tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91367296857147059172024-03-14T01:33:25.483-04:00Daisies and MoreA blog about saving money, being crafty and other things I love.Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17402376721058875993noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136729685714705917.post-90782052823859497502011-01-14T19:10:00.000-05:002011-01-14T19:10:18.924-05:00Taking on the Meal Planning monster... againMeal Planning is my nemesis. It has been since long before we even had kids. Somehow I thought being a stay-at-home mom would magically make it easier. It didn't. I've tried about 8 million times in the past to do a better job of meal planning, and have yet to stick with it. However, to take Edison's view, I haven't failed, I've just found a thousand ways that don't work, right?<br />
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Part of my goal of being an organized family means meal planning, so I am taking on the meal planning monster one more time, and I swear this is going to be our last match. I will take him down, take him down to Chinatown. :)<br />
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I am only planning dinners. Breakfast & lunch is pretty easy here, so I am not planning those. I've tried using <a href="http://www.mealsmatter.org/">Meals Matter</a> in the past, but really having the plan on paper on the front of my fridge seems to work as well as anything. I found this pad in the dollar bins at Michael's a while back, so I grabbed two.<br />
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They have a magnetic back and hang on the fridge. I wrote my list on the side, but I re-wrote it on another piece to take it to the store, because I didn't want to rip off and lose my meal plan.<br />
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Here is this week's plan. We're on Friday and so far it's been great. I had to make one modification on Wed, but it still came off great.<br />
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Monday - Kid's eat free & $5.99 burger night at our local Champp's restaurant. They're changing the deal at the end of this month, so I figured we'd better take advantage of it while we can. Can't beat feeding a family of 4 for $17 including tip!<br />
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Tuesday - <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Cajun-Seafood-Pasta/Detail.aspx">Cajun Seafood Pasta</a> - this is mostly for my husband, as I have a seafood allergy. The girls and I just eat regular old spaghetti and Mark takes the leftovers to work for a couple of days. One time one of his friends asked him what restaurant he went to the night before when he saw the leftovers for this. I felt proud. You could easily sub all shrimp in the recipe, or even all chicken. I do modify the directions and cook the seafood first vs. in the sauce. You'd definitely want to do this if you use chicken. I also add sauteed mushrooms, because in my book, everything is better with mushrooms. :)<br />
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Wednesday - BBQ bone-in chicken leg quarters & mashed potatoes.<br />
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Thursday - <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chicken-Tortilla-Soup-III/Detail.aspx">Chicken Tortilla Soup</a> - even the girls at it! I love that Kate is finally eating soup!<br />
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</div>Tonight - Bacon & Ham Quiche - I modified <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/spinach-and-bacon-quiche-recipe/reviews/index.html">Paula Deen's Spinach & Bacon Quiche</a> recipe, as I didn't have spinach, and couldn't bring myself to use a cup and a half of heavy cream. I used 1 c fat-free half and half, and 1/2 c skim milk. And I used a homemade pastry crust with part whole wheat pastry flour.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TTDlKiy5y6I/AAAAAAAAApE/UTM12c27wSM/s1600/IMG_4538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TTDlKiy5y6I/AAAAAAAAApE/UTM12c27wSM/s320/IMG_4538.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17402376721058875993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136729685714705917.post-66072197008334390562011-01-12T07:30:00.013-05:002011-01-12T07:30:03.109-05:00Snow Day...We had a snow day yesterday. The kids begged all morning to go out and play in it. I really dislike taking the girls out to play in the snow, because Claire is too young to go out on her own and usually it takes at least 15 minutes to get them all ready to go out and then they only want to be out for 20 minutes. But I sucked it up and took them out after lunch. The lasted almost 45 minutes, and we definitely had lots of fun. Nothing like a snowball "fight" with an almost 3 year old. Here are a few highlights...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TSz_g3j7yZI/AAAAAAAAAos/UITp4vAIkZw/s1600/IMG_4506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TSz_g3j7yZI/AAAAAAAAAos/UITp4vAIkZw/s320/IMG_4506.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Claire refused to go down the slide so she just cleaned everything off. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TSz_teLnd1I/AAAAAAAAAow/CFw9Jjf6Ppo/s1600/IMG_4511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TSz_teLnd1I/AAAAAAAAAow/CFw9Jjf6Ppo/s320/IMG_4511.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Close up of Kate before making her snow angel </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TSz_47-J_SI/AAAAAAAAAo0/XLPp54aWS7s/s1600/IMG_4514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TSz_47-J_SI/AAAAAAAAAo0/XLPp54aWS7s/s320/IMG_4514.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">"The biggest snow angel ever, Mom!" </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TS0AG3C3mVI/AAAAAAAAAo4/B1Tj_XB5uu0/s1600/IMG_4528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TS0AG3C3mVI/AAAAAAAAAo4/B1Tj_XB5uu0/s320/IMG_4528.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Claire just "hanging out" on the swingset</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TS0ATGo2oBI/AAAAAAAAAo8/rJUkXDULogY/s1600/IMG_4532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TS0ATGo2oBI/AAAAAAAAAo8/rJUkXDULogY/s320/IMG_4532.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Kate after making a huge pile of snow for all her snowballs.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TS0AbZk2e5I/AAAAAAAAApA/AN4pHKD2Zeg/s1600/IMG_4535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TS0AbZk2e5I/AAAAAAAAApA/AN4pHKD2Zeg/s320/IMG_4535.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Claire chasing me with a snowball - "I'm dunna det you Mama!"</div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17402376721058875993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136729685714705917.post-85607092837840697662011-01-11T11:05:00.002-05:002011-01-11T21:22:05.525-05:00The Official Household Disney CountdownThe Louagie Household Official Disney Countdown has begun. We are leaving 1 month from today (we check in 2 days before Claire turns 3, which makes her still FREE! Yay!), and to avoid the continual "How long until Disney?" questions, we made a paper chain to count down. We leave in the evening, so I put on 32 links, so the day they tear up the last one is the day we leave (since we're leaving in the evening). Plus, I used up some old scrapbook paper that was kicking around the basement. As the chain shrinks, I'll move it down the wall (though both girls would probably love to climb up to the ceiling to get to the links). Thanks to my friend Jennifer for the idea!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TSx_gFs1R0I/AAAAAAAAAoo/toxWwIWE5CY/s1600/IMG_4484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TSx_gFs1R0I/AAAAAAAAAoo/toxWwIWE5CY/s640/IMG_4484.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17402376721058875993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136729685714705917.post-63595655310020210752011-01-08T21:19:00.000-05:002011-01-08T21:19:29.226-05:00Blog, Take 2 (or 3)So... I am going to attempt to start this blog afresh. I have set some goals for 2011 (I dislike using the term "resolutions"), and I am going to attempt to document my progress towards those goals here on the blog. The goals are:<br />
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1) An organized home and family life<br />
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2) Efficient and effective time management<br />
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3) Become better at saying no (ties in to the time management goal above, but I feel it needs to be stated on it's own, because there is more to it than just time management)<br />
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4) Be an excellent steward of our family's money - beyond eliminating debt, this means saving when possible, but also spending when it makes sense.<br />
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I'm going to attempt to document the steps I'm taking and the progress I'm making in these areas here. <br />
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Here's my first bit of progress:<br />
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Our coat closet. It is quite small and in addition to housing our coats it is basically the only possible place to store our vacuum and carpet steam cleaner on the first floor. Before today, all of our mittens/hats/gloves/umbrellas/etc were all housed in one small bin on the shelf above the coats. It was severely overstuffed and on Friday Kate's gloves fell out literally 5 times in a row when I tried to put them back in (after they fell out the first time when I was trying to get Claire's gloves out for preschool). Here is my solution, which proves that I can have the occasional moment of organizational brilliance. I'm sure plenty of other people have thought of this idea, but I was rather pleased with myself for coming up with this entirely on my own, if I do say so myself. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TSkaS57k9pI/AAAAAAAAAok/R5aYrDCtDAs/s1600/IMG_4481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TSkaS57k9pI/AAAAAAAAAok/R5aYrDCtDAs/s640/IMG_4481.JPG" width="352" /></a></div><br />
