The Leibster Award Nominations and a THANK YOU

<br /><strong>A BIG THANK YOU</strong> to Kim at <a href="http://www.exquisitelyunremarkable.com/">Exquisitely Unremarkable </a>and to <a href="http://www.thewhimsicalpeacock.com/">The Whimsical Peacock</a> for the Liebster Award Nomination! For those that I've nominated my questions for you are below. Thank you all and have a wonderful day! <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sLJEgyH2ds57L246YgGOtONTJZFaUizH563pcn7YVKip3WP6dWrbnP41xhJO0TDMjdmC2kMPN5u6Dj0lwAuVI2zT4OZydysez5liyeZ5SRbQhSClYD8JFSlKo1M6MY7LHH5MIuM9vmQ/s1600/liebster2.png" imageanchor="1" sizcache07729773450876909="4 7 1048" sizset="false" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_590594554="1" jquery18202855083968312736="4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sLJEgyH2ds57L246YgGOtONTJZFaUizH563pcn7YVKip3WP6dWrbnP41xhJO0TDMjdmC2kMPN5u6Dj0lwAuVI2zT4OZydysez5liyeZ5SRbQhSClYD8JFSlKo1M6MY7LHH5MIuM9vmQ/s1600/liebster2.png" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><strong>1. What is the main focus of your blog?</strong></span><br /><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><span style="color: black;">DIY, home décor, crafts, and a few recipes thrown in. (Of course there are some stories of "fails", and sarcasm from my loving hubby and kids). </span><br /><div><strong></strong><br /><strong>2. What is your favorite candy?</strong></div><br />I don't have a big sweet tooth, but I do like Heath Bars and gummies. <br /><div><strong></strong><br /><strong>3. Fiction or Non-fiction?</strong></div><br />Historical Fiction, is my favorite, but I also like crime and horror. <br /><div><strong></strong><br /><strong>4. What is your favorite season? Why?</strong></div><br />Summer. I love it hot and sunny. We live in the "Finger Lakes Region" of NY , and are lucky to be included on my parents boat in the summer. We go out with the family, park it in the middle of the lake, eat snacks, swim and  play music. Hanging with the family in the summer is just so relaxing. I like BBQ's and camping, sitting around a fire.... Ahhh, c'mon summer - get here! <br /><div><strong></strong><br /><strong>5. Are you an animal momma?</strong></div><br />We have a crazy cat, who is more like a Tasmanian devil, named Sammie. We have and even crazier yellow lab who is 2, named Winnie. <br /><div><strong></strong><br /><strong>6. Do you like to cook? If so, what is your favorite dish to prepare?</strong></div><br />I <em>LOVE</em> to cook and I used to own a catering company. Ironically, I stink at baking! (With a capitol S.) I used to hire a baker for that part of catering. I don't really have a favorite dish to prepare. But the guys in my family like me to cook Beef Wellington. I could spend hours in the kitchen. (Funny aside - unlike Kim who nominated me, I can not stand pizza! I do like chicken wings tho!) <br /><div><strong></strong><br /><strong>7. What is your favorite movie?</strong></div><br />Gone With the Wind. Historical and sappy! <br /><br /><div><strong>8. What did you find most surprising about blogging?</strong></div><br />There's a lot more to do on the computer side of things. I used to read blogs about cooking and DIY and thought the blog authors spent their days creating... but that's about 20% of my time, compared to how much time I spend on the computer. <br /><br /><strong>9. What sport/ activity did you do in school?</strong><br /><br />Soccer was my thing. I also played softball.<br /><div><strong></strong><br /><strong>10. What was your most frivolous purchase?</strong> </div><br />Nothing really. I'm pretty frugal. The other day my hubby and I were discussing what we would buy if we won the lottery (not likely as we don't play), and he said he would buy a new motorcycle. I was thinking "I could go to the Thrift Shops whenever I wanted"! (Sad, I know). I do, however, have a little problem with cowboy boots and shoes. <br /><div><strong></strong><br /><strong>11. What is the one thing you will not leave the house without?</strong></div><br />A sweater. I'm always cold. <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>11 (random and in no particular order) facts about me:</strong></div><br /><ol><li>My hubby and I have five kids, aged 5 to 23. </li><li>I met my hubby in 1st grade, where he used to bully me for having a Woody the Woodpecker Lunchbox - so I used to eat with the nurse in order to avoid him. </li><li>I'm addicted to coffee. And coleslaw. (Sad, but true). </li><li>I have a degree in Television Production, and worked for the BBC in London.</li><li>Country music is the only music I listen to (However, I do like Pitbull, and my kids say "of course you like the creepy old rapper"). </li><li> I am 5'3" and my hubby is 6'3".  Therefore, I almost <em>ALWAYS</em> wear heels.</li><li>We built our house almost 2 years ago, and we still have boxes to unpack in the basement. </li><li>I have the best family and in-laws in the world. </li><li>If I could live anywhere, I would move to Jekyll Island, Georgia. (But I wouldn't move cuz all of our awesome family lives here - we go there every Spring Break instead.)</li><li>My favorite meal would be Lobster with melted butter. Yes, that's a meal to me. </li><li>I can't stand folding laundry. </li></ol><strong>My Nominees for the Liebster Award: </strong><br /><br />Andi at <a href="http://delusionsofingenuity.blogspot.com/">Delusions of Ingenuity</a><br />Karen at <a href="http://bargain-ista.com/">Bargain-ista</a><br />Rebecca at<a href="http://living-better-together.blogspot.com/"> Living Better Together</a><br />Nicki at <a href="http://sweetparrishplace.blogspot.com/">Sweet Parrish Place</a> <br />Chelsea at <a href="http://ameriaus.blogspot.com/">AmeriAus</a><br /><br /><strong>Here are 11 questions for my nominees:</strong><br /><br />1. When did you start your blog, and why?<br />2. If you could have a whole day to yourself, what would you do? <br />3. Who is your hero? <br />4. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? <br />5. What's your favorite song?<br />6. What is your favorite meal?<br />7. What is your favorite junk food? <br />8. Coffee or Tea? <br />9. Do you have a claim to fame? <br />10. What was your biggest "fail" in blogging, and did you laugh or cry?!<br />11. What is your best tip to help your fellow bloggers?<br /><br /><div> </div><div>  </div>

