Merry Monday Link Party #18

<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: green;">Welcome to the Merry Monday Link Party #18!</span></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/August2button300.png"><img alt="link party, linky party, DIY, crafts, recipes" class="alignnone wp-image-5994" height="450" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/August2button300.png" title="" width="450" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: red;">Hey Y'all! Did you have a good week? We had a busy last week of summer, and did lots of fun things with the kids. I'm sooo sad to see them go back to school! But, I'm looking forward to a little routine around here ~ I might actually find time for my blog! </span></strong></h3><div><strong><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color: red;">Are you ready to link up? Okay! But first...</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></strong></div><span style="color: green;"><strong>Merry Monday Link Party #17 Announcements:</strong></span><br /><ul><li>The International Bacon Day Recipe Roundup is posted! *See the link below* Thank you to everyone that contributed a recipe for the roundup :-)</li><li>We've added an Instagram link up at the bottom of the party. If you'd like to grow your instagram accounts, link up!</li><li>Have you entered our Fall Dollar Tree/99¢ Store craft Contest? You still have time! It runs until September 10th and we'd love to see your fall crafts, recipes, home decor, party decor, and more! The winner will win a $25 Visa Gift Card or Paypal cash. We'll be running a separate inlinkz link up in conjunction with the Merry Monday party where you can link up your creations. *Open to the U.S. and Canada. The majority of your craft project must be made with Dollar Tree/99¢ Store items to be eligible to win. * See this post for the rules and link-up*</li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/fall-dollar-store-craft-contest/" target="_blank"><img alt="Updated Dollar Store" class="wp-image-5950 size-medium" height="300" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Updated-Dollar-Store-300x300.jpg" width="300" /></a> </div><span style="color: red;"><strong><br /></strong></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>CLICK ON THE BUTTON TO LINK UP TO </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><strong>THE DOLLAR STORE CONTEST</strong></span></div><ul><li>This week's party guest hosts are <strong>Bernadyn from <a href="http://b-is4.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">B is For</a>, Paris from <a href="http://mybigfathappylife.com/" target="_blank">My Big Fat Happy Life</a> and Shonee from <a href="http://www.hawthorneandmain.com/" target="_blank">Hawthorne and Main</a></strong>.</li><li>If you're interested in being a featured co-hosts for the party, please sign up! We have party spots open in the month of October.</li><li>All features will be pinned to the<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pinterventures/merry-monday-linky-party-features/" target="_blank"> Merry Monday Linky Party Pinterest board</a>, so follow along to see the top features of the party.</li></ul><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: green;"> On to the Merry Monday Link Party #18!</span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Meet the hosts of this party</strong></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/New-August-Hosts.png"><img alt="New August Hosts" class="alignnone wp-image-5978" height="150" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/New-August-Hosts-300x75.png" width="600" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"> *We would appreciate a follow in at least one of our social media platforms. Let us know you followed via Merry Monday so we can follow back!*</h3><ul><li><strong>Host Erlene @My Pinterventures ~ <a href="https://twitter.com/erleneamat" target="_blank">Twitter</a>  <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mypinterventures" target="_blank">Facebook</a>  <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pinterventures/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>  <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+ErleneA/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> <a href="http://instagram.com/mypinterventures?modal=true" target="_blank">Instagram</a>  <a href="http://www.hometalk.com/mypinterventures" target="_blank">Hometalk</a>  <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11033183" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a></strong></li><li><strong>Co-host Julia @Happy House and Home ~ <a href="https://twitter.com/julesklimek2011" target="_blank">Twitter</a>  <a href="https://www.facebook.com/happyhouseandhome" target="_blank">Facebook</a>  <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/juliaklimek/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>  <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+JuliaKlimek/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/7257423" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a></strong></li><li><strong>Co-host Misty @The Lady Prefers 2 Save ~ <a href="https://twitter.com/LDYPrefers2Save" target="_blank">Twitter</a>  <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Theladyprefers2save" target="_blank">Facebook</a>  <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/LDYPrefers2Save/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>  <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+mistyoverstreetprefers2save/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> <a href="http://instagram.com/theladyprefers2save" target="_blank">Instagram</a>  <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC38I5WlAHgr8RWwSSel_dtw" target="_blank">Youtube</a></strong></li><li><strong>Co-host Amanda @The Kolb Corner ~ <a href="https://twitter.com/Thekolbcorner" target="_blank">Twitter</a>  <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thekolbcorner" target="_blank">Facebook</a>  <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/thekolbcorner/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>  <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AmandaKolbthekolbcorner/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a>  <a href="http://instagram.com/thekolbcorner" target="_blank">Instagram</a>  <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/12445561" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a></strong></li></ul><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: green;">On the Host's Blogs</span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/" target="_blank">My Pinterventures</a></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/giveaway-blogger-opportunity/" target="_blank"><img alt="Blogiversry Event" class="alignnone wp-image-6029 size-medium" height="300" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Blogiversary-New3-240x300.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://mypinterventures.com/back-to-school-lunch-tips-part-1/" target="_blank"><img alt="Back to School Lunch Tips -Part 1" class="alignnone wp-image-6014 size-medium" height="300" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Back-to-School-Lunch-Tips-Part-1-215x300.