<br />
<b><i>3. Favorite musical artist ever (Aren't these questions easy?)</i></b><br />
<b><i> </i></b>Ever? Ever?! Oh, why so hard?!<br />
I'll make it somewhat simplified...my favorite instrument is the piano,<br />
so I'm a sucker for a piece that tickles the ivory keys.<br />
Like my fashion sense, I love (almost) all genres and types of music,<br />
it depends on the mood I'm in and what I am doing at the time.<br />
<br />
<b><i>4. Favorite Snack?</i></b><br />
<b><i> </i></b>Salsa with fresh cilantro!!!!!!<br />
And sharp cheddar cheese.<br />
But not together.<br />
<br />
<b><i>5. What is your favorite non-fiction book?</i></b><br />
<b><i> </i></b>Works of C.S. Lewis<br />
<br />
<b><i>6. Favorite fiction book?</i></b><br />
<b><i> </i></b> Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers<br />
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<b><i>7. What is your favorite historical era fashion-wise and why?</i></b><br />
<b><i> </i></b>Probably the 50's or 70's.<br />
I love the fit and flair dresses of the 50's, the colors and prints are all so cute!<br />
The 70's has some really cute dresses and styles that were long and loose and flowing,<br />
and I love those so much!<br />
<br />
<b><i>8. Tea or coffee?</i></b><br />
<i>Chia Tea Latte. :)</i><b><i> </i></b><br />
<br />
<b><i>9. What are your thoughts on the mismatched sock epidemic?</i></b><br />
<b><i> </i></b>My theory is this. The washer and dryer are sort of like a mechanical cow....<br />
they share the same stomach...one drinks the water, and the other...eats the socks.<br />
I know, I know. It makes no sense.<br />
But neither does one sock <i>always </i>disappearing!! <br />
<br />
<b><i>10. What Bible verses have jumped out at you recently?</i></b><br />
<i><b> </b>Deuteronomy 30:19a "This day...I have set before you life and death..."</i><br />
Each day, we have a choice...over and over in numerous areas,<br />
to choose life or death. Do I choose to say this and bring death<br />
to this person's dreams, or death to this relationship?<br />
Do I choose to do such and such that will be healthier and bring life into my body?<br />
I think we have so many opportunities in our day to day life<br />
that we can choose a path of life, growth, goodness,<br />
or death, stuntedness, laziness etc.<br />
The choice is before us each day, and we need to be conscious that it is ours to make.<br />
<br />
<b><i>11. Where in the world would you travel to if you could?</i></b><br />
India!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
My second nomination came from my fellow Refashion Runway contestant from<br />
last year, <a href="http://houseofestrela.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Magda</span></a> over at <a href="http://houseofestrela.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-liebster-award.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">House of Estrela</span></a>.<br />
Here were her quarries to me.<br />
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<i><b>1. What's your main inspiration when it comes to sewing?</b></i><br />
I get a lot of inspiration from sites like BurdaStyle and Modcloth...<br />
I love the style of clothes that Modcloth offers, and I get inspired to sew my own versions,<br />
as I usually don't have the money to spend on their items.<br />
I stay up to date on the newest pattern releases from BurdaStyle,<br />
and they are a great source of inspiration!<br />
And fashion in general...I'm not a very trendy person, but I pick things here and there<br />
that I like that are popular and try to incorporate them into my sewing.<br />
<br />
<i><b>2. What do you like to sew the most?</b></i><br />
<i><b> </b></i>I do more refashion sewing than pattern sewing right now,<br />
and that varies based on what I find. I probably refashion more tops<br />
because I need more to go with all of the skirts I have in my closet!<br />
<br />
<i><b>3. How did you learn to sew?</b></i><br />
<i><b> </b></i>I taught myself with the help of my mom.<br />
She tried teaching me many times, but it took a determined decision on my part<br />
that I was going to make myself learn this skill, for it to finally click.<br />
I research and learn new techniques from sewing blogs otherwise.<br />
<br />
<i><b>4. Have you taught anyone else to sew in your life?</b></i><br />
<i><b> </b></i>Sort of, yes!<br />
My little sister wanted to make a fun pillow for her bed,<br />
so I taught her how to measure, cut, and iron her pieces and then sew them together!<br />
She was pretty content with it, and hasn't really wanted to sew since...but the initial groundwork was laid!<br />
<br />
<i><b>5. What are you working on at the moment?</b></i><br />
Actually, I just finished a blouse refashion, and I haven't quite decided what to work on next.<br />
I think I will end up taking in a couple pairs of trousers to make them 'skinny' next.<br />
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<i>The Liebster Award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers,</i></div>
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<i>as a way to recognize them and widen their audience. </i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<ol>
<li><i> Each nominee must link back the person who nominated them.</i></li>
<li><i> Answer the 10 questions which are given to you by the nominator.</i></li>
<li><i> Nominate 10 other bloggers for this award who have less than 200 followers.</i></li>
<li><i>Create 10 questions for your nominees to answer.</i></li>
<li><i>Let the nominees know that they have been nominated by going to their blog and notifying them.</i></li>
</ol>
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Soo....</div>
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I'm gonna do something a little unorthodox and NOT select my nominees right now.</div>
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I'm pretty sure that all of the bloggers I follow currently have received this award </div>
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and have passed it on already, so it would just be redundant to nominate them again.</div>
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Therefore I have decided to put my nominees on hold until I discover them...</div>
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I have a few lists of blogger directories that I have been meaning to peruse,</div>
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so I'll save up my little blog award love and pass it on in the future!</div>
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In the meantime,</div>
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thank you to both of you lovely ladies for the nomination,</div>
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and to those of you who actually stuck around to the end of this post.</div>
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You are great. :)</div>
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Desaraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16694035359926635253noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4627868840557808604.post-77706271712812683482014-08-05T13:00:00.000-05:002014-08-05T13:00:00.473-05:00DIY Embroidery Hoop Earring Keeper<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8H5exYU57ng7bSoITtLlkvjG89ZV7bFykgO7y5T3ei61qL1VL0ypPixS2N2UYVB3mJ8VDBVCmBGhURoCNDLfSKuktCt_sYxvU0Nckax_XwW1DLdEsCLhQHgvbgV9-6L7pIUhUGLtS7w/s1600/EarringHolderCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8H5exYU57ng7bSoITtLlkvjG89ZV7bFykgO7y5T3ei61qL1VL0ypPixS2N2UYVB3mJ8VDBVCmBGhURoCNDLfSKuktCt_sYxvU0Nckax_XwW1DLdEsCLhQHgvbgV9-6L7pIUhUGLtS7w/s1600/EarringHolderCollage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
In a burst of creative inspiration, last week I gathered some craft supplies<br />
I had on hand and created this cute and easy <b>Embroidery Hoop Earring Keeper!</b><br />
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When you have so many pretty earrings, why not display them in an equally functional<br />
and decorative manner!<b> </b> <br />
<br />
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Including the drying time for paint, I was able to whip this up in probably an hour's time!<br />
Do you want to know how I made it?<br />
I'll show you!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjwCjMp54CeLcbURrN7rgY2cvWgQ8J7rjUlhy2DidSG722SyTlgWO2BsB4PPPVERso0KOZDgJPJer8LgBVskPtLfa5sz65RHkK1NzBFzE_Fi3S4cvooGbK9RrvD9yKpGmbM-Rl07Aw7U/s1600/IMG_6568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjwCjMp54CeLcbURrN7rgY2cvWgQ8J7rjUlhy2DidSG722SyTlgWO2BsB4PPPVERso0KOZDgJPJer8LgBVskPtLfa5sz65RHkK1NzBFzE_Fi3S4cvooGbK9RrvD9yKpGmbM-Rl07Aw7U/s1600/IMG_6568.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>You Need:</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Embroidery hoop, medium size range</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jute string</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Paint</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Brush </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Scissors</span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSPGgQSOCURpvd-UEzzypBZ72mDY4h8Z6a0bWeVzHANY0fLsrWJ5PnAoXLcMzhR2i1YlptEW7U3lJnc3VMpKqfR_dRJY2vLljwVmCfWhWTXWsYgUy_jPU_reBkMeqb5PZy6jplSDLc6U/s1600/IMG_6574+(2).JPG" height="400" width="300" /> </div>
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Paint your wooden embroidery hoop</div>
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the color of your choosing. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_S31dypalsLk2lx4VW0mBdBaO33VPb0QlpBunnB61kYM3gf2EbFtsdwmNbkhe3FRF_VhjQnmO6m1O71wD-fz89kB2cOLs7qmksEl6Wbx4_hTRh-ntejP3v-1aSpSJkqkE81ylxHRVWk/s1600/IMG_6588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_S31dypalsLk2lx4VW0mBdBaO33VPb0QlpBunnB61kYM3gf2EbFtsdwmNbkhe3FRF_VhjQnmO6m1O71wD-fz89kB2cOLs7qmksEl6Wbx4_hTRh-ntejP3v-1aSpSJkqkE81ylxHRVWk/s1600/IMG_6588.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I painted the outer and inner hoops different colors for an extra pop of contrast.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQlcCsY6Tc_kwUNEmbzzDe0hIFOByR4ed48OhbDZvWyr1tAzg6RFQGFviWw_KVvoGlUuL2LS5YK7JxxPaW6QTxjHDsBLyJBZNiG2F-5XG2aODCrAmbMIuTHrVx6P60jmSvtoxweWS1Ks/s1600/IMG_6594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQlcCsY6Tc_kwUNEmbzzDe0hIFOByR4ed48OhbDZvWyr1tAzg6RFQGFviWw_KVvoGlUuL2LS5YK7JxxPaW6QTxjHDsBLyJBZNiG2F-5XG2aODCrAmbMIuTHrVx6P60jmSvtoxweWS1Ks/s1600/IMG_6594.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you are feeling adventurous, paint a little design on the outer portion of your hoop<br />
where it will be visible.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkbrCVfWdK_fhvWzzeQoHmU4T63AQYPLQArQlercmgFkbfunJj6X1abKQbs3VdasTcpLEFmzxurISvUB3W5LJAgcwNb2BT7Oou6PXCls_7Irp7XXYyFlqav8jFtx_wlxPCobpVrf-O3Y/s1600/IMG_6600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkbrCVfWdK_fhvWzzeQoHmU4T63AQYPLQArQlercmgFkbfunJj6X1abKQbs3VdasTcpLEFmzxurISvUB3W5LJAgcwNb2BT7Oou6PXCls_7Irp7XXYyFlqav8jFtx_wlxPCobpVrf-O3Y/s1600/IMG_6600.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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A few swirly scrolls with some four petal flowers scattered over it looks great.</div>
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Then just to add more pop, I scattered some bright red dots and filled in some of the flower petals.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcwC-UXcXVyeGtWuiux-n92H-dRrXqX7zmmrsMgwZLrfrUsptecSzNVs-P40frGBhkULKKRXbJTqkozsbToXAm9sXcy9fdcLJWlW-u4B1lkpqjY4SHl9QdbHjAvm0M2-8Q-Hye6UlQKI/s1600/IMG_6604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcwC-UXcXVyeGtWuiux-n92H-dRrXqX7zmmrsMgwZLrfrUsptecSzNVs-P40frGBhkULKKRXbJTqkozsbToXAm9sXcy9fdcLJWlW-u4B1lkpqjY4SHl9QdbHjAvm0M2-8Q-Hye6UlQKI/s1600/IMG_6604.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Begin to fasten your lengths of jute to the inner hoop.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6eLLbk64ISIQQhWcT-_KXeqTyOOFJxEvJ1Zw0ut38LVjIOYFm490jhEKzgnxeyjBt508cjEu1mB-k2QzGeceyTPhvNWjgYP772fAw7klS2Yu_eq_jarLzIns5FlePmClOW1KD6ds5ys/s1600/IMG_6605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6eLLbk64ISIQQhWcT-_KXeqTyOOFJxEvJ1Zw0ut38LVjIOYFm490jhEKzgnxeyjBt508cjEu1mB-k2QzGeceyTPhvNWjgYP772fAw7klS2Yu_eq_jarLzIns5FlePmClOW1KD6ds5ys/s1600/IMG_6605.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnXcMK7iD9GBhyQyrpjHsqfmLitq8-r14d-g4NEObYLlBpAOrqfyeLRB8Aq2gPt_gfGQnnlhyphenhypheneMfL9_jM_oevuCmqzUsP4tu_u62JD3nqikcgaas3ulRdLN6CZRgEKY6P1d8UVEq84Sk/s1600/IMG_6606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnXcMK7iD9GBhyQyrpjHsqfmLitq8-r14d-g4NEObYLlBpAOrqfyeLRB8Aq2gPt_gfGQnnlhyphenhypheneMfL9_jM_oevuCmqzUsP4tu_u62JD3nqikcgaas3ulRdLN6CZRgEKY6P1d8UVEq84Sk/s1600/IMG_6606.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJRUEC8gb0Juar6iOu2sWFBfJea1ze7Qjf0lcsOMYQZip0jL2-DFuss7ZR9nnbJY5h1vYED0xiLXIBClqxibV5pMb8ZD9eukSXfuCi3NLAlOhW5DZ9I46ed8YCeEsBwcWgBEpUm7gogE/s1600/IMG_6609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJRUEC8gb0Juar6iOu2sWFBfJea1ze7Qjf0lcsOMYQZip0jL2-DFuss7ZR9nnbJY5h1vYED0xiLXIBClqxibV5pMb8ZD9eukSXfuCi3NLAlOhW5DZ9I46ed8YCeEsBwcWgBEpUm7gogE/s1600/IMG_6609.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I found the best way to secure the twine was by</div>
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wrapping it around itself and pulling it toward you.</div>
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By doing this it pulls the twine to the fore front of the hoop frame which will work best</div>