The Leibster Award Nominations and a THANK YOU

A BIG THANK YOU to Kim at Exquisitely Unremarkable and to The Whimsical Peacock for the Liebster Award Nomination! For those that I've...

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A Portrait of Someone's Kids...

Hello and Happy Sunday! <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuye29G-4DxHC62fg8VQOdksyHovozoNwGvDRG7234DiIbN-OYPLsvlQv86ommeRsCMdtRqKthPv7Zbg2KtUNjsTF3w8ilidGlmD1xLjJPzFtDOi2E3QBEiQsVQWAgX0fG_r950MT0k8/s1600/4-28+frame+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuye29G-4DxHC62fg8VQOdksyHovozoNwGvDRG7234DiIbN-OYPLsvlQv86ommeRsCMdtRqKthPv7Zbg2KtUNjsTF3w8ilidGlmD1xLjJPzFtDOi2E3QBEiQsVQWAgX0fG_r950MT0k8/s320/4-28+frame+012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div>I got up this morning with hopes of getting an early start. However, the Technology Gods and Mother Nature had other plans for me it seems. Really, it's their fault. <br /><br />First of all, I somehow manage to turn my computer screen sideways. Hmmm. In a panic, I shut down illegally, lost all of my post, and did what any techno-master would do - got my 12 year old son up to save the day. <br /><br />If you ever have the same problem, you press ctrl, alt and the arrow buttons to reposition your screen the right way up. As my son solved the problem, he said "Oh, Mom, I love you" in his best patronizing tone.  Yeah. I don't get no respect! <br /><br />I then had a call from my Mom, and stepped outside to look at my daffodils and discuss the planting of my Johnny Jump Ups (I'm easily distracted). As I was planning my planting tactics, the dogs started barking like crazy. I turned to see them chasing 3 big chubby raccoons! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVL5R4bhEKIKkAS8lsNWtWEk3-ooCBHkD1DS1w1h00Ub-uHBasmdlmlxgQwcqaL32MiO3ipEAsYLbt007gBTfbIOfXz6O5jetdMQAuFfcEIqAsfc6nR4R_JD-2y_DTnZjZo8IOwYk5MQ/s1600/raccoon+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVL5R4bhEKIKkAS8lsNWtWEk3-ooCBHkD1DS1w1h00Ub-uHBasmdlmlxgQwcqaL32MiO3ipEAsYLbt007gBTfbIOfXz6O5jetdMQAuFfcEIqAsfc6nR4R_JD-2y_DTnZjZo8IOwYk5MQ/s320/raccoon+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>Of course I had to stop what I was doing and take a picture. I was cooing and making kissy noises, but this guy wouldn't look at me.  He was just hoping I would go away! <br /><br />OK, focus Jules.  Back to the real subject! <br /><br />I've been painting this picture frame for about<em> 3 months</em> now. Really. I originally began when we still had snow on the ground, but I came to my senses and waited for nicer weather. <br /><br />So, finally, a finished frame for a painting I have of two of my kids. <br /><br />(Really mean confession - It was very nice of the woman to paint my kids for me for my birthday, but it doesn't actually look like my kids. At all. It might look like someone else's kids, but it doesn't look like mine.)