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/international-bacon-day-recipe-celebration-2014/" target="_blank"><img alt="International Bacon Day Roundup" class="alignnone wp-image-6076 size-medium" height="300" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/BaconRU2-210x300.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/giveaway-blogger-opportunity/" target="_blank">Bloggers Wanted! Blogiversary Giveaway Event</a> ~ <a href="http://mypinterventures.com/back-to-school-lunch-tips-part-1/" target="_blank">Back to School Lunch Tips - Part 1 - Containers & Tools</a></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/international-bacon-day-recipe-celebration-2014/" target="_blank">International Bacon Day Roundup</a> </strong></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Happy House and Home</a></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/croutons-3.jpg"><img alt="Croutons" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-6054" height="255" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/croutons-3-300x255.jpg" width="300" /></a> <a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/2014/08/dollar-store-sunburst-mirror-and-craft.html" target="_blank"><img alt="dollar store sunburst mirror 1" class="alignnone wp-image-6055" height="255" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dollar-store-sunburst-mirror-1-249x300.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/2014/08/homemade-croutons.html" target="_blank"> Homemade Croutons</a> ~ <a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/2014/08/dollar-store-sunburst-mirror-and-craft.html" target="_blank">Dollar Store Sunburst Mirror & Craft Contest</a></strong></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theladyprefers2save.com/" target="_blank">The Lady Prefers 2 Save</a></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theladyprefers2save.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="LDY4" class="alignnone wp-image-6056 size-full" height="600" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/LDY4.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://theladyprefers2save.com/?p=2354" target="_blank">Cupboard Clearing Cake</a> ~ <a href="http://theladyprefers2save.com/?p=7275" target="_blank">Homemade Easy Bake Oven Chocolate Cake Mix & Frosting Kits, For Only $0.20</a></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://theladyprefers2save.com/?p=7257" target="_blank">Remove Rust with Cream of Tartar</a> ~ <a href="http://theladyprefers2save.com/?p=7236" target="_blank">DIY Hand Sanitizer, $0.15 a bottle</a></strong></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thekolbcorner.com/" target="_blank">The Kolb Corner</a></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thekolbcorner.com/oven-roasted-zucchini/" target="_blank"><img alt="Oven-Roasted-Zucchini-Pin" class="alignnone wp-image-6057 size-medium" height="300" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Oven-Roasted-Zucchini-Pin-224x300.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thekolbcorner.com/oven-roasted-zucchini/" target="_blank"><strong>Oven Roasted Zucchini</strong></a></div><hr /><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: green;">Meet the Guest Hosts</span></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>If you're interested in being a featured co-hosts for the party, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1izcftZi5ORNN2ABUJbzUuOQyvNPkIxWEXZ43GQeq8EU/viewform?usp=send_form" target="_blank">please sign up</a>! We have opened up party spots in the month of October.</strong></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://b-is4.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">B is For</a></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://b-is4.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="B is for new button 180x180" class="alignnone wp-image-5934" height="200" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/B-is-for-new-button-180x180.png" width="200" /></a></div><strong>Guest Co-host Bernadyn @<a href="http://b-is4.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">B is For</a> ~ <a href="http://www.twitter.com/BNadyn" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%20http://www.facebook.com/BNadyn" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/BNadyn" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> <a href="http://instagram.com/bnadyn" target="_blank">Instagram</a> <a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/BNadyn" target="_blank">Stumbleupon</a> <a href="http://bloglovin.com/bnadyn" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a> <a href="http://www.sverve.com/profile/" target="_blank">Sverve</a></strong><br /><ul><li>I stay busy tackling various creative projects while juggling my life as a mom, wife and friend. Some of my favorite things to do include writing, reading, traveling, photography, baking, cooking, DIY, arts, crafts and spending time with my family as we go on adventures. I am married to my best friend and together, we created two awesome kids, Brody and Brielle, who are the driving force behind this blog.</li></ul><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mybigfathappylife.com/" target="_blank">My Big Fat Happy Life</a></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2831-224x300.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2831-224x300" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5984" height="300" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2831-224x300.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><strong>Guest co-host Paris @<a href="http://mybigfathappylife.com/" target="_blank">My Big Fat Happy Life</a> ~ <a href="https://twitter.com/mybigfathappyli" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mybigfathappylife" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%20http://www.pinterest.com/mybigfathappyli/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/113743483344502551918/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> </strong><br /><ul><li>My name is Paris. I love to travel, take photos, drink coffee, scrapbook and make desserts. I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my 4 year old daughter while she learns through play. We are Disney addicts and spend our summer afternoons at the pool.</li></ul><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hawthorneandmain.com/" target="_blank">Hawthorne and Main</a></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/RoundProfilePic_zps5c4af539.png"><img alt="RoundProfilePic_zps5c4af539" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5985" height="300" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/RoundProfilePic_zps5c4af539-300x300.png" width="300" /></a></div><strong>Guest Co-host Shonee @<a href="http://www.hawthorneandmain.com/" target="_blank">Hawthrone and Main</a> ~ <a href="https://twitter.com/hawthandmain" target="_blank">Twitter</a>  <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hawthorneandmain" target="_blank">Facebook</a>  <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/hawthandmain/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>  <a href="https://plus.google.com/115783921817307829466/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a>  <a href="http://instagram.com/hawthorneandmain" target="_blank">Instagram</a></strong><br /><ul><li>I am a girl who loves to craft and create. I enjoy paper crafts, wood projects, creating home decor, sewing, gardening, you name it, and if I haven't done it before I probably am interested in trying.When I get going on a project it takes up my whole life until it is finished. That can be a good thing and bad thing. I whip out my projects usually pretty quick but leave the disaster of a tornado behind me.