tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24609514443173290732024-03-05T01:34:47.091-07:00se la cava.Gina Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06241520303759154123noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460951444317329073.post-65908801200480793182012-04-20T05:52:00.001-06:002012-04-20T05:52:00.465-06:00What I'm Reading<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjYp4d_tYMK7M_VpXtWAwGSYCrBECcoVjRNM6QQkAkFW3lS8qzQ4rJhtTa4IhfQzH8a2vIbAowpVhlDrbmXHq3BETn78cim3bDb96WaenUpeDvkD-mRiYHnv1JOV7XTx0AgMhvKWuBIE0/s1600/DSC04073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjYp4d_tYMK7M_VpXtWAwGSYCrBECcoVjRNM6QQkAkFW3lS8qzQ4rJhtTa4IhfQzH8a2vIbAowpVhlDrbmXHq3BETn78cim3bDb96WaenUpeDvkD-mRiYHnv1JOV7XTx0AgMhvKWuBIE0/s640/DSC04073.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I read this one a while ago and forgot to write about it. Well here it is... I loved it. I was definitely skeptical going into this read because honestly I didn't think Stephenie Meyer is that great of a storyteller, but this was not what I was expecting. The whole story line was so thoughtful and intriguing. It is based on a time where Earth has been overrun with aliens who take over human bodies. Most human souls disappear once the alien invades, but some fight back. The story follows a host body who inhabits both an alien and the original soul the body belongs to and the struggle that ensues. The book also highlights the life of a small group of humans who are among the few the aliens have not yet overtaken. There is a little bit of a love story going on as well, but not so much that my husband didn't also enjoy this read. Oh and they are turning this into a movie! You may have seen the teaser if you went to see Hunger Games in theaters.</div>Gina Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06241520303759154123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460951444317329073.post-40905566653267830452012-04-19T06:30:00.001-06:002012-04-19T06:30:02.861-06:00Quick Headband<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoZI7hq_049T0U567b8cNO0AawY9TfNzdKqb7oHRdwQD7h4xegDwrMsolIxm557QNcdD-6cbUjaychugze502N_hiEL_5d1TkLF2_MNoLrpoQQVoQqgwKWDEJreNlQPcikL-LJkErxfht/s1600/DSC04339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoZI7hq_049T0U567b8cNO0AawY9TfNzdKqb7oHRdwQD7h4xegDwrMsolIxm557QNcdD-6cbUjaychugze502N_hiEL_5d1TkLF2_MNoLrpoQQVoQqgwKWDEJreNlQPcikL-LJkErxfht/s640/DSC04339.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>With a quick trip to Idaho in the works I managed to squeeze in the time to make a headband for my daughter to wear on Easter Sunday.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkKub-zEJ-aZ1u15HFYacLD3jlmmVmJrcahAaQgcRkyGUWS2_vXekiIJZo-whyphenhyphenYADf-_9O6ElXrJvnRQE26Xg5TriY_zo2PVlDu6AolEcvZ-7irFX0lpBqqpgRFKbmEdPQ7xMiXbMd_pc/s1600/DSC04314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkKub-zEJ-aZ1u15HFYacLD3jlmmVmJrcahAaQgcRkyGUWS2_vXekiIJZo-whyphenhyphenYADf-_9O6ElXrJvnRQE26Xg5TriY_zo2PVlDu6AolEcvZ-7irFX0lpBqqpgRFKbmEdPQ7xMiXbMd_pc/s640/DSC04314.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I started with a pre-made stretchy headband and added some bias tape with hot glue to make a base for the clippie to attach.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGT7y6TxFwh9ZRq-BRWcnR64FTJLkZjNthKVZIKFox2tpmWIB8BIQt4RooZQlqNQcNTWBJSsfWAmhQv5bw23JvxCcq93sZKXZd4UcnJ3Hu2vz5u1dSrrbuCpBC8I-OPgr3nHBadNtO3Q9c/s1600/DSC04312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGT7y6TxFwh9ZRq-BRWcnR64FTJLkZjNthKVZIKFox2tpmWIB8BIQt4RooZQlqNQcNTWBJSsfWAmhQv5bw23JvxCcq93sZKXZd4UcnJ3Hu2vz5u1dSrrbuCpBC8I-OPgr3nHBadNtO3Q9c/s640/DSC04312.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Using a <a href="http://jennozkan.com/2010/uncategorized/pattern-small-rosette/">free pattern</a> I crocheted this super quick little flower. To the original chain 27, I added a few extra chains in order to make a slightly larger flower.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWp82NxrxqYHu9eID5IccVV9Ue1nZPr9VMNkYPNVs1PwdE-uftoYJhKpTpvF6KR8iLsP8en7GKpghua_0zEdJhgboROk48qNmoFaK5WJ5e-NBG1iA5e1hsH7Nny8d7dUNFiyx68frB-x1W/s1600/DSC04311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWp82NxrxqYHu9eID5IccVV9Ue1nZPr9VMNkYPNVs1PwdE-uftoYJhKpTpvF6KR8iLsP8en7GKpghua_0zEdJhgboROk48qNmoFaK5WJ5e-NBG1iA5e1hsH7Nny8d7dUNFiyx68frB-x1W/s640/DSC04311.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> To the back of the flower I hot glued a metal clip and then hot glued a felt circle on top of that.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFWsBfGPgUcXj6zEuwlMZ8IdrFsSWrcZ4fvL1H9fqLIrHfI4Jr4o8UWIuuOTYOxkEb6mbogrZBiCD6dGGJ7bNBLPU3VcEBKkA4YegNtznWbOTRkPoFpGRs5OD6795za-2-cvvssVdgsZU/s1600/DSC04307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFWsBfGPgUcXj6zEuwlMZ8IdrFsSWrcZ4fvL1H9fqLIrHfI4Jr4o8UWIuuOTYOxkEb6mbogrZBiCD6dGGJ7bNBLPU3VcEBKkA4YegNtznWbOTRkPoFpGRs5OD6795za-2-cvvssVdgsZU/s640/DSC04307.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Complete! And very cute. Too bad my daughter refused to wear the headband, but thank goodness the removable clippie worked either way.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0qBohyphenhyphen_ZZKuG_0SAjCj3fotGCyFZzGPFOOF5ScJOTIBsyzTNigPXdSQgsH3AbcEnQoWZL0laeo2289q9KsacaPiKXpd2lfTQrfEuMOwHmpdIepzb9_BPaEE0Fj-_chj_OjouJsD9Xk9I/s1600/DSC04334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0qBohyphenhyphen_ZZKuG_0SAjCj3fotGCyFZzGPFOOF5ScJOTIBsyzTNigPXdSQgsH3AbcEnQoWZL0laeo2289q9KsacaPiKXpd2lfTQrfEuMOwHmpdIepzb9_BPaEE0Fj-_chj_OjouJsD9Xk9I/s640/DSC04334.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think my daughter has gone long enough without a bunch of mama-made hair accessories. With how easy this whipped up I think I'll be up for making more to go with every outfit.</div>Gina Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06241520303759154123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460951444317329073.post-74622327401618390872012-04-18T22:49:00.000-06:002012-04-18T22:49:02.915-06:00EasterI have been a little preoccupied lately, but I do have lots of things to post about once I take the time to get it all written down. First I need to do a little backtracking and show off my daughter's Easter outfit...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUGkH2R0wwmxDxfMlZOzGSbp94Hw8WvvzcaUjhBcdEEQgHE6ArFdcbZL3vMZudSSvruDdf3srtTmV38DiA33UH-HUFeKp2yzqAw3J_B2lK5hJeGMBpjJMVoCo1TtwtTyx5hSEpH4hkSQs/s1600/DSC04336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUGkH2R0wwmxDxfMlZOzGSbp94Hw8WvvzcaUjhBcdEEQgHE6ArFdcbZL3vMZudSSvruDdf3srtTmV38DiA33UH-HUFeKp2yzqAw3J_B2lK5hJeGMBpjJMVoCo1TtwtTyx5hSEpH4hkSQs/s640/DSC04336.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>The dress and cardigan were supplied by her grandmother and the hair clip I made myself as a last minute addition. She is just too dang cute! We spent the weekend with family in Idaho and had a wonderful time. The day before Easter was spent hunting eggs...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAS7SEEBQhrYXmRea7a5pFjsjya4YYMRQ7sBsGpm-AyqV_8MWtvDZU_0N7f3xksPR7UJ08WiUuUEY7u3uWK-2xxXe5fJEwD5DJ8rDavvmLd2LYRoxYZmMJcW7xX-OgUR1tmFzvmV3Jz1GN/s1600/DSC04319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAS7SEEBQhrYXmRea7a5pFjsjya4YYMRQ7sBsGpm-AyqV_8MWtvDZU_0N7f3xksPR7UJ08WiUuUEY7u3uWK-2xxXe5fJEwD5DJ8rDavvmLd2LYRoxYZmMJcW7xX-OgUR1tmFzvmV3Jz1GN/s640/DSC04319.JPG" width="480" /></a></div> This was my daughter's first time being involved in this tradition and she got right to work.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmW3UAFsYGvE8hyvsNg9rygD2vSmlEe-EjCEkgnkU8Vy-Ujd2-ygGZOtmRxPY6QDlB1wJkaa5w3EZkH8c7ZOeV7LgX4NVm2-oNSiKv__KNqvOYuQ0HXRf576JrrqcvHnwSjjOZHX7FjF_/s1600/DSC04322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmW3UAFsYGvE8hyvsNg9rygD2vSmlEe-EjCEkgnkU8Vy-Ujd2-ygGZOtmRxPY6QDlB1wJkaa5w3EZkH8c7ZOeV7LgX4NVm2-oNSiKv__KNqvOYuQ0HXRf576JrrqcvHnwSjjOZHX7FjF_/s640/DSC04322.JPG" width="480" /></a></div> And it took some serious concentration to get every last egg put away in her basket. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zxSguC85jN0c9027b6zutdnKkNrwi6bLG_5FQHrhd9cKp2LOUUDxZpWITVpfJDVk-W7-Sp-TeOhUaCgrQxclIdN2qNeKEDTWN9gbxO0sWcCozaqSPvmoNQTWRSjNvm54_Xn3TpZHG0x2/s1600/DSC04324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zxSguC85jN0c9027b6zutdnKkNrwi6bLG_5FQHrhd9cKp2LOUUDxZpWITVpfJDVk-W7-Sp-TeOhUaCgrQxclIdN2qNeKEDTWN9gbxO0sWcCozaqSPvmoNQTWRSjNvm54_Xn3TpZHG0x2/s640/DSC04324.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Her 2 year old cousin was so adorable. She spent more time picking up eggs for my daughter than she did for herself.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRT16B0W5G80ttz6PeqeeBE73as-TIa19DzKSVI8iP-63xmfqiq8b0eGJcp56PhnBu8YhzSe8Y8X_63G9TVvH7VvrpBw3VMhYbDT_rZNlyGT4gMwhv6tITIBmu37-FeaDKrN5ZwtxBYuLu/s1600/DSC04318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRT16B0W5G80ttz6PeqeeBE73as-TIa19DzKSVI8iP-63xmfqiq8b0eGJcp56PhnBu8YhzSe8Y8X_63G9TVvH7VvrpBw3VMhYbDT_rZNlyGT4gMwhv6tITIBmu37-FeaDKrN5ZwtxBYuLu/s640/DSC04318.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>More craft projects coming soon!Gina Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06241520303759154123noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460951444317329073.post-70081786442620051562012-04-04T06:00:00.001-06:002012-04-04T06:00:04.528-06:00Mini Photo Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">I put together this little photo album for my daughter to flip through when I need her quietly occupied. It is a compilation of mostly pictures of her, but also pictures of my husband and I as children and of course, a few pictures of our dog.</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzqusyR6lM-l7K1XJLW9IHDLzjqIAf5ylW3fR1ZxVAAMKSZQ8azBhcf_98xrY2sjzW1Hh7VG3d-pjLOlVkIl9V1MX1M83BkragH7M0FT8o2SyKixA9rLPs5L4jAOB3xJNPFZtZAJRm_Lz/s1600/DSC04293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzqusyR6lM-l7K1XJLW9IHDLzjqIAf5ylW3fR1ZxVAAMKSZQ8azBhcf_98xrY2sjzW1Hh7VG3d-pjLOlVkIl9V1MX1M83BkragH7M0FT8o2SyKixA9rLPs5L4jAOB3xJNPFZtZAJRm_Lz/s640/DSC04293.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>It wasn't important for this to be a high-quality keepsake. My main goal was to complete the book quickly. I did go through the extra effort to add labels to each photo using picasa, but I made sure it was a very quick process. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALpektI7OnM9oKYY12NNcaEeNhJSRFYD_lPISDRkrUka2q-sxVOdDOr8f9IWVS6cNGgWaIikdi6RDyKqPphI7lecGcb9KW6D9ra0gbvZpMTKN7Djo7jRtdvquvdg4_7ezyqekHZFalm8z/s1600/DSC04295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALpektI7OnM9oKYY12NNcaEeNhJSRFYD_lPISDRkrUka2q-sxVOdDOr8f9IWVS6cNGgWaIikdi6RDyKqPphI7lecGcb9KW6D9ra0gbvZpMTKN7Djo7jRtdvquvdg4_7ezyqekHZFalm8z/s640/DSC04295.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I cropped every photo to be oriented the same way even if it made the picture awkward so that it would be easier for my 1 year old to flip through and look at each picture at the correct angle. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pbLMH0Z5jo7-gtw7JdzlYjNdaXgCt-WmulfuGVRNepeA-Yut0iS-sApzrnEIXUdE0MPAC3tHp-FVNGrX-OmWnKfAgoE5MZvjbTPDPkQi5Gwmpdn-w7L9Etg209U5LndSw1t-6ig04j9n/s1600/DSC04297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pbLMH0Z5jo7-gtw7JdzlYjNdaXgCt-WmulfuGVRNepeA-Yut0iS-sApzrnEIXUdE0MPAC3tHp-FVNGrX-OmWnKfAgoE5MZvjbTPDPkQi5Gwmpdn-w7L9Etg209U5LndSw1t-6ig04j9n/s640/DSC04297.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The flip book cost me a dollar at walmart and was meant to hold 24 pictures. Using the front and back sleeve you could easily fit in an extra 4. I left the very back blank so I ended up with 27 total photos. My cover photo was a 4x6 just like the others, but I then cut it down slightly to show the existing backdrop. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldz4J9ltBugu-zT3GABIKrgwWEL-EhC-5f7jm_HEDQRFtQbuBoLRcFpOhHsY767PWRkBZuiORB_Z1FydxSsQfF0bo343lkpYHZNW-sCmo2L-tqh3E769tlRRzMHLfbXEIePfjkcZvi_f9/s1600/DSC04299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldz4J9ltBugu-zT3GABIKrgwWEL-EhC-5f7jm_HEDQRFtQbuBoLRcFpOhHsY767PWRkBZuiORB_Z1FydxSsQfF0bo343lkpYHZNW-sCmo2L-tqh3E769tlRRzMHLfbXEIePfjkcZvi_f9/s640/DSC04299.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>As evidence of her little fingers being in practically every photo, my daughter loves her book. (Who doesn't love looking at themselves?) I want to make another one featuring extended family members and one showcasing the letters of the alphabet. Such an easy and rewarding "craft".Gina Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06241520303759154123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460951444317329073.post-79738251639417609692012-04-03T06:17:00.001-06:002012-04-03T06:17:00.731-06:00Easter Basket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is April and Easter is almost here. Last year my daughter was only a couple of months old and missed out on the festivities. I think this year she'll be old enough to "hunt" for her own eggs. So of course I had to come up with a cute basket for her to hold all her goodies in! Here is my free-to-me solution:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQUcnmXmQFFi-13TkrymFQVia0NACDQCHLsQyDx8FGZ0y4246YwVG1GNGIWin8i5-Lj-h1GFsIVp33m_FyApQiRHxlZDA77BAug7YKtmNuI8BhjREhqfk99fA7_NZBaS8_tJ11ebuO6aZ/s1600/DSC04232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQUcnmXmQFFi-13TkrymFQVia0NACDQCHLsQyDx8FGZ0y4246YwVG1GNGIWin8i5-Lj-h1GFsIVp33m_FyApQiRHxlZDA77BAug7YKtmNuI8BhjREhqfk99fA7_NZBaS8_tJ11ebuO6aZ/s640/DSC04232.JPG" width="480" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I started with this basket I have had sitting around forever that a friend donated to me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hxJmwVGrap3UenY5uW9Yz1n9ZmKceuAj0CK7lsIm3VPLowh_zQm7RA7wsORBk82d5M-mmUD8G2mMlGc1BXJBNrELA_E9NiSh3nMpmTWQqua36P1ri1YWg04xPKMlrNZ7faXeYnve1thh/s1600/DSC04207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hxJmwVGrap3UenY5uW9Yz1n9ZmKceuAj0CK7lsIm3VPLowh_zQm7RA7wsORBk82d5M-mmUD8G2mMlGc1BXJBNrELA_E9NiSh3nMpmTWQqua36P1ri1YWg04xPKMlrNZ7faXeYnve1thh/s640/DSC04207.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I didn't like the existing gold ribbon so I replaced it with this thick white lace trim using a little hot glue here and there to keep it from slipping off. I also added thin pink ribbon with hot glue around the body of the basket.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrdCiotNmbo7XYXhLwYVz3stP3gUEVzzAqEwNRN7868mRgPzx2lg8wf1tM0Rb4csk-k-kbCZcxUDh6_3Q6pTIAOJuH4qsTIXrM375_Q1-6ZOnO2kqQ1uZ5QDUgTFaV9AzdYhENHNfA4sr/s1600/DSC04208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrdCiotNmbo7XYXhLwYVz3stP3gUEVzzAqEwNRN7868mRgPzx2lg8wf1tM0Rb4csk-k-kbCZcxUDh6_3Q6pTIAOJuH4qsTIXrM375_Q1-6ZOnO2kqQ1uZ5QDUgTFaV9AzdYhENHNfA4sr/s640/DSC04208.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally I added a bunch of rosettes over the ribbon seam. I am pretty sure most of the rosettes were made from old t-shirts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATuIK7XbEp9lSmgbMjO-2b0HtV7hhCFM7w7T9QmoEyyNRE6Q0vdQn1Sx5PHJYJUJ-d3Poq8PrWybyUVnZ5Ljyw-lwGOoGxqcLS846PMRZTfwMXJNX-kbYFOmKoTvktNOotYDPj59u1chyphenhyphen/s1600/DSC04238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATuIK7XbEp9lSmgbMjO-2b0HtV7hhCFM7w7T9QmoEyyNRE6Q0vdQn1Sx5PHJYJUJ-d3Poq8PrWybyUVnZ5Ljyw-lwGOoGxqcLS846PMRZTfwMXJNX-kbYFOmKoTvktNOotYDPj59u1chyphenhyphen/s640/DSC04238.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can't wait to see this little basket in action!</div>Gina Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06241520303759154123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460951444317329073.post-41692204300245806632012-03-23T06:00:00.001-06:002012-03-23T06:00:00.461-06:00Pipe Cleaner Matching Game<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMplyUvNG8qvYo_ArSB2ciUcVt1Ag22IB26XkmTsGg4HOct5AHY-iqYBfaotXAZtI3bTs9MVrhLPKlkOlJji3UQ3g4azdlfKHViGGKr7C-_wA9e-faVTOCqeFuGM53Yyv-MiLnsTt0K-s/s1600/DSC04226+-+Copy+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMplyUvNG8qvYo_ArSB2ciUcVt1Ag22IB26XkmTsGg4HOct5AHY-iqYBfaotXAZtI3bTs9MVrhLPKlkOlJji3UQ3g4azdlfKHViGGKr7C-_wA9e-faVTOCqeFuGM53Yyv-MiLnsTt0K-s/s640/DSC04226+-+Copy+(2).JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is another great, easy, cheap activity I put together for our upcoming road trip. The activity simply involves sticking the pipe cleaners through the holes. For older kids it can also be a color matching game (stick the correctly colored pipe cleaner through its coordinating hole.) I found the idea for this <a href="http://engagingtoddleractivities.wordpress.com/2010/05/14/increased-difficulty-to-pipe-cleaner-toy/">here.</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSb5TcDYwDXJjWkUHJRasMIg5VAqYgdhI5Gi7pX-Hjy5QFGyDZBB8O33tHKNCgFT_hN8z-ytwYzx4IrO6AUksEsojha_iQ-SQjwlN7QhJdzqQHDjkYTMD5niZmhpHqGXqgQlDlr2UAHQPl/s1600/DSC04228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSb5TcDYwDXJjWkUHJRasMIg5VAqYgdhI5Gi7pX-Hjy5QFGyDZBB8O33tHKNCgFT_hN8z-ytwYzx4IrO6AUksEsojha_iQ-SQjwlN7QhJdzqQHDjkYTMD5niZmhpHqGXqgQlDlr2UAHQPl/s640/DSC04228.JPG" width="480" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In order to make this for your own toddler, take an old canister (chip or oatmeal containers work great) and pop holes in the top. I found using a pen or thick nail worked much better than a knife. Add reinforcement labels to each hole and color them if desired. Since my daughter is so young my final step was to fold each pipe cleaner in half to make it easier for her. Easy right?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgLgoBp6VVwwuQGnQP9aPfZgZdf55RTzM8VUGZ0xIt20D9Xo-poz4XLHyjK6iNh800LmZc-ppll0SlJulLcBfZQgxw7e9IE4KifzLRlKHrOd7ZZ24rH195aU3ONzm9ypAIJl4u1M2vZW6/s1600/DSC04224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgLgoBp6VVwwuQGnQP9aPfZgZdf55RTzM8VUGZ0xIt20D9Xo-poz4XLHyjK6iNh800LmZc-ppll0SlJulLcBfZQgxw7e9IE4KifzLRlKHrOd7ZZ24rH195aU3ONzm9ypAIJl4u1M2vZW6/s640/DSC04224.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I also went a step further and covered my container in material. I would have used paper, but this is what I had on hand and I didn't want to buy anything. I hemmed two sides using my sewing machine, glued the top hem to the top of the cannister using hot glue, and glued the side hem over the side raw edge. On the bottom I made cuts every few inches in order to glue down smoothly.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUdTeEDR6hDrEkhLLWLXMvvQAGtxWZxaEANqEO4YVygv0JzxYfOtlklhjGsha8TkaN1Kw9jWIGBWii8CsH94JKvxhgUsifAmvhlY0TlGDDn1FNoGrbpiN2_bhw0pFLjNfLsjpwGcGrQUy/s1600/DSC04225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUdTeEDR6hDrEkhLLWLXMvvQAGtxWZxaEANqEO4YVygv0JzxYfOtlklhjGsha8TkaN1Kw9jWIGBWii8CsH94JKvxhgUsifAmvhlY0TlGDDn1FNoGrbpiN2_bhw0pFLjNfLsjpwGcGrQUy/s640/DSC04225.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>Honestly, my sixteen-month old has a hard time doing this. She does try really hard and it holds her attention for a while, but it isn't easy for her. I don't think it will be too much longer that she will be able to fully enjoy this though.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFf6K4lXzaXmS7zVLPN7h6h9CyZY4awr5Ao1iOmBSS-k9GnEC9tNFwZM4g6Q0JY69ARoDDrINsB9cAmgc01uMbTbZDZ7waQM8xB3rsi2z8wyrNN0IZ54NVZiEZ9kzTic4PFbbNodjlxyf/s1600/DSC04230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFf6K4lXzaXmS7zVLPN7h6h9CyZY4awr5Ao1iOmBSS-k9GnEC9tNFwZM4g6Q0JY69ARoDDrINsB9cAmgc01uMbTbZDZ7waQM8xB3rsi2z8wyrNN0IZ54NVZiEZ9kzTic4PFbbNodjlxyf/s640/DSC04230.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>Gina Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06241520303759154123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460951444317329073.post-45967057364523936192012-03-21T06:00:00.001-06:002012-03-21T06:00:16.950-06:00Ruffled Clutch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbiyCkjWTclMjQUlgMeI1j-1LtMgfO2JlmFmn-JsdxhdCFTLTFQeb0IPzpaKh293lxyLCEv-eeBqXkscofOxOX53cSTU9MZWkARdNvSYQzHXCLa16r_6ET9Ict7U83t8eaHhJ3Qzi91-9m/s1600/DSC04170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbiyCkjWTclMjQUlgMeI1j-1LtMgfO2JlmFmn-JsdxhdCFTLTFQeb0IPzpaKh293lxyLCEv-eeBqXkscofOxOX53cSTU9MZWkARdNvSYQzHXCLa16r_6ET9Ict7U83t8eaHhJ3Qzi91-9m/s640/DSC04170.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>A friend and I got together to do some crafting and I worked up this cute little clutch. I just love it! The <a href="http://www.noodle-head.com/2010/04/gathered-clutch-tutorial.html">free pattern</a> came from Noodlehead.com and it was easier than I originally thought including sewing in my very first zipper.