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when hanging your earrings.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlNLZbBUaU1FXC6LxBMCLZRzsXoQfr-Q97b-S9GTagaqDIkV_Ur4AnLotz-jWRLjpxbbjnGRFNcHu-J2hTbdkFaA4hsPyiVICf8Wta3UA4t8yuSX8EJDucCAgF-Xbj-GuCkZdaoc1zOo/s1600/IMG_6611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlNLZbBUaU1FXC6LxBMCLZRzsXoQfr-Q97b-S9GTagaqDIkV_Ur4AnLotz-jWRLjpxbbjnGRFNcHu-J2hTbdkFaA4hsPyiVICf8Wta3UA4t8yuSX8EJDucCAgF-Xbj-GuCkZdaoc1zOo/s1600/IMG_6611.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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This method doesn't actually secure the twine very tight,</div>
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the tightening is accomplished when you put the outer hoop on top and tighten it up. </div>
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I found when I made knots, they were too bulky and the outer hoop didn't slip over them,<br />
so this is the method that worked best for me.<br />
If this seems confusing or isn't working, just find a method that works for you. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhnO4q-oKHWuTztodSzZgJnD46fF5re-L4zCyH9qtwJ0P5Qzh3p7WMajCybVcOQDYfeBRGqpVn0qA5khc2H47Tj8v95HdfZ0_VF_xy10AL5Mce5zb7Rjav8F2q0AE2UqGGitlyJSb0PQ/s1600/IMG_6614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhnO4q-oKHWuTztodSzZgJnD46fF5re-L4zCyH9qtwJ0P5Qzh3p7WMajCybVcOQDYfeBRGqpVn0qA5khc2H47Tj8v95HdfZ0_VF_xy10AL5Mce5zb7Rjav8F2q0AE2UqGGitlyJSb0PQ/s1600/IMG_6614.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once you have the twine lengths tied on where you want them,<br />
{I advise you hang some of your longest earrings from them to get the spacing right} </div>
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put the outer hoop on and pull each end of twine as tight as it will go.</div>
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Now tighten the outer hoop.</div>
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Once everything is tightened, snip the excess twine ends </div>
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And, you're done!<br />
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Hammer a nail, and hang your new earring keeper!</div>
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Wanna know what sparked my sudden burst of creativity?</div>
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My dear friend and fellow blogger, Aspen aka <a href="http://texasrebelgirl.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Texas Rebel Girl,</a></div>
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made me one of her awesome mathom keepers!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitv2P5TGXtUnmjqOVPy4AD5n-HuP1wJ37laK99AV5kW7SstAXeDbOmeSzDHABMjRivgB_LOrgUQyUpbl0XSVdwRBYZ7972oyZWlZz5WC-0uX7NxT2bLu14jQCiX82qy8SDvcYwyrj9K_Y/s1600/IMG_6639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitv2P5TGXtUnmjqOVPy4AD5n-HuP1wJ37laK99AV5kW7SstAXeDbOmeSzDHABMjRivgB_LOrgUQyUpbl0XSVdwRBYZ7972oyZWlZz5WC-0uX7NxT2bLu14jQCiX82qy8SDvcYwyrj9K_Y/s1600/IMG_6639.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8R1GAdLfbXPpbZLFjEIHEec6actcH9C_THcXeHkv6hO_WNABzbhuJPHkom43CW1WBgDTe402ybtF0q6f4gXG4Q5u6JEebo8F_gQ3wZDamVqt-ucaoZhyphenhyphenzWMerVE6yqVcLn5EQxxmV7eo/s1600/IMG_6636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8R1GAdLfbXPpbZLFjEIHEec6actcH9C_THcXeHkv6hO_WNABzbhuJPHkom43CW1WBgDTe402ybtF0q6f4gXG4Q5u6JEebo8F_gQ3wZDamVqt-ucaoZhyphenhyphenzWMerVE6yqVcLn5EQxxmV7eo/s1600/IMG_6636.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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S E E?!</div>
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Isn't that just awesome?!</div>
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Made from chicken wire, sticks and jute twine, this piece is a great way to </div>
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hang and display not only your jewelry, but also paper memos and various mementos as well! </div>
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I love it so much!</div>
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If <i>you </i>want to know how to make one, you can read Aspen's <a href="http://texasrebelgirl.blogspot.com/2014/04/diy-mathom-keeper.html" target="_blank">DIY blog post here</a>! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHe8Zj_Ji-AYozfqGitg8X-oLvTHYavTNRvcsCDD9I8Rs-9Y3Ox2E6AuyNaUqBLK5NJOdHrATaU7czkbc59FmzxbwQH-5qn9TsCAowFyXSHMQWp67anSPtzNdgm9FAw0QfqtGX7IEnBM/s1600/IMG_7182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHe8Zj_Ji-AYozfqGitg8X-oLvTHYavTNRvcsCDD9I8Rs-9Y3Ox2E6AuyNaUqBLK5NJOdHrATaU7czkbc59FmzxbwQH-5qn9TsCAowFyXSHMQWp67anSPtzNdgm9FAw0QfqtGX7IEnBM/s1600/IMG_7182.JPG" height="400" width="323" /></a></div>
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<br />
I have found it so much easier getting ready<br />
when I can quickly see the jewelry choices in front of me.<br />
Not to mention I rediscovered some pieces<br />
that had fallen out of circulation because they were buried under all the rest!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8t2SwdlfrP6curOCYAkr9yvkArQcS2GtfCrMKKjlKOiy7S8gc-Li4uH1DBoJCkLmZH6BXpJ7qP1pDluD1V17Ajjzwo2v2yydWy_PRoN9n2mZ1g1xF62YA60cC2oZPZ2yyuzFy3xqbpDU/s1600/IMG_6630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8t2SwdlfrP6curOCYAkr9yvkArQcS2GtfCrMKKjlKOiy7S8gc-Li4uH1DBoJCkLmZH6BXpJ7qP1pDluD1V17Ajjzwo2v2yydWy_PRoN9n2mZ1g1xF62YA60cC2oZPZ2yyuzFy3xqbpDU/s1600/IMG_6630.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
I hope you give this easy project a try!<br />
It makes life a little easier...and a lot prettier.</div>
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So remember me telling you in my Cake Mania post<br />
how I decided <u>not</u> to itemize everything I made?<br />
Weeelllll....I just couldn't help doing a special post on these <b>white chocolate butterflies</b>!Sorry if you are getting tired of seeing them.<br />
I'm just a little excited about how they turned out!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiig1cBkhHvlc3jizDbSEqOiPvRBJo00_cND_pj-NXQ4M-hRvxp1C-8Ls1Ro1fYJNb7kM5cN4f6X6iqzMI_UtmpsEUAue0SHzyFlLYN4bZEXPkvTQ_O_74evrA7105i_7AxxCqGcLhWpww/s1600/IMG_7107.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiig1cBkhHvlc3jizDbSEqOiPvRBJo00_cND_pj-NXQ4M-hRvxp1C-8Ls1Ro1fYJNb7kM5cN4f6X6iqzMI_UtmpsEUAue0SHzyFlLYN4bZEXPkvTQ_O_74evrA7105i_7AxxCqGcLhWpww/s1600/IMG_7107.JPG" height="450" width="640" /></a><br />
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You guys,<br />
<i><b>I want you to make these!</b></i><br />
Believe me, these aren't hard, they look more intimidating than they really are.<br />
You don't have to be an artist,<br />
and when you are done they will look so impressive and you'll feel like a rock star!<br />
<br />
I'm not even kidding.<br />
I totally and unashamedly flashed these in the face of everyone who came into the kitchen,<br />
like a cat with its dead mouse...only people didn't run away and scream. <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4jyW9hx8Dcf6O9q6sSL8iIdMAv5oIPasRn1uFfmTEtSNIN86kOD89luLpLzdu3hyphenhyphenIZOj9Zq88IOARQz5Vq-BPQvbU_W37TWrYoYBScwShRPJomv6HzvpeNIU1CRt1XOSBXfHMgsps_I/s1600/IMG_7074.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></div>
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The original link, with good instructional pictures can be found <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/15692298676438182/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
But let me brake it down for you:<br />
<br />
<u>WHAT YOU NEED:</u><br />
White almond bark or chocolate<br />
ziplock bag<br />
parchment paper <br />
glass measuring cup with pouring spout<br />
scissors<br />
<br />
<u>What To Do</u><br />
<br />
1. <i>Trace your butterfly onto the back of a piece of parchment paper.</i><br />
<i>Fold the paper in half</i>, creasing the butterfly right up the middle- this will help create the folded wing effect. <br />
{At the bottom of this post, I have included some butterfly designs that I used for tracing.}<br />
<br />
2. <i>Melt your chocolate</i> in the microwave, then <i>pour it into your ziplock bag</i>.<br />
It is important that you let the chocolate cool so it doesn't come gushing out and make a runny design.<br />
{Read this post about working with melted chocolate.}<br />
<br />
3. Making sure your traced design is on the back of the parchment paper, <i>snip a small corner </i>section of your chocolate filled ziplock bag and <i>begin tracing out your butterfly design</i>.<br />
Following the lines you traced, hold your piping end just above the parchment paper and let the chocolate<br />
gently 'fall', rather than resting the tip directly on the paper.<br />
It works better if you do the outline first, then do the lines and details inside the wing.<br />
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4. Once finished, place the butterfly between the open pages of a large book and <i>cool in the fridge</i>.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJPOEJfQy3cMjhVFlkrNS_rvZId6_Da_81xJkdgF9VgU38ABnelB6LouEXhRgA7LZgITTTgsL7BvAQeNqk0J0Iy3VUgfEKSmQ66E7-p9D8h96nucjXlBSLWRFBmopF70ZLf2S4AYV1KPQ/s1600/IMG_7077.JPG" height="300" width="400" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9psM_kv0ukVz0LOQt2pc6A-I-jFXe0sAeAjq3wwWxMqJxdYMhO7EqbmlDx1KIb0BQsvgTGteUEqiJ709bzdzVbGrLq53KZOrwkkmG7TdCKy2D6iwcVX-BO-FZUFpngPsGeebnj3-2Fwg/s1600/IMG_7076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9psM_kv0ukVz0LOQt2pc6A-I-jFXe0sAeAjq3wwWxMqJxdYMhO7EqbmlDx1KIb0BQsvgTGteUEqiJ709bzdzVbGrLq53KZOrwkkmG7TdCKy2D6iwcVX-BO-FZUFpngPsGeebnj3-2Fwg/s1600/IMG_7076.JPG" height="205" width="400" /></a></div>
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All that is left is to wait...then carefully slide your butterfly off the parchment paper,<br />
put it on your cake, and dazzle your guests!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cPItLctr9cTcL7dcl0VPrlhLx7Q1NfjZtk41JE452CxOs7CIR6wSyZFpYVoXmqWBDQi2KiHCSG0upNavlBFqKnj_zNUugj7YUigLHWxYO2mXQWnZQ_l7fB6RvBk7d8Nl4DjDYHX1nMo/s1600/IMG_7108.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></div>
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Here are some butterfly designs to print out and trace.<br />
I used the first two pictures for my designs, and both looked great!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivj-YtaRCrvC1D-vIWX_MnelzVHgcAW8y7a__dcB6UcmGYAUZKaOS87w-DcCjQJMpAwxGa0TgsMcL1BUttHTaW3vFmOpVhFj0EnLUsraHfLblBKBO5_5pedTBWoBf0yz3IzGBgJvOE0Wc/s1600/butterflytemplate.jpg" height="360" width="400" /></div>
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Above picture courtesy of <a href="http://www.welivedhappilyeverafter.com/2012/08/chocolate-butterflies-using-wax-paper.html" target="_blank">We Lived Happily Ever After</a>, from the original chocolate butterfly post.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyyHd2J-za8bvkxwEvDkuSoP_2YwRhxisD34yiqmTQjBy_fBSjNxOAnWA3rkNmQ3m-9vXRNL4CtJEwTW-foHMetvao7FPUh1RuR0tJvl3DFhdcQKWl6IP5A4CY2qXh3jqsBah2aksEmQ/s1600/ButterflyTemplate3.jpg" /> </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRMLyvu1InRMYCIOzZNk1GhS8H1rB-k1iTvFOQfZbjqnx77B9N0yZxBZkXvGE1tC3yFfDfF0slUxg4PQfPZm2Sd0RgGO9g3NXC16pWMif4lLZi3ntGdxt6ADA3aFVv0esR8zOSajnvWU/s1600/ButterflyTemplate2.png" height="346" width="400" /></div>
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The above design would be <b>great for beginners</b> who are daunted by the detail in the other two designs.<br />
The way you would work this butterfly is to <u>trace around the entire outline, </u><br />
<u>then fill everything else in with chocolate, leaving the holes in the wings blank. </u><br />
Results would be a more solid looking butterfly, not quite as delicate and breakable as the other two.<br />
<br />
I hope this helps and inspires some of y'all!<br />
Go forth, and let your creativity take flight!</div>
Desaraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16694035359926635253noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4627868840557808604.post-30867471902920769772014-07-28T08:00:00.000-05:002014-07-28T08:00:08.166-05:00Melted Chocolate Design Garnish: Tips & Tricks from a Beginner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today I want to share with you some tips I figured out 'the hard way' (no pun intended)</div>
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when creating<b> design garnishes from melted chocolate</b>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1ZO5Qe_OLpMNZRZAvLPhcH5wEwXTJ1uaed3os5-IXLgStKPOrbPx3gupNgkO2lIQvjtSXqV-7CDs7a5aBYHUrGUXHFG_PXxk9ZMbcGRFBAvMZHdg8pMmXuTG9gMFfBW0SgyBoLGi2Qw/s1600/ChocolateBeginner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1ZO5Qe_OLpMNZRZAvLPhcH5wEwXTJ1uaed3os5-IXLgStKPOrbPx3gupNgkO2lIQvjtSXqV-7CDs7a5aBYHUrGUXHFG_PXxk9ZMbcGRFBAvMZHdg8pMmXuTG9gMFfBW0SgyBoLGi2Qw/s1600/ChocolateBeginner.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<b> </b><br />
<b>1. Use almond bark</b><br />
<b> </b>I'm not sure how important this one really is, but I read that it hardens better than chocolate chips.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not to mention you can buy it in large quantities and it is cheaper than the equivalent amount of chocolate.<br />
You can use the traditional white almond bark<br />
(and add food coloring for colored chocolate!) or the chocolate version. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>2. Melt your chocolate in a measuring cup with a pouring spout.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This came in very handy. Melt your chocolate in a microwave safe measuring glass, and as soon as it is melted, pour it into your awaiting bag. At this stage it will be really runny, so it will pour easily.<br />