<br /><br />This is them, when they were little cuties! <br /><br />  <img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/206658_1046237790685_8456_n.jpg" style="height: 453px; width: 604px;" /><br /><br />And here is the painting.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQy-DlM8PAGE3-QSYCIib1EC1XFQDkkZ_0bpXulxXRMCSp_5ZtH2pwsWpUbkuqoZSt3wnPV-WrUXHJ1ymErK0rqS7r_roIjAbjtZ9PQEI4AnJFDs_LCTKmLNCky-wFFlUvtsT0BZvRGU/s1600/4-28+frame+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQy-DlM8PAGE3-QSYCIib1EC1XFQDkkZ_0bpXulxXRMCSp_5ZtH2pwsWpUbkuqoZSt3wnPV-WrUXHJ1ymErK0rqS7r_roIjAbjtZ9PQEI4AnJFDs_LCTKmLNCky-wFFlUvtsT0BZvRGU/s320/4-28+frame+019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Um, not quite. Either way, I still like it, and I want a nice frame for it. <br /><br />So, this is the original gold frame. It didn't look good on my gold walls, or with the gold tones of the painting. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLFr3GoMsvLdhEXMMcTK132EPQ3CsDVcMRqYif_m523c94lgtjB8neTXlYc7mOtyVcDsoW9NCpi2QTlVpBhqURKhR949GlLlWPt7i-LF1WSfjcJNptiEe3u8hy9reUg-YhHy_Ne8oIjo/s1600/march2013+207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLFr3GoMsvLdhEXMMcTK132EPQ3CsDVcMRqYif_m523c94lgtjB8neTXlYc7mOtyVcDsoW9NCpi2QTlVpBhqURKhR949GlLlWPt7i-LF1WSfjcJNptiEe3u8hy9reUg-YhHy_Ne8oIjo/s320/march2013+207.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Easily fixed with spray paint! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYCJC6-lyA_aRrAuJrXe7Cfie6N2AIHRnk2_BBcWgdo_c46CJIRTfZmuh2kcYEyz1XnkNeL9SoQ7pPVV1KZCSre47c1yBJf0EvCl3XkXTKQPE-qMJIAG8QYAUUvl29yvGDWQt9ChHq20/s1600/march2013+210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYCJC6-lyA_aRrAuJrXe7Cfie6N2AIHRnk2_BBcWgdo_c46CJIRTfZmuh2kcYEyz1XnkNeL9SoQ7pPVV1KZCSre47c1yBJf0EvCl3XkXTKQPE-qMJIAG8QYAUUvl29yvGDWQt9ChHq20/s320/march2013+210.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first thing I did was put a little Vaseline on the corners so that some of the gold would come through and make it look a two-toned.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I got outside, things went pretty fast.  I used my folding saw horses (which are a little on the old side, but I LOVE! You can get your own below.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIcZ5_bzHk-MSx7FdCi0I5hgLed5sKH6RfS5XZRAdJNXPeRpoG62ik6U26vW6TBXaRNRUym3xbRMF2knK7wljWKCo_Y07tiMRonoHH6v19dUrC2Xdw4DznxhAU8Imv3ZG99SPq9DkHHo/s1600/4-28+frame+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIcZ5_bzHk-MSx7FdCi0I5hgLed5sKH6RfS5XZRAdJNXPeRpoG62ik6U26vW6TBXaRNRUym3xbRMF2knK7wljWKCo_Y07tiMRonoHH6v19dUrC2Xdw4DznxhAU8Imv3ZG99SPq9DkHHo/s320/4-28+frame+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=fymoho-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B000MIXWJG&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The spray painting is so much easier with the handle attachment thingy. I sprayed three light coats, and let it dry for about 20 minutes between each coat. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aL58wkqwCZUIfMHEe6cb1tapoHuvZKxCMi1E40p8mivwGNYIt7-cVGzvzu0WNKIYmaz9Z8wu_OBIQrkezbzO0FRLa77JQ0_QmW-xopPuYH4m2YGfBuWHz8VCkzyqAY5RV9JelP4UawQ/s1600/4-28+frame+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aL58wkqwCZUIfMHEe6cb1tapoHuvZKxCMi1E40p8mivwGNYIt7-cVGzvzu0WNKIYmaz9Z8wu_OBIQrkezbzO0FRLa77JQ0_QmW-xopPuYH4m2YGfBuWHz8VCkzyqAY5RV9JelP4UawQ/s320/4-28+frame+008.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next I rubbed off the black on the corners. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-jqodz_h40WtVdkX7qarZAbmn5hI6l-zpDy07lJ0U_mKPdpczLlMNOBc7Q2nrsc2D8F722a8NV_3KBZxCK6N79zq51C6ZQGzLTzfLfrffl5OmCyD2we9RAxoRtcK6m2W4QxkfNez6Qc/s1600/4-28+frame+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-jqodz_h40WtVdkX7qarZAbmn5hI6l-zpDy07lJ0U_mKPdpczLlMNOBc7Q2nrsc2D8F722a8NV_3KBZxCK6N79zq51C6ZQGzLTzfLfrffl5OmCyD2we9RAxoRtcK6m2W4QxkfNez6Qc/s320/4-28+frame+010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> It looked a little bright so I just lightly dusted it with the spray paint. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuye29G-4DxHC62fg8VQOdksyHovozoNwGvDRG7234DiIbN-OYPLsvlQv86ommeRsCMdtRqKthPv7Zbg2KtUNjsTF3w8ilidGlmD1xLjJPzFtDOi2E3QBEiQsVQWAgX0fG_r950MT0k8/s1600/4-28+frame+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuye29G-4DxHC62fg8VQOdksyHovozoNwGvDRG7234DiIbN-OYPLsvlQv86ommeRsCMdtRqKthPv7Zbg2KtUNjsTF3w8ilidGlmD1xLjJPzFtDOi2E3QBEiQsVQWAgX0fG_r950MT0k8/s320/4-28+frame+012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7Jbs5el0A6khBLiAcK-3tOOjl3yop7Avfea-fuRMYAFuP9u2Z0czX9Z-x3nhF1qhsUTm1Gjki4d_fVyyVsJy_oMpbGQjv8AU1z-_mnxcaj-E4O5mwjz9qzA6VBvcg3rXhAFj6_IGiSQ/s1600/4-28+frame+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7Jbs5el0A6khBLiAcK-3tOOjl3yop7Avfea-fuRMYAFuP9u2Z0czX9Z-x3nhF1qhsUTm1Gjki4d_fVyyVsJy_oMpbGQjv8AU1z-_mnxcaj-E4O5mwjz9qzA6VBvcg3rXhAFj6_IGiSQ/s320/4-28+frame+015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>And here is what the frame looks like now. It looks better! It still doesn't look like my kids, but it looks better... <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSUH0coEiGQ8D0JbWyEnoWijEpuUrCp69BwEzpRTtqWJZME6bXq303Lgkm0RkBaOxpO7PALU9Ib8XqTv7pPTNtVPCSvgEFkHfxLe0MvSZa9rAZWLSF6BQJ4RetQ-m6vs0K3EL5LMQpN8/s1600/frames+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSUH0coEiGQ8D0JbWyEnoWijEpuUrCp69BwEzpRTtqWJZME6bXq303Lgkm0RkBaOxpO7PALU9Ib8XqTv7pPTNtVPCSvgEFkHfxLe0MvSZa9rAZWLSF6BQJ4RetQ-m6vs0K3EL5LMQpN8/s320/frames+002.JPG" width="318" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><span id="goog_932517667"></span><span id="goog_932517668">So what are you up to this beautiful Sunday? </span>