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBesEodD39r-Yq2HzisQ0LYR2KVoxv_awUxpg4quVvZ6pYmJQ3Py9kCuQvvlE_NfE6uaL3ohxTrmf9toj6d88H32uWCgItBSr5IEs88gsqKAQ4ixEZMA8Ummz322oUB9CnwdxBfo4IX0D/s1600/P3020149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBesEodD39r-Yq2HzisQ0LYR2KVoxv_awUxpg4quVvZ6pYmJQ3Py9kCuQvvlE_NfE6uaL3ohxTrmf9toj6d88H32uWCgItBSr5IEs88gsqKAQ4ixEZMA8Ummz322oUB9CnwdxBfo4IX0D/s640/P3020149.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Here is all of the crafting goodness laid out all over her living room. Her daughter was kind enough to happily bounce in a doorway swing the whole time and keep us entertained. It was wonderful and I had an excuse to get some projects out of the way.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNNHG9ZZ6sysQ-8PUjwludNQPr2lNpd_8XIm223u6oVy_po4svnpkXBj3J014QcBn_vxGE8oL_NwjeqQ7MdA8UTov1C_6PvRPuRVOiYKsftfNzC1RhSVEvosJvPPcYhoPmK5MisDpcS4C/s1600/P3020152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNNHG9ZZ6sysQ-8PUjwludNQPr2lNpd_8XIm223u6oVy_po4svnpkXBj3J014QcBn_vxGE8oL_NwjeqQ7MdA8UTov1C_6PvRPuRVOiYKsftfNzC1RhSVEvosJvPPcYhoPmK5MisDpcS4C/s640/P3020152.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The hardest part honestly was choosing which fabrics I wanted from my stash and then cutting out all of the pieces. I didn't have any fusible interfacing and used an extra piece of muslin in its place. Also my zipper started out way too long, but it wasn't a problem to just shorten it with some scissors.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXv3A9C2JtlSXx87mDbXdnIPEsyYVoom7AsVdf9D8KZBNi9BtT0J3zz42HIT8jsfePz3_N9NDr2SnQWklQRIT7X6F7uSE0h5_QdF5VKUEiRX0GJgm0xKwOnpbqQdJkp-whZCgr0a0UncPP/s1600/DSC04179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXv3A9C2JtlSXx87mDbXdnIPEsyYVoom7AsVdf9D8KZBNi9BtT0J3zz42HIT8jsfePz3_N9NDr2SnQWklQRIT7X6F7uSE0h5_QdF5VKUEiRX0GJgm0xKwOnpbqQdJkp-whZCgr0a0UncPP/s640/DSC04179.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love all of the options Noodlehead gives for inside compartments. I added two cardholder spots to mine. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am seeing more of these in my future.</div>Gina Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06241520303759154123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460951444317329073.post-18130828930934828772012-03-19T20:20:00.000-06:002012-03-19T21:00:48.864-06:00Cheddar Bay Biscuits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I haven't been to Red Lobster's Restaurant in several years, but the one thing I remember about eating there is their blissful biscuits. This <a href="http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2010/03/cheddar-bay-biscuits.html">homemade recipe</a> came out exactly how I remember them. Soo good. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLacPDY9NWcJV2X-4wrEzWzogEhcz0L1Pc7oR56YI86gdSlF-yH2-xp1KHb3jk_AcDsXmjQ9iu61GNLKzd4P_4FkKnT3Jplj_orUFLiUkUlWeUJCbry55bp-W2g7YOkr-edg0ksfNHfBA/s1600/DSC04185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLacPDY9NWcJV2X-4wrEzWzogEhcz0L1Pc7oR56YI86gdSlF-yH2-xp1KHb3jk_AcDsXmjQ9iu61GNLKzd4P_4FkKnT3Jplj_orUFLiUkUlWeUJCbry55bp-W2g7YOkr-edg0ksfNHfBA/s640/DSC04185.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Biscuits:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 1/2 cups Bisquick</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4 Tbsp cold butter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3/4 cup milk</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/4 tsp garlic powder</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Butter Glaze:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3 Tbsp butter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/2 tsp garlic powder</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3/4 tsp dried parsley flakes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease or line one cookie sheet with parchment; set aside.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Combine Bisquick with cold butter in a medium bowl using a pastry cutter (<b>I just used a fork</b>). Don't worry about mixing too thoroughly; there will be small chunks of butter in the mix about the size of peas. Add cheddar cheese, milk, and garlic powder. Mix by hand until combined, but don't over mix. <b>Dough will be very dry and crumbly.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Drop 1/4 cup portions of the dough onto the lightly greased or parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake for 13-15 minutes in preheated oven until the tops of the biscuits begin to turn light brown.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While the biscuits are baking, melt butter in a small bowl in the microwave. Stir in garlic powder and dried parsley flakes. Use a brush to spread the garlic butter over the tops of all the biscuits (<b>I just spooned the mixture on top)</b>. Sprinkle a little kosher salt on the freshly coated biscuits. Makes one dozen.</div>Gina Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06241520303759154123noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460951444317329073.post-83438808088559244122012-03-16T12:45:00.001-06:002012-03-16T14:34:57.401-06:00Discovery Balls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have an upcoming 6 hour drive and my daughter is in that stage where she refuses to sit still. She just wants to run. To make the trip go a little easier I have been researching some new activities fit for a 16 month old that we can take in the car with us. I will be posting several of them here in the next couple of weeks. First up... discovery balls.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhco4T9BkwzW4Hq1YMj62b7dZX3lX9d5zdpEkQIkaA9AB3aH4diOqXCKrYLk2fQPKPKtXEQvkNdzVKF79V3ITakdE67CTQcms-sppXftfA_pY6fPvmml3ORfxG-zdpjrHwQMc9y-XYkOBtS/s1600/DSC04189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhco4T9BkwzW4Hq1YMj62b7dZX3lX9d5zdpEkQIkaA9AB3aH4diOqXCKrYLk2fQPKPKtXEQvkNdzVKF79V3ITakdE67CTQcms-sppXftfA_pY6fPvmml3ORfxG-zdpjrHwQMc9y-XYkOBtS/s640/DSC04189.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>They are just like stress balls, but filled with different substances so she can discover the different textures and squishy-ness levels. So far the one filled with beans is definitely her favorite. These were a very quick project and cheap too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3ugkMNnWPX3RXC69n_k4OGBXzwMXavMrxR9GKXPTxFfdTdAA69zm7gNCS1-1sjIon_w8N3Uv5FH9JEElPLu-XAGcw0ruucnnsAK0nqEjBNMO95W9vRuwcdDhJdED73AKY1uhzfLub_-a/s1600/DSC04186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3ugkMNnWPX3RXC69n_k4OGBXzwMXavMrxR9GKXPTxFfdTdAA69zm7gNCS1-1sjIon_w8N3Uv5FH9JEElPLu-XAGcw0ruucnnsAK0nqEjBNMO95W9vRuwcdDhJdED73AKY1uhzfLub_-a/s640/DSC04186.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To make your own you will need:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">balloons</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">filler (beans, rice, flour, etc.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">funnel (optional)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My only cost was a pack of 20 helium quality balloons I bought for $1. Helium quality balloons are nice because they are thicker and less likely to pop a hole, but any balloon would work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now fill your balloons up one by one. If you do not have a funnel, it is easiest if you have a helper who can shove the stuffing in while you hold the opening open. If you do have a funnel, simply stuff the spout in the opening and fill the funnel with your filler a little at a time. You'll need to continually push the filler inside the balloon down to create a little well and stretch your balloon out. Also you'll probably need to shake the filler down the spout because it tends to get a little jammed up in the spout.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When you reach your desired size, tie off and enjoy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFdB9888jyvkXRlhyPgtoPAgZN6EKyhByzBQvt9WiKOVKweM1u_y-ML9mqjUnh1Ef1aYASg6hRgYQaYSDx2wgrO3o8cYaZ6GXRgDnu2Zx5AC6rDY86Kf3l1vMsdz2QmfRXCcOsA-FHYeM/s1600/DSC04206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFdB9888jyvkXRlhyPgtoPAgZN6EKyhByzBQvt9WiKOVKweM1u_y-ML9mqjUnh1Ef1aYASg6hRgYQaYSDx2wgrO3o8cYaZ6GXRgDnu2Zx5AC6rDY86Kf3l1vMsdz2QmfRXCcOsA-FHYeM/s640/DSC04206.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have seen these balls decorated with hair and faces and it comes out pretty cute. Also one blog suggested filling with playdough which I think would be a cool substance to play with.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">***Also, if you decide to make these and let young children play with them, be careful not to let them use the discovery balls as a chew toy.</div>Gina Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06241520303759154123noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460951444317329073.post-41761692958851745382012-03-15T18:18:00.000-06:002012-03-15T21:59:16.350-06:00Another Scarfette<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I crocheted <a href="http://selacava.blogspot.com/2010/11/scarfette.html">another scarfette</a> recently. I love it because it is a fairly quick and easy gift. Maybe one of these days I will make one for myself...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3voCNRncwQuYnTCStq8qy0cEuKYCDrUXgm9RvO1cmDyvjTH9bArATCDeXKJz0aLNz0gPNMtQ3jcchu3e4u7xbgGB-jwEZb9uaC8I57Pn6Y1zCGVspdPCnolkboRUcIo79jPpLH3R1C36x/s1600/scarfette.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3voCNRncwQuYnTCStq8qy0cEuKYCDrUXgm9RvO1cmDyvjTH9bArATCDeXKJz0aLNz0gPNMtQ3jcchu3e4u7xbgGB-jwEZb9uaC8I57Pn6Y1zCGVspdPCnolkboRUcIo79jPpLH3R1C36x/s640/scarfette.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>The basic idea is just take any scarf design that you like, shorten it, and add buttons to one end. I used <a href="http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Projects/TV+Projects/KCT0015+Crochet+Cable+Scarf.htm">this scarf</a> pattern.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mcfGuTC7bsCc8uJ7vkRLDuWa7eTgmgATqrYokbQ_GMG9Xi2fNvWcIjw03pU5z_vXzp1R4aOtM_62ZdrA3ISRI_8g0IwYqND8PfaukxAIa-5ZU93uTpOHWVS7Aqg2Nvq4sLB994NmnpiE/s1600/DSC04180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mcfGuTC7bsCc8uJ7vkRLDuWa7eTgmgATqrYokbQ_GMG9Xi2fNvWcIjw03pU5z_vXzp1R4aOtM_62ZdrA3ISRI_8g0IwYqND8PfaukxAIa-5ZU93uTpOHWVS7Aqg2Nvq4sLB994NmnpiE/s640/DSC04180.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Gina Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06241520303759154123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460951444317329073.post-68134692604578471392012-03-07T14:06:00.002-07:002012-03-07T14:07:52.721-07:00Monkey Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngKciWCdrJp8IMFz_JIK40AQfPhF2goc6kRwgKg9MMT2ITeFHjFGdNoH31MvFLx4OSk3SHdZQs6cfExA5N-KWSlbAqCUHuIQVD92n_7DK0i3SQbs8JVsirgwc1j2Mtre5kwJdF9fkdvp-/s1600/DSC04146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngKciWCdrJp8IMFz_JIK40AQfPhF2goc6kRwgKg9MMT2ITeFHjFGdNoH31MvFLx4OSk3SHdZQs6cfExA5N-KWSlbAqCUHuIQVD92n_7DK0i3SQbs8JVsirgwc1j2Mtre5kwJdF9fkdvp-/s640/DSC04146.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I tried a new recipe for hubby's Birthday breakfast and it was a hit (and super simple too). I found it on <a href="http://stamps4fun.blogspot.com/2011/10/traditions.html">The Jones Way</a>...<br />
