tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40905534713145444682024-03-13T22:10:10.765-07:00The Duffle FamilyCassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08008483563390489762noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090553471314544468.post-49319438560826915102016-06-23T12:25:00.003-07:002016-06-23T12:40:05.360-07:00Craft "Room"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ig3SCvrQbIXHg9GHh16SF-hkiaPDmTyBUoccyuIK6SwczMzy6oFS9MLmTgAuomftaSFqzqKyoKbJhK7Z42JZF3x5yRxk5nWKOuPlbDNRug3M8xEflwKGnJcvzfs1CkcJeEq8VnWVTpo/s1600/IMG_4230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ig3SCvrQbIXHg9GHh16SF-hkiaPDmTyBUoccyuIK6SwczMzy6oFS9MLmTgAuomftaSFqzqKyoKbJhK7Z42JZF3x5yRxk5nWKOuPlbDNRug3M8xEflwKGnJcvzfs1CkcJeEq8VnWVTpo/s320/IMG_4230.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Before we moved to our new home, we had redone <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/178244097725523125/" target="_blank">this little closet in our previous house</a> as a designated office/craft space. I LOVED it, but it had it's limitations. Namely, space. I had to be careful on what and how much I purchased when it came to craft supplies (first world problems). It was also quite difficult to locate specific items because everything was pretty jumbled together.<br />
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When we moved, I hoped to have a designated craft space eventually. <a href="http://thedufflefamily.blogspot.com/2015/05/concrete-desk-and-pipe-shelves-office.html" target="_blank">When we redid our office</a>, we didn't really install much in the way of storage. Plus, since it's one of the first rooms you see when you walk into our home, I didn't really want people to instantly have a view of my craft supplies strewn about.<br />
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So, everything was just crammed into the closet without much in the way of organization. It got out of control fast...<br />
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So a few months ago, I finally talked the handy hubby into helping me with a few "honey do's." He built a few shelves, hung a few pegboards, and the result is amazing. Sure, it's in the back of a closet so it's a little dark and space is still tight, but everything has a place now. I freshened it with a bit of paint, some peel and stick flooring, shelf paper, and buckets. Check it out...<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">The existing shelves in the closet were kept and utilized as storage for supplies. Peel and stick flooring was installed for easy mess clean-up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">We found a good spot for the mail and file cabinet, installed pegboard, and a chalk board for fun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Painted pegboard, hooks, and mini buckets from target helped to organize supplies like ribbon, markers, and tulle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">An additional pegboard was installed to hold wrapping paper. The handy hubby made a paper organizer, and buckets were hung from the clothing racks to hold items like glue and popsicle sticks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">The supports were kept from a previous shelf, and a different board was inserted as a desktop workspace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Baby food jar lids were screwed to the underside of the shelf to hold knick knack items like paperclips and rubber bands.</span><br />
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Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08008483563390489762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090553471314544468.post-20089194227947285682016-05-30T19:04:00.003-07:002016-05-30T19:10:35.786-07:00The Weekend Pergola<br />
Our weekend pergola project may be one of my favorite projects to date (of course I say that every time.) So here's the details...(scroll to the end for final pictures)<br />
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This was our backyard before:<br />
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Our backyard faced the setting sun. See that big table the hubby built? Yeah, love eating at it, but we never get to enjoy it because Oklahoma is HOT ya'll...</div>
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So we decided that a pergola was the most cost-effective solution. We would extend a pergola off the back of the house out to the end of the patio slab. Then we would add shades to the ends that pull down and block the sun.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5SHqBEqkS4k0GxVlQXMO7reUawQDGEJiN43joahpMlkyEpRDq2y2Xy0V8b2CplHo7GzGD8v9t7heRqR4LZSxV6ZrvdWpdjHUiZvBLanl2JrDMTFtFXNvabjsPYTdQQrGWhOj3hfsh7vM/s1600/BlindsIMG_4094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5SHqBEqkS4k0GxVlQXMO7reUawQDGEJiN43joahpMlkyEpRDq2y2Xy0V8b2CplHo7GzGD8v9t7heRqR4LZSxV6ZrvdWpdjHUiZvBLanl2JrDMTFtFXNvabjsPYTdQQrGWhOj3hfsh7vM/s200/BlindsIMG_4094.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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So here is what we used (pretty much everything purchased at Lowes):</div>
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<li>2 8x6ft sun shades</li>
<li>stain and sanding materials</li>
<li>Quarter Round and trim (for edging the top and bottom of the post boxes)</li>
<li>String Lights</li>
<li>Bolts and washers</li>
<li>Screws</li>
<li>Nails and Trim Nailer</li>
<li>7, 2x4x8's</li>
<li>3 4x4x8's</li>
<li>4 2x6x12's</li>
<li>3 2x6x8's</li>
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I started with staining the wood before it was put up, which I highly recommend. It made things soooo much easier. I love the Canyon Brown color by Olympic Stain.<br />
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We basically started with the 3 main posts. We drilled brackets into the concrete slab, placed posts, leveled, and screwed in. Then we did 2 of the 2x6x12's across the top. We placed the cross posts and pocket screwed them to the house roof. Then we installed the shades. Followed by putting up the remaining 2x6x12's on the other side (so the blinds were sandwiched and not visible when rolled up). Finally, we finished up with some trim work.<br />
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Add a cute outdoor rug from Target, and some string lights from Lowes (along with re-staining the table to a matching color), and voila! Finished Product. All around $550 or so, and done in one 3-day weekend! :-)<br />
Here is the final Product:<br />
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Inside with Screens Down:</div>
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Inside with Screens Up:</div>
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Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08008483563390489762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090553471314544468.post-1624374029825227332016-04-28T10:51:00.002-07:002016-04-28T10:51:33.475-07:00Farmhouse Kitchen TableHere's the deal, our "eat in" kitchen space is limited. I have a giant table in the dining room, but when <br />
it's just the 3 of us, it just seems like too much work to eat in there. For the past year, we have been eating on a wooden folding table in our kitchen while we decided what sort of table we wanted to build. As you already know, I hate spending crazy amounts of money on furniture, so building was definitely the way to go...<br />
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Many years ago, before we met, my hubby came across a large turnbuckle left on his property, presumably left there by an oil company from the past. He thought it was neat, so he dragged it back to his mom's house and stashed it away. Fast forward, and my mother-in-law held onto it all these years and recently came across it again while going through her shed. We decided it would make the perfect centerpiece for our "industrial farm house" table.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cDRhV8ZGVtbexfD-Xj9qVaAdao2EmJJ2PRRFvIF03GfLBKZ80CP1rRaVwzMBcIepEejVx10k5CEpAFVV6YXHCPFZRTyFTyQs9pFINBhM_vUUTAOoLSTX4cEjKlQOtar1WQvMqLjIjws/s1600/Table+Bottom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cDRhV8ZGVtbexfD-Xj9qVaAdao2EmJJ2PRRFvIF03GfLBKZ80CP1rRaVwzMBcIepEejVx10k5CEpAFVV6YXHCPFZRTyFTyQs9pFINBhM_vUUTAOoLSTX4cEjKlQOtar1WQvMqLjIjws/s320/Table+Bottom.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The table is mostly made from cedar planks, sanded to oblivion.<br />
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Lowe's no longer carries my favorite stain (boo!) so I had no choice but to go with the only one available in stores. I really dislike Minwax products, but I have to say that I do love this color (Bombay Mahogany). I'm currently looking for a replacement, however, because this doesn't go on as smooth as I need it too.<br />
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We added some piping to hold the turnbuckle in place. I love the industrial element it adds to the table!<br />
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Finally, we paired the table with these great chairs we ordered from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tabouret-Stacking-Perfect-Construction-Scratch-Resistant/dp/B00G4PB7XE?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. I love them!!<br />
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Here is the final product!<br />
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<br />Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08008483563390489762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090553471314544468.post-44487428084256658222015-12-07T07:02:00.000-08:002015-12-07T07:33:16.774-08:00Age 3We have made it to year 3! What a great year! This year we have gone to Ireland (Zoe spent an entire WEEK at her grandma's!), said goodbye to my sister and her family (and then hello again on two trips to Florida!), moved to a new home that we LOVE, made LOTS of new friends, learned Zoe will be getting a new cousin in 2016, made plans to visit NYC in a few weeks, and of course, taken lots and LOTS of pictures!<br />
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Sometimes I look back and I'm stunned at how blissfully normal, and peaceful our life is. We are truly blessed and I'm so thankful for this life and time with friends and family I love and cherish. I hope Zoe one day recognizes how lucky we really are. Here's a look back:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3D0BUG9gbUezjUmiQIu0fZzZbwDhY7nYgdozciRsM9SgsHSTpog_JLclPBDW2U5nYTo62unSivB19CGzutL_5TYvK6hHNgrsicKWZKGB8deZ3IyiZMa1LrzIWc5D9M95iUaBH-2AJzW4/s1600/e-IMG_6389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3D0BUG9gbUezjUmiQIu0fZzZbwDhY7nYgdozciRsM9SgsHSTpog_JLclPBDW2U5nYTo62unSivB19CGzutL_5TYvK6hHNgrsicKWZKGB8deZ3IyiZMa1LrzIWc5D9M95iUaBH-2AJzW4/s200/e-IMG_6389.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoe with her cousins in Florida</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivk5mYyqQ6_2khodtx9dSpusB1yZ_1bN7E-z44K41B7sSubEVj5Gd0q1btGpJUykdmeXG32CRC3FDzIJmstE15K-D_VN92CYMgjDdHgJQuM7-jVT9Hfinj4BN-qrIdz0CncfHEjIAHKt4/s1600/e2-IMG_6980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivk5mYyqQ6_2khodtx9dSpusB1yZ_1bN7E-z44K41B7sSubEVj5Gd0q1btGpJUykdmeXG32CRC3FDzIJmstE15K-D_VN92CYMgjDdHgJQuM7-jVT9Hfinj4BN-qrIdz0CncfHEjIAHKt4/s200/e2-IMG_6980.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Pedicure. This is in Florida with her cousin!</td></tr>
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In March and August, we visited my sister in Florida. She moved just outside of Orlando, not far from Cocoa Beach. Not that we needed an excuse to visit, but white sandy beaches are a nice bonus! Zoe absolutely loved visiting the beach and playing in the sand, but time with her cousins was really what she wanted!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6hpR26RIgQydWUQc0T_Hth6_jHs3IsKepNv2MhwGeC5BUp-VHFlLzSCkMLxilYEZrglSrhg2tF1eQkMUCfGBn9w8vj5DjZSEF8-TYEYMIiyvv4E-hJ3UgJ1zLEsZvaO-oIzS-AOAMME/s1600/IMG_0780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6hpR26RIgQydWUQc0T_Hth6_jHs3IsKepNv2MhwGeC5BUp-VHFlLzSCkMLxilYEZrglSrhg2tF1eQkMUCfGBn9w8vj5DjZSEF8-TYEYMIiyvv4E-hJ3UgJ1zLEsZvaO-oIzS-AOAMME/s320/IMG_0780.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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When we got back from Florida in March, Andrew had converted Zoe's crib to a toddler bed since she had been climbing out. He built the toddler rail, since we never purchased the one that goes with her bed. Not long after this, we also broke the binky habit! It required a lot of persuasion and a little magic from a "binky fairy" but we were successful! We also started potty training around this time, and while Zoe is still not "night trained," she is completely potty trained during the day. Yay for not buying diapers!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbjHaC3MBt90U2wy6Mf9AccimFGNsAFieIOh1RQ43EctGL3qZkCn4bbsK77wBJGYtkhmSN3oJbXiDlFSU1oyspG1hByKIrCa38hR6gSjfdqlvffE-3kBM2_Vr-7_O4FrJIx3uzJtUQ3s/s1600/IMG_1929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbjHaC3MBt90U2wy6Mf9AccimFGNsAFieIOh1RQ43EctGL3qZkCn4bbsK77wBJGYtkhmSN3oJbXiDlFSU1oyspG1hByKIrCa38hR6gSjfdqlvffE-3kBM2_Vr-7_O4FrJIx3uzJtUQ3s/s320/IMG_1929.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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We made several trips to Bartlesville to visit my family. Including this lovely lady's birthday party in March. It's always so wonderful to visit with family. We live a bit closer now, so hopefully can stop by more often!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uPO5HSk3T2mKKJ2bxM-0ljM7VA9rMUw_cLcgJwR_s62PMwoqDzjyVqvaKNKpdKffiUvmXE67Me1bsvxncyEozx1pVxDJMtvP8RB8gl2qT2fYGAve8Cn9G_pwjl84Tw2aeIeJb6CefYg/s1600/e-IMG_7793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uPO5HSk3T2mKKJ2bxM-0ljM7VA9rMUw_cLcgJwR_s62PMwoqDzjyVqvaKNKpdKffiUvmXE67Me1bsvxncyEozx1pVxDJMtvP8RB8gl2qT2fYGAve8Cn9G_pwjl84Tw2aeIeJb6CefYg/s320/e-IMG_7793.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Zoe got her first "pets" this year. Small turtles named Myrtle and Henry. She enjoys feeding them worms!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCusA2QyHNNoluB1SClk6NpF1cU3qQVcjBtMIAjZ0sz5JnMRYtCnHzpn56gyS1pBPuMnMzD0aTZzb-y8ckS6UkBkuCaFaefoCU1Y7EqbWZ0YtkmjlJwyWqXAt5-MnH9E_nYNAA8Lb3Pg/s1600/e-CD_2015_9425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCusA2QyHNNoluB1SClk6NpF1cU3qQVcjBtMIAjZ0sz5JnMRYtCnHzpn56gyS1pBPuMnMzD0aTZzb-y8ckS6UkBkuCaFaefoCU1Y7EqbWZ0YtkmjlJwyWqXAt5-MnH9E_nYNAA8Lb3Pg/s320/e-CD_2015_9425.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WzAVlKBY0Qt-VIDAk4LEZF6hXUekUW9wU68RFVZKRL0D_YDvMLtYg0N5noLMiCDygicKn2V3ErgTTh3_neVqG1rWq8Oysyn0VW9WlIB8jQPtpnLpLUmPgDnjzNkZXF37MgJ1POROTPU/s1600/e-IMG_8286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WzAVlKBY0Qt-VIDAk4LEZF6hXUekUW9wU68RFVZKRL0D_YDvMLtYg0N5noLMiCDygicKn2V3ErgTTh3_neVqG1rWq8Oysyn0VW9WlIB8jQPtpnLpLUmPgDnjzNkZXF37MgJ1POROTPU/s200/e-IMG_8286.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcQtwKRir1bet2HpGvCCay7FDEb4c_Q8WFY7mL6-MeIbnhE21y1Mh7lN6NiTAB2T1lZ-dhBO37wTLXiNiusTcA039OeofpppFwr6DmE5rVEc9aOmIu4awei_PaQRpg6GUPEya7OW4KwY/s1600/IMG_1260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcQtwKRir1bet2HpGvCCay7FDEb4c_Q8WFY7mL6-MeIbnhE21y1Mh7lN6NiTAB2T1lZ-dhBO37wTLXiNiusTcA039OeofpppFwr6DmE5rVEc9aOmIu4awei_PaQRpg6GUPEya7OW4KwY/s200/IMG_1260.JPG" width="200" /></a>We had a ton of fun this summer. We have a pool in our neighborhood now, so Z swam almost every day. We also went to the splash pad at Myriad garden's with my mom a few times. I won a giveaway at a local photographer's page, and Z took some adorable "Princess and the Pea" photo's. We also attended the annual summer party with the company Andrew works for. This year, they chose to do a baseball game. I think Zoe may have enjoyed wearing the baseball hat a bit more than actually watching baseball.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDvvMHJeNzLOtB7YVeErJ3a4P5uqMo5C9TivsEPwI6EXg4RCoxebF6d0Vzfs31bqBIvK9td1kUlLC7xia7NseHpBkqrTfUGYENSOc2j8-zQ5FuS_gD4zqKOyfqOaFOraDjbJw8WF0j_E/s1600/e-CD_2015_6618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDvvMHJeNzLOtB7YVeErJ3a4P5uqMo5C9TivsEPwI6EXg4RCoxebF6d0Vzfs31bqBIvK9td1kUlLC7xia7NseHpBkqrTfUGYENSOc2j8-zQ5FuS_gD4zqKOyfqOaFOraDjbJw8WF0j_E/s320/e-CD_2015_6618.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8u4W-Gem5kNPp-fANtDX-h91_3kSVRi_E-rxdw5IEUUXR4ubdM6Te4fDxXVRJg4uoKKpiT5FsmpxsUYeLS7ZbOOuqiCfqMTwICj_YQZTWTwyU2cF2b05O5OE0dC6FnIHRlJeuoDV26MA/s1600/IMG_2534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8u4W-Gem5kNPp-fANtDX-h91_3kSVRi_E-rxdw5IEUUXR4ubdM6Te4fDxXVRJg4uoKKpiT5FsmpxsUYeLS7ZbOOuqiCfqMTwICj_YQZTWTwyU2cF2b05O5OE0dC6FnIHRlJeuoDV26MA/s200/IMG_2534.JPG" width="150" /></a>Fall brought Halloween and a special announcement. We dressed up as a "pumpkin patch" to go trick-or-treat around our neighborhood (and Zoe's school). Basically, Andrew and I just wore orange and stuck some green leaves to our head, but Zoe wore a really cute orange tutu. We held a green vine (rope), which helped keep Zoe from wandering off! Z loved trick or treat. Not necessarily because of the candy, but because she enjoyed going up houses and yelling "trick or treat!"<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGQQOlriMb6yXZtP2CaCEPNtDxL2pL2nhWKJnQOvlSddnISiz_ulfNXyZ7gHbO25qjxRxdKVQB3B2bqSqyVWw8AnShNMx54bKQFio_YUbahLBXRCBtVRgac-FLkneh3o3_K0NK2xf5JA/s1600/IMG_2541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGQQOlriMb6yXZtP2CaCEPNtDxL2pL2nhWKJnQOvlSddnISiz_ulfNXyZ7gHbO25qjxRxdKVQB3B2bqSqyVWw8AnShNMx54bKQFio_YUbahLBXRCBtVRgac-FLkneh3o3_K0NK2xf5JA/s200/IMG_2541.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a><br />
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And the special announcement? Alana and Jacob (Andrew's sister) stopped by one random Monday evening with a surprise announcement, that are were expecting. We can't wait for baby L to get here! Zoe is convinced she's getting a girl cousin. Hopefully we will find out soon!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_e4-277STArUmvayhKdCuf-KB4ex_a-SW6tELuBAd0ENmRkxRffzldAsA-IA05pzvSFAWox_48HqAGRLO8S5b9ukKQn1PqtBgh3je2xYBXAhTYw-HXu9UmCH6X8iKFi2OWAcNwCKujA/s1600/Cassie+Litfestyle_-102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_e4-277STArUmvayhKdCuf-KB4ex_a-SW6tELuBAd0ENmRkxRffzldAsA-IA05pzvSFAWox_48HqAGRLO8S5b9ukKQn1PqtBgh3je2xYBXAhTYw-HXu9UmCH6X8iKFi2OWAcNwCKujA/s320/Cassie+Litfestyle_-102.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYb4HTCN5QPZ2QD0tSp26VNKKhd_o1_9Sk5yBec5g_xkNohhyphenhyphenKeI0lAGaUX53nPnyKA60TlWQAgHC4CAT9tSe3U3gjznxzAYrhkJkHq1qFHyOa9GtZA-mtZGe1LM00RTcHbOawkuGkf4/s1600/e-IMG_2116-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYb4HTCN5QPZ2QD0tSp26VNKKhd_o1_9Sk5yBec5g_xkNohhyphenhyphenKeI0lAGaUX53nPnyKA60TlWQAgHC4CAT9tSe3U3gjznxzAYrhkJkHq1qFHyOa9GtZA-mtZGe1LM00RTcHbOawkuGkf4/s200/e-IMG_2116-Edit.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />
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We had a delicious and relaxing Thanksgiving this year, that was followed by<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6zD74sVLnv9XS2KlFOgpznWa31_rR4RPojIDMDEBho1io2vmN3LG5-JKQNvrHQl0uLGlzh9j5npdfqpzLA7ODMg3DDYrIpxL0oS0sZcHG6Okq0syblgv_r4P8oDO2LpneX-5N1wGj18/s1600/e-CD_2015_9202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6zD74sVLnv9XS2KlFOgpznWa31_rR4RPojIDMDEBho1io2vmN3LG5-JKQNvrHQl0uLGlzh9j5npdfqpzLA7ODMg3DDYrIpxL0oS0sZcHG6Okq0syblgv_r4P8oDO2LpneX-5N1wGj18/s200/e-CD_2015_9202.jpg" width="200" /></a>a HUGE ice storm. We got more than they predicted and ended up losing power and trees. We moved Zoe's birthday party to Thanksgiving weekend this year, so it put a bit of a wrench in the works. Despite all of that, we still ended up throwing Zoe's birthday party even though most of our guests couldn't make it. It was lovely, and Zoe had a wonderful time regardless. See more <a href="http://thedufflefamily.blogspot.com/2015/11/vintage-wonderland-unbirthday-tea-zoe.html">Here.</a> With winter, comes my favorite time of year. I love the holiday's for a lot of reasons, and am looking forward to the coming month. Several months ago, we booked a Christmas trip to NYC to do all of the "traditional" things. We are really looking forward to it! Z wants to see all the "big buildings," and we have promised to take her to see santa while we're there!<br />
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Here is this year's update:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn62eICnmLwTuQ-1-v4WJ-IbrwZrVXIQsuIiT-1YH7SaW1wXGmR2ftn-d4To5eH2XxFnXcFqGItdQU0hLmEqyMixDJpCdBTQYdIhOLV7ntyneyKpmp5EQ0ybApBQxjI21kQgFs1o31dIE/s1600/e-CD_2015_9267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn62eICnmLwTuQ-1-v4WJ-IbrwZrVXIQsuIiT-1YH7SaW1wXGmR2ftn-d4To5eH2XxFnXcFqGItdQU0hLmEqyMixDJpCdBTQYdIhOLV7ntyneyKpmp5EQ0ybApBQxjI21kQgFs1o31dIE/s320/e-CD_2015_9267.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
<u><b>Favorite Thing to Do:</b></u> We recently got Science Museum Passes. She LOVES going, and especially loves it when Otto the robot is out and about!<br />
<b><u>Favorite Food:</u></b> Pizza. Typical kid, right? She really loves it when we order a pizza and sit in the living room floor on a blanket, and watch a movie while we eat!<br />
<b><u>New This Year:</u></b> Zoe has made a lot of new friends this year. After my sister moved, we found that Zoe needed the social interaction since she was no longer able to play with her cousins on a weekly/daily basis. We have found some new groups and things to do that have allowed her to make some new friends. In addition, Zoe has been attending a children's day out program once per week that she LOVES. She begs me to go to "school" everyday!<br />
<b><u>Growth: </u></b>Zoe has grown so much this year. She is now a little girl, rather than a toddler. She seems to grow and change each and every day. Just last month, she shot up at least 2-3 inches within a 3 week period. We jumped from 24month clothing right into 3T!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxuylkVj09Ctvendrepbgk5eCSOY5_bQ5w8-2vVWG0Mupbv2SfXXAdgGSo-IkMq_0K_BvvMwfVL7NXD-yyl9zy5x9nuVFZe9du6u1i29GfzQzWCGzA1vtDmUtLZ6Ls1roT4uf5Am-CY8/s1600/Cassie+Litfestyle_-123.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxuylkVj09Ctvendrepbgk5eCSOY5_bQ5w8-2vVWG0Mupbv2SfXXAdgGSo-IkMq_0K_BvvMwfVL7NXD-yyl9zy5x9nuVFZe9du6u1i29GfzQzWCGzA1vtDmUtLZ6Ls1roT4uf5Am-CY8/s400/Cassie+Litfestyle_-123.JPG" width="267" /></a><b><u>Sleep:</u></b> After switching her to a toddler bed in March, she started getting up 8-10 times in the evening before finally going to sleep. She sleeps though the night without issue (thank goodness), but our evenings were consumed with putting her back to bed multiple times. We finally came up with a <a href="http://thedufflefamily.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-solution-for-keeping-toddlers-in-bed.html">solution</a> that is really working for us!! Now if we could only get her to potty train at night...<br />