</li></ul><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: green;">On The Co-host's Blogs</span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://b-is4.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><strong>B is For</strong></a></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://b-is4.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="B44" class="alignnone wp-image-6059" height="786" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/B44-210x300.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://b-is4.blogspot.com/2014/08/have-ball-stunt-hunt-video-for-fruit.html" target="_blank">Have a Ball Stunt Video for Fruit Shoot</a> ~ <a href="http://b-is4.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Back to School in First Grade</a></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://b-is4.blogspot.com/2014/08/askawayfriday-with-mrsteelovelifelaught.html" target="_blank"><strong>#AskAwayFriday with Mrs Tee Love Life Laughter</strong></a></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mybigfathappylife.com/" target="_blank">My Big Fat Happy Life</a></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/MBFHL2.jpg"><img alt="MBFHL2" class="alignnone wp-image-6058 size-full" height="600" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/MBFHL2.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://www.mybigfathappylife.com/creating-nature-wands/" target="_blank">Creating Nature Wands</a> ~ <a href="http://www.mybigfathappylife.com/citrus-lane-july-august-2014-review/" target="_blank">Citrus Lane: July & August 2014 Review</a></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://www.mybigfathappylife.com/how-to-create-photo-travel-map/" target="_blank">How to Create a Photo Travel Map</a> ~ <a href="http://www.mybigfathappylife.com/6-tips-mickeys-scary-halloween-party-magic-kingdom/" target="_blank">6 Tips for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party</a></strong></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hawthorneandmain.com/" target="_blank">Hawthorne and Main</a></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hawthorneandmain.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="HMwk4" class="alignnone wp-image-6060 size-full" height="275" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/HMwk4.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://www.hawthorneandmain.com/2014/08/command-center-reveal.html" target="_blank">Command Center Reveal</a> ~ <a href="http://www.hawthorneandmain.com/2014/08/fall-subway-art-free-printable.html" target="_blank">Fall Subway Art - Free Printable</a></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://www.hawthorneandmain.com/2014/08/guest-post_28.html" target="_blank">DIY Reading Nook </a></strong></div><hr /><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: green;"> Feature Posts</span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;">Most Clicked</h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Garlic-Ranch-Pizza-039.jpg"><img alt="Garlic Ranch Pizza" class="alignnone wp-image-6089" height="471" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Garlic-Ranch-Pizza-039-254x300.jpg" width="400" /></a></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://somebodysdinner.blogspot.com/2014/08/garlic-ranch-pizza-with-bacon.html" target="_blank">Garlic Ranch Pizza with Bacon</a> @Somebody's Dinner</strong></h2><ul><li>This pizza is definitely on my "to try" list. This will be a nice change in flavor that I'm sure the kids will love! Not to mention, it has bacon and that's always a plus :-)</li></ul><h4 style="text-align: center;">*Don't forget to visit the other hosts to view their feature picks too.*</h4><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">My Featured Pick</span></h2><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://withablast.blogspot.com/2014/08/apple-pie-jars.html">Apple Pie Jars</a> </span>by With a Blast look so adorable, not to mention, delicious! I can't wait until apple season is in full swing! </h3><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vtOw82n65H4/U_oHYx2tkLI/AAAAAAAAiO8/We_H6V3PvD4/s1600/Apple%2BPie%2BJarsP1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Apple Pie Jars ~ All time popular Apple Pie, but in a Jar ! No-bake, no-fuss with these buttery, syrupy, spicy desserts #AppleRecipe #ApplePie #PieInAJar #FallRecipe" border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vtOw82n65H4/U_oHYx2tkLI/AAAAAAAAiO8/We_H6V3PvD4/s640/Apple%2BPie%2BJarsP1.jpg" width="442" /></a></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Features will be pinned to the Merry Monday Linky Party Board</h3><a data-pin-do="embedBoard" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pinterventures/merry-monday-linky-party-features/">Follow My Pinterventures's board Merry Monday Linky Party Features on Pinterest.</a> <script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script> <br /><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: green;"><strong>If you were featured, grab the Merry Monday Linky Party feature button and display it on your blog, feature page, or sidebar.</strong></span></h2><div align="center" style="padding: 5px;"><img alt="Happy House and Home" src="http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab20/ErleneA/d651fc56-68e2-48c0-8b7f-1acfcb3d153e_zpscd5a78ba.png" title="Happy House and Home" /></div><pre style="background: none; border: none; padding: 0;"><textarea style="background: #f0f0f0; border: solid 1px #cccccc; color: #777777; display: block; font-size: 100%; height: 50px; margin: auto; padding: 7px 0 2px 5px; text-align: left; width: 90%;"><div align="center"><br /><a <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":12.58" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">href</span>="http://www.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":12.59" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">happyhouseandhome</span>.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":12.60" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">blogspot</span>.com" title="Happy House and Home"><<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":12.61" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">img</span> <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":12.62" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">src</span>="http://i845.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":12.63" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">photobucket</span>.com/albums/ab20/<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":12.64" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">ErleneA</span>/d651fc56-68e2-48c0-8b7f-1acfcb3d153e_zpscd5a78ba.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" id=":12.65" tabindex="-1" role="menuitem" aria-haspopup="true" style="background: yellow;">png</span>" alt="Happy House and Home" style="border:none;" /></a></div><br />