You can use a pastry or icing bag, or- like I did- a regular old ziplock bag.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Here is the number one and most important thing I discovered...</u></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>3. Let your chocolate cool before you work with it!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the key to success with detailed designs like these chocolate butterflies.<br />
<br />
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cPItLctr9cTcL7dcl0VPrlhLx7Q1NfjZtk41JE452CxOs7CIR6wSyZFpYVoXmqWBDQi2KiHCSG0upNavlBFqKnj_zNUugj7YUigLHWxYO2mXQWnZQ_l7fB6RvBk7d8Nl4DjDYHX1nMo/s1600/IMG_7108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cPItLctr9cTcL7dcl0VPrlhLx7Q1NfjZtk41JE452CxOs7CIR6wSyZFpYVoXmqWBDQi2KiHCSG0upNavlBFqKnj_zNUugj7YUigLHWxYO2mXQWnZQ_l7fB6RvBk7d8Nl4DjDYHX1nMo/s1600/IMG_7108.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4jyW9hx8Dcf6O9q6sSL8iIdMAv5oIPasRn1uFfmTEtSNIN86kOD89luLpLzdu3hyphenhyphenIZOj9Zq88IOARQz5Vq-BPQvbU_W37TWrYoYBScwShRPJomv6HzvpeNIU1CRt1XOSBXfHMgsps_I/s1600/IMG_7074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4jyW9hx8Dcf6O9q6sSL8iIdMAv5oIPasRn1uFfmTEtSNIN86kOD89luLpLzdu3hyphenhyphenIZOj9Zq88IOARQz5Vq-BPQvbU_W37TWrYoYBScwShRPJomv6HzvpeNIU1CRt1XOSBXfHMgsps_I/s1600/IMG_7074.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br />
As you can see, the butterfly on the left is crisp, delicate, clean and more detailed. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While the butterfly on the right looks 'melted', with thick, chunky lines and indistinct details.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>This is the difference sufficiently cooled chocolate makes!</b></i></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Butterfly number two was made when the chocolate was still very warm. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even with a small hole cut into the corner of my bag, the chocolate came gushing out too fast to control, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and instead of 'falling' to the parchment paper gently, it pooled. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Stick your chocolate filled bag into the fridge for a while,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>until it has cooled and reached a squishy, not liquid, consistency when you squeeze the bag.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wouldn't recommend popping it into the freezer though- the dredges of chocolate that are stuck to the side of the bag will harden completely, while the bulk of the chocolate will still be runny.<br />
This uneven cooling creates clumps and makes it harder to work with. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
When your chocolate has reached the right consistency, as you begin to gently squeeze the bag, <i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>don't actually rest the tip on the surface</i> <i>of the parchment or wax paper</i>,<i> instead hold the piping tip a little above the surface and let the chocolate 'fall' onto the paper, like working with a small rope</i>.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>4. Interconnect your chocolate designs, don't make them too thin and wispy.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do you see those adorable little galaxy looking swirls in my picture?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And those back and forth zig-zaggy designs in the other shot? </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbT_UDLoMuIUgFAfU0ZdDNnrPN5ahrllF3mxi9Bscd2tm-ntG5IJ3PExLcX2DzOOwbaVw6DwUEpUraAzj9mxTWwCZdl1AywMJTy_33xfUqZOfsQLpfw3GdumM1HQnJ-oZhmRSdnElTeLs/s1600/IMG_7067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbT_UDLoMuIUgFAfU0ZdDNnrPN5ahrllF3mxi9Bscd2tm-ntG5IJ3PExLcX2DzOOwbaVw6DwUEpUraAzj9mxTWwCZdl1AywMJTy_33xfUqZOfsQLpfw3GdumM1HQnJ-oZhmRSdnElTeLs/s1600/IMG_7067.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAleKqvFvhKNzd7eC9S3bF9i3zNL6iKHY42C7XwbHS4XPg2IUuox2ERI4tbLlD4tHs-JLZ5Nr5hDVPplwOgLqspJg1G_hgcuq3LS0DMt8B1Un1-zrcHK1QDUGoLFJjlgAOgRZX_n5Qmc/s1600/IMG_7068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAleKqvFvhKNzd7eC9S3bF9i3zNL6iKHY42C7XwbHS4XPg2IUuox2ERI4tbLlD4tHs-JLZ5Nr5hDVPplwOgLqspJg1G_hgcuq3LS0DMt8B1Un1-zrcHK1QDUGoLFJjlgAOgRZX_n5Qmc/s1600/IMG_7068.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Well, every single one of those broke. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There was a flaw in there designs, they were too spread out and not connected in enough places to have ample stability. If I had done the same designs only thicker, then it might have worked.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So keep this in mind when creating your designs.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>5. Cool on completely flat surface in the fridge or freezer</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I made the accident of laying one large parchment sheet of these still-soft garnishes across varying heights of food stuff in our fridge: the result, some of the designs were raised, crinkled and warped because they were soft enough to move with the indentations caused in the parchment paper.<br />
A flat cooling surface is best. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZkU6UG5DEb9FtjHmwxT90w03-_Q2UB-iHQohWpXCSgAJYShHnheAkerZalcVjpQYleVtZhFZ24F1xpVp2A7DKpguY6V9qhf6GuVfZoFEW2dOq0M26wIv9umpRGeOoxMB-Yva_Qd4Ibow/s1600/IMG_7071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZkU6UG5DEb9FtjHmwxT90w03-_Q2UB-iHQohWpXCSgAJYShHnheAkerZalcVjpQYleVtZhFZ24F1xpVp2A7DKpguY6V9qhf6GuVfZoFEW2dOq0M26wIv9umpRGeOoxMB-Yva_Qd4Ibow/s1600/IMG_7071.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<b>6. Tracing Tips</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you are working from a drawing or printed design,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I highly recommend</i> <i>tracing that design on the back of your parchment paper,</i> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and then simply following those lines when you pipe your design.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you just put your printed design underneath the parchment paper, it can slip around and create</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a small tragedy by messing up the chocolate when you go to reposition the outline.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do yourself a favor and take a little extra time to trace your drawing on the back of the parchment paper.<br />
<br />
While 'drawing' your designs, try to keep the stream of chocolate constant,<br />
the less starting and stopping you have, the smoother the end result. <br />
<br />
B E C R E A T I V E!!<br />
<br />
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGlV6jisR-k1N5C1SA6xbuehgB7pMhLB6XQELUjOnsL081O8X5uPaoMiE8hbUoph6ogTeGdELCgr4K7NCT0bBzeu7wQtuS4yq7p8k1HkE6Dh89iX1dm3SKODMlKNKknv3NzT-RCIRV3w/s1600/IMG_7072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGlV6jisR-k1N5C1SA6xbuehgB7pMhLB6XQELUjOnsL081O8X5uPaoMiE8hbUoph6ogTeGdELCgr4K7NCT0bBzeu7wQtuS4yq7p8k1HkE6Dh89iX1dm3SKODMlKNKknv3NzT-RCIRV3w/s1600/IMG_7072.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Use your imagination to create fun designs and shapes.</div>
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Draw inspiration from sources around you.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjBKh67ePeloxC0h2DzzawVOYJGQ7SzDQs2sckikcaY1xzBVoD481HMpIq-L3tksoYDcLsaMS6qVi3YJJqaj_Dv6Dr4QMmUuMMZsFsq3b00KY6GRftFTcVYFJ4j1ljWjbO9MLFw4LaeU/s1600/IMG_7110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjBKh67ePeloxC0h2DzzawVOYJGQ7SzDQs2sckikcaY1xzBVoD481HMpIq-L3tksoYDcLsaMS6qVi3YJJqaj_Dv6Dr4QMmUuMMZsFsq3b00KY6GRftFTcVYFJ4j1ljWjbO9MLFw4LaeU/s1600/IMG_7110.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
You can also create words and lettering using this method,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but again, make sure your line is thick enough so your letters won't break on you.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimp11PdPcXMftx1ipFnvNvUWBtRflIiFq1fneWzoGtR4GNPHBaxwhkiuLOTO3qA_FyulxL_RUDzDOdLNjdQRmhvVfNC1kPgQZdr0arjDH-Ca0-dv56f8VdUenulo5CijrumahvETtXBR0/s1600/IMG_7100.JPG" height="490" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A little bit of detail can go a long way in bringing your sweet creations up a notch! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, there you have it! Just a little bit of experience that I want to pass on to y'all!<br />
Now give it a try yourself!</div>
Desaraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16694035359926635253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4627868840557808604.post-87371697903612663212014-07-24T08:00:00.000-05:002014-07-24T08:00:02.281-05:00Cake Mania!<div style="text-align: center;">
Sound the trumpets! Drum roll, please!<br />
Today I am <i>finally</i> going to be sharing something creative with you!!<br />
I have been waiting to write this post since the day I started conceiving all of my grand ideas!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefRlbfDqANwhU-HF9mfGyQvMpMcQgAUz3_mHsRVLiiw9iaydxoPmb25zjJ2ZAsdwp4s5AlF0GA-3WfmRBvjuZ7hdA0A2tsW7iQKFDyVfaOu1_cWsM1LOOknFTUvvmhcqaCo41JXtlrr4/s1600/IMG_7121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefRlbfDqANwhU-HF9mfGyQvMpMcQgAUz3_mHsRVLiiw9iaydxoPmb25zjJ2ZAsdwp4s5AlF0GA-3WfmRBvjuZ7hdA0A2tsW7iQKFDyVfaOu1_cWsM1LOOknFTUvvmhcqaCo41JXtlrr4/s1600/IMG_7121.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When the subject of cakes came up for my grandparent's 50th Anniversary Celebration,<br />
I eagerly volunteered for the job.<br />
There were already a few Pinterest pins calling my name,<br />
and this would be a funtastic opportunity to finally try some out.<br />
<br />
These were my Pin-speration sources.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQamhYKbL4bgZYJ3g38865HbrmbLLNXn8HyoHTrXKTTwIr7bt3fnUFqTgMD3Ws9EnfoAiP5amBGI3gnQBQF3vaCFjc-sP3CAqPmv-Kk_YbRo8PVxPyi28CwZAJYqjtYakiydVPZlSr6nk/s1600/Pin-speration.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQamhYKbL4bgZYJ3g38865HbrmbLLNXn8HyoHTrXKTTwIr7bt3fnUFqTgMD3Ws9EnfoAiP5amBGI3gnQBQF3vaCFjc-sP3CAqPmv-Kk_YbRo8PVxPyi28CwZAJYqjtYakiydVPZlSr6nk/s1600/Pin-speration.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">1. <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/15692298676436797/" target="_blank">Gumdrop Roses</a> 2. <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/15692298676436515/" target="_blank">Wedding Picture Topper</a> 3. <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/15692298676436815/" target="_blank">Chocolate design toppers</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">4. <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/15692298676436819/" target="_blank">Chocolate Heart</a> 5. <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/15692298676436529/" target="_blank">Sugar and Berries</a> 6. <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/15692298676436549/" target="_blank">Cake Banner </a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">7. <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/15692298676577495/" target="_blank">Pineapple Flowers</a> 8. <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/15692298676436522/" target="_blank">Picture Pick Toppers</a> 9. <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/15692298676516741/" target="_blank">Strawberry Roses</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjQCYed8HI3F54usaWUOa-MZinIhYklRBja7Ri27wOZtak3QWfviQ8d27PIe1qOQgv0nfz-Skv2hMN5sBH36tJWQfbH0MQazVolAzKgmKP6dLYwg7WjlSKez70RlFzLfwQDbqDcJlvoRY3xq1YirGPMgdtpkPCzHGDV8Aixwc1PhiYzFSFfT7mWmUS5yi2eyA35dLp7=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chocolate Butterflies" border="0" class="pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/3a/16/91/3a169121424dcc8558a9ffea683f54b6.jpg" height="640" style="margin-top: 0px; padding: 40px 0px;" width="220" /></a> </div>
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Not to forget this awesome <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/15692298676438182/" target="_blank">chocolate butterfly</a>.</div>
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After one whole day of 'research' (I love Pinterest!), and one day of shopping for all<br />
the necessities and ingredients, I was able to get to work!<br />
<br />
I gave mom the task of making all the paper and picture decorations, like the anniversary banner,<br />
wedding picture topper, and cake labels...which left me to man the kitchen.<br />
<br />
Let me show you what I cooked up! <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKqkAAP1zzEYL2W6hlfAZvmx4WgMW6P-OZ-yRXJw6NRuaJ6OOKE8T2be-xZtNzIiRg5A_cr7tenz6UH6dN-8hcjCR4xTxmh0TAOJN7yaoaiDvdjfekkR4WdLpcSRjtBrmVyv7FcVbpwU/s1600/IMG_7112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKqkAAP1zzEYL2W6hlfAZvmx4WgMW6P-OZ-yRXJw6NRuaJ6OOKE8T2be-xZtNzIiRg5A_cr7tenz6UH6dN-8hcjCR4xTxmh0TAOJN7yaoaiDvdjfekkR4WdLpcSRjtBrmVyv7FcVbpwU/s1600/IMG_7112.JPG" height="524" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
<i>#1 Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting</i><br />
This was a two layer sheet cake with frosting in the middle, that I quickly<br />
decorated with a '50 Years' flag, some pineapple flowers and a lacy chocolate heart.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUB8Pmnt6WD8GyVGD0pktPr3wFFjOJZOcD4VWHquz2M3DCFp2yyyhD4-fVwu1QjRcSgyEO0LKQrOuTNxNiFP02JOS_f6furOlAOnjFzsufpK-dSLWLX-Q0jpFPFohmRsJ4H20LYZptqAQ/s1600/IMG_7071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUB8Pmnt6WD8GyVGD0pktPr3wFFjOJZOcD4VWHquz2M3DCFp2yyyhD4-fVwu1QjRcSgyEO0LKQrOuTNxNiFP02JOS_f6furOlAOnjFzsufpK-dSLWLX-Q0jpFPFohmRsJ4H20LYZptqAQ/s1600/IMG_7071.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The heart was made from melted almond bark that I piped onto parchment paper,<br />