<b><u>Speaking:</u></b> I knew she was a verbal child when she first started speaking. I was right. She speaks really well for her age. She knows and says things that surprise her daddy and me all the time. Just the other day she pointed to a flag banner and started naming the colors of each flag, then told us it was a pattern! It's so wonderful to watch her learn!<br />
<b><u>Movement:</u></b> She is surprisingly good at soccer for such a little thing. I love watching her play. She loses interest pretty fast, but can dribble and kick the ball better than I can!<br />
<b><u>Behavior: </u></b>Zoe has always been sassy and nothing has really changed. She has an attitude that I have no choice but to admit comes directly from me. That said, she also knows how to turn on the charm, and can be really sweet when she wants to be!<br />
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Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08008483563390489762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090553471314544468.post-65172531895295183612015-11-29T13:06:00.000-08:002015-11-29T13:31:54.239-08:00Vintage Wonderland Unbirthday Tea: Zoe Turns 3!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1y-mRFFq2sDOcXWMEr4BlH99I3xq-IWVd14ca-oOmXQj1p4ZIsqJdb4_j0EOwp7TuBzNDTbtzpN3XMaLKVbxh_nUanjiwxEsQVxZUhEVwKhoXPzhI4qP-eNk0S7at0cwvODjttzyvoL8/s1600/w-IMG_2318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1y-mRFFq2sDOcXWMEr4BlH99I3xq-IWVd14ca-oOmXQj1p4ZIsqJdb4_j0EOwp7TuBzNDTbtzpN3XMaLKVbxh_nUanjiwxEsQVxZUhEVwKhoXPzhI4qP-eNk0S7at0cwvODjttzyvoL8/s640/w-IMG_2318.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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Vintage Wonderland Unbirthday Tea to celebrate Z turning 3! I loved this theme and it was perfect for a 3 year old little girl. I wanted it to be girly and fun with some sophisticated garden touches. It was a big hit, and turned out beautiful. Here's what I did:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUmH4g-BRObew2TF_8FYKJjAhV3xzg2uhxgkGUmTwtvKDUG3R2NPn00GWU9V_1Qzct3ns7JeteT35yorHQSQYdMo0s0V5_SkdLQ11ePeVDaU28gCr5EGE0sv1gZEqsRg1JCM16JCxDOY/s1600/InviteCollage.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUmH4g-BRObew2TF_8FYKJjAhV3xzg2uhxgkGUmTwtvKDUG3R2NPn00GWU9V_1Qzct3ns7JeteT35yorHQSQYdMo0s0V5_SkdLQ11ePeVDaU28gCr5EGE0sv1gZEqsRg1JCM16JCxDOY/s200/InviteCollage.png" width="200" /></a><b><u>Invitations:</u></b><br />
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First things, first...the invitation to the party! I was so happy with these "message in a bottle" invitations." See the full invitation details here: <a href="http://thedufflefamily.blogspot.com/2015/11/vintage-wonderland-un-birthday-tea.html" target="_blank">Vintage Wonderland Un-Birthday Tea : The Invitation</a><br />
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<b><u>Menu: </u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>I wanted a (mostly) traditional tea menu for the party. I wanted it to be something of a light lunch. I stuck with traditional items like tea sandwiches and deviled eggs. I pre-portioned the food as much as possible to make it easier to grab in a buffet-style set up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWQj4GMmgHhuQQ6Y3q04xrlmFd_taqH-Sjq9j-XUl8HCgqUJF53b5LYK0ds5T7tuIyMPtCkFkuEQ9HLsty-KDaF8L_9e6ECZmXSTtapb7zCGS60RfjBkA0PXvuMi_SEOK7kyR1iwBFPQ/s1600/w-IMG_2295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWQj4GMmgHhuQQ6Y3q04xrlmFd_taqH-Sjq9j-XUl8HCgqUJF53b5LYK0ds5T7tuIyMPtCkFkuEQ9HLsty-KDaF8L_9e6ECZmXSTtapb7zCGS60RfjBkA0PXvuMi_SEOK7kyR1iwBFPQ/s640/w-IMG_2295.jpg" width="424" /></a>Here is what was served:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "beyond wonderland"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mad Hatter Menu</span><span style="font-family: "alice in wonderland"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><u><span style="font-family: "austie bost in wonderland"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Eat Me:</span></u></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alice in wonderland";">Tweedle Egg<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "lewiscarroll"; font-size: 9.0pt;">(Deviled Eggs)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "lewiscarrolldings"; font-size: 3.0pt;">B<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alice in wonderland";">White Rabbit Veggies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "lewiscarroll"; font-size: 9.0pt;">(Assorted Vegetables with
Ranch)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "lewiscarrolldings"; font-size: 3.0pt;">B<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alice in wonderland";">Dormouse Cheese<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "lewiscarroll"; font-size: 9.0pt;">(Assorted Cheese, Meats, Nuts,
and Olives)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alice in wonderland";">Bread and Butterflies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "lewiscarroll"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> (Assorted Tea Sandwiches)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alice in wonderland";">Cheshire Chocolate<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "lewiscarroll"; font-size: 9.0pt;">(Chocolate Fondue with
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<span style="font-size: 3pt;">B</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alice in wonderland";">The Queen’s Toast<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "lewiscarroll"; font-size: 9.0pt;">(Un-Birthday Cake)</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: "austie bost in wonderland"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Drink Me:<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alice in wonderland";">Flamingo Water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "lewiscarroll"; font-size: 9.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Spa Water with Fresh Fruit)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alice in wonderland";">Caterpillar Tea</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "lewiscarroll"; font-size: 9pt;">(Sweet Tea with Lemon)</span></div>
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I made the menu's using the kraft paper luggage tags you can find at most craft stores, and some gold paper. I tied them with some twine. I placed this menu in with each gold silverware set. I folded the napkins using <a href="http://judys-front-porch.blogspot.com/2010/09/hat-tricka-napkin-folding-tutorial.html" target="_blank">this tutorial</a>. It allowed for the cutlery to be an easy grab, along with a spot for the menu's. I placed these in a wicker basket next to the plates on a separate table as pictured. </div>
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P.S. the cutlery and plates came from Target. LOVE!</div>
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<b><u>Decorations:</u></b></div>
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I had a baby shower for a friend last year that I was able to save several items from, as the shower was gold, black, and white. I wanted to transform the dining room into a tea garden. Not sure that it necessarily looked like a garden, but we definitely achieved that fancy, girly, sparkly magic!</div>
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"Room Decorations": My daughter is obsessed with balloons so we HAD to have as many as possible. I purchased a helium tank from the party section of Walmart, and several bags of gold balloons. They hovered over the table tied with curly gold ribbon. I bought these <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fun-Express-Vintage-Collection-Hanging/dp/B00AOOZVPG/ref=pd_sim_21_5?ie=UTF8&dpID=51vSggT7pVL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=11KRB3SGDVTQDMAS9B5N" target="_blank">floral fans</a>. I also used some black one's I purchased from Hobby Lobby awhile ago. I hung them around the room and in the large dining room window. I purchased a glittery "Happy Birthday" banner from Hobby Lobby, along with the wobbly clock, and hung them on the wall with command <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5j2OLFJJQfbcGGsMU6GwvMa91-Xb_-Bv_vortqm7hCK16rLkE7zd0mF4d9wMwQb9h9l2JAaY6qFEO-eaY3c8NKlikSX3nF7RwT3h9hbCSISHXPQctHJZTAy0HTQPuVZ3g1ruaAiMNgs/s1600/w-IMG_2331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5j2OLFJJQfbcGGsMU6GwvMa91-Xb_-Bv_vortqm7hCK16rLkE7zd0mF4d9wMwQb9h9l2JAaY6qFEO-eaY3c8NKlikSX3nF7RwT3h9hbCSISHXPQctHJZTAy0HTQPuVZ3g1ruaAiMNgs/s200/w-IMG_2331.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="133" /></a>hooks. Finally, my husband built an A-frame sidewalk chalkboard sign a few weeks ago for a photo session, so I re-used it for the front to help "direct" our guests. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGK6Awm7dPDJxhgW7gyC1VzF887HWJ6GAr_7d1uxMbGFKkrgAWG6qCQn37ZKYFKzIMD2IUraX_rHmWc8xWr6DbXQS3UTMbdhHEA48VzWuinA4wLFijz45sHDpwGEgQpTZ7MR_UvY3kE4/s1600/w-IMG_2302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGK6Awm7dPDJxhgW7gyC1VzF887HWJ6GAr_7d1uxMbGFKkrgAWG6qCQn37ZKYFKzIMD2IUraX_rHmWc8xWr6DbXQS3UTMbdhHEA48VzWuinA4wLFijz45sHDpwGEgQpTZ7MR_UvY3kE4/s320/w-IMG_2302.jpg" width="213" /></a>"Table Top Decor": I used the main dining table, a wooden "card table," and our island for all the <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAbfKD2RGoAe1M-CtR8eNyfP15JZgtfGFXx8PnjlpYYEuqJXh843fJTtl3poGO6dbZjP9NvonbBh7U3y2La-WOPAnnhNbklLbZ8eTrCyWm_Af-7JBviJ1MxN6Tr1mnYsOdn0fQ5kwWyw/s1600/w-IMG_2304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAbfKD2RGoAe1M-CtR8eNyfP15JZgtfGFXx8PnjlpYYEuqJXh843fJTtl3poGO6dbZjP9NvonbBh7U3y2La-WOPAnnhNbklLbZ8eTrCyWm_Af-7JBviJ1MxN6Tr1mnYsOdn0fQ5kwWyw/s200/w-IMG_2304.jpg" width="133" /></a>food, drinks, and desserts. I covered each with some chalkboard wrapping paper to protect the surface. I was originally going to write on it, but thought decided it really didn't need any more "clutter" so I left it blank. I spray painted several food cans and a few liquor bottles gold, and filled them with fake flowers and little chalkboard signs that I wrote things like "eat me" or "drink me" on. I put these all around the room and on the food surfaces as center pieces and decoration. I also collected some pine cones a few weeks ago that I spray painted gold and placed around the room. They held the playing cards well, which helped tie it in to Alice in Wonderland. I put them on beds of fake moss purchased from dollar tree to "green things up." I purchased two little chalkboard signs that I wrote some sayings from the book on. Finally, I made little food tags for each item using an avery product purchased from the craft store, and I tied them with twine. </div>
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"Tweedle Egg": Simple deviled eggs. I kept them simple and kept out the relish. I used mayo, mustard, butter, and salt. Then I piped them into the eggs using a ziplock bag. Also, if you don't have an egg-cooker, everyone needs one. Such a life-saver when it comes to getting hard boiled eggs perfectly cooked (and easy to peel!).<br />
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"White Rabbit Veggies": Carrot, Cucumber, Red and Yellow bell pepper in shot glasses with ranch, So easy and I love the color it added to the table (and my plate!).<br />
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"Dormouse Cheese": We used a basket for the crackers and a cheese plate for an assortment of cheese and meat. We just picked two of our favorite blocks from the local grocery and pre-cut everything to make it easy to grab. I actually meant to label the cheese plate with the description of each item, but forgot! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTAfNOXGKkG4kRAZotwoL-Jd6c-UfdOR_g5Op84kUjbk_bUkW8RSV2uSxiPPpZYbGXhItOd66xWo5jltHzjRZ_R3dKhtk77OTVQDdsQMunGjFApVDvY5uQM6pj266PKZg-mUBFF0qjK0/s1600/w-IMG_2322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTAfNOXGKkG4kRAZotwoL-Jd6c-UfdOR_g5Op84kUjbk_bUkW8RSV2uSxiPPpZYbGXhItOd66xWo5jltHzjRZ_R3dKhtk77OTVQDdsQMunGjFApVDvY5uQM6pj266PKZg-mUBFF0qjK0/s200/w-IMG_2322.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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"Bread and Butterflies": An assortment of tea sandwiches. I used cookie cutters shaped like a teapot and tea cup, as well as just cutting them in quarters. I kind of followed my own recipes with these, but here's generally what I offered- 1. Salmon: Smoked salmon, cream cheese, and capers on pumpernickel bread. 2. Cucumber: THIN sliced cucumbers, whipped salted cream butter with small chopped chives on white bread.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxQWKGwgtzQ4da_Kqq_ITOsjMY8qU0xBmDPbrjA-3GOlnQvMj6IYsiGCAkuFyLXEt2zdT6BxvbqAnIPsedYAgAhLkL2I4MbJDpRPT84mhyhFNu8Uqt3HQZ9G7o4W8S-160wSO0k-15mU/s1600/w-IMG_2326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxQWKGwgtzQ4da_Kqq_ITOsjMY8qU0xBmDPbrjA-3GOlnQvMj6IYsiGCAkuFyLXEt2zdT6BxvbqAnIPsedYAgAhLkL2I4MbJDpRPT84mhyhFNu8Uqt3HQZ9G7o4W8S-160wSO0k-15mU/s200/w-IMG_2326.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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3. Chicken Salad: I cheated and purchased gourmet from the specialty grocery down the street from us. It was delish, and included poppyseed, chicken, mayo, grapes and pecans. I was originally going to put these on mini croissants, but we had leftover butter rolls from Thanksgiving, so voila! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLBf5DtSPnNwNuE0oeaTtfnrBY-5nQjRB7Q2z_WYqRDSD9gDppCq-KIiwYxNlPId1xJwrBMFsTfRmiy3ZFW170v5MzOtRhXIApHETfMdGdMw25W9VTriLHc6wsrF7hosl6L6rmeyBRIs/s1600/w-IMG_2323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLBf5DtSPnNwNuE0oeaTtfnrBY-5nQjRB7Q2z_WYqRDSD9gDppCq-KIiwYxNlPId1xJwrBMFsTfRmiy3ZFW170v5MzOtRhXIApHETfMdGdMw25W9VTriLHc6wsrF7hosl6L6rmeyBRIs/s200/w-IMG_2323.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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4. Sweet: These were my FAV! My Mother-in-law makes a peach butter from scratch every summer, and cans enough for the whole year. I put some on cinnamon swirl bread and spread with cream cheese. Oh so good!<br />
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Helpful tips- whipped butter and whipped cream cheese spread so much easier for sandwiches. Also, thin sliced bread helps keep everything in proportion. Too much bread takes away from the flavor!</div>
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"Cheshire Chocolate": I used this <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/178244097730595910/" target="_blank">Pinterest Recipe</a> in my fondue pot. I cut up green apples, grapes, and strawberries. It was SO GOOD! I included little mini forks so everyone didn't need to keep up with their own skewer. </div>
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"The Queen's Toast": The birthday cake was the best part. My husband build a topsy-turvy cake stand very similar to <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/178244097730651763/" target="_blank">this Pinterest tutorial. </a> I used white cake mix and whipped butter cream frosting. I <br />
decorated with strawberries, blackberries, and cranberries. I also bought some organic flowers at the specialty grocery store (and cleaned them REALLY well). I added the flowers just before the party to make sure they didn't wilt, as they only live on a cake like this for 12 hours or so. </div>
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"Flamingo Water": I purchased white plastic "tea cups" for the beverage service. My daughter was thrilled to drink from her tea cup! The flamingo water was just Spa Water in a glass beverage server. I put in sliced strawberries, cranberries, and mint leaf.<br />
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"Caterpillar Tea": Simply a jug of sweet tea poured over ice in a glass pitcher. My daughter didn't care for it, but all the adults loved it! And you have to have tea at a tea party, right?!</div>
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<b><u>Gifts:</u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKK0sWwr-9OGjGbxb1ch6_fhzXNcXFkTAiuN_rOe_vd80e0G8hy1l67j-CQCZD11QcQymoXa-wPfBNKhr7uuHs-kplkQk8Y2cmH8qmdUTKmEMYCgVmG2AXhZKdnr-2QGboQWn8wHCcOo8/s1600/w-IMG_2288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKK0sWwr-9OGjGbxb1ch6_fhzXNcXFkTAiuN_rOe_vd80e0G8hy1l67j-CQCZD11QcQymoXa-wPfBNKhr7uuHs-kplkQk8Y2cmH8qmdUTKmEMYCgVmG2AXhZKdnr-2QGboQWn8wHCcOo8/s200/w-IMG_2288.jpg" width="200" /></a>This year I wanted everyone to have a little something to take home with them. I found really cute gold foil gift bags, and filled them with Milano cookies, a deck of cards (purchased at dollar tree 2 for $1), and some Rolo's (because they are wrapped in gold).<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrHcN9IVGssrIYYC5TBeSLo70ON-c00_MqRijgDiWri4BKQ4jVx_-D5c8ks3v_j8LpsLbkZP7P2FEXqzgcQlFl1bz8fvcaPMNhOX7okfU5v2FiAqNqtW73JMGTgQjTnyUz8g7kie3L1g/s1600/w-IMG_2271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrHcN9IVGssrIYYC5TBeSLo70ON-c00_MqRijgDiWri4BKQ4jVx_-D5c8ks3v_j8LpsLbkZP7P2FEXqzgcQlFl1bz8fvcaPMNhOX7okfU5v2FiAqNqtW73JMGTgQjTnyUz8g7kie3L1g/s320/w-IMG_2271.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
I also had "party hats" for everyone to wear. I purchased little snowman hats from the Christmas section of Hobby lobby that are made out of felt. They look like little top hats and already had a red ribbon on them. I took stretchy gold string and stapled them to the hat to make a chin strap.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCeUMjRwgTp-wTe5OZ7hcxAx8ynDmrXXfq8o-m9gJ6WHXQdxd-S1ZV4KHYVSr_H5kl4WKrTNvWzEUHMnRB_cy9T1oUwQn6I8YpLlQBCLtCQGZKl_nmUnxk62neDTjN-hNF3BpkKlBnD7o/s1600/w-IMG_2116-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCeUMjRwgTp-wTe5OZ7hcxAx8ynDmrXXfq8o-m9gJ6WHXQdxd-S1ZV4KHYVSr_H5kl4WKrTNvWzEUHMnRB_cy9T1oUwQn6I8YpLlQBCLtCQGZKl_nmUnxk62neDTjN-hNF3BpkKlBnD7o/s320/w-IMG_2116-Edit.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a><br />
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I wanted to create and outfit for Z that embodied the theme of her party. I didn't want her to look exactly like Alice in Wonderland,<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3n29KilAyg2Gx7mKvNdy5csiuHTN-i3Hs51WyRBKXgOyq691D4bl0Y3NpcNyCUnlfBvHrGUiGDHYyAUEV_60E2RrH-xMlvjhdClNjnUDg-FcfmWOhH2AHOk3mqzqZWtY-EAFBlHw94qo/s1600/w-IMG_2259-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3n29KilAyg2Gx7mKvNdy5csiuHTN-i3Hs51WyRBKXgOyq691D4bl0Y3NpcNyCUnlfBvHrGUiGDHYyAUEV_60E2RrH-xMlvjhdClNjnUDg-FcfmWOhH2AHOk3mqzqZWtY-EAFBlHw94qo/s200/w-IMG_2259-Edit.jpg" width="200" /></a>but rather a steam-punk sparkly version that looked like she belonged at a Mad Hatter Tea. I purchased <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UN5HYO2?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00" target="_blank">this dress</a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PP8Q1U0?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00" target="_blank">these stockings.</a> The dress was SUPER short, so I made a tutu with gold tulle. I created a head band from one of the top hats, a flower, and some feathers. It turned out perfect!<br />
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That is pretty much the party in a nutshell. There were too many details and elements to list every little thing! I'd love to hear your comments, so feel free to leave one! <3<br />
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-CD</div>
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Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08008483563390489762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090553471314544468.post-75805041869443793092015-11-19T05:30:00.001-08:002015-11-19T05:31:13.080-08:00The Solution for Keeping Toddlers in Bed I've heard it happening time and time again. You make the switch to a toddler bed because your little one is climbing out of their crib. Everything goes fine at first, but then they start to test the waters...they start getting out of bed. Once, twice... Over and over and over. After a few weeks/months you're pulling your hair out! How do you keep your child from roaming the house at all hours of the night?!<br />
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We came up with a solution that worked like a charm for us. We have had it for almost a month now, and our daughter has yet to get out of bed at night. Not even once. Meet my new best friend, the door alarm:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGndcQNyRJAZ8sv9VeISTuQFTMZLZZo6A7Edr-fplixnuMtvsLcODI6Ggkv6JKOP_qQjXyy6a592UaQH7w7tu5bIS-heyzFDbCfJdNwUs0TAN3YETibVhbWBUv70-U7BKe0kmtH6r4k8/s1600/IMG_2675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGndcQNyRJAZ8sv9VeISTuQFTMZLZZo6A7Edr-fplixnuMtvsLcODI6Ggkv6JKOP_qQjXyy6a592UaQH7w7tu5bIS-heyzFDbCfJdNwUs0TAN3YETibVhbWBUv70-U7BKe0kmtH6r4k8/s320/IMG_2675.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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These can be purchased anywhere. Amazon has similar ones for around $5. See them <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Window-Entry-Alarm-Magnetic-Sensor/dp/B008NXFKLK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1447939055&sr=8-3&keywords=door+alarm" target="_blank">here</a>. What does it do? It attaches to the door (simple install...no screws!) and can be switched from off to chime or alarm (we have it on chime now that she understands we will switch it to alarm if she gets up). When the door is opened, it emits an alarm or chime sound. The alarm is a continuous sound that does not stop until it is either switched off manually or the door is closed. The alarm feature is particularly effective because it is so loud and obnoxious. Your child will WANT to make it stop, and will promptly shut the door.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84fVpD0sudMCZvukm5icEC6FeWitD16V79u10WhDZHG8kZAtmK0Qq_nADp7Ld_LmXGi54UwU7Cr32oUcC0GcgOKstOItueyCvlmg5hF9PxXIUoj5kpAImZZLxuhbUagAjwXiJMGziUIE/s1600/IMG_2673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84fVpD0sudMCZvukm5icEC6FeWitD16V79u10WhDZHG8kZAtmK0Qq_nADp7Ld_LmXGi54UwU7Cr32oUcC0GcgOKstOItueyCvlmg5hF9PxXIUoj5kpAImZZLxuhbUagAjwXiJMGziUIE/s200/IMG_2673.JPG" width="150" /></a>I'm sure at some point she will figure out that she need only step out of the room and close the door behind her to make the sound stop. But for now, she doesn't even test it because she despises the noise so much. She will stand at the door and call for me if she needs me. It puts my mind at ease to know she won't be roaming the house while I'm snoozing away in the other room. It's also much more safe than a baby gate or lock because she CAN leave the room in the event of an emergency (such as fire). It has also been effective in keeping her contained during time out's. Pretty nifty solution for $5!<br />