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Time to link up!

If you're interested in being a featured co-hosts for the party, please sign up! We have opened up party spots in the month of October.

Sharing is caring! Tweet the party

  ***Your party hosts will be busy sharing your link ups on either Twitter, FB, Pinterest (some to several group boards), Stumbleupon, and Google+, so follow us and see how we're promoting your link ups. One or more of us will visit your blog and promote your link up on at least one of our social media platforms. Type in the hashtag #MerryMonday in the search boxes on Google+, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter to see what we're sharing. *** Not sure who to visit? Visit the two link-ups before you. 

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Merry Monday Link Party #18

Welcome to the Merry Monday Link Party #18! Hey Y'all! Did you have a good week? We had a busy last week of summer, and did lots of fun ...

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Showing off Angela

<p>Happy Friday to you all! Whoot! Any fun plans this holiday weekend? I’m hoping to get to the pool one last time and get some more done in the family room. Otherwise nothing big planned here.  </p> <p>Today I’m sharing a blogger who is actually a friend of mine – and the funny thing is we live near each other have some mutual friends but only met when we attended a paint workshop together years ago. </p> <p>It’s so nice to have friends close by who you can talk “blog” with sometimes. :) Angela’s blog is called <a href="http://www.unexpectedelegance.com">Unexpected Elegance</a> and her home is <em>beeeautiful</em>. I think you’ll agree. She has mad decorating skills and makes it all look effortless. </p> <p>Her kitchen (with pot filler!) is so pretty and classic: </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8fSmNwbl-G8/VACNEjB8evI/AAAAAAAAqT4/4aap4d8nkrc/s1600-h/stove-area-e1346847305722%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="pot filler above oven" border="0" height="365" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_4rLEGbFD3w/VACNFcpIXhI/AAAAAAAAqUA/Z3endp-UDhw/stove-area-e1346847305722_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="pot filler above oven" width="550" /></a></p> <p>And I just noticed we have the same chandelier in our kitchens: </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2mUhlCkIQhg/VACNGDzE-JI/AAAAAAAAqUI/Pz1thsyByBE/s1600-h/table-area-e1346847284183%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="weathered table and chairs" border="0" height="365" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Zp3zDDddk0M/VACNGyO3ArI/AAAAAAAAqUQ/LH-Od5fMVwk/table-area-e1346847284183_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="weathered table and chairs" width="550" /></a></p> <p>Told you she has good taste. ;) I love every single piece of decor in her home. Every one!</p> <p>I love that Angela knows how to decorate but isn’t afraid to tackle DIY projects too. You may notice the door in the photo above. She took a regular hollow core door and <a href="http://www.unexpectedelegance.com/2012/04/04/half-door-tutorial/">made it into a Dutch door</a>: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ayh6Z2Dzl7A/VACNHk5d0iI/AAAAAAAAqUY/MYtH4fmp0cs/s1600-h/door1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY dutch door" border="0" height="600" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-etX5YNkShh4/VACNIHByP8I/AAAAAAAAqUg/q2pZHAC-5oY/door1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DIY dutch door" width="398" /></a></p> <p>THAT is the kind of stuff I love. Taking what you have and making it an interesting and unique spot in your home.</p> <p>She uses a lot of vintage finds in her home – she used to sell painted furniture and decor and I ALWAYS found something I had to have at her booth. I love how she used a barn door and some old legs to make this pretty table in her mud room: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-APhGUxi0dMg/VACNJFv148I/AAAAAAAAqUo/CDD58IaZPiM/s1600-h/room3-1-e1344265642214%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="stacking washer and dryer" border="0" height="601" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HE74jt1edUM/VACNKCOX76I/AAAAAAAAqUw/5lfyExtrOuk/room3-1-e1344265642214_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="stacking washer and dryer" width="400" /></a></p> <p>She made a small area work really well when she <a href="http://www.unexpectedelegance.com/2012/08/07/laundry-room-transformation/">made over that space</a>. </p> <p>So this one was one of the coolest ideas I’ve seen yet – creating that vintage stamped look on wood by <a href="http://www.unexpectedelegance.com/2011/09/01/wax-paper-transfer-tutorial/">using wax paper</a>:  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-l_sQyPo_dTA/VACNKze2TYI/AAAAAAAAqU4/qMKrUtkM4ho/s1600-h/Wax-Paper-Image-Transfer-Tutorial-from-Unexpected-Elegance%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="wax paper transfer unexepected elegance" border="0" height="398" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oBj2MR2j9KQ/VACNLtUi8OI/AAAAAAAAqVA/RXwLS4BOYk0/Wax-Paper-Image-Transfer-Tutorial-from-Unexpected-Elegance_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="wax paper transfer unexepected elegance" width="459" /></a></p> <p>It makes sense when you go read and it is <strong>WAY</strong> easier than trying to paint all the words. Brilliant!! </p> <p>Angela’s style is soft and light with lot of wood tones and it works so well together. Not only is her dining room table beautifully styled, but she made it herself: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vXy1mhfHH40/VACNMdj49WI/AAAAAAAAqVI/YpxO_CQGrgc/s1600-h/seating2-e1343221160712%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY zinc table" border="0" height="365" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-A7rUJkc3ltk/VACNNOyZjRI/AAAAAAAAqVQ/BgKkL4hB2Jc/seating2-e1343221160712_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DIY zinc table" width="550" /></a></p> <p>She used a beautiful old base and then <a href="http://www.unexpectedelegance.com/2011/11/03/zinc-table-tutorial/">made her own zinc tabletop</a>. It is SO cool. I’m not sure I’d have to guts to tackle that one but it looks so good I’d consider it. ;)  </p> <p>Lovely right? You can see more of Angela’s beautiful home <a href="http://www.unexpectedelegance.com/take-a-tour-of-my-home/">here</a>. It will be great reading while you relax this holiday weekend – I hope there’s some relaxing in there for all of you! </p> <p>Have a great one and I’ll see you next week! </p>

Showing off Angela

Happy Friday to you all! Whoot! Any fun plans this holiday weekend? I’m hoping to get to the pool one last time and get some more done in th...

