tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70510031624290745072024-02-07T11:42:23.997-08:00My Third True LoveAli Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12674020983065707597noreply@blogger.comBlogger380125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051003162429074507.post-82639659158789280652013-09-26T10:15:00.003-07:002013-09-26T10:15:45.915-07:00Missing in action....Hi everyone (if any of you are actually out there). As you may have noticed, I haven't blogged in a long while. Truth be told, I have sort of lost my zest for blogging. At least for now. I may be back, but for now I'm taking a break. I'm pretty active on Instagram these days (follow me at arichardson79) and want to spend some time focusing on my <a href="http://www.oohlalaco.etsy.com/">Etsy shop</a> too. So, I'll still be reading blogs from time to time and if I have something super "blog worthy" I will most definitely share it here :) I hope you all are well. Happy fall!!<br />
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Oh - and p.s. I went to THE COUNTRY LIVING FAIR in Ohio with my <a href="http://www.thurning-the-tables.blogspot.com/">sister</a>, <a href="http://www.primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/">Cassie</a>, Cassie's mom, and <a href="http://www.thethriftress.blogspot.com/">Sarah</a> and had a BLAST! If you ever get the chance to go, I highly recommend it :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/361/0CB58F02F2176CE6920D67B56AADF845.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Ali Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12674020983065707597noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051003162429074507.post-65938965652440880612013-07-07T23:35:00.000-07:002013-07-07T23:35:18.801-07:00My NEW Kitchen - The RevealThe day has finally come to share my brand spankin' new kitchen! Woohooo! I am so so excited! This post is going to be super picture heavy, and I'll try to keep the talking to a minimum. <br />
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First up - some BEFORE pictures (eeeeek). I seriously had pretty much forgotten what the old icky kitchen looked like. Prepare yourself people. No bueno.<br />
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BEFORE:<br />
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Ick. Right!? Don't get me wrong, I am grateful that I had a fully functional kitchen with working appliances and a place to feed my family. Seriously, I am a very lucky lady. BUT - when we are speaking about efficiency and aesthetics, this kitchen was seriously not cuttin' it.<br />
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ok - are you ready to see the {zillion} AFTER shots?? I am so ready to show you!<br />
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AFTER:<br />
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!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
(btw - my amazingly talented father in law built us this gorgeous custom range hood. We used a stain by varathane called "Sun Bleached" to give it a grayish "sun bleached" look. Can you say, one of a kind!? Yeah baby!)<br />
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!!!!!!!!!!<br />
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See that gorgeous shiny white subway tile. Dreamy! Our friend Mica installed it for us and did an amazing job. Just perfect!<br />
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This {double basin apron front farmhouse sink} is straight from my dreams! It was one of my non-negotiables.<br />
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Apron front!!!!!<br />
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(and I may have strong armed my hubby into the gold hardware. I mean, c'mon! The coolest, right!? My other non-negotiable)<br />
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See this corner cabinet.....<br />
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It pulls out!!!!!!!<br />
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Poof! There are now cabinets where there once were none.<br />
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Oh - and see this before picture below. See that closet OUTSIDE the kitchen. Yep, that's a coat closet that was turned into a pantry. The food was being stored OUTSIDE the kitchen people.<br />
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Now!!!!<br />
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And they pull out!!!!!<br />
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Food. INSIDE the kitchen. I know, I know!<br />
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This is our little home office nook...<br />
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These drawers have our office type stuff like stamps, envelopes, coupons, etc. They also hold the kid's art supplies and coloring books, etc. Very handy if you ask me :)<br />
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And this is the wall where the black buffet used to be. We kept it pretty bare so there would be a clear walkway to the sliding door that leads to the backyard. No more bottleneck!<br />
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Soooo!!!?? What do you think!!? Do you loooooooove it!? I love it so much, I want to shout it from the rooftop. I am such a happy girl!<br />
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Here are the basic details:<br />
CUSTOM Range Hood - OOAK (one of a kind and made with love by the fabulous Tom Miller)<br />
Cabinets - Ikea<br />
Gold hardware - Overstock.com<br />
Granite counters - Home Depot<br />