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<br />Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08008483563390489762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090553471314544468.post-25583034517318832932015-11-02T05:13:00.000-08:002015-11-02T05:13:45.010-08:00Vintage Wonderland Un-Birthday Tea : The Invitation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmY-T2A0ZJXAa_Qhf-UM0iTHjYIEE78STRscSP0Eicj26LC0-4UkJResmCKk0GSp219WISpgxFWYcMSf4XaiI7vO3H4rD7mXbgKFyOpzAK1s76_bHmpKCsRYZdqtnwYgt40SgOf9EVKE/s1600/InviteCollage.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmY-T2A0ZJXAa_Qhf-UM0iTHjYIEE78STRscSP0Eicj26LC0-4UkJResmCKk0GSp219WISpgxFWYcMSf4XaiI7vO3H4rD7mXbgKFyOpzAK1s76_bHmpKCsRYZdqtnwYgt40SgOf9EVKE/s320/InviteCollage.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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We are having an un-birthday tea to celebrate Zoe turning three! The un-birthday tea will be a nod to vintage Alice in Wonderland, with lots of garden party touches. As always, I wanted the invitation to reflect the party theme, and I think it hits the nail on the head.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsK3IH_8uOvI-wJnYgXl6IoL4cml3j3tezB4zPSQNHxf92hgvh226qaq50dsrVDjYTPz6p4Zh6kZ6yokZ69FZSV4Q0jLU3YzqmgJPezqaEJdu6oiK3l3tCwPlbDcXTr1Hz0Xpw4uPtDVE/s1600/Tea1-CD_2015_9083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsK3IH_8uOvI-wJnYgXl6IoL4cml3j3tezB4zPSQNHxf92hgvh226qaq50dsrVDjYTPz6p4Zh6kZ6yokZ69FZSV4Q0jLU3YzqmgJPezqaEJdu6oiK3l3tCwPlbDcXTr1Hz0Xpw4uPtDVE/s320/Tea1-CD_2015_9083.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Parcel boxes were purchased at the craft store and stamped with a tea pot. I then free-handed "Open Me" in the bottom corner with a navy pen that matched the ink pad. The box was tied closed with twine.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxt-ZdI57NyAi1R2wf-nPPDncrN0VkM1Q9MueluMXfCJNFHfdqGuBg5PkpSp_Oi8omKA4n46ejShwuM5HgCwYcK-Vf2wH6Bz1jYQsTstwISMt6lqMgdO-o7sGQQ8yx09gs9Vq1Fhk1ZZQ/s1600/Tea2-CD_2015_9096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxt-ZdI57NyAi1R2wf-nPPDncrN0VkM1Q9MueluMXfCJNFHfdqGuBg5PkpSp_Oi8omKA4n46ejShwuM5HgCwYcK-Vf2wH6Bz1jYQsTstwISMt6lqMgdO-o7sGQQ8yx09gs9Vq1Fhk1ZZQ/s320/Tea2-CD_2015_9096.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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The interior of the box was lined with artificial moss purchased in the floral section of the craft store.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKn-fYuFMmZ7ue9MhulT74heNTco3VleeFUeiBvTSjUIYCyEklj4w7GvG4ouACYKKicQ9_YKkM0gwyZbeA-ih8Yuvz9PofsbJsLdS4Y6-JDRpAVNd97FSQ-UW_oZH24LenOyuRis_XjqU/s1600/Tea4-CD_2015_9102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKn-fYuFMmZ7ue9MhulT74heNTco3VleeFUeiBvTSjUIYCyEklj4w7GvG4ouACYKKicQ9_YKkM0gwyZbeA-ih8Yuvz9PofsbJsLdS4Y6-JDRpAVNd97FSQ-UW_oZH24LenOyuRis_XjqU/s320/Tea4-CD_2015_9102.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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The small cork bottles were purchased at the craft store in sets of 6. A company called "Small Parts" makes the miniature magnifying glasses, which I caught on sale for 1/2 off. I tied a tag around the bottle, and free handed "Read Me" with chalk marker. The magnifying glass is tied to the bottle using twine.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGcx1zDFrYfGGSWGruaqgkqgsOt20dkRO05QBIVXyOKXuucq2Y3UxM8ZHVm8Nqpk0pOakzXsQSvpTeudaI_rjKrod6L-xF0SkMGuMwS1sbDnbNC_FfplgW-umWbATYlawvUNWDgxBHUBI/s1600/Tea3-CD_2015_9110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGcx1zDFrYfGGSWGruaqgkqgsOt20dkRO05QBIVXyOKXuucq2Y3UxM8ZHVm8Nqpk0pOakzXsQSvpTeudaI_rjKrod6L-xF0SkMGuMwS1sbDnbNC_FfplgW-umWbATYlawvUNWDgxBHUBI/s320/Tea3-CD_2015_9110.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The invitation itself is made from pink and gold scrapbook paper. The front side of the paper is actually white, but I watercolored it pink before printing. It was rolled using a chopstick to help get a tight roll, then tied with a piece of twine. The twine was left a bit long, so that a piece of it could peek out through the top (from under the cork), which makes it much easier to remove the invitation from the bottle.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpV1FMNePmxt98AKpxG7gRswFZvDyJ6H4iRue6B_obU1PYk5S5OctnIBj7YfPU5uT5xCP96b-zVPGMVHWQicpByK1rfZOEE06j2Q-xv-Tc6VIlJ1shalROKD8yQsCb5JVkhBUZ3TRQGvE/s1600/Zoe%2527s+Invite+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpV1FMNePmxt98AKpxG7gRswFZvDyJ6H4iRue6B_obU1PYk5S5OctnIBj7YfPU5uT5xCP96b-zVPGMVHWQicpByK1rfZOEE06j2Q-xv-Tc6VIlJ1shalROKD8yQsCb5JVkhBUZ3TRQGvE/s400/Zoe%2527s+Invite+copy.jpg" width="372" /></a></div>
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<br />Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08008483563390489762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090553471314544468.post-56039186729682218662015-09-09T14:37:00.004-07:002015-09-09T14:59:23.432-07:00Choosing PaintSo let's have a little chat about paint...<br />
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Paint is one of the absolute easiest and least expensive ways to transform a room. It can make all the difference in going from blah to wow. I have painted my fair share of spaces, and boy have I made some crazy color choices! (baby-poo green, anyone?).<br />
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So here's the deal. When it comes to your home, you want to love it 5 years from now, right? You want to be able to get a different couch or a different rug (or whatever) in a year, without worrying that it clashes terribly with your lemon meringue walls. You need to be able to resell your house without worrying about hiring a painter because you chose a different color for every single room of your house. So here are a few of my favorite painting tips for choosing the perfect color. I should tell you that these are 100% my opinion, but they have worked very well for us when it comes to resale!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwii0VLPuCXYRjI_GMe0lt4q5KfCtrBvayBmwJ5p4608ko0ZGlbM1Rum7gb7wYSd0xZ0VKKu1E7I2JjZ_309KjDhH-DYek-BuOO8Kny6GyLjxvTJ_S7NlcIE9M1gk_aJe-KwJj-iaQdQ/s1600/cvetovaya-palitra-1831.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwii0VLPuCXYRjI_GMe0lt4q5KfCtrBvayBmwJ5p4608ko0ZGlbM1Rum7gb7wYSd0xZ0VKKu1E7I2JjZ_309KjDhH-DYek-BuOO8Kny6GyLjxvTJ_S7NlcIE9M1gk_aJe-KwJj-iaQdQ/s200/cvetovaya-palitra-1831.png" width="200" /></a><br />
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1. Neutral, Neutral, Neutral! When it come's to the walls of your home, there's black, white, and brown (and all the shades in-between). That's it. Anything with a tint of anything else isn't a neutral and *probably* shouldn't go on your wall. Sure, there are those rare occasions where I'll paint a laundry room blue or something, but that's the extent of it, and really it would be better if I didn't. I love color, don't get me wrong, but orange should be on your pillows and rugs, not on your walls.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAPPTvFgbzCCSVVg6SppNXRfoumSpX-iHkMF6u9WTgr6ZyEFbqyyw6UNwVfcdrY-Ktg7cPb4Ny_24KuEWemyRs32rQkuF57Ea1InGinowwnmvHvcn8KH-B7M9EgPSEKdkgyi57lprTMg/s1600/IMG_71601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAPPTvFgbzCCSVVg6SppNXRfoumSpX-iHkMF6u9WTgr6ZyEFbqyyw6UNwVfcdrY-Ktg7cPb4Ny_24KuEWemyRs32rQkuF57Ea1InGinowwnmvHvcn8KH-B7M9EgPSEKdkgyi57lprTMg/s200/IMG_71601.jpg" width="133" /></a>2. Pick a color palette and STICK TO IT! I'm totally guilty, and I know a lot of people who are. They choose a completely different color palette for every single room of their house. The kitchen is red and yellow, the living blue and green, the bathroom orange and purple... Ok, that's a bit extreme, but you see my point. If you pick a semi-neutral palette of colors (I usually go with a set of 3-4) and use them throughout your home (particularly in spaces you frequent: living, dining, kitchen), your home will feel much more cohesive. Then, for example, in the living/dining area, pick a new color (or two) to pop with your accessories (like adobe orange). This not only makes it easier to change color palettes (recover your pillows and buy a new rug when you tire of orange), but it also showcases the color much better. A perfect example can be found at <a href="http://www.justagirlblog.com/gray-orange-teen-room/">Just a Girl blog</a>. See how that orange stands out, yet could be swapped out easily for, say, blue??<br />
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3. Use a Color-Picker App. Did you know these exist?? I didn't either until recently. Home Depot has a fabulous one called "<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/project-color-by-home-depot/id1002417141?mt=8">Project color</a>". You take a picture of your room (or there is also a "live" mode). Then you can pick a color by shade, tone, etc. The technology easily finds the edges of the things you have on and against the walls and "paints" around them, basically allowing you to digitally paint your room as many times as it takes to find the perfect shade. That's right, folks. No need to buy two million paint samples. Narrow it down to a just a few using this handy app first!<br />
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4. Time of Day Matters. Once you start considering your color palette, pay attention to how the light changes in the room. Check out how the ambient light of your lamps effect the color. Check out how morning light looks different than afternoon and evening. I usually like to have my sample color up for at least a day or two on MULTIPLE WALLS before I commit to a whole room. Why multiple walls? Because the shading of light won't be the same on different walls due to the light from windows, etc. When I'm testing a color, I paint little patches everywhere. High, low, corners, east, west...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCn4Kh21XcdcCKDHJ8gD5XxQlZSSXwc413ZMFJ5W5-xnE_46K1AfZSvPwTKeOs51Dg5q_I6bTNoxGlnbAs_CfPltV09hTRx5c9DS-ujso9OllYAdATmvVVOr7yaROg0RcaYAwFZssVhn4/s1600/1297adcf-536f-4081-abed-054e17684f06_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCn4Kh21XcdcCKDHJ8gD5XxQlZSSXwc413ZMFJ5W5-xnE_46K1AfZSvPwTKeOs51Dg5q_I6bTNoxGlnbAs_CfPltV09hTRx5c9DS-ujso9OllYAdATmvVVOr7yaROg0RcaYAwFZssVhn4/s200/1297adcf-536f-4081-abed-054e17684f06_400.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
5. Neatness Counts. Nothing ruins a freshly painted wall faster than a messy application. Be neat and clean. Take your time and make sure you are coating the surface. Do another coat if you have to. Be sure to use the right roller for the wall surface you are painting on and use "W-Shaped" strokes with the roller. I love using paint/primer's-in-one for painting pretty much anything other than an already-white surface. It's usually worth it. Also, I rarely ever use painter's tape anymore (only occasionally and for special projects). Try using a <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Shur-Line-6-8-in-x-3-in-Pro-Paint-Edger-1000c/202080280">Shur Line painting edger</a>. It is soooo much faster!<br />
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6. Clean-Up. With a two-year-old, I can rarely finish any painting project in just one day. I always keep 2 gallon ZipLock bags on hand. When I need to break, I put everything (roller, Shur line, paint brush) into the bag with a wet paper towel and stick it in the fridge. When I'm ready to use it again, I just pull them out and they are ready to go. I have kept painting materials fresh this way for months in the past.<br />
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7. Check out <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>. There are a BUNCH of ideas for simplifying the painting process, and making things cleaner and easier. (Like plastic bagging your roller tray so you can just throw the bag away but reuse the tray...GENIUS). There are also a million color palette ideas and samples. People that have already used your color palette in a room, so you can get a better feel for the look you're going for BEFORE you commit a bunch of time, money, and energy into changing your walls. It's definitely worth a browse.<br />
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So that about wraps it up. I can't go, however, without sharing with you my all-time favorite wall-color: <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_432979-4-700418SANDSTONEGRAY_0__?productId=50161983">Valspar Sandstone</a>. I have painted nearly every wall in both my previous and current house with this color. I've had a few family member's use this color as well. It's almost fool-proof because it goes with just about everything. And **Bonus** because I use it so often and in such massive quantities, I buy it by the 3 gallon bucket and get a discount! It's warm, but still contemporary. Love it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIfl20CcyzdsIsxRXm373itJmxTvbsFNGmeUWjVGP1YsjIBhdpgWsJNNZzhRBqsRNfZCwkeFHwS8FbuJ_9s1P0VBb54l66N7JHTc8XPSx-mM0sRT6ke3BpcXEfwATQRPyNYxLfT9SJZ0/s1600/IMG_0360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIfl20CcyzdsIsxRXm373itJmxTvbsFNGmeUWjVGP1YsjIBhdpgWsJNNZzhRBqsRNfZCwkeFHwS8FbuJ_9s1P0VBb54l66N7JHTc8XPSx-mM0sRT6ke3BpcXEfwATQRPyNYxLfT9SJZ0/s200/IMG_0360.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ach8aa2pC5HqQ02Mp-M0Qmqy8MiXW1wfLL28iFCuV28muU7k1Wl_JllOiMrfEKCzNGWOzQJJJX7-KFwi5ZCmRKZTkrT-aHS3BSNQ1EV13z6MN7JWmwNv3MljdNrtvaZLig14_B0na88/s1600/IMG_0563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ach8aa2pC5HqQ02Mp-M0Qmqy8MiXW1wfLL28iFCuV28muU7k1Wl_JllOiMrfEKCzNGWOzQJJJX7-KFwi5ZCmRKZTkrT-aHS3BSNQ1EV13z6MN7JWmwNv3MljdNrtvaZLig14_B0na88/s200/IMG_0563.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KpZEsMC9memZ7tR_ghUWOLiYE_WkOgo3xhyphenhyphenJatFkf5AcZS0qvYbB_Ds2J1rvnpAe5TDHezddDLCExMl0vDDuZ8HtZLg13NXdxsZxprIsfJ2ArZj7N6Lyd4Wz_cBwaIJeuuMN3fNVlXc/s1600/e-IMG_7981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KpZEsMC9memZ7tR_ghUWOLiYE_WkOgo3xhyphenhyphenJatFkf5AcZS0qvYbB_Ds2J1rvnpAe5TDHezddDLCExMl0vDDuZ8HtZLg13NXdxsZxprIsfJ2ArZj7N6Lyd4Wz_cBwaIJeuuMN3fNVlXc/s320/e-IMG_7981.jpg" width="193" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
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<br />Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08008483563390489762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090553471314544468.post-53234217431424235282015-08-07T12:39:00.003-07:002015-08-07T12:39:35.927-07:00Sliding Barn Door: Office Transformation (Part 2)Life has gotten a little crazy around here. The photography business has picked up a bit, so rather than writing blog posts, I have been parked at the computer, editing endless photo's. Nevertheless, here is our barn door we added to our office a few months ago:<br />
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Love the nice, large statement it makes when you walk in.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjx2yhLhQrSnOsVmq-Hb_WW35HxRTPiVRZ56wy2nmQxBWWIw_wOwqQNKJtob0SRem2K8wq6IhYHKzhASsy2GcNGh1klhpn7XeMOZPbaoBBr8unEnXyry38Ft5f1uToKczOCDTy4tK3q6o/s1600/w-IMG_7999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjx2yhLhQrSnOsVmq-Hb_WW35HxRTPiVRZ56wy2nmQxBWWIw_wOwqQNKJtob0SRem2K8wq6IhYHKzhASsy2GcNGh1klhpn7XeMOZPbaoBBr8unEnXyry38Ft5f1uToKczOCDTy4tK3q6o/s400/w-IMG_7999.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
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It was made almost completely from scratch. We had a really odd-sized door, because the ceilings are high, and the opening wide. The door is HEAVY. We purchased the metal rollers from Ebay, and crafted the rail from metal stripping purchased from the hardware store.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3W0sSq12cStQZXDjUDX1xi5bWsT6_-wzla5dyyMkVrlL5n6VspYaJaX-LRYVbQQtp6TL1C_1lWoZqgcL0rTifsKPXIsQqHTRudWjgdRr2ewdTtQznOWk7IRGFhgAoig4jvowZOYWK2Eg/s1600/IMG_0907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3W0sSq12cStQZXDjUDX1xi5bWsT6_-wzla5dyyMkVrlL5n6VspYaJaX-LRYVbQQtp6TL1C_1lWoZqgcL0rTifsKPXIsQqHTRudWjgdRr2ewdTtQznOWk7IRGFhgAoig4jvowZOYWK2Eg/s320/IMG_0907.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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It took two coats of stain- one the lighter color, the second the dark.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXeuCWnR4JYvr9pGaG4gvQca2VZQtd3D9LRQlfseYZYRe2bLcGN2TgXYEBBTD3SiXObCD_Gn1rN1M8-gbNI-abKXNzvNNnGCLZc-ib-3Y3mBLJskZaQTrvm1MOy_CnD_6_Ef_jSQhG2c/s1600/IMG_0868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXeuCWnR4JYvr9pGaG4gvQca2VZQtd3D9LRQlfseYZYRe2bLcGN2TgXYEBBTD3SiXObCD_Gn1rN1M8-gbNI-abKXNzvNNnGCLZc-ib-3Y3mBLJskZaQTrvm1MOy_CnD_6_Ef_jSQhG2c/s320/IMG_0868.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here is the finished product!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IUu4v4X0u27qTwVSPZwMRiAW-LbVtGoHO6C9SoO2jCzNeeodzG4I4cwD6HjSSSzwYzZP9H3L-ilAebS0vCdU-YfplQFCom_4V66Zj6LoRrFamk8Iug07jUeuR8yjYsMa9INwE3_6Y-s/s1600/w-IMG_8001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IUu4v4X0u27qTwVSPZwMRiAW-LbVtGoHO6C9SoO2jCzNeeodzG4I4cwD6HjSSSzwYzZP9H3L-ilAebS0vCdU-YfplQFCom_4V66Zj6LoRrFamk8Iug07jUeuR8yjYsMa9INwE3_6Y-s/s320/w-IMG_8001.jpg" width="188" /></a></div>
<br />Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08008483563390489762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090553471314544468.post-40935251062002700032015-06-11T14:22:00.001-07:002015-06-11T14:26:14.530-07:0030 B4 30: Water Challenge and Clean Eating Challenge Results!As part of my 30 b4 30 list, which you can <a href="http://thedufflefamily.blogspot.com/2015/05/30-before-30-challenge.html">see here</a>, I decided to do a water challenge and a clean eating challenge. I decided to do both at the same time, each for 30 days.<br />
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Water...goooood....soda....bad.....For the water challenge, I simply cut all liquids other than water from my diet. No soda, juice, etc. It was ridiculously hard for me, because I am one of the worst soda-addicts EVER. As in, I have gone days where I only drank soda...nothing else. The first few days I had a killer headache, but after that, the cravings were pretty minimal. I learned to be ok with water. I even learned to like it for the most part. Since the end of the challenge, I have been able to limit soda intake to a much more reasonable, 1-soda-per-day limit. I still drink mostly water.<br />
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So with the clean eating challenge, I followed <a href="http://www.blessthismessplease.com/2013/07/eating-clean-meal-plan.html">this menu</a> for the first few weeks, then built my own after that. I cut out processed foods almost completely. Absolutely no high fructose corn syrup or weird preservatives. If I couldn't read it or didn't know what it was, I didn't eat it. I monitored calorie intake using an online tracker to ensure that I didn't go way over on food intake, since I'm not used to eating this way. I will say, this was a very difficult challenge. Not because it's hard to find food that fits the criteria, but because it's very difficult to maintain weight while eating full-fat, non-processed foods. It was almost impossible to lose weight with this strategy. I felt great while doing it, but was almost always hungry. Let's just say I was glad when the 30 days was up!<br />
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Side Note- The beauty of the clean eating challenge was that I got to try some awesome new recipes...I found some new family favorites and tried several things I have never had before!<br />
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The Results- I lost 7 pounds total. I probably lost a few inches as well. Here's a before and after:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxAAmtYXC4YS4LP7DKXuwnqKBXH_gxWPWzHTZY-a4V_gWKc4V1ArQQRmgkswWjNMV_vFLs0eGiiRO7DxaNo_BmVzfBjeBV5cQ1WEezSjR5XDtGSNZsg33oCmHVZUX_dMnPH78UDpC4Lw/s1600/BeforeAfter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxAAmtYXC4YS4LP7DKXuwnqKBXH_gxWPWzHTZY-a4V_gWKc4V1ArQQRmgkswWjNMV_vFLs0eGiiRO7DxaNo_BmVzfBjeBV5cQ1WEezSjR5XDtGSNZsg33oCmHVZUX_dMnPH78UDpC4Lw/s640/BeforeAfter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08008483563390489762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090553471314544468.post-66630610379520933882015-05-26T09:06:00.006-07:002015-05-26T09:22:47.908-07:00Concrete Desk and Pipe Shelves: Office Transformation (Part 1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieq18_WSxtiGxqUT7ekMzKioqxJLtlNwls9lzdiiWKCbaxzONK7n4u5AEkwXMYSfVqD0BkboU81fnVrSj0Gi2QxdxhkGulZPi4e84A2HwUpgFQAoaKwGIkDgsIXob2eCorLNS-khCWoY/s1600/e-IMG_7981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieq18_WSxtiGxqUT7ekMzKioqxJLtlNwls9lzdiiWKCbaxzONK7n4u5AEkwXMYSfVqD0BkboU81fnVrSj0Gi2QxdxhkGulZPi4e84A2HwUpgFQAoaKwGIkDgsIXob2eCorLNS-khCWoY/s320/e-IMG_7981.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
