tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9039658189292092662024-03-14T02:02:36.596-07:00Organized ChaosMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724851846180883891noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-903965818929209266.post-77748627259961752302010-10-13T08:59:00.000-07:002010-10-13T09:12:23.304-07:00New Design...<div align="center">Well, if you've been reading here for any length of time, I'm sure you've heard me mention Lil Blue Boo. Ashley has some of the cutest upcycled clothes. I was lucky enough to be able to snag one of her designs from a resell page.</div><div align="center">I had also bought a pack of knit scraps from the LBB site, thinking I would use it for doll clothes, embellishments, what not. Imagine my surprise when I got my scrap pack and find...</div><div align="center">silk screened scraps that match the bubble dress I had just purchased!!!</div><div align="center">I knew that some sort of accessory had to be made for Joy to wear with her dress.</div><div align="center"> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZV3LH9__xf28IdqdwqmKBhiDtZCbrEzu87RhNnpIqTE_90WuV_c7wClBsIrw9Q3QtRjTjWquX4bBFFWa8THD_SJ8Q7SJf_gbg6hrmG3dQ6mY9SvcVyiyvQVoqpUr4GMQcoVM62J8HeUs/s1600/022.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527562226558051730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZV3LH9__xf28IdqdwqmKBhiDtZCbrEzu87RhNnpIqTE_90WuV_c7wClBsIrw9Q3QtRjTjWquX4bBFFWa8THD_SJ8Q7SJf_gbg6hrmG3dQ6mY9SvcVyiyvQVoqpUr4GMQcoVM62J8HeUs/s320/022.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center">I came up with this darling hat.</div><div align="center">I originally used one of my hat patterns, but with the stretch of the knit I had to tinker a little and I just love the end result!<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tfsGtJ7BZ17ulwL4rpBLbe5l54_ZwrOY0yeHdHRjePiv7doPAkdNDfDgZw-gu28hlcVkHGxZJj8m3PVJsyHb2-4rI_XmTMC_WVG8F9irr9hqAChnQ45JknOtr2wIoZt_vqjdc7fj4UI/s1600/044.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527562107684041602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tfsGtJ7BZ17ulwL4rpBLbe5l54_ZwrOY0yeHdHRjePiv7doPAkdNDfDgZw-gu28hlcVkHGxZJj8m3PVJsyHb2-4rI_XmTMC_WVG8F9irr9hqAChnQ45JknOtr2wIoZt_vqjdc7fj4UI/s320/044.JPG" /></a> </div><div align="center">Doesn't it look adorable on her with the matching dress!?</div><div align="center">I'm currently in the works of drafting out my pattern for sale. I'm hoping to have it</div><div align="center">in my shop in November.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0J3RGqVlW2sQIhY9hnKScgHR86n3AecD0PVGPLJCihtfwl5Fkb-B3Be78zTFla0foVaXoSKuFsv1F-_wA8EUOsBKVRqzOScM3g4x7RSby1W1aZbkWDsG0lAJpyYLzYmDdygx2zQK-0U/s1600/040.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 187px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527562019602036466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0J3RGqVlW2sQIhY9hnKScgHR86n3AecD0PVGPLJCihtfwl5Fkb-B3Be78zTFla0foVaXoSKuFsv1F-_wA8EUOsBKVRqzOScM3g4x7RSby1W1aZbkWDsG0lAJpyYLzYmDdygx2zQK-0U/s320/040.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I'm linking up here:<br /></div><a href="http://tearosehome.blogspot.com/2010/10/link-party-no27-and-star-of-week-poster.html"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 157px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527561814246881106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoItIQwL5ngqWgSD0fEi33utuzpIIWMGQO5BhxDgaldwbfMbeEsQXgqgw-AtkLrKQRGwmqp6wnMLzE6QQIbjcNwFSKsiUsf1r8QR7hcY2u-w4qt6sNldP-5FTarTVQ5oVpY5FeoOQDp7c/s320/GrabButtonLinkParty.jpg" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724851846180883891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-903965818929209266.post-13219590259477491712010-08-31T19:38:00.000-07:002010-08-31T19:50:58.627-07:00Trick or Treat....<div align="center">So, I do realize that it's still August. For a little bit longer anyway.</div><div align="center">But I intend to make each of the kiddo's costumes for our church Harvest Party and that requires somewhat of a head start!!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Joy has been asking for about 3 months now if she could be Strawberry Shortcake.</div><div align="center">When a friend of mine had a pair of these tights in Joy's size for sale, I snapped 'em up!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpt5xf1ZGM5kQ9x8xMBSrgy8evzOEhtnmASDTjSPKswwi1koMa7xEmA-BzXFhvT3GZQAzRh_x52prE59iZn0CfnObZ_VGqvc9M2I9DGQCYQJHQh425SONDHwsu_hU59CpBzpk84frgrEk/s1600/45867_115117665210254_100001360641702_100512_5192379_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511769461236159874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpt5xf1ZGM5kQ9x8xMBSrgy8evzOEhtnmASDTjSPKswwi1koMa7xEmA-BzXFhvT3GZQAzRh_x52prE59iZn0CfnObZ_VGqvc9M2I9DGQCYQJHQh425SONDHwsu_hU59CpBzpk84frgrEk/s320/45867_115117665210254_100001360641702_100512_5192379_n.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Add a cute, and easy to whip up, tee dress, newsboy hat, pink mary janes, and presto....</div><div align="center">Insert Joy's delighted squeal here....</div><div align="center">"That's just what I wanted Mommy, thank you thank you!! Can you make it now?"</div><div align="center">Umm, no, sorry. :)</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWLHpoNmjcKtWHxbe3NQYPnfGT_Ufqvo1qe73OZHJs5532pNrTnGiy8eKdaZ1rCsJ49KVRiPv-oO1DyPLAHvo6LHWJCotuPEzWnrk3n7y8RPwXx0D5c57nZzuZyUhczBKD3Fywgp_4vM/s1600/strawberry_shortcake.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511769359909860130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWLHpoNmjcKtWHxbe3NQYPnfGT_Ufqvo1qe73OZHJs5532pNrTnGiy8eKdaZ1rCsJ49KVRiPv-oO1DyPLAHvo6LHWJCotuPEzWnrk3n7y8RPwXx0D5c57nZzuZyUhczBKD3Fywgp_4vM/s320/strawberry_shortcake.jpg" /></a> </div><div align="center">Isaiah's will be fairly easy as well.</div><div align="center">For those of you with little boys, I'm sure you are familar with who this young man is!</div><div align="center">Isaiah is insisting he wants to be Wildmut, one of the aliens that Ben 10 transforms into but I don't really want to tackle that one!</div><div align="center">I figured since he'll be getting the Omnitrix for his birthday on Saturday this costume will work!</div><div align="center">And I even have some olive denim for the cargo pants. Easy peasy.</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrlH6F12eifQhjRuWG9bcedkfcZZReHK_KhbmxDXqy0Tg8PtTE1EeI2P6THY-NpphDIzDqq4tDwSceiZxybfEAF705zAcEriQg9C_19F3OGJ21EKoP2p3_4t8lo0exO3n7XBXZGRHKnQ/s1600/ben10_f_002.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 246px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511769128586650162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrlH6F12eifQhjRuWG9bcedkfcZZReHK_KhbmxDXqy0Tg8PtTE1EeI2P6THY-NpphDIzDqq4tDwSceiZxybfEAF705zAcEriQg9C_19F3OGJ21EKoP2p3_4t8lo0exO3n7XBXZGRHKnQ/s320/ben10_f_002.jpg" /></a><br />There you have it:</div><div align="center">2 happy kids.</div><div align="center">2 cute costumes (without breaking the bank I might add).</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">So how about all of you? Thinking that far ahead yet?</div><div align="center">Or is it just me? :)</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724851846180883891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-903965818929209266.post-42959152897381484252010-08-27T20:12:00.000-07:002010-08-27T21:17:28.351-07:00And the award goes to.....<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">ME!!!</span><br /></strong></div><div align="center">I am BEYOND thrilled to recieve my first blogging award, compliments of the fabulous Tawny of <a href="http://dailyicing.blogspot.com/">Daily Icing</a>.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 196px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 196px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510294124458295058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsyJKz13DO0J8nzvWwEktxBO-FTew-dzgPZp0bPsL2fybAJBP0i9PyFx8cpj_9acLnws9i7wt6R84w4t93V1y_dRai2HHPb3Y0vSEZIwnaxzctKnu9s8aDXTB7sYzEnttARZQ7t9hxNM/s320/award.jpg" /></div><p>The rules.<em> Always follow the rules, that's good life advice that works in every situation! :)</em></p><p><strong>First- Thank and link back to the one who gave you the Versatile Blogger award.</strong> </p><p><em>T- what can I say... you are awesome, inspiring, talented, and a wonderful friend. I am glad to have known you for, gosh, it's been 5 years! Is that right? I lost track.... :) And your blog, <a href="http://dailyicing.blogspot.com/">Daily Icing</a>, is so so much fun to browse.</em></p><p><strong>Second- Share 7 things about yourself.</strong></p><p><em>1. I am a Southern girl at heart, even though I've lived in the Pacific Northwest for most of my life.</em></p><p><em>2. I am currently living in a constuction zone. :) We are remodeling and the majority of the walls in our living room are down to bare studs right now.</em></p><p><em>3. I am not allowed to learn any new crafts. Strict orders from my husband. My craft room is packed with fabric, ribbon, yarn, tulle, scrapping supplies....</em></p><p><em>4. I love, love the fall season. The crispness in the air, the lovely colors on the trees, cozying up in a comfy sweater and taking walks. :)</em></p><p><em>5. I am a mom to 2 of the greatest children ever! </em></p><p><em>6. My favorite day is Saturday. My day to sleep in and my wonderful husband is in charge of making breakfast.</em></p><p><em>7. My 6 year old son can beat me at air hockey, and no, I don't let him win.</em> </p><p><strong>Third- Pass the Versatile Blogger award on to 10 other deserving bloggers.</strong></p><p>1. Becca of <a href="http://beccasfreshfruit.blogspot.com/">Fresh Fruit</a></p><p>2. Darlene of <a href="http://simkins-farm.blogspot.com/">Simkins Farm</a></p><p>3. Martha of <a href="http://suttonstories.blogspot.com/">Sutton Stories</a></p><p>4. Sachiko of <a href="http://tearosehome.blogspot.com/">Tea Rose Home</a></p><p>5. Ashley of <a href="http://lilblueboo.blogspot.com/">Lil Blue Boo</a></p><p>6. Angel of <a href="http://tadacreations.blogspot.com/">Tada*Creations</a></p><p>7. <a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/">Make it and Love it</a></p><p>8. <a href="http://www.u-createcrafts.com/">U Create</a></p><p>9. <a href="http://alittlebitbiased.blogspot.com/">A Little Bit Biased</a></p><p>10. <a href="http://allsorts.typepad.com/allsorts/">allsorts</a></p><p><strong>Fourth- Contact all the bloggers chosen and let them know they've been selected for the award!