Floor/Back splash tile - Home Depot<br />
Sink - <a href="http://www.signaturehardware.com/">Signature Hardware</a><br />
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So, there you have it. My new {beachy glam} kitchen makeover. It really is my dream kitchen and I couldn't be happier with how everything turned out. Thanks for coming along for the ride. I hope the reveal lived up to the hype. lol.<br />
Happy happy happy!!!!!!!<br />
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<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/361/0CB58F02F2176CE6920D67B56AADF845.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Ali Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12674020983065707597noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051003162429074507.post-66550245635205027142013-07-03T13:26:00.000-07:002013-07-03T13:26:12.404-07:00{GROCERY} signHappy Fourth of July eve everyone :) Our 4th of July plans tomorrow will include a trolley ride, the beach, a bbq, and fireworks...oh, and root beer floats :)<br />
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I wanted to share a quick kitchen project I did recently. I made a sign :) Ooooh, ahhhh. lol. <br />
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First step, buy a board. I got mine at Home Depot and it was pretty poplar wood with a great color and grain to it. I had a 3.5' piece cut and was on my way.<br />
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I loved the grain and grayish color to the wood so I decided to keep it as is instead of painting over it.<br />
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Next step, pick a font.<br />
I printed my BIG letters out individually on card stock.<br />
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Then I cut them out...<br />
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And traced them on my wood board using a pencil.<br />
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I used basic acrylic craft paint to fill in the letters...<br />
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After they were completely dry, I took out my palm sander and went to work. Once the initial distressing was done, I made a white paint/water mixture and sort of "white-washed" the whole piece to give it more of an aged look.<br />
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Here is the final product :)<br />
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close-up shot of the lettering...<br />
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And here is a shot of it from the doorway of the kitchen....<br />
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(& a teaser kitchen cabinet shot).<br />
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I was trying to wait till we got our new kitchen windows before I did any reveals. Alas, it is taking WAY too long and I am getting impatient. Kitchen reveal will be on <strong>Monday</strong> (with old windows). I'm soooooo excited to show it to you!!!!<br />
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Have a happy and safe 4th everyone :)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/361/0CB58F02F2176CE6920D67B56AADF845.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Ali Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12674020983065707597noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051003162429074507.post-26675896957731305602013-06-26T09:59:00.002-07:002013-06-26T09:59:44.209-07:00Burlap flag o' ComfortHello there friends. Are you annoyed with me for leaving you hanging on the kitchen reveal? Do you not really follow me anymore because I never have new posts? Well, if you are out there, I promise the kitchen reveal with happen sooooon. There are just a couple finishing details that need to happen before I show her off :) Stay tuned, k!?<br />
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Moving on. <br />
Burlap. Comforting? Wha!?<br />
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O.k. You know those moments as a mom when your head is spinning, your temper is boiling up, and you just need to take a big deep breath and calm down before you explode. I know this feeling all too well (remember, I'm the mom that yells). The Summer "non-routine" was starting to get to me just as the crafty urge struck. I remembered one of my "stuff to make" <a href="http://www.annilygreen.com/2011/04/hallelujahtake-that-economy.html"><span style="color: red;">pins</span></a> from long ago and I knew it was a must.<br />
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"It's O.k."<br />
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I got my tools set up (including: sewing machine, iron, glue gun, spray paint etc) and got to work.<br />
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First I took my dowel and ball caps outside and spray painted them, what else, gold. While those were drying, I ironed my burlap (wrinkly from not being stored properly, ugh) and cut it to size.<br />
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I used my sewing machine to sew around the edges as well as sew a rod pocket (sorry for the lack of pictures, I never claimed to be a good tutor). <br />
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Next, I sewed from fancy trim along the bottom.<br />
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After all the sewing was done, I printed the letters out on card stock and cut them out. I used them as stencils and traced them right onto my burlap.<br />
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After that I just filled in the outlines with acrylic paint and called it a day :)<br />