I bought the shoe organizer at Big Lots for $8, which included hooks. I had a choice of this apple green color, aqua or purple. Since our living room is earth tones (olive, brown, yellow-cream & white), this seemed to be the best of the colors I had to work with. I love it because the girls can reach it and can now get their own items out, and also put them away.<br />
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</div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17402376721058875993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136729685714705917.post-43701766178207941952010-08-11T23:52:00.000-04:002010-08-11T23:52:08.291-04:00CrazinessI can't believe I haven't written in 3 months. Wow. This summer has been CRAZY, but at the same time it doesn't seem like we've done much! Let me see if I can sum up our last 3 months... trips to the waterpark at Kings Island, speech therapy for Claire (she has made AMAZING progress this summer), VBS, a family reunion, summer ballet class, soccer practices ending and then starting again for the fall, and preparations for both girls to start school. In less than 3 weeks, Kate will start Kindergarten (how in the heck is that happening?!?!) and Claire will start preschool! I am not one to lament the passing of time, but somehow realizing that both my girls will be in school this year and that Kate starts riding the bus does make me nostalgic. At church, Kate moved up to the Kindergarten "class" in early June, and somehow the realization that I'm now the parent of an elementary aged child makes me feel old.<br />
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</div><div>Claire has been taking weekly private speech therapy this summer and has been making amazing progress. She is now linking up to 5 words together (with some prompting), using 2-3 words consistently with no prompting, and is articulating much more clearly. The past two weeks at speech, she's even said "cake" and "cook" instead of "take" and "took". She has been able to get the K sound on the ends of words for a while, but the beginning has been a challenge. Miss Susan is a miracle worker, however, and we're now getting Ks on the front of the words, at least some of the time.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Kate took a 2 week summer dance sampler and has discovered tap. She loves it. She's taking a ballet/tap combo class this year (during Claire's preschool on Tues mornings, so I will have approx 1 hour to grocery shop in peace every week during Kate's class. I am more excited about this than Kate is about dance class, I think!). She's also playing SAY soccer again this fall. This is the first season Mark has not helped coach her team. I may have to force him to go back to coaching after this. I'm kidding. Kind of. Her coach is coaching 3 teams in 2 leagues this fall and practice times have been a nightmare. However, Kate's playing on the same team as one of the girls from her preschool class last year, so that's fun.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I'll sign off with a few pictures from our family reunion last month. By most people's standards, it would hardly count as a family reunion (there were only 19 people at it, and that includes all he cousins, aunts, uncles, grandmas & grandpas and even my great aunt!), but we get together every summer with my mom's family and it's so much fun. </div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Kate & Max checking out Alex's DS... they were enthralled.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TGNs1Q3P24I/AAAAAAAAAmY/xWBGB9Yunzk/s1600/IMG_3685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TGNs1Q3P24I/AAAAAAAAAmY/xWBGB9Yunzk/s320/IMG_3685.jpg" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Kate showing off her slip n slide skills</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TGNs3gWtQMI/AAAAAAAAAmg/zpH-y3-DKeY/s1600/IMG_3702_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TGNs3gWtQMI/AAAAAAAAAmg/zpH-y3-DKeY/s320/IMG_3702_2.jpg" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Love this photo of Kate - I crouched right at the end of the slide and snapped it at eye level.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TGNs6XWEaLI/AAAAAAAAAmo/feXCdizNytM/s1600/IMG_3715_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TGNs6XWEaLI/AAAAAAAAAmo/feXCdizNytM/s320/IMG_3715_2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More mad slip n' slide skills...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TGNtAgCh9yI/AAAAAAAAAm4/cQBEIwOjeCs/s1600/IMG_3720_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TGNtAgCh9yI/AAAAAAAAAm4/cQBEIwOjeCs/s320/IMG_3720_2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My cousin Michael getting in on the action. He's about 6'4". It was hilarious.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TGNtAgCh9yI/AAAAAAAAAm4/cQBEIwOjeCs/s1600/IMG_3720_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TGNs-vgHTiI/AAAAAAAAAmw/iHQ2b6WU_Gk/s1600/IMG_3717_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TGNs-vgHTiI/AAAAAAAAAmw/iHQ2b6WU_Gk/s320/IMG_3717_2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nice expression, Alex. :)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Claire's version of the slip n' slide consisted of her crawling the length of the slide.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Claire's dismount</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TGNtJzoN4oI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/T_39hhXf4Kg/s1600/IMG_3750_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TGNtJzoN4oI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/T_39hhXf4Kg/s320/IMG_3750_2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Alex torturing his sister Maggie<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These girls walked down the path to the community park in my aunt's backyard. All conversation stopped for a good 3 minutes while we gawked at their outfits in disbelief. This was taken in 2010, not 1986. But were it not for me telling you, you'd never have known that.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Alex getting crazy with the younger cousins....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TGNtUspgUcI/AAAAAAAAAno/svgthAJGDe0/s1600/IMG_3765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/TGNtUspgUcI/AAAAAAAAAno/svgthAJGDe0/s320/IMG_3765.jpg" /></a></div><div><br />
</div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17402376721058875993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136729685714705917.post-50068242203005719942010-05-20T09:10:00.000-04:002010-05-20T09:10:42.203-04:00The weekend's activitiesThis weekend was rather busy for Kate. Saturday morning she had a soccer game, which Grandma and Grandpa Louagie came down to see. She was super excited, and she scored her 4th goal of the season. There was much rejoicing. There are a couple of kids on her team (on in particular) who probably score 4 goals per game, but while Kate tries hard, she's not quite as fast or aggressive as a couple of the other kids.<br />
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Kate really seems to like soccer, so I'm often torn on what to do. Around here in Cincinnati, you kind of have to commit to soccer early (like now for Kate) if you want to play in high school. I always think I would have been pretty good at soccer had my parents started me playing early. I grew up in Cleveland and it's just like Cincinnati - you have to start soccer early. My parents were both from rural Illinois and soccer never crossed their radar when I was little. No blame, just curiosity of what might have been, I guess.<br />
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This is Kate's 2nd year playing (spring only), and the second year that she's had the same coaches - her friend's dad is head coach and Mark is assistant coach. I love it because I don't have to hang out at practice the whole time since Mark is there anyway! But I have a feeling this is the end of Mark's coaching career, should Kate move on.<br />
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What I did do for many years growing up was dance. I started at about 7 or 8 and danced all the way until I graduated. I LOVED it. Now, God did not grant me a professional dancer's body. I'm way to, um, top heavy. But I still enjoy dancing pretty much any way I can. And of course I married a man who doesn't dance. Go figure.<br />
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We enrolled Kate in a ballet/jazz combo class this year. It was her first dance experience and she loved it. The studio is run by a woman who used to volunteer in the kids ministry at our church, so I loved supporting someone I know. It's a "ballet-focused" studio - all dancers are required to take a ballet class, which I kind of like. I think ballet is the backbone of good dancing.<br />
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This Sunday was Kate's "recital". At her studio the youngest 2 levels don't participate in the large on-stage recital. It's actually rather nice since the recital would be quite long for them to sit through and some kids (not Kate, I'm sure, Ms. Shy-as-a-Mac-Truck) might freeze up on stage. They have several "mini-recitals" at the studio and 2-3 classes perform their dances for the parents. It was CROWDED, but fun. The only bummer was buying a $60 cheaply made costume for a recital at the studio. Apparently some parents get upset if they can't pay $60 for a terribly made costume for their child (I'd love to know who they are so I can smack some sense into them). I really wish they could have just had a simple skirt to go over their leotard or something that was more affordable.<br />