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For part one of the three-part Office Transformation series, I give you, our Concrete Desk and Pipe Shelves. With nods to both vintage and industrialist modern styles, this wall make's a statement in our new office, and I'm loving what it's saying...<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Concrete Desk- </span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYiJ5fCfurUha6rUpg8jG5XTIAHOvyqNMrHquzB4H76dH_Zz1jwg_wPm096gEK-HOZgR1CgQ6o3A-uNri38VNowpNLavMrF9og2TyBTeaczDUMBowYvSeZv1mDyLupk4d-HeLFOZB4ekI/s1600/e-IMG_7984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYiJ5fCfurUha6rUpg8jG5XTIAHOvyqNMrHquzB4H76dH_Zz1jwg_wPm096gEK-HOZgR1CgQ6o3A-uNri38VNowpNLavMrF9og2TyBTeaczDUMBowYvSeZv1mDyLupk4d-HeLFOZB4ekI/s320/e-IMG_7984.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4Q-WeR44T6fntmC34HoBdDl_u_bOkc3XsrUz2fL7aVY_OOi5sJi00hytdALoJHTTS4V3-M1g5UOFecbmU4ZJ86SKbSaa_Lf1SxZ50K2YnLGNCp5h3u_io4n2Ob_s2Q9SQJtUwHZn-sk/s1600/IMG_0545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4Q-WeR44T6fntmC34HoBdDl_u_bOkc3XsrUz2fL7aVY_OOi5sJi00hytdALoJHTTS4V3-M1g5UOFecbmU4ZJ86SKbSaa_Lf1SxZ50K2YnLGNCp5h3u_io4n2Ob_s2Q9SQJtUwHZn-sk/s200/IMG_0545.JPG" width="150" /></a>We purchased the legs unfinished from Lowe's, and the hubby built the reinforcement. I stained it all using Rust-oleum stain that my SIL put me on to (See her <a href="http://livingstonway.blogspot.com/2014/12/diy-wine-crate-coffee-table.html">DIY Crate Coffee Table Here</a>). I<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XA5b6fZkU7qx9ERstLBLoyT1mSz6caF9YJA9h0hEQitWiajIczc3U5FBqmP2Q0oSgrnrrGwLZMCV5VFDxfWFCf4gTTyaKmFDv9_wQW-mSFFCInVNjW3-BCKmfLsLyU8qM1-IvifpkTs/s1600/e-IMG_7985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XA5b6fZkU7qx9ERstLBLoyT1mSz6caF9YJA9h0hEQitWiajIczc3U5FBqmP2Q0oSgrnrrGwLZMCV5VFDxfWFCf4gTTyaKmFDv9_wQW-mSFFCInVNjW3-BCKmfLsLyU8qM1-IvifpkTs/s320/e-IMG_7985.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWJzle9UnMj0sIw44Ba9dlJdJi1OWmRm1RoegownsrvCmrFtip_ER00718RAnBLttxcpkQlaXofZGR1LkCKPe0Qm0ErsHNDurxWz9V0zDNKSiXawXjuxXARhou9QtdRAxnXp_ij_t24o/s1600/IMG_0566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWJzle9UnMj0sIw44Ba9dlJdJi1OWmRm1RoegownsrvCmrFtip_ER00718RAnBLttxcpkQlaXofZGR1LkCKPe0Qm0ErsHNDurxWz9V0zDNKSiXawXjuxXARhou9QtdRAxnXp_ij_t24o/s200/IMG_0566.JPG" width="150" /></a>used a combo of the American Walnut and the Kona color's. The hubby then build a form to pour the concrete into using laminated board (this board works soooo much better than anything else because it doesn't absorb the water from the concrete mixture). Once dry, the concrete will need to be sealed with a concrete sealer (we didn't do any sanding on ours because we liked the look as-is). Andrew bolted the wood part of the desk to the wall, then we had to get some serious assistance carrying in the piece of concrete for the top (for real, this thing is HEAVY). We put down some blobs of glue and set it into place, and voila! A desk!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Pipe Shelves-</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIRTnRNeGIjNh5a0gXZXHhSiNP84kyn4OSJeKCLw-HrGxVc03d-cVwA-jcqW9aQH56zLGhf17sQF6kVfUicpQ2HvtEPJXfCnOP6CoKHWlu8ydajqc4leKe-gqEcOnlTbDD7AjtSwj2Ew/s1600/e-IMG_7986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIRTnRNeGIjNh5a0gXZXHhSiNP84kyn4OSJeKCLw-HrGxVc03d-cVwA-jcqW9aQH56zLGhf17sQF6kVfUicpQ2HvtEPJXfCnOP6CoKHWlu8ydajqc4leKe-gqEcOnlTbDD7AjtSwj2Ew/s320/e-IMG_7986.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVZWAD29dGFiXb8lZsrDK-GCt4RJ5aZ4a_kuvTMHSNV7oGhD9HSxFGmtlmtNS8Eo31aaB1J3br9GdjryooX0tYBCYKPDysMhPle12ZEjglLhhVC2iCgyrox0YHT7bmsZ2wjWwydt5y_M/s1600/e-IMG_7988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVZWAD29dGFiXb8lZsrDK-GCt4RJ5aZ4a_kuvTMHSNV7oGhD9HSxFGmtlmtNS8Eo31aaB1J3br9GdjryooX0tYBCYKPDysMhPle12ZEjglLhhVC2iCgyrox0YHT7bmsZ2wjWwydt5y_M/s320/e-IMG_7988.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic85lZOtZ3JKfFHDk6uXYlvjIHDRe5_SqJnNT0ABeM7eXTxPY5B_EeDs6o-_cMUhVePtxFzwHgJlbql7UHUC58M31mB7Bgr-ltaxhYiHvoR1iP0K88swCnpWwV1c0i9jczyDWKTd_f7mQ/s1600/IMG_0868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic85lZOtZ3JKfFHDk6uXYlvjIHDRe5_SqJnNT0ABeM7eXTxPY5B_EeDs6o-_cMUhVePtxFzwHgJlbql7UHUC58M31mB7Bgr-ltaxhYiHvoR1iP0K88swCnpWwV1c0i9jczyDWKTd_f7mQ/s200/IMG_0868.JPG" width="150" /></a>I saw these all over Pinterest, and I just had to have them. Andrew and I debated the placement, size and location of them, but we knew we wanted them for our office. I love how they turned out, and they were relatively easy to make and install. We went to the home improvement store and purchased the pipe fixtures from the plumbing section. They were the perfect size, so no cutting was needed. We then purchased the board and cut it into three varying lengths. I wanted something that looked "reclaimed" so we looked for the gnarliest piece of lumber we could find.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2J58G2XXeIHP-1cSPwdgYg3GXSsEQlasWBIYkjhBE04mVst0nyNlQfOhM4TcJwy37SuDmWvJZ-0GAun4nq4oXhbjaAtuu7iH1ejmjsj75dqHe3QRLvDf5Uh1xGqddoYVwQfpMIDd9hc/s1600/e-IMG_7770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2J58G2XXeIHP-1cSPwdgYg3GXSsEQlasWBIYkjhBE04mVst0nyNlQfOhM4TcJwy37SuDmWvJZ-0GAun4nq4oXhbjaAtuu7iH1ejmjsj75dqHe3QRLvDf5Uh1xGqddoYVwQfpMIDd9hc/s320/e-IMG_7770.jpg" width="320" /></a>Once cut, I stained them with the same stain I used for the legs of the desk, starting first with the American Walnut, then lightly coating with the Kona. Once dry, we just set the wood on the pipes and filled them with our treasures. They are very sturdy since the pipe caps help keep them wedged into place.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Pulley Light-</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-jsVkYrBYAtti3CbyeMpVP7StT6CqB5CKg9xj5B8w00wQ_d4NrX3-ShS5qx9Ga3MN3AcN1hNkjTAJBqxHUHZMEsHtMxjGUwRsQu5DOi7Jxydd6gdaS2hUdbubWDA67DhASDISoewH8s/s1600/e-IMG_7990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-jsVkYrBYAtti3CbyeMpVP7StT6CqB5CKg9xj5B8w00wQ_d4NrX3-ShS5qx9Ga3MN3AcN1hNkjTAJBqxHUHZMEsHtMxjGUwRsQu5DOi7Jxydd6gdaS2hUdbubWDA67DhASDISoewH8s/s400/e-IMG_7990.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
The hubby added this at the last minute. We purchased the pendant light for about $20, and the basket shade for another $10. Then, we added a pulley and hook. It plugs into the outlet like a lamp, and I just love the vintage, Edison bulb!<br />
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Stay tuned for Part 2 of the Office Transformation- The Sliding Barn Door! -CassieCassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08008483563390489762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090553471314544468.post-34876889143645015882015-05-01T09:39:00.002-07:002015-05-01T09:57:32.717-07:0030 Before 30 Challenge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmL45sFJ27SlvHBaJHrRunEJHpIvI7UnpOWyZ_Lu68jGrF42b2QbRZyxgQMcQckkwSXltitfIvNpYckA9zOcQCK0tqiU_1JP5BErqo31VVf7jQC6sqGssWpm0WXBqfjnhU_P-ugVo5SY/s1600/e-IMG_7438l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmL45sFJ27SlvHBaJHrRunEJHpIvI7UnpOWyZ_Lu68jGrF42b2QbRZyxgQMcQckkwSXltitfIvNpYckA9zOcQCK0tqiU_1JP5BErqo31VVf7jQC6sqGssWpm0WXBqfjnhU_P-ugVo5SY/s1600/e-IMG_7438l.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a>My birthday was at the beginning of April, and I'm feeling a little old. Not like, need-a-walker kind of old, but I just feel like life is passing so quickly these days! There is so much I still want to do and accomplish. So I made a list. 30 things to accomplish on my bucket list before I turn 30 (April of 2017). Some of them are big, some small, but hopefully all things I can accomplish before the big 3-0. In the mean time, I hope to share with you my adventures as I accomplish these tasks!<br />
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Here's the big 30b430 list: (To follow my 30b430 list on Pinterest, click <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/cduffle/30-b4-30/">here</a>: https://www.pinterest.com/cduffle/30-b4-30/<br />
<ol>
<li>Go to Greece- Specifically, I want to see Santorini, an island off of the Greece mainland. I hope to do this for my 30th birthday.</li>
<li>Christmas in NYC- I actually already have this one booked. I booked it right after I completed my list. We are going this December. :-)</li>
<li>OKC 1/2 Marathon- I've already started a couch-to-5k running schedule. I can't imagine running long enough to complete a 5k, never mind a 1/2 marathon...but, baby steps!</li>
<li>Smile Challenge- I'm going to make an active effort to smile for 30 seconds a day for 30 days. If you see me grinning for no reason, you'll now know why...</li>
<li>Take a French Class- I don't know an ounce of French. I'd like to at least be able to order off a menu.</li>
<li>Take A Photography Class- I have never taken a proper class, and would love to learn a little more about my hobby.</li>
<li>Climb a Mountain- It doesn't have to be a big one, but I do want to make it to the top and feel like I'm on top of the world ;-)</li>
<li>Learn to Bartend- Not like every drink in the book, but a nice set of 20 or so should do the trick.</li>
<li>Skinny Dipping- I've never done it, but hey, you should do dumb stuff in your 20's, right??</li>
<li>Karaoke- Writing this strikes fear in my heart. I am terrified to sing in front of people, but feel the need to concur a fear.</li>
<li>Drink More Water- I'm doing a 30 day water challenge, and planning to cut soda entirely for 30 days. If you know me, then you know that I'm an EPIC soda drinker, so this challenge should be interesting...</li>
<li>Learn Yoga- I'm planning to do a 30 day Yoga challenge. Hopefully I'll find my zen...but if not, maybe I'll at least be a bit more flexible...</li>
<li>Read a Classic- Ok, confession, I didn't really read much in high school or college, unless you count cliff's notes. I enjoy reading now, but didn't back then. I should read at least one of the classics, don't you think? Suggestions? Suggestions?</li>
<li>Try a New Food- I love to try new foods. I've never tried Thai, so I may shoot for that. If not, I may do something really gross and exotic. We will see if an opportunity presents itself.</li>
<li>Complain Less- I'm doing a 3 day challenge. I'm a notorious complainer, so hopefully this helps!</li>
<li>Save Money- I'm just bad at saving money. I'm doing a 52 week money-saving challenge. Hopefully our savings will help pay for that Greece trip ;-)</li>
<li>Stay Calm- If you have kids, you have probably realized that sometimes it's just hard to stay calm and not yell. Or, at least it is for me. I'm doing a 21 day's to no yelling challenge.</li>
<li>Road Trip with the Girls- I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can convince my buddies to do this one with me this summer!</li>
<li>Color Run- A 5K to help gear up for a 1/2 marathon, but more importantly, doesn't it look insanely fun??</li>
<li>Build a Gingerbread House- This will be a fun Christmas activity for this next holiday season. I want to build a real one...no kits!</li>
<li>Family Picnic- I want to do a quintessential picnic. With a basket and a blanket on a beautiful spring/summer day under a tree!</li>
<li>Create a Scrapbook- As crafty as I am, this one will be difficult. It's been a looong time since I made a scrapbook, and I'm not sure they really even qualified as scrapbook (they were really just photo albums). I want to do a baby book for Z oooorrr a travel book...I can't decide which.</li>
<li>Indoor Rock Climbing- A friend suggested this one, and it sounded fun. I've never been, so why not?</li>
<li>Have a Tech-Free Day- No technology for a day? Impossible. I will use electricity, gas, and water. I'll drive my car and probably listen to the radio. Outside of that, no phone, facebook, email, tv, computer..nothing with a screen.</li>
<li>Random Act of Kindness- Hopefully I can come up with a nice, low-cost way to pay-it-forward. At least once.</li>
<li>Glitter Photo Shoot- I want a mommy-daughter photo shoot with glitter. I haven't worked out the details, but it sounds fun!</li>
<li>Polar Bear Plunge- Again, stupid things in your 20's.... Hopefully I can find one with an associated good-cause, thus slightly relieving my feeling of stupidity. </li>
<li>Learn to Cook- I don't want to actually take a cooking class, but I would like to learn 10 new really good recipes! Hopefully I'll find some new go-to's.</li>
<li>Take a Photo a Day- There's a great photo-a-day challenge on Pinterest. It lasts for 30 days, and should be a fun project and a great learning experience. </li>
<li>Eat Better- This is such a broad term, but I've been soooo off-track with my eating habits lately. I plan to try a 30 day clean-eating challenge I found on Pinterest. </li>
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There you have it! 30 item's to complete in almost 2 years! This should make for some fun adventures and memories! <3</div>
Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08008483563390489762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090553471314544468.post-11286596697669654592015-04-25T13:38:00.000-07:002015-04-25T13:44:02.682-07:00DIY Graduation CardTis the season to send grad gifts, and let's be honest...all most graduates want (and need) is cold, hard cash.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5aKeoH1ex7daG9QRV2rPdWSHsORPBDPyJFzDdg3uB0k6eVmiOBYdHUwyzeUrAQEbCjHpjLWA7LchcaxWJmwWPx1V7jXd3AbyBBTJ-gsucEkdtX3FcxVBhE5bgaeYT1JJ83zE9AJylrP0/s1600/IMG_0948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5aKeoH1ex7daG9QRV2rPdWSHsORPBDPyJFzDdg3uB0k6eVmiOBYdHUwyzeUrAQEbCjHpjLWA7LchcaxWJmwWPx1V7jXd3AbyBBTJ-gsucEkdtX3FcxVBhE5bgaeYT1JJ83zE9AJylrP0/s1600/IMG_0948.JPG" height="320" width="295" /></a><br />
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I don't love just inserting a bill into a Hallmark card and sending it along, and what kind of DIY'r would I be if I did? So when the grad invites came rolling in, I took to Pinterest to find a unique way to give a monetary graduation gift.<br />
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This card is a combination of <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/35888128254614463/">this pin</a> and <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/255579347574684580/">this pin</a>.<br />
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To make:<br />
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<ul>
<li>1, two-sided piece of paper (or make your own like I did by glueing two together).</li>
<li>Vellum</li>
<li>Glue</li>
<li>Scissors</li>
<li>Printer</li>
<li>A cash bill of your choosing and a quarter. (This would be particularly meaningful if you used the graduation year currency)</li>
<li>washi tape</li>
<li>button</li>
<li>string (or buy already-made mini tassels at your local craft store, like I did)</li>
<li>A sticker (this is optional)</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQ-efAgFQ7ftMjQwBsKcWAGuYAxxf47NXrrPWXSuejuY2rithvDz4xi7OlcmVihG8CX9xqN18ZDjyYsNcuE2wMGqggs-kEY8Z9MoWYnCEU_v3YW8MaNXPzBmHdNwvWVMCwoPyb3ADjps/s1600/IMG_0944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQ-efAgFQ7ftMjQwBsKcWAGuYAxxf47NXrrPWXSuejuY2rithvDz4xi7OlcmVihG8CX9xqN18ZDjyYsNcuE2wMGqggs-kEY8Z9MoWYnCEU_v3YW8MaNXPzBmHdNwvWVMCwoPyb3ADjps/s1600/IMG_0944.JPG" height="200" width="180" /></a><br />
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Directions:<br />
1. Follow the instructions on <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/35888128254614463/">this pin</a> to make the actual card. I chose to have mine double sided, so that the inside of the card would look different than the outside.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1f1fRompLaKGMZpViM30BXMfcXETMYcF5Xo65XoEkryKIcr9J2Oso0PkXW9s4T7rPNU7mpRVsEUT8c-gvqgkXq21-xF2ob-CE2ZKYOyzj5PdvqH_Lw03RbPZiPmUkb4aFilVV0b1xE58/s1600/IMG_0943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1f1fRompLaKGMZpViM30BXMfcXETMYcF5Xo65XoEkryKIcr9J2Oso0PkXW9s4T7rPNU7mpRVsEUT8c-gvqgkXq21-xF2ob-CE2ZKYOyzj5PdvqH_Lw03RbPZiPmUkb4aFilVV0b1xE58/s1600/IMG_0943.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a>2. I chose to place a grad-cap sticker on the front of the card enclosure to give it a nice finishing touch. This is optional. If you choose to use a sticker, adhere it with washi tape so that it comes free without damaging the card paper.<br />
3. Because my paper was printed, it would be difficult to read if I printed directly on it, so I printed on a piece of vellum instead. I used the template from the card pin to decide the layout of my text, then just removed the template before printing. This helped a lot in determining font size and layout. The words read "Be who you are & Do what you"<br />
4. Use <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/255579347574684580/">this pin</a> to create the origami money heart. Once done, use your washi tape to adhere it to the card. This way it won't tear or damage the card or the money when it's removed.<br />
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Voila! Easy, peasy!<br />
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-Cassie<br />
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See my pin <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/178244097729407218/">here</a>: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/178244097729407218/Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08008483563390489762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090553471314544468.post-79318244344553825082015-04-21T07:00:00.001-07:002015-04-21T07:05:28.195-07:00Growing UpIt's been awhile since I did a family update, and I though I would share what we have been up to!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNRYwRnqPpt7atcDjddKIndr0mhGtNmdGvndiQrCuIFYvmoIy7h10zea2LRHBaxubBI2nBDRsuvOOV92FEPI0F6u5DmSmIpXg_lpHRYKOoWOazxyhPMy5Ust08hxwV1Nw4cr1_XHkFc8/s1600/e-IMG_6265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNRYwRnqPpt7atcDjddKIndr0mhGtNmdGvndiQrCuIFYvmoIy7h10zea2LRHBaxubBI2nBDRsuvOOV92FEPI0F6u5DmSmIpXg_lpHRYKOoWOazxyhPMy5Ust08hxwV1Nw4cr1_XHkFc8/s1600/e-IMG_6265.jpg" height="206" width="320" /></a></div>
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Since buying our new home at the beginning of March, we have been diligently working on unpacking boxes (there's still a good-sized pile in the garage, however), painting, and working on furniture and "redo" type projects. I'm in heaven, because there are so many fun things to work on, design, and do! I am also very pleased to say that the photography side business is going very well, and I am almost completely booked until July! It's such a great way for me to meet new people and get occasional adult interaction.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uX27_7xIHea1-4Ji7KmKBBQ4HFOR0Rk1l9fgCMu5NShq0w3wgCZnNSnSG2qk3R6xeFinRhuQoMLyXVNfw4t-xNiSNX08oWVvlm5z6IDrNpZJBSxH7R7QZQLds9QflmxFEmRE1BvZ0JI/s1600/B-IMG_6799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uX27_7xIHea1-4Ji7KmKBBQ4HFOR0Rk1l9fgCMu5NShq0w3wgCZnNSnSG2qk3R6xeFinRhuQoMLyXVNfw4t-xNiSNX08oWVvlm5z6IDrNpZJBSxH7R7QZQLds9QflmxFEmRE1BvZ0JI/s1600/B-IMG_6799.jpg" height="320" width="209" /></a></div>
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About two weeks after we moved in, Z and I took a trip to see my sister in Florida. She lives about 40 minutes outside of Orlando now (and about 25 from Cocoa Beach), so it was like a little mini-vacation for us. We went for a whole week, and I really loved catching up with my sister, as well as meeting my new nephew. It's a shame we live so far away now, but we talk frequently, and hopefully she'll be able to come visit soon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtoWQLPdjxBQlOlQ9o2hyYlfe8fn-aPqfBoLp4SMVofiyKkksGp9HC9GEsLctlIWpDvcVL6xB9bYjjT2vg9qEkGmRKRcK5EtoHcji9LktaIf8EI_Wy4WLIsITJrs9pA3JwHN6gc59xBtE/s1600/11015126_809583359097490_1707963470473625525_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtoWQLPdjxBQlOlQ9o2hyYlfe8fn-aPqfBoLp4SMVofiyKkksGp9HC9GEsLctlIWpDvcVL6xB9bYjjT2vg9qEkGmRKRcK5EtoHcji9LktaIf8EI_Wy4WLIsITJrs9pA3JwHN6gc59xBtE/s1600/11015126_809583359097490_1707963470473625525_n.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>And what's new with Z? While we were in Florida, Andrew changed Z's bed into a toddler bed, and made a toddler rail that looks great (it still needs to be painted). She had zero issues with it, and has done very well with it so far.</div>
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In addition to that, TMI here...BUT, week before last, I randomly put underwear on Zoe one day to see how she would do. Mind you, she hadn't really shown much interest in potty training prior to this. In fact, she had never even done her business in a toilet prior to her last day at daycare at the beginning of March, and since that, really hasn't had a repeat performance but once or twice. Nevertheless, the underwear apparently was what she was waiting for, because she is pretty much fully potty trained during the day (we will work on night training later). Woohoo for no more diapers!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFb1bRG8uH8Vset1AVYzDEuOqSfXgxWOoUogjN9YjLenyPm2GF_YujgODgTK8k7shqmIeF1ddLmeyHT1xTs6ZQvMqFktBPDa-7WvE45CSm4imH9A8M7uMGRTNGGDLHicBmM46t7bFHzmo/s1600/B-IMG_6395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFb1bRG8uH8Vset1AVYzDEuOqSfXgxWOoUogjN9YjLenyPm2GF_YujgODgTK8k7shqmIeF1ddLmeyHT1xTs6ZQvMqFktBPDa-7WvE45CSm4imH9A8M7uMGRTNGGDLHicBmM46t7bFHzmo/s1600/B-IMG_6395.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2y8Cwma3SUNwhoKZy0lgEcTNRk6ZFuWDZQzV1WEtQtnPqZP2mjuSSLKTka8U4HfA1iCrcI9TInuodR8XiAcOmFcZUQQS-23_GjxOUyTCE-EX09xxyzj0QD7dGwnIa3XwHq2hJR3sXRE/s1600/11011763_815258328529993_6114945423574486761_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2y8Cwma3SUNwhoKZy0lgEcTNRk6ZFuWDZQzV1WEtQtnPqZP2mjuSSLKTka8U4HfA1iCrcI9TInuodR8XiAcOmFcZUQQS-23_GjxOUyTCE-EX09xxyzj0QD7dGwnIa3XwHq2hJR3sXRE/s1600/11011763_815258328529993_6114945423574486761_n.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>On top of the potty training milestone, while we were on our trip back from Florida, Zoe chewed the tip off her binky (I let her have it on the plane for her ears). Even though I do have backup pacifiers, I told her that was the only one we had. Through the next week or so, Andrew and I laid the groundwork for the "Binky Fairy." We kept trimming small amounts from the tip of the binky, and explaining that the binky fairy would soon come and give her a gift in exchange for her binky. It worked after a week or so. She wasn't even really using the binky anymore because there wasn't much left. We convinced her to put the binky outside on the porch, and in the morning, a fairy costume was in it's place. We haven't heard anything about the pacifier since! I was so worried we would never get rid of that thing, so yay!</div>
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Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08008483563390489762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090553471314544468.post-60211225686443913572015-04-13T11:06:00.000-07:002015-04-13T11:16:50.914-07:00Concrete End Tables<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADaDf-yFRzomkCp1TpRsDDGy2sTOWLzwZo9tjMRsRrNsl82cAcGD5jxhzgQIFDw9xhzej5mZFmlr9fuLeqfDjGxy7hOZQCLqfzBNkLcWCw7qWL8-QtuPqwlUNTbN4JWs6H8FLtpORkkM/s1600/e-IMG_7285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADaDf-yFRzomkCp1TpRsDDGy2sTOWLzwZo9tjMRsRrNsl82cAcGD5jxhzgQIFDw9xhzej5mZFmlr9fuLeqfDjGxy7hOZQCLqfzBNkLcWCw7qWL8-QtuPqwlUNTbN4JWs6H8FLtpORkkM/s1600/e-IMG_7285.jpg" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a>With this house, we would like to make some of the furniture to be sure it is unique to our style. We sold quite a bit of the furniture in our previous home before we moved, because we knew we would want a different style, and most of it was very traditional. With this new house, we wanted to go for a urban farmhouse sort of vibe. A blend of ultra modern and vintage antiques. What better way to blend these together, than with a vintage sewing table base and concrete? I give you, our concrete end tables...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibia8qdRCitEtNy8SafxcZ1zHBG4FEBvUs_bMCaCxhOtE_yqD_aktHdk2dO4ObVsKuB5oqPr_930vMqbQlaJviJ1jkyxK3wj1NKy7jJ_aUl6jLv-Ty2TQnOdxuP18CXFqaeaIgsi6Xpic/s1600/e-IMG_7283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibia8qdRCitEtNy8SafxcZ1zHBG4FEBvUs_bMCaCxhOtE_yqD_aktHdk2dO4ObVsKuB5oqPr_930vMqbQlaJviJ1jkyxK3wj1NKy7jJ_aUl6jLv-Ty2TQnOdxuP18CXFqaeaIgsi6Xpic/s1600/e-IMG_7283.jpg" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="226" /></a><br />