</strong></p><p>Thanks to everyone who takes the time to read my little blog! I'm so glad to have you. :)</p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724851846180883891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-903965818929209266.post-89226175429268175352010-08-25T09:11:00.000-07:002010-08-25T09:24:23.665-07:00Baby Love<div align="center">Well, I did it. I finally finished the 12" waldorf-inspired dolly I started for Joy. The kit I ordered came with hair, but I wanted something a little fun and funky. :)<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">So, searching the many, many options for handspun yarn on etsy, I found this beauty....<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 279px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 207px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509381313453614562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoHaXaDGizX1LsXENzyuxRYPCni39LWpEexMKsNCGanDZQtE949fg1eXGoSDN6e17nJgN8zqSZ3e7rFyTaqo7ShPVxfA-D6CEZi4bwU2_2d6OPkMTD8OJx6uqLWGeyoE77ZnBNyUz1B4/s320/il_fullxfull_165313041.jpg" />Is this not gorgeous!?!! I couldn't resist.</div><div align="center">I was even more in love when in showed up in the mail and I got my hands on it.</div><div align="center">This truly is the softest yarn I have ever felt. I couldn't stop touching it!!</div><div align="center">Okay, that's not true, but it is really, really soft. :)</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">And just look how cute she turned out! I do intend to make her some fun cute (matching) clothes.</div><div align="center">For now, she's wearing this creative ensemble that Joy picked out.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 368px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509381225475363874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumBEwZoSnYt-w_9zxgB-z1ae5MjuHwQfJa-aI5KL5yIWaX3V2WVRPoH1s9qaYbJp6__aspMX7w6QxjSuBAVKjUu3PjRVzl5m1XADpOg5ZvtorQJgYgdWqGMQEgpUwDlORoGJAOQsBA5o/s320/1.JPG" /></div><p align="center"> </p><p align="center">I'm linking to:</p><p align="center"><a href="http://tearosehome.blogspot.com/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 147px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 188px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509382792763080386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_S4mMjmNklQ_UOL9gYc-X4XDzOIh6t5CEmqcDtvlAAWBI8pe3pM9ZIbuqrfh0p5f4FN1FaSi6bUuH-ivOXOTjLEf4jKbQcy3LUiuwPsoLqnTnZ_-5sWyEgzMrouOKZNjQxNs5mBa0SI/s320/GrabButtonLinkParty.jpg" /></a></p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724851846180883891noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-903965818929209266.post-56960100234017970492010-08-20T10:18:00.000-07:002010-08-20T10:28:04.648-07:00Patterns and Amy Butler.....<div align="center">One of my fave crafty blogs, <a href="http://tearosehome.blogspot.com/">Tea Rose Home</a>, is celebrating an anniversary! Congratulations to Sachiko on reaching 2 in blog years!! It's been a great journey and I am blessed to be able to follow along. :) Wishing you many more years of blogging success! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Anyhow, Sachiko (Bless your heart) was brave enough to contact the folks at Amy Butler. She was rewarded greatly. They generously donated 5, <strong>yes 5!!,</strong> of Amy's fabulous patterns to giveaway!</div><div align="center">Want a chance to win one? Head on over to Sachiko's amazing <a href="http://tearosehome.blogspot.com/">blog</a> to see how.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><em>Little sidenote: I am not connected to Amy Butler or Sachiko! Just a fan. :)</em></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724851846180883891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-903965818929209266.post-43871117482562541622010-08-18T15:24:00.000-07:002010-08-18T15:41:14.387-07:00A work of art.....<div align="center">Our on-going remodel projects are just about done. So next step, for me anyway, is to think about decor.</div><div align="center">I was wanting some and didn't want to spend too much money. So... I was inspired by another designer currently doing this with her daughter.</div><div align="center">I got some inexpensive artist canvases and paint brushes and let the littles go at it.</div><div align="center">So far, they are LOVING this project. It kept them occupied for a good 1/2 hour so that works for me. :)</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wlYD990ZyijnXZ3zT46aDLzmhVH3sFNIaoxn3JqG25bjOoSC9ZVJju_lgNdMTufCV7p9mSjwuih8XzKO1s4lgE3p76miy1GXft0fGd4hpKILLSA8APChzsEyIsC5XcgsPx57SPc6JvA/s1600/006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 315px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 231px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506880477522300034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wlYD990ZyijnXZ3zT46aDLzmhVH3sFNIaoxn3JqG25bjOoSC9ZVJju_lgNdMTufCV7p9mSjwuih8XzKO1s4lgE3p76miy1GXft0fGd4hpKILLSA8APChzsEyIsC5XcgsPx57SPc6JvA/s320/006.JPG" /></a>At the end of the first session....</div><div align="center">It is interesting to see their color choices. Although, I'm sure the paintings will look way different will all completed.</div><div align="center">And I love the fun polka dots that Joy added to her canvas.</div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 321px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 186px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506880685896700530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzoeN8ZrEWlfeklqogEroauoN1STCjKTWrZ6V05yadw9ugTUX9vrjoVeGabOvWbxvVZWXiFjVj-xA_hysaGqcKYyH1eA4iiRna-8A3TRj3hyphenhyphen7WVtkKTCuAO6eWrvZs0ZpwKCSR0WGTMg/s320/fish+pics+001.JPG" />I plan to hang them down in the family room/playroom along with this darling <a href="http://alisaburke.blogspot.com/2009/10/fall-fiber-wreath-tutorial.html">wreath</a>. I love the funkiness of the leaves and it will look great with the fabrics I've picked out for throw pillows for the couch. Can't wait to see it all put together!<br /><br />I'm linking to:</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://tearosehome.blogspot.com/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 157px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506880299691631458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4GSWMN3F94NAMAoLyRo1qssjTwdZ8AClU7m6DCWES0SlRm1jrnqp-C9__bxsI0jLkk5J4cqu27pyP6MB_i6FMvf8j6lw653jZ3PMFnuFvUWmt7C7MC_qjVYomFNz18PJm0WPM8BXqA0/s320/GrabButtonLinkParty.jpg" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724851846180883891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-903965818929209266.post-26186595898322830932010-07-30T09:01:00.000-07:002010-07-30T09:11:49.430-07:00Waldorf doll and giveaway contest.<div align="center">So, I'm sure that you've all seen these fabulous dolls. If not, google them right now!! They are fantastic, adorable, cuddly, and sure to be a wonderful heirloom for your little one to pass down.</div><div align="center">Well, talented Waldorf doll maker, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/rainbowdolls">Rainbow Dolls</a>, is giving one away!!</div><div align="center">Not just any doll, but specifically the cutie pictured below.</div><div align="center">You<span style="font-size:130%;"> <em><strong>really</strong></em></span> don't want to miss this opportunity.</div><div align="center">To enter, all you have to do is go post a comment on this<a href="http://hideousdreadfulstinky.blogspot.com/2010/07/rainbow-dolls-giveaway.html?showComment=1280505365856_AIe9_BF0iA9AYlpgpy4tIhBgDQPCDgyd9yulA36d4jFcXmXt5hGFndSiUPyZ2o-VMFxG2pBMTvlYGp-xCtJA99hQVdaD8rsCLlZEyUlQT_O9QelvHRPSC0Ch2KswfhDPLGSIIBvb7kiicJIebjBLmLqqEN6lJfGC6CvXGVEU7nnLVvQbZ1C7CBwJr8ksyZQqu60wA-HgBLy5eIsWxhrTXn-4vuQDuAnaDZhpyZC0ZyQj5YmmN06GIM04GctUICyPFL4LVWtJHksH65sQmOs9bqSFCgQGcGlm09EXpsqC2lb2Qjw5LGCVJFn_l4Y7CRlXNV500xao0N5sSH_nFV0ShMvZamvdfvoJEeg6SAz1hiqYr3MkF1VKWtsrygsTHBzPCeJmUkxa-lnjAqs3ILNsPjU0pz1lSI30EjXo-_FtiCoE1KzBWDOzuiFmgZenoYFnogslJkobSlgWeISCfZdcmgjJay3Da1PQtDxavmEiipYtch9J4f4jYsc2NUHcut6px5qwjjowZSdtSFZ93nmuXvxWtA0O4za3704-9I27iP4IGKGVSBTa0AdawPOirbyyBbj23c_oo1lL_mNbPUZM8fDacNp1nbNS8tPe2RSIHtrz_bSC-dkmKRGu14nuSS6u38GUBHbGK0Y8q9Eya8tPQTLo-3CNmwxbeowAXC9UZvDZugUuWEJOip7S-zpQEbTS_x1wVgt7TFPprAuHnjQRfIOol5qcu54KL5K835TjGmA7M2_3XXK2LcLFLT6BsIBGyTWCd-J7q74XBDkaCDf4Wy9HOZtk41j70gGMrIx8AJLDcdWNfV6awRlqFX5Kl90K2U36mtFD8ka-GZAKXOH3UCu3r2gmF3qrSBTkIE-NpCQXqG3ca63AX94#c7997425767245871592"> blog</a>. <em>Please, please, please</em> be sure to mention that <strong>Melissa Caldeira</strong> sent you. That increases my chances of winning her for Joy!! ;)</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">To make it even more fun....</span></strong></div><div align="center">Come back and post a comment here letting me know that you mentioned my name and I'll put your name in a drawing to win your choice of either a dolly knit twirl skirt or a dolly knit upcycled dress!!</div><div align="center"> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegfIRMRO7TjTiQCNHJYhG-5PNCeQ-oiDgKyhD3SBFaH02ciEgT72ooqgz2uqmqFwTenRtfoUf-JEQaKGX3_Bclk5mmzMhDWz7-2lq5p3zsYVdr2owvrgAkX0y3F3usgzzB4gaAKjh1-g/s1600/4841668497_49e38dd173_z.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499730285074109586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegfIRMRO7TjTiQCNHJYhG-5PNCeQ-oiDgKyhD3SBFaH02ciEgT72ooqgz2uqmqFwTenRtfoUf-JEQaKGX3_Bclk5mmzMhDWz7-2lq5p3zsYVdr2owvrgAkX0y3F3usgzzB4gaAKjh1-g/s320/4841668497_49e38dd173_z.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724851846180883891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-903965818929209266.post-40869852516035838452010-07-06T11:15:00.000-07:002010-07-06T11:36:26.622-07:00Fun, food, and friends....<div align="center">There's nothing better then celebrating a holiday weekend with very good friends. Once again, we loaded up the Focus and made the 4 hour trek over the mountains to visit the Simkins family. Always a good time. :)</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Isaiah was bouncing from the moment we told him we were going, excited to see his "good buddy, Jack" as he calls him.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Even though we only spent the weekend, we managed to pack in about a week's worth of activities. </div><div align="center">Dave helped Jeremy "take care" of 2 roosters, we went to the pool, enjoyed a yummy BBQ (kid-free!!), and played a round of Phase 10. And that was only day 1.