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Next year Kate is going to try a Ballet/Tap combo - can't wait for "tappy shoes" all over the kitchen for the first couple of weeks...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S_Uz7FSplBI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/hHKcAOLHvgk/s1600/IMG_3477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S_Uz7FSplBI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/hHKcAOLHvgk/s320/IMG_3477.jpg" /></a></div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17402376721058875993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136729685714705917.post-91730020789416753002010-05-10T12:36:00.000-04:002010-05-10T12:36:10.222-04:00Gatlinburg RetreatThis past weekend, we went on a retreat with other leaders from our church to Gatlinburg. We LOVE our church - <a href="http://www.4cornerschurch.com/">Four Corners Church</a> - and this was a really fun weekend. I lead the early childhood area of our kids ministry, and this was an opportunity for people to just hang out and relax and get to know each other better. We stayed in a 14 bedroom cabin on the side of a hill, with the steepest driveway known to man - we have a manual transmission and the first time made the mistake of stopping at the bottom of the drive. I kid you not it took us 3 attempts to get up the bottom part of the driveway and you could smell our clutch for at least a day afterwards. Wow.<br />
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The other fun part to the trip is that on the 13th, Mark and I will celebrate our 10th anniversary. We spent our honeymoon in Gatlinburg, and so coming back for the first time almost 10 years to the day with the family was pretty fun, and a reminder of just how much things have changed (for the good) in 10 years. Mark even took Kate miniature golfing at the same place he and I went on our honeymoon. :)<br />
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Here are some highlights from the trip....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S-gwvRtETqI/AAAAAAAAAkY/l7w-hTKXHiw/s1600/IMG_3357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S-gwvRtETqI/AAAAAAAAAkY/l7w-hTKXHiw/s320/IMG_3357.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The view from the cabin balcony</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S-gxIjNm1vI/AAAAAAAAAkg/36K4XPJjdbI/s1600/IMG_3360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S-gxIjNm1vI/AAAAAAAAAkg/36K4XPJjdbI/s320/IMG_3360.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The view inside the cabin - a.k.a the "Lodge-ball" arena. Lodge-ball claimed the saddle on the cross beam, several lampshades from the chandelier and at least one chandelier light bulb. All was back to normal when we left on Sat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S-gxK8JtOVI/AAAAAAAAAko/USTy3JdrwFQ/s1600/IMG_3370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S-gxK8JtOVI/AAAAAAAAAko/USTy3JdrwFQ/s320/IMG_3370.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kate playing one of many games of air hockey.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S-g0Rp_YRkI/AAAAAAAAAkw/ZATpaipTCdI/s1600/IMG_3383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S-g0Rp_YRkI/AAAAAAAAAkw/ZATpaipTCdI/s320/IMG_3383.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Claire just being her adorable self, sitting in a window.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S-g0TUl8YPI/AAAAAAAAAk4/q3KGT0v4DoQ/s1600/IMG_3392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S-g0TUl8YPI/AAAAAAAAAk4/q3KGT0v4DoQ/s320/IMG_3392.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sunset from the cabin balcony on Thurs. night</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S-g0VbQjFOI/AAAAAAAAAlA/SpMbZEyy5ps/s1600/IMG_3398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S-g0VbQjFOI/AAAAAAAAAlA/SpMbZEyy5ps/s320/IMG_3398.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kate "swimming" in the hot tub (we turned it way down and a bunch of the kids had a blast in it).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S-g0X2V4hJI/AAAAAAAAAlI/JgqBlh3Qbm0/s1600/IMG_3402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S-g0X2V4hJI/AAAAAAAAAlI/JgqBlh3Qbm0/s320/IMG_3402.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Bouldering" in the Greenbrier area of Smoky Mountain Nat'l Park</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S-g0Z0iUYnI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/-ZRvX0D7DfI/s1600/IMG_3405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S-g0Z0iUYnI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/-ZRvX0D7DfI/s320/IMG_3405.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kate at the TN/NC border sign - I took a picture of Mark at this sign almost 10 years to the day before this picture was taken, while we were in Gatlinburg on our honeymoon. My how times have changed in 10 years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S-g1OrvkfRI/AAAAAAAAAlY/v66dbhnLO14/s1600/IMG_3426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S-g1OrvkfRI/AAAAAAAAAlY/v66dbhnLO14/s320/IMG_3426.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My awesome family posed on "the biggest rock in the whole world" according to Kate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S-g1RPm73OI/AAAAAAAAAlg/moxf4YNuYIU/s1600/IMG_3434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S-g1RPm73OI/AAAAAAAAAlg/moxf4YNuYIU/s320/IMG_3434.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Claire chowing down on some bread before we headed home on Sat.</div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17402376721058875993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136729685714705917.post-53632209373177188772010-04-30T08:34:00.000-04:002010-04-30T08:34:27.925-04:00Catching UpWow, this has been a busy spring. Really busy. Here are some of the things we've been up to:<br />
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Claire has discovered nail polish, and if I don't have the time to paint her nails then she'll do it herself using marker. Sigh. I should have been suspicious when she was quiet in the car for way to long....<br />
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We had to put a childproof knob on the pantry because about 5 times a day Claire would come hand me either the oatmeal jar or the peanuts from the pantry and say "eat". I am happy she has a word, but I began to wonder how much oatmeal a 2 year old could eat. I guess it keeps her regular...<br />
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As I write this post, Kate is proudly helping Daddy fold laundry (have I mentioned how awesome my husband is? He does over half of the laundry around here!). This is one of the first times that I have not had to put quotation marks around help. She's even folding shirts with only a little help straightening from her a bit too Type A Daddy. Here she is very proudly holding up a shirt she folded.<br />
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And of course, if big sister is doing something, Claire has to do it too... after these photos she stood up and said "Dah!" (her version of Ta-da) and then "All Done!"<br />
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This morning is Kate's Mother's Day program at preschool, which she is super excited about. I'm sure I will have many more pictures from it...Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17402376721058875993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136729685714705917.post-44825294364778129702010-04-20T10:24:00.000-04:002010-04-20T10:24:21.959-04:00Minnie Mouse pillowcase dressI made this Minnie Mouse pillowcase dress for my daughter. Sometime I'll put up a tutorial on pillowcase dresses, but I'm really bad at taking pictures through the whole process!!<br />
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The red & white fabric is from JoAnn's and is only $4.99 regular price, and I managed to get it for half price. Gotta love it!<br />
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The circle for Minnie Mouses' head is from one of the play dishes from my daughter's kitchen, and the ears are a jumbo size plastic Easter egg. I traced both onto Wonder-Under, then ironed the Wonder-Under to black fabric and cut around it. Then, I removed the backing and ironed the circles onto the polka dot fabric so that they looked like Minnie Mouse. I put a mid-weight stabilizer fabric behind the polka dot fabric and then did a "satin stitch" (a zig-zag with a very short stitch length) over the edges of the circles. Then, I cut away the extra stabilizer fabric from the back.<br />
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The bow is held on with fabric glue (Heat & Bond is not strong enough, you need liquid fabric glue) and I hand-stitched it about 5-6 times as well to make sure it stayed.<br />
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For my pillowcase dresses, I sew elastic into the neck and then sew the ribbon to the top of each of the corners of the dress. I think it looks a bit more polished, and I like that there is less of a strangulation hazard from the elastic than there is from a true drawstring neck.<br />
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Now - if only we had the funds to plan a trip to Disney.... :)Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17402376721058875993noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136729685714705917.post-85721204402951066672010-04-01T02:23:00.000-04:002010-04-01T02:23:30.840-04:00Kitchen Stool MakeoverI finally re-did our kitchen stools. They have been living in the garage for the past 9 months or so, ever since Mark turned his back on Claire in the kitchen for 2 minutes and returned to find her standing on top of our kitchen island. However, I'm hoping that maybe, just maybe, we are mostly past that stage with Claire and I can now keep the stools at the island.<br />