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I'll apologize again for my poor tutorial skills and skip to the end:<br />
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Now, when I reach my boiling point, I can look up at this comforting burlap sign, take my deep breath, and calm the heck down. lol.<br />
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Happy Summer everyone!!!<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/361/0CB58F02F2176CE6920D67B56AADF845.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Ali Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12674020983065707597noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051003162429074507.post-24419797854503912742013-06-10T10:27:00.004-07:002013-06-10T10:29:09.231-07:00Crafty QuickiesHappy Monday everyone. Just wanted to pop in to share a couple quick projects that I've been working on (if you follow me on Instagram "arichardson79," you've already seen these). Nothin' fancy, just a few easy "smalls". Take a look:<br />
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First, I bought Rustoleum's glitter spray paint when I was at Home Depot and it didn't disappoint.<br />
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I just taped off the bottom of a mason jar and made is sparkly :)<br />
Oh, and look at how BIG this peony is!!<br />
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It was the size of my head...maybe bigger. Lol. So pretty!<br />
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Next, i decided I wanted to spruce up my utensil holder so it will fit in with my new snazzy kitchen (reveal coming sooooon). It was just a basic metal canister thingy (sorry - I don't have a true before pic). First I spray painted it white. The next day I used some washi tape to tape off a design (herringbone). then I sprayed the whole thing gold.<br />
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Not a perfect tape job, but I think it turned out cute :)<br />
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I didn't get a before pic of this one either (fail) but my sister gave me an old vanity mirror that she wasn't using anymore. I turned it into a counter-top chalkboard :)<br />
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Aqua, of course :)<br />
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So, that's it. A few little randoms. lol.<br />
Here's a {dreamy} kitchen teaser pic for ya :)<br />
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Yay yay yay!!!<br />
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Have a great week everyone :)<br />
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<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/361/0CB58F02F2176CE6920D67B56AADF845.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Ali Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12674020983065707597noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051003162429074507.post-88693671172828433392013-06-03T12:50:00.000-07:002013-06-03T12:50:26.621-07:00A keeper, no matter whatHi friends, happy Monday! I spent this past weekend camping and whitewater rafting (kid free). We had a great time getting away but now it's back to the grind. We are nearing the end of the school year which always seems to be a hectic time. We are still in the midst of our kitchen remodel. Our counter tops and back splash go in Fri and Sat. After that, the custom hood will be the last piece of the puzzle. Can't wait to show the reveal pics :)<br />
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If you have been reading this blog for a while, you have probably seen my {favorite} <a href="http://mythirdtruelove.blogspot.com/2010/10/dream-re-do.html"><span style="color: red;">French kitchen buffet</span></a>. I have had it in my kitchen since 2010 and have loved it dearly. The curvy lines, all those spacious drawers. It really has been a favorite piece of mine since I bought it. (note: I think my "styling" has come along way since 2010. Just sayin').<br />
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As I mentioned previously, we are currently in the midst of remodeling our kitchen (hence the faux Spanish tiles in the pic above. I love you mom, but I wasn't a fan when you picked those out for Nana's house). Well, as luck would have it, our new kitchen floor plan no longer has enough space for my precious buffet.<br />
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I have been wanting a new tv stand for a loooooong time. The one we have been using isn't too terrible, just your basic IKEA tv stand. My hubby thought the buffet would be too big to use as a tv stand, but I had other ideas :)<br />
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This pic below isn't the best "before" pic, but you can at least see the tv stand (I was crafting at night while watching tv) lol.<br />
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I'll get to the point here. With a few minor tweaks, we now have a fabulous new tv stand :)<br />
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We just removed 2 of the top drawers for the components and painted the inside black. Luckily the top part under the drawers was solid so we didn't even have to add a wood shelf. Easy peasy!<br />
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Here is the big picture for ya...<br />
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This pic below shows the black chair currently in the room (bottom left). Along with the black chalkboard, I think Frenchy fits right in :)<br />