</div><div align="center">Sunday morning, we double-tasked with getting ready for the drive to Twisp for church and packing for the picnic afterwards.</div><div align="center">Although, we didn't stay for the fireworks. By that time the kids were getting antsy and tired, so we packed up and headed back to the cars.</div><div align="center">Our departure was delayed by a surprise parade. Jack, Isaiah, and Joy didn't seem to mind too much though as there was candy being thrown.</div><div align="center">And Joy got to see a horse. I'm sure that was the pinnacle of her weekend. :)</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">The picnic was a blast. Lots of good (great) food and plenty of conversation.</div><div align="center">Isaiah enjoyed his first ride on a jet ski. I was impressed with how fast he let Dave go!</div><div align="center">So proud of my little man.</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXd_EbvDYpMWQeB16s6yCIYMnQ8MklQcE4fBBjCtQeGRTG7feL_AIe-5oxqJhkuFCavDAAFrRDdjIBnGmBfvp3QCjjm3VLTaMRWU6hA0EZp1SJgqcoaztGeRyErHdPnb5d9W2_2y-OKDM/s1600/051.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490859735713723218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXd_EbvDYpMWQeB16s6yCIYMnQ8MklQcE4fBBjCtQeGRTG7feL_AIe-5oxqJhkuFCavDAAFrRDdjIBnGmBfvp3QCjjm3VLTaMRWU6hA0EZp1SJgqcoaztGeRyErHdPnb5d9W2_2y-OKDM/s320/051.JPG" /></a> <div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dXwNyDh-tWCgor9Vl7qplRB5Jvq4NdZj98FgviPll2hpTE25wcthAS8u5mOfwIzOssPBtmtOvI-3Of_sNfx_4p4f8v7DXfRHRqXw5cF9DcGqxWGuw_Yq93UvFnGafZ7mW1fNJb08-To/s1600/023.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490859601844312594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dXwNyDh-tWCgor9Vl7qplRB5Jvq4NdZj98FgviPll2hpTE25wcthAS8u5mOfwIzOssPBtmtOvI-3Of_sNfx_4p4f8v7DXfRHRqXw5cF9DcGqxWGuw_Yq93UvFnGafZ7mW1fNJb08-To/s320/023.JPG" /></a> </div><div align="center"><br />Boys being boys, Isaiah and Jack had fun splashing in the water.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFkFPeTLz8kbgOOQTNNjCGITiUjFNfvBZz35wOJbM4VwwGWVEyAVQ3Ql_R600p55XiKtBD2rZ5eQ-F0uBn8mvOD9LI86c6urmGiCfFadxjzWOSjPm8ctu8y8diy9ie02DGV5IA_6GZQI/s1600/021.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490859471948308706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFkFPeTLz8kbgOOQTNNjCGITiUjFNfvBZz35wOJbM4VwwGWVEyAVQ3Ql_R600p55XiKtBD2rZ5eQ-F0uBn8mvOD9LI86c6urmGiCfFadxjzWOSjPm8ctu8y8diy9ie02DGV5IA_6GZQI/s320/021.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbY3vLrvnOtns9LEo7pDUOVwjiaDUCy3vOEHXdK-4p46jPXfWB9I7D3a99DtYp9SOWPjIIRAx_M4_l8gtSQk1-gId52z3NV7q-S_MFw5YwJAmflXN8aY5BsAFdGc1fBTGt4T6D5aqYAs/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490859376136599778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbY3vLrvnOtns9LEo7pDUOVwjiaDUCy3vOEHXdK-4p46jPXfWB9I7D3a99DtYp9SOWPjIIRAx_M4_l8gtSQk1-gId52z3NV7q-S_MFw5YwJAmflXN8aY5BsAFdGc1fBTGt4T6D5aqYAs/s320/001.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br />Joy and her girls. She loved having girls her own age to play with.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNM5XncMoIohp-NQ7Ckzj1fAxoL8Q-W_tuMI5rHBdz2pSOjXSlKlXp8DmclPnquElhnYwo8vl4JKTlgJRf3LYwn0lJQU9_ms25_oOw3t1PrMpnno9RZ7svfN6uGGA0LG9B7Ob0OxuZ9NY/s1600/044.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490859294766788946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNM5XncMoIohp-NQ7Ckzj1fAxoL8Q-W_tuMI5rHBdz2pSOjXSlKlXp8DmclPnquElhnYwo8vl4JKTlgJRf3LYwn0lJQU9_ms25_oOw3t1PrMpnno9RZ7svfN6uGGA0LG9B7Ob0OxuZ9NY/s320/044.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> And I had the opportunity to practice my photograpy a little.</div><div>I love these pictures, of course, my subjects really help with the quality of the photos.</div><div>They are all so adorable!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIzm28ZdvH8u-xMPRf6e0uT3dc5p3hIPznj4-3EuPtA47IiFW_Ejyy7eFUEQ0fUoqXKzerm19SQ1-qrBqF-tIs_ySIcnHblz_Pgaf_c19EXrTegyC_IIBYQ9mhN06CHtSEZn-Wot53Lw/s1600/28.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490858933439230194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIzm28ZdvH8u-xMPRf6e0uT3dc5p3hIPznj4-3EuPtA47IiFW_Ejyy7eFUEQ0fUoqXKzerm19SQ1-qrBqF-tIs_ySIcnHblz_Pgaf_c19EXrTegyC_IIBYQ9mhN06CHtSEZn-Wot53Lw/s320/28.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozo1KI4mwsC4JsQkDJTT2glSEEBl5q0vVmOdIWlPdS5igiPlERvVLUtkc4SmHaxJSyPjYA5cGaH1L4r8EMZ15iM1cNwpJmK-Vm09_2qYc3Zh2r51I1QZLV9QEeIG-F1So4rJC1iAzxtk/s1600/2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 281px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490858845993893202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozo1KI4mwsC4JsQkDJTT2glSEEBl5q0vVmOdIWlPdS5igiPlERvVLUtkc4SmHaxJSyPjYA5cGaH1L4r8EMZ15iM1cNwpJmK-Vm09_2qYc3Zh2r51I1QZLV9QEeIG-F1So4rJC1iAzxtk/s320/2.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwd6xQjeCgrX-uK2B5bQ4aNDLEyr0R8VsIHfjniHr8P-_XST9WmjFLx3Ac-NGNed9eD8iuIC5-E7GxDmWMHw3NcHjO6AJKe4PlYSNtCwS5XNZpQTYpo_D4MyFrEciQVCqlaPDdBrMTBI/s1600/1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490858779089902690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwd6xQjeCgrX-uK2B5bQ4aNDLEyr0R8VsIHfjniHr8P-_XST9WmjFLx3Ac-NGNed9eD8iuIC5-E7GxDmWMHw3NcHjO6AJKe4PlYSNtCwS5XNZpQTYpo_D4MyFrEciQVCqlaPDdBrMTBI/s320/1.JPG" /></a></div></div></div><br /></div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724851846180883891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-903965818929209266.post-70554152355059882542010-06-16T12:22:00.000-07:002010-06-16T12:32:30.889-07:00Beaded Frame<div align="center">I found this frame during Christmas clearance at my local Michaels a few months back.</div><div align="center">It was a horribly gaudy gold color, but I couldn't pass it up for the price!!</div><div align="center">I didn't get a before picture, but trust me, it was awful!</div><div align="center">Okay, okay, so maybe it would have been a great find for someone else, just not exactly my style.</div><div align="center">A quick coat of ballet pink spray paint, it is on the way to a wonderful piece for Joy's room.</div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483454646774199106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJvIHadIYJi-wZky3E1z9D3QqVLCVlbRYYtv7tPB1y9aIT5PDgIyZQETm9uSCxynJFCLO4jvLKl3oPlOB061Ri701TTBfwp802h3xRpsK1H8CYjUzygjuJ-CgROjf7Gg-p4hzGtTxMgs/s320/001.JPG" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">There were some rediculous bells hanging from these jump rings.</div><div align="center">Gone.</div><div align="center">And replaced with some girly-girl sparkly beads and charms.</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_QAMDIdnil4LaIFVOQFXVgcwVaQw3ESBwt0g6tdewNxBLWaG7A8R0B6nfzxx5cMGMt6FQfIvN2K6p6q8iCev1X7QfH1bW5ktev_HlpgePMOidMxBaWYM4Wx8rLq2InfK2cQRMyuYN_0/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483454572216304050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_QAMDIdnil4LaIFVOQFXVgcwVaQw3ESBwt0g6tdewNxBLWaG7A8R0B6nfzxx5cMGMt6FQfIvN2K6p6q8iCev1X7QfH1bW5ktev_HlpgePMOidMxBaWYM4Wx8rLq2InfK2cQRMyuYN_0/s320/004.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Finished and in place.</div><div align="center">Joy loves it and it cost me next to nothing!</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRUYQ-WWXLAIH8-lVoTq1eayCp63aZpGJFSKq2Se9A3mEsCCzHCLRrIHnmmmvnq8i0xmeGhAI_L0ZFAviedlgJm1mVXdGtQBiG0IeUPooA56EDDy-L29L72MES_uQDH9LgJDPVLiIA6A/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483454302292175170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRUYQ-WWXLAIH8-lVoTq1eayCp63aZpGJFSKq2Se9A3mEsCCzHCLRrIHnmmmvnq8i0xmeGhAI_L0ZFAviedlgJm1mVXdGtQBiG0IeUPooA56EDDy-L29L72MES_uQDH9LgJDPVLiIA6A/s320/005.JPG" /></a><br />Linking up here:<br /><a href="http://tearosehome.blogspot.com/2010/06/link-party-no12-and-my-basket-makeover.html"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 157px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483454402778030738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQ8R1FQdrsbPzC3oK_F5BS4mhQ36Gd75_iJkdGteTzv5kbf_TlN8vFYZYsAlmSP0SABmtfCQ1EpnIsuSX4TS4JhdSvObDaUUze8bKmDRV_3n1Whux3PGoudZhdROTXa5rPZhoIGqdb9M/s320/GrabButtonLinkParty.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724851846180883891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-903965818929209266.post-84841232842821523972010-06-16T12:12:00.001-07:002010-06-16T12:17:43.564-07:00And the Oscar goes to....<div align="center">Okay, I completely forgot to share this.....</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">My little drama queen.</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWC7EYoqn-t4w90RBCRm5NnK1VR5nhP35n0QdOJDTJDvmwQSdleKolR_WtYvT3hU1wL4ROHDgagl4qI32W_Q8ujVyoskJSzKj9i-BTViSvMHcvZ3yZ6GHGaG9e9X79PfRiNYBO-xUP3k/s1600/collage.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 256px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483451728082129010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWC7EYoqn-t4w90RBCRm5NnK1VR5nhP35n0QdOJDTJDvmwQSdleKolR_WtYvT3hU1wL4ROHDgagl4qI32W_Q8ujVyoskJSzKj9i-BTViSvMHcvZ3yZ6GHGaG9e9X79PfRiNYBO-xUP3k/s320/collage.jpg" /></a>After climbing up and down on this thing all week, this day, she somehow forgot</div><div align="center">how to get down.</div><div align="center">I'm helping her build character, yeah, umm, that's it. :)</div><div align="center">She was so upset that neither me or Darlene would carry her down.</div><div align="center">Completely disregarding the massive stepping brick on one side or the step ladder on the other.</div><div align="center">In her precious 4 yr old mind, she was trapped.</div><div align="center">*********</div><div align="center">She climbed down on her own 5 minutes later......</div><div align="center">Go figure. :)<br /></div><div align="center"></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724851846180883891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-903965818929209266.post-7244693454366474912010-06-16T11:47:00.000-07:002010-06-16T12:19:11.475-07:00Farm life....<div align="center">We got to spend last week with our very good friends, the Simkins family, on their "farm".</div><div align="center">Okay, not technically a farm, but to us city-folk, all the space, chickens, goats.....</div><div align="center">it may as well be!</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo43lQ61uYWaR83LLMJRztdPJzuKlUOVq0LRBAldALSPJM5IyNDC3lV5ygr7kczyHFYGPrnQheNkEGMmXIVCVS9sfALVCQO_HLEkgNYg89ydhFc92g9LCbGe1ZvSYhQmItK5WsmRiejk4/s1600/052.