then re-hardened in the fridge.<br />
I didn't trace a design for this one, I just did it by freehand.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxt5EltU12pey5LvLHW7gML5XdpWbhr9_nbfBhiCmWk8AjKFZpr0pn6QTgkcHHMV6RVYNSrL0G_ohoy2iPOco_LZNmC20N1FVEjI6xOoRCMA3B3uMtp3F8QwwkUhXYrlUe4k1igbGDY8/s1600/IMG_7114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxt5EltU12pey5LvLHW7gML5XdpWbhr9_nbfBhiCmWk8AjKFZpr0pn6QTgkcHHMV6RVYNSrL0G_ohoy2iPOco_LZNmC20N1FVEjI6xOoRCMA3B3uMtp3F8QwwkUhXYrlUe4k1igbGDY8/s1600/IMG_7114.JPG" height="640" width="520" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>#2 Gluten-Free Carrot Cake</i><br />
Also a two layered, cream cheese frosted cake,<br />
I decorated this one with my version of the wedding picture cake topper (made by mom!)<br />
surrounded by pineapple flowers.<br />
I was told later that those dried flowers tasted great!<br />
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<i>#3 Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake</i><br />
Don't let the gluten free part scare you, this is the best chocolate cake I have ever had!<br />
I'm dead serious. And I don't like chocolate cake.<br />
Want to know a secret? We didn't tell people this was gluten free, and it was our most popular cake!<br />
I used my go to chocolate butter cream recipe to frost this single layer cake,<br />
then topped it with almond bark chocolate words and gumdrop roses!<br />
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These roses were awesome!<br />
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If you click the link in my collage above it will take you to <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/cooking-tips-techniques/baking/how-to-make-edible-flowers-00000000056166/index.html" target="_blank">this video tutorial</a>!<br />
They are so simple to make, yet add so much!<br />
They don't show you how to make the leaves, but it didn't take much to figure those out.<br />
Just roll out your green gumdrop as shown in the video, then cut out a leaf shape. <br />
Voila!<br />
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<i>#4 Gluten Free Three-Tiered Cake</i><br />
Not as many tiers as my inspiration source,<br />
but I liked the simple beauty of the exposed cake, fresh fruit and powdered sugar.<br />
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The strawberry rose bouquet was a nice touch, though it didn't turn out as good I would have hoped.<br />
I couldn't get the 'petals' to lay open like in the picture. But still, a nice topper.<br />
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<i>#5 White Raspberry Cake</i><br />
Three layered almond white cake, with almond butter cream frosting and raspberry preserve filling.<br />
I only frosted the middle layers and the top cake for two reasons.<br />
One, 'naked cakes' are in style, didn't you know?<br />
And two, the frosting was a little stiff and I was running out of time.<br />
Mostly....it was reason two.<br />
<br />
To make this cake look fabulous,<br />
we stuck a very long "Happy Anniversary" banner in the top!<br />
I love the way it turned out! My mom did a great job! <br />
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<i> </i><br />
<i>#6 Coconut Cake</i><br />
You guys.<br />
This was my favorite cake!!<br />
Just look at that! It is beautiful! And it tastes wonderful too!<br />
I am dying to make another one of these, with a few little recipe changes.<br />
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This double layer coconut sheet cake was frosted with sour cream coconut frosting, <br />
between the layers and all over the outside, sprinkled with toasted coconut<br />
then adorned with almond bark butterflies!<br />
I was so, so thrilled that I was actually able to make these!<br />
I mean...look at them! <br />
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And finally....<br />
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<br />
I made just over 70 Lemon Cupcakes!<br />
This is one of our family recipes for rich lemon cake, topped with another family creation,<br />
lemon frosting made by folding lemon pudding and Cool Whip together!<br />
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These little darlings were decorated with various almond bark chocolate designs,</div>
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and family picture sticks, combining two inspiration sources.</div>
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All of my cakes had to survive an hours trip before</div>
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reaching the location of our family reunion.</div>
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That means I only frosted the middle layers of my sheet cakes to hold them together, </div>
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and the rest of the frosting, assembling and decorating had to take place on site.</div>
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We had a certain time frame between scheduled events that we were able </div>
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to use the facilities...umm...kitchen (more like rollings tables, a sink and some counter space),</div>
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so that made things a little crunched.</div>
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But thankfully there was lots of family (thank you everyone!) to give a helping hand.</div>
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I'll admit it was a little hard at first to delegate some of the tasks </div>
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to someone else, but I had no reason to worry, it all turned out great</div>
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and I was able to do the really important details myself.</div>
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<br />
If I look a little tired and frazzled, you know why.<br />
<br />
In the end it all paid off.<br />
Presentation was awesome, taste was wonderful, and Nana cried.<br />
Everything was a hit.<br />
I was asked by several people if I did this for a living,<br />
and those that didn't ask, outright told me that I should make this a business!<br />
It was so great to have such supportive feedback. <br />
<br />
Now, I went back and forth about breaking this post down<br />
into individual cakes and details, but I decided on covering it in one fell swoop.<br />
There will be a post on making almond bark chocolate designs, with tips I discovered along the way,<br />
but if you want more individualized details on anything else,<br />
just let me know and I'll see what I can do!<br />
<br />
To sum it up:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One week.<br />
Six cakes.<br />
13 layers.<br />
70 cupcakes<br />
Five different frostings.<br />
One hurried hour of assembly.<br />
An anniversary to remember. </div>
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I had a busy Fourth of July, y'all!</div>
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Every July Fourth that falls around the weekend,</div>
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my dad's side of the family has a family reunion, with family that spans back three generations before me!</div>
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This was one of those years. </div>
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Here is the group picture of our immediate family, at least the ones that could make it. </div>
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Aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents!</div>
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Can you believe there are at least 20 still missing?!</div>
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Here is my pale lookin' self and the rest of my family.</div>
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This reunion was extra special because we were also celebrating my grandparent's </div>
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50th Wedding Anniversary!!</div>
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See those two large,black and white photos in the corners?</div>
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That bombshell and suave movie star are my grandparents.</div>
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Sibling photobomb.</div>
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They cut the cake and fed each other all over again.</div>
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"Give me a kiss," said Nana.</div>
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And he did.</div>
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*Smile*</div>
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I am so blessed by the example and marriage I have been lived through these</div>
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two amazing Christ servants.</div>
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Not too long ago, I heard Papa say over the phone to Nana when she</div>
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called with vehicle trouble and needed him to come get her...</div>
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"I'll always pick you up, babe."</div>
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He picked her up all those years ago,</div>
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and he ain't about to drop her now. </div>
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I had a great time making all the cakes and cupcakes for their celebration!</div>
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I'll give you more pictures and details, including Pinterest inspiration, in my next post!</div>
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You won't want to miss it! </div>
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Sometimes a girl just needs a little change.</div>
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Last weekend I decided to make that change, and it is one I've been planning since last fall...</div>
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I dyed my hair red! <br />
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Why red?</div>
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Because every time in the past that I have tried to color my hair a nice brown color,<br />
it turns out with a red tint to it. I always tell them 'warm' tones, maybe that is where I went wrong...??</div>
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My grandma has told me that her hair always throws red when she tried dying it,</div>
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so maybe it is just in my hair code?</div>
Anyway...I thought I would give in and <i>actually </i>color it red this time.<br />
I also did a little choppage while I was at it...just simple stuff...split ends, an attempt at layering in the back, and evening up my not-bangs. <br />
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Although this isn't the first time I've colored my hair, it is the first time I have done it at home by myself!</div>
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I was a little nervous, but once you jump in and get started, it really isn't rocket science.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I used <a href="http://www.revlon.com/products/hair-color/permanent-liquid-haircolor/revlon-colorsilk#309978695318||0" target="_blank">Revlon ColorSilk in #31 Dark Auburn</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I like the results fine, but I was hoping for that deeper, darker red tone, truer to the depiction on the box.<br />
Just one week later, I already see it fading, even though it is supposed to be permanent.<br />
Originally, I wanted to use Henna as a dye. But after a little research, I learned henna is <i>very </i>permanent.<br />
You can't remove it or dye over it, or your hair might start smoking!<br />
So, if I didn't like the red, I was stuck until it grew out.<br />
I figured for $3 bucks I could get an ammonia free dye at Wal-Mart and do a far less scary test run.<br />
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qi27Vlk9HU9sEFSmrYs2R6eJYTbjt9vCSABXEz1QNsqgHb3LoCnTka1MazXdNf8JI_-Q56Vqkdr9WcP4fYTDTBHlkIdPsoWJcm6FakSlYHSs_6wZVmEQAg5TewrPyub5cxI-cH3B1YU/s1600/IMG_0062SMALLER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qi27Vlk9HU9sEFSmrYs2R6eJYTbjt9vCSABXEz1QNsqgHb3LoCnTka1MazXdNf8JI_-Q56Vqkdr9WcP4fYTDTBHlkIdPsoWJcm6FakSlYHSs_6wZVmEQAg5TewrPyub5cxI-cH3B1YU/s1600/IMG_0062SMALLER.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_kF6T7Z5qHAYcpX-x6djnMejDtIeNep97M_ivPk6U8D6XVkd-2_GS7j16tWLLiXmSHUO18xNio7CvmxXURdlmvzUpZKGftlnq4HbRs3-KllvUlH9XuH8BXnmELP98VP1tCI6bzArY_Po/s1600/IMG_0046SMALLER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_kF6T7Z5qHAYcpX-x6djnMejDtIeNep97M_ivPk6U8D6XVkd-2_GS7j16tWLLiXmSHUO18xNio7CvmxXURdlmvzUpZKGftlnq4HbRs3-KllvUlH9XuH8BXnmELP98VP1tCI6bzArY_Po/s1600/IMG_0046SMALLER.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Let me take this opportunity to draw your attention to the jean vest I'm sporting.</div>
It was thrifted quite a few months back, but ended up sitting atop my large refashion pile<br />
because it was just a bit too bulky. <br />
Finally, I sewed some darts into the side seams and took it in. Simple fix. <br />
It doesn't really qualify as a refashion, but I figured I could squeak it in this way.<br />