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Likey?? Likey! lol. That's it, just wanted to share our little {easy} big impact transformation with you.<br />
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Happy week everyone :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/361/0CB58F02F2176CE6920D67B56AADF845.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Ali Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12674020983065707597noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051003162429074507.post-21377822103207903662013-05-21T23:31:00.001-07:002013-05-21T23:31:36.210-07:00Yosemite - final - finallyHello friends. I'm back to give you the final pics from my (now long ago) family trip to Yosemite. Our kitchen renovation is winding down (well, still a couple weeks to go) but I promise, the reveal post will not disappoint (so so excited). <br />
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Ok, wrapping up Yosemite....<br />
On the next to last day, we took an (uphill) hike to Vernal Falls. Have you ever taken small children on an uphill hike? Not going to lie, there was (a lot) of complaining. They all did great and they all made it to the top in one piece. It was a great first official hike hike for the family.<br />
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(note: Hayden still hangin' loose)<br />
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These were the rapids that greeted us at the top of the hike. Yikes.<br />
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We were holding on to our kiddos super tight on this bridge.<br />
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After we got down to the bottom, it was time for a tasty treat :)<br />
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After our treat, we spent some time exploring Happy Isles. Lots of little streams and beautiful scenery all around us.<br />
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There are these gorgeous dogwood blooms all over the valley. I couldn't get enough of them.<br />
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Next up was Noah's favorite part of the trip...riding the free valley shuttle. lol.<br />
Happy kid!<br />
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Keepin' it real. Me after 3 days without a shower. Eek!<br />
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We took the shuttle back to camp and spent the rest of the time relaxing before dinner. My <a href="http://www.smartbottomenterprises.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: red;">sis in law</span></a> even did a craft with the kids (I know, she's amazing).<br />
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Inspired by pinterest, they made these soda bottle firefly's. Once it got dark we filled them with glow sticks and the kids had fun flying them around. Hayden used hers as a night light :)<br />
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After dinner which were super yummy chili dogs, the grandparents entertained the kids while the adults relaxed by the fire. <br />
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Ultimately, Hayden made her way to my lap and crashed.<br />
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Shhhhhh.<br />
(love her crossed hands and ankles)<br />
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The perfect end to a perfect trip!<br />
So, there you have it. Our super fun annual Yosemite trip. I hope I didn't lose you out of boredom along the way :)<br />
I highly recommend that you get to Yosemite some day. It really is an amazing place!!<br />
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Stay tuned. Kitchen mania is ALMOST over. YAY!!!!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/361/0CB58F02F2176CE6920D67B56AADF845.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Ali Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12674020983065707597noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051003162429074507.post-91173888872049064732013-05-08T21:22:00.000-07:002013-05-08T21:22:19.295-07:00Yosemite - Part 2Helllooooo there. How's it going!?<br />
I wanted to share some more of our Yosemite pictures and also perhaps a teaser pic of our in-progress kitchen remodel. If you follow me on Instagram (arichardson79) you are probably sick to death of my in-progress kitchen posts. lol.<br />
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Now, on to Yosemite :)<br />
After our camp was all set up, it was time to start relaxing. My sis in law and her family were in charge of dinner the first night. We had deluxe (like bacon wrapped bleu cheese) sliders served with baked beans and macaroni salad. Yum!<br />
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The next day, we took a short hike to the (wet) base of the infamous Bridalveil falls.<br />
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It's seriously so beautiful in Yosemite that we stopped every 5 feet to snap a picture. <br />
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These kids were SO done with us taking their picture by the end of the trip.</div>
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After our short hike, we headed down to Sentinel beach for a picnic. The kids played in the {snow melt} water for a bit too.<br />
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(Hayden was hanging loose the whole trip...no idea why - lol)<br />
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Brrrrrrrr.<br />
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Seriously SO beautiful!<br />
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Yosemite Falls in the distance...<br />