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Dollar Store Sunburst Mirror (and Craft Contest)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zjQmfpiSP84/VABq6zpQphI/AAAAAAAADmo/-MEN9b34d-Y/s1600/dollar%2Bstore%2Bsunburst%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sunburst mirror, DIY sunburst mirror, make a sunburst mirror, dollar store crafts, " border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zjQmfpiSP84/VABq6zpQphI/AAAAAAAADmo/-MEN9b34d-Y/s1600/dollar%2Bstore%2Bsunburst%2B2.jpg" title="" width="580" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The host and co-hosts of the Merry Monday Link Party are holding a <a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/2014/08/fall-dollar-store-craft-contest.html">Dollar Store Craft Contest</a>. Y'all knew that, right? Saw it on CNN? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As a co-host, I thought I'd join in the festivities. So I bought a dollar store mirror (the back side of it pictured below), and decided to make a sunburst mirror for a half bath off of our kitchen. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really would like a convex mirror, but unfortunately they don't have them at the dollar store. Time for Plan B.  <i>(Yes! It was a plan!!!) </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P51FTcsFNBk/VABsbekZweI/AAAAAAAADnY/ypuDdknhSvg/s1600/sunburst%2B002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P51FTcsFNBk/VABsbekZweI/AAAAAAAADnY/ypuDdknhSvg/s1600/sunburst%2B002.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This classy green plastic dollar find came with those handy suction cups attached to the back. Nice, right? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The first thing I did was cut them off with a utility knife. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For the sun rays I used paint sticks ~ I have a bag full of them (don't we all?). I lay them out the way I wanted them, and attached them with hot glue, to a sturdy piece of cardboard, that I had cut into a circle. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I then glued the mirror to the center of the "rays". (The mirror was raised about half an inch above the cardboard, but I didn't worry, I had the faint squeak of an idea.) </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-og3-O-VLe7U/VABrCYO066I/AAAAAAAADnM/GhDXxmZVidY/s1600/sunburst%2Bmirror%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-og3-O-VLe7U/VABrCYO066I/AAAAAAAADnM/GhDXxmZVidY/s1600/sunburst%2Bmirror%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Note: It would probably make sense if you painted your paint sticks the color you want them <i>PRIOR </i>to gluing them down. I <strike>am stoopid</strike> live on the edge, so I painted them after they were glued down. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I first painted the sticks black, and then when that was dry, white. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Once the paint was dry I sanded away some of the white, so that the black would come through a bit, and to give it a weathered look. I also made sure to sand down to the wood in other areas. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Next I had to bring forth that squeak of an idea to cover the gap between the sun rays and the mirror. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Enter twin, and jute rope (from the Dollar store, of course):</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RMXQcSviqI8/VABrCLinKJI/AAAAAAAADnE/WCTpaADImIM/s1600/sunburst%2Bmirror%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RMXQcSviqI8/VABrCLinKJI/AAAAAAAADnE/WCTpaADImIM/s1600/sunburst%2Bmirror%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wind and glue...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I like how it looks a little convex. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WtWtVIlmbL8/VABq7Ekc_VI/AAAAAAAADmw/L6-ucREmDFU/s1600/dollar%2Bstore%2Bsunburst%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WtWtVIlmbL8/VABq7Ekc_VI/AAAAAAAADmw/L6-ucREmDFU/s1600/dollar%2Bstore%2Bsunburst%2B3.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">To hang, you know the drill! Pop tops, glue and wire. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ULoEhOyHEfs/VABrBh5fZ5I/AAAAAAAADnA/uqDmU1eQeM4/s1600/sunburst%2Bmirror%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ULoEhOyHEfs/VABrBh5fZ5I/AAAAAAAADnA/uqDmU1eQeM4/s1600/sunburst%2Bmirror%2B6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And there you have it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KfzlHZt0PZw/VABq7WccDiI/AAAAAAAADms/5DeobnDfacs/s1600/dollar%2Bstore%2Bsunburst%2Bmirror%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="sunburst mirror, DIY sunburst mirror, make a sunburst mirror, dollar store crafts, " border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KfzlHZt0PZw/VABq7WccDiI/AAAAAAAADms/5DeobnDfacs/s1600/dollar%2Bstore%2Bsunburst%2Bmirror%2B1.jpg" title="" width="530" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(Mine sports a finger print on the bottom left, </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>but you could actually clean yours!) </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See how easy that was? What have you got to link up with us? <a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/2014/08/fall-dollar-store-craft-contest.html">LINK HERE! </a></div><br /><br /><div style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 17.24799919128418px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter! (Above) </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></i></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: red;">If you would like to join in some fun link parties, </span></i></div></i><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: red;">head on over <a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/p/where-to-party.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">HERE</a>!  </span></i><i><span style="color: red;">So much inspiration! </span></i></div></i>

Dollar Store Sunburst Mirror (and Craft Contest)

The host and co-hosts of the Merry Monday Link Party are holding a Dollar Store Craft Contest . Y'all knew that, right? Saw it on CNN?  ...

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Simple decorating

<p>Hello there! I got to thinking after <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/08/better-homes-and-gardens-tour.html">my last post</a> about the trip to Better Homes and Gardens -- how one of the editors made things look so effortless. She threw together a few different centerpiece ideas for us in minutes, just using regular plates and items from the store and nature. Fruit and pinecones showed up a lot. :) </p> <p>Simple decor really resonates with me – it’s one of the reasons I write this blog. A lot of the DIY projects I do are hard work and take some skill, but most of the decor in our home is simple and quick. It doesn’t need to take a lot of money or time to make pretty little spots around your home! I took a look around the family room and kitchen to share a few of my favorite simple ideas. </p> <p>I get comments on my corks and candle often:  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MsnuVvQXmeE/U_82DOIA7CI/AAAAAAAAqRA/HDK9gmmWIsM/s1600-h/IMG_9740%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="simple decorating -- corks around candle" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-puCQJJiPiU8/U_82JLG2VXI/AAAAAAAAqRI/dHPuhW_MWlw/IMG_9740_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="simple decorating -- corks around candle" width="500" /></a></p> <p>The vase was from HomeGoods (but I’ve also purchased similar containers at Goodwill) and I just plopped a candle inside and filled around it with wine corks. I didn't drink <em>all</em> that wine – just some. ;) I bought a bunch of the corks off Ebay a long time ago and still have some to play with. </p> <p>If you follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/thriftydecorchick">Instagram</a> you saw this one recently:  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wdKKB_wFQzQ/U_82LlBvW9I/AAAAAAAAqRQ/710JEtMr1gA/s1600-h/IMG_9753%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="simple decorating -- plants in pitchers" border="0" height="405" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VSa9YeQqdGw/U_82PyLXzHI/AAAAAAAAqRY/lwVJB-uRewA/IMG_9753_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="simple decorating -- plants in pitchers" width="500" /></a></p> <p>The vintage pitchers were $15 for the set at a local antique shop – I stuffed some plastic shopping bags down inside the bigger two and then placed the plants in. The small one holds an air plant. I LOVE the combo of the white and green! As I type this I’m noticing that most of these examples have green in them. Interesting. It gives a room life for sure! </p> <p>I saw this simple idea on a blog and can’t remember which one it is! I’ve had the vintage baguette tray hanging on the wall for years and never really loved it there. The fake apples were sitting in a basket above the cabinets. Together it’s totally cute and EASY:  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9VQq9UYHS10/U_82Rzb9yFI/AAAAAAAAqRg/GJiBlYGp2tM/s1600-h/IMG_9742%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="simple decorating -- apples on tray" border="0" height="780" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-V6S8_4PTdvE/U_82U9fLFbI/AAAAAAAAqRo/3hRBIpyRYxc/IMG_9742_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="simple decorating -- apples on tray" width="495" /></a></p> <p>I don’t know where I got those apples but I’ve had them forever. They are SO REAL looking. They’re heaving like real apples too. They fool everybody. And you don’t need a vintage anything – a wood tray lined up with them would look just as pretty. </p> <p>I love our pantry area – as you can tell I love to put plants in things other than just pots. I think it adds some interest – this one is a old crock:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fPv8AvmWsIs/U_82Wj8AKJI/AAAAAAAAqRw/XeM6cmHQy6M/s1600-h/IMG_9754%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="simple decor -- boxwood wreath" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yIQec-DqaTU/U_82buk3FrI/AAAAAAAAqR4/MepXT52RiCc/IMG_9754_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="simple decor -- boxwood wreath" width="500" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>And I hung that <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/03/boxwoods-for-spring.html">boxwood wreath</a> up last spring and it’s never come down! I just wrapped some burlap around it to hang it and then nailed that into the top of the door. Bonus is that it works for Christmas too. ;) </p> <p>All of these are easy and quick! To me it’s about looking at things in a different way – and taking inspiration from blogs. ;) Do you have any simple decorating tricks? Feel free to link some if you’d like. </p> <p>**To find more info on the pantry door, go <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/11/before-and-after-party-private-pantry.html">here</a>. </p>

Simple decorating

Hello there! I got to thinking after my last post about the trip to Better Homes and Gardens -- how one of the editors made things look so ...