We actually made two of these. The bases are antique vintage sewing tables. The two I found didn't match exactly, but I actually prefer it that way. The bases can be found at many antique stores, particularly if you are looking for just the metal base without the wooden top.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrz0QgiyHxQtB80j90xunadxOe39U5UJIVoLNFyyvlNMN3db7HyDheq9ec259ZxxyFe5UiSofom_2g6EXZtKHSK1nz9p3TEsP1Uy7G_pbhMtfUFtr24StX4-UMLDR0XyH-Kc6KrYhFBXI/s1600/e-IMG_7288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrz0QgiyHxQtB80j90xunadxOe39U5UJIVoLNFyyvlNMN3db7HyDheq9ec259ZxxyFe5UiSofom_2g6EXZtKHSK1nz9p3TEsP1Uy7G_pbhMtfUFtr24StX4-UMLDR0XyH-Kc6KrYhFBXI/s1600/e-IMG_7288.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><br />
To make the concrete top, you have to let go of any and all ocd. It just won't look perfect, but you'll learn to love the character. I could go on for days about what to do and what not to do. But most importantly, use the board (a laminate type board will work better because it doesn't absorb water) and the concrete mix pictured below, and make sure your concrete is super soupy. We made indentions with boards to match the sewing table base, so that the table top would sit down on the base without worrying about it tipping off. Once dry, we found sanding didn't really work to our advantage, so we made a slurry from the concrete mix and poured it over the top, smoothing it with a plastic putty knife. This helped smooth any pinholes. Once dry, we sealed it with a concrete sealer and waxed it with turtle wax for shiny protection!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qz80NTpGiX4rNRXJyMyIY3eD_fHePuSz_FRGFVkcpsUVmycCCs8YKHatu0Gj_alniMHZEMMVITRuQWe4LLMoCrfk-avWwLthZcOrE8D9qp8vievOY2H0WSpG_0cIGwunu7Y1CcGIf8c/s1600/e-IMG_7281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qz80NTpGiX4rNRXJyMyIY3eD_fHePuSz_FRGFVkcpsUVmycCCs8YKHatu0Gj_alniMHZEMMVITRuQWe4LLMoCrfk-avWwLthZcOrE8D9qp8vievOY2H0WSpG_0cIGwunu7Y1CcGIf8c/s1600/e-IMG_7281.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Concrete Mix</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaReNFZY_bNM9t2nYjSeW11oJlymIGyEv-fMgqgMnQhAsVztsWusMMxKni5PrsTJ_5kGfP3kf-O0sYwg3d4Q0qQ-UV2-W90bMrHrHa8DS9x3ZAjWIHJtgwC3LC1DBg9QCwhfh02l8eUyA/s1600/e-IMG_7282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaReNFZY_bNM9t2nYjSeW11oJlymIGyEv-fMgqgMnQhAsVztsWusMMxKni5PrsTJ_5kGfP3kf-O0sYwg3d4Q0qQ-UV2-W90bMrHrHa8DS9x3ZAjWIHJtgwC3LC1DBg9QCwhfh02l8eUyA/s1600/e-IMG_7282.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laminate Board</td></tr>
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<br />Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08008483563390489762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090553471314544468.post-22392008265419086492015-04-06T14:36:00.003-07:002015-04-06T15:22:53.138-07:00Our New HomeI have been seriously neglecting the blog thing for a few months. Its needed some TLC for awhile. Since Z is no longer a baby, a monthly update revolving around her is a little tedious (not that MY life doesn't revolve around her...it just probably isn't as appealing to the masses). SO with that being said, a revision seemed to be in order. Since my <a href="http://thedufflefamily.blogspot.com/2014/05/diy-kitchen-makeover.html">Kitchen makeover</a> has gotten 20,000 hits and counting, it seems a blog revolving around our home projects is just the ticket. That's not to say I won't be posting the occasional family update, party planning adventures, and a sprinkle of photography-type posts and mommy topics, but I really hate to categorize (or set myself up for failure on account of not ever making time to actually blog about other stuff).<br />
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So why have I been MIA, you may ask? Well we purchased a new home at the beginning of March. We made an awesome profit on our home in Moore (the one with that popular kitchen re-do), and moved to a slightly larger place in Edmond. We love our new house, and we think it is very beautiful just the way it is. HOWEVER, we have this crazy NEED to do projects. Seriously, going to Lowes is what we do for fun. And Pinterest? Well let's just call that my dirty little secret. So now we have a whole long list of projects and ideas, and hopefully I will get to share most of them with you, along with some of our tips and tricks for all things home.<br />
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So let's get started...here is a few photo's of our new home. Consider these the "before" photos, and keep in mind they are listing pictures, so they have someone else's furniture and decor.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUPopS7Sk24OWUvmMIxboQlngEOK_POte4-CkrUYQa9pilCTWdIHptSIfAFInMzKXJPWPoY2H94piEcJ7JhqPJIA8MpcVnzzzpWIL6FlzZ4mImupe3hWWE3FnFguwCbfDjKhQUSsChJw/s1600/FFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUPopS7Sk24OWUvmMIxboQlngEOK_POte4-CkrUYQa9pilCTWdIHptSIfAFInMzKXJPWPoY2H94piEcJ7JhqPJIA8MpcVnzzzpWIL6FlzZ4mImupe3hWWE3FnFguwCbfDjKhQUSsChJw/s1600/FFront.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Front. We don't plan to do a lot to it since it already has nice curb appeal.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jB7YKVtOY9kiSsKKPot5ppIAPmkN9eE9Z6rD-uFJn25VwczMySfxCscLOQaGh20r76DKWlXEP2HpO9AUCdRtlnE4SVx6j5RFQpWWOcsf15R8VvJMNcxBr5ubAEXCR9kZewd2XLe328o/s1600/FOffice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jB7YKVtOY9kiSsKKPot5ppIAPmkN9eE9Z6rD-uFJn25VwczMySfxCscLOQaGh20r76DKWlXEP2HpO9AUCdRtlnE4SVx6j5RFQpWWOcsf15R8VvJMNcxBr5ubAEXCR9kZewd2XLe328o/s1600/FOffice.jpg" height="100" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Office. This house has a ton of this orange/red color. A little bright for my taste, and since this is right off the front entrance, it will be one of the first rooms we complete (we have actually already painted it!), we will also be building a custom desk and shelving, along with changing the lighting.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5_GNWVv6ogmsMlPezk2ieBKNmOPyrXWys0zHNZv_zylDMrkzLAMp18y2D4N3hrnbyCwUImvu66dwjS1EBOYzTnsUjCo_lLBAUXW6cpJzzseigBeQhTY55VE9uy1ZJjeNHMke1v2hXsw/s1600/FDining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5_GNWVv6ogmsMlPezk2ieBKNmOPyrXWys0zHNZv_zylDMrkzLAMp18y2D4N3hrnbyCwUImvu66dwjS1EBOYzTnsUjCo_lLBAUXW6cpJzzseigBeQhTY55VE9uy1ZJjeNHMke1v2hXsw/s1600/FDining.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Dining. It's crazy large for a dining room. My table is dwarfed. We will paint, change the lighting, remove the carpet (although we haven't settled on a flooring option), and possibly add some sort of accent to one of the walls (like brick).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMqEGi2trbFWL9NtNjHlGJSeGvay9EconaHNkS88Cn7TWnEdsbu3LiwmJLK05Hoy2l3MgOWa4T9GpPD0_bZJOxeHHUqtzVZBiHAyLijjuwYY6MUnSAbwcjgrErCLbKojqLx9bDn96c5s/s1600/FKitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMqEGi2trbFWL9NtNjHlGJSeGvay9EconaHNkS88Cn7TWnEdsbu3LiwmJLK05Hoy2l3MgOWa4T9GpPD0_bZJOxeHHUqtzVZBiHAyLijjuwYY6MUnSAbwcjgrErCLbKojqLx9bDn96c5s/s1600/FKitchen.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kitchen. We love the funky light fixtures and stainless appliances. The cabinets need to go back to white (rather than beige) and the red is going to go to a lighter, more neutral shade. We also plan to eventually build a custom, eat-in table. In addition, we may change the backsplash and add an accent to one of the walls.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTT_VRk25p4zNBFw9JOFNlkmUWmWQzyYeSw0vzLWR9-UPW_Td2bEZHK_-cs8efqDhgcmZ4bH11LueJGCsOMWS9d31yiRrFl0Z_V_sjrAGFhiieEEfCDw-9JAa1sG5j9jp7P-BMW54U6UA/s1600/FLiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTT_VRk25p4zNBFw9JOFNlkmUWmWQzyYeSw0vzLWR9-UPW_Td2bEZHK_-cs8efqDhgcmZ4bH11LueJGCsOMWS9d31yiRrFl0Z_V_sjrAGFhiieEEfCDw-9JAa1sG5j9jp7P-BMW54U6UA/s1600/FLiving.jpg" height="109" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Living. This picture is stretched (obviously), but it's still a nice-sized space. We plan to paint, change the tile on the fireplace, and remove the carpet. We may also change out some of the lighting. We will also be building some custom furniture for this space.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pqC3A-vYFRgNHkiiJouJ03qLyQDvJWQdLgc-KTjlCeltqZOuEqXFTda1YEvwHkg620mO7QSfRne_ziK8YZATJ0hxFEYZwgjiEqVeWQa13J9KOBlDk9U-5Gt_40NYmFnGbGVbd0IwZyU/s1600/FPlayroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pqC3A-vYFRgNHkiiJouJ03qLyQDvJWQdLgc-KTjlCeltqZOuEqXFTda1YEvwHkg620mO7QSfRne_ziK8YZATJ0hxFEYZwgjiEqVeWQa13J9KOBlDk9U-5Gt_40NYmFnGbGVbd0IwZyU/s1600/FPlayroom.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbfbwGvCrGSx2kZToFvQtPVVaIggqpItqgiqJIUBZn4MlMEFUCoQiwKmWE5Z5jF-3v8u56BXJD7OAhhsmZH6ulLUtsxED4yf6EE7vlNc-VQBqHZKiDj9YvOOzO9ljwAWv6NemBa48Ngw/s1600/FZ'sRoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbfbwGvCrGSx2kZToFvQtPVVaIggqpItqgiqJIUBZn4MlMEFUCoQiwKmWE5Z5jF-3v8u56BXJD7OAhhsmZH6ulLUtsxED4yf6EE7vlNc-VQBqHZKiDj9YvOOzO9ljwAWv6NemBa48Ngw/s1600/FZ'sRoom.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfAPu07FqIvRIpkmmqg1ei5gnM8TeO4oIDiEFsABXVQdqWzX90YpEJYaj9lfnKndl9bPMK5-f5WlBvbBOft8CXV14Yvei6_nkUDSMeUxnwRCEpt-gPxVoxKhodL4oJJBzD0ZjnqcghYw/s1600/FBedroom+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfAPu07FqIvRIpkmmqg1ei5gnM8TeO4oIDiEFsABXVQdqWzX90YpEJYaj9lfnKndl9bPMK5-f5WlBvbBOft8CXV14Yvei6_nkUDSMeUxnwRCEpt-gPxVoxKhodL4oJJBzD0ZjnqcghYw/s1600/FBedroom+2.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bedrooms. Paint and molding for the two smaller rooms, and new lighting for all.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaOJGG0YhSVZP16cLpZhVjt2ruaib6iCKfDkM_YwCB5HrsXrTudeCqawlScpX-cUtTpMpwmTGZzLRp8iqb1WRS_rNF1QUkoPOnBJkpu-P6vU-PKJNlUhih-NZASPwVW2WmSxxjgHYD9s/s1600/FBack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaOJGG0YhSVZP16cLpZhVjt2ruaib6iCKfDkM_YwCB5HrsXrTudeCqawlScpX-cUtTpMpwmTGZzLRp8iqb1WRS_rNF1QUkoPOnBJkpu-P6vU-PKJNlUhih-NZASPwVW2WmSxxjgHYD9s/s1600/FBack.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Back. This view sold the house for us. There are ducks and fish (fishing is allowed!!) However, a fence (which is actually already complete), is the first up on the project list in order to keep the little one from falling!</td></tr>
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Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08008483563390489762noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090553471314544468.post-47197302994836281312015-01-21T12:39:00.000-08:002015-01-21T12:42:01.346-08:00A Quick January Post<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsnfn6yJdXddtSFjLuNo-4jvpR0LSdXt_CWzi-d6gccYnEMle6fDmSkmRvaQD_SFnQobkA9TZiO3XmX2lBril5FNPL6yc7rHvI1q_4QwvP2sWCCGb7Ci2GVK1JgteOcv0vEJnpprg5Go/s1600/eb-e-IMG_4731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsnfn6yJdXddtSFjLuNo-4jvpR0LSdXt_CWzi-d6gccYnEMle6fDmSkmRvaQD_SFnQobkA9TZiO3XmX2lBril5FNPL6yc7rHvI1q_4QwvP2sWCCGb7Ci2GVK1JgteOcv0vEJnpprg5Go/s1600/eb-e-IMG_4731.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
I'm playing catch up, and realized I have not blogged for January yet. Life has been a blur of bliss...Better late than never!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5b29mhWJl8Rdb-8YQf56WOJd2ZnGfKjkeOFFeocHgQZwJuMXSG3i-n-U4FMHjhrxwboJd4FrPlOPkmM0kFd-PFijaM3q3zb0138tVacYx1Olc7kUop_NNTWa0GcBw1TMSdf3JuuQh8g/s1600/e2-IMG_3498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5b29mhWJl8Rdb-8YQf56WOJd2ZnGfKjkeOFFeocHgQZwJuMXSG3i-n-U4FMHjhrxwboJd4FrPlOPkmM0kFd-PFijaM3q3zb0138tVacYx1Olc7kUop_NNTWa0GcBw1TMSdf3JuuQh8g/s1600/e2-IMG_3498.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNAYcTJz4SDkoRPO705W-06QR-uhNoyn1K6lqlw53l1KIgyxCgdgxExqSEcjMxBO_RJADHKd4dLmMkBMYVY1dlPh8QsTJrX6CcNOL3WyFXA6Em_I8Q4byd7EY4UMuAJijFOowlw3ja1I/s1600/e-IMG_3476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNAYcTJz4SDkoRPO705W-06QR-uhNoyn1K6lqlw53l1KIgyxCgdgxExqSEcjMxBO_RJADHKd4dLmMkBMYVY1dlPh8QsTJrX6CcNOL3WyFXA6Em_I8Q4byd7EY4UMuAJijFOowlw3ja1I/s1600/e-IMG_3476.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a>It has been a busy month. The last I blogged was Dec. 19th, so a lot has been happening. Christmas was amazing this year. My sister and her family stayed with us for a bit just before they took off to live in Florida. It was like a mix between a Giswald Family Christmas and that part in the movie "Christmas with the Kranks" where they are racing around trying to get everything ready for the big party. I loved every second of it. Zo made out like a bandit, as always. I still need to sort through toys to get rid of the old some stuff to make room for new. With JBF coming up, hopefully I get around to it soon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIM0RG4OmhuRfbP21IHvqacqkdamlfJWIigYAKPFWPQqkYFuUC1xS8fgG-mWn7fYfd9TshP7T7qg0O4hPi6a6epXoYQMNJ5iMFDRHz0GXx5IfK6Bzx4l8XpeIhOViYo_Ys7SVZ6Ksl74/s1600/e-IMG_3464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIM0RG4OmhuRfbP21IHvqacqkdamlfJWIigYAKPFWPQqkYFuUC1xS8fgG-mWn7fYfd9TshP7T7qg0O4hPi6a6epXoYQMNJ5iMFDRHz0GXx5IfK6Bzx4l8XpeIhOViYo_Ys7SVZ6Ksl74/s1600/e-IMG_3464.jpg" height="126" width="200" /></a></div>
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Shortly after the new year, Andrew and I left for our trip to Europe. We left Z with Andrew's mom and visited London and Dublin, along with several other spots around England and Ireland. It was a great trip, but I missed Zoe like crazy. The weather was bonkers in Ireland...the locals kept saying that it was the worst they had seen in years! It even snowed a bit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVsBGQzc59RB4papXBogumkLxjOAKmSF93ywQzvJwhF7RIPLZGhW4Jqr1mok0QBcLu_c1TIEetp0C7XuFOvT65TQqYO7DermQJnxX29AVRLVTsLNmZPie5XKf587ajtiQeThjzyaGHIw/s1600/w-e1-IMG_3730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVsBGQzc59RB4papXBogumkLxjOAKmSF93ywQzvJwhF7RIPLZGhW4Jqr1mok0QBcLu_c1TIEetp0C7XuFOvT65TQqYO7DermQJnxX29AVRLVTsLNmZPie5XKf587ajtiQeThjzyaGHIw/s1600/w-e1-IMG_3730.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VpgQOfik2TL8g0fuLSjiYaDBsXQILvkPQ7FC97PWaMZQgKgbQ4AqnspPdf3XWUq2a_0ZsTGGAeTeVwBxeKSiBfXTZZQwKagSwHxY8nnMkyATLhFoX9Blj7IydTGRF8OuRgaZhUj5jdo/s1600/w-e-IMG_4409edited-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VpgQOfik2TL8g0fuLSjiYaDBsXQILvkPQ7FC97PWaMZQgKgbQ4AqnspPdf3XWUq2a_0ZsTGGAeTeVwBxeKSiBfXTZZQwKagSwHxY8nnMkyATLhFoX9Blj7IydTGRF8OuRgaZhUj5jdo/s1600/w-e-IMG_4409edited-3.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a>We just made it back last weekend, and I'm still trying to get caught up with all of the phone calls and things I have missed. I actually cannot wait to go back to work at the children's day out program this week. I have missed it, which is odd because although I have loved my previous employment obligations, I find working at CDO highly satisfying in a different sort of way. I actually look forward to and enjoy working there each week. On another note, I did manage to already book another trip in the few days I have been back...a trip to Florida in March to see my sister and her new baby!! I am so very excited. It'll be just Z and I, and my first time traveling alone with her! </div>
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Here is what is new with Z:</div>
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<b style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><u>Favorite Thing to Do:</u></b><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> She got some paints for Christmas and asks to paint almost every day!</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><u style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Favorite </u></span><u style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Food:</u><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> Fruit Snacks ("mummies") and Bagels</span></div>
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<u style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><b>New This Month:</b> </u><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> She has started flopping to the floor when you tell her no. Talk about paying for your raising.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD21TqcD0rOtstwpLjg96GRQHY2R3EvJ3cExLLXS-2iteFD8DIcWxEPH2XXGSCNnZVFH6Tb3aFvmIv-MWLAJ8vRhOv_a99eF02r0Y-GTyMza9zTWN0KKncRfEkM3CDNV2mSQunA2T3BZA/s1600/eb-IMG_3575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD21TqcD0rOtstwpLjg96GRQHY2R3EvJ3cExLLXS-2iteFD8DIcWxEPH2XXGSCNnZVFH6Tb3aFvmIv-MWLAJ8vRhOv_a99eF02r0Y-GTyMza9zTWN0KKncRfEkM3CDNV2mSQunA2T3BZA/s1600/eb-IMG_3575.jpg" height="320" width="209" /></a><b><u>Growth:</u> </b>Same<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Sleep:</u> My MIL worked her magic on her, because ever since we got home, she has been sleeping like 13-14 hours straight (at least!)</div>
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<b><u>Speaking:</u></b> We have found that she really likes to sing. She walks around with a high pitch "loo loo loo" all. the. time. I love the sound, but it is hardly ever quite at my house!</div>
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Movement:</u> She got a bike for Christmas, so we have been working to get her to understand to peddle her feet. She isn't quite tall enough for it yet.</div>
<b style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><u>Behavior:</u> </b><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">She flops in the floor when we say no...need I say more?</span></div>
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Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08008483563390489762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090553471314544468.post-58943941791501952842014-12-19T07:07:00.001-08:002014-12-19T07:08:20.809-08:00Age 2 (24 Months)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVNoaMug9meHCeBlQbNmCeMEz2oFUdlQJpkpzyobau_yFk-yU99n2Y0g7T-R0rsZmrUtY2Prt2DWagceduHFyp3WpKDaAKrICtBQoCR5pq25-q4hri7D-1EWAATps5DWZvvBFNGX4Ag4/s1600/2year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVNoaMug9meHCeBlQbNmCeMEz2oFUdlQJpkpzyobau_yFk-yU99n2Y0g7T-R0rsZmrUtY2Prt2DWagceduHFyp3WpKDaAKrICtBQoCR5pq25-q4hri7D-1EWAATps5DWZvvBFNGX4Ag4/s1600/2year.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a>This will be a short one, since I have already posted on the particulars of Zoe's birthday.<br />
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I am super behind on updating. Between Zoe's birthday and the holiday's, I have been running <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrPP_bXlq-ug2_pJWs8RMzGQeBoMTXW2o150F4tX6VSFB5FQudky1xXy47WES8M6t6ByeF0DJ5TMUJ-RLUwifqr6YksuH1AQksy4e8NEUemnQZyTeTUqC1Ei_LsawhiD9j3EwN0edWIM/s1600/b-IMG_3236+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrPP_bXlq-ug2_pJWs8RMzGQeBoMTXW2o150F4tX6VSFB5FQudky1xXy47WES8M6t6ByeF0DJ5TMUJ-RLUwifqr6YksuH1AQksy4e8NEUemnQZyTeTUqC1Ei_LsawhiD9j3EwN0edWIM/s1600/b-IMG_3236+2.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzjMUx1CdGbVAKmWrrSVDktZ0EW1fLKp-bPS5EZ1St2RB46IWHih67wj_tRl65uh-9OicyJpETwnrwFQwSYzpW3Qn-i1GWvvuK-UcrW3KDqDAEklJTKkbx8zgA5aQJW2pBFcs6IDXPzU/s1600/e-IMG_3062snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzjMUx1CdGbVAKmWrrSVDktZ0EW1fLKp-bPS5EZ1St2RB46IWHih67wj_tRl65uh-9OicyJpETwnrwFQwSYzpW3Qn-i1GWvvuK-UcrW3KDqDAEklJTKkbx8zgA5aQJW2pBFcs6IDXPzU/s1600/e-IMG_3062snow.jpg" height="200" width="130" /></a>around like a crazy person trying to get everything done. My sister moves in less than a month, so I have been trying to soak up every last moment with her. Z will be so disappointed to not get to play with her cousins all the time!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpHRNh-q3qvk4m0ORlNQrfJOuuYELWayqCeGH4n9bfrTBFmH2b72470Z9lad2PBmkEDG6M3fZdRJ3kDw4XzynrQfGfX46W7THaAGSHkhQh9-l2g2LHx-l0CmXbNoHbbwm5GrGrjFt5MI/s1600/e-IMG_3261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpHRNh-q3qvk4m0ORlNQrfJOuuYELWayqCeGH4n9bfrTBFmH2b72470Z9lad2PBmkEDG6M3fZdRJ3kDw4XzynrQfGfX46W7THaAGSHkhQh9-l2g2LHx-l0CmXbNoHbbwm5GrGrjFt5MI/s1600/e-IMG_3261.jpg" height="200" width="136" /></a>We did get our first snow fall right after my last post in early November. Z wasn't as crazy about it as I thought she would be. She thought it was pretty from inside the warmth of the house, but didn't much care for trudging around in it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4Uy7h3MZbTFIRcjTIiY4IKdTbwVjhVt6VdBA1aSanUZXxnM6q3p4zT0OrjVGbFuwnmkna8X92H_t8RAcLKsY59CnF_wNryUaDp0r1Aw3ymnv9LXB_bWrNpxrKGIOgI_RNXYraKv09jo/s1600/e-IMG_3310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4Uy7h3MZbTFIRcjTIiY4IKdTbwVjhVt6VdBA1aSanUZXxnM6q3p4zT0OrjVGbFuwnmkna8X92H_t8RAcLKsY59CnF_wNryUaDp0r1Aw3ymnv9LXB_bWrNpxrKGIOgI_RNXYraKv09jo/s1600/e-IMG_3310.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a>So Thanksgiving was fun this year, and kicked our season off with a bang. We loved spending time with everyone. We did make it out for a few black friday deals, even though they started ridiculously early this year. I got a new phone, which was super exciting for me, since I have had the same one for awhile now! We also got a large portion of our Christmas shopping done...now to wrap it all!<br />
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Thanksgiving melted right into Zoe's birthday and Andrew and I's anniversary. It was a super fun weekend. Andrew and I managed to make it to a nice dinner to celebrate, and Z had a blast spending time with everyone at her birthday. My aunt even made it for the festivities from Tulsa, which was great! Z made out like a bandit, and it's alarming how quickly we are running out of space for all her things. When I look at her overflowing playroom, it makes me want to sell everything and move into one of those "mini houses" I see on that TV show! LOL! In all honesty, however, we are super thankful and blessed!<br />
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So here is what is new:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7szFZKQo_zJaHbJaeHqvdXzHxRByks8gtYJM4LvTzbEGfRfxdYRy_P7mbHWG3o6Fk0TmY1KkFuVp8waNvuskpK79-q1CaFMYGktS1ain2fbNWnfzmKaLF8jOUbGDN3q0AUotqot_hAc/s1600/e-IMG_3216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7szFZKQo_zJaHbJaeHqvdXzHxRByks8gtYJM4LvTzbEGfRfxdYRy_P7mbHWG3o6Fk0TmY1KkFuVp8waNvuskpK79-q1CaFMYGktS1ain2fbNWnfzmKaLF8jOUbGDN3q0AUotqot_hAc/s1600/e-IMG_3216.jpg" height="320" width="233" /></a></div>