<br />
2 small tubes refrigerator buttermilk biscuits OR 1 tube Pillsbury Grands buttermilk biscuits<br />
3 Tbsp. butter, melted<br />
1/2 C. pancake syrup<br />
1/3 C. packed light brown sugar<br />
1/2 tsp. cinnamon<br />
<br />
Instructions:<br />
Spray a fluted pan with non-stick spray. Combine the melted butter and syrup in a small bowl and set aside. In another bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Place about half of the syrup mixture in the bottom of the pan. Then sprinkle half of the brown sugar mixture on top. Lay the biscuits on the bottom of the pan, overlapping edges (closely together) to form a ring. Top with remaining syrup and sugar mixtures. Bake at 375 degrees for approximately 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 1 minute in the pan, then invert onto a serving platter and enjoy!Gina Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06241520303759154123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460951444317329073.post-43780561812931976952012-03-05T05:55:00.000-07:002012-03-05T05:55:00.288-07:00USA magnets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKG95-ucWS9WknIr6AMIcNw74M62G8VTd6ZwVxAD6ASGlA_efJ1_kMuqW2DZTyqZ57TXG62Y59ZIqgNYCv1Fqjf2CtqKITqm399WGGLTy3UshLwQZCdNLuIM0LMARYTCeYP0eA5Jcz02Yr/s1600/DSC04156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKG95-ucWS9WknIr6AMIcNw74M62G8VTd6ZwVxAD6ASGlA_efJ1_kMuqW2DZTyqZ57TXG62Y59ZIqgNYCv1Fqjf2CtqKITqm399WGGLTy3UshLwQZCdNLuIM0LMARYTCeYP0eA5Jcz02Yr/s640/DSC04156.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hubby loves maps, history, and all that stuff so I knew he would love this as a gift. It is a puzzle made out of a map of the United States with magnets attached to the back of each piece. Great for hubby and great as a teaching tool later for my little girl.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OQWrd3gQjeL90fsTXGaYAfX0jXdM921eoiH0Qc4J8gJH7jQDzX-xTL6PJBS7rTcWm_N_qiyoj1YutNHDlJ8iU7qIVJQvGAmyxvDxBvCJtSwDqSdzEfSc-yhZGdrm0jWh8deZiN-xLSdL/s1600/DSC04126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OQWrd3gQjeL90fsTXGaYAfX0jXdM921eoiH0Qc4J8gJH7jQDzX-xTL6PJBS7rTcWm_N_qiyoj1YutNHDlJ8iU7qIVJQvGAmyxvDxBvCJtSwDqSdzEfSc-yhZGdrm0jWh8deZiN-xLSdL/s640/DSC04126.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Here's how I pulled it all together for less than $8. I started with a poster map I bought for less than $2 at a local teacher/homeschool supply store. I don't have a picture of the poster because I had to cut it up before I brought it home in order to keep it a secret from hubby. From there I glued the map in sections onto cardstock I already had on hand using rubber cement. It is best if you cut the map up as little as possible before this step because it makes it a lot easier.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xvnJv6m_8dMz3dDNuEYFQS4XN8FheSU-kqtSXCsxmenDxYdZtu_qUgr0JlKrtlRbs9_yTxkdO1AGb3ojaBjN-7uCgOLcljcBOXRJvi1yN_ttIABHbQ7su2TknUl8E-P8gm3naylCS5oR/s1600/DSC04130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xvnJv6m_8dMz3dDNuEYFQS4XN8FheSU-kqtSXCsxmenDxYdZtu_qUgr0JlKrtlRbs9_yTxkdO1AGb3ojaBjN-7uCgOLcljcBOXRJvi1yN_ttIABHbQ7su2TknUl8E-P8gm3naylCS5oR/s640/DSC04130.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>After the glue has dried, cut all the states out. I found that sometimes it was a lot easier using these tiny craft scissors on some of the more "squiggly" states. By the way... if you happen to get tired of cutting and accidentally cut the tail off of Alaska at the very end, it is an easy fix. Simply glue the state onto another piece of cardstock and cut it out again. It will be a little thicker, but not enough to matter.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRJhowVOBFGSi-vhlFpDB0vT3JNsJnamSKnEXLn1Qd32Wtze0G39UL2OeAiDp63WY6p2vMASWbEis3pj0pbghOzmpe4c553QSqx-ulJY7DzLXLlzQm-V2hVulC8ec3zAd_suorQTKzkpl/s1600/DSC04133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRJhowVOBFGSi-vhlFpDB0vT3JNsJnamSKnEXLn1Qd32Wtze0G39UL2OeAiDp63WY6p2vMASWbEis3pj0pbghOzmpe4c553QSqx-ulJY7DzLXLlzQm-V2hVulC8ec3zAd_suorQTKzkpl/s640/DSC04133.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Next you will laminate your states. I found a genealogy and copy center which has self-service laminating machines at a good price. I chose to use hard lamination which is a bit more expensive but apparently it works better with thicker products. It cost me a little more than a dollar to do this. Next cut out your states leaving a bit of a border.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBP0AK0aylSoaXZwwHNeCtQNIXwk4kQUpczbA9GzdsxNgvBqsCNGQKuCapkiohQ8MtdPYyJrHSCtrijBSg3Z8jNWtTZZuSHb0BXrYU7UiJ67qd5JK0CcHydg5jcmREQG0LrYNmFfy3Wp_/s1600/DSC04135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBP0AK0aylSoaXZwwHNeCtQNIXwk4kQUpczbA9GzdsxNgvBqsCNGQKuCapkiohQ8MtdPYyJrHSCtrijBSg3Z8jNWtTZZuSHb0BXrYU7UiJ67qd5JK0CcHydg5jcmREQG0LrYNmFfy3Wp_/s640/DSC04135.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Add strips of magnets to the back of each and your project is complete! I bought this roll of magnets from Lowes for about $3.50 and had some left over as well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iIGB60rKBdHcRyKt3fcWCVjC61xbfDw0CO8_unHq3bTBB6ytGMTyhEupSndhxI4L_YVtTbFYnW62KNfwk3-zaHA74Uk5xvBBHFg-S0Bu2EQ918Sp4Uxs0xRAnNp3H_xk9FYnAqDzAUmi/s1600/DSC04154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iIGB60rKBdHcRyKt3fcWCVjC61xbfDw0CO8_unHq3bTBB6ytGMTyhEupSndhxI4L_YVtTbFYnW62KNfwk3-zaHA74Uk5xvBBHFg-S0Bu2EQ918Sp4Uxs0xRAnNp3H_xk9FYnAqDzAUmi/s640/DSC04154.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div>I think it would be cool to do this same project using family pictures or significant landscapes as well. Oh the possibilities... </div>Gina Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06241520303759154123noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460951444317329073.post-71338989596158344022012-02-29T05:57:00.002-07:002012-03-01T13:23:35.579-07:00Birthday Coupon Deals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY22sHl2Pu9fVJCQyi-H43uomp8JROxiDDBB5As9inShWDHLPx0EOLVju6NgyTJjKuB7x4X1pV8utqEdQqPcrDvN3i19kJcfhsvEgcS8t1k4ZRxFuvSi5dWVtOpa3pMuhilqpKyk-nH1Qj/s1600/party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY22sHl2Pu9fVJCQyi-H43uomp8JROxiDDBB5As9inShWDHLPx0EOLVju6NgyTJjKuB7x4X1pV8utqEdQqPcrDvN3i19kJcfhsvEgcS8t1k4ZRxFuvSi5dWVtOpa3pMuhilqpKyk-nH1Qj/s400/party.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/244179611016492050/">source</a></span></div>Hubby's Birthday is just around the corner and just in time I happened upon a <a href="http://dealseekingmom.com/birthday-freebies-clubs-specials/">blog post</a> by Deal Seeking Mom listing out a bunch of restaurants which will give you free stuff for your Birthday if you subscribe to their fan clubs online. Here are the Birthday deals we have received so far...<br />
<br />
Baskin Robins--- free scoop of ice cream<br />
Texas Roadhouse--- free appetizer or sidekick of ribs w/ purchase of entree<br />
Famous Dave's--- buy one entree get one free (up to $15 value)<br />
Red Robin--- free gourmet burger<br />
Del Taco--- free premium shake (vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry)<br />
Noodles & Company--- free entree or trio (up to $7.50 value)<br />
Happy Sumo--- $15 off next purchase<br />
Dairy Queen--- $3 off an 8-10'' blizzard cake<br />
Wendy's--- $1 off any combo meal<br />
<br />
Not all of the sites give you a Birthday "gift", but most of them immediately send you some kind of deal via email...<br />
<br />
Famous Dave's--- free burger or sandwich w/ any purchase $5 or more<br />
Red Robin--- $3 off total purchase<br />
Del Taco--- 2 free chicken soft tacos<br />
Texas Roadhouse--- free tater skins, cheese fries, baby blossom, fried pickles, or rattlesnake bites w/ purchase of entree<br />
Wingers--- $5 off take out purchase of $20 or more<br />
Wendy's--- $1 off any premium sandwich<br />
Dairy Queen--- Buy one medium blizzard treat get one free (they sent me two of these)<br />
California Pizza Kitchen--- $5 off purchase of $20 or more<br />
Quiznos--- $1 off a regular or $2 off a large sub<br />
Happy Sumo--- 2 for 1 (limited to certain days of the month)<br />
Baskin Robbins--- buy one cone in the flavor of the month get one freeGina Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06241520303759154123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460951444317329073.post-51465280025498921272012-02-27T14:48:00.000-07:002012-02-27T14:48:10.139-07:00Ham SlidersI had some leftover ham in my freezer from Christmas (yes you heard me. Christmas.) and I figured it was about time I used it up. I went searching for a good ham recipe and found these <a href="http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2010/04/ham-and-cheese-sliders.html">delicious looking sliders</a>. So I gathered my ingredients and made some up for lunch. They were so good! I will definitively be making these again.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8uNkikTX2siUfwSk7waxTQsfR7fZFYwL63XSW_uLASvDtOED7qeuNBPyPX08aKs4ovL7gryYmQ7YcjJcGiFvBDGMCR56XA0ajJiOU8pDmckIlMrTE6CoIBCDu09g99V24Qjx6xNxXc3o/s1600/DSC04138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8uNkikTX2siUfwSk7waxTQsfR7fZFYwL63XSW_uLASvDtOED7qeuNBPyPX08aKs4ovL7gryYmQ7YcjJcGiFvBDGMCR56XA0ajJiOU8pDmckIlMrTE6CoIBCDu09g99V24Qjx6xNxXc3o/s640/DSC04138.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The original recipe makes 24 sliders, I only made 5 to serve my husband and myself. Also, I strayed from the recipe to use up what I had on hand.<br />