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Homemade Croutons

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mvr6sAfygaY/U_8JOkR_GGI/AAAAAAAADmM/g7Ub-PkVmKI/s1600/croutons%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="croutons, homemade croutons, crouton recipe" border="0" height="272" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mvr6sAfygaY/U_8JOkR_GGI/AAAAAAAADmM/g7Ub-PkVmKI/s1600/croutons%2B3.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Homemade croutons are so much better than store-bought, I can't even begin to tell you. Plus, they're so easy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Make these, eat one, and then eat a store bought crouton, and you'll never go back. Ever.</div><br />Plus who doesn't throw out bread crusts, and old bread every week. Well don't.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Save the bread that's beyond it's best. (I'm not talkin' bread that's growing cultures or anything here ~ just beyond peak freshness.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's how easy:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">CROUTONS</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;">10-15 slices of stale bread</li><li style="text-align: left;">1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil</li><li style="text-align: left;">1/2 tsp garlic powder</li><li style="text-align: left;">1 tsp course sea salt</li><li style="text-align: left;">2 tsp dried basil</li></ul><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Preheat oven to 350f. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xYMgnTiZTWk/U_8JOtcAYpI/AAAAAAAADmI/wQVxKnK7VO8/s1600/Croutons%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xYMgnTiZTWk/U_8JOtcAYpI/AAAAAAAADmI/wQVxKnK7VO8/s1600/Croutons%2B1.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: center;">Chunk the bread in to about 1" cubes. </span><br /><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: center;">Pop it into a large bowl. </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ktzxhvPP_mY/U_8JOQbIlfI/AAAAAAAADmE/emRTe5cIImU/s1600/croutons%2B%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ktzxhvPP_mY/U_8JOQbIlfI/AAAAAAAADmE/emRTe5cIImU/s1600/croutons%2B%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stir in 1/2 cup of good extra virgin olive oil. Add salt, garlic powder, and basil. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mix well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Spread evenly on a cookie sheet, and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through. (Watch them, they can brown very quickly)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When done, cool. Store in air-tight container (or freezer bag) in fridge or freezer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">IDEAS:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Use on top of Caesar salad, or any salad.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Use on top of soups and stews. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Grind and use as breadcrumbs. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Use them mixed into meatloaf. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Crumble them on top of any pasta using seafood. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Use them for clams casino </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>What ideas do you have for croutons? Let me know! </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 17.24799919128418px;"><i><span style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;">Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter! (Above) </span></b></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 17.24799919128418px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 17.24799919128418px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: red;">If you would like to join in some fun link parties, </span></i></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 17.24799919128418px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: red;">head on over <a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/p/where-to-party.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">HERE</a>!  </span></i><i><span style="color: red;">So much inspiration! </span></i></div><br />

Homemade Croutons

Homemade croutons are so much better than store-bought, I can't even begin to tell you. Plus, they're so easy.  Make these, eat one,...

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Better Homes and Gardens tour