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrb1EUwxQuannZUpNfhocmNijVHyH0yG8LIain05vs3FI4A3bjJSZZA7pYb71NRcpnOXBE6nMAtaNhU7mkVeu0mzz6XNH7bH_osPr_hvzSexXUfLCV1y__1S-sNLpeUjRj-jdNqbmJmbQ/s1600/IMG_0048SMALLER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrb1EUwxQuannZUpNfhocmNijVHyH0yG8LIain05vs3FI4A3bjJSZZA7pYb71NRcpnOXBE6nMAtaNhU7mkVeu0mzz6XNH7bH_osPr_hvzSexXUfLCV1y__1S-sNLpeUjRj-jdNqbmJmbQ/s1600/IMG_0048SMALLER.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This top.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am in love.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Also a piece that has been in my refashion pile for a long time. But I really don't know why!?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I literally pulled it out just a couple days ago and there is nothing wrong with it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been wearing it ever since- it is so comfortable and I just love the print. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can't tell with it tucked in, but it has a loose fit and rounded hem.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEKPsfqZQt2YF_lxNtO0sAFm6JajRs5lR8xQfzE2PtluXHYdNNIA-7gsLRML5xDAGtCCK1ZeSLuTDCZYwwSNVVxNMBhUy5SHNFoOlGsjhHk2UfWZlmc53z5BGsa86kljIGc9r2WcL2u8/s1600/IMG_0101SMALLER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEKPsfqZQt2YF_lxNtO0sAFm6JajRs5lR8xQfzE2PtluXHYdNNIA-7gsLRML5xDAGtCCK1ZeSLuTDCZYwwSNVVxNMBhUy5SHNFoOlGsjhHk2UfWZlmc53z5BGsa86kljIGc9r2WcL2u8/s1600/IMG_0101SMALLER.jpg" height="426" width="640" /> </a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And these shoes!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They are currently my favorite pair, and my most recent thrift score.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And when I say recent, I mean two months ago. I haven't been thrifting a lot lately.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Too busy and broke! That, and I feel bad buying more clothes when my refashion pile is overflowing!<br />
(That might be a sign I need to get back to refashioning, huh?!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSL0u218XwtR79GuA_ptQrE775UAdYImve_3ukcV0cChyphenhyphen39UQMtXF9DDeeAI2qK__PUl38yDAJs-evHFUbo2QQzSG_0mTEjHP3wwaSPodY3pJy4j9RPcMdVkbU9AkVOL7etVxb5wdmlRg/s1600/IMG_0097SMALLER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSL0u218XwtR79GuA_ptQrE775UAdYImve_3ukcV0cChyphenhyphen39UQMtXF9DDeeAI2qK__PUl38yDAJs-evHFUbo2QQzSG_0mTEjHP3wwaSPodY3pJy4j9RPcMdVkbU9AkVOL7etVxb5wdmlRg/s1600/IMG_0097SMALLER.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><i><b>Outfit:</b> Jean Vest: thrifted ||Top: from a friend, Aeropostale ||Skirt: thrifted, <a href="http://gladness-of-heart.blogspot.com/2013/09/refashioned-outfit-look-2-hi-low-skirt.html" target="_blank">refashioned</a> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Shoes: thrifted ||Belt: Bealls, old</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
How about you?<br />
Is there a change you have been contemplating for a while?<br />
Have you colored your own hair, and if so what products do you recommend?</div>
Desaraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16694035359926635253noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4627868840557808604.post-2497781609305106612014-07-17T14:04:00.001-05:002014-07-17T14:04:12.262-05:00Of Weddings and the Northland<div style="text-align: center;">
At the end of May<br />
I was so excited and thankful to be able to spend a week in Minnesota!<br />
Wait what? Did I just say May?! Wasn't that forever ago?<br />
Yes, yes, it was....but after being gone from blogging for so long,<br />
I'm still playing catch up guys! Bear with me.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As I was saying,<br />
this past May I went up to my once home-state of Minnesota to be there for my best friend's wedding.<br />
It was most beautiful and I was more than thrilled to be a part of such an important day!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Her awesome family is near and dear to my heart,<br />
and I consider them an extension of my own.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Spending time with them was more encouraging, refreshing and motivating than I can say!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some days were spent in the Cities- oh yeah baby, I drove in the Twin Cities and survived!<br />
Praise Jesus! I think I missed at least one turn every time I got behind the wheel,<br />
but hey, I eventually got where I was supposed to be!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinC5kmmN14JjY38uW3q5atB2lPuP6Ep6HH2EVt_kl38Dq26JJUdsFaLgVANdEVPVfowlFvXKG3MYmg5yriaODvbjjXrbILw8jvqM5EteaZEsxK41-fO8ZDVKVNzKcRMxhcZalMQfDOI1w/s1600/BrennaWedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinC5kmmN14JjY38uW3q5atB2lPuP6Ep6HH2EVt_kl38Dq26JJUdsFaLgVANdEVPVfowlFvXKG3MYmg5yriaODvbjjXrbILw8jvqM5EteaZEsxK41-fO8ZDVKVNzKcRMxhcZalMQfDOI1w/s1600/BrennaWedding.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture not mine, courtesy of Facebook.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The wedding was beautiful, touching, significant, and tear jerking.<br />
I saw my best friend- who I spent the greatest, scariest days of teenage life with- marry a wonderful man and step into a holy, exciting chapter of her journey!<br />
It was a pretty weighty experience for me, in all honesty.<br />
<br />
I was also able to visit with old friends and in general have a splendid time. <br />
<br />
After leaving the cities, we (my travel companion, co-driver, and brother Anthony) made the trek further north to join my grandparents who were finishing up a camping trip and share a corner<br />
of their camper for the night.<br />
<br />
Ahh...I fell asleep to the sound of soothing frog chirrups and calling loons. <br />
<br />
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<br />
Sitting on a picnic bench I had the lake shore in front of me, trees behind me,<br />
and these wonderful people to each side of me- my brother and grandparents.<br />
Don't worry. My brother wasn't being one of those on-the-phone-while-surrounded-by-nature<br />
kind of people, he was taking pictures.<br />
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<br />
This was such an unusual and eye catching tree formation.<br />
Grandma told me this is actually tree cancer- the tree grows around<br />
the area like this.<br />
Isn't it amazing how something harmful made this tree unique and beautiful?<br />
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<br />
In the park we stayed at, there is a white deer that roams the forest!<br />
We were blessed to get a look at her!<br />
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<br />
These shots are blurry because she was so far away, but you get the general idea. <br />
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<br />
I love all the adorable little churches scattered across this country.<br />
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<br />
Even the fields of dandelions were gorgeous in my eyes!<br />
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<br />
Once you have lived in a thirsty land for a while,<br />
this is a heavenly site!<br />
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After leaving the camping grounds, a couple more days were spent relaxing with more of the family back at the 'home base' with all the aunts, uncles and cousins around.<br />
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BOOM! <br />
Oh yeah...I decided I need a motorcycle!<br />
This is my uncle's ride- he is the teddy bear driving. ;)<br />
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<br />
I'm not even kidding.<br />
I want a bike now.<br />
Or a guy who has one.<br />
Yeah, that might work.<br />
We'll see which one happens first.<br />
Good times.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JtY9yJkIVoF3fZNYa_vnMoAaYjIALgVnr7mT7DyRM86FySHYRm_-0IgTleq4DuE8PROnKsEn5cFtlfzE6_CkKtqsHtuRbbSCb2Eaa3j05g6aPc1qGlJEOGs66cS182U1b7yfPsUhy-8/s1600/IMG_6982.JPG" height="480" width="640" /><br />
<br />
Old friends, family, stimulating conversation, and open hearts coupled
with deep drinks of bountifully green and grassy landscapes...sunlit
tree canopies...and lakeside walks, made this trip deeply restorative and
motivating. <br />
<br />
What has this summer taken you so far?<br />
Where will your travels take you in the months ahead?<br />
I'd love to hear all your exciting plans!</div>
Desaraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16694035359926635253noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4627868840557808604.post-20286815187734464002014-07-14T09:00:00.000-05:002014-07-14T09:00:07.619-05:00Animal Babies!<div style="text-align: center;">
Animal babies!</div>
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Need I say more?!</div>
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Everyone knows spring brings babies,</div>
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and we saw the proof of that here on our little country acres this spring and early summer.<br />
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I'm gonna make a confession right here and now...<br />
these pictures....I kind of took them like...almost a month ago.<br />
But I'm too lazy to go take new ones (AND it is reallllyyyy hot outside, so I know you'll forgive me).<br />
Besides these are SO cute!<br />
Just know, all the babies are growing up!</div>
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Say hello to this little cutie!!</div>
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This adorable pup was a a stray that some of our town friends</div>
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found wandering about.</div>
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After asking around and putting up posters that sat for a week without response,</div>
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we decided she was a drop off, so we got to keep her!!</div>
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We don't know what breed she is, her coloring looks similar to a German Shepherd, but she has small paws and a curly tail.</div>
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We *do* know this much... she is 100% adorableness!</div>
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Case in point.</div>
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She loves eating the garden plants and cooling off in the damp dirt.</div>
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I told her she really shouldn't be doing that....</div>
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...and this is the face I got.</div>
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Those eyes!!</div>
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*Melts*</div>
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Her name you ask?</div>
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After changing numerous times over the course of three weeks...</div>
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Pepper...Pipper...Princess...Paddy...and those were just the ones we tried out,</div>
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we <i>finally</i> stuck with Lucy.</div>
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What do you think?</div>
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Did we make a good choice? </div>
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Let's move on to some of our more furrier editions.</div>
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Our first batch of kittens were 'The Wild Ones', given the name</div>
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because their mom was the daughter of a stray wild cat that adopted us.</div>
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I give you Miss Fluffykins.</div>
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She is the only long haired fluffy kit in the bunch.</div>
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And as you can see, my sister's favorite.</div>
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The two boys we named (respectively) Milo and Otis.</div>
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Childhood memories anyone?</div>
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Yeah, yeah, I know Otis was a dog...and Milo should have been the orange cat.</div>
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Well...it was a cute idea, and my memory just slipped a little and I got the names mixed up.</div>
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Still stinkin' cute if you ask me. </div>
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Otis, occasionally called Cheese Puff, is my little brother's buddy.</div>
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And the mild mannered, tummy rub lovin' Milo is my baby.</div>
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He will just lay in your hand, on his back, while you stroke his tummy.</div>
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So sweet!</div>
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Lucy wasn't quite sure what to think about the fur balls with legs.</div>
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She got used to them and would tease them mercilessly. </div>
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In sad honesty, just a couple days ago while we were gone for the weekend, </div>
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she got a little too rough and friendly and we lost one of our little kitties from the later bunch. :(</div>
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No fun.</div>
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Now we are being extra careful to watch her and train her to leave them be.</div>
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</div>