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Here is a "before" shot of the stools - functional, but certainly not pretty. I got them at a church rummage sale for $1.00 each.<br />
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I have been wanting to paint them for a while, but have been slightly challenged by the wicker type seat.<br />
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I ended up painting the wooden part of the stool (and some of the wicker seat as well) black.<br />
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Then I made a cover for the wicker part out of some old muslin I had. Here is the final product:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S7Q46MRQ-gI/AAAAAAAAAiI/1x-P89I5pp4/s1600/IMG_3177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S7Q46MRQ-gI/AAAAAAAAAiI/1x-P89I5pp4/s320/IMG_3177.jpg" /></a></div>Much better, isn't it?<br />
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For the cover, I cut a piece of muslin about 5-6" larger than the dimensions of the top of the seat. I then cut a 4" square out of each corner of the muslin to accommodate the corners of the stool that stick out. I did the same thing out of Pellon Fusible Fleece (978F) and then ironed the fusible fleece to the muslin, just to give the muslin a little padding and to make sure none of the black on the seat showed through the muslin.<br />
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I searched Google Images for a bird silhouette and found this one that I liked, then printed it onto iron on transfer paper and ironed it onto the face of the muslin. It was a bit tricky getting the entire image to adhere to the muslin, unfortunately. Thank God for Sharpie marker to fill in a few missing spots!<br />
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I then used a package of extra wide double fold bias tape. I first sewed 8.5" pieces into each "corner" that was cut out, making a fold where it came to the corner. Then, I sewed approx. a 22" piece of bias tape over each long straight edge, leaving the ends to serve as ties for the cover. <br />
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Here is a close-up of the corner of the cover once it is tied on the stool:<br />
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Voila - tie it on. I had all the materials for this project, so it was free to me, but if you are attempting it from scratch you need the following things to cover 2 stools:<br />
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1/2 yard muslin, any width (over 36")<br />
1/2 yard Pellon Fusible Fleece (Pellon 978F or any similar fusible padding)<br />
1 package iron-on transfer paper (can get this at almost any hobby, craft, fabric or even large mass merchandiser in their craft section)<br />
1 package extra wide double fold bias tape in the color of your choice<br />
sewing machine<br />
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I did not take pictures of the steps of making the cover, I will try to take them when I make the 2nd cover and then post a more detailed tutorial. They certainly aren't perfect, but they're much better than the original stools with the flaking white paint!Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17402376721058875993noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136729685714705917.post-41998630885144216362010-03-30T17:55:00.000-04:002010-03-30T17:55:48.023-04:00My Favorite Time of DayI love it when my husband walks in the door from work each day. I'm always glad to see him, and I'm often very glad to have him entertain the girls for a while while I make dinner or get a little break. Some days I am VERY glad, if you know what I mean (i.e. - here are YOUR children I am disowning them for the time being). Today was one of those days. Sigh.<br />
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Both girls generally love it when Mark gets home (Claire's a little more hit-or-miss on that subject than Kate is, since she is more of a "Momma's girl") and situations such as this often arise:<br />
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This was the take down and tackle of the Daddy tickle robot.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S7JyYM43OPI/AAAAAAAAAho/WbZupT8Q8Yw/s1600/IMG_3170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S7JyYM43OPI/AAAAAAAAAho/WbZupT8Q8Yw/s320/IMG_3170.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First Claire's turn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S7JyatFAn4I/AAAAAAAAAhw/ffIHYpIYpZ8/s1600/IMG_3172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S7JyatFAn4I/AAAAAAAAAhw/ffIHYpIYpZ8/s320/IMG_3172.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then Kate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S7JycqmG64I/AAAAAAAAAh4/3xOYvOueqAw/s1600/IMG_3173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S7JycqmG64I/AAAAAAAAAh4/3xOYvOueqAw/s320/IMG_3173.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then Claire goes in for the assist.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Just another reason why my husband rocks - I'm sure after a long day at work being attacked by two young children isn't necessarily the most "relaxing" time, but he does it with a smile. </div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17402376721058875993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136729685714705917.post-54596298643509043002010-03-29T07:36:00.002-04:002010-03-29T07:36:00.678-04:00StudioDelve RocksI have to share my friend Lisa's amazing ceramic work. Lisa and I were good friends my senior year of high school, which is longer ago than I care to admit. Let's just say that my 5 year old daughter is closer to being a senior in high school than I am. Wow. That's a scary thought.<br />
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Since high school, Lisa has started StudioDelve and makes completely awesome ceramic pieces like this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S7AjIqi6gkI/AAAAAAAAAhI/1Zlpaiw1kB0/s1600/wall+trio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S7AjIqi6gkI/AAAAAAAAAhI/1Zlpaiw1kB0/s320/wall+trio.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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And this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S7AjO0V-V_I/AAAAAAAAAhg/FsjScisLEk8/s1600/owl+pendant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S7AjO0V-V_I/AAAAAAAAAhg/FsjScisLEk8/s320/owl+pendant.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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And this light fixture. Seriously. I want this. My husband does not. Go figure.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S7AjMwJkMxI/AAAAAAAAAhY/ZnMWjaqdF1g/s1600/light+fixture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S7AjMwJkMxI/AAAAAAAAAhY/ZnMWjaqdF1g/s320/light+fixture.jpg" /></a></div><br />
And this plaque for just $8. Love. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S7AjK2wBLtI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/5X85Rum3vWc/s1600/thrive+plaque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S7AjK2wBLtI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/5X85Rum3vWc/s320/thrive+plaque.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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So stop by and check out Lisa's <a href="http://www.studiodelve.com/">website</a>, <a href="http://www.delvestudio.etsy.com/">Etsy shop</a> or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/studio-delve/73129476954?ref=ts">Facebook fan page</a>!Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17402376721058875993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136729685714705917.post-19768055320469299732010-03-26T17:39:00.005-04:002010-03-28T00:46:10.800-04:00Make your own Sports Headband TutorialIf you have a daughter who plays on sports teams or if you like to work out and you wear the "sports style" headbands with a ponytail - this tutorial is for you! Don't want to pay $8-$18 for a headband? Make one yourself for cheap!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60hV6-wBmI/AAAAAAAAAgw/Tyw74Dnm6sg/s1600/IMG_3166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60hV6-wBmI/AAAAAAAAAgw/Tyw74Dnm6sg/s320/IMG_3166.jpg" /></a></div><br />
You need:<br />
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<ul><li>A sewing machine (or patience and good eyesight for hand sewing)</li>
<li>7/8" wide grosgrain ribbon of your choice (background color) ($1.97 or less - look for coupons)</li>
<li>5/8" wide grosgrain ribbon of your choice (top color) ($1.97 or less)</li>
<li>3/8" wide grosgrain ribbon that matches either of the two previous colors ($1.97 or less)</li>
<li>7/8" wide velvet ribbon (this is the hardest to find - check Hobby Lobby for $1.99 spools of 6 ft of ribbon that are often half price or check other fabric stores in the "by the yard" ribbon - black or brown work well, white is good for lighter colors)</li>
<li>Fabric glue ($4 or so a bottle) - hot glue does NOT work for this, sorry, it is too stiff</li>
<li>Invisible thread or thread that matches both of your ribbon colors</li>
<li>Two "adult" size "no metal" thick ponytail holders</li>
<li>Scissors</li>
<li>Measuring tape</li>
</ul><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60gr2BOUFI/AAAAAAAAAeg/kYS-ImfOivU/s1600/IMG_3144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60gr2BOUFI/AAAAAAAAAeg/kYS-ImfOivU/s320/IMG_3144.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Step 1<br />