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483448408150334674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo43lQ61uYWaR83LLMJRztdPJzuKlUOVq0LRBAldALSPJM5IyNDC3lV5ygr7kczyHFYGPrnQheNkEGMmXIVCVS9sfALVCQO_HLEkgNYg89ydhFc92g9LCbGe1ZvSYhQmItK5WsmRiejk4/s320/052.JPG" /></a><br />Who's a happy dog?! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFT0W0cgKe-Zg7pXo4otm2FcBm8Gd-LsG9JYCMZ2SN5xLMveXuSEgLqlcdpIXQ0zk_d2xJA0xb5sHSatubKzQdkpg2FG5gqd3_mcWE7DJ1zCy1YHq15aNXXvhVmkz7zUmI5pGQmf1gik/s1600/069.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 221px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 298px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483447489224825138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFT0W0cgKe-Zg7pXo4otm2FcBm8Gd-LsG9JYCMZ2SN5xLMveXuSEgLqlcdpIXQ0zk_d2xJA0xb5sHSatubKzQdkpg2FG5gqd3_mcWE7DJ1zCy1YHq15aNXXvhVmkz7zUmI5pGQmf1gik/s320/069.JPG" /></a>Yeah, yeah, put the camera down and throw my ball already!<br />Miss Darlene to the rescue. :)<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483447372673338850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjc1kod3gSgeXwEpewxvAYyBBtZPugj22sEoZGHN8j7xZTuHs5G0LX4Yd0VbYbm6B9p2Horz7QPMA-lzLqy-CYhVpWqm2vlDGYhionyFCfZyTCreMI7CLLmgBTL42aPwzqi8n5W92ydI/s320/070.JPG" /><br />Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 323px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 209px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483447599977998194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtVhmVYzPbCrGEn-WTswv7gGxnhOith5cukTTvZtUdBFVuYlEDOy2D0RrGc95EjiwB3JBPkmh2SdCx7IFtihg3KFOzwLQkhQqGfgGmFxjnyP7r4ZNpjRqQXp-6otRkyihal1UmiEIDNU/s320/071.JPG" /><br /><div>Isaiah and Jack, protecting their turf.</div><div>Dave and Jeremy were able to mostly finish building this playset while we were there.</div><div>Perhaps we'll have to make another trip out to the homestead to see it all completed. ;)<br /></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483447263848181362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3mXH4bRiFOiZswJqyY3F67s5TjJOiN9z1xDffSrmbqJlYi5eNBFj2TgqowXnrMvola_oz2iHwCGrdfHKmAwxRCLFvF5lasvYPhUQLi_gYB_Tuv7QUU9w-0dVusTrAIQzLPmTntG-LuM/s320/063.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 1px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483447003078958402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vreqDQwK2shyn4Qit31AUtCAXSbvlsuv2Qn3yMZB8r4ZDg3mZbTOFUgPdK_J1js0XA8VnXmCiOiLbFi8hzCt2ApH7-Q17eBUqy0SwAooR4dmyZPu32PHcAlWtuFsCMFfa5vH8xNwhzA/s320/052.JPG" />I'm not sure which was Joy's favorite: the goats or the trampoline.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTERHBUx58uzdDIMTlUnyHeDGCcvuEExnMC5HMua7lYgNh-M5YnFvpk5f3kSNkOp6Xtj1B5U_1sogTGgys1WO49W_IfIcd3GvGtvlgPCx4c7TWI8UF8eetxMHM9NW96qtwq0QIztRtdpA/s1600/036.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483446813885159394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTERHBUx58uzdDIMTlUnyHeDGCcvuEExnMC5HMua7lYgNh-M5YnFvpk5f3kSNkOp6Xtj1B5U_1sogTGgys1WO49W_IfIcd3GvGtvlgPCx4c7TWI8UF8eetxMHM9NW96qtwq0QIztRtdpA/s320/036.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCN5JQQ05cCOYVc-3Qw1lSp4upPPKuHj3QmSbKzOt8EkXmdvxc-WveiVf5XWuYFA9WpQZbCLVX-5MWHUVp6gxkl8bE3CjMXiD-PRCVZqLxg4zcP4AgZSu9PyUuocCqwvspnG1FJvHnsY/s1600/024.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483446663413194626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCN5JQQ05cCOYVc-3Qw1lSp4upPPKuHj3QmSbKzOt8EkXmdvxc-WveiVf5XWuYFA9WpQZbCLVX-5MWHUVp6gxkl8bE3CjMXiD-PRCVZqLxg4zcP4AgZSu9PyUuocCqwvspnG1FJvHnsY/s320/024.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhDCFVwtzjtzgCbWvpX5QtqA0Lv3w-37jJ9HwK3yj9-eIS63dakufBzt2rO0XGvqt2OPb40s15n9_apEsFEyPb7dTaHdTld5tw3lQlT7hR44_Dqi4SWbYo7CM4HX-cxkX3UK9rKZU1uA/s1600/016.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483446501719503378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhDCFVwtzjtzgCbWvpX5QtqA0Lv3w-37jJ9HwK3yj9-eIS63dakufBzt2rO0XGvqt2OPb40s15n9_apEsFEyPb7dTaHdTld5tw3lQlT7hR44_Dqi4SWbYo7CM4HX-cxkX3UK9rKZU1uA/s320/016.JPG" /></a><br />The kiddos definitely enjoyed all the space to run.</div><div>I loved that they had the freedom, but I do hope that they don't do that at home.</div><div>With us living on a busy road, not exactly the place to jet outside by themselves!!<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0Qu_q0HFozfqMGInlFVeCMQAm0XqqQQcB_yotHqtRO7lvNn8i_s9LRCWCmuJKZSLdPDUF-2sHgkttVlHRPocO0tyIPvSDu3GQLvas80T42127x7SQM_EhvvtgcFwqBlK3AkLqIvCEsA/s1600/011.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 217px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483446332226616386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0Qu_q0HFozfqMGInlFVeCMQAm0XqqQQcB_yotHqtRO7lvNn8i_s9LRCWCmuJKZSLdPDUF-2sHgkttVlHRPocO0tyIPvSDu3GQLvas80T42127x7SQM_EhvvtgcFwqBlK3AkLqIvCEsA/s320/011.JPG" /></a> Thanks for such a wonderful week Darlene!! I am so looking forward to our next visit. :)</div><div>Or we'll just have to pack up and purchase that plot of land down the road. </div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724851846180883891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-903965818929209266.post-15670387768392293022010-06-03T08:04:00.000-07:002010-06-03T08:37:00.987-07:00Craft Room Remodel- Part 2<div align="center">So, awhile back I shared some pics of my room in progress.</div><div align="center">It's mostly done now!! Hurray. :)</div><div align="center">Small details like trim around the windows and doors and a little door to hide the sump are all thats left.</div><div align="center">But the room is workable now and that is very good news!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">This is where all the "magic" happens. My work desk.</div><div align="center">I can push my machine back and too the side if I working on bows or scrapbooking or something.</div><div align="center">Blue bins for my little punches, bigger punches and other scrappy supplies are in the cupboard directly above.</div><div align="center">The other side houses pattern books and bins of misc. sewing supplies like bias tape, elastic, and so on.</div><div align="center">Down below is where my envelope patterns are stored and rolls of tulle are in the bottom drawer.</div><div align="center">The other side holds markers, colored pencils, stamp ink pads.</div><div align="center">It is so nice to have everything close by and handy.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Notice the little kiddy table! That way the littles are occupied if I'm trying to get something done.</div><div align="center">Oh how I miss nap time.....</div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478564577370916178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXYPD_ln4_1QH42kv0xqXA4FkepmIYtst-sQ7IBsdETOWclGTFTj0kI78QwU41qLm_3TVo92tKCOS39V-lB9KT6xj57gSVA9OT8qig8C3VxgHB2MjzCGdVFV0_haWrlGAD8kOuexWiy4/s320/005.JPG" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">This I love, LOVE!</div><div align="center">I found the <a href="http://homokaasu.org/rasterbator/">site</a> on another blog and knew it would be just the thing to fill up the old window frame that I salvaged during our remodels. I have one more, not sure what to do with it yet. :)</div><div align="center">I'm going to be putting corkboard in the center panel to pin up orders/notes, etc...</div><div align="center">I'm thinking I may make some shabby fabric roses to dress up the bottom corner a bit, not sure yet. What do you think? :)</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7FN7EJArSfeSCvfaPNJLdrTbsYks8v3FI9Es2G1RC4EFLaMCDOTVWDKo_TuAB2sIWH04DU53-N5yJn-KFHWd131FcxIJiDot7TXAxsWRMsvmpgYRYPLdmJW5Q_ChUGS9K68_ncnkhBk/s1600/006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478564466631449650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7FN7EJArSfeSCvfaPNJLdrTbsYks8v3FI9Es2G1RC4EFLaMCDOTVWDKo_TuAB2sIWH04DU53-N5yJn-KFHWd131FcxIJiDot7TXAxsWRMsvmpgYRYPLdmJW5Q_ChUGS9K68_ncnkhBk/s320/006.JPG" /></a><br />Close up of the fun shabby style bow that hangs the frame.</div><div align="center">I'll be using this same lovely fabric for a new ironing board cover and cushion for my work chair.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4nVrTLDqvbv-In87dwvVFSNlV17cUXVpnFbgYqRqyWzl3uIguS9WtnGYJ4xxBWeyR20hi7BdaS2PdcBAQzfM_965WNg7rwo0SjqGytY8txHEhoZdYGr7oRV-PjB4eDhQ8MtyDXS6dLI/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478564385204198322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4nVrTLDqvbv-In87dwvVFSNlV17cUXVpnFbgYqRqyWzl3uIguS9WtnGYJ4xxBWeyR20hi7BdaS2PdcBAQzfM_965WNg7rwo0SjqGytY8txHEhoZdYGr7oRV-PjB4eDhQ8MtyDXS6dLI/s320/002.JPG" /></a><br />Ironing station.<br />Scrapbooking paper tower.<br />General "organized chaos"!!<br />The closet is a jumbled hodge-podge of supplies that I haven't<br />found homes for yet.<br />Hanging up are items listed in my shop or orders that are in progress and haven't<br />shipped yet.<br />I have a small wire shelving unit in there that I put stacks of fabric for orders.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUKGsgW9PV72a3ndmioof99072PiZQCjN30yf2M9d_uJpn3-gfQXWzHz615_ZfyMArAxI25DwyXwGHMHQheybBOeadV2pNV4orawKrmoPzfQv8jwOPoOJ2BdnFLcKzw4Q3A3awdTO8rw/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478564292886856850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUKGsgW9PV72a3ndmioof99072PiZQCjN30yf2M9d_uJpn3-gfQXWzHz615_ZfyMArAxI25DwyXwGHMHQheybBOeadV2pNV4orawKrmoPzfQv8jwOPoOJ2BdnFLcKzw4Q3A3awdTO8rw/s320/004.JPG" /></a><br />My FAVORITE part!!!<br />Dave had the brillant idea and designed the incredible storage for all of my ribbons.<br />I love that the bins are see through and I can see exactly what I need.<br /><br />And, of course, the cutting table/fabric storage.<br />The "dream" letters will be hung on the wall below the ribbon bins, I just haven't gotten to that part yet. ;)<br />White paper underneath for tracing patterns or for the kids to color on.<br />Hey, it keeps them from coloring on my carpet, walls, or patterns!!<br />And, oh look, more stacks of projects in progress on my cutting table.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-eBX_yZHXLAVHyFr8XlgYkzHSh_NbcDYu5DMZSH-ff0CEnZJbqQwL6MMag3HtzrNwogqQ2vp6Y45TMEeiDmRgJJr8GJS5wK4KlXCBWgITmT4JgJxlPU3V0CBdmHWxnt4vRU7SrQGph8/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478564182933676770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-eBX_yZHXLAVHyFr8XlgYkzHSh_NbcDYu5DMZSH-ff0CEnZJbqQwL6MMag3HtzrNwogqQ2vp6Y45TMEeiDmRgJJr8GJS5wK4KlXCBWgITmT4JgJxlPU3V0CBdmHWxnt4vRU7SrQGph8/s320/003.JPG" /></a><br />Well, folks, that is it. I hope you enjoyed your tour!