<br />
5 dinner rolls<br />
sliced honey ham<br />
5 slices Swiss cheese<br />
mayonnaise<br />
<br />
1/2 Tablespoon yellow mustard<br />
1/4 cup melted butter<br />
1/8 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce<br />
a couple dashes of onion powder<br />
<br />
Cut the rolls in half and spread mayonnaise on the top and bottom of the inside of the roll. Layer ham and Swiss cheese and close up the sandwich. Place all of the sliders close together on a baking sheet and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix the rest of the ingredients together in a small bowl and pour over the top of all of the sliders. Let the sliders sit for about 10 minutes then cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 12 minutes until cheese is melted. Uncover and cook for about 2 minutes longer to crisp the tops. Serve.Gina Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06241520303759154123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460951444317329073.post-23555302678640693052012-02-18T12:58:00.001-07:002012-02-18T13:00:03.165-07:00This week around the www...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmhKvIkhP2JwXkgjAbjJzYX487ivhn6RRn6wHFLOWniNP2BfgSMqSQ5WcWW1NTPsgUF5Zj5VKpgLeOplt5KOdXLr7SAJPcgJ2sTg-Rqplw4u8C29H9nrKH-F2CirmwG0jcdb1D6_4YsXC/s1600/94294185917922792_MqwfP5Gu_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmhKvIkhP2JwXkgjAbjJzYX487ivhn6RRn6wHFLOWniNP2BfgSMqSQ5WcWW1NTPsgUF5Zj5VKpgLeOplt5KOdXLr7SAJPcgJ2sTg-Rqplw4u8C29H9nrKH-F2CirmwG0jcdb1D6_4YsXC/s400/94294185917922792_MqwfP5Gu_f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><a href="http://redballproject.com/">The RedBall Project</a> is done by artist Kurt Perschke all over the globe. I love this one where the ball is squished between two buildings in Taipei.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8uw9D-UZFYAJqvwNBx3hWpiKMGcULuSUqtq16yqu6YvwdG46PouOhzMh_Z46d94zKB65O48YydJoxZ4qqO8KVbWupyWGoojPyWETV5k5aBqtKVJcrtj0dgQT-JFS8vHTVz3uH2SIOapA/s1600/22729173089267740_6h9XzND6_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8uw9D-UZFYAJqvwNBx3hWpiKMGcULuSUqtq16yqu6YvwdG46PouOhzMh_Z46d94zKB65O48YydJoxZ4qqO8KVbWupyWGoojPyWETV5k5aBqtKVJcrtj0dgQT-JFS8vHTVz3uH2SIOapA/s400/22729173089267740_6h9XzND6_f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> This wall art is pretty cool and I would <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/244179611016403673/">love it</a> in my home somewhere.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Exylag-qe5RV_msCCwyJ9C3mw5sbO4H4WrjI61AcfgiyK_05WYFs8cnBMb3TO5dQyL5dwUm7m7WN04N1P0YFKdB0fUQ2P31O0ERCsR8llS8ZfWDflkgG4f_YWorE9VHvmRsvKaI85skP/s1600/244179611016410928_WqeJkvXj_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Exylag-qe5RV_msCCwyJ9C3mw5sbO4H4WrjI61AcfgiyK_05WYFs8cnBMb3TO5dQyL5dwUm7m7WN04N1P0YFKdB0fUQ2P31O0ERCsR8llS8ZfWDflkgG4f_YWorE9VHvmRsvKaI85skP/s400/244179611016410928_WqeJkvXj_f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/2012/02/on-ice.html">Soule Mama</a> made an ice rink in her back yard. How much fun would that be?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEy0zrOIS01_F4KfcZGRfwFWAcxqRs9lCAhEBziL-6IW7TkGTwYSJBbAgwP3yY8HI2iKsxCuezWVPTW7qhHryBWaupaK3XNY-0MvTP6AJmYvLHiWCmEoOH-845goCce-fLZDrRO1dkC3Yz/s1600/222013456600383670_BmqnWIG6_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEy0zrOIS01_F4KfcZGRfwFWAcxqRs9lCAhEBziL-6IW7TkGTwYSJBbAgwP3yY8HI2iKsxCuezWVPTW7qhHryBWaupaK3XNY-0MvTP6AJmYvLHiWCmEoOH-845goCce-fLZDrRO1dkC3Yz/s400/222013456600383670_BmqnWIG6_f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> These teapots are <a href="http://www.inspirebohemia.com/2011/07/unique-garden-planters-and-displays.html">so cute</a>! Now if only I had a railing...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQbObwILMoJqEFiFrHK23F4FBfkwdQ1pFqLkEMtOLIDDDbXgTJ5EW1sma8LW56-Mzr3fuAQUyjTxkJX7Jxzy_U6Ou885HvVeope22YfkO1mMot0SKZYhO29fHBzRNN4Pzw_O24UIGXmXI/s1600/134545107587542433_xLeJAwA8_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQbObwILMoJqEFiFrHK23F4FBfkwdQ1pFqLkEMtOLIDDDbXgTJ5EW1sma8LW56-Mzr3fuAQUyjTxkJX7Jxzy_U6Ou885HvVeope22YfkO1mMot0SKZYhO29fHBzRNN4Pzw_O24UIGXmXI/s400/134545107587542433_xLeJAwA8_f.jpg" width="327" /></a></div> I love <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/244179611016330604/">books</a> that aren't books.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIR7Y08jDsCZWOUtsVVBy2DEz6Hy9QdkkSxcWXBD-NaAUo79BDfQRiyZf3Fx9aeAGaFpzj5yZxnG6U-R2bK9RutiFB4tkksfKO46vua97T4jThh8bvfdCrNWm9BABFIoFc9P0guAqtCjx/s1600/244179611016339515_df8btUIe_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIR7Y08jDsCZWOUtsVVBy2DEz6Hy9QdkkSxcWXBD-NaAUo79BDfQRiyZf3Fx9aeAGaFpzj5yZxnG6U-R2bK9RutiFB4tkksfKO46vua97T4jThh8bvfdCrNWm9BABFIoFc9P0guAqtCjx/s400/244179611016339515_df8btUIe_f.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>And lastly, <a href="http://www.fanpop.com/spots/lego/images/1491987/title/lego-wall-repairs-photo">legos</a>. Who doesn't love legos? And apparently they can be used to fix up old walls.Gina Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06241520303759154123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460951444317329073.post-60346643723057988082012-02-17T14:48:00.000-07:002012-02-17T14:48:47.105-07:00Crayon Holder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigoG61_zbJLv2jA-i3qH_Vj6H4IEON-Sw9y0ZWFm2-efqo6MmdIwfbndwlILfkIpzrj9hvhNMjy-D3B2d45Yd94ALI1Qk8X9vQ1F5uNCs2fzP6IuPAz7pn6y44uZEWE4NhoUqxN9qGMePm/s1600/DSC04119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigoG61_zbJLv2jA-i3qH_Vj6H4IEON-Sw9y0ZWFm2-efqo6MmdIwfbndwlILfkIpzrj9hvhNMjy-D3B2d45Yd94ALI1Qk8X9vQ1F5uNCs2fzP6IuPAz7pn6y44uZEWE4NhoUqxN9qGMePm/s640/DSC04119.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I haven't felt like doing much lately so when inspiration hit I got right to work. I wanted a little pouch to hold a couple of crayons and paper to carry around in my purse for my daughter. She is 1 and has just begun to color so I didn't want to have a ton of crayons in the holder-- actually I'll probably only keep about three. I also wanted a little place to hold small pieces of paper or this cute little notebook I bought 3 for $2 on sale at Target.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-Nmxe9Fo-idKM-tztv67tt4UrItEv7FGqo8T5CdJOvehN4z82-InUUDl8ICb0L6FXsf-ObdfqVHwnEOz1gDI0O_IkO2y2LUXK-PdNYkJgOVLqwoy0VmFtyrPglW_64ugKn38sZ369LqR/s1600/DSC04118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-Nmxe9Fo-idKM-tztv67tt4UrItEv7FGqo8T5CdJOvehN4z82-InUUDl8ICb0L6FXsf-ObdfqVHwnEOz1gDI0O_IkO2y2LUXK-PdNYkJgOVLqwoy0VmFtyrPglW_64ugKn38sZ369LqR/s640/DSC04118.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>I didn't write up a real tutorial for this little holder because I was hurrying and there are a ton of tutorials floating around if you are wanting to make something similar. My measurements for the two main pieces were 10 3/4 x 6 1/2 and for the strip holding the crayons in place is a folded over piece that was 10 3/4 x 4 1/2. The final piece is the 2 1/2 x 3 3/4 tab to hold the velcro that keeps the holder together. I used velcro specifically because I thought it would be easy enough for me daughter to handle herself.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCepvXIKAdjDoAmpALUyc7mr_UukKB1ikHN8cqvT2mHTByFTyNWljrwD45403COXZI2MI75ogUo-XJaW8si67ihYiUZlWYp1jvCcxIuwpO6KvLqTHUKr-COccMq4JudE7RvL_2rII_YTjM/s1600/DSC04121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCepvXIKAdjDoAmpALUyc7mr_UukKB1ikHN8cqvT2mHTByFTyNWljrwD45403COXZI2MI75ogUo-XJaW8si67ihYiUZlWYp1jvCcxIuwpO6KvLqTHUKr-COccMq4JudE7RvL_2rII_YTjM/s640/DSC04121.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>And there you have it. A quick and cute little holder for my budding artist.Gina Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06241520303759154123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460951444317329073.post-22535066646150672192012-02-14T13:50:00.003-07:002012-02-14T14:53:02.550-07:00What I'm Reading<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1yndsOiX_oOqWYqnti5SuUNvjGjr6_4Acqd86xUI15W8u9TOy9uFwlSdg35FyR8d75VlxxrOTM52QnOrQusuxQbKYTvzKlaGRyKxRC8ZtePlWyUa-naWv6hoER4MsT9nOb9xi5FdsTVIP/s1600/DSC04109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1yndsOiX_oOqWYqnti5SuUNvjGjr6_4Acqd86xUI15W8u9TOy9uFwlSdg35FyR8d75VlxxrOTM52QnOrQusuxQbKYTvzKlaGRyKxRC8ZtePlWyUa-naWv6hoER4MsT9nOb9xi5FdsTVIP/s640/DSC04109.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer is the book to read if you are inexperienced and wanting to go the distance. The book is based on a class that the author's have taught at a university for years. It comes complete with a training schedule as well as health and mental tips to get you through the training and the actual race. Each chapter is meant to be read leading up to its coordinating week of training runs.<br />
<br />
So far I think it's awesome and has been very inspirational. The training schedule which the authors suggest requires you to run four days a week. One of those days is an increasingly long day while the other days are relatively short. If you follow the program it will take you four full months to complete unless you currently cannot continuously jog for 30 minutes. If this is the case, the authors have included an additional 3 months of training to get you to this point which starts off by only requiring the ability to walk for 30 minutes at a moderate pace.<br />
<br />