<p>Hello all! Oh my goodness, I have been <strong>so</strong> excited to tell you about the trip I took a couple weeks ago. I was approached by Better Homes and Gardens recently asking if I wanted to help promote their products at Walmart and then TAKE A TRIP TO THE BHG HEADQUARTERS. </p> <p>Uh. Yes, I would like to take a trip to the Better Homes and Gardens headquarters, thank you very much. It is an honor and I’m so excited about this partnership: </p> <p><a href="http://http://www.walmart.com/cp/Better-Homes-and-Gardens/1011919" rel="nofollow"><img alt="Network-Badge-300x298" border="0" height="298" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iCt_Bx-Bs1Y/U_y1IpZWijI/AAAAAAAAqIE/-YLEHtVLIxg/Network-Badge-300x298%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Network-Badge-300x298" width="300" /></a></p> <p>I took a TON of pictures and this is only half of them – but still a lot of pics! The headquarters are located in Des Moines Iowa – which is really weird because the only two times I’ve stayed in Iowa in my life were this summer. </p> <p>They truly went all out for us: </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xxrgBjVCcYo/U_y1J9gpWoI/AAAAAAAAqIM/FBC4LHw9aGQ/s1600-h/unnamed%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="BHG bloggers" border="0" height="667" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uV9mzQOa7cM/U_y1LO_4msI/AAAAAAAAqIU/H5Smm40OSac/unnamed_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="BHG bloggers" width="500" /></a></p> <p>We got to see so many of their current and future products and in addition got a grand tour of the facilities. It was so fun. </p> <p>Nancy Hopkins, the food and entertaining editor, gave us a beautiful presentation in one of their test kitchens: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NOp5kn_E0kk/U_y1MKDFGbI/AAAAAAAAqIc/eG3xla2gzSo/s1600-h/1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="BHG headquarters" border="0" height="667" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aLcLKR6Dx3M/U_y1NZv_K3I/AAAAAAAAqIk/1oy9DDv4tBY/1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="BHG headquarters" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Do you see the cutie fall cookie jars? Adorable. They’ll be out in stores soon. :) </p> <p>Nancy did the easiest, most beautiful entertaining displays using basic dishes and food. It was so simple, seriously. I think we way over think things when it comes to decorating sometimes. The simplest are often the prettiest: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dBwU6myZ5r0/U_y1OpenxHI/AAAAAAAAqIs/XwMIZESo7kE/s1600-h/2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="667" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-77Igj6tonAU/U_y1P3krD7I/AAAAAAAAqI0/j6572eXKbSM/2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="500" /></a></p> <p>That was a plate, an upside down bowl and then another stacked on top. (She suggested using something like Velcro to make them stay put when entertaining.) </p> <p>We got a peek at the fall and holiday products that will be in stores soon: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uLSzO1t1pF4/U_y1Q8VOMVI/AAAAAAAAqI8/bBHx02vrMg0/s1600-h/IMG_9602%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="BHG Christmas products" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2lCiVf9H7LQ/U_y1R6RM3SI/AAAAAAAAqJE/dFg4X8AxFC8/IMG_9602_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="BHG Christmas products" width="500" /></a></p> <p>We also got a tour through the test kitchens – it smelled AMAZING: </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oRAJY8hS6V4/U_y1SjvUCYI/AAAAAAAAqJI/alsfiVNE2BI/s1600-h/6%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="BHG test kitchen" border="0" height="667" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pSPk_AbOJ0E/U_y1TuzSvyI/AAAAAAAAqJU/boJCIQgP-rQ/6_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="BHG test kitchen" width="500" /></a></p> <p>What’s funny is they were making this shrimp and pesto meal <em>and</em> Christmas cookies – and the combo still worked. ;) </p> <p>One of the most exciting parts of the tour for us bloggers was seeing where the shoot spreads and advertisements for the magazine. Rooms were built everywhere with fake window and “natural” light. You can’t even tell they weren’t real!: </p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5IbSZA11cMQ/U_y1Ux7QLCI/AAAAAAAAqJc/L89GFnM8WSM/s1600-h/IMG_9607%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="405" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-s4utzwLwCG0/U_y1WPIdueI/AAAAAAAAqJk/qVrJItpM9qY/IMG_9607_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" width="270" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_-2ceCFy13A/U_y1W50j1kI/AAAAAAAAqJs/1SbC3VukCP8/s1600-h/3%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="381" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jomPlDTIY2A/U_y1YLXs1KI/AAAAAAAAqJw/ZbK3YlJj5tc/3_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" width="285" /></a>  </p> <p>And we got to tour the prop room. People. We could have spent hours in there poking around – it was crazy!: </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5Ej7X3Yb81Q/U_y1ZaxTfMI/AAAAAAAAqJ4/uSnBwKxOepA/s1600-h/IMG_9619%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="435" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YbISjLCODYc/U_y1apeFOXI/AAAAAAAAqKE/89W8nP2qyhE/IMG_9619_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" width="290" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8JN7FaZzKnM/U_y1bTTFHzI/AAAAAAAAqKM/Xt091hj2JD0/s1600-h/IMG_9621%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="BHG headquarters" border="0" height="435" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lNTM4UO9ksM/U_y1cohBHyI/AAAAAAAAqKU/x0gUeDRgrlE/IMG_9621_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="BHG headquarters" width="290" /></a> </p> <p>And really, so well organized too. Everything down to the cutlery was organized by color. So cool. </p> <p>We got to see some photo shoots in action too. We walked in to one and the space was so dark, I didn’t think there was any way they would get a good shot: </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LjmM6R3i370/U_y1dpWrMMI/AAAAAAAAqKc/n_hGbNy4poU/s1600-h/IMG_9622%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="435" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r5BowuimvJM/U_y1elBsd4I/AAAAAAAAqKk/GcUBSKHG88A/IMG_9622_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" width="290" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ARrsxNdKxEA/U_y1fvS1ylI/AAAAAAAAqKo/fHGAWyBJGVU/s1600-h/IMG_9625%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="435" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Dkf5Wh_2dj0/U_y1gWZc-LI/AAAAAAAAqKw/JAcguAlw4T8/IMG_9625_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" width="290" /></a> </p> <p>But the images were coming up on the monitor and were stunning. It was fascinating to watch! </p> <p>One of my favorite areas was the workshop: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FxagxjS6VXk/U_y1hI6HQyI/AAAAAAAAqK8/R1jhbqop4Dg/s1600-h/IMG_9627%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="366" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tWuqNuAe4d0/U_y1ifBWfLI/AAAAAAAAqLE/meafwKEDBvo/IMG_9627_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="550" /></a></p> <p>Gah. This girl was in heaven! It smelled so good in there too. Pesto and wood – good smells. ;) </p> <p>They had a room filled with just walls – exterior and interior. My favorite was the board and batten wall: </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HWopE9zTwh4/U_y1jYH2nBI/AAAAAAAAqLM/V4HoX-q5QsQ/s1600-h/IMG_9629%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="420" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HntKcNTnGI0/U_y1kQSyIWI/AAAAAAAAqLU/pv_8-AObEwM/IMG_9629_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" width="550" /></a> </p> <p>There’s a planked on there in the back too. ;) The exterior walls even had lights and doors, it was so cool. </p> <p>The part of the tour