A Portrait of Someone's Kids...

Hello and Happy Sunday!   I got up this morning with hopes of getting an early start. However, the Technology Gods and Mother Nature had oth...

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DIY Porches

<em>It's the time of year where I'm literally dreaming of getting outside and decorating the front porch. I can't wait to get my outdoor furniture out, and plant, and decorate. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em>A trip to the local garden center is necessary, but usually VERY dangerous -  for our bank account. (The mere mention of the garden center makes Big A break into a sweat.) I find myself wanting to buy every flower, every pot, every decoration. I envision my porch and outdoor tables adorned with the most festive and beautiful accents. "Grab a cart and fill it!" I yell.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>So this trip, in order to save my marriage, I left my wallet in the car. I brought only my phone to snap a few pictures, and take away only ideas.</em> <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The first thing I saw were these hanging pendant lights, which would look fun on a porch, or anywhere for that matter. They carry a pretty heavy price tag, but I happen to know you can find pendant lights in any package store, with clear glass. Making your own mercury glass using Looking Glass Spray Paint and water is something I've been meaning to do. So it makes me happy to think that is a do-able and fairly inexpensive alternative. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003971BAY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003971BAY&linkCode=as2&tag=fymoho-20">Krylon K09033000 Looking Glass Mirror-Like Aerosol Spray Paint, 6-Ounce</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=fymoho-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003971BAY" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQSj69zOTbAfg-rZ4xfZhLejUZnnLRb0bXuyO8X-mhrtIArZlCi5aBUu8j3AmuiTYrBv1uYm1JcWXciK5kOZ4bforbeWgAK3DdRdamDHL1KZDPQnklqHI3T9lvrJf5BQQJGmrYiun4NM/s1600/april1+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQSj69zOTbAfg-rZ4xfZhLejUZnnLRb0bXuyO8X-mhrtIArZlCi5aBUu8j3AmuiTYrBv1uYm1JcWXciK5kOZ4bforbeWgAK3DdRdamDHL1KZDPQnklqHI3T9lvrJf5BQQJGmrYiun4NM/s320/april1+018.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This fabric is right up my ally. I love the colors and the sheer overlay. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Putting curtains on the front porch is on my list of things I've always wanted to do.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKlm-Od9gupiGDoBK6w2vgGe3swMQ7udfrtMG8wRDcITnp5gim3xT4L7ATDfXG_6tSiYhOIKSmWkhn59OSBuQrDHKvNr5BLiF41sAREV-P4rjw9zWj5AGOZ2gRcyn5q_3c2aOnp3e0Kc/s1600/april1+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKlm-Od9gupiGDoBK6w2vgGe3swMQ7udfrtMG8wRDcITnp5gim3xT4L7ATDfXG_6tSiYhOIKSmWkhn59OSBuQrDHKvNr5BLiF41sAREV-P4rjw9zWj5AGOZ2gRcyn5q_3c2aOnp3e0Kc/s320/april1+017.