Cut the 7/8" wide and 5/8" wide grosgrain ribbons to 15 1/2" long for a child's size headband or 16 1/2" long for a teen or adult headband.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60gt-EbsII/AAAAAAAAAeo/nuR-YhMfBPQ/s1600/IMG_3145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60gt-EbsII/AAAAAAAAAeo/nuR-YhMfBPQ/s320/IMG_3145.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Step 2<br />
Cut the 7/8" wide velvet ribbon to 14" (kids) or 15" (adult) - you could cut it the same length as the grosgrain, but depending on your spool of ribbon you may be able to get an extra headband out of the spool if you cut it a bit shorter.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60gwPN4WEI/AAAAAAAAAew/TEa11OhhgPk/s1600/IMG_3146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60gwPN4WEI/AAAAAAAAAew/TEa11OhhgPk/s320/IMG_3146.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Step 3<br />
Use the fabric glue and run a small line of fabric glue down each long edge of the 5/8" grosgrain ribbon. If this ribbon is a dark color, you could put one line down the middle, but lighter colors will show the glue line if you put it in the middle. Glue the 5/8" ribbon to the middle of the 7/8" ribbon - putting the ribbon down carefully so that the edges are even.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60gx7NHqhI/AAAAAAAAAe4/2rwmuFLrfQY/s1600/IMG_3147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60gx7NHqhI/AAAAAAAAAe4/2rwmuFLrfQY/s320/IMG_3147.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Step 4<br />
Using invisible thread (or thread that matches the color of the 5/8" ribbon) sew down the edge of the 5/8" ribbon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60g34O84uI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/RKvq1erGcfs/s1600/IMG_3151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60g34O84uI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/RKvq1erGcfs/s320/IMG_3151.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Step 5<br />
Run a line of glue down the velvet ribbon. Glue this to the back of the 7/8" grosgrain ribbon. There will be a gap at each end of the ribbon where it is not covered by velvet - this is okay, it won't show.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60g6hJ2YKI/AAAAAAAAAfY/4afBcAwKOeA/s1600/IMG_3154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60g6hJ2YKI/AAAAAAAAAfY/4afBcAwKOeA/s320/IMG_3154.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Step 6<br />
Using invisible thread (or thread that matches the color of the 7/8" grosgrain ribbon) carefully and slowly (especially if you are using invisible thread) sew down the edge of the velvet ribbon to attach it securely to the grosgrain ribbon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60g_41v6PI/AAAAAAAAAfo/KL7Bbf_xxDg/s1600/IMG_3155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60g_41v6PI/AAAAAAAAAfo/KL7Bbf_xxDg/s320/IMG_3155.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Step 7<br />
Take the two ponytail holders and knot them together. This is slightly difficult to explain, but I don't have a internet-compatible video camera, so I'm going to have to do the best I can. You're going to find the spot on each ponytail holder where they have been stuck together. Lay the two ponytail holders on top of each other with the connection spots on opposite sides of the circle from each other. Loop one side of one ponytail holder around the other and pull taught. Hopefully the pictures below help explain this.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60g0O8ncgI/AAAAAAAAAfA/kO2MG5uaB0g/s1600/IMG_3149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60g0O8ncgI/AAAAAAAAAfA/kO2MG5uaB0g/s320/IMG_3149.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60g174SIMI/AAAAAAAAAfI/fRc0kK7QXc8/s1600/IMG_3150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60g174SIMI/AAAAAAAAAfI/fRc0kK7QXc8/s320/IMG_3150.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Step 8<br />
Fold the end of the ribbon from Step 6 over one side of the ponytail holder. Sew in place, going back-and-forth several times over the end to make sure it doesn't pull out. Repeat with the other side.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60hCbkUmeI/AAAAAAAAAfw/GlynKJDyPVI/s1600/IMG_3156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60hCbkUmeI/AAAAAAAAAfw/GlynKJDyPVI/s320/IMG_3156.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60hFgJrreI/AAAAAAAAAf4/wXa46NWFAFQ/s1600/IMG_3158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60hFgJrreI/AAAAAAAAAf4/wXa46NWFAFQ/s320/IMG_3158.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60hIcDWhhI/AAAAAAAAAgA/RoEz9y1wAR8/s1600/IMG_3159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60hIcDWhhI/AAAAAAAAAgA/RoEz9y1wAR8/s320/IMG_3159.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Step 9<br />
Cut two pieces of 3/8" grosgrain ribbon to 2 1/2" long. Heat seal the ends (run a lighter or match quickly and carefully across the cut end of the ribbon and it will melt together slightly and prevent fraying). Put a line of fabric glue on each 2 1/2" piece.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60hMgk_UdI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/Pkj1i2jecRk/s1600/IMG_3161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60hMgk_UdI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/Pkj1i2jecRk/s320/IMG_3161.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Step 10<br />
Fold these short pieces over the sewn part of the headband for a nicer looking finish. Allow to dry before putting in anyone's hair.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60hPaEDeLI/AAAAAAAAAgY/1_PbkKI0tRE/s1600/IMG_3162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60hPaEDeLI/AAAAAAAAAgY/1_PbkKI0tRE/s320/IMG_3162.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60hSJ6NyRI/AAAAAAAAAgg/YbA1ZacySBc/s1600/IMG_3163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60hSJ6NyRI/AAAAAAAAAgg/YbA1ZacySBc/s320/IMG_3163.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60p8R3XLjI/AAAAAAAAAhA/DJ6_pR5kADg/s1600/IMG_3164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60p8R3XLjI/AAAAAAAAAhA/DJ6_pR5kADg/s320/IMG_3164.jpg" /></a></div><br />
You can replace the "team colors" with a patterned 7/8" grosgrain ribbon like I did below, and you omit steps 3 & 4. (See photo of Kate below with the zebra print headband on.) Or you can move up a size and use 1 1/2" grosgrain ribbon and velvet ribbon, and 7/8" for the top piece (or again use a patterned ribbon).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60hV6-wBmI/AAAAAAAAAgw/Tyw74Dnm6sg/s1600/IMG_3166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60hV6-wBmI/AAAAAAAAAgw/Tyw74Dnm6sg/s320/IMG_3166.jpg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60hX9H126I/AAAAAAAAAg4/Cbmtb7Pznyo/s1600/IMG_3167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S60hX9H126I/AAAAAAAAAg4/Cbmtb7Pznyo/s320/IMG_3167.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Here in Cincinnati I've found both Ohio State and Kentucky printed ribbons at WalMart (which I normally hate to shop at, but it's the only place I've found the ribbon) so you could make "game day" headbands for you and your friends.<br />
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For about the cost of a headband you could buy, you'll have enough materials to make 10+ headbands of your own. Offer to make them for the rest of the team to help cover your initial expenses.Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17402376721058875993noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136729685714705917.post-68700601620144683052010-03-11T00:15:00.004-05:002010-03-29T09:03:17.141-04:00The Kitchen UpdateWe decided this year to use part of our tax return to update our kitchen and downstairs half bath (which is about the only room we hadn't touched in the 5 years we've lived in this house). Here was our starting point for both...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5h3yJl6izI/AAAAAAAAAcw/YblykykCSOg/s1600-h/IMG_2893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5h3yJl6izI/AAAAAAAAAcw/YblykykCSOg/s320/IMG_2893.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kitchen overview - start</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5h34w8NuoI/AAAAAAAAAc4/sHDRh1V0c4A/s1600-h/IMG_2894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5h34w8NuoI/AAAAAAAAAc4/sHDRh1V0c4A/s320/IMG_2894.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">More kitchen starting point</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5h3713QwPI/AAAAAAAAAdA/O7__XTzbSUE/s1600-h/IMG_2896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5h3713QwPI/AAAAAAAAAdA/O7__XTzbSUE/s320/IMG_2896.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bathroom start - note the nice brass light fixture and floral wallpaper border. Plus the sink has light aqua marbling in it. So classy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5h39yBofmI/AAAAAAAAAdI/dREt3_5z7Iw/s1600-h/IMG_2897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5h39yBofmI/AAAAAAAAAdI/dREt3_5z7Iw/s320/IMG_2897.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More starting bathroom, more floral wallpaper border.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>And here is the end result...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5h4yvNpHhI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/9S4myiacbS0/s1600-h/IMG_2978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5h4yvNpHhI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/9S4myiacbS0/s320/IMG_2978.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kitchen overview - after - we are about 90% done at this point - we still have to lay floor under the stove & fridge, and re-attach baseboards in many places.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5h41tZ81BI/AAAAAAAAAdY/Ofd3yngAaK0/s1600-h/IMG_2979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5h41tZ81BI/AAAAAAAAAdY/Ofd3yngAaK0/s320/IMG_2979.