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<b style="color: #7f6b4a; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><u>Favorite Thing to Do:</u></b><span style="color: #7f6b4a; font-family: Indie Flower;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> We have been doing an advent calendar this year with Z. She LOVES checking it every morning, along with looking for "Elfa's" (our Elf on a Shelf) new location!</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><u style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Favorite </u></span><u style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Food:</u><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> She requested sushi on her birthday, but they were closed, so we ended up at the Melting Pot instead! She loved all the fruit that came with dessert!</span></div>
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<u style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><b>New This Month:</b> </u><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> She can count to 20, loves building "cave's" (forts) out of blankets, can identify most of the letters and their sounds, and likes little babies (real and pretend).</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrn8d968rYLgfO0B9g-h9DiAL6ike8HrgHDGJBLgW_H7GoPatYtxl6eOB6MnHaib5G1jb9nHA-KQbh4GNoQHqxOKURE4yZ_vdTw_7VMbU1HhqEAPFNee4EEmW4jytpfED6YMGovZRgBI/s1600/b-IMG_3425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrn8d968rYLgfO0B9g-h9DiAL6ike8HrgHDGJBLgW_H7GoPatYtxl6eOB6MnHaib5G1jb9nHA-KQbh4GNoQHqxOKURE4yZ_vdTw_7VMbU1HhqEAPFNee4EEmW4jytpfED6YMGovZRgBI/s1600/b-IMG_3425.jpg" height="320" width="220" /></a><b><u>Growth:</u> </b>We had our 24 month check up recently and she finally grew! She grew 2 inches since her last check-up, putting her in the 55th percentile on height, and her weight went up a bit, putting her at the 25th percentile!<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Sleep:</u> She usually sleeps through the night, but has had a cough for a week or two that wakes her up!</div>
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<b><u>Speaking:</u></b> She never stops talking...Other than "stop it!" and "no, no, no, no," (her favorites), one of her new phrases is "oooh, my!"</div>
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Movement:</u> A little wild child... She got a mini trampoline for her birthday/christmas that she LOVES. She'll go jump on it and wear herself out, which is awesome!</div>
<b style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><u>Behavior:</u> </b><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">She moves up to a new room at school in Jan, which is a good thing, because she gets handsy with the little one's. She needs to be in a room where she can get a dose of her own medicine!</span><br />
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Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08008483563390489762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090553471314544468.post-4455671721006495112014-12-08T15:51:00.000-08:002014-12-08T15:53:31.525-08:00Zoe Lou-Who Turn's Two!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBe2Aek4ZVseKamcICwmljQCnvODDsjS_MC5H_Xs08n2IIJPDxif4kfCVRZ9EeGD51qr6B1gw4G59YhLSx-BbW1580_jBy9kla9GI7xgfzMB3PyMvs9LwBZ6Xcr5ivEhmSb1g44Rg1oEs/s1600/e-IMG_3062snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBe2Aek4ZVseKamcICwmljQCnvODDsjS_MC5H_Xs08n2IIJPDxif4kfCVRZ9EeGD51qr6B1gw4G59YhLSx-BbW1580_jBy9kla9GI7xgfzMB3PyMvs9LwBZ6Xcr5ivEhmSb1g44Rg1oEs/s1600/e-IMG_3062snow.jpg" height="320" width="209" /></a></div>
"How the Grinch Stole Christmas"- One of my favorites when it comes to Christmas tradition. I was on the hunt for a fun, unique birthday party theme when I attended a "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" Christmas party last year. A "Zoe Lou-Who Turn's Two" / Cindy Lou-Who / Grinch theme seemed to fit the bill nicely. Here are some pictures and descriptions of what I did:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOivukfrnwbSSMlbQ3iVyJwRC24EhrrDMZi-E2VUkKJ4VXWRdMrv8wwdIgccsvQfrzMvhJSQbGS1_-QLh-KhZIwydyNT5es4G_hH0Y44hFeId5tj2teHFGgWi1DfG2q4AtFDSKuSD03I/s1600/e-IMG_2981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOivukfrnwbSSMlbQ3iVyJwRC24EhrrDMZi-E2VUkKJ4VXWRdMrv8wwdIgccsvQfrzMvhJSQbGS1_-QLh-KhZIwydyNT5es4G_hH0Y44hFeId5tj2teHFGgWi1DfG2q4AtFDSKuSD03I/s1600/e-IMG_2981.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><u>Invitations:</u></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02yP9go29hUDx6I5ZV45v7_trjVHaYDI5CzhjqPvTP3VtU1Q2G6HdTR8dSgQ4b8xmtj3ju6Nk23qeN2t5Vx29nfJNZaNKp2KaM2yteZhZjWh7Mcnku49ZJ4iPxsmk3EDNJEDd7g12BFA/s1600/e-IMG_2991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02yP9go29hUDx6I5ZV45v7_trjVHaYDI5CzhjqPvTP3VtU1Q2G6HdTR8dSgQ4b8xmtj3ju6Nk23qeN2t5Vx29nfJNZaNKp2KaM2yteZhZjWh7Mcnku49ZJ4iPxsmk3EDNJEDd7g12BFA/s1600/e-IMG_2991.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a>First things, first...the invitation to the party! I made these from scrapbook paper, glue, and ribbon. The instructions for building this style of invitation can be found on Pinterest, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/178244097728301513/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2Miv7OyCHVUL4US6cTmIWnI6UV1czKgJfKbu4mWT2wxi2zJzU3yzGujd-Rq_cyqsSQDm9-41dCGlgbeiYmyBwr8Gt5MVJQCKJdQoYNeEUb9zBechptHxxDxIGYPC2uBUoZfJ9mWDr_s/s1600/e-IMG_2988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2Miv7OyCHVUL4US6cTmIWnI6UV1czKgJfKbu4mWT2wxi2zJzU3yzGujd-Rq_cyqsSQDm9-41dCGlgbeiYmyBwr8Gt5MVJQCKJdQoYNeEUb9zBechptHxxDxIGYPC2uBUoZfJ9mWDr_s/s1600/e-IMG_2988.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a>They were made to look like little Christmas gifts with the main color scheme- pink, red, and green. I pulled the little Cindy Lou-Who and Grinch into photoshop, making them solid pink, then borrowed a cute poem from <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/178244097726972379/" target="_blank">this pin</a>, making a few changes to make it work. They were printed on vellum from Microsoft Word, glued together with hot glue, and tied with ribbon.<br />
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<b><u>Menu: </u></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKF7WuIbrSyNEBw_UHgfoJo_9UaMU_gyR6ORnILNHPh62irL3F0x6-Sxl0iiWCq3q0VCUIDCC1QeGjTRjUaKcdhhLpwuIs6cXvjA8ptMkngX2Ea9CqWLZmAZ7cofXK_FqIGTjSE-vQYDQ/s1600/e-IMG_3361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKF7WuIbrSyNEBw_UHgfoJo_9UaMU_gyR6ORnILNHPh62irL3F0x6-Sxl0iiWCq3q0VCUIDCC1QeGjTRjUaKcdhhLpwuIs6cXvjA8ptMkngX2Ea9CqWLZmAZ7cofXK_FqIGTjSE-vQYDQ/s1600/e-IMG_3361.jpg" height="320" width="204" /></a>When it came to the party food, I knew I wanted to do a full meal, but I was worried about everyone being able to move around with a typical, buffet-style arrangement. I instead opted for dishes that were pre-portioned and easy to balance on a lap if need-be.<br />
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Here is what was served:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrXl5SpuQv5Lw2FDFjQJZi91BG4Q03K6qsbD4YW5DTeu6zMoG-A5gjMB14-rbTkaUyMm924hQf23M9j-PHGUrYhYqd8uiBdsoh7kHmQfb3zPVSLAbgQGAERZqFlu9SNLLumulltcJ33Y/s1600/e-IMG_3362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrXl5SpuQv5Lw2FDFjQJZi91BG4Q03K6qsbD4YW5DTeu6zMoG-A5gjMB14-rbTkaUyMm924hQf23M9j-PHGUrYhYqd8uiBdsoh7kHmQfb3zPVSLAbgQGAERZqFlu9SNLLumulltcJ33Y/s1600/e-IMG_3362.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Who-Feast Menu</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Noteworthy Light";">Roast Beast</span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Snell Roundhand"; font-size: 9.0pt;">(Roast Beef Sandwiches)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Noteworthy Light";">Who Hash<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Snell Roundhand"; font-size: 9.0pt;">(Oven Fries)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Noteworthy Light";">Grinch Greens<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Snell Roundhand"; font-size: 9.0pt;">(Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Noteworthy Light";">Yot in a Pot<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Snell Roundhand"; font-size: 9.0pt;">(Macaroni and Cheese
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<span style="font-family: "Noteworthy Light";">Beezlenut Splash<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Snell Roundhand"; font-size: 9.0pt;">(Punch)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Noteworthy Light";">Who-Pudding</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Snell Roundhand'; font-size: 9pt;">(White-Chocolate
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<span style="font-family: "Noteworthy Light";">Diffenderdoofer</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Snell Roundhand'; font-size: 9pt;">(Birthday Cake)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8m48MLyeN9-_l8TG2UGoNyqhkrtbxoLs3CY4eJkjK5ALPOIGM_2tQeBh-FIQgHiorP_4oSS-2IfGdIKM0xNDPrfVoR3_tbDYPgPO5vJlHcLLqc0JNxERGvrng5bswP4XLSqQWG6V5_2k/s1600/e-IMG_3338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8m48MLyeN9-_l8TG2UGoNyqhkrtbxoLs3CY4eJkjK5ALPOIGM_2tQeBh-FIQgHiorP_4oSS-2IfGdIKM0xNDPrfVoR3_tbDYPgPO5vJlHcLLqc0JNxERGvrng5bswP4XLSqQWG6V5_2k/s1600/e-IMG_3338.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a>Then I also added some cupcakes to this for the kiddo's. Scroll to the bottom for specifics on food/recipes. </div>
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I made the menu's using the kraft paper luggage tags you can find at most craft stores, and some pink vellum. I tied them with some white and red string. I placed this menu in with each silverware set. I folded the napkins using <a href="http://judys-front-porch.blogspot.com/2010/09/hat-tricka-napkin-folding-tutorial.html" target="_blank">this tutorial</a>. It allowed for the cutlery to be an easy grab, along with a spot for the menu's. I placed these in a large silver bowl next to the plates at the end of the table as pictured. </div>
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P.S. the cutlery and plates ARE plastic and disposable. I get them from Dollar Tree, and I LOVE them! They are durable and pretty...and best of all...disposable!</div>
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<b><u>Decorations:</u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3IrMi8CNfajwRbdSem_1Gut8pQWme-MYDQI72Yosz0Gq_eOKfErySpoYyX1zqI0tBLUjPkAVr_oXXqwnJRMgRklOB62bcHvhAmHHidgf5BINrD-5iRK4pAapLqmipMGbzwnKkRUVu9w/s1600/e-IMG_3360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3IrMi8CNfajwRbdSem_1Gut8pQWme-MYDQI72Yosz0Gq_eOKfErySpoYyX1zqI0tBLUjPkAVr_oXXqwnJRMgRklOB62bcHvhAmHHidgf5BINrD-5iRK4pAapLqmipMGbzwnKkRUVu9w/s1600/e-IMG_3360.jpg" height="400" width="258" /></a>Easily my favorite part- making everything look "pretty." I wanted everything to somewhat coordinate with the color scheme. It's a nice bonus that everything gets to stay up through Christmas ;-).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4VuOMPzZm8ADqXD-8_B31pYppSeVFTRrO-SW894KPOFxJpDEaDJIORb-JkrJ3NKSQR2XWRxzDW4i-ucYobLVX84_hWMt_yvCxsmGjCzEUkksvJCLkNu5W6lnbzX2k3iiLTeofqYcNyg4/s1600/e-IMG_3348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4VuOMPzZm8ADqXD-8_B31pYppSeVFTRrO-SW894KPOFxJpDEaDJIORb-JkrJ3NKSQR2XWRxzDW4i-ucYobLVX84_hWMt_yvCxsmGjCzEUkksvJCLkNu5W6lnbzX2k3iiLTeofqYcNyg4/s1600/e-IMG_3348.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a>"Room Decorations": (Pictured) For the walls, I made four strands of ornament garland in coordinating colors (Pink, Green and Blue). They are super duper simple to make. You can find a tutorial <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/469711436107561260/" target="_blank">here</a>. I hung those on the wall behind the table. I took the extra ornaments and hung them on individual ribbon from the chandelier that hangs over our dining table. I also wrapped a few of the pictures that already hang in our dining room like little christmas gifts, and hung them in their usual spot. It helped tie everything together! (Not Pictured)...I also used some Christmas wrapping paper to make presents on the wall- I just cut them into big squares, taped them to the wall and taped on a bow! I also used some washi tape in pink, green, and red to make some snowflakes on the walls, as described <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/AYFIkVFks2WdCXSu2tOvFaQ07gkyEn6WwhKjqNoQcUkB9ML5d4QELwQ/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSh6vCkg_H3z4sgXpNOcal5T-N505mYpdqQ-N-l6VC0W5-ZI_1swNa63Q86d2XDA3qGbUjWbyEHlC5pnRZvJz0tpy5-BA3jb103_LxIszJIbOiGgoy1xAMVBfENKkmqYlR7ypDo1U1nts/s1600/e-IMG_3328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSh6vCkg_H3z4sgXpNOcal5T-N505mYpdqQ-N-l6VC0W5-ZI_1swNa63Q86d2XDA3qGbUjWbyEHlC5pnRZvJz0tpy5-BA3jb103_LxIszJIbOiGgoy1xAMVBfENKkmqYlR7ypDo1U1nts/s1600/e-IMG_3328.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><br />
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"Table Top Decor": I had one main table with all the food, a dessert table, a kids table, and drinks on the counter. It really cut down on movement around the room. I tied all these together by putting wrapping paper down on the table-top. It had an added bonus of<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoF3zPB7RRt87R5XOQZ4krl_7bFtw1McVRItya8Gz29b_pmqpLpy7HLbf3rVwX6M_ESiFwJkMykwToGked4Y8cRElD5MRhTDk2dBAGNuJlN-QOMHCWehr4qo_ZcGVlvse1-lvxhhLYS2I/s1600/e-IMG_3199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoF3zPB7RRt87R5XOQZ4krl_7bFtw1McVRItya8Gz29b_pmqpLpy7HLbf3rVwX6M_ESiFwJkMykwToGked4Y8cRElD5MRhTDk2dBAGNuJlN-QOMHCWehr4qo_ZcGVlvse1-lvxhhLYS2I/s1600/e-IMG_3199.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a>protecting the surface and cut down on cleaning! I used little sparkly beads from the floral section of my local craft store in different glass vases to add some sparkle. I also bought some mini ornaments to spread on the table. I wanted all of the food to be labeled, so I glued together pink and red candy canes and cut cards from green sparkly paper. I printed oval labels with each food item. </div>
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<b><u>Food/Recipes:</u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpED8hiaDnNO9J2Y7Y9FCHGsoMpqO9Ps3hzpBbzBchWHPmQdBGMzGZwR1RD-8nv1w-fU7bIVuX3AcyBarvFUuiMQTXcQsov4wBQu3HRCMSgr-IS9qKT2IwjhtVjwZy4C3GstoZzWe1e8/s1600/e-IMG_3354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpED8hiaDnNO9J2Y7Y9FCHGsoMpqO9Ps3hzpBbzBchWHPmQdBGMzGZwR1RD-8nv1w-fU7bIVuX3AcyBarvFUuiMQTXcQsov4wBQu3HRCMSgr-IS9qKT2IwjhtVjwZy4C3GstoZzWe1e8/s1600/e-IMG_3354.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
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"Roast Beast": I made some artisan sandwiches. I made a few different variations, and used the scrapbook paper strips to help guests differentiate between them. I wrapped them in parchment paper and scrapbook strips and affixed them with a toothpick. The best part of doing these were that they could be made/prepped ahead of time and kept refrigerated until the party!</div>
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The ingredients- roast beef, ham, bacon, ciabatta bread, regular and chipotle mayo, cheddar and swiss deli cheese, artisan lettuces (including arugula), red onion, and tomato</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tioPsCHc78yHZLmtu0Hy9jvYSB0zjNZGWmq1OHGq0ix5Toz8Z3reHR4-tVt80mVvERjehWM7UDbkjmP9EY0akliNf29jsv04wUnYVVHOR75PqvB6xGOuEHKiZKrK_fd9evZn-J5RmAQ/s1600/e-IMG_3356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tioPsCHc78yHZLmtu0Hy9jvYSB0zjNZGWmq1OHGq0ix5Toz8Z3reHR4-tVt80mVvERjehWM7UDbkjmP9EY0akliNf29jsv04wUnYVVHOR75PqvB6xGOuEHKiZKrK_fd9evZn-J5RmAQ/s1600/e-IMG_3356.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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"Who-Hash": It is said in the book that the Grinch even takes the last can of Who-Hash, so I figured cans would be a must! I got the idea <a href="http://www.brytontaylor.com/gluten_free/2012/11/the-grinch-who-hash.html" target="_blank">here</a>. It took me a few weeks and some help from family, but I<br />
finally collected and cleaned enough empty food cans for this little project. I just printed a who-hash label on construction paper from word (I even downloaded a free Grinch font), and hot glued it to a clean can. I then put parchment paper into the can before filling it with the Oven fries.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRz9-LGPn9ko4QUwcpc_lxhi8uvMgCKbxbTrDfcgih8iHaoNLQSyaI5GVbH_QiDVmM4LBr0mq7V6NArLEyuF-6PUKEozYotnCtuOJQMxFLdze7-ORB3zXHTJPrKm2ZOZmqypRmDK61lo/s1600/e-IMG_3226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRz9-LGPn9ko4QUwcpc_lxhi8uvMgCKbxbTrDfcgih8iHaoNLQSyaI5GVbH_QiDVmM4LBr0mq7V6NArLEyuF-6PUKEozYotnCtuOJQMxFLdze7-ORB3zXHTJPrKm2ZOZmqypRmDK61lo/s1600/e-IMG_3226.jpg" height="206" width="320" /></a>Ingredients: I use the <a href="http://www.alexiafoods.com/products/potatoes/oven-reds" target="_blank">Alexia brand</a> of red potato frozen oven fries that are fabulous. They can be found at walmart, and are so easy, you'll wonder why you ever peeled potatoes. I added some ketchup in mustard in little glass dishes on the table, but you don't need them. These are delish on their own!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis5YRuT4MqFu9FRjaeRJKqsA-x_3LC1nLBmFUflqPWrzPmTpOHGIGJ3C0VJm33DljA_o7BmDslmMGBaZNQ1KjMGo_xtP5t88gJgwWT__eIh187HDLHbHiALaPZf6XSZiWoFSvw_cvcI0A/s1600/e-IMG_3357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis5YRuT4MqFu9FRjaeRJKqsA-x_3LC1nLBmFUflqPWrzPmTpOHGIGJ3C0VJm33DljA_o7BmDslmMGBaZNQ1KjMGo_xtP5t88gJgwWT__eIh187HDLHbHiALaPZf6XSZiWoFSvw_cvcI0A/s1600/e-IMG_3357.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a></div>
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"Grinch Greens": I love asparagus. I love bacon. Put them together, and you have a winner. The concept of having them wrapped and bundled helped with portion control, and made them a bit more portable. I would suggest ensuring they all face the same direction so the "chewy" ends of the asparagus are all on the same end.</div>
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Ingredients: I pretty much followed this <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/trisha-yearwood/asparagus-bundles-recipe.html" target="_blank">recipe</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXBpCTC2UViAncdmIBsU-TgSqULm7-UFvN5ZSf7YxOSTAkjYtW4G3wAZYDwjonOgRRwn7xktA-1zjYTkxRhc6cK28nltJVs6uOpKPaSKFKWKHtfIgcSIShIe1ZO4Z95w31x5DF-TD5vw/s1600/e-IMG_3350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXBpCTC2UViAncdmIBsU-TgSqULm7-UFvN5ZSf7YxOSTAkjYtW4G3wAZYDwjonOgRRwn7xktA-1zjYTkxRhc6cK28nltJVs6uOpKPaSKFKWKHtfIgcSIShIe1ZO4Z95w31x5DF-TD5vw/s1600/e-IMG_3350.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
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"Yot in a Pot": Or should I say, "pots"? I wanted macaroni and cheese, because it is my two-year-old's favorite, and placing the individual servings into cupcake cups seemed like a genius way to make it portable. I got the idea <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/AdDuUDmTMK9JWUgeSm1d2y9Ym4LWnIZZIYNFWbCsbq2hYsZnQxBanb8/" target="_blank">here</a>. I used a tiered stand to place them on, which helped with accessibility and presentation.</div>
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Ingredients: I use a fancy kraft version, found <a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/kraft-homestyle-macaroni-cheese-dinner-hearty-four-cheese-120148.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>. It's sold at most grocery stores.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHHrNNdyimCuJzx-6GkKFpoa7zCNDDurMo1pnFDfjWgQbqGx9VfXPXcD_0Z4RlOoFJvUfQbgbHLJQeeZPBFHe9DUjYne_LZrcbkqCkqxwaxTCan1AbtO0DDydK8HS1XcELJHGpHH9YgSU/s1600/e-IMG_3335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrvdSa0XYX_JGcPMTXX0qGV28XDDDsGh3xF7tAjvboWuNpfzKdmMWuIpd1iPAbHqVjj2war1m67wokQEfzQ-RKmbdnRsbPyb9AyqwcRN8E4FtZKDlejfXyEtf0Zo2854t0ZmMz4Gwwro/s1600/e-IMG_3334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrvdSa0XYX_JGcPMTXX0qGV28XDDDsGh3xF7tAjvboWuNpfzKdmMWuIpd1iPAbHqVjj2war1m67wokQEfzQ-RKmbdnRsbPyb9AyqwcRN8E4FtZKDlejfXyEtf0Zo2854t0ZmMz4Gwwro/s1600/e-IMG_3334.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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"Beezlenut Splash": Ah, the drink table. I was happy with how pretty it turned out. The cups are plastic (from dollar tree) but the downside is that they hold a fairly small amount of liquid. They </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHHrNNdyimCuJzx-6GkKFpoa7zCNDDurMo1pnFDfjWgQbqGx9VfXPXcD_0Z4RlOoFJvUfQbgbHLJQeeZPBFHe9DUjYne_LZrcbkqCkqxwaxTCan1AbtO0DDydK8HS1XcELJHGpHH9YgSU/s1600/e-IMG_3335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHHrNNdyimCuJzx-6GkKFpoa7zCNDDurMo1pnFDfjWgQbqGx9VfXPXcD_0Z4RlOoFJvUfQbgbHLJQeeZPBFHe9DUjYne_LZrcbkqCkqxwaxTCan1AbtO0DDydK8HS1XcELJHGpHH9YgSU/s1600/e-IMG_3335.jpg" height="200" width="140" /></a>are great for champaign or just a bit of punch, but just not practical for meal/beverage service. I also used some adorable paper straws. The punch was placed in a glass beverage dispenser, and green for the Grinch.</div>
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Ingredients: Hawaiian Green Berry Punch, Sprite, and Lime Sherbet</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqy9Bt_AyDXa6puCy8y5eSyFQjocctGAkXsBdst4quUE3v1A-R63e5vsn794j4IjH_pzZiFLph6sFurobg-FFhz2XxgH5CMj61Jod1vODioU6zwcoxTx-gKn8FZxZowj7RGdoSKlUCPoU/s1600/e-IMG_3322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqy9Bt_AyDXa6puCy8y5eSyFQjocctGAkXsBdst4quUE3v1A-R63e5vsn794j4IjH_pzZiFLph6sFurobg-FFhz2XxgH5CMj61Jod1vODioU6zwcoxTx-gKn8FZxZowj7RGdoSKlUCPoU/s1600/e-IMG_3322.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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"Who Pudding:" I was proud of this. I found <a href="http://www.redbookmag.com/recipes-home/tips-advice/shot-glass-desserts-white-chocolate-peppermint-mousse#slide-14" target="_blank">this recipe</a> on Pinterest for a White Chocolate Peppermint Mousse, and loved the sound of it...yum! BUT I'm not a from-scratch kinda gal...who has time?? I came up with an awesome alternative of my own creation, all placed in little, individual dessert shots. I got the dessert shot glasses in bundles of 3 from dollar tree, tied them with ribbon with a tiny, silver plastic dessert spoon. It was perfect, and a new family favorite!</div>