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Look at this beautiful home with the sheer panels: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Don't forget sheer curtains on front porch to keep down glare in afternoon." class="PinImageImg" data-componenttype="MODAL_PIN" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/192x/73/7e/7b/737e7b1abe383db641c880c0ee1d5398.jpg" style="height: 245px;" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Of course at this time of year, the pansies are all potted and for sale. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGa4bzLqdzDGTncFKQlbMTTOI-r-1B9f4AIMKax0fI1OwiGeYGjIBinF-PTKYzsMkJp72BZCiqvQDxGcqoreMbBTCM2WYQESGITmlbNtcS6Og15nvJktzSAvZXfBRfiFj-rUqR4vK0KgI/s1600/april1+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGa4bzLqdzDGTncFKQlbMTTOI-r-1B9f4AIMKax0fI1OwiGeYGjIBinF-PTKYzsMkJp72BZCiqvQDxGcqoreMbBTCM2WYQESGITmlbNtcS6Og15nvJktzSAvZXfBRfiFj-rUqR4vK0KgI/s320/april1+019.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I love the yellow and orange together. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxhqiMWr2lXgiSI5UFAA5OgM8sAfapwBefEE3vNEhJ_11wc_UobGEqB6TgRlPBwtsZb-N7I8aX6GlDeiowk7c0KhmJHW7DDz70M5Fbw5r62ET0OIPnfgPwecM60Fis6cQoOxFq7aJe3Y/s1600/april1+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxhqiMWr2lXgiSI5UFAA5OgM8sAfapwBefEE3vNEhJ_11wc_UobGEqB6TgRlPBwtsZb-N7I8aX6GlDeiowk7c0KhmJHW7DDz70M5Fbw5r62ET0OIPnfgPwecM60Fis6cQoOxFq7aJe3Y/s320/april1+020.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The planters were all sorts of bright and cheerful colors, but the one that caught my eye was the gold. I have plenty of planters - from terracotta to plastic, which I'm seriously thinking of </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">painting <strong>them all gold</strong> now. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVFfg6gn7lh1kwdy57d_hl-n6CHIVH8PGHcGE0k-rHoh_yMAUHQ83MJAmkG0IGBmAO5aah0Xv61GT1ysmBSTnCWQu_CP_9j2GD_sjF3h6suvsPcc0AlyxL1x5g5q3vKcv1jWBomuHusM/s1600/april1+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVFfg6gn7lh1kwdy57d_hl-n6CHIVH8PGHcGE0k-rHoh_yMAUHQ83MJAmkG0IGBmAO5aah0Xv61GT1ysmBSTnCWQu_CP_9j2GD_sjF3h6suvsPcc0AlyxL1x5g5q3vKcv1jWBomuHusM/s320/april1+021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kBuHQ8QYAXfyG6c9Dl1yQ1w2lXgvzTWIiIpkFFciSLkphE4wnjlkbJyp2Q9IcvSpLTefosaqtM4pmt-f5QFr_Clo9KBM_zBFuv-jpm8IqfDL7PJmsnqzTTLk1j6KNTN4YB-azt0B3d4/s1600/april1+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kBuHQ8QYAXfyG6c9Dl1yQ1w2lXgvzTWIiIpkFFciSLkphE4wnjlkbJyp2Q9IcvSpLTefosaqtM4pmt-f5QFr_Clo9KBM_zBFuv-jpm8IqfDL7PJmsnqzTTLk1j6KNTN4YB-azt0B3d4/s320/april1+022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How cool are these lanterns? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They would look so good hung from the ceiling of the porch or under a table umbrella. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqoBuZKIDoUzmaSFD2u-UKbk9NIosypMTpqBWt6eGR9iYFr2Xjv0sqyTjkpOBG5Xz57mq3t5JtOWxjnVwmig4hinfQFPV3JjqPkG_iTCG4MqLOIbv9RVf7nxhqkZtQbnK76XhdZLnlR4/s1600/april1+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqoBuZKIDoUzmaSFD2u-UKbk9NIosypMTpqBWt6eGR9iYFr2Xjv0sqyTjkpOBG5Xz57mq3t5JtOWxjnVwmig4hinfQFPV3JjqPkG_iTCG4MqLOIbv9RVf7nxhqkZtQbnK76XhdZLnlR4/s320/april1+023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1W01wK1dkchJsa9PC2VL-WXeL1dNQbUIy3QW_KpakDFhG5SutCMvUv3ysKQ9Xc6i2RIAy9IS1hTGPiI_wI6_iRk-U_NgexJ2TR_CQ6iL2WsaxIO8AwAhRE7PlMCcQ6Bk96381Gm-wlRw/s1600/april1+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1W01wK1dkchJsa9PC2VL-WXeL1dNQbUIy3QW_KpakDFhG5SutCMvUv3ysKQ9Xc6i2RIAy9IS1hTGPiI_wI6_iRk-U_NgexJ2TR_CQ6iL2WsaxIO8AwAhRE7PlMCcQ6Bk96381Gm-wlRw/s320/april1+024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Loving the pussy willows. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Of course, these are free, if my Mom and Dad don't mind me foraging around in their woods! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbeL68UMBIW44mMPtpks5ST8Y29m9GRiDnO_v8DMM6UEXw2aJJWaz6MP7l3rmDedn5QAccpa64AqdQ05-hVpAF2u1reWcW02l5DtVZavcEQFe8WnDA-ob8VlHgfgX6q1v4Et3sMDaWT44/s1600/april1+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbeL68UMBIW44mMPtpks5ST8Y29m9GRiDnO_v8DMM6UEXw2aJJWaz6MP7l3rmDedn5QAccpa64AqdQ05-hVpAF2u1reWcW02l5DtVZavcEQFe8WnDA-ob8VlHgfgX6q1v4Et3sMDaWT44/s320/april1+026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These hanging orbs caught my eye too. I love the wire, but there's a way to make them yourself.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Go <a href="http://hommemaker.com/2011/09/21/d-i-why-orb-lando/">here</a> to learn how!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicETQz-astlKUjbImRoshIa1awgv06SVAkJRf2fdmI-JppZYSl16fzcYSSfKE2nLXcfVat-JygdiasBwzEK7LbV6tcXvxT0ciZY5qMu-CH1CQs2ZCsYNk2XKqttr5l4HvJK63qW4GKGuM/s1600/april1+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicETQz-astlKUjbImRoshIa1awgv06SVAkJRf2fdmI-JppZYSl16fzcYSSfKE2nLXcfVat-JygdiasBwzEK7LbV6tcXvxT0ciZY5qMu-CH1CQs2ZCsYNk2XKqttr5l4HvJK63qW4GKGuM/s320/april1+027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkoSvDO9jPwJuxEAZbvgtfDCatYOwN7_5SsTiyvWM4_6Oz2h9S4dLPVW4LhbZ8Zno3x6B4A2yAwHa5Jh_Oeo3UxTQq6dj2oPPtl0wGFnYYu1dgXplAc_uxm_8engNdbyHMgvqcDmS-Ks/s1600/april1+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkoSvDO9jPwJuxEAZbvgtfDCatYOwN7_5SsTiyvWM4_6Oz2h9S4dLPVW4LhbZ8Zno3x6B4A2yAwHa5Jh_Oeo3UxTQq6dj2oPPtl0wGFnYYu1dgXplAc_uxm_8engNdbyHMgvqcDmS-Ks/s320/april1+028.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So all in all, lots of ideas! Now if this SNOW would just make way for Spring... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=fymoho-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B003971BAY&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /></div>