<br />I'd love to see your work spaces too. Feel free to share links in the comment section.<br />Thank you for stopping by and have a blessed day!<br /><br /><br />I'm linking up to:<br /><br /><a href="http://tearosehome.blogspot.com/2010/06/link-party-no10-my-little-project.html"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 157px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478563983960977778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1epLMD1fvvAQxgk0UqqyWUbts0lLq4n2hk1PrpEOy1eCzYp7zxG4hR0PXXJA12nZPEo1sDkb7Ux4y2dXm8B1yplJ-b9uqALI6U5r4QYlUIvTvmVshuy_PHWw_n5WebymVq6uEqYmClY/s320/GrabButtonLinkParty.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/2010/06/strut-your-stuff-thursday-with-just-sew.html"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 231px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 136px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478563837388112258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkCSTcgge4VPcsnlArpNJetifZvVvVgehqTZeeWEGCqzep6JfsamDLvCQZoQBS5WCScSGkNz6Y9CWLWMAWurnAa7tX-9kV8Oumulk_CEyz5rbldKGdHMlhEZVuy6yVWw9b6-jo14Ukhs/s320/welcome.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724851846180883891noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-903965818929209266.post-21319817520539773592010-05-28T18:56:00.000-07:002010-05-28T19:00:51.382-07:00Designer Feature ending soon!Time is almost out!!!!<br />What for, you ask?<br />Well.....<br />My good friend and fellow designer from <a href="http://organizedchaos-caldeira.blogspot.com/2010/04/blog-post.html">last month's feature </a>is still offering up a custom knot dress!<br /><br />You have until Monday, the 31st, to get your comments in and be considered for the giveaway.<br />You do NOT want to miss this opportunity to get one of Brittni's creations.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724851846180883891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-903965818929209266.post-2618268611398379512010-05-27T18:07:00.000-07:002010-05-27T18:13:39.042-07:00Handmade Beginnings<div align="center"> Have a new baby on the way?<br />Know someone who does? <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>(I'm thinking of you Martha!)</em> :)</span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Fellow blogger, Angel, of Tada*Creations is hosting a FABULOUS giveaway on her blog right now. She had the wonderful opportunity to meet the incredibly talented Anna Maria Horner at a book signing. And she was thoughtful enough to get an extra copy. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Well, not for everyone, but she is going to be giving a signed copy away to one lucky person!!!</div><div align="center"><br />Go take a look at her <a href="http://tadacreations.blogspot.com/2010/05/handmade-beginnings-giveaway-signed.html">blog</a> and see what it takes to have a chance to win.</div><div align="center"> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476122592737168290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFUThh_AN9GJjUToHmYJfByDkB9sTJdShyphenhyphenvXs6am9_ujekED8xNn3esQtGJMK506-OJ_-tbe_s3g3C8N5Ewwy43IL0OnfzGywuQXzm_zt_9EvjxyMMuPGt1HNk8ISwve_2LHvYPPvM7c/s320/dirt034.jpg" />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724851846180883891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-903965818929209266.post-39077779677062254482010-05-27T13:57:00.000-07:002010-05-27T14:14:57.952-07:00Another upcycle.....<div align="center">I know, I know, another one. I'm sure Joy's closet will be FULL of these by the time summer rolls around.</div><div align="center">I found this shirt awhile back and knew it would be perfect for Joy.</div><div align="center">Although, I've been so busy with orders that I didn't get around to finishing it up until a few days ago. I swear it's been sitting on my cutting table for about a month.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">But the wait was definately worth it.</div><div align="center">Joy was over the moon when I showed her it was finished.</div><div align="center">Lots more to come!! I have a nice little stack building up. :)</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 184px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476057668058130770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrD5DjbPrLtC1OhoybJikpi_TlN60p6YyD_Etxvu2nqtiLSMBaUSNmAlfiiOIIPvoushfyXHPjEebtnR23_T6XYFZxZSbxanxz5dsORqgyaE0QkL3zQjLe88nCiq8q2NWsLfyHRWqv1oY/s320/001.JPG" />I'm linking up to the following:</div> <a href="http://tearosehome.blogspot.com/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 127px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 170px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476057880736762850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKMCm2JBM5DoFSvGuqiETxle-nCEvg_OzfMZMYSNpBhViUdyidDcvQ5NEEQCOPf7ZyyPjDr7_29iOfN04-g0WshBLaiO1m0dK18zQY7nKRPo73dyys_SVe_ByJe97ST75dx-WfdBF_3c/s320/GrabButtonLinkParty.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/2010/05/strut-your-stuff-with-indie-chick.html"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 164px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 110px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476058079514934146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqEWsnRGCA86xiHscPDH7tYkS0SHpz7uE2FKJbhMUx4Xl6UMSujG3kaiagr2dXOIgjXQO1QfyVH72HgExPMkF3Zb8OAnv0h3HJsQcP8JvTPs5p74STykS2jDPFn0SmYeR5RidF3nByWk/s320/welcome.jpg" /></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724851846180883891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-903965818929209266.post-53736823333578729562010-05-13T09:43:00.000-07:002010-05-13T09:56:54.655-07:00Soccer mom?Dave's mom was in town from Texas on business so we got together with her and Dave's sister Amy, her husband Charlie, and their adorable little peanut, Irelyn, last night for dinner.<br />Wow, what a sentence that was. Please forgive the run-on..... and on.... and on.... :)<br /><br />I always have such a good time when we get together with Dave's family. Can I just say how blessed I am with my in-laws!<br /><br />As we were heading out of the resturant, we were discussing fostering and talking about the pros and cons of taking in a special child and giving them a good home. Amy brought up the fact that if we did indeed take in a foster child, we'd have to upgrade vehicles. I mean, you can only fit so many car seats in the back seat of my Focus, right?? :)<br />I know, you're probably wondering where I'm going with this...<br />No, we haven't jumped into fostering quite yet, hoping to finish up all our remodel projects first so that the house doesn't look like a construction zone during home checks!!<br />But..... Charlie mentioned something about me, driving the big 'ol mini van, sipping my Starbucks, heading to soccer practice.<br />Well the other day, I found this <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">HILARIOUS</span></strong> video link on another blog and the timing was so funny.<br />So, now that I've rambled enough...<br /><br />Charlie, this<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql-N3F1FhW4&feature=player_embedded"> one's </a>for you!!!!<br />And I gotta say, how stinking CUTE is that little girl doing her thing!!??!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724851846180883891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-903965818929209266.post-33537088926598005572010-04-30T08:03:00.001-07:002010-04-30T08:53:08.638-07:00...And last month's winner!! The winner of the March designer giveaway, as selected by a random number generator, is theweaverhouse! Congrats Tammy. Tawnya will be in touch with you about your prize.<br /><br /><br />I am thrilled to have as the April Feature, an extremely talented clothing designer. I have worked with her on several occasions, either as collaborations or modeling. Both ways, her too-cute kiddos have modeled for my designs, and Joy has modeled for her. And it's always been so much fun. I've known her about 2 years <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(is that right?)</span></em> and I'm very honored to call her my friend.<br /><br />So, without much more introduction, I'll get right to the good stuff!<br />*********<br /><br /><strong>Tell us a little about you, your family, and life outside the studio-</strong><br /><em>My name is Brittni. I live in Rochester, NY with my hubby of 7 years, and 2 kids- Amelya and Benjamin. Amelya is 4 and Benjamin is 3, so they keep my super busy! Sewing is my "mommy time-out" and I love it!!</em><br /><em></em><br /><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"><strong>What kinds of things do you make to sell?</strong></div><div align="left"><em>For the most part, I make ruffly, frilly, little girls clothes. I do like to throw in a boy's design every once in a while. Usually when my son starts asking if the dress I'm making is for him!!</em></div><div align="left"><em></em> </div><div align="left"><em><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465947564808166002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiFbhtg-8mdtu-p8hKkumbitNpEbxuCYBGPt2tjyXN4zlBK9HsT08FAWEYSgZ2Nc9VByN0LkHui3qE3bORWEsVsl7aAOIZxjjM46CwVK1ciGKroqc-2QUE6F3iNgfdd68NefmLSJClSs/s320/clown014.jpg" /></em></div><div align="left"><strong>Where can we find your designs?</strong></div><div align="left"><em>You can find me on Etsy </em><a href="http://www.pbjboutique.etsy.com/"><em>www.pbjboutique.etsy.com</em></a><em> or on ebay under the id </em><a href="http://shop.ebay.com/pbj*boutique/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=200"><em>pbj*boutique</em></a><em>. You can also find me on Facebook and I do have a blog, </em><a href="http://www.pbjboutique.blogspot.com/"><em>www.pbjboutique.blogspot.com</em></a><em> but I can't promise it's been updated!</em></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><strong>When did the crafting bug first hit you?</strong></div><div align="left"><em>I've been doing crafty things as long as I can remember! I used to make scrunchies to match my outfits when I was a kid (does anyone else remember the 80's), and moved on to Halloween costumes and the like for little cousins. I started cross-stitching, my husband calls that the "Gateway Craft" in about 5th grade and still do lots of that. I learned to knit in college, and crochet in grad school. I also took a few quilting classes after I got married. I just love to be doing something all the time. My family calls me "Martha".