The book also includes a compilation of excerpts from the students who have been enrolled in the marathon class who range in age and athletic ability. One woman had back problems and on her first day of training could barely walk five minutes at a time. Every single student completed a marathon at the end of each of the semesters except one person who had medical problems during his race. It is so inspiring to hear from the students themselves what all this means to them and how much they were able to accomplish in a short time following this exact method. I especially love the stories of the extremely inexperienced students because that is the boat I am in and sometimes this task seems a bit daunting.Gina Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06241520303759154123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460951444317329073.post-54166314395829872432012-02-10T05:59:00.000-07:002012-02-10T05:59:00.949-07:00Sunglasses CaseA few years ago a good friend of mine gave me this cute sunglass case...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Sz9pdhjgNPu6v9ZQO6k3KHUm9HxRH0QTDB3DXGzclo0gzWPyW8NMUqU8zwcZRnSjrvl-3MkCJoU7GKPCq_tZNfxcHDiEhQuTnDvkk7yW4VT3uU3W5CXMdklXCOyt1h9W-RFLjq4Atb55/s1600/DSC04007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Sz9pdhjgNPu6v9ZQO6k3KHUm9HxRH0QTDB3DXGzclo0gzWPyW8NMUqU8zwcZRnSjrvl-3MkCJoU7GKPCq_tZNfxcHDiEhQuTnDvkk7yW4VT3uU3W5CXMdklXCOyt1h9W-RFLjq4Atb55/s640/DSC04007.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>For mother's day I used that case as a guide to create this case for my mother who always throws her glasses into her purse and they get so scratched up...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXknQkeO9fdQRFI8ccnV0Pr6FXYSMTbwAnBHg9sTb0gX5DbURN5xFXG7dMsbFlju9uiSAp_5cmjG9-S_j0bd3l25oyvKpw3hRuCgS70HOu6np4NTyu1KbCwT8OVwYAnIln0CvK5_RU-cg/s1600/mama%2527s+glasses+case.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXknQkeO9fdQRFI8ccnV0Pr6FXYSMTbwAnBHg9sTb0gX5DbURN5xFXG7dMsbFlju9uiSAp_5cmjG9-S_j0bd3l25oyvKpw3hRuCgS70HOu6np4NTyu1KbCwT8OVwYAnIln0CvK5_RU-cg/s640/mama%2527s+glasses+case.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>Well she happened to lose that case somewhere and requested another for her birthday. It was so long ago I basically had to re-figure out how I was going to do it, but luckily this time I documented the process! These directions will make a large case... like for those trendy huge sunglasses. If you want to make the same thing for smaller, eye-glasses, you'll need to size down the dimensions.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHtemXYsVbnWRbokPlNAqBv1lDYyUtdqVTvX_WSjzx-uNVsmWAE6YOBvuf8USFYiWmJKXxMVTUTrxGWC4ZcepBeMgA9l2TwacjiheCS3ndv2cJWF8kWKAs4x79oza4YewiIBI7MckXQ_6/s1600/DSC03932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHtemXYsVbnWRbokPlNAqBv1lDYyUtdqVTvX_WSjzx-uNVsmWAE6YOBvuf8USFYiWmJKXxMVTUTrxGWC4ZcepBeMgA9l2TwacjiheCS3ndv2cJWF8kWKAs4x79oza4YewiIBI7MckXQ_6/s640/DSC03932.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>All seams are 1/4 inch unless specified. Start with a 9x8 inch rectangle of main fabric (flowers), lining fabric (orange), and batting. You will also need a 3 1/2 inch square of your lining fabric and batting plus some velcro and other sewing necessities.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJ45SKy8svqND1rHazf1wOoaG9lHUN_hMhZthtm5Ff6dZH67zABpye7ifBK9hHqAo_DhF3dizUy-Ut92uJa57KzzvPVhW4677aYFkyO81sGA1rxbvO2-VfB3UATNtu_7SySTo8hSrTDm8/s1600/DSC03933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJ45SKy8svqND1rHazf1wOoaG9lHUN_hMhZthtm5Ff6dZH67zABpye7ifBK9hHqAo_DhF3dizUy-Ut92uJa57KzzvPVhW4677aYFkyO81sGA1rxbvO2-VfB3UATNtu_7SySTo8hSrTDm8/s640/DSC03933.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Pin the 9x8 lining fabric to the batting with the right side out. At this point I like to quilt the fabric using this diamond pattern, but you could use any pattern you like or simplify things and just sew around the entire edge of the rectangle and move on. If you are going to do a pattern, it is easiest to mark out your pattern first with a water soluble pen and then sew, or just eye-ball it like I did. It doesn't need to be perfect. After all, it is only the lining. To do the diamonds, turn your fabric so that a corner is facing towards you and another corner is facing away from you. Start sewing parallel lines. When you have sewn across the entire rectangle, turn the fabric again so that you can now sew perpendicular lines to the ones you just finished.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-CS_R4hZJD_jhJnTEmiaqa8a-ySOg8sC_KQ_oLKIMh0hSLu06hITQXM5egYs01Gbch3s2V8oSVetLtmKv9meIxzNrJ-UtBW0y3oq5S-9kM0dYpk04WrKhm7JNqszX_uI067hcVsLz8Lo_/s1600/DSC03936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-CS_R4hZJD_jhJnTEmiaqa8a-ySOg8sC_KQ_oLKIMh0hSLu06hITQXM5egYs01Gbch3s2V8oSVetLtmKv9meIxzNrJ-UtBW0y3oq5S-9kM0dYpk04WrKhm7JNqszX_uI067hcVsLz8Lo_/s640/DSC03936.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Now fold the quilted fabric over right side in. You should be folding the 9 inch side of the fabric and the 8 inch side will give you the height of the case. Fold your main fabric the same way, right side in. Place the 3 1/2 inch square on top of the batting and fold that one over as well, right side in.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUKuYQ-c_YGRj_a3YQXRs7JqKlnP8F9ab7AwMtMnQ2Q4mqvTRl6Uyv79lvFNLc6WLXQuuWcCjXpQIV9dQBdnhMz9gOQKSgvMRC6QhtFCUuc385bTaETlnQi_QF3USRQOaWt_qEBAje5Go/s1600/DSC03939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUKuYQ-c_YGRj_a3YQXRs7JqKlnP8F9ab7AwMtMnQ2Q4mqvTRl6Uyv79lvFNLc6WLXQuuWcCjXpQIV9dQBdnhMz9gOQKSgvMRC6QhtFCUuc385bTaETlnQi_QF3USRQOaWt_qEBAje5Go/s640/DSC03939.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> Sew around one long side and one short side of each of the three pieces of fabric and then trim the corners.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJUVgbTM-HyNsK-tFuhABy3utilmTnPf-wtpyZVTPdD-VDN4MtZLyAjM7GNb8tfjHlOeK5Tlu2S2eot4iRkqeIJ59Dwxi74JtpvjvPHJWK4utKnri-eVr6vI42Mq7Eu1mJxHoEfoE6zM8/s1600/DSC03941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJUVgbTM-HyNsK-tFuhABy3utilmTnPf-wtpyZVTPdD-VDN4MtZLyAjM7GNb8tfjHlOeK5Tlu2S2eot4iRkqeIJ59Dwxi74JtpvjvPHJWK4utKnri-eVr6vI42Mq7Eu1mJxHoEfoE6zM8/s640/DSC03941.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Turn the main fabric and the small fabric right side out. Now cut a piece of velcro to be about 1 1/2 inches long (my velcro was 3/4 inches wide). Sew one side of the velcro to the main fabric being careful not to sew through both pieces of material. Center the velcro about 1 inch down from the raw edge of the open side of the case. Next, sew the other piece of velcro to the small piece of fabric going through all pieces of material. Center the velcro about 3/4 inches down from the finished edge of the tab.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLE8SGUAAfLRlxL4Nr_HnUyhYWOOCHYMNcue3rLsyBr5P95ylpWSSeoQa3X0FOirDm65TCywgMHaMfBS605fgRLFr-xEH8VSG1_N0kU5fj_VY1SVQIHivw4lR57R4NQAK5S9TBt6ICOWki/s1600/DSC03946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLE8SGUAAfLRlxL4Nr_HnUyhYWOOCHYMNcue3rLsyBr5P95ylpWSSeoQa3X0FOirDm65TCywgMHaMfBS605fgRLFr-xEH8VSG1_N0kU5fj_VY1SVQIHivw4lR57R4NQAK5S9TBt6ICOWki/s640/DSC03946.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Fold the raw edge of the main fabric down and inside the case about 3/4 inches and iron into place. Do the same thing with the lining except fold the fabric down and out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKXA4fFGIlpYjYKhAIDHObpIi0_IazLeGn0C1ghqhZed_4C8IAU297oSNiUKknKeCQPg0fx6dbPDH_IginHZYH11cnKpUOFGnerXViWB0XwF5K6-LcICjFf5iTMAax7OliBfPobuZf-Ut/s1600/DSC03948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKXA4fFGIlpYjYKhAIDHObpIi0_IazLeGn0C1ghqhZed_4C8IAU297oSNiUKknKeCQPg0fx6dbPDH_IginHZYH11cnKpUOFGnerXViWB0XwF5K6-LcICjFf5iTMAax7OliBfPobuZf-Ut/s640/DSC03948.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>Push the lining inside of the main fabric and line up the sewn, long sides together inside the case. Pin the open side of the tab in between the lining and main fabric on the back side of the case. Make sure you have put the tab in correctly in order to coordinate with the other piece of velcro. Edge stitch around the top of the case making sure the two fabrics are lined up perfectly and that you sew over the tab a few times to give it strength.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEC-2D9xB0a6SMSjN5SW8zQTKlTJZWucs-nb2H9-i1B7-jO4Th8AAIlHMxIv2b2cOTMr7vfTh_t9US3sn9JmyrRcesXWPgI1GuGdBOHgfUv7pzWVzSOItokxdzxOd8DIXdO3jbQXfB7qG/s1600/DSC04012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEC-2D9xB0a6SMSjN5SW8zQTKlTJZWucs-nb2H9-i1B7-jO4Th8AAIlHMxIv2b2cOTMr7vfTh_t9US3sn9JmyrRcesXWPgI1GuGdBOHgfUv7pzWVzSOItokxdzxOd8DIXdO3jbQXfB7qG/s640/DSC04012.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And now you have yourself one completed and very cute sunglasses case for yourself or a friend. enjoy.</div>Gina Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06241520303759154123noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460951444317329073.post-60134964154086241182012-02-08T15:38:00.000-07:002012-02-08T15:38:42.738-07:00What we're reading<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At our latest trip to the local library, my daughter picked out a few really great picture-board books. This sweet little book is You Are My Sunshine by Caroline Jayne Church.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwEkNESq3RcuPzBY1eoFDx7XAye3IXVFXAaDRcFtefISM75C9-obalsKc3N1X6EprgzMklR0by4TFiMABbTZQc92K4gdviCMEfVgzIHJThVBeUHtMYOy18zndmA_mYe1IFtvhhnis67SR/s1600/DSC04081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwEkNESq3RcuPzBY1eoFDx7XAye3IXVFXAaDRcFtefISM75C9-obalsKc3N1X6EprgzMklR0by4TFiMABbTZQc92K4gdviCMEfVgzIHJThVBeUHtMYOy18zndmA_mYe1IFtvhhnis67SR/s640/DSC04081.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> It is short and there aren't many words and the pictures are just darling.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJPA1ouFaEqx2W-gK93l2m3wDCPbzzMft5M3v7SlUYUlNo1VctM-QB-wvtJUvgBdIDffNBxwldfmxJCEJ21y17jf-_hdqBZV43OUvCBBAgRXWqXyExHTSxMjAfeKg8DwQXgWLoG-rhh1h/s1600/DSC04078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJPA1ouFaEqx2W-gK93l2m3wDCPbzzMft5M3v7SlUYUlNo1VctM-QB-wvtJUvgBdIDffNBxwldfmxJCEJ21y17jf-_hdqBZV43OUvCBBAgRXWqXyExHTSxMjAfeKg8DwQXgWLoG-rhh1h/s640/DSC04078.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> I think I'll have to add this to our personal library at some point. It is definitely a keeper.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-cjYaikv5Z08UOLv9By8S0yCtCQUkzJJwv6HORyWigOecZ0CsIzxKay3lCzQIrdOooMJBfU1f08A7Fq2ULJkWpwfRj6uQimZUVtVwYTgpytvD434c_-kijaodoGSP6szv7LwZHmFyl1Y/s1600/DSC04080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-cjYaikv5Z08UOLv9By8S0yCtCQUkzJJwv6HORyWigOecZ0CsIzxKay3lCzQIrdOooMJBfU1f08A7Fq2ULJkWpwfRj6uQimZUVtVwYTgpytvD434c_-kijaodoGSP6szv7LwZHmFyl1Y/s640/DSC04080.