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After our fun at the beach, we headed back to camp to make dinner. It was our turn and we were serving yummy nachos :) My favorite! Everyone got to doctor up their chips and heat them over the fire.<br />
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Here is Josh's masterpiece...<br />
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Goober.<br />
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And the rest of the night was spent relaxing by the fire<br />
(artsy "ring of fire" pic provided by Noah).<br />
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Hang in there people, we only have ONE more Yosemite post to go. I just love it there so so much!!!<br />
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Oh yeah - here's that kitchen teaser pic for ya.....<br />
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2 words for you - <strong>IN LOVE</strong>.<br />
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Stay tuuuuuuuned!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/361/0CB58F02F2176CE6920D67B56AADF845.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Ali Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12674020983065707597noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051003162429074507.post-38605825154939074802013-05-02T10:52:00.001-07:002013-05-02T10:54:10.416-07:00Yosemite - part 1Hello friends! How are ya!? I know there have been crickets chirping over here but there are many future posts in the works. We are in the middle of our kitchen remodel and we just got back from a family camping trip to beautiful Yosemite. I'll break up my Yosemite posts a bit so your eyes don't cross from picture mania. If you have been there before, you know how beautiful it is. If not, you MUST put it on your bucket list. <br />
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We picked Noah up from school at lunch on Friday and got on the road. We had about a 4 hour drive ahead of us to get to our hotel. We broke up the drive so we could all stay sane (and we weren't due to check in to our Yosemite campsite until Saturday at noon). <br />
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After a fun night in the hotel (my kids love staying in hotels), we made our first stop just outside Yosemite valley at the historic Sugar Pine Railroad...<br />
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Cousins :)<br />
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after the 45 minute scenic train ride, the kids got to pan for gold. Real gold! They were so excited :)<br />
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They each got to keep a bottle of about $5 worth of gold flakes. Talk about an awesome souvenir :)<br />
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After the train/gold stop, we headed towards camp. We always stop to take in the beauty at tunnel view. This is seriously one of the most beautiful places on the planet.<br />
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The picture doesn't even do it justice. Just standing there before this great beauty is truly magical. It's hard to believe that beauty like this really exists.<br />
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After that, we headed to camp to get set up...<br />
Umm....yeah. This is how we do it ;)<br />
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My sis in law and I got together a few days before we left and made these campsite buntings :) a must!<br />
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Our tent...<br />
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Sis-in-Law's tent...<br />
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Cute, yes? Cute!<br />
After we got settled, we got right to it. Yummy dinner (sliders) and fun at camp :)<br />
(day 1 and already tired of the photos - lol)<br />
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Hammock...<br />
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Fire...<br />
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and glow bubbles....<br />
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I will leave you here so you don't get a headache. lol. Don't worry, I'll be back :)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/361/0CB58F02F2176CE6920D67B56AADF845.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Ali Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12674020983065707597noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051003162429074507.post-80621910195641970312013-04-24T00:10:00.002-07:002013-04-24T00:12:19.983-07:00Dear Noah...Dear Noah,<br />
7 years ago today you made me a mommy. When I saw you for the very first time, I had never felt love like that before. Fierce, blissful, wonderfully perfect love. I was forever changed from that moment. I was a better person simply because you were there. I know we have our share of hard times together. I can tell that sometimes you can feel me missing your sweet innocent baby days when all you knew how to do was snuggle me. Back when your tiny voice only knew how to sing and giggle. Noah, you are so smart...sometimes too smart. I know we battle it out from time to time and I can tell that you know it is out of love. Wonderfully perfect love. I want you to know, on your 7th birthday that I am SO proud of the young boy you have become. You are kind, thoughtful, smart, funny, warm, curious, stubborn, and so very unique in the best way. Please never lose your amazing spirit and always stay true to who you are. You are a bright shiny star in this universe and the future holds great things for you. Happy birthday my sweetest boy. I love you to the moon and back. XOXO<br />