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The later batch here was from one of our favorite momma kitties, Buttons.</div>
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She birthed five kittens, one didn't make it, and was left with these four, now three.</div>
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Not long after, Wild Momma Cat up and left, so Buttons adopted</div>
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the three Wild Kids as her own, with a little help from the Kitten Relocation Services...aka,</div>
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concerned kids of the house.</div>
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The kittens from right to left we named Callie, Zeus, Daisy and Percy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU79qkEAVFIBXs2pUD1G6h0MtCMs7Gxel0Esx_Wv5Ch5NHfai-NSX029q889CqSR_rzWIUI5EvQjVKcqvoqwLRgyTQ5TWqkJdXZ3MJHTHUFVvvjmI70_t2u_32l9H0dXORFHWEI3hOyOI/s1600/IMG_7017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU79qkEAVFIBXs2pUD1G6h0MtCMs7Gxel0Esx_Wv5Ch5NHfai-NSX029q889CqSR_rzWIUI5EvQjVKcqvoqwLRgyTQ5TWqkJdXZ3MJHTHUFVvvjmI70_t2u_32l9H0dXORFHWEI3hOyOI/s1600/IMG_7017.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Zeus is my favorite from this batch.</div>
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I love them in this early, baby tiger, folded back ear stage!!</div>
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That should give you your cute fix for the day!</div>
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By the way...want a kitten?<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdz4ijlN-L2ZqML5GA1ona-4uVE5Zozk7NmMzU7Pxmj4ClVJ6J6QEw-ujicDWRgyk0z6iMZWrGS8Gv4rPiTWAqm3rST2S5mOJKcM2CDll3oYV5KTK_98U4R8blECGWKzI-ZrzOnjmeaQ/s1600/IMG_7059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdz4ijlN-L2ZqML5GA1ona-4uVE5Zozk7NmMzU7Pxmj4ClVJ6J6QEw-ujicDWRgyk0z6iMZWrGS8Gv4rPiTWAqm3rST2S5mOJKcM2CDll3oYV5KTK_98U4R8blECGWKzI-ZrzOnjmeaQ/s1600/IMG_7059.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is to the dog days of summer.</div>
Desaraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16694035359926635253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4627868840557808604.post-48889851999156928222014-07-12T08:00:00.000-05:002014-07-12T08:00:03.561-05:00Smuggled Identity, Short Film<div style="text-align: center;">
Some of you are familiar with my brother's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/PhippsPhilms" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>,</div>
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and are aware that they make short skits and films.</div>
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If not, you can read <a href="http://gladness-of-heart.blogspot.com/2014/01/lights-camera-action.html" target="_blank">this post</a> as well as <a href="http://gladness-of-heart.blogspot.com/2014/02/hairspray-and-terrorists.html" target="_blank">this one</a>, to get in the know.</div>
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</div>
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I remind you of them because today I am excited to announce the release </div>
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of our latest project and short film, </div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Smuggled Identity</span></b></i></div>
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</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/BxGLIpxCI0c?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Filmed this past spring, I was excited to have my first major, speaking role in this project!</div>
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Not only that, but I was brought on board with script writing and editing.</div>
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I'm pretty proud of the little work, comparatively, that I was able to contribute. </div>
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It was a lot of fun, and helped me better understand the world of filming</div>
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that these boys have set their sites on.</div>
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</div>
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To date, this is the biggest undertaking they have tackled!</div>
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In total, it took about six days of filming, only two of which I was part of,</div>
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and countless hours of editing!</div>
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</div>
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All around, we really enjoyed making this film!</div>
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My brothers were able to work out the fight choreography with friends, </div>
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throw each other around the house, and in general just enjoy playing heroes and villains.</div>
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For me, it was fun to explore the emotions of being a bad guy.</div>
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I tried to take it seriously, and really put some effort into my performance. </div>
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</div>
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What do you think?</div>
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Would Loki be proud?! </div>
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I hope you enjoy!</div>
Desaraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16694035359926635253noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4627868840557808604.post-79219934534458600342014-07-09T17:55:00.002-05:002014-07-09T17:55:53.926-05:00Summer & Ponderings<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello my lovely, wonderful friends!</div>
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Things have been really too quiet around here,</div>
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and I knew I needed to peep my head in and check on all of you!</div>
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<br /></div>
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So... summer, right?!</div>
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It is here!</div>
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Welcome to the days of 100 degree temps, which has brought the rain, storms, hail and tornadoes.</div>
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Thankfully none of those last two have made their way to our immediate area.</div>
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Yep.</div>
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Summer is in full swing.<br />
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Happy late Fourth of the July by the way! </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm sure there is a little curious question that has been pestering you lately....</div>
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<i>"Where has she been?!"</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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I've been gone for about four months, you guys!</div>
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I wish I could tell you I was working on a book launch, a store opening, a line of my own designs, or at the least an Etsy shop...but sadly it is none of those things.<br />
<br />
Here is the story.</div>
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My heart and energy has been pretty wrapped up in </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
mapping out and taking steps towards where I want to go with myself.<br />
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That includes searching for a consistent job to fund some classes I am </div>
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wanting to take on the path to having a career or at least a focus for this stage of my life.</div>
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Pretty simple and straightforward. </div>
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There is also some praying and thinking going on about moving...</div>
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I've made some progress in charting a course, laying down some goals, and getting a direction,</div>
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but nothing has been decided in any certain manner about the move, where or when that would be.</div>
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So don't worry about that one yet friends! </div>
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<br /></div>
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Anyway...that is where I've been lately.</div>
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All this other stuff kind of zapped my sewing and creative mojo...</div>
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even though I have a stack of projects, many of which I have a vision for already!</div>
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<br /></div>
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It will all return in time, I know this for sure.</div>
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But I've just had some bigger things that were too concerning to allow me to give much </div>
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(ok, any) thought or energy to being creative.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Aside from not blogging myself,</div>
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I haven't even been keeping up with my regular blog reads either!</div>
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Sorry about that ladies.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope you have all been having a great summer so far!<br />
<br />
I do have some upcoming posts to share with you a little bit<br />
of what has been keeping me occupied...sharing some fuzzy new arrivals,<br />
a wedding and trip, and a recent foray into the wonderful world of cakes and cake decorating!<br />
Be sure to check back!<br />
Oh, and thanks so much for not up and leaving my little following of readers.<br />
It means a lot. :)</div>
Desaraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16694035359926635253noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4627868840557808604.post-37190842458387868272014-03-30T09:00:00.000-05:002014-03-30T09:00:03.822-05:00Franklin Bound<div style="text-align: center;">
You're back!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ready for that stroll through Franklin, <a href="http://gladness-of-heart.blogspot.com/2014/03/there-and-back.html" target="_blank">like I mentioned</a>?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Then let's be off!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNW_lJ0fqVBdXGzR_1J4K-WnYD1epHmfvT9coYuNjjg7H09TVawT1mGRJQgM4h9AZyyAQedlMp1yypAPrGGLjfPmFN_fjhY6NUfPY5PwrxL2XWL7urbLwAje6B_jylC6LfzSVqHaQf5tM/s1600/IMG_6326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNW_lJ0fqVBdXGzR_1J4K-WnYD1epHmfvT9coYuNjjg7H09TVawT1mGRJQgM4h9AZyyAQedlMp1yypAPrGGLjfPmFN_fjhY6NUfPY5PwrxL2XWL7urbLwAje6B_jylC6LfzSVqHaQf5tM/s1600/IMG_6326.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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For the duration of about two hours, our party of six drove past scenes like this,</div>
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before arriving at our first stop...an antique shop, on the outskirts of Franklin.</div>
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<br /></div>
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There I found the most extraordinary doll house I've ever set eyes on!<br />
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBxzXXPxl4YDJ2-Fv3bc118jsgDM5bi1Sb9y-i5CjnUosTiFhuddRYJ2ZdWI5g_7zSAeBMNhtezcxcKEWsdpCkCK5bkRbVh2oS70nyAOF3yiIT3i-iQ2Gfsl_m9vMPWKwt5NmQqSwbCw/s1600/IMG_6327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBxzXXPxl4YDJ2-Fv3bc118jsgDM5bi1Sb9y-i5CjnUosTiFhuddRYJ2ZdWI5g_7zSAeBMNhtezcxcKEWsdpCkCK5bkRbVh2oS70nyAOF3yiIT3i-iQ2Gfsl_m9vMPWKwt5NmQqSwbCw/s1600/IMG_6327.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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The exterior was covered with tiny colorful, pebbles, and some of the windows</div>
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were made of green and red glass.</div>
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<br /></div>
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There were two stories, and a balcony!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGnX1-FelBbRAGofA5Q5s9JwtgaJyyBOlQUpoYNLBJq2aVY7o7_M2ZSbyGGC9iJMVEUqbXiLUSgOV8p0t-0km5VK9lfBcCrALVEtZZ668pZP9-puLv9MeBS7EAy5no53ABvOVx3GDGvQ/s1600/IMG_6332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGnX1-FelBbRAGofA5Q5s9JwtgaJyyBOlQUpoYNLBJq2aVY7o7_M2ZSbyGGC9iJMVEUqbXiLUSgOV8p0t-0km5VK9lfBcCrALVEtZZ668pZP9-puLv9MeBS7EAy5no53ABvOVx3GDGvQ/s1600/IMG_6332.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://texasrebelgirl.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Aspen</a> stands next to it for scale...<br />