DIY Porches

It's the time of year where I'm literally dreaming of getting outside and decorating the front porch. I can't wait to get my out...

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A Million Dollars

I like to play the game "If I Had a Million Dollars...".<br/><br/>It all started when my sister and I were young.  We lived out in the country on a dead end road, and we'd go for walks with my Mom and Dad and talk about what we'd do or where we'd go if we had a million dollars. Back then my dream was to have green corduroy Levi's or to be able to buy all the tootsie rolls I could eat.<br/><br/>Now when I play the game I have a little bit different list, and here's what it looks like today.<br/><br/>I would buy new stools for a little area of my kitchen here:<br/><br/><iframe style="width: 120px; height: 240px;" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=fymoho-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B000IBLNPW&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" width="320" height="240"></iframe><br/><br/>I would love a runner for my long hallway.  Kids, dog, husband... That poor stretch of carpet doesn't stand a chance!  It needs some help!<br/><br/><iframe style="width: 120px; height: 240px;" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=fymoho-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B0045TD97S&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" width="320" height="240"></iframe><br/><br/>Because I'm generous with my fake money, I would obvioulsy buy the kids something.  The following chair - perfect for sleepovers AND homework!<br/><br/><iframe style="width: 120px; height: 240px;" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=fymoho-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B004LQ1QXE&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" width="320" height="240"></iframe><br/><br/>And while I'm speaking of the kids, we all need a little reminder sometimes (especially those of us with poor aim):<br/><br/><iframe style="width: 120px; height: 240px;" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=fymoho-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B00856PRRM&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" width="320" height="240"></iframe><br/><br/>And I need a place to relax!  <a href="http://www.stickley.com">Stickley </a>has the best chair ever.<br/><br/><img alt="" height="314" id="il_fi" src="http://www.stickley.com/img/Multiple%20Context/Full/f_SF_LeoChrRed_na_mc_9328.jpg" width="314" /><br/><br/>Where I would put up my new kicks:<br/><br/><img alt="" data-height="183" data-width="275" height="183" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ6u-J-YOtm0C-jEhVJXsn-Ufo3mWBExm336VhHG_lDf1N-Rn5h6w" width="275" /><br/><br/>I wouldn't leave Big A out of my shopping spree!<br/><br/>He has work to do:<br/><br/><iframe style="width: 120px; height: 240px;" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=fymoho-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B004EEM71S&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" width="320" height="240"></iframe>

A Million Dollars

I like to play the game "If I Had a Million Dollars...". It all started when my sister and I were young.  We lived out in the coun...

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We have Gas!

When we built our home, either a wood burning stove or a gas stove were on our list of "want to have", but not on "need to have".  We wanted to include some sort of fireplace when we built our modular home. However, we decided to leave certain inclusions until a later date, because we didn't want them included in our mortgage payment. One year later, and with, <em>dare I say it,</em> winter approaching, we decided to finally look into having one or the other installed.<br/><br/><img alt="" height="484" src="http://allbasicsstoves.com/images/products/detail/hampton_h27brownxl.1.gif" width="450" /><br/><br/>We made a decision on that guy.  It's a medium size and will be installed in the corner of our living room on a pretty stone pad.  We decided to go with gas, rather than wood burning for a couple of reasons.  First and foremost, although we <em>LOVE</em> the smell and sounds of a real fire (who doesn't?) we don't love cutting up wood, lugging it in the house, or the risk of fire.  We have 3 kids still at home, a dog, a cat, and, let's be honest, we have this guy:<br/><br/><a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/DSC_0196.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-532" height="199" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/DSC_0196-300x199.jpg" title="DSC_0196" width="300" /></a><br/><br/>Mr. Perfect, the 4 year old, isn't steady on his feet all the time, especially when he's flying around the living room at 60 mph, and because he frequently spends time upside down, climbing walls, and has an uncanny knack for mischief...  Even though the gas stove will be hot, at least it won't be spitting red hot embers.<br/><br/>Another reason we chose the gas fireplace is because when it's 10 below, which it will be soon, gas stoves heat up quickly, and at the flick of a switch.  Gas will heat our open plan downstairs much more efficiently than wood.  As an alternate heat source, the gas stoves are backed up by battery, so if we lose power (a given), we will at least have some heat.<br/><br/>There you have it!  Decision made, soon we will have gas (even more than usual!).  And the installer is coming in 10 days!  I can't wait to have pictures of our new gas stove installed, and me all warm and cozy next to it!

We have Gas!

When we built our home, either a wood burning stove or a gas stove were on our list of "want to have", but not on "need to ha...

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