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(and because no post is good without pictures, here are a few throwback pics of my #1 baby boy)<br />
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I love you my BIG giant boy. Make a wish!!!<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/361/0CB58F02F2176CE6920D67B56AADF845.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Ali Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12674020983065707597noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051003162429074507.post-61877678189346744592013-04-04T09:48:00.001-07:002013-04-04T09:48:11.435-07:00It's the little thingsHi friends! I'm back :) It has been a while, huh!? I have my little miss on Spring break this week, and Noah's is next week. Josh's gramps passed away :( and my boy had the stomach flu last week (my very least favorite illness on the planet) and we have been busy busy with life. One thing we (by we, I mean my husband and father in law) have been up to is drywalling our icky garage. <br />
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Back story: My grandparents moved in to this house in 1982 and not one thing was done to the garage (except it was filled with the hoarded goods of ALL of my relatives). Ever since we moved here 3.5 years ago, Josh has been dreaming of having a nice garage. I am happy to report that we have accomplished phase one. Drywall. Ooooh, sounds exciting huh? Lol, well, it is for us :)<br />
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Before: EEEEW!<br />
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The first step was to add some electrical outlets. Eventually my hubby wants a work bench and possibly an energy efficient deep freezer so we needed to add these prior to drywalling.<br />
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After the electrical was done, it was time to drywall, mud, and paint :)<br />
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I didn't take too many "in progress" pictures, but here is what the after looks like:<br />
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Oooooh, ahhhhhhh! So clean and pretty! Love it!<br />
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I told my hubby that I wanted to make the laundry area "cute." He wasn't too thrilled with my gold polka dots suggestion, so I decided to keep it simple. My first addition.....<br />
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Chalkboard :)<br />
Next, Josh added a cabinet for all of the laundry detergent etc...<br />
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My favorite feature that he added was this Martha Stewart hanging bar (from home depot I think). Lately I have been buying clothes that require "hang drying" (typically, I shy away from high maintenance laundry items) so this is going to be PERFECT!<br />
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(hang dry and iron. really, sweater!!? ugh)<br />
LOVE love LoVe!<br />
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It is definitely still a garage. Cords, junk, water heater etc.<br />
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But still, it's definitely a HUGE improvement from where we started. I am sooooo lucky that my hubby is so handy and that my father in law was able to help him execute this big project. I'm still lobbying for gold polka dots and a cool light fixture. Baby steps. Pick my battles. Enjoy the ride :)<br />
Happy almost Friday everyone!<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/361/0CB58F02F2176CE6920D67B56AADF845.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Ali Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12674020983065707597noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051003162429074507.post-46474259632298605622013-03-17T10:01:00.000-07:002013-03-17T10:01:47.063-07:00No Boys AllowedExcept Dads, brothers, Cousins, Uncles and Grandpas of course.<br />
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Hayden turned 4 and we had a FUN girly birthday bash for her. It was awesome!!! <br />
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My sweet Hayden wanted an Ariel party. We got the Ariel invitations, I ordered the under the sea bouncy house, I put out some shells and starfish. And, that's where the "Ariel" theme ended and my vintage garden party began. See, a couple months ago, I made these cute buntings with Hayden's party in mind. Mismatching vintage fabrics :)<br />
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As you can see, they don't exactly fit in with her "under the sea" theme. Well, since she is only turning 4, I figured this would be the last time I have the ability to (steamroll) influence my sweet girl and I took full advantage. While she got her mermaid invitations, shells, and bouncy house, I got my garden party too :) Win win.<br />
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Here are some pics for ya!<br />
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(balloon cake topper idea courtesy of the one and only<a href="http://thecraftsdept.marthastewart.com/2013/01/office-party-good-things.html"> <span style="color: red;">Martha Stewart</span></a>)<br />
Special thanks to my sister for pulling off the balloon cake topper at the last minute as I was frazzled and trying to get everything ready. lol. U rock sis!<br />
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I set up a painting table for the girls since Hayden is VERY into art right now.<br />