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Ingredients: 2 Hershey's White Chocolate Instant pudding mixes made as directed, stir in 1 8oz container of Cool Whip just before serving, and top with andes peppermint crunch baking chips.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEQbzvwBbJUGkH4NBAtiYij2_BQf1SXahYvmg0Nnw0zCVhkOjAR_HHbjFEgVBcvvyl4GcN9C7qzEcIJ9WkTxkOF0X6R-SlGqqdkzbQEawqX9P2d4UZeBAB8hS2Vq6NnYK5CVPAnk5qkA/s1600/e-IMG_3323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEQbzvwBbJUGkH4NBAtiYij2_BQf1SXahYvmg0Nnw0zCVhkOjAR_HHbjFEgVBcvvyl4GcN9C7qzEcIJ9WkTxkOF0X6R-SlGqqdkzbQEawqX9P2d4UZeBAB8hS2Vq6NnYK5CVPAnk5qkA/s1600/e-IMG_3323.jpg" height="320" width="204" /></a></div>
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"Diffenderdoofer": I found <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/178244097728293196/" target="_blank">this amazing idea</a>, which basically claims that the Grinch "even stole the icing right off of the cake."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvb-lqgIiRdkXWulz9mlkC0LhisLBENIzlFXp-c-lyrQgokT9HBbTNh9ssiAt_becz0kJHSRqa-1K8lqz9AiwlHi7PENdbhuRBqq2l2CgJcS1l40zBE2mlgaqNjhM_iqAdUk6hq3MNN5s/s1600/e-IMG_3324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvb-lqgIiRdkXWulz9mlkC0LhisLBENIzlFXp-c-lyrQgokT9HBbTNh9ssiAt_becz0kJHSRqa-1K8lqz9AiwlHi7PENdbhuRBqq2l2CgJcS1l40zBE2mlgaqNjhM_iqAdUk6hq3MNN5s/s1600/e-IMG_3324.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a>Well that's just perfect, because then I didn't have to decorate a cake. I made the cake "naked style," with minimum icing between the layers, then just added a little sign explaining what the Grinch did. I made the cake toper from glitter tape, sticker letters, string, and paper straws.<br />
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Ingredients: Betty Crocker strawberry cake mix made as directed, red frosting.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fcSdai4QxxEaxJPWj_MUi8PyC4jaPlhC7CFfH1tjDDGNW931dlY_sit5at7fTs-eWYzOgKWaKtgXLAukcHsFxGqE9GZlhfYfQVvEN56E0Y8JMAsniZQLeLeN-y_qErrfujVxO8eVtjw/s1600/e-IMG_3325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fcSdai4QxxEaxJPWj_MUi8PyC4jaPlhC7CFfH1tjDDGNW931dlY_sit5at7fTs-eWYzOgKWaKtgXLAukcHsFxGqE9GZlhfYfQVvEN56E0Y8JMAsniZQLeLeN-y_qErrfujVxO8eVtjw/s1600/e-IMG_3325.jpg" height="320" width="190" /></a><br />
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"Cupcakes": I made these, because I wanted to be sure my daughter got enough icing to lick ;-). I used some of the cake mix I used for the cake. I topped her individual cupcake with an adorable gold #2 sparkler I found at a local store named "<a href="http://plentymercantile.com/" target="_blank">Plenty</a>."</div>
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Ingredients: Betty Crocker strawberry cake mix and aerosol frosting in pink and red (because it's soooo much easier to decorate a cupcake with). I also threw on a few silver sprinkles for fun.</div>
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<b><u>Outfit/Clothes:</u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IURDAIpNplR9xir1_3vDXWZvLTs5xyHgxGcTk3UManTdQcmS0Fqw17VD13JqtHpCSSWLjQV7DDI6C58W_lFtbDzspEPBLi25mGAS5QI7KQ7gG1dHRviO-y2DJFdYEDZmz52UylxUH1U/s1600/e-IMG_3318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IURDAIpNplR9xir1_3vDXWZvLTs5xyHgxGcTk3UManTdQcmS0Fqw17VD13JqtHpCSSWLjQV7DDI6C58W_lFtbDzspEPBLi25mGAS5QI7KQ7gG1dHRviO-y2DJFdYEDZmz52UylxUH1U/s1600/e-IMG_3318.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYbXdDEpcIMGoLOQQeWrEW80fKeg1SUKT19IqFi__cbFxtN5g6G2RcasAzoPa8Menc2_v1YDeCSwwjNlesaKMZ9edbnfqP1jVjcOozlUNtJyLaH9N72pX7C2iMFLEEgvtrc-yJ3AT0e8/s1600/e-IMG_3061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYbXdDEpcIMGoLOQQeWrEW80fKeg1SUKT19IqFi__cbFxtN5g6G2RcasAzoPa8Menc2_v1YDeCSwwjNlesaKMZ9edbnfqP1jVjcOozlUNtJyLaH9N72pX7C2iMFLEEgvtrc-yJ3AT0e8/s1600/e-IMG_3061.jpg" height="320" width="195" /></a>It was important to me that Z LOOKED like Cindy-Lou Who. I put her in a puffy, red silk dress with a pink fleece coat with white fur trim. She also had pink, red, and green tights. I made her two headbands. One was made with a tea cup ornament (like the movie Cindy-Lou Who) and pink feathers, but it was super heavy so she didn't like to wear it for long. I also made her a traditional headband with the Who antennae and ribbon bows, which I made with pipe cleaners!<br />
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And...that's pretty much it! I was excited and pleased with how it all turned out!!!<br />
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-CD</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrgz1ogjb9aJKTOmjckJJewVgv7LHcTO3vHA5owzpDqQRU0cEmPPOjyxYfB4Cd7YO02MEAHJJnMfLL3fYk0hN0awweTqUuIU-mRWm4AIsOaC7p1E6cv1tx0lVWSkkL_am74bqf1pXXqs/s1600/emg1-3024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrgz1ogjb9aJKTOmjckJJewVgv7LHcTO3vHA5owzpDqQRU0cEmPPOjyxYfB4Cd7YO02MEAHJJnMfLL3fYk0hN0awweTqUuIU-mRWm4AIsOaC7p1E6cv1tx0lVWSkkL_am74bqf1pXXqs/s1600/emg1-3024.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbTLVbslWHs1xqbebpUZ6h6EQvQfbSwfoXQr-hdj61jxvdeDpz9Dp8TNoLc6rXKUX0fENPLMkP_49Omti8Fe_j9njJkqPz3-grzBTX0JlKg53uITycEd9wpfeXeBEH8fIoL6UZc-_jY0/s1600/emg-2542.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbTLVbslWHs1xqbebpUZ6h6EQvQfbSwfoXQr-hdj61jxvdeDpz9Dp8TNoLc6rXKUX0fENPLMkP_49Omti8Fe_j9njJkqPz3-grzBTX0JlKg53uITycEd9wpfeXeBEH8fIoL6UZc-_jY0/s1600/emg-2542.png" height="125" width="200" /></a>Ah, the end of October...when halloween has officially passed and it is finally the "holiday season." Anyone that knows me at all, knows that my love for this time of year borders on obsession. I'm so thankful for my little girl who gets more intelligent and "grown up" every day.<br />
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This last month has brought so many changes. We have very much settled into a routine with children's day out. Zoe seems to really enjoy school, and has a strong bond with her teachers and classmates. She does pretty well at school, but is pretty sassy, and has a hard time sharing with her friends. I'm excited for the new year when she gets to move up with the big kids!<br />
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We also recently learned that my sister and her family (who lives only 10 minutes away) will be moving to Florida in December. I'm super bummed, because our kids are super close (E and Z are only 9 months apart), and because I spend a LOT of time with my sister (she stays home too). We have been helping them prepare their home for the move, and soaking up every last second of playtime for the kids.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0D9hwrNtJlfgtiOYMBfw9XUuWpF5pjgnboGOuO7qEqdPmiPJ9sJHyYGq3EAolSl0kLbHDYGh4VvjF6-kyCB3oUTnsAEmn5fPSjhrOOE8qgg_XvvgWIA7Nqe9f855bQflGHeWM5TEP1U/s1600/emgp4-2561.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0D9hwrNtJlfgtiOYMBfw9XUuWpF5pjgnboGOuO7qEqdPmiPJ9sJHyYGq3EAolSl0kLbHDYGh4VvjF6-kyCB3oUTnsAEmn5fPSjhrOOE8qgg_XvvgWIA7Nqe9f855bQflGHeWM5TEP1U/s1600/emgp4-2561.png" height="213" width="320" /></a>On another note, halloween was a blast this year. Z was too young to really understand what we were up to last year, but this year she totally got it. She dressed as a little black kitty (complete with a tutu dress), and Andrew and I dressed as a mouse and cheese. We went to several halloween events, including trick or treating with my sister and her kids around Norman. The kids had a blast, and Z totally loved when people let her choose the candy to put in her basket.<br />
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Annnnd....what I am most-excited about this month...FAMILY PICTURES! We try to have pictures done at least once a year, so we can document how our family has changed. We had these done by Christie Mellor this last weekend, and I'm in awe. I seriously need her to mentor me, because this lady has some serious talent. Here are a few favorites:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUlEXMbvjSoTdw9hRZHmdkRXgADQvxXk_3vY52ehX7SuJcKWFrfygtVUMhLwFsvZvxC_pevaY7hKmklvKaBRT-Ar0iBJXXceWMB7Swj9CvQXuJHM8-6mKS1rMnNxHGp9NWoXHqvOxQN4/s1600/CAM-2640-Edit-3691387963-O.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUlEXMbvjSoTdw9hRZHmdkRXgADQvxXk_3vY52ehX7SuJcKWFrfygtVUMhLwFsvZvxC_pevaY7hKmklvKaBRT-Ar0iBJXXceWMB7Swj9CvQXuJHM8-6mKS1rMnNxHGp9NWoXHqvOxQN4/s1600/CAM-2640-Edit-3691387963-O.png" height="320" width="212" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNU3tupLJZ3f8F_V7iGP665Dw9D6__HE7oRephLhpUabzkXT8W7-VwbZ-IGHKSH2CmWEg7s5Cx6CY1B4bL-b6BWEobxuM8jm1vXLl7qJMSpeQgq-_pwfvED1pDX-KFnMpTIimm8yBCYcc/s1600/CAM-2742-Edit-3691391887-O.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNU3tupLJZ3f8F_V7iGP665Dw9D6__HE7oRephLhpUabzkXT8W7-VwbZ-IGHKSH2CmWEg7s5Cx6CY1B4bL-b6BWEobxuM8jm1vXLl7qJMSpeQgq-_pwfvED1pDX-KFnMpTIimm8yBCYcc/s1600/CAM-2742-Edit-3691391887-O.png" height="211" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLcuZUQJpa1jlAK9qoeVK94ijNlVwNiUx454PC1rog1_CYwYnjyH3Ks6ltq3kMIpRi6ayiIkMyh_k5g_S6YXu_nAQ1q_0E15Bf8lYgVgtEVKlDCSQhEjuf-C-w_M3jb7uCQUWsYLb9_E/s1600/CAM-2615-Edit-3691384497-O.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLcuZUQJpa1jlAK9qoeVK94ijNlVwNiUx454PC1rog1_CYwYnjyH3Ks6ltq3kMIpRi6ayiIkMyh_k5g_S6YXu_nAQ1q_0E15Bf8lYgVgtEVKlDCSQhEjuf-C-w_M3jb7uCQUWsYLb9_E/s1600/CAM-2615-Edit-3691384497-O.png" height="320" width="212" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdrUmGZeuKSKBRbiir4lO4LI7duvjMyuJNI9JNBm6LZgouoOe2ribsfnVa-9gTdvsk-ik3uGegQu6Q2IecA-f7IbijvE4sCbJFHnsURE1h5UqWJ5OhmZVYbUPqrC-f7KzBOG0Lu0rEDY/s1600/CAM-1982-Edit-3691358149-O.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdrUmGZeuKSKBRbiir4lO4LI7duvjMyuJNI9JNBm6LZgouoOe2ribsfnVa-9gTdvsk-ik3uGegQu6Q2IecA-f7IbijvE4sCbJFHnsURE1h5UqWJ5OhmZVYbUPqrC-f7KzBOG0Lu0rEDY/s1600/CAM-1982-Edit-3691358149-O.png" height="212" width="320" /> </a><br />
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So now we are on our way to Thanksgiving in a few weeks, with a chance of snow this weekend (eeek!). For Thanksgiving this year, we will be going to Chickasha to my mother-in-laws. It's always a good time, with lots of laughter, kids playing, an over-abundance of good food, and we always top it off with some black friday shopping. I'm really looking forward to it this year!<br />
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Then, the week after that is Zoe's birthday! I'm in shock that I almost have a 2 year old!<br />
Here is what is new:<br />
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<b style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><u>Favorite Thing to Do:</u></b><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> She has been asking to play with my sister's kids pretty often these days. She asks for G and E almost every day.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><u style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Favorite </u></span><u style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Food:</u><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> With the colder weather, we have been enjoying Pho pretty often. Z LOVES the noodles and "soup."</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4G03gQesFik0l08WsK43v5Nq82guEFOBpjStmpbeKfMWQtqkKBCBy89j9zTMY-KzkHWxm32z8ECEYQ0EkAPLK44jljT5qXqU_wiJ4dM4K9l1Lq621ag870h_hD1RMZDnllGqULBNWqM0/s1600/emgb-3002.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4G03gQesFik0l08WsK43v5Nq82guEFOBpjStmpbeKfMWQtqkKBCBy89j9zTMY-KzkHWxm32z8ECEYQ0EkAPLK44jljT5qXqU_wiJ4dM4K9l1Lq621ag870h_hD1RMZDnllGqULBNWqM0/s1600/emgb-3002.png" height="320" width="208" /></a><u style="color: #7f6b4a; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><b>New This Month:</b> </u><span style="color: #7f6b4a; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> She wags her finger and says "no, no."</span><br />
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<b><u>Growth:</u> </b>At the doctor this month (for another ear infection) she was still only 24lbs.<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Sleep:</u> Anytime she is sick, she doesn't sleep, so that's rouge, but she does pretty well when she's on schedule.</div>
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<b><u>Speaking:</u></b> This kid cracks me up...She's like a little adult! She now counts to 10, knows her first and last name, knows her age, most of her colors and shapes, and pretty much never stops talking!</div>
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Movement:</u> She is really good at soccer...she can dribble a ball with her feet better than I can. Her and daddy play all the time.</div>
<b style="color: #7f6b4a; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><u>Behavior:</u> </b><span style="color: #7f6b4a; font-family: Indie Flower;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">She is definitely a diva, and one of the sassiest little people I have ever met. We are going to need to crack down though, because she tells us (and everyone else) "no" and "stop it!" wayyy to often. I kept thinking it would go away, but it has definitely gotten worse.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCboeRN-mFTf6sRqzgcjH9_FA2JshHgkFpTWKvckh33XQ86dLytZZPKVRf8WAcQ6dT0BcmYiSXkAoOCSRKE-6ZKEAop41rjT29DndFFZu933DJfRCI-6wA4Rfin_F7K71wDtn7tPV7F3M/s1600/emgp-2440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCboeRN-mFTf6sRqzgcjH9_FA2JshHgkFpTWKvckh33XQ86dLytZZPKVRf8WAcQ6dT0BcmYiSXkAoOCSRKE-6ZKEAop41rjT29DndFFZu933DJfRCI-6wA4Rfin_F7K71wDtn7tPV7F3M/s1600/emgp-2440.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
Welcome to October. Officially fall, if only the weather would cooperate. Regardless, we made it to Orr Family Farm for a hay ride, pumpkin patch, and all the other fun festivities. It was a blast. Zoe really likes pumpkins for some reason, so she was thrilled to get to take her own home!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mp9pyzeCf-WTtBBW1oY3QdTTiOKog0xuUQUDkgMqspgzOrCOYl6VItLkBRxES_Sklwyz60dXqZ5Gm_WrgKsG03MUvZnAv_Dci6mkIkDSanNBsKD7PfIea9ztl-cNXCJ7gPKPRAQKkBc/s1600/emg-2204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mp9pyzeCf-WTtBBW1oY3QdTTiOKog0xuUQUDkgMqspgzOrCOYl6VItLkBRxES_Sklwyz60dXqZ5Gm_WrgKsG03MUvZnAv_Dci6mkIkDSanNBsKD7PfIea9ztl-cNXCJ7gPKPRAQKkBc/s1600/emg-2204.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a>This has been a busy month, but I have finally finished the backlog on photo editing. I have one more scheduled photo session, and then I'm officially done. It feels nice to have some time again, and I'm not sure I'll be taking clients for quite awhile.<br />
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Despite the time restraints, quite a bit has happened this month. I <br />
have had two baby showers to attend (both having baby boys!). We also made it to the State Fair, which was a bit of a disaster (z didn't get a nap that day). It was still fun though, and a great tradition (we always go on the $2 day).<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5PuaGWcz8WSIwdmUF2HJKBet2zhfNx_MCTgXy78ZHlVGzCnMMFX5_bo9UHeMnLpuSizvKYKPHzADeny3P6zU_tihI0j5cWJdsITBq6bkWk8dkqjmk_lIVdz1Ezyr4XD-9eKWFU-ccrg/s1600/emgb-2446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5PuaGWcz8WSIwdmUF2HJKBet2zhfNx_MCTgXy78ZHlVGzCnMMFX5_bo9UHeMnLpuSizvKYKPHzADeny3P6zU_tihI0j5cWJdsITBq6bkWk8dkqjmk_lIVdz1Ezyr4XD-9eKWFU-ccrg/s1600/emgb-2446.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><br />
The inauguration for SCU's president was this past month. It was great to see the process through from beginning with the President Search Committee, to the inauguration itself. I also just began teaching a 5 week night course for SCU again. I love teaching, and seeing all the students, faculty, and staff on the SCU campus!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQNOFTVWjghC1OyPMwCYi-dDfW85ABvwqt6F03nz4EI02fRsGOzxsrFnRDqedIDy0n6W6_Vm0e2SwEaOZK_aHBdIyTn4o05gi-WV6XdoshfSEx2CuGe96JVZyqmPYZfPsW9Che5ATVSk/s1600/emg-2189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQNOFTVWjghC1OyPMwCYi-dDfW85ABvwqt6F03nz4EI02fRsGOzxsrFnRDqedIDy0n6W6_Vm0e2SwEaOZK_aHBdIyTn4o05gi-WV6XdoshfSEx2CuGe96JVZyqmPYZfPsW9Che5ATVSk/s1600/emg-2189.jpg" height="136" width="200" /></a>In addition to all of that, I have still been working at the Children's Day Out program every week. Z has come a long way. She has mostly quit crying when I leave her, and has become a big help to the other teachers. I love picking her up at the end of the day, because she always gives me the biggest hug. :-)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEm6fMKx3OuCd47AckuAoO7VPF-73fHQ5-4J8oNpVKWlgmH7JQVpSkjt5ZMCqg4R80rBCj8E-UKQXb1qjfAE3d9EmQGqlUmw32a8W8LyaMkvVgqhVlDPks3A4mp0C27fI78c7UZmaByo/s1600/emg1-2252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEm6fMKx3OuCd47AckuAoO7VPF-73fHQ5-4J8oNpVKWlgmH7JQVpSkjt5ZMCqg4R80rBCj8E-UKQXb1qjfAE3d9EmQGqlUmw32a8W8LyaMkvVgqhVlDPks3A4mp0C27fI78c7UZmaByo/s1600/emg1-2252.jpg" height="400" width="258" /></a>In the next month, I'm looking forward to Halloween-Zoe will be a black cat, in a tutu, of course, and spending time <br />
with my family and little girl. I can't wait to get started on Zoe's birthday festivities in December, Thanksgiving, our trip in January, and of course Christmas!<br />
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<b style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><u>Favorite Thing to Do:</u></b><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> Talking, Playing outside, and Going to Grandmas (Grandma keeps her when I teach night class)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f6b4a; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><u style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Favorite </u></span><u style="color: #7f6b4a; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Food: </u><span style="color: #7f6b4a; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">She really loves mac and cheese, but I can't give it to her very often. </span></div>
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<u style="color: #7f6b4a; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><b>New This Month:</b> </u><span style="color: #7f6b4a; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> A bucket-full of new words and phrases.</span><br />
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<b><u>Growth:</u> </b>I think she may be taller? Still in 18 month clothes.<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Sleep: </u>She is almost completely done with a morning nap, and only takes afternoon ones now. She has also been going to bed after 7 almost every night.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBoBOjZwIhnylJeifrl8bGU7v1rLbmL5DJrkN9Qb6otzeRVqzUwWXTsEGMsCHsjL3TfMvgSKTDBPQZRJJhAikyXxsaHUl5ckPmp0ZfZQxQsWgWAKFSb-W6IfHtcoooJOjAdmfwu15k4gk/s1600/emg-2434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBoBOjZwIhnylJeifrl8bGU7v1rLbmL5DJrkN9Qb6otzeRVqzUwWXTsEGMsCHsjL3TfMvgSKTDBPQZRJJhAikyXxsaHUl5ckPmp0ZfZQxQsWgWAKFSb-W6IfHtcoooJOjAdmfwu15k4gk/s1600/emg-2434.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a><b><u>Speaking:</u></b> She's so chatty. She talks all.the.time. Some her new favorites are "how are you?", spelling her name, and counting to 5 in English (and 3 in Spanish). </div>
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<b><u>Movement:</u></b> It's no wonder she stays so small. 1. she never stops moving and 2. she runs everywhere she goes</div>
<b style="color: #7f6b4a; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><u>Behavior:</u> </b><span style="color: #7f6b4a; font-family: Indie Flower;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Nap's are essential, but her teachers at CDO recently told me she deserves a politeness award. She says please and thank you after EVERYTHING!</span></span></div>
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Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08008483563390489762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090553471314544468.post-83567078473324672532014-09-12T14:38:00.000-07:002014-09-12T14:48:04.367-07:00Mama Mia (21 Months)<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_HWMFxrHXaWGHRjjwwV2sT8yFt2uaqD5ECABZHfe3JYFbZ_BsXkwqUDnFClZd_0u1mU4Myz0yK25CIbhIzTMpEMK0mm0GtsbiUsWAmx1q0P2Q4wHIWx1waTmSAPRSH6pSL25T9zY9BU/s1600/emgp_1-1303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_HWMFxrHXaWGHRjjwwV2sT8yFt2uaqD5ECABZHfe3JYFbZ_BsXkwqUDnFClZd_0u1mU4Myz0yK25CIbhIzTMpEMK0mm0GtsbiUsWAmx1q0P2Q4wHIWx1waTmSAPRSH6pSL25T9zY9BU/s1600/emgp_1-1303.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a>First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes that baby in the baby carriage. A sweet story, but in reality, motherhood is no fairytale. It's a labor of love, that we would trust to no one else, and while some days are smelly, sticky, and stressful, we love our job as mommies- and love our babies even more. It's our job to raise them to be well-rounded, happy adults in a world where the pressure to be perfect can be overwhelming. On top of that, babies grow at an alarming rate...seriously, one day your wiping spit up, the next they are walking, talking children...theres hardly enough time to remember to go grocery shopping (because you're out of milk and diapers AGAIN), when are we supposed to get to the "important" stuff?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCEq5Fl_Kr0bd6mzAB7ZB1fGQ1t4uBMmRMlG0y4QYLnV1FbNT9rQjx3x0f80gLYSzUX46LvBLiFt0XwETSA5JErqTU46K-1Buqde8zYt0OchGuhWqUR4dy4AhF_c5C7HIOAEBAhR0qGw/s1600/emg_b-0114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCEq5Fl_Kr0bd6mzAB7ZB1fGQ1t4uBMmRMlG0y4QYLnV1FbNT9rQjx3x0f80gLYSzUX46LvBLiFt0XwETSA5JErqTU46K-1Buqde8zYt0OchGuhWqUR4dy4AhF_c5C7HIOAEBAhR0qGw/s1600/emg_b-0114.jpg" height="128" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div>
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I've been so busy lately I've been trying to remind myself to step back and get some perspective. While I may stay home with Z, I still seem to overwhelm myself with daily tasks. That being said, she's the most important thing. SO if you drop by my house anytime, it may not be clean, and I may still be in my PJ's, but I'm choosing to sacrifice those things to spend the time with her that she needs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UE4ZDE3WV-u9K7nQSwQmvnS1Y4Qudwt8SDMoxfkXTsjQSHAMlx4z2yzb9dS1xOaB-EatZH35niFpNEOwcFMhu3Snbu1CGOM845h3UxtOH46Sl7JCtWLMR08SCPmkqIM7B2MMOM9tMj0/s1600/emg_-1292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UE4ZDE3WV-u9K7nQSwQmvnS1Y4Qudwt8SDMoxfkXTsjQSHAMlx4z2yzb9dS1xOaB-EatZH35niFpNEOwcFMhu3Snbu1CGOM845h3UxtOH46Sl7JCtWLMR08SCPmkqIM7B2MMOM9tMj0/s1600/emg_-1292.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a>So what is it I've been up to you ask? Well, a lot, actually. I have had LOTS of photo sessions over the past few months. Nothing like announcing your on hiatus to induce a frenzy of people booking before you're officially "done" for awhile. However, I am done taking any new bookings, and have just a few more sessions (and a Mt. Everest-sized mountain of editing), and I am officially taking a "break." </div>