</em></div><div align="left"><em></em> </div><div align="left"><em></em> </div><div align="left"><strong>Is there a design that you're particularly fond of and why?</strong></div><div align="left"><em>Oh boy. So many that I love! I think one of my favorites is actually a Christmas design from this past year. I called it "Victorian Christmas". Amelya wore the sample when I took her, and a little friend and her mom, to see the Nutcracker at the Rochester City Ballet. I just love the gathered inserts, the fabric covered buttons, all the little details!</em></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjGvldgFMUm7oWyR34es_ny05TjQW_KAzo_Se7TeBlvJcvIhI0j5DGb1NaLcPn-PEog7vN6S56VQcyG6uFoBe3HgGHwU_TRpyxuFnKn0GYp3JgHyLrzAS3U7uXH1W2djPPNtumEw5iOw/s1600/684831418_bQ7Jp-XL.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 273px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465947624667661602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjGvldgFMUm7oWyR34es_ny05TjQW_KAzo_Se7TeBlvJcvIhI0j5DGb1NaLcPn-PEog7vN6S56VQcyG6uFoBe3HgGHwU_TRpyxuFnKn0GYp3JgHyLrzAS3U7uXH1W2djPPNtumEw5iOw/s320/684831418_bQ7Jp-XL.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>I'm gonna jump in here and say, I love this one too!!</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Definately one of my favorites of yours Brittni! :)<br /></strong></span><br /><div align="left"><strong>What most inspires your designs? Where do you get your ideas?</strong></div><div align="left"><em>I am most inspired by my daughter! She loves to help me pick out fabrics, and I haven't ever made something that she wouldn't wear! I like classic little-girl style and stay far away from ever writing anything on my little girl's tushie! Most of my ideas come in the strangest places, like while I'm driving, or sleeping, or vacuuming.</em><em><br /></div></div></em><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_EQ7n8k3cNxLfPohG5egSDCiWTVw2ZZ84Bj1KTLqoZGB7wTS-z7kGwZK4ttmTroWZTVT6EsRgS2z-jOIkkInVGFPJkjEqRDwClh_y1yoIeClx3JWWwyiuxlClIACKl7jk9wIJWVbkN1Q/s1600/789031033_YTJQG-XL.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465947500180838802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_EQ7n8k3cNxLfPohG5egSDCiWTVw2ZZ84Bj1KTLqoZGB7wTS-z7kGwZK4ttmTroWZTVT6EsRgS2z-jOIkkInVGFPJkjEqRDwClh_y1yoIeClx3JWWwyiuxlClIACKl7jk9wIJWVbkN1Q/s320/789031033_YTJQG-XL.jpg" /></a><br /><strong>Any advice for other designers just getting started?</strong></div><div align="left"><em>Carry your business cards with you wherever you go! You never know when someone may stop you and ask where your child got that adorable dress, or where you got your purse. There's no better feeling then seeing someone's face when they hear "I made it".</em></div><div align="left"><em></em> </div><div align="left"><em></em><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 216px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 282px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465947374719503490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3N4eVjCzcBIQFoXv6VNsaH-OVybFaCqT9Wa3AV4YM7pkiwKSZU0WcFeGClEwPs4fFozkb1V6UxaUB0v6YGWrJRjPLva4zsri-z_67cnGI0xhCIstRIuTdBs6GAanJ9yEVYV0s2VUAH7U/s320/814211993_hsTJK-XL.jpg" /><br /><strong>Anything else you'd like to add?</strong></div><div align="left"><em>Thanks so much to Melissa for the opportunity to share!</em></div><div align="left"> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465947279644976530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1n4k2t8Ny07FcZDkabh8n4EM5RCWGfnK88aND49nGexel9U_zUhEFKZvTLFoDKizSDDXMrVvPAf1abUHqd6P4DT-0dBzX1vE1Bc2QePGUw2LS57lYji2CNYvlT2z238FJ3NC_poY9C4/s320/ladybug029.jpg" />*********</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Well thanks to you as well Brittni, for sharing some of your fabulous designs with us!!</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center">Do you like what Brittni has to offer?</div><div align="center">Want your own incredible pbj*boutique creation?</div><div align="center">Brittni is offering a giveway of one of her amzing knot dresses, like the rocket one pictured below, or the sunshine one in the interview.</div><div align="center">With a choice of theme/colors from her extensive fabric stash!!!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><strong>Where do I enter, you ask? Well, simply leave a comment.</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>It's that easy!</strong></div><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Want another entry?</strong></span></p><p align="center">Become a follower of my blog. Already done that? Remind me in a comment.</p><p align="center">And an extra entry if you follow Britt's blog too!</p><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">What, you say you want more chances to win?</span></strong></p><p align="center">Go check out Brittni's items, either etsy or ebay. And leave a comment here on which your favorite is.</p><p align="center">Good Luck to you!</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 253px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465947438723193458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmtwuz9nqN4vgHCVb5AmH6Om3E7JttvPsPL2yriQ0zWz2pVBpdaNJsjbzfRhRRAnZy62NWWd47PQRR3UiUNte4RRpm1R8buCJ-rFaOmp7vmsdIinhn0wpfXMGZjyydeii4GI57KF5p64/s320/798214996_gv7pu-XL.jpg" /> <div align="center"><br /><div align="right"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Eap7yCUOMmbHAn2oHuxkkcWFe-TYachRB9I_T20LmsBCyEQ019po1x0LkvJRDh9PHvL0rAxqgFVkfWyAfq-DZMGwQi2Nc1Jtt9LGuHhcGLsZLEcuYkXlQ2MYVFPS_gg65feIXeoHYX0/s1600/674556529_za6iu-XL.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465946422548147634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Eap7yCUOMmbHAn2oHuxkkcWFe-TYachRB9I_T20LmsBCyEQ019po1x0LkvJRDh9PHvL0rAxqgFVkfWyAfq-DZMGwQi2Nc1Jtt9LGuHhcGLsZLEcuYkXlQ2MYVFPS_gg65feIXeoHYX0/s320/674556529_za6iu-XL.jpg" /></a></div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724851846180883891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-903965818929209266.post-68496907732172012112010-04-23T21:01:00.000-07:002010-04-23T21:24:16.460-07:00Fun Food Friday<div align="center">Mmmmm, mmmmmm.... GOOD!!</div><div align="center">So, I<em> (finally)</em> got my Pioneer Woman cookbook in the mail today and instantly started flipping through it. Looking for something yummy to make.</div><div align="center">Her Chicken Spaghetti caught my eye but I didn't have all the ingredients and didn't feel like running to the store.</div><div align="center">So, what's a girl to do? I improvised and came up with my own yumminess!</div><div align="center">********</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Pasta</strong></span></div><div align="center">********</div><div align="center">First off, start boiling some pasta. Your preference. I used spaghetti noodles.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Then cook 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts.</div><div align="center">After it is done, grab some forks and shred it up.</div><div align="center">You can use a whole fryer chicken or whatever you have on hand. :)</div><div align="center">After the chicken is shredded, throw it in a pan with a little bit of olive oil on low.</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOD5fDVZKf16s5prtyxrqM-W8MdaoNiyhxebGkecwCW_wkdzLLdpwbfkH-NAxKENK5cMbYtCOfXN4Cj0LUJhzGaSobyvTp_5tV4MIx1SJ1SHbksPtxhbYg_mJGwAnaKq5kFizELN1hPM/s1600/151.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463550191605783362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOD5fDVZKf16s5prtyxrqM-W8MdaoNiyhxebGkecwCW_wkdzLLdpwbfkH-NAxKENK5cMbYtCOfXN4Cj0LUJhzGaSobyvTp_5tV4MIx1SJ1SHbksPtxhbYg_mJGwAnaKq5kFizELN1hPM/s320/151.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> I then added about half a jar of sun-dried tomatoes.</div><div align="center">Because, that's all I had left!</div><div align="center">Chop 'em up in chunks.</div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463550108401253154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBD-J1LhMWdwz-icL2FXxb4rnkTWvR9Wp4Yle1o2ebt7vlOZ9vWLg9cgD-_kyy87dGD2EqLKK_2LfjG_ACzqWXDEnBTzQEbjDtQA0ToUIidnO2rj_gqXpJu80XCfwTOKX9v5vgyAw6Eo/s320/150.JPG" /><br /><br />I splashed in a bit of the oil from the jar for added flavor.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yHCJhuazvX3cthGwr4HXv7WUgUwywIRDGo-PCljAZC370lqiS3CSjU618ZmzCEHilJqRNaO7DPK7W-gN1JF-7j8Ht5Au0UUowvZk3natuVgyvSukVxcx-42JWuCz6odSoJTu8HLzZxg/s1600/153.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463550029663732226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yHCJhuazvX3cthGwr4HXv7WUgUwywIRDGo-PCljAZC370lqiS3CSjU618ZmzCEHilJqRNaO7DPK7W-gN1JF-7j8Ht5Au0UUowvZk3natuVgyvSukVxcx-42JWuCz6odSoJTu8HLzZxg/s320/153.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Toss them in with the shredded chicken.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TGv6KLvvHhef5ejZsVtZwWXxgD6BzjC7ZHcUtDDuDOV-6Fb63cniVp_GXUs8HMxhv0b_EgjaaKS7ZUjaKDEDXiluc4MwQ6sRMJXNMZig2Q7-5M0hgXD-swd0tCCOUYLLIlm4JJ7tVfg/s1600/152.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463549846946469266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TGv6KLvvHhef5ejZsVtZwWXxgD6BzjC7ZHcUtDDuDOV-6Fb63cniVp_GXUs8HMxhv0b_EgjaaKS7ZUjaKDEDXiluc4MwQ6sRMJXNMZig2Q7-5M0hgXD-swd0tCCOUYLLIlm4JJ7tVfg/s320/152.JPG" /></a><br />Here's the good stuff.</div><div>I love cheese. It makes everything better.</div><div>Well, that and chocolate, but I digress...</div><div>I used about 1 1/2 cups.</div><div>Sprinkle it in with the chicken and tomatoes a little at a time and stir until melted.</div><div>Add a can of cream of mushroom soup and mix it all together. You will need to add milk to "creamy" it up. I splashed in about 1 cup, but add what feels right to you.</div><div>Depends on how "saucy" you want your sauce!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGcchBIyBbINi9xQ5FeLFkdl45ahdt1C7C4q-iTK00lEUCfDnChPIiPCcPErFP906Eds_Sk726FoqMFd_TJH3na8CGliQpHuvRr8UPpWbgs53CzrXxhZRP79C-rJ4xxYY_jYaXf7_vjs/s1600/158.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463549730475204866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGcchBIyBbINi9xQ5FeLFkdl45ahdt1C7C4q-iTK00lEUCfDnChPIiPCcPErFP906Eds_Sk726FoqMFd_TJH3na8CGliQpHuvRr8UPpWbgs53CzrXxhZRP79C-rJ4xxYY_jYaXf7_vjs/s320/158.JPG" /></a> After that mixture is good and blended, toss it with the noodles.</div><div>Doesn't that look yummy?!!