I was most looking forward to was the test garden and it did not disappoint!: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4ROxJ_ATI_4/U_y1lBHri3I/AAAAAAAAqLc/qnHK2kxfYk8/s1600-h/IMG_9615%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="BHG test garden" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xBgiuuL8M_0/U_y1mL2aYuI/AAAAAAAAqLk/i_M08RCjTFk/IMG_9615_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="BHG test garden" width="500" /></a></p> <p>This is another spot I could have walked around in forever. It was beautiful: </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ma96mgM_Gto/U_y1m5gileI/AAAAAAAAqLs/iwzmlZJV5nk/s1600-h/4%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="387" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mCEQHwNMB1E/U_y1oFiZlEI/AAAAAAAAqLw/3Hn6LmiCBFs/4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" width="290" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DaA_3TIPgt0/U_y1pGqnmxI/AAAAAAAAqL8/7ogydusZXp4/s1600-h/5%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="lily pads" border="0" height="387" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Xnpgq4BNUZI/U_y1qBhzgMI/AAAAAAAAqME/WMiFZZga5QI/5_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="lily pads" width="290" /></a> </p> <p>I think the shade garden was my favorite. I want to create one in our backyard just like this: </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mBcp_T3QG4o/U_y1q0hLV6I/AAAAAAAAqMM/_ZYgAeVvyH8/s1600-h/IMG_9617%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="shade garden" border="0" height="366" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2gEksCpDni4/U_y1sX6dIiI/AAAAAAAAqMU/5Cc2-DBCl10/IMG_9617_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="shade garden" width="550" /></a></p> <p>Easy, right? I love that they use this garden to see what plants work – how well they grow, what kind of light they need. I’ve become a bit of a gardening nut over the past few years so I was all geeked out. :) </p> <p>We finished up the day with a trip to the Iowa State Fair – we had dinner and then had a couple hours to play: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mwdVYzYZ-ug/U_y1t-WmobI/AAAAAAAAqMc/nfVn_aXueqs/s1600-h/7%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="Iowa state fair" border="0" height="667" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xPVuQ4nTg10/U_y1u9kj19I/AAAAAAAAqMk/S_9ND0blUgA/7_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Iowa state fair" width="500" /></a></p> <p>We rode a bunch of rides and had an absolute blast. </p> <p>I have to tell you, I was SO impressed with the products – I was surprised more than once at what was available and the price. <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Better-Homes-and-Gardens-Jeweled-Damask-Reversible-Quilt/35433129" target="_blank">This bedding</a> was one of my favorites: </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dwH6G84XpGI/U_y1v9lJn5I/AAAAAAAAqMs/KLOJte750Ic/s1600-h/IMG_9583%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="colorful bedding" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CfSBZa4l8c8/U_y1xMRtb1I/AAAAAAAAqM0/y5u3AwEoNjs/IMG_9583_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="colorful bedding" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I don’t know why but I was obsessed with it. I just think it is so pretty – perfect for a girl’s room. Or an adult girl’s room. ;) I LOVE all the colors. OH and the <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Better-Homes-and-Gardens-Grayson-Linen-Headboard-with-Nailheads-Multiple-Colors-Multiple-Sizes/35031680" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">headboard</a> – (with nail head trim!) starts at $150 and comes in two different colors!</p> <p>I was so, so impressed with their lighting. I bought a very similar lamp for NOT $60 a couple years ago: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vWu5ilzgIs4/U_y1yG65juI/AAAAAAAAqM8/uOLDYtc5Sjc/s1600-h/IMG_9586%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-05R6PBZ28Vw/U_y1zFQUBUI/AAAAAAAAqNE/gNxYRauY_YQ/IMG_9586_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Here is the <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/BHG-BH43-020-299-01-Better-Homes-and-Gardens-Rustic-Floor-Lamp/32272932" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wood one</a> and I believe the swing arm lamp will be coming out soon.</p> <p>Their weathered wood pieces had us all excited – they look SO good and this finish is so popular right now: </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7ItFbuvQ6SM/U_y10LpIw4I/AAAAAAAAqNM/fbaURl_c5b4/s1600-h/IMG_9594%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="435" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ADME5He2pBY/U_y11HVDovI/AAAAAAAAqNU/8s_E6lgLZvU/IMG_9594_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" width="290" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LcsZe7pyKA4/U_y12C5I-VI/AAAAAAAAqNc/ym1_r8FjxSg/s1600-h/IMG_9595%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="435" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6JIqG9fCUgs/U_y12_zLfdI/AAAAAAAAqNk/LEgqsB82fEs/IMG_9595_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" width="290" /></a> </p> <p>That <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Better-Homes-and-Gardens-Lintel-Oak-Weathered-Collection-TV-Stand-for-TVs-up-to-65/34703231?action=product_interest&action_type=title&placement_id=irs_middle&strategy=PWVUB&visitor_id=36620290315&category=0%3A4044%3A103150%3A4038%3A644619&client_guid=36631627-cbd0-4d84-a840-15508930b15a&config_id=0&parent_item_id=34973878&guid=d2b90666-5d40-4a62-b5ad-d06f41ecd53a&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&findingMethod=p13n" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">console</a> on the left is really for TV components but I loved it as a sofa table – or in a dining room as a buffet. </p> <p>Their slip covered sofas and chairs were comfy and didn’t have that slipcovered look at all – I didn’t believe them at first. ;) </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pGDT1-fmDi0/U_y14fishmI/AAAAAAAAqNs/TAJjkYSa3Y8/s1600-h/IMG_9596%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="fish pillow" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rFMYxZTxPYk/U_y15U0DfJI/AAAAAAAAqN0/PLKTdo19oEM/IMG_9596_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="fish pillow" width="500" /></a></p> <p>And I wouldn’t think I would like a fish pillow but those looked pretty adorable. </p> <p>Their <a href="http://www.walmart.com/browse/kitchen-dining/dining-entertaining/better-homes-and-gardens/white/4044_623679_639999/YnJhbmQ6QmV0dGVyIEhvbWVzIGFuZCBHYXJkZW5zfHxjb2xvcjpXaGl0ZQieie?_refineresult=true&facet=material%3APorcelain&ic=32_0&pref_store=923&ss=false&tab_value=all">dishes</a> were gorgeous (very Pottery Barn-like) and that little tray in the middle with the candles was so versatile: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5k6yIGuWAjI/U_y16TbGbhI/AAAAAAAAqN8/23zsMhzDiBw/s1600-h/IMG_9592%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_TdraASjLSI/U_y17GtEn7I/AAAAAAAAqOE/IYTggP6LEh8/IMG_9592_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="500" /></a></p> <p>It would be so easy to decorate your table for the fall or Christmas with that! I can’t find it online but I’ll do some checking and see if I can find it. </p> <p>Talk about knocking one off the bucket list! It was an absolute honor to be invited and they treated us so well. I can’t wait to show you more of the products in a couple months! If you want a link for anything you see here just let me know. :) </p> <p> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><em><font size="2">I received compensation from  BHG at Walmart for my time and participation in the BHG Live Better Network. All experiences and opinions are my own. :) </font></em></p>

Better Homes and Gardens tour

Hello all! Oh my goodness, I have been so excited to tell you about the trip I took a couple weeks ago. I was approached by Better Homes an...

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