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In addition to photography, I have also been volunteering with SCU on their inauguration celebration of their new president, Dr. Reggies Wenyika- my former boss, and someone I respect a great deal. I'm honored to be working on the committee, and I love working with the folks at SCU- they are always so kind and welcoming. Next week, will be the inauguration, and then I will be gearing up to teach another adult-studies (night course) in October!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhSik55lcQnf5qSrXDerMGgE__hfoHI1CR3k-bMekupRz6xgfHePtjQZhh8G6rfiwUQoTev3-Sx9TqCCWU0wVYczPakHPt7NH-A6oKVEuTOvucpM3plweZfkwiEpewa5gYpafR3Svx90/s1600/emg_p2-0237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhSik55lcQnf5qSrXDerMGgE__hfoHI1CR3k-bMekupRz6xgfHePtjQZhh8G6rfiwUQoTev3-Sx9TqCCWU0wVYczPakHPt7NH-A6oKVEuTOvucpM3plweZfkwiEpewa5gYpafR3Svx90/s1600/emg_p2-0237.jpg" height="199" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then there is my new "job" at the Children's Day Out program. I'm several weeks in now, and I love it. It's so nice to go do something regularly each week, where I feel like I'm making a difference. It's also awesome for Z, because she gets to make new friends and learn new things. The downside is the germs. She got hand, foot, mouth, and I would not wish that horribleness on anyone. Z was SO sick last week, but was thankfully feeling well enough to attend CDO this week.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXu3PqhEG9Jn0jf5chizIKimep18kgJSARsMJQXhx6GkKD3Nm6t2Grmfty1QrCQn8EJhgsHznzKxGQKhTIEtD4g9uz-wSUZNjgwtEH3TyhTIqhbA4mPLNpcKEh62KP0RZ42n3r7SU0_g/s1600/emg_p-0463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXu3PqhEG9Jn0jf5chizIKimep18kgJSARsMJQXhx6GkKD3Nm6t2Grmfty1QrCQn8EJhgsHznzKxGQKhTIEtD4g9uz-wSUZNjgwtEH3TyhTIqhbA4mPLNpcKEh62KP0RZ42n3r7SU0_g/s1600/emg_p-0463.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a><br />
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In addition to all that, we just got back from a brief "vacation" in South Carolina, where my SIL got married to my new BIL! It was a beautiful wedding, and she was kind enough to let me take the pictures! We had such a good time, and it was nice to get away for awhile. Z LOVED the beach, and thought the waves were hilarious!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOk9YHTK6FPtiepo4mDwn8k-YAKz5T6zmn_QysRJqWtSztk1nG9sj2eVJt3CptG1w4eZ_UjEM6Vlpd4ku9VFGNtq_EUK09QvfJeGD9gjOGieG5yvmR-dSl93X7E9YHcSdgAGD50-NgDhY/s1600/emg_p3-0578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOk9YHTK6FPtiepo4mDwn8k-YAKz5T6zmn_QysRJqWtSztk1nG9sj2eVJt3CptG1w4eZ_UjEM6Vlpd4ku9VFGNtq_EUK09QvfJeGD9gjOGieG5yvmR-dSl93X7E9YHcSdgAGD50-NgDhY/s1600/emg_p3-0578.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
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It seems like there is a lot new with Z this month too...</div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #7f6b4a; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><u>Favorite Thing to Do:</u></b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #7f6b4a; font-family: Indie Flower;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> She has really got into coloring. She's actually pretty good at it too. She actually attempts to color in the lines (when it suits her), and can even make a #1! She seems to be right-handed (Andrew's disappointed)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #7f6b4a; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><u style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Favorite </u></span><u style="color: #7f6b4a; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Food: </u><span style="color: #7f6b4a; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">She likes corn dogs (I know, I know...healthy, right?). She still really likes fruit, and asks for "peashes" (peaches) all the time. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-ILTNJvZSXdD19eGkevOsOCORV8U41Pc_eX3-YZZb_T3TGpsNm7zBeFeafZ64Amr2Jq3U_1Hj6dkCv3ookdn32AFN7qfhDDFQ3tTrplMdNhclN1mq58WJWKed26mZ7CbcEYBydYk26k/s1600/emg_p2-0577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-ILTNJvZSXdD19eGkevOsOCORV8U41Pc_eX3-YZZb_T3TGpsNm7zBeFeafZ64Amr2Jq3U_1Hj6dkCv3ookdn32AFN7qfhDDFQ3tTrplMdNhclN1mq58WJWKed26mZ7CbcEYBydYk26k/s1600/emg_p2-0577.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<u style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><b>New This Month:</b> </u><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> She has started stringing words together in two and three word sentences. Some of my favorites are "thank you, mama (or dada)" and "I got you!"</span><br />
<b><u>Growth:</u> </b>I think she lost some weight with hand, foot, mouth. When we were at the doc, she weighed in at 23lbs.<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Sleep: </u>She has her ups and downs. She is still taking something of a morning nap some days, and other days only wants an early afternoon nap. It gets really confusing, and difficult to plan our day!</div>
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<b><u>Speaking:</u></b> <span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Her vocabulary has really exploded this month. I have lost track of all her new words and phrases. It's crazy how they just start picking up and mimicking EVERYTHING you say! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-xvcIaljwMQx1mhf8qBO3QKgbZDhTNfazIybCIXGtxTz2fguck9OOe1NQgWB3OAOaGIp35KHeiJ1f3X1PjSw-JXmezfq1o7q6H8hiaSHpiEWvQqbrbmupByYvMkjgeXeZnECIOTsZfI/s1600/emg_-1308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-xvcIaljwMQx1mhf8qBO3QKgbZDhTNfazIybCIXGtxTz2fguck9OOe1NQgWB3OAOaGIp35KHeiJ1f3X1PjSw-JXmezfq1o7q6H8hiaSHpiEWvQqbrbmupByYvMkjgeXeZnECIOTsZfI/s1600/emg_-1308.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a><br />
<b><u>Movement:</u></b> One of her favorite games is "ring around the rosie" where she spins until she falls down! She was also a hit at the wedding where she "twerked" to the music at the reception (she literally dances by putting her hands on her knees and shaking her booty...LOL you can't make this stuff up!)</div>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #7f6b4a; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><u>Behavior:</u> </b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #7f6b4a; font-family: Indie Flower;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Yikes. Between the vacation where there was zero structure, and her illness last week, she has really fallen off the wagon. We are going to have to get back on-track because she's acting a little bonkers!<br />
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Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08008483563390489762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090553471314544468.post-27528560400969807642014-08-07T18:13:00.002-07:002014-08-07T18:17:57.161-07:00Fun and Sun<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3W9AOegm_rN8QRXpV-xPne1HE375nqRIj1WupdTWu0dNriZJnp8Hhb0gItBz0mixHtR2xgZRn4GBdSxb0IM4jXMn-1LchL3iaLDD-viJWgrOsl6ImAFDdFJ4y_6lRGRG-hTKNU2hf9X8/s1600/emg-9134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3W9AOegm_rN8QRXpV-xPne1HE375nqRIj1WupdTWu0dNriZJnp8Hhb0gItBz0mixHtR2xgZRn4GBdSxb0IM4jXMn-1LchL3iaLDD-viJWgrOsl6ImAFDdFJ4y_6lRGRG-hTKNU2hf9X8/s1600/emg-9134.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a>It's been a good month. Little Z is getting bigger by the day. She has started talking pretty well, and she can make her wishes known 99% of the time. Some of her favorite words/phrases are "oh no!", "please", and she loves to scream "mama" or "dada" on repeat if one of us leaves the room or walks away.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VVjBpAoQgIQE-U6xkjrAOvSf5A10Za0OqsnLcNqOAW4tH0OFBpPAiKE-W970IIcjbagU3U5ryM7SpGkCj32bpN0QNNsmAlCCsjrFt495rhiKv5WL4n0htLThRBb2twuQhhCD6KyUL50/s1600/emg-7489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VVjBpAoQgIQE-U6xkjrAOvSf5A10Za0OqsnLcNqOAW4tH0OFBpPAiKE-W970IIcjbagU3U5ryM7SpGkCj32bpN0QNNsmAlCCsjrFt495rhiKv5WL4n0htLThRBb2twuQhhCD6KyUL50/s1600/emg-7489.jpg" height="131" width="200" /></a><br />
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Since my last post, I have been helping SCU again with the planning of their inauguration festivities for their new President. It's a volunteer kind of thing, but I really enjoy working with them, and it's fun to help with the creative aspects. I have also been looking into possibly taking a position or subbing with a mother's day out program. I feel like it would really give Z a wonderful opportunity to socialize and learn from someone other than me and A.<br />
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I have also been keeping quite busy with photography. I started shooting in manual a few months ago, <br />
which has opened up lots of doors creatively. I also joined an online group that provides some constructive criticism from pros. It has been amazingly helpful, and I feel like I'm improving daily!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IJpEYbtD8Zm_mq6bbmY6SIDJEt2wKv8AVMhszudsFCZebux63jBFsbxBCKyU_HmshmE1j5FEBMJenBPvYquppq-Fd4Zu1GccYZoyyE0mX0366-B5VcBnJiNSa8ND_usRGGcZKFhhIvs/s1600/emg-9141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IJpEYbtD8Zm_mq6bbmY6SIDJEt2wKv8AVMhszudsFCZebux63jBFsbxBCKyU_HmshmE1j5FEBMJenBPvYquppq-Fd4Zu1GccYZoyyE0mX0366-B5VcBnJiNSa8ND_usRGGcZKFhhIvs/s1600/emg-9141.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a>As for Z, we have had to really crack down with some time-outs lately. She is sassy to say the least, and has developed the habit of throwing fits if she doesn't get her way. She has been doing better the last week or so since we cracked down. She's really a sweet little girl, but she has<br />
her mommy's attitude. ;-)<br />
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I'm excited for our next vacation in a few weeks...we get to go to SC for my SIL's wedding! It will be beautiful, and I can't wait to take the pictures! Then, in January, A and I scheduled a trip to Ireland and London! I am over the moon about it, and am so pumped to share it all!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94N3VTQYVj7Pt1qxjahVFB7n7Ykb7kyc_acbyG3F_PLFY-Pujj3fVzQf-LxSvWY6ezFXkgyaTWmJ0hbW6qLqyM6xp53LGIDwk8PkElE-ZFkTFtVCfGWmLqxziDcMNT7rh62a3Xhm7aVM/s1600/emg-7465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94N3VTQYVj7Pt1qxjahVFB7n7Ykb7kyc_acbyG3F_PLFY-Pujj3fVzQf-LxSvWY6ezFXkgyaTWmJ0hbW6qLqyM6xp53LGIDwk8PkElE-ZFkTFtVCfGWmLqxziDcMNT7rh62a3Xhm7aVM/s1600/emg-7465.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><br />
Here is what is new this month:<br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #7f6b4a; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><u>Favorite Thing to Do:</u></b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #7f6b4a; font-family: Indie Flower;"><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> She still loves swimming. We have got to take her to Andy Alligators twice now and she loves it!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><u style="color: #7f6b4a; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Favorite Food: </u><span style="color: #7f6b4a; font-family: Indie Flower;"><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">She has started being a bit more picky about food. One of her recent fav's is miso soup at the sushi restaurant!</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFa-HMcnFLzKmzEOvesD9Cv-89T4g7DXGh9_NUm_W0WgINT3XsxJJ5PAxAuytRJicm5lsA9BbVRTAkpwN_sQ3LaNeaxFoswM6g0kI_6NJ_TzVaQVxxaPsbp1Uy5Ay56adjcJE2w6bP_-o/s1600/emg-8193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFa-HMcnFLzKmzEOvesD9Cv-89T4g7DXGh9_NUm_W0WgINT3XsxJJ5PAxAuytRJicm5lsA9BbVRTAkpwN_sQ3LaNeaxFoswM6g0kI_6NJ_TzVaQVxxaPsbp1Uy5Ay56adjcJE2w6bP_-o/s1600/emg-8193.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><u><b>New This Month:</b> </u> She has started pointing to old injury's and saying (in her whiniest voice) "Oh No! A Boo Boo!"<br />
<b><u>Growth:</u> </b>I'm a little lost on sizes because she is right in the middle. I'm not sure what to get her for winter. She still fits 12 month shirts and shorts, but pants seem to be 18 months (and some shirts). I think she may be mid-growth spurt though.<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Sleep: </u>She has had some issues with losing her blankie in the middle of the night, but we nipped it and no more issues! She also seems to be eliminating her second (morning) nap, which is a relief.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIerSgV8VOIgBQFd9jPt7f4j_ZCVrWev9819ZbHREYaen8WOP7AhSCpDyRz8jKQJ9Tms3RdsXeC3Hj8iUVchPpv_FIoi93n2tUqfoKYrcvheroQANIe-J2JlS029eMy-Yzadjyb9Jbqk/s1600/emg-8125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIerSgV8VOIgBQFd9jPt7f4j_ZCVrWev9819ZbHREYaen8WOP7AhSCpDyRz8jKQJ9Tms3RdsXeC3Hj8iUVchPpv_FIoi93n2tUqfoKYrcvheroQANIe-J2JlS029eMy-Yzadjyb9Jbqk/s1600/emg-8125.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a><b><u>Speaking:</u></b> She loves to talk. She has recently started mumbling nonsense to us when we ask her a question. She is learning new words every day. </div>
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<b><u>Movement:</u></b> This girl is bonkers. She runs, jumps, spins and dances. She also falls...a lot.</div>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #7f6b4a; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><u>Behavior:</u> </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #7f6b4a; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">We have had a few</span><b style="background-color: white; color: #7f6b4a; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> </b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #7f6b4a; font-family: Indie Flower;"><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">behavior issues with her, and she has definitely been a little sassy lately. We are working on it!</span></span></span>Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08008483563390489762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090553471314544468.post-42162080557076035772014-07-09T11:41:00.002-07:002014-07-09T11:52:40.977-07:00Short Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVa193uTqVCQq-1kZEZtW-dL2PtzhaFaV7qPEcrn5nEfnh63YwUQxqwh067ppYxk4OaS1dEYL4-QjiyvANRSIJBplqd4Jdffmko2VmJvZBa1jFxMdqIZgek6ryiBdpBGGskl8W7O881ss/s1600/IMG_6941+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVa193uTqVCQq-1kZEZtW-dL2PtzhaFaV7qPEcrn5nEfnh63YwUQxqwh067ppYxk4OaS1dEYL4-QjiyvANRSIJBplqd4Jdffmko2VmJvZBa1jFxMdqIZgek6ryiBdpBGGskl8W7O881ss/s1600/IMG_6941+-+Version+2.jpg" height="320" width="233" /></a></div>
Welcome to July!<br />
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Zoe visited the doctor last month. She has jumped in weight and height. She is now in the 47 percentile in weight (22.5lbs) and 53% in height. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she ends up at an average height! As always, her head circumference is on the bigger side at 81%.<br />
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I don't have much new this time around, so I'm mostly going to share some pictures from the past month...enjoy!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #7f6b4a; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Here is what's new with Z this month:</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #7f6b4a; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><u>Favorite Thing to Do:</u></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #7f6b4a; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> She has been enjoying the pool and playing golf with daddy!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #7f6b4a; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Favorite Food: </u>She's been enjoying lots of watermelon this summer!</span><br />
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<u><b>New This Month:</b> </u>She says "cheese" whenever I pull out my camera or phone...even if I'm not taking a picture.<br />
<b><u>Growth:</u> </b>She's catching up, but still little. She's somewhere between 12 month and 18 month clothes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHA7S_fzYxY1KB05UVLWRfEFSGjMxwEXsVbRFpj2K6Gzi65VZTH5F2OtmBnwMDfCSs98-XIH5AVx-sdAVViaFyhc4yB1DGs93IW5k46Dj3sV-QUmuMiM_Vao6m8aI-bJJCiYDZTkDhyphenhyphenvI/s1600/eIMG2-5987+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHA7S_fzYxY1KB05UVLWRfEFSGjMxwEXsVbRFpj2K6Gzi65VZTH5F2OtmBnwMDfCSs98-XIH5AVx-sdAVViaFyhc4yB1DGs93IW5k46Dj3sV-QUmuMiM_Vao6m8aI-bJJCiYDZTkDhyphenhyphenvI/s1600/eIMG2-5987+-+Version+2.jpg" height="251" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><u>Sleep:</u> </b>What a change in all of us now that this girl is sleeping! She is soooo much better behaved, and I'm a much nicer person :-)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSRCE_Ohpf1QhaxMCKu6A0hpImu2bpgGLdxnxsec5aqESwannmZnj4SmyLCHpcjoOuRr3ZsZa8cx9INXSsdKIuiEnPk8K1lNwFUS8RUj9YcTB9cPitsYv-b59vKbjI84n5hBatWR1ACM/s1600/IMG_6919+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSRCE_Ohpf1QhaxMCKu6A0hpImu2bpgGLdxnxsec5aqESwannmZnj4SmyLCHpcjoOuRr3ZsZa8cx9INXSsdKIuiEnPk8K1lNwFUS8RUj9YcTB9cPitsYv-b59vKbjI84n5hBatWR1ACM/s1600/IMG_6919+-+Version+2.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><b><u>Speaking:</u></b> Her speech gets better every day. She's constantly surprising me with new words. I've lost count of the number of words she can say, but her newest favorite is "oh no!" when she drops something or it's broken.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRx18sxAEPeb72cvxmDK3YQLSAjOuLip4_1GJHxMRxzSyiMnXnrMdHho_lz2WvPqk-HqoOWoY8daTvP5NX3FpNApmqBlmB6a2aYlWE-B5X_l3JGt7kA9Zbcudyv4y-22ERV6bECi_DnBw/s1600/IMG_6884v.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRx18sxAEPeb72cvxmDK3YQLSAjOuLip4_1GJHxMRxzSyiMnXnrMdHho_lz2WvPqk-HqoOWoY8daTvP5NX3FpNApmqBlmB6a2aYlWE-B5X_l3JGt7kA9Zbcudyv4y-22ERV6bECi_DnBw/s1600/IMG_6884v.jpg" height="125" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Movement:</u></b> She is one of the most un-balanced, clutzy toddlers ever. She constantly falls down. Good thing she's a tough girl and hardly ever cries when she falls!</div>
<b style="color: #7f6b4a; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><u>Behavior:</u> </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #7f6b4a; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">She has started saying "no" a lot. On the plus side, she has been giving hugs and kisses again (for a few months, she would only "allow" you to kiss her cheek, but never give the kisses). She also has started giving "eskimo kisses."</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_ivBpgEBe4TABer7QdLU8HiKuxC7y3IIFDKLVau1KRgwLcUFcaqyeI4JDA28x_fC8CJOs1hj4tdWJ3shiz2y_1Zl4musgEKAVh5fLpYKdA1YCTInOdjtIqBoi01fDiim5nvZcmaaowo/s1600/eIMG-6606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_ivBpgEBe4TABer7QdLU8HiKuxC7y3IIFDKLVau1KRgwLcUFcaqyeI4JDA28x_fC8CJOs1hj4tdWJ3shiz2y_1Zl4musgEKAVh5fLpYKdA1YCTInOdjtIqBoi01fDiim5nvZcmaaowo/s1600/eIMG-6606.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #7f6b4a; font-family: 'Indie Flower'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><br /></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6p0RxSZPSCrdVPNYdwpDh8NhCMuly6tY0DXUaDL4dF9Bsn8OQZ-k6MDl8WTL8bONjlB8hvTtWIOYZO9LewJbZOwb2KCbMY-KzxCKIQXxoqzXLWsVNmx0AiEzSiDPlNpStuYRZRIFOSbo/s1600/Cheesez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6p0RxSZPSCrdVPNYdwpDh8NhCMuly6tY0DXUaDL4dF9Bsn8OQZ-k6MDl8WTL8bONjlB8hvTtWIOYZO9LewJbZOwb2KCbMY-KzxCKIQXxoqzXLWsVNmx0AiEzSiDPlNpStuYRZRIFOSbo/s1600/Cheesez.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08008483563390489762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090553471314544468.post-87339957041741255212014-06-14T18:21:00.004-07:002014-06-14T18:27:08.777-07:00Cacio E Pepe : Cheese and Pepper Pasta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXW8h3bn9bwqGOMZI7DNS9aQgifqE1ARL4jAGNTf3E-pRdR4l9IaMECZwVK0ArR8QNx9E-TLRZFADS3hrq6thTwDHfh9SLGR_hVs47nxVk4l3xlYvCr1xtlbtaF4uOGo1DtH3X0kt2YNs/s1600/Pasta+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXW8h3bn9bwqGOMZI7DNS9aQgifqE1ARL4jAGNTf3E-pRdR4l9IaMECZwVK0ArR8QNx9E-TLRZFADS3hrq6thTwDHfh9SLGR_hVs47nxVk4l3xlYvCr1xtlbtaF4uOGo1DtH3X0kt2YNs/s1600/Pasta+3.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></div>
Cacio e pepe is one of our favorite dishes. It's a traditional Roman style pasta, and translates to "cheese and pepper." The ingredients are simple, but using the highest quality of those ingredients yields the best results. I've made this pasta with inexpensive ingredients from Walmart, and I've made this with high-quality ingredients from Whole Foods. Because there are so few ingredients in this dish, you can definitely taste a difference when you use the higher quality...it's so worth it!<br />
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So here is how it's made...<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7dqhVzwipkMqZg6O6rjCM5cLyJqToRU5cP_rX7ess_DqQ37bv5d9Xk5oR7uhWQjV4Y8rKT2_fG-kXqKq7BTCOuachaiwNIGQ1JCoo2v1y64E7OliaC7tbDxTTPyXBwdFbKk5uES0TjM/s1600/Pasta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7dqhVzwipkMqZg6O6rjCM5cLyJqToRU5cP_rX7ess_DqQ37bv5d9Xk5oR7uhWQjV4Y8rKT2_fG-kXqKq7BTCOuachaiwNIGQ1JCoo2v1y64E7OliaC7tbDxTTPyXBwdFbKk5uES0TjM/s1600/Pasta.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a>1/2 stick of butter<br />
1/2 cup of Parmesan<br />
1/4 cup of Romano or Asiago<br />
1 lb of Linguini Pasta<br />
Black Pepper corns (freshly ground) to Taste<br />
Salt to Taste<br />
1/4-1/2 cup of Reserve Pasta Water<br />
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Directions:<br />
1. Boil Pasta<br />
2. While boiling pasta, in a deep skillet, melt butter along with a teaspoon of freshly ground pepper.<br />
3. Drain pasta, reserving at least 1/2 cup of the water.<br />
4. Add pasta to the skillet and stir, mixing well with butter and pepper.<br />
5. Add 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup of Parmesan, and 1/4 cup of Romano (or Asiago). Stir and mix well on low-medium heat.<br />
6. Add more reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed and to make the mixture more creamy.<br />
7. Top with salt, remaining cheese, and additional pepper.Cassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08008483563390489762noreply@blogger.com0