</div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsnNfMYgn-04k1YtwXbWCHhxA8lk6qqxA1h-652OrDlKTAz-iigq_Zyh8e6lMTrJErAEPSzpFH_tSBqe_CaPOF8wGc1qqCACZi3s2m0skWFgBuHTgCH62sMXgtzuQJcA7GV_Qh-0l7Oo/s1600/154.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463549578550572610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsnNfMYgn-04k1YtwXbWCHhxA8lk6qqxA1h-652OrDlKTAz-iigq_Zyh8e6lMTrJErAEPSzpFH_tSBqe_CaPOF8wGc1qqCACZi3s2m0skWFgBuHTgCH62sMXgtzuQJcA7GV_Qh-0l7Oo/s320/154.JPG" /></a><br />Don't believe me? Just ask the 5 year old.</div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YUYiTCR4MmUAse24NzRBbPiLwu3SwSQ8XwOUDCLtc73qHbaa-Gmi9Ua2cP2M97gqRduk6i16GP1UWOlc8l3kNSutIKwlidOlAfbeGlSpSNUW3JBj7KaPyc5h_UNcz2-N0jWWCO4OcRA/s1600/159.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463549504369230738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YUYiTCR4MmUAse24NzRBbPiLwu3SwSQ8XwOUDCLtc73qHbaa-Gmi9Ua2cP2M97gqRduk6i16GP1UWOlc8l3kNSutIKwlidOlAfbeGlSpSNUW3JBj7KaPyc5h_UNcz2-N0jWWCO4OcRA/s320/159.JPG" /></a></div></div></div><br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724851846180883891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-903965818929209266.post-51751628644621200432010-04-20T17:18:00.000-07:002010-04-20T17:21:25.299-07:00Lil Blue BooWell, if you've been reading this blog for any length of time, I'm sure you are aware of the fabulous new trend of upcycled dresses! Well, the creator of the ingenious pattern for these darling dresses is running a contest right now for a completely custom dress!!<br />You definately do NOT want to miss this opportunity.<br />Hop on over to her <a href="http://lilblueboo.blogspot.com/2010/04/win-custom-lil-blue-boo-dress.html">site</a> right now and be sure to get your entry in. :)Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724851846180883891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-903965818929209266.post-23129172411756710862010-04-19T08:39:00.000-07:002010-04-19T08:52:41.172-07:00Sunday Morning Hussle.<div align="center">Why is it that EVERY time we have to leave the house at a certain time, is when the dilly-dallying turns up a notch.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Take yesterday for example-</div><div align="center">We were on a roll. The kids were up, fed, dressed, kissed daddy goodbye as he was on his way to first service.</div><div align="center">Silly me, I took advantage of the dressed kids and jumped in the shower. Still on track, great!</div><div align="center">After the shower, dressed, hair done. "Where are my glasses?"</div><div align="center">I was seriously searching for a full 10 minutes.</div><div align="center">This is when the kids start to bicker, side-track movie on- check. :)</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Keep searching....</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Searching......</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Mind you, at this point we should have left the house 5 minutes ago.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">"Stop sitting on your brother, go wait by the door so we can go."</div><div align="center">"As soon as mommy finds her glasses, we'll head out to the car. Has anyone<em> seen</em> mommy's glasses, by the way?"</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Isaiah- "Oh yeah, their downstairs!"</div><div align="center">Me- "How did they get downstairs?"</div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Did I even go downstairs this morning?</span></em></div><div align="center">Isaiah- "I took 'em down there."</div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Of course, why am I not surprised. :)</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em> </div><div align="center">Glasses on, purse in hand, walking out the door........</div><div align="center">"Wait, Isaiah where are your shoes!!??"</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Oh goodness, 30 minutes later we are finally in the car, on our way to church, being serenaded</div><div align="center">by the sweet voice of<a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Austen-Case/125839130480?ref=ts"> Miss Austen </a>in CD player.</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724851846180883891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-903965818929209266.post-6088414810598183072010-04-17T07:47:00.000-07:002010-04-17T08:22:59.175-07:00A day at the park.<div align="left">Yesterday was such a beautiful day so I took the kiddos to the park for some fun, fresh air, and a picnic lunch. They had a blast chasing the ducks on the dock and running around the playground. We met up with my mom and the little boy she nannies for, Cyrus, and made an afternoon of it.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center">Imagine a high-pitched girly toddler squeal here. "DUCKS!!!!" :)</div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Just incase you were wondering, that was Joy, not Isaiah.</span></em></div><div align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 417px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 305px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461123652687963682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLTR4cuKramwA6-QxZhiN__L2vCqit7tOHWJRiFzDMwhiiGNcSM2zoyY0PE23W2CIYKAusR3DKzXu-gVqjOI9hiWMfRBgNd6mrKiF5R92V9K3GK3wA7DFlSUqsx5CE9fLTiO1m7tSHBc/s320/3.jpg" /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">"Cyrus, can you hear me!!??"</div><div align="center">"Yesh, Esah" <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 396px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 245px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461122891942325298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_FCIiOoXghoFpo6ylgtb5uWgjTyfpXZlneVAVR4YBa2tW7GH3P1NmCFUuL_dlSOyKBWf2vcvHxtIIk_EUU-9euHccs58lmEBnuHwaY1DlrJdfNnIkMEWTRnKTuu_CjnACQOpkOCkboQ/s320/1.jpg" /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">In unison...</div><div align="center">"Here duckies, come here duckies..... HERE!"</div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 416px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 281px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461122713937640210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DsEGlQ0YrvE-Yw-pQTWeqqHHdVewHt42kuTst-Sqfws_TPjsTPfh450eE_f4L93q_bIZHnQGFNTjQmSo6F7ZCBy6a1HcXLWv7KavttXdDW5eIPlJprXA7O3UD3RbiHgDyMWdVC7z7V4/s320/2.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Thanks for sharing our sunshiney day with us.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Hope you had fun! :)</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Also, don't forget to get your comments in to win Tawny's incredible polymer princess clippy set!!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Scroll down to find them and her interview.</span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724851846180883891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-903965818929209266.post-37217746963199424512010-04-12T09:58:00.000-07:002010-04-13T15:25:15.210-07:00Insert catchy title here......Okay, okay, I realize that the title of this post is a little hokey, but forgive me. I need more coffee, my brain is not yet working. :)<br /><br />Lots going on here, lets catch up-<br /><br />First off, Clay is gone. :( or :) I haven't decided yet. It is nice that he is off prepping the apartment for Veronica's move-in after they get married April 28th. It's so much fun watching young couples start their lives together. But, I have to say, it is different without him around the house. I keep referring to the spare bedroom as "Clay's room" even though he will never use it again. Dave teases that it will be available should he need it. Praying that Veronica and him never get in such a fight that he will.<br /><br />Second, and super exciting for me! My craft room/studio is nearly finished!!! The carpet guys came yesterday after church and last night Dave started building my cabinets and storage.<br />My cutting counter is done, with LOTS of shelves to store my fabrics and shelves up above for ribbon bins. Did I mention I was excited? Yes? Okay, moving on then. :)<br />Tonight he will be building my work space for my sewing machine, bow-making, scrapbooking, etc....<br />These pictures are BC (<em>before carpet</em>) and I realize that I don't have any of the rest of the room.<br />My work space will be right under that window there. The hole in the wall is access to the sump so he'll be building a little trap door with a lock that the kiddos won't be able to get into.<br />And the windows will be trimmed out with nice wide sills.<br />The white wall you see there peeking in the corner will be my photography area. Looking for an inexpensive high key set up. :)<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459299425501689394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHbRknIuYBVqL1Zt7v1_48g9BcEbZU4AubFB6ibPlFN_krTvOBVMDG_Ufnu303B-SjRbb2WPw91-GoTJW_GjoR-HcOovluu7wa7mHVtl5F9FHxNFgePxvtjwnOVSNKJ5jGY3v86IlyVY/s320/008.JPG" />This is the closet that now has wire shelving for more storage. I'll debating what to put on the wall there above the sump. I salvaged a beautiful window from this remodel that I'm going to repurpose as a frame. Or my fabric covered "DREAM" letters. Hmmmm.....<br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459299105973787362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOAAf-QvL6YNNEc10S1gn69HY7WIVxzD6oprdFPi1jord1Bbhs6hQQO5rVQq3oBM8DO7lDXXGxiDY4B1ZOyaq7WEcKzG89FCZinMnMbfgdr267ZFf2jmr59GbLVl5o7KaPbDLZ0BJni8/s320/006.JPG" /> </p><p>The opposite wall is where my cutting counter and fabric storage is. I'll be getting a picture of that once all my fabrics are put away.<br /><br />Speaking of fabrics, fellow blogger Sachiko of <a href="http://tearosehome.blogspot.com/">Tea Rose Home</a> is having a giveaway for some gorgeous spring fabric. Now I say this to my own detriment, I want it!! But if you love free stuff, repurposing, and fabric then you don't want to miss out. Get on over to her blog and check it out. </p><p>Thanks f0r joining me on my little tour today. Come back soon to see the finished room. Have a blessed day everyone!</p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724851846180883891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-903965818929209266.post-15234624562784426032010-04-10T07:44:00.001-07:002010-04-10T08:01:26.337-07:00I want candy......So, if you have little ones in your house I'm sure you also have a supply of Easter candy left from egg hunts, baskets, etc.....