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The new floor - $1.29 a square foot laminate made from recycled plastic for the laminate - have I mentioned how much I love Costco?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5h5ZdHR-zI/AAAAAAAAAdg/yoavZEjr-c8/s1600-h/IMG_2980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5h5ZdHR-zI/AAAAAAAAAdg/yoavZEjr-c8/s320/IMG_2980.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Updated decor - 1950s Betty Crocker cookbook that I already had that was given to me by my aunt before she passed away, and my great grandmother's wedding china from 1901. The Laugh word is from Hobby Lobby and was $7 (half price) when I got it. The word may not stay, as Mark hates it. We'll see who wins. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5h56han8OI/AAAAAAAAAeA/RV-ykvIQYW8/s1600-h/IMG_2967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5h56han8OI/AAAAAAAAAeA/RV-ykvIQYW8/s320/IMG_2967.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A close up of the china plate. I am so happy to have a plate and a cup/saucer from her wedding set, and I love that it works to display it now so it's not buried in a cupboard somewhere like it was before.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5h5bUiS4eI/AAAAAAAAAdo/ew5iuBcWtbc/s1600-h/IMG_2981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5h5bUiS4eI/AAAAAAAAAdo/ew5iuBcWtbc/s320/IMG_2981.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The bathroom is the left door, the pantry is the right. The photos are from IKEA - $.99 for the set of 5 fruit postcards and $2.99 ea from IKEA for the frames. The apron hook was something I already had that I painted black.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5h5d1RDDaI/AAAAAAAAAdw/jUGDEVhFgTY/s1600-h/IMG_2982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5h5d1RDDaI/AAAAAAAAAdw/jUGDEVhFgTY/s320/IMG_2982.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">There's the $1 imagine wall art from <a href="http://daisiesandmore.blogspot.com/2010/02/almost-free-wall-art.html">last week</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5h5f7fSI8I/AAAAAAAAAd4/MpT33rSgsJ0/s1600-h/IMG_2983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5h5f7fSI8I/AAAAAAAAAd4/MpT33rSgsJ0/s320/IMG_2983.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The dining area - still working on decor here. The photo to the left of the light is one I took when Mark and I were in Venice in 2001 and it's one of my favorite pictures I've ever taken. It's light reflecting off rain puddles at dusk on the main pedestrian route.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5h60euzeyI/AAAAAAAAAeI/RIvBhKBylf0/s1600-h/IMG_2971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5h60euzeyI/AAAAAAAAAeI/RIvBhKBylf0/s320/IMG_2971.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bathroom - after - Vanity was $88 from Home Depot (plus $20 in plumbing items from the hardware store), faucet was $30 from Home Depot, mirror was $35 (half price) from Hobby Lobby, light fixture was $35 from Costco, and not shown are a towel ring and toilet paper holder from Home Depot for $22 total. Paint is low VOC Behr Paint and Primer in one for $28 from Home Depot in the color "Sensible Hue" (I questioned whether we should get the paint and primer in one and the sales guy gave me a gallon at the price of the regular paint. Totally awesome.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5h63babdEI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/sOB7d6TwpdE/s1600-h/IMG_2972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5h63babdEI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/sOB7d6TwpdE/s320/IMG_2972.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another view of bathroom - after - no floral wallpaper border. Why oh why did we not do this 5 years ago??? The wall decor is a Bible Verse (As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord) my mom cross-stitched for us when we got married 10 years ago. It's hung in our bathroom, no matter where we lived, ever since.</div><br />
I'm still looking for a few things for on top of the cabinets - I plan to go raid boxes in my parents basement next week for more family heirlooms. I love having pieces that have stories behind them.<br />
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The total cost for this remodel, including all last minute trips to the hardware store, etc is right about $1000 (included in this price - paint, flooring & trim, dishwasher, vanity, faucet, light fixture, towel bar and toilet paper holder ) . We could have easily spent that much on just the approx 300 sq ft of flooring.<br />
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Linking this up with Domestically Speaking's <a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/2010/03/10th-power-of-paint-party-and-wreath.html">Power of Paint</a><br />
and<br />
<a href="http://www.thethriftyhome.com/2010/03/24th-penny-pinching-party.html">Penny Pinching Party</a> at The Thrifty Home<br />
and<br />
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2010/03/welcome-to-63rd-metamorphosis-monday.html">Metamorphosis Monday</a> at Between Naps on the Front PorchAlyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17402376721058875993noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136729685714705917.post-74194472521072713482010-03-09T00:05:00.000-05:002010-03-09T00:05:04.969-05:00Ah, spring!Today was quite the day. I started the day with a medical procedure for which Katie Couric would be proud of me. It wasn't as bad as I expected, though I'm in no rush to have another one.<br />
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We had a GORGEOUS day here in Cincinnati, and I got to spend some time outside this afternoon planting seeds for the garden. Nothing is a sign of spring like planting seeds. Granted all of the seeds were in flats and will be indoors for a month or two until it is really time to plant them outdoors, but I sat in the sun on the back patio and sowed two kinds of eggplant, two kinds of peppers and three kinds of tomatoes. I can almost taste the delicious eggplant parmigiana we'll be having this summer. [Insert Homer Simpson like "Mmmmm" here.]<br />
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I've grown peppers, eggplants and tomatoes before, but never from seed so I'm really hoping this goes well. However, I don't have a grow light so tomorrow when I go to Home Depot after mom's group to buy the towel bar and toilet paper holder for the remodeled bathroom I will be picking up a grow light.<br />
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Gardening is another one of my favorite activities - I guess like crafting it's creating/transforming something with your own hands. And it tastes so much better too!<br />
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I also have to include these pictures of Claire from Saturday. She was trying to put in a pair of green plastic vampire teeth left from Halloween, but had them in backward. She was so proud of herself though. The first picture is what happens when you tell Claire to "smile!" -she immediately closes her eyes. Every time.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5XWp_SOlII/AAAAAAAAAcQ/ZFDSHBj1-1A/s1600-h/IMG_2957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5XWp_SOlII/AAAAAAAAAcQ/ZFDSHBj1-1A/s320/IMG_2957.jpg" /></a></div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17402376721058875993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136729685714705917.post-82912158197790103572010-03-05T00:21:00.001-05:002010-03-05T00:25:37.396-05:00My little BallerinaKate got her dance recital costume this morning. It was practically better than Christmas morning for her. She begged and begged to wear it once she got home, so before dinner I caved and let her wear it for about 20 minutes. She had to put on "elegant music" and dance for me, Mark and Claire. When she prayed tonight we had to thank God for her <i>beautiful </i>new costume.<br />
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Note the nice hot chocolate traces all over her mouth. It goes so well with the fancy costume, doesn't it? You can't see it very well but there is even a necklace/choker that goes with it that is made of "diamonds" according to Kate. The thing that always kills me with costumes like this is how expensive they are and how cheaply they are slapped together. I'm going to have to cover all the seams at her arms because they sewed the sequin trim right into the armhole and it is really scratchy. Really, really scratchy. This really irks me.<br />
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Kate also lovingly indulged her sister in her favorite activity today - being pushed around in a doll stroller. This is a stroller I got at a garage sale for $1 when Kate was about Claire's age. One wheel is pushed out and wobbles and it always tries to fold closed on Claire when she sits in it. This doesn't phase her in the least. She sits in it and promptly says "Mama! Date! (kate) Dada!" hoping that one of us will push her in it. I'm waiting for the wheel to come off and her to end up on her rear end on the floor. We shall see.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5CVrXnYynI/AAAAAAAAAbo/nj5c5FqeSEk/s1600-h/IMG_2947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5CVrXnYynI/AAAAAAAAAbo/nj5c5FqeSEk/s320/IMG_2947.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The final topping on Kate's day was a handmade amigurumi (crocheted doll) from my friend Amber. It is pink and red (Kate's two favorite colors) and white, and has a little flower on it's head. It's adorable. Kate christened it "Snuggly" and insisted on sleeping with it and giving it a goodnight kiss. I'm sorry, Kate would correct me here - giving HER a goodnight kiss. "It's a girl mom!" Here's what she looked like when I went up to check on her earlier this evening.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5CSDl31awI/AAAAAAAAAbg/BIf0NXjg0jE/s1600-h/IMG_2954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S5CSDl31awI/AAAAAAAAAbg/BIf0NXjg0jE/s320/IMG_2954.jpg" /></a></div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17402376721058875993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136729685714705917.post-9950362340841886722010-03-04T08:54:00.000-05:002010-03-04T08:54:26.334-05:00Another ToteYes, I have a tote obsession right now. This one I made from a man's L T-shirt. The local thrift store has T-shirts for $.99 and they were 25% off. The lining fabric was from my stash. Total cost out of pocket right now for this tote - $.75 plus tax. Yay! And this is only because my dear husband was not willing to part with any of his Ohio State T-shirts for my project this time.<br />