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Along with the vintagey bunting (hung using tree stakes from the garden center at Lowes), I used golf tees and stuck clear balloons (bubbles) in the grass around the craft table (thank you pinterest). See, the girls are painting (my) garden party paintings "under the sea" Lol.</div>
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They had SO much fun making their masterpieces :)<br />
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I ordered the cute aprons from Oriental Trading Company, along with the paint pallets, and then got the canvases and brushes at Michael's (with many trips and many coupons - lol).<br />
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After painting, it was time for some bouncing :)</div>
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Giggles, squeals of laughter, and a few tears from time to time. Bouncy house perfection if you ask me :)<br />
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After bouncing - dessert!<br />
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And last but not least, gifts. She got some seriously cute stuff! It was so fun to watch the kids crowd around her with excitement as she opened each one :)<br />
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Each girl left with a swag basket filled with girly goodies (necklace, shades, lip gloss, hair ties, a wand, candy etc). I got the super cute berry baskets on Etsy <a href="http://www.confettisunshine.etsy.com/"><span style="color: red;">here</span></a>.<br />
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handmade hair ties made by yours truly...<br />
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She woke up this morning and was so happy to open all her new stuff and has been playing with it non stop. She is super excited to now have an American Girl Bitty Baby from one of her very special besties. She named her Lala :)<br />
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Such a lucky lucky girl!<br />
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Happy #4 baby girl. I love you the super duper mostest! XOXO<br />
Happy St.Patty's everyone!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/361/0CB58F02F2176CE6920D67B56AADF845.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Ali Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12674020983065707597noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051003162429074507.post-57321745650441505472013-03-05T17:24:00.005-08:002013-03-05T17:28:59.899-08:00Glass, we don't need no stinkin' glassHellloooooooo there everyone! How are ya? All is well here. Today is my sweet hubby's b-day and we are heading out for a celebratory sushi dinner tonight - yum! Ok, well, I eat like a 5 year old and don't really love sushi, but I never met a terriyaki chicken I didn't like.<br />
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Moving on. I wanted to show you a recent project I did. I gave you a teaser of it in my last post, but I wanted to go into further detail for you. Remember when I showed you these?<br />
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My super talented friend is Kelly of<span style="color: red;"> </span><a href="http://www.bubba-loo.com/"><span style="color: red;">Bubba-loo</span></a> photography based down in Carlsbad CA. She took these amazing pictures of the kids back in December and I finally had some big ones printed. I ended up ordering really great quality, well priced prints from a printer that she works with. The prints have a linen like texture and are so super clear. They look great! Our living room gets tons of natural light, which I love. What I don't love, is looking at a framed photo and seeing all the light reflecting off the glass. These prints were so crisp and clear, I really wanted to frame them without glass. Now, if you just frame a large print in a frame without glass, it will start to sag over time. So, I knew I needed to mount the large prints on foam board to make them firm. Enough rambling, here are some pics.<br />
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Basic foam board from Michael's...<br />
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Photo spray mount...<br />
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Basically, all I did was cut the foam board to size with a razor. Then I sprayed the mounting glue on the foam board and let it sit for 2 minutes to get tacky. My hubby helped me smooth the print on the board with a straight edge (we just used a scrap of the foam board) because I was nervous that I would trap air bubbles and get reaaaaallllly mad. He is way more precise and patient than I am when it comes down to it.<br />
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Before placing the foam mounted print in the frame, I sprayed the backside of my frame with the spray mount. Then I carefully put the print in the frame being extra careful not to get any of the sticky stuff on my pretty print.<br />
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After I placed the foam mounted print into the frame, I added some light foam (the pieces I used just happened to come with my prints) to bridge the gap between the foam board print and the backer paper. You could also use bubble wrap, tissue paper, or anything like that.<br />
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Once everything was in place, I finished it off with some kraft wrapping paper that I had on hand. I just cut it to size and pressed it down on the now sticky back of the frame.<br />
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Once that was dry and secure, I added a sawtooth hanger to the top center and it was ready for hanging.<br />