she is about, oh 5.4 I would guess {Correct me if I'm wrong dear.},</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and it is taller than her! </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shall we have a look inside?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlwpV50_BO8qd-IMFRPKJ32K_I5JaBPe-ydBkanYxA7FRtxAcYiUUihP-DjC16JbRtYD81JpPRtdD2PJcQu5tcv-pOYk0sKk9CMo8Uuno98KoE4rnrKDThI0taIifZLSDD1mcp45dbUA/s1600/IMG_6329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlwpV50_BO8qd-IMFRPKJ32K_I5JaBPe-ydBkanYxA7FRtxAcYiUUihP-DjC16JbRtYD81JpPRtdD2PJcQu5tcv-pOYk0sKk9CMo8Uuno98KoE4rnrKDThI0taIifZLSDD1mcp45dbUA/s1600/IMG_6329.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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This is the front door entrance...there is a room off to the left...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMxsrNGlSEFmprVM7S4leMljW6_sOXmObznpnNtx3CwA5FsFoK5fT4v6m8531pYFpMRyagPGCDuxUQeVZc-haI1muhJoocnR4Bc0JU2uLMGPmmOfUKaO6XfYA7ZqFvz2-zQfo_G3Xejo/s1600/IMG_6330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMxsrNGlSEFmprVM7S4leMljW6_sOXmObznpnNtx3CwA5FsFoK5fT4v6m8531pYFpMRyagPGCDuxUQeVZc-haI1muhJoocnR4Bc0JU2uLMGPmmOfUKaO6XfYA7ZqFvz2-zQfo_G3Xejo/s1600/IMG_6330.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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....which houses an lovely ceiling light and a sweet little 'hanging' painting.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJ00Eh2F5pqRFeEL2ben1Le55Aib7nM-peVajbKqd8lvpz9ssP0vJtAnWZmb38jVlqX63y-H7HYborsSgwHcneOw81aqhcyL__pwi50HVI_omlqm5fXW2S3f6Pias9eYLNcTZ5AMB7YE/s1600/IMG_6334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJ00Eh2F5pqRFeEL2ben1Le55Aib7nM-peVajbKqd8lvpz9ssP0vJtAnWZmb38jVlqX63y-H7HYborsSgwHcneOw81aqhcyL__pwi50HVI_omlqm5fXW2S3f6Pias9eYLNcTZ5AMB7YE/s1600/IMG_6334.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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The other door you saw front the entrance,</div>
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leads to a flight of stairs in the back... shall we see where they take us?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlr7qqB4JUuemJnNarJ5Vm-yN3m_z6yfPOLiXIdSxa_me4dapO-7Px8gjssNdSKLpZp6FlB3SxTZNXFa5NUSQR6TvkWAdJ2lt-3V_V18vRXY99KsR6g49fMOCk11sMBSvSKQuH3UZ1QZU/s1600/IMG_6331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlr7qqB4JUuemJnNarJ5Vm-yN3m_z6yfPOLiXIdSxa_me4dapO-7Px8gjssNdSKLpZp6FlB3SxTZNXFa5NUSQR6TvkWAdJ2lt-3V_V18vRXY99KsR6g49fMOCk11sMBSvSKQuH3UZ1QZU/s1600/IMG_6331.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Look!</div>
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It is an adorable little stage with a painted backdrop and a chandelier!!</div>
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I mean, how cute!</div>
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This upper room was all open and very large...at least for dolls.</div>
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While the details were darling, and while most interesting, overall I found it slightly creepy.</div>
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So I didn't get it. </div>
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Not to mention it would fit in my suitcase.</div>
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And not to mention it cost over $200.</div>
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Yeah...not worth mentioning.</div>
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BUT...</div>
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I did find a little souvenir!</div>
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I finally converted to a tea cup lover and collector last year,</div>
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and have slowly been building my collection.</div>
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I found this old, slightly stained, but still so pretty cup and saucer.</div>
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I know...they don't match.</div>
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But they are both blue, and they were together, so I went with it.<br />
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After a bit more driving we found ourselves in the heart of downtown Franklin!</div>
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Some pretty, old brick buildings.<br />
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One of our first stops was the amazing store, Anthropologie! </div>
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I've always loved the style and look of their merchandise, </div>
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but this was the first time I had been in one of their stores...it was amazing!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDIHsBhH2DylEUo6yCinGo7VGTMARkQzNCqro6PMNx4mjqfhy7QQNCnsLdRE7aC-m0fFzyf8QA_ez0rOCoFBnptgsrGg4403-nuxudd9tK_GmfQO5z5GeP9T5GN_F5ISdLtNm_Vmpues/s1600/IMG_6337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDIHsBhH2DylEUo6yCinGo7VGTMARkQzNCqro6PMNx4mjqfhy7QQNCnsLdRE7aC-m0fFzyf8QA_ez0rOCoFBnptgsrGg4403-nuxudd9tK_GmfQO5z5GeP9T5GN_F5ISdLtNm_Vmpues/s1600/IMG_6337.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Look at this scrumptious collection of vibrant dishware!!</div>
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I was completely in love.</div>
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These tea cups...I mean...*sigh*...they have little legs!</div>
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We went into many more shops...but it was so busy and full of people,</div>
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I forgot {or was too camera shy} to snap shots of each one.</div>
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I'm really not the type that feels comfortable carrying a camera around </div>
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and taking pictures, but I always wish later that I had, so I'm working on changing that. </div>
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We stopped for a sit down on the steps of an old church, I think it was,</div>
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which was home to this gorgeous blossoming Magnolia tree. </div>
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It was dripping with full, creamy blooms.</div>
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The bud pods were fuzzy, isn't that interesting?</div>
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Our final stop of the night was supper at Whole Foods Market.</div>
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Oh. My. Word.</div>
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I had never been in one of these stores before,</div>
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and I'm telling you, it was pretty amazing!</div>
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Any sort of healthy, natural, organic, gluten-free food can be found in this</div>
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Wal-Mart sized wonderland of edible goodness!</div>
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Oh, how I wish we had one near us.</div>
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If you live near one, please, count yourself supremely blessed.</div>
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Because you are. </div>
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Like I said,</div>
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I'm not used to carrying a camera around,</div>
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so this concludes my photographic documentation of my week-long stay in Tennessee.</div>
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Believe it or not, this was my grandest and best effort to date!</div>
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It is my dream someday to go on a trip with the understanding</div>
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that we can and will stop at any given moment for pictures...and I will</div>
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unabashedly tout my camera along with me everywhere.</div>
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Since that day has yet to come,</div>
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I hope you enjoyed my present efforts!</div>
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{If you want more pictures of our day in Franklin</div>
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you can see lots more pictures in <a href="http://texasrebelgirl.blogspot.com/2014/03/day-on-town.html" target="_blank">this post at Aspen's blog</a>!}<br />
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And guess what,<br />
it just so happens that today is <a href="http://storyofaseamstress.blogspot.com/2013/04/our-wedding.html" target="_blank">Atlanta and Jordan's</a> 1st Year Anniversary!!<br />
Happy Anniversary you two! </div>
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Hello all!</div>
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Things have been pretty quiet around here lately, haven't they?</div>
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Can you feel an absent-blogger explanation coming?</div>
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I dropped a little hint as to my recent where abouts in <a href="http://gladness-of-heart.blogspot.com/2014/03/giveaway-reminder.html" target="_blank">this short post</a>,</div>
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but in case you didn't catch it...I am {somewhat} recently returned from a week long stay in Tennessee!</div>
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About one year ago,</div>
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my dear friend <a href="http://storyofaseamstress.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Atlanta</a> was swept off her feet and consequently all the way to Tennessee</div>
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when she married.</div>
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I was blessed to attend the wedding,</div>
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but didn't get the chance to see their home.</div>
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However, upon the arrival of her baby girl in February</div>
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I had good reason and great excuse to make a trip to see them!</div>
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I tagged along with Atlanta's brother Cim and sister <a href="http://texasrebelgirl.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Aspen</a></div>
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who were also making the trip to meet their new niece.</div>
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Here is Auntie Aspen holding sweet, sweet baby Marian!</div>
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Honestly,</div>
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this little darling is one of the cutest babies I've ever seen!</div>
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So, ok, it is my friend's baby...I don't think that makes me prejudice...much.</div>
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A bed-full of ladies admiring the baby!</div>
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Marian will be a pro at this picture taking thing...</div>
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T O E S!!!</div>
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She was modelling a new dress, and doing a darling job of it, no?</div>
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Aside from the beautiful baby,</div>
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there was of course, some breathtakingly beautiful nature to explore.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxj95IHvzRAc4pBG3sNBRcjh1xSp3I5IJdgD1zmDHNblHkxzegBvnto3mXgs5UEiTpXXDHeF5mn4HRWNShITg9-DYNOaz_cOqK0s-sr48wA8lTeZ3hIiEDqeCucYD9sTxzVdj43LchS1I/s1600/IMG_6385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxj95IHvzRAc4pBG3sNBRcjh1xSp3I5IJdgD1zmDHNblHkxzegBvnto3mXgs5UEiTpXXDHeF5mn4HRWNShITg9-DYNOaz_cOqK0s-sr48wA8lTeZ3hIiEDqeCucYD9sTxzVdj43LchS1I/s1600/IMG_6385.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ahhh...wandering these lovely woods was utterly and truly refreshing...for this northern girl,</div>
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it was like being home. Trees and water bring life back into my soul.</div>
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Can you see the little trickle of a stream, just there, meandering its way through the forest floor?</div>
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I found this verdant, mossy growth to be most intriguing.</div>
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Here is a close up....</div>
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it reminded me of tiny tropical trees or something of the sort.</div>
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And here we have a log specimen covered in fairy like stepping stones</div>
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made of paper thin, mushroom like growths.</div>
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This also warranted a closer look.</div>
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Ahhh...trees...I just love getting lost in a forest.</div>
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So, funny story.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Notice the spattering of trees here that still have their dried, dead leaves intact?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I inquired as to what type they were, but received no satisfactory answer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then, lo and behold while further indulging myself in Jane Austen-esque films</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
after returning home (a past time with Atlanta) I received the answer!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I learned from Mr. Plumbtree aka Tom Hiddleston, in <i>Miss Austen Regrets </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that these must be<i> </i>Beech trees.<br />