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Cut a piece from the front & back of the shirt to the desired tote size. I cut 15" x 15" pieces to make a 13" x 13" x 3" finished tote. Let me say, however, that I really dislike working with the stretchiness of knit. I am going to have to get used to it and practice I guess.<br />
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I ironed medium-weight fusible interfacing to the front and back T-shirt tote pieces. It was a bit tricky and you can see I wrinkled the front a smidge in the middle of the logo. Grrr. Then I cut matching lining pieces from the other fabric - same dimensions. I ironed fusible fleece to those for padding, but I think next time I'll just use interfacing also - maybe some heavyweight so it's a bit stiffer.<br />
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I cut the pocket piece from a sleeve and the tote handles are the side seam areas that were left after cutting out the large pieces from the shirt. They're a bit short - I'm going to have to work on that next time. I didn't pad the handles for this one, I just used some interfacing inside them to help stiffen up the knit.<br />
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Overall, I'm fairly happy. I'm thinking that I need to cut up an old UT (that's University of Toledo, not University of Tennessee) shirt from college and make one for my alma matter.<br />
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If I get around to it this week (things are a bit crazy - my youngest has a surgery consult this morning during my oldest's ballet class, for example - I'm not looking forward to surgery on a barely 2 year old, even if it is for something routine like a hernia behind her belly button).<br />
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Well, I'm off to today's races. Hope you've been inspired to try making your own upcycled tote from these posts!Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17402376721058875993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136729685714705917.post-879876350420942282010-03-02T10:01:00.004-05:002010-03-11T20:49:56.828-05:00Upcycled ToteHere's a tote I made last night. It started as a man's size L button down shirt (thank you to my husband Mark for his donation to this project) and some ancient quilting fabric handed down to me from my mom (only used about 3/4 yds of the 7 yds I have - more pink projects on the way I think!)<br />
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I basically just cut the shirt apart at the seams, cut the top yoke and collar off and then used the fabric to cut out the pieces of my tote like I would on regular fabric. I just made sure that the front piece of the tote had the buttons and front shirt pocket on it. I also used no-sew hem tape and ironed it in between the buttons on the front shirt placket so that it didn't gap and show the interfacing.<br />
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I ironed Pellon 978 fusible fleece to the gray shirt pieces to give it a bit of padding, and then on the pink lining pieces I just ironed on midweight fusible interfacing. The inside has two pockets - one that is about 9x9 (finished size) that holds a couple of diapers and travel wipes really well and another that is about 6x9 that holds small stuff like gum, cell phone, ipod, etc. The outside pocket of the bag is the pocket of the shirt, which I embellished with pink grosgrain ribbon (I ironed this one at the end with no-sew hem tape - next time I will sew it on before assembling the bag) and a faux bow.<br />
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The tote is modeled after the "Charm Party Tote" pattern from Quilts Illustrated, just for dimensions, basically. I think I'd honestly like the tote to be a bit taller and narrower so that more buttons show - I think I'll offset the buttons to the side of the tote if it's taller.<br />
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Not bad for a first attempt I think. Right now I'm on a kick of converting men's dress shirts into other things - girls peasant dresses, totes, and I'm thinking maybe even a shirt for myself sometime soon.<br />
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I'm linking this up to the "Get Your Craft On" day at Today's Creative Blog, "Tip Me Tuesday" at Tip Junkie, and Do It Yourself Day at A Soft Place to Land<br />
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<center><a border="0" href="http://todayscreativeblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v674/ScrapToMyLu/getYourCraftOnResized.gif" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <a border="0" href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/category/tip-me-tuesday" target="_blank"><img src="http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc10/TipJunkie/TipMeTuesdayButton-1.png" /></a></span></center><center><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span></span></center><center><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'Apple Gothic', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"><center><a href="http://asoftplace.net/"><img alt="DIY Day @ ASPTL" border="0" src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/Kimba/kimbaDIY125.png" title="DIY Day @ ASPTL" /></a></center><center><br />
</center><center><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.everythingetsy.com/?p=2458"><img alt="I Made It Blog Party" src="http://www.everythingetsy.com/images/imadeit125pix.png" /></a></span></center></span></span></span></center><center><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here's what my girls did this morning - the box from our new bathroom vanity is now a house. Kate ate her breakfast in the house. Claire screamed that she couldn't also fit in the house at the same time. Sigh.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</center>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17402376721058875993noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136729685714705917.post-52058054725981906132010-02-23T08:07:00.017-05:002010-02-23T08:54:52.530-05:00Almost Free Wall ArtWhile cruising the dollar bins at Michael's today (almost as good as cruising the dollar bins at Target) I ran across a cool chipboard phrase - imagine. Kate is in a very imaginative phase right now. She spent all morning talking to her imaginary friend Jenny on my old cell phone. Jenny couldn't come to Michael's with us because she had to go to "The Bunny Show", and then to her grandparents. Except Jenny forgot that her grandpa died. I kid you not, this all came out of Kate's mouth in the span of about 15 minutes. So her other imaginary friend Jessica came to the store with us, and I had to buckle her in using the middle seat belt and had to offer her a snack, etc.<br />
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Anyway, back to the post at hand. I knew I wanted to do something with the imagine word, so I snagged it - hey, it was only $1. At home, I found the <b>perfect</b> scrapbook paper background that will match the new kitchen colors (we are doing a mini kitchen makeover, more to come on that) which are creamy yellow, red and black. So I painted the word black and adhered it to the scrapbook paper (which I cut to fit a 8x10 frame I had on hand). <br />
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Total out of pocket cost now - $1. Score. You could create this yourself for approximately $7 if you didn't already have the scrapbook paper and frame on hand.<br />
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I think I'm going to link this up with Today's Creative Blog's "Get Your Craft On". You can find lots more cool ideas through the link below...<br />
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<center><a border="0" href="http://todayscreativeblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v674/ScrapToMyLu/getYourCraftOnResized.gif" /></a></center>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17402376721058875993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136729685714705917.post-43137765484031190652010-02-23T01:05:00.000-05:002010-02-23T01:05:00.854-05:00A New Twist on the LaundryYou're two. You're bored. What to do? Why eat a milkshake while sitting in a laundry basket of course...<div><br />
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</div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17402376721058875993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136729685714705917.post-42138779421425019672010-02-17T01:23:00.000-05:002010-02-17T01:23:10.357-05:00Best Kid's Birthday Card EverMy mom's close friend made this card at a handmade card workshop she went to and didn't know who to use it for since her kids are older, so my mom gave it to Claire for her birthday. I LOVE this card. So much so that I am on a quest to find a punch like this. I want to make 27 of these and give them for every birthday party my children attend.<br />