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Gina Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06241520303759154123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460951444317329073.post-36662503646761036742012-02-06T05:57:00.001-07:002012-02-06T05:57:00.202-07:00Valentines Decor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFDfMut0g_c5tK9lvZWMptKq01xwBIoLK-sf8cPmHGJQbRWKTxIh4uQBwe43qnuhcYNgQ4EX5YuhiAT1CbsEz1twbnnyE6pHtgxa3lZilRfsqGVFKP-i13Pu_7eloiTQ6Z1KFKoXzr6UY/s1600/DSC04057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFDfMut0g_c5tK9lvZWMptKq01xwBIoLK-sf8cPmHGJQbRWKTxIh4uQBwe43qnuhcYNgQ4EX5YuhiAT1CbsEz1twbnnyE6pHtgxa3lZilRfsqGVFKP-i13Pu_7eloiTQ6Z1KFKoXzr6UY/s640/DSC04057.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>We are not huge into the Valentines holiday around here, but I thought it would be nice to add a little touch of Valentines to my front door. All I did was add a couple of hearts to <a href="http://selacava.blogspot.com/2011/11/harvest-wreath.html">my current wreath</a> I've had since November.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuZ9mBlw6yCUIfyhAxO3hwcTsnMus2NhMnk1m6r6ESiOA-Y8L03NuZt8RWKbyT-9BnztYIChg-DSFasWjHr4ttZEYWrvhQ6XD7HoSz0Zfz44ngmAJqiWVV2_XPRlseEphsQUjHP9ekvZf/s1600/DSC04058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuZ9mBlw6yCUIfyhAxO3hwcTsnMus2NhMnk1m6r6ESiOA-Y8L03NuZt8RWKbyT-9BnztYIChg-DSFasWjHr4ttZEYWrvhQ6XD7HoSz0Zfz44ngmAJqiWVV2_XPRlseEphsQUjHP9ekvZf/s640/DSC04058.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>For the purple heart, cut two strips of felt 1x4 inches. For the white heart, cut two strips of felt 1x6 inches. Hot glue them all together and add a piece of thread to the middle to hang from the top of your wreath. Not much effort and only uses scraps. Sounds like the perfect addition to my decor.Gina Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06241520303759154123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460951444317329073.post-72502923945627450012012-02-04T05:52:00.006-07:002012-02-04T05:52:01.280-07:00around the web<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuz93OuPTs5sa_tOgQus-LRhBCQPPI6xCN-CK3jicWT8r4s3vxYYFFAvIMi0S2_6VuP3IP0Y1QZEKhQQZgzNejbNh9Skb9vUT7GXH96UiuFlbg52rl1YRtae_zug_1_liyUZgFwHaeSAuN/s1600/260505159665222009_zvL62KSw_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuz93OuPTs5sa_tOgQus-LRhBCQPPI6xCN-CK3jicWT8r4s3vxYYFFAvIMi0S2_6VuP3IP0Y1QZEKhQQZgzNejbNh9Skb9vUT7GXH96UiuFlbg52rl1YRtae_zug_1_liyUZgFwHaeSAuN/s400/260505159665222009_zvL62KSw_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> This<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/244179611016322203/"> lamp shade</a> is pretty cool. I think my daughter needs one one day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjKVxjpYFd48uCugXveTBgscqWDbhs7SJpESfRfHd3xMHdTLNWCs9aGGvB5OeTogNVvas1z3riprIvbFa0CPQ6l5GiTwtELM8rgrhz8bapvGGaN8ivdkBgTxlD-MsyMcFG63ZbcBQn0v0/s1600/168392473536846084_z800DYvb_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjKVxjpYFd48uCugXveTBgscqWDbhs7SJpESfRfHd3xMHdTLNWCs9aGGvB5OeTogNVvas1z3riprIvbFa0CPQ6l5GiTwtELM8rgrhz8bapvGGaN8ivdkBgTxlD-MsyMcFG63ZbcBQn0v0/s400/168392473536846084_z800DYvb_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Know <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/244179611016201781/">the feeling</a>? I know the feeling.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9YgLYDMk8r1Iajlu3Kapc9d6ilSVx7iqD7JsVvauXyk28KTkGQaQac6CpUqtUyZ5-HXygxUTC7KzElY-tEq5njZAy_GKRYU-OTk5hQEreIX9oe5Io8drlz23hER4HivUhn4ZQc28peLN/s1600/260505159665212265_rwIT2sB1_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9YgLYDMk8r1Iajlu3Kapc9d6ilSVx7iqD7JsVvauXyk28KTkGQaQac6CpUqtUyZ5-HXygxUTC7KzElY-tEq5njZAy_GKRYU-OTk5hQEreIX9oe5Io8drlz23hER4HivUhn4ZQc28peLN/s400/260505159665212265_rwIT2sB1_c.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> Oh how I love tree houses. <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/244179611016322200/">This one</a> looks so magical.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPwaYAJJpgCyX2cXWXU0a8nwZBvXyAjeWPG8WywAcHCR0RHhN3HF3Qby8XFV1KFN9ojm4BSr97g9O8VG7TWtHy8iN4W62O4OZns8bZbeCZTTgeWE0oqDxUyr6oFoIs31wo7gqcPrcQmeV/s1600/245446248411368579_flRfSUWw_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPwaYAJJpgCyX2cXWXU0a8nwZBvXyAjeWPG8WywAcHCR0RHhN3HF3Qby8XFV1KFN9ojm4BSr97g9O8VG7TWtHy8iN4W62O4OZns8bZbeCZTTgeWE0oqDxUyr6oFoIs31wo7gqcPrcQmeV/s400/245446248411368579_flRfSUWw_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Isn't this so cool? Imagine how much fun the kiddos would have in a <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/244179611016201097/">clear bathtub</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfuKBBlkJHZ9Mi_5fW23x3mLV-BotpXgKSdyyOANBErnUVlqHVo05IYpogvq0MEwGFzP0YlIPVO0JGM_Kd7oIS7apXUfdc03p3iRLJcAuyp6WZBtx3ufQ6GfGLDcPkLkqF4DAxGULC82t/s1600/246290673341434695_aiS3aFvi_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfuKBBlkJHZ9Mi_5fW23x3mLV-BotpXgKSdyyOANBErnUVlqHVo05IYpogvq0MEwGFzP0YlIPVO0JGM_Kd7oIS7apXUfdc03p3iRLJcAuyp6WZBtx3ufQ6GfGLDcPkLkqF4DAxGULC82t/s400/246290673341434695_aiS3aFvi_c.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> <a href="http://blog.hgtv.com/design/2011/09/04/daily-delight-lawn-jenga/">Super sized Jenga</a>. I would love this once I have a real backyard.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiO_7kw_9LvHugSqmn5lku1bdhExsUHrITQshUpjUhvt3R2jcj-OXUGBY0nMzWAa-uWgzPjzTx_U2R6dsbIzbEVLTXoUWgyyb1HjXyWaPFEkA5rVj-rFdLobg2Uw3LMyjMeOZ1deP8eCb/s1600/194006696417450729_dbovQ3tr_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiO_7kw_9LvHugSqmn5lku1bdhExsUHrITQshUpjUhvt3R2jcj-OXUGBY0nMzWAa-uWgzPjzTx_U2R6dsbIzbEVLTXoUWgyyb1HjXyWaPFEkA5rVj-rFdLobg2Uw3LMyjMeOZ1deP8eCb/s400/194006696417450729_dbovQ3tr_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> One can <i>always</i> use more <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/244179611016314182/">gratitude</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6ERGjy-iwMIgF-gTLs1mv2w145l93KLXnXqXkv4kEopxZyAuX6mLA8s85EEAKozcPu6rA0EU7D5n3d7PBGCfIhPazkGSRNMoI8ryZVpSJSgF7x-qQ0ps1NYOOl9NcOd-B3R9SE8ohOkb/s1600/134545107587488690_TszIsZIr_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6ERGjy-iwMIgF-gTLs1mv2w145l93KLXnXqXkv4kEopxZyAuX6mLA8s85EEAKozcPu6rA0EU7D5n3d7PBGCfIhPazkGSRNMoI8ryZVpSJSgF7x-qQ0ps1NYOOl9NcOd-B3R9SE8ohOkb/s400/134545107587488690_TszIsZIr_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I have a memory of doing something<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/244179611016275163/"> like this</a> when I was a very small child. I would love to be a part of something like this again. So magical.Gina Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06241520303759154123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460951444317329073.post-559522024088803732012-02-03T06:00:00.001-07:002012-02-03T06:00:15.668-07:00Marathon TrainingWell it has been a month of running and honestly I have already felt like quitting. I am trying something new though and it seems to be helping squash the excuses that keep coming up. My local gym is having a deal where it is only $10 a month to be a member. Now I can run early in the morning or late at night where otherwise my excuse would be safety running alone in the dark. Also, when it is sleeting, like the day I joined, I can run without getting deathly ill or slipping on the icy sidewalks. <span style="text-align: left;">In other news, I got some brand new running shoes. They are Brooks and I love them. It's official, I must complete my training now because these cute shoes are too expensive to go to waste :)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96eqvkhplnbBl9Qg2g8_c3kBjjZixCUbSfdcO6Gmg9bS4GJkv9ajj2c14jTRQKqEl2G-BrS3G4qPuTaNiIZAjnplEsJCGmV8CArLWOsuXajrMHzoEikPJRNP4N3ZZxUa8JXx8Yt3xnb43/s1600/DSC03993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96eqvkhplnbBl9Qg2g8_c3kBjjZixCUbSfdcO6Gmg9bS4GJkv9ajj2c14jTRQKqEl2G-BrS3G4qPuTaNiIZAjnplEsJCGmV8CArLWOsuXajrMHzoEikPJRNP4N3ZZxUa8JXx8Yt3xnb43/s640/DSC03993.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Let me tell you a couple of things that have helped me keep up with the program on the days that I just don't want to. Number one: I tell myself I just have to get out there no matter what. Just show up. I also tell myself it is okay if I just walk the mileage. The important thing is to just get out the door. I have yet to "just walk the mileage", but it is comforting to know I am okay with that as long as I am not skipping out all together. Number two: I talk to myself while I am running and I feel like walking. It is kind of awkward, but really helps. Tell yourself things like, "I am a runner", "I am so proud of myself", "I will run a marathon", "I am amazing." Number three: I have had so much fun telling people I am training for a marathon and why I am doing it. It constantly gives me a little boost to reaffirm that what I am doing is going to be an amazing life event and is worth the effort that it takes every single day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJj_5rHU969sXsCCIhLONOVJ3WGMY6mDIi1LChtGFKBiLtB4vGVtIisNTSwc-n4VCTU0dhhAA0II3XxCH-RFsMIfGQFSkTwMsOvLNIJEk28wze5QYzZOE0kxv6CLET1NWvqTpwyGHEOBU/s1600/runner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJj_5rHU969sXsCCIhLONOVJ3WGMY6mDIi1LChtGFKBiLtB4vGVtIisNTSwc-n4VCTU0dhhAA0II3XxCH-RFsMIfGQFSkTwMsOvLNIJEk28wze5QYzZOE0kxv6CLET1NWvqTpwyGHEOBU/s640/runner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Someday I will be <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/244179611016220542/">this intense</a>. Someday. Not today. But someday.</span></div>Gina Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06241520303759154123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460951444317329073.post-52124595622660888612012-02-01T06:00:00.099-07:002012-02-01T06:00:01.491-07:00Sweet Little Valentine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5QIyKX-cwMJr8j-Kn_5v0VM0LS2PTpNOkc4WkyxQe2yt0DpPrpCD64T1pX7wZJUpSi_j4MrsD88hSVYOjMkQqSSGnHBd8NPJrtOSzLM9iwKfYWJzt0yGOJuNgweGPP-eHW7yXd-U430R/s1600/DSC04046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5QIyKX-cwMJr8j-Kn_5v0VM0LS2PTpNOkc4WkyxQe2yt0DpPrpCD64T1pX7wZJUpSi_j4MrsD88hSVYOjMkQqSSGnHBd8NPJrtOSzLM9iwKfYWJzt0yGOJuNgweGPP-eHW7yXd-U430R/s640/DSC04046.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I came up with this sweet little valentine to give to a couple of women in my life along with a cute little hairclip for my little one. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuSrVj7s4sk524pML6O5aDzzObPqZedE00RAgQwFgk_fsXZLqzwMnP3FLpAn46nILvaomK-K_6OWjePn7gBLWtVJ8I5iTWv_Q0p5T5FXqqWdnURCfGl6iBnHDtVuHYHRqIU8nEK2HEn5Y/s1600/valentine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuSrVj7s4sk524pML6O5aDzzObPqZedE00RAgQwFgk_fsXZLqzwMnP3FLpAn46nILvaomK-K_6OWjePn7gBLWtVJ8I5iTWv_Q0p5T5FXqqWdnURCfGl6iBnHDtVuHYHRqIU8nEK2HEn5Y/s640/valentine.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Start by cross stitching a heart on a pretty little piece of fabric. I used three strands of red embroidery thread (Usually embroidery thread is composed of 6 individual strands... cut a length of thread and pull the rope apart into two ropes of 3 strands each). If you've never cross stitched before, it is easy enough. Just sew a bunch of x's using an embroidery hoop.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5bdho-wo5PKYfkELTeOmjJUm0jCTWaIljA43nxksSUAngHqtCC0PurFz6HQ_gBhlFb7BhUN80k1GaUOgEzFOAoEsXQnqEhhbIB6RM-Y1ToLXXDD60M9Eq6CuOOgb0Hv-nLt5Ihx6gGFk/s1600/DSC04026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5bdho-wo5PKYfkELTeOmjJUm0jCTWaIljA43nxksSUAngHqtCC0PurFz6HQ_gBhlFb7BhUN80k1GaUOgEzFOAoEsXQnqEhhbIB6RM-Y1ToLXXDD60M9Eq6CuOOgb0Hv-nLt5Ihx6gGFk/s640/DSC04026.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Use a button covering kit to cover 1 1/8 inch buttons. My button kit came with buttons with flat backs so it was easy to then simply hot glue a 1 inch pin to the backs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhAjcp3ABjxIr9vDzALXxPnKF7dcbVyFy6Tknkvf-gENI9BTekwiJQtRQKK6MtXYf7755qa9xgiOKTMHGrYpEgRO8eKwy_n5COLP3Oc_6oPwOYqPsc1qvSk3gyDOGS34UhRdEBS_L5N1Z/s1600/DSC04020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhAjcp3ABjxIr9vDzALXxPnKF7dcbVyFy6Tknkvf-gENI9BTekwiJQtRQKK6MtXYf7755qa9xgiOKTMHGrYpEgRO8eKwy_n5COLP3Oc_6oPwOYqPsc1qvSk3gyDOGS34UhRdEBS_L5N1Z/s640/DSC04020.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If your buttons do not have flat backs, like my 5/8 inch button, it is really simple to squeeze the back off with pliers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireB7reTad0w9DdMlFoVI2DrO3_2cbloRIREhLWZA-UcdNMX6Z7C0lP84tUYhSKWYDnmzuyqXklp8IbFZ5iuNUh2q5Chc0tZR7-h9vDiAl16s7zsIj2i6bbZkt_xjzxYo0y74dGjufN4ZN/s1600/DSC04022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireB7reTad0w9DdMlFoVI2DrO3_2cbloRIREhLWZA-UcdNMX6Z7C0lP84tUYhSKWYDnmzuyqXklp8IbFZ5iuNUh2q5Chc0tZR7-h9vDiAl16s7zsIj2i6bbZkt_xjzxYo0y74dGjufN4ZN/s640/DSC04022.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To make an easy hair clip, fill the back of a 5/8 inch button with hot glue and stick the end of the hair clip in it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbGtU3_FQd85eLuU2olWoMfIRb0nIRX_KZ5UhcT3GAt7rrCjkzczqdMhDetRGVAKe6Ou25qM6EsQHwRxFzc2Y5IlQP1nTc12ezOMbkaMqv8MkKi-1PIOpvsR-S_RIgcva-xwqh5mX6N7h/s1600/DSC04028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbGtU3_FQd85eLuU2olWoMfIRb0nIRX_KZ5UhcT3GAt7rrCjkzczqdMhDetRGVAKe6Ou25qM6EsQHwRxFzc2Y5IlQP1nTc12ezOMbkaMqv8MkKi-1PIOpvsR-S_RIgcva-xwqh5mX6N7h/s640/DSC04028.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> Stick the hair clip in a cute head of hair and you are done. Easy enough.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT41Xb3vXhye9rV4BGroTWkJEvFKdWZoI5597pdRfi-5e_OzCBUsDiNgOFO2uwa5yj-hVKeY2bKPz6VERCbU3_Tv6kTmmBSsAjleLQtun_CX0wWBK5fS15ZQbPIkddp5fQWY3WGygMy_bv/s1600/DSC04036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT41Xb3vXhye9rV4BGroTWkJEvFKdWZoI5597pdRfi-5e_OzCBUsDiNgOFO2uwa5yj-hVKeY2bKPz6VERCbU3_Tv6kTmmBSsAjleLQtun_CX0wWBK5fS15ZQbPIkddp5fQWY3WGygMy_bv/s640/DSC04036.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Each of the pins I attached to card stock to finish up my little gift. The easiest way to do this would be if you had a printer, paper cutter, corner rounder, and hand held hole puncher. I don't have any of these things so I went about it the old-fashioned way. The card stock I cut out using a ruler and scissors and then rounded the corners also using scissors. I only have a 3-hole punch so it limits where I can put my holes, but still works. If you have a working printer you could print right onto your card stock using some cute fonts. Mine is broken so handwritten it is.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFAkFwADyjiR9b5if8IkvqiUDVYm1n2qI0MQG9oCu4URMuUJTpcNg1t2v5-lzmFmmmSXF0MhphjYLEsCq1gPUpMDFtO4h2klvuhlbccB5nszMijwz2zmxUiaEclkr35MZ7OwvGN6uvS2J/s1600/DSC04068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFAkFwADyjiR9b5if8IkvqiUDVYm1n2qI0MQG9oCu4URMuUJTpcNg1t2v5-lzmFmmmSXF0MhphjYLEsCq1gPUpMDFtO4h2klvuhlbccB5nszMijwz2zmxUiaEclkr35MZ7OwvGN6uvS2J/s640/DSC04068.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> Happy crafting!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBDYKHZ-WkYGK8Xh3fx_flGVhPw0XFpTMmfMjQ4iOag4r5ix9uRKGGaeUU7RZs6SOsI3hZDbJReDYgYghfVN1El5FzTSQtdsl574mkS3DEVTmxwN2ZRWOop-K2BwNumahRtafuPw-QLrA/s1600/DSC04066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBDYKHZ-WkYGK8Xh3fx_flGVhPw0XFpTMmfMjQ4iOag4r5ix9uRKGGaeUU7RZs6SOsI3hZDbJReDYgYghfVN1El5FzTSQtdsl574mkS3DEVTmxwN2ZRWOop-K2BwNumahRtafuPw-QLrA/s640/DSC04066.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Gina Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06241520303759154123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460951444317329073.post-17918606044691175462012-01-30T06:00:00.038-07:002012-01-30T06:00:12.868-07:00Dresser Redo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWu8AD27tguPyYbQXD-W2yk7NG4gffkh_UxStBFqhvEXVO_RLbRe9POgfwgmGZmlGOCgiGzebVKtuMOimGZaLeizO13tlysrDnHmOu0FEPuzc0H1MRpVCCmOty10788oQruVOGMLp0_XI/s1600/DSC03998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWu8AD27tguPyYbQXD-W2yk7NG4gffkh_UxStBFqhvEXVO_RLbRe9POgfwgmGZmlGOCgiGzebVKtuMOimGZaLeizO13tlysrDnHmOu0FEPuzc0H1MRpVCCmOty10788oQruVOGMLp0_XI/s640/DSC03998.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Hubby and I decided we needed a new dresser. Of course we also didn't want to shell out a couple of hundred dollars for one either so we began to scour online classifieds and the thrift store. I wanted to spend about $20 dollars, but we ended up falling in love with this quality dresser for $35. It is sturdy, solid and needed a little TLC. The wood veneer was chipped on all of the sides and most of the metal handles were falling apart. I wish I had taken a "before" picture, but forgot.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RSGSQl2hkOwY5t7UfiAD7PVKpgqbl0wVLw84VXjMFVFqj-wi4867c42WlwLeSV-Mh31EVeIxrSSqb4pApW2aPFZ6C_Rwm2pCoA5j3d42OQxrVsmfLDlivSQEZ1YsCwpXoll7cKR2FKue/s1600/DSC02446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RSGSQl2hkOwY5t7UfiAD7PVKpgqbl0wVLw84VXjMFVFqj-wi4867c42WlwLeSV-Mh31EVeIxrSSqb4pApW2aPFZ6C_Rwm2pCoA5j3d42OQxrVsmfLDlivSQEZ1YsCwpXoll7cKR2FKue/s640/DSC02446.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>After peeling away the old veneer and a lot of sanding, we added a little wood putty to cover up some blemishes and some tinted primer which you can see on the drawers above. On top of that we added a beautiful dark blue paint and then a couple of layers of wood lacquer to give it a nice clean finish. The finishing touch were these sleek little knobs and handles we found at Home Depot.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIVc8nxl74zi1NHa0RzMWQqUdHOWvtB9v7RCL1CppQ2H2DgTtGL_Qxi_8z-3fDiXUURSqzhfhbfFZn5oWC5QHHsptPwzBNs8RzIaK9Lb2OX-xepIlzG9rHVc4YCbHh5gdZdG38sNmvvHg/s1600/DSC04005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIVc8nxl74zi1NHa0RzMWQqUdHOWvtB9v7RCL1CppQ2H2DgTtGL_Qxi_8z-3fDiXUURSqzhfhbfFZn5oWC5QHHsptPwzBNs8RzIaK9Lb2OX-xepIlzG9rHVc4YCbHh5gdZdG38sNmvvHg/s640/DSC04005.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>It was a lot of work and took a lot of time and I love the result. The hardest part was finding the perfect place for our new dresser to rest. Finally, we filled the bottom of our open closet with it which suites us perfectly for now, but most likely isn't permanent.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zCmkB2xG09E1N6WgwSG90UGdrSxP0xLKmqq3N6jpcX1iXMx9ZDzHAV2fvD1zu5tppc0Hvfg_ILbCQIcU3OwfMtbEJgsCkJx7p6RGjxQfKtoPUzYruAbMMWmkui1drL5Q-AbUN3DN2kPS/s1600/DSC04001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zCmkB2xG09E1N6WgwSG90UGdrSxP0xLKmqq3N6jpcX1iXMx9ZDzHAV2fvD1zu5tppc0Hvfg_ILbCQIcU3OwfMtbEJgsCkJx7p6RGjxQfKtoPUzYruAbMMWmkui1drL5Q-AbUN3DN2kPS/s640/DSC04001.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>Gina Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06241520303759154123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460951444317329073.post-44720701132233262052012-01-27T13:10:00.000-07:002012-01-27T13:10:54.571-07:00Brimmed Cap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJUt6A0XLsZSsrhrKGvqcDU0Sey8DRxkwChu4F-kdimhzbFNBoAQ4GLWZWWT7Vb64xTiIQc44IvCd7olChqOY4zmvCbzGBCi9gkf1Jlew2k23KyIsGOxmRPWKPr4dCyD7fsXjlBAc7RzE/s1600/DSC03987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJUt6A0XLsZSsrhrKGvqcDU0Sey8DRxkwChu4F-kdimhzbFNBoAQ4GLWZWWT7Vb64xTiIQc44IvCd7olChqOY4zmvCbzGBCi9gkf1Jlew2k23KyIsGOxmRPWKPr4dCyD7fsXjlBAc7RzE/s640/DSC03987.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I love this little hat. My daughter looks so grown up which reflects how I feel these days. Didn't we just come home from the hospital? I can't believe she is walking and growing teeth and communicating already! Anyway I love this hat. I crocheted it using this</span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cheri-hat" style="text-align: left;"> free pattern</a><span style="text-align: left;"> on Ravelry (you'll need to sign up for a free membership in order to view it). I used an off-white wool yarn and embellished with a clip-on hair pin which can be easily exchanged whenever I feel the urge. Oh and the pattern was easy. So don't feel intimidated! </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2X1LiY8fwQBZ1agq3GPzpq-TnWmzwWIE2FdqSaoPTLPGrSfQgM7MUWHWK5i0nNcd3QlYFAL2YDk3MxFOaa7RNXRcRUo-nx-N7uFxwChUDgXj-UPS7egYXF5scgtEvBR42T6EuhlXppbqx/s1600/DSC03990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2X1LiY8fwQBZ1agq3GPzpq-TnWmzwWIE2FdqSaoPTLPGrSfQgM7MUWHWK5i0nNcd3QlYFAL2YDk3MxFOaa7RNXRcRUo-nx-N7uFxwChUDgXj-UPS7egYXF5scgtEvBR42T6EuhlXppbqx/s640/DSC03990.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>Gina Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06241520303759154123noreply@blogger.com0