I had to marvel when I heard him spout off this little offhanded information<br />
in an awkward scene of the movie. Funny how little things come together.<br />
"Fascinating subject, botony." <br />
{You can see clips from this movie <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjtGSg337lw" target="_blank">here</a>,<br />
including the very last scene with the beech tree reference.}</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Anyway, back to the greenery... </div>
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More adorable moss to document.</div>
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A nice walk by the creek, just at sunset, does a heart good.</div>
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Slightly infatuated with water...don't mind me.</div>
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I just love how this gnarly, moss riddled tree hangs over the bank.</div>
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Do you see this?!</div>
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Doesn't this look just like the flower from Horton Hears a Who?!</div>
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I'm not sure what these are, other than they are a type of seed pod-thingy that grows on trees,</div>
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they had all fallen off and there was a generous smattering of them everywhere.</div>
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Sadly,</div>
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I had not my camera with me the day we saw the most beautiful scenery of all, I was quite heartbroken.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It
was Sunday, see? And I thought, silly me, that, one needn't bring a
camera along...it was only going to be church, then home again, right?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Big. fat. wrong.</div>
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<br /></div>
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We saw waterfalls...<i>waterfalls</i> you guys!!</div>
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Ohhh, it was thrilling...waterfalls are among my favorite things in the worlds,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and these particular falls were nestled deep in the craggy, wooded back roads.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There were steep, towering rock walls to one side, complete with tiny cave holes,</div>
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and an ever expanding forest on the other, with the river weaving its way in between.</div>
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There were wild daffodils, old abandoned houses, valleys and hills. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I ran about like a school girl at Christmas, and kept muttering thanks and awe</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to God for the beauty He created. </div>
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It was one of those times when it almost hurts, the beauty and wonder of it all. </div>
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So, the moral of this story.</div>
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Always. <i>Always. </i>Bring your camera.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinA2nbWNJxn8huzYCK1fxLfO5TgzZz44-lBKJ8Wgq-41wmCdhr_eJwYyzRiqkRAk1AYl7iYxbCmrXI-NNBxyEtyZ_gQuQ6PcH16uUrHqxG6dsnUmp1aGCAqi8x6tSZ0EBoRgP1QOgQI2s/s1600/IMG_6417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinA2nbWNJxn8huzYCK1fxLfO5TgzZz44-lBKJ8Wgq-41wmCdhr_eJwYyzRiqkRAk1AYl7iYxbCmrXI-NNBxyEtyZ_gQuQ6PcH16uUrHqxG6dsnUmp1aGCAqi8x6tSZ0EBoRgP1QOgQI2s/s1600/IMG_6417.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Did you enjoy this little walk through the countryside?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Well tomorrow,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'll take you 'round on a little excursion of Franklin, Tennessee.</div>
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See you then!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">{For LOTS more pictures of sweet Marian and Tennessee scenery,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">you can see things through Aspen's point of view in <a href="http://texasrebelgirl.blogspot.com/2014/03/happenings-in-hill-country.html" target="_blank">this post</a>!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Including a few pictures of the falls, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">courtesy of Atlanta, who had pictures from a previous visit.} </span></div>
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</div>
Desaraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16694035359926635253noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4627868840557808604.post-15069436230341175102014-03-17T17:01:00.002-05:002014-03-17T17:01:38.314-05:00And the Winner Is...<div style="text-align: center;">
Sorry this announcement is so late in coming!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Time flies when you are having fun, and the last two days were pretty busy,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
mostly spent away from the house and computer. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, without further ado, it is time to announce the winner of </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my <a href="http://gladness-of-heart.blogspot.com/2014/03/bloggiversary-and-giveaway." target="_blank">Vintage Pattern Give Away</a>!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The winner,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
chosen by random drawing,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"> Delvalina!</span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfQYoqdIthlP0n72XuFPAmx1Jnmci8cbB1TPBu0u_f4Iia7dG1-toHYazTEXs2Ap07XNRgJaxCBCeOnx4zUvHt652kfCMrn6lMfJqApYVN2I0Wtlf9ncTlSeJ5_mrnaqj3r90YGy-bJE/s1600/IMG_6305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfQYoqdIthlP0n72XuFPAmx1Jnmci8cbB1TPBu0u_f4Iia7dG1-toHYazTEXs2Ap07XNRgJaxCBCeOnx4zUvHt652kfCMrn6lMfJqApYVN2I0Wtlf9ncTlSeJ5_mrnaqj3r90YGy-bJE/s1600/IMG_6305.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Congratulations!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'll be contacting you soon to get your mailing address so I can</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
get this package on its way! </div>
Desaraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16694035359926635253noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4627868840557808604.post-68499514655709575672014-03-14T10:52:00.000-05:002014-03-14T10:52:59.282-05:00Giveaway Reminder<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">" </span><span style="font-size: small;">The essence of creativity is essentially risk, </span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: small;">believing enough to leap into the yet unseen.</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>The theological term for this is faith. </i></b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>"</i></b> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~ Ann Voskamp ~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There is still time to enter your name</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for my Vintage Pattern Giveaway!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfQYoqdIthlP0n72XuFPAmx1Jnmci8cbB1TPBu0u_f4Iia7dG1-toHYazTEXs2Ap07XNRgJaxCBCeOnx4zUvHt652kfCMrn6lMfJqApYVN2I0Wtlf9ncTlSeJ5_mrnaqj3r90YGy-bJE/s1600/IMG_6305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfQYoqdIthlP0n72XuFPAmx1Jnmci8cbB1TPBu0u_f4Iia7dG1-toHYazTEXs2Ap07XNRgJaxCBCeOnx4zUvHt652kfCMrn6lMfJqApYVN2I0Wtlf9ncTlSeJ5_mrnaqj3r90YGy-bJE/s1600/IMG_6305.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Visit <a href="http://gladness-of-heart.blogspot.com/2014/03/bloggiversary-and-giveaway.html" target="_blank">this post to read more and find out how</a>!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The winner will be announced tomorrow,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
though probably pretty late because I'll be spending the day</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
out and about with my dear, sweet friend <a href="http://storyofaseamstress.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Atlanta</a> here in Tennessee!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If I don't get time to put up the results tomorrow, I'll get it up on Sunday.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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Have a blessed weekend all!</div>
Desaraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16694035359926635253noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4627868840557808604.post-33586654491690021582014-03-10T09:00:00.000-05:002014-03-10T09:00:10.502-05:00Refashion Webinar with The Renegade Seamstress!<div style="text-align: center;">
Most days I feel like a very little person in a busy world,</div>
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and then instances come along which snap that feeling to pieces.</div>
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One of those is the fact that I'm acquainted with such a talented person</div>
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like <a href="http://chicenvelopements.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Beth, The Renegade Seamstress</a>, who was recently asked</div>
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by <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/blog" target="_blank">BurdaStyle </a>to host a live Web Seminar on refashioning!</div>
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BurdaStyle.</div>
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You guys, seriously! </div>
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So exciting!</div>
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Have you ever wanted to learn how to refashion your wardrobe?</div>
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With this new Webinar, Beth will show you how to do just that!</div>
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For those of you with a visual learning style,</div>
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this will no doubt be a great tool, </div>
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that just might hold the key to helping you step into the world of refashioning.</div>
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If you want to read what Beth has to say about it,</div>
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<a href="http://chicenvelopements.wordpress.com/2014/03/06/mom-burdastyle-is-on-the-phone-for-you/" target="_blank">read her post here</a>.</div>
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To find more information on the upcoming web seminar,</div>
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<a href="http://register.burdastyle.com/Course?CourseId=9000-51" target="_blank">follow this link</a> to BurdaStyle.</div>
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Here is a brief overview of the course.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="title"><span class="course_title" id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblTitle">Refashion: Inspiration and Projects </span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="title"><span class="course_title" id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblTitle">to Revamp and Recycle Your Wardrobe</span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="title"><span class="course_title" id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblTitle"><span style="font-size: small;">By Beth Huntington</span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="title"><span class="course_title" id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblTitle"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="title"><span class="course_title" id="ContentPlaceHolder1_lblTitle"><a href="http://chicenvelopements.wordpress.com/2014/02/19/today-is-national-wear-your-cardigan-day/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="cardigan-conversion-after-5" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7606" height="400" src="http://chicenvelopements.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/cardigan-conversion-after-5.jpg?w=640" width="266" /></span></a> </span></span></span></b></div>
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<i><strong>Live Web Seminar Date: March 31st<br />Start Time: 11am EST (4pm GMT)</strong></i></div>
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<i><strong>Length: 60 minutes</strong></i></div>
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<i><strong>What You’ll Learn:</strong></i><br />
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<li><i> Reasons why refashioning is one of the most exciting movements in sewing today </i></li>
<li><i> Where to find inspiration </i></li>
<li><i> How to find great pieces at the thrift store </i></li>
<li><i> How to organize your stash </i></li>
<li><i> How to get over the fear of making that first cut </i></li>
<li><i> How to bring new life to second hand clothes </i></li>
<li><i> How to refashion a too small dress into a dress made just for you </i></li>
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Congratulations to Beth for such an exciting opportunity,<br />
one I hope may interest some of you!<br />
Go check it out! </div>
Desaraehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16694035359926635253noreply@blogger.com4