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I think it speaks for itself when you see it, and these pictures do not do it justice.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S3uKrtccXLI/AAAAAAAAAY4/s7WctLyEaY4/s1600-h/IMG_2884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S3uKrtccXLI/AAAAAAAAAY4/s7WctLyEaY4/s400/IMG_2884.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S3uKtTgbHHI/AAAAAAAAAZA/uFGOoLqhabM/s1600-h/IMG_2885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S3uKtTgbHHI/AAAAAAAAAZA/uFGOoLqhabM/s400/IMG_2885.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17402376721058875993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136729685714705917.post-33913619684113796902010-02-15T19:10:00.000-05:002010-02-15T19:10:45.848-05:00This is the snow that never ends....it just goes on and on my friend.... Seriously. Cincinnati has now broken a record for the most snowfall ever in the month of February (a record in place since 1914) and it is still coming down outside. We are all getting cabin fever. I have no memory of ever seeing this much snow on the ground at one time in Cincinnati, ever. I haven't been out to measure today, but I'm guessing we're at about 14 inches on the ground currently.<br />
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Here is what it looks like out our front & back windows, as of this morning (another 3-4 inches have accumulated since then)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have been trying to stay busy and have been doing crafts and playing baby dolls, but this afternoon we busted out a fort in the living room. We re-arranged the furniture on Saturday and shifted our couch and loveseat over to one side of the living room (I was inspired by my friend Tiffany who has a very similar house layout to ours - thanks Tiffany!). I'm not sure I love the section where the couch and loveseat are, but I love having the open space by the toys for things like this fort. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am hoping that tomorrow by lunchtime the roads clear up and maybe we can hit IKEA for lunch (it's just 2 miles down the road from us) or something to keep us from being cooped up all day. The problem with this much snow outside is that it is too deep for Claire to get around in, so it's hard for us to go outside even!</div><br />
I am really excited to get crafty tonight with a tool that has been sitting in my closet gathering dust for a while - I will post some photos tomorrow and maybe it will inspire you too....Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17402376721058875993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136729685714705917.post-22065753105046827482010-02-13T23:11:00.002-05:002010-02-13T23:13:56.544-05:00The Little Monkey Turns 2<div style="text-align: center;">My little monkey turned 2 today. I can't believe it's been 2 years. I think an old Baby Blues comment put it best - "The days are long and the years are short." Amen to that! In honor of her being our little monkey, and her Curious George obsession, I made Claire monkey cupcakes. I found the super easy instructions <a href="http://www.yanowhatimean.com/archives/003115.php">here</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S3d1Tl6cAOI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/e3iFyQ12G6I/s1600-h/IMG_2837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S3d1Tl6cAOI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/e3iFyQ12G6I/s320/IMG_2837.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Claire actually had a family party today, which I never had growing up since my family was all between 3-8 hours away. This weekend my parents-in-law (is that a word?) and one of my brother-in-laws came down from NW Ohio, my parents came over and my sister and brother-in-law even happened to be up visiting from Atlanta. It was really nice, and perfect for Claire. We had presents, cake and ice cream before nap.<br />
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Claire was all about ripping open her presents. She was not as much into actually opening the boxes to find out what was in them. I think I could have wrapped up empty boxes and she would have been content. However, she did make very cute "Wow!" sounds when she opened most presents. Here are a few photos of the presents. The first gift is a pack of toothbrushes (really - she is currently obsessed with brushing her teeth) and the last is her baby doll stroller.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She LOVED the stroller. She pushed it around for over an hour after she opened it. I am not exaggerating. She put her baby doll in it and pushed it all over, as documented below. However, she first buried her baby doll's face under her jiggly Koosh ball, and was very insistent about it. Very insistent.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She was a pro with her cupcakes - we put 2 candles in one and she blew them out with no assistance on about her 3rd try. She was not so sure about everyone singing to her though - she kept trying to hide behind her hand. And Kate was really good about the fact that it was Claire's birthday, not hers. There were only a few squabbles over the new toys.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17402376721058875993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136729685714705917.post-68962609100948715342010-02-13T00:25:00.000-05:002010-02-13T00:25:31.086-05:00We Love a Good Party...Today was the day that Kate has been looking forward too for weeks. She had DOUBLE Valentine Parties! (For the correct effect, pretend you are 5 and say this while jumping up and down excitedly.)<br />
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First, we had her preschool Valentine party. The wonderful mom that I am, I agreed to fill in for our room mom who couldn't make the party. However, it means I was running around at the last minute and completely forgot my camera at home. I hate with a passion when that happens. The party involved things such as ice cream sundaes, Valentine Bingo and a Model Magic Craft. Plus, I have to say kudos to my awesome friend Jen for corralling Claire during the party for me. And for her awesome Valentine box craft. I will post a photo Sunday of her awesome Valentine box craft, made from cereal boxes. I made super-cute heart lollipops from leftover candy canes, which I found at Skip to My Lou, <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2009/01/21/candy-cane-hearts/">here</a>.<br />
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Then, we quickly cleaned up and headed to her friend Avery's Valentine Party, which was already in progress. Why is it that things always happen at the same time?? My super-amazing friend Tiffany over at <a href="http://www.ourhappydays.com/">Happy Day</a> hosted. I believe there were some games before we came (I saw some heart-shaped bean bags on the floor - heart shaped. Really.) and we arrived just in time for a craft and lunch. Sandwiches and cheese cut into heart shapes and strawberries. Plus frost-your-own cupcakes for dessert. With red frosting. Tiffany is very brave!<br />
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Since I forgot my camera, some of my friends kindly sent their photos... here are some of the best.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S3Y1rm4dNaI/AAAAAAAAAW4/0elNBaH5Ywo/s1600-h/DSC_0117_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S3Y1rm4dNaI/AAAAAAAAAW4/0elNBaH5Ywo/s320/DSC_0117_2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kate and Avery - how adorable is this. Seriously. I love it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S3Y1vSFac3I/AAAAAAAAAXA/irbr2Sfa5Aw/s1600-h/DSC_0128_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S3Y1vSFac3I/AAAAAAAAAXA/irbr2Sfa5Aw/s320/DSC_0128_2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tyson and Claire - not a bad shot for trying to get 2 toddlers to cooperate for a photo. These two are two peas in a pod, I swear.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S3Y2B5x-oKI/AAAAAAAAAXI/6zfCx7QZr7s/s1600-h/DSC_5464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S3Y2B5x-oKI/AAAAAAAAAXI/6zfCx7QZr7s/s320/DSC_5464.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Check out Tiffany's awesome handmade Love banner over her fireplace, which I think she explains how she made on her blog. And those cute preschoolers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S3Y1oIOg3sI/AAAAAAAAAWw/k-zV2jhPhsA/s1600-h/DSC_0109_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S3Y1oIOg3sI/AAAAAAAAAWw/k-zV2jhPhsA/s320/DSC_0109_2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kate frosting her own red cupcake. Which she then refused to eat. Go figure. I am such a good mom that I forced myself to eat it for her. :)</div>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17402376721058875993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9136729685714705917.post-88861964636287798802010-02-10T14:55:00.000-05:002010-02-10T14:55:32.086-05:00Free Pampers Sample<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S3MO191LcKI/AAAAAAAAAWo/ZtFZuqyo85Y/s1600-h/module_home_shop_4pampers.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="93" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IZD_z0CC48A/S3MO191LcKI/AAAAAAAAAWo/ZtFZuqyo85Y/s200/module_home_shop_4pampers.gif" width="200" /></a></div>Do you have a kid in diapers? If so, head <a href="https://www.pgeverydaysolutions.com/pgeds/pampers/brandsampler-login.jsp">here</a> for a free sample of Pampers Cruisers with new DryMax. Sizes 3, 4, or 5 available. I'm wondering if this is what I tested on one of diapers studies I did for P&G last fall? :) You have to register an account with P&G Brand Sampler to get the sample.Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17402376721058875993noreply@blogger.com0