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The frames from Michael's. Simple white distressed "driftwood" style frames (on 50% off sale of course).<br />
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See all that sun beaming in and.....no pesky reflection. Lol. I'm easy to please :)<br />
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Oh - and this cute little block printed card came from a friend of mine this Summer at The <a href="http://www.sawdustartfestival.org/"><span style="color: red;">Sawdust Festival</span></a>. She is really talented and I just love this card. I hand sewed it on to some vintage fabric and put it in a vintage frame. Easy :)<br />
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This wall makes me sooooo happy :)<br />
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That's all. Radom-ish but I thought it was worth sharing.<br />
Happy day to you! Bye!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/361/0CB58F02F2176CE6920D67B56AADF845.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Ali Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12674020983065707597noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051003162429074507.post-75242783664590969572013-03-01T10:25:00.000-08:002013-03-01T10:25:07.025-08:00TOO many "galleries" goin' onHappy happy <strong>HaPpY</strong> FRIDAY everyone :) Can you tell I'm happy for the weekend. We are having BEAUTIFUL weather here in SoCal (like upper 70's by the beach). Tonight we are going on a double family dinner date with some friends and then tomorrow morning Noah's baseball team will be marching in the Festival of Whales parade. FUN! It should be a great weekend :)<br />
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Moving on...<br />
Confession: I, like many other diy'ers, have home decor ADD. It's extreme. Lately, I have been craving a clean, clutter free space in my house. A retreat, if you will. Well, semi-recently, I have also hung everything I own on my walls. No joke. Like, serious gallery overload. Take a look.....<br />
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You can see in the above pic the ledge shelves "gallery" on the left, the new large prints of the kids straight ahead, and the gallery between the kid's rooms in the hall. I also have one over my desk as well as in Hayden's room. Just TOO many. The thing that tipped me over the edge was when I hung up these new prints of the kids (more on those in another post)<br />
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These are from our Xmas card photo shoot and I love love love the way they turned out. Anyway, too many galleries in my world. MUST simplify (ish). Lol.<br />
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My husband is in the process of semi-overhauling the garage (adding outlets and drywall) and he found this GIANT cork board in our rafters (this house once belonged to my grandparents, and after them, my mom). Anyway, it was a free score for me :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwhW59kP1FsMMmrvm7QgE8bcJyTpyMuycvokXOSXg7w0UxZKwJAQCkL33tqcf9U35zmbr3tbA2jlFmgo60Gkv6LoSPN1PydlHCOHzNmxAj-CcK4YXo33s68flB8TZvi7A8d1Rj0VuiGE/s1600/P1120308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwhW59kP1FsMMmrvm7QgE8bcJyTpyMuycvokXOSXg7w0UxZKwJAQCkL33tqcf9U35zmbr3tbA2jlFmgo60Gkv6LoSPN1PydlHCOHzNmxAj-CcK4YXo33s68flB8TZvi7A8d1Rj0VuiGE/s400/P1120308.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
It's long and skinny, and perfect for the space between the kid's rooms. I didn't take pictures of the process (not so great at tutorials) but I can tell you how to make over a office style cork board very easily.<br />
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<strong>Step1</strong>: pick out your fabric and cut it so it can wrap around the frame onto the back of the board.<br />
<strong>Step 2</strong>. Use spray glue and cover the entire board (frame and all).<br />
<strong>Step 3</strong>: Let glue sit for 2 minutes (or whatever your particular brand specifies) so the glue can get tacky.<br />
<strong>Step 4</strong>: Lay the fabric over the board and smooth out with a straight edge to get the air bubbles out. If you get an air pocket, simply lift that area up gently and smooth over it with your straight edge (I used a wide long ruler). Make sure you get a crisp line on the inner edge of the frame (just run your finger nail along the inner edge).<br />
<strong>Step 5</strong>: Let that sit over night.<br />
<strong>Step 6</strong>: flip the board over and wrap the fabric over the back edge like a package and glue it down. For mine, I sprayed along the back edge of the frame and pulled the fabric tight.<br />
<strong>Step 6</strong>: Let that dry.<br />
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I wanted the "nail head trim" look to mine, so I purchased gold thumb tacks from the dollar tree. $1 for 300 tacks - can't beat that! I used a ruler and spaced them out one inch apart all the way around the board on the inside of the framed edge. Easy!<br />
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Ready to see her!?<br />
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Close-up of the "nail heads"<br />
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Closer-up.</div>
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Keepin' it real....here's one area where the fabric bunched and I couldn't smooth it out before the glue got too dry...</div>
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Not anything a carefully placed piece of kid art can't hide though...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4wAcf2JrukB5KecIB-cKh2n1