<br /><div>Also, if you have little ones, I'm sure you've heard this phrase several times a day, every day, since Easter. </div><br /><div>Now, we don't always have candy in the house. My children actually like to snack on cheese sticks, carrots, apples... But when we do, oh boy. It's like their "candy radar" goes into overdrive.</div><br /><div>This morning for example, the princess came in at 7 asking for water. I'm not sure that she is aware of the fact that Saturdays are for sleeping in.....</div><br /><div>I let her know that I'll get her some in a bit, mommy is still sleeping. To this, she asks 3 more times. I think she's been reading <a href="http://toddlerknowsbest.blogspot.com/">this blog</a> behind my back, getting tips! :) </div><br /><div>Then comes the request that I hide my giggle- "I <em>really</em> need water" ugh "I <em>really</em> need to sleep".</div><br /><div>To this I get pokes in the back, as she has, ever so gracefully, already climbed into bed with us.<br />"mom.................mom......................mommy...................mooooommmmmmyyyyyy I'm thirsty"</div><br /><div>okay okay okay. I am now up.</div><br /><div>After the little girl is placated with her water bottle, a quiet movie, and a snuggle on the couch comes the next request.....<em> I need candy</em>. </div><br /><div>I can't wait until the Easter candy is gone. :)<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458523366474261218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2zkM8eM5Ls_8qeDG9lhUjV7piqeS02KOv-LjGImNDA_F08ktzs-LyfHInFiXyNNoLb0X9BooNG1lpheWKFAsWHiXpRwKvHV9pTbYwR5N0TMpkQExJ-nsAyYO0Uye-t7ZLrn603Jkf3A/s320/5.jpg" /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724851846180883891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-903965818929209266.post-28634110825817482822010-04-05T20:03:00.000-07:002010-04-05T21:20:15.271-07:00March Designer Feature....I am pleased to have as my first designer feature, a dear friend of mine. She is an incredibly talented polymer artist. We own several of her creative works of art. I have known Tawny for many years in the boutique world and I am honored to have her here and share this great talent with all of you. So without further ado...<br /><br /><strong>Tawnya of Bada*Blingg Designs!</strong><br />************<br /><br /><strong>Tell us a little about you, your family and life outside of designing-</strong><br /><em>My name is Tawny, the designer behind Bada*Blingg. I have been married to my super chef hubby for 9 years now. We have 4 amazing children: London (15), Austin (14), Cj (8), and our princess Bella (5).</em><br /><br /><strong>Where can one find your designs?</strong><br /><em>My designs can be found at-</em><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BadaBlingg">http://www.etsy.com/shop/BadaBlingg</a><br /><em></em><br /><em>You can also check out my designs, sneak peeks, and other random stuff at-</em><br /><a href="mailto:dailyicing@blogspot.com">dailyicing@blogspot.com</a><br /><em>While your there be sure to sign up for my newsletter!</em><br /><em>Website coming soon!!!!</em><br /><em><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 272px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 331px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456858929444792130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHS6DdNQ3th-lFJfR98lFy4jv67yCZwWSzYmHAKoyfUTu8g5iGEpViwD04HLaQIf2wbMy1VKwfTbbkj7PiQqv_YenRBDBNaa3W4yDMALDbwsZ62uwT_MzdiKdhfEOhf7-syW2GKYFWPX4/s320/100_5804.jpg" /></em><br /><strong>When did the crafting bug first hit you?</strong><br /><em>I have been crafting since I was a kid... I spent the summers with my grandmother and she would keep me busy with pottery, macrame, that kind of thing. And now as an adult, I find if I'm not making something with my hands, I get a bit skitish.... LOL!</em><br /><br /><strong>Is there a design that you are particularly proud of and why?</strong><br /><em>I have been so proud of many of my designs.... I don't know if I could really nail down just one. But I was simply giddy the first time I listed a set of my princess clippies and watched my first bidding war begin.... it was the coolest feeling!!!</em><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456856365242546034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA4QvwNr8AMgDVEoY5-6XNHBFINXcZpW3kyCDMnDNFVAMi6DhU0KFCTrAhD0iQ2AaPiQXmGxEx9seHpbq9C1kkSPjDLuluc4GpDHc1sg6pWArUdZ8JGSJydhDBCSo8jre-ZHEVIal0w1k/s320/PiPPi1.JPG" /><br /><strong>What inspires your designs? Where do you get your ideas?</strong><br /><em>My daughter really is what inspires my designs.. if she likes something, one of my sketches or a particular character, it sells.....</em><br /><em>I get most of my ideas as I'm falling asleep at night. So I keep a sketch pad by the bed. I've gotten some of my best designs that way!!</em><br /><br /><strong>Any advice for designers just getting started?</strong><br /><em>Think outside the box.. and never give up!!!</em><br /><em>Oh, and take good pics!!!! LOL!</em><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456856303974002642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqLKugUq9IIm6X29mwtxRTP_GGagBjxlMA7rCqlueTwQmovHqA9jB4Xdl4-VMpaaFQKl3LRItyHhxdOmJ0t1w3haNkTheacXJlhyJJivarg-55dftMmwp6xcOxBhj7gBdp8HzLFWEhi0/s320/035.JPG" /><br /><strong>Anything else you'd like to add?</strong><br /><em>A big Thanks to Mel for asking me to be the first designer interview! I'm honored!!!!</em><br />********<br />Well, a big Thanks to you too Tawny! I am thrilled that you took time to share a little with everyone!<br /><br />Want a chance to own a fabulous Bada*Blingg creation??? Tawny has been gracious enough to offer a set of her princess hair clippies.<br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#33ccff;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#33ccff;">How to enter:</span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#33ccff;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">Leave a comment with your email address. </span></div><div align="center"><em>(So you can be contacted if you win!)</em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#33ccff;">Want to be entered again?</span></strong></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Follow my blog. Already a follower? Just remind me in a comment.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#33ccff;">Another entry?</span></strong></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Share with your friends: your blog, facebook, etc...</div><div align="center">Let me know where and you'll get an entry for each spot. :)</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#33ccff;"><strong>Yet another entry??????</strong></span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Yep! Hop on over and check out Tawny's blog, and her etsy shop.</div><div align="center">Let me know what your fave is and you'll get an entry for each item you share that you like.</div><div align="center">She's got some pretty amazing stuff, and no, I'm not just sayin' that!<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 241px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456856413534200050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheziG70-kez8zlYqvDFyQEZHrO7eax-5_lijp3a9EveDdZCyZfMjbwFcH2KnX43XA5BHcvIcU4sW_8VQ2VXjHEeCifT_9XsAPRQA-j5pCBgZsFMLEoFI1g_Q7VgvTF8nYqHyi8uvu-4Tc/s320/DisPclips1.jpg" /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">How <span style="font-size:180%;">CUTE</span> are these!!!</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Seriously, you know you want to win them, don't you???!!</span></strong> </div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724851846180883891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-903965818929209266.post-88194892031491537432010-04-01T20:45:00.000-07:002010-04-01T20:57:57.155-07:00Coming into your world....<div align="center">Does anyone remember that movie?<br /></div><div align="center"><em>Pippi Longstocking, coming in to your world...</em> </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I haven't seen it in ages, but now I have that song stuck in my head. And of course, those are the only words I can remember!! Isn't that always the way.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Anyway, I found this adorable shirt while hunting for supplies for more upcycled shirt dresses. I thought it was WAY too cute to pass up. My favorite part is the edges. I left 'em raw so that the knit will curl up in the wash. Give it a very Pippi-esque quality. :) </div><div align="center"><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455384093735135778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-o6K29BEKu2j2eqSNmvp-WPPJnlpEjJpWTBKXFSvzMw2ka1VgVwEv0PkKBUu_-aOXljnEXw07Z1ipD482NzyN_5jxkNeQG9rpTSJlS1MAeg7FfL_sFPaDh94n9l8AYCntNnF6zyk_is/s320/008.JPG" /> <p align="center"><br />I'm sure by the end of summer, Joy's closet will be <strong>FULL</strong> of these fun dresses!<br /><br />Linking up to.....<a href="http://tearosehome.blogspot.com/2010/03/link-party-time.html"></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 157px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455382995120274866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSM3Wp6qPGsjpzN1G4smtJclRrUZfnGIeby8hxOuJstT8VFm2KyOG3oC8x8tIAoRJvathn9JWUO8oTYzcd8Kvvo_V4Xcf4EsjZNFA4OXan8po80BL32UT6xtUs6m7ffCZ9AnKBvTrCKg8/s320/GrabButtonLinkParty.jpg" /></a><a href="http://lovinmylovebugs.blogspot.com/2010/04/welcome-welcome-its-that-time-again-let.html"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 198px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 141px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455382389344370050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2uR4Dq-qfRNfMfXqnDOhpvcLdOc8Qqt_-eGO4fWnCC1ODVCIunNSQd4RF21INbWDLNIbexXfSDL4zZD96zhQZfw-uG3rh2hkZYM_Vgd98MefjSkJ7OJW6EHcg0rzZy2tWQkGxe3OtmAY/s320/welcome.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 172px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 171px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455382622865694946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNy8fThBcUsc7fqaoavmmy7tt5L5vyd4gy6a6Z5KYssRnYXeOE7PP2l7VwIR1vS8Y0BmQlWaLu5DwEK5EHMJaCe1SAJyoqXKIkPYrm335IIGEBMPM4L00guNqI2zj38WgjWY-JyX1YNhY/s320/featureyourselffridaybuttoncopy.png" /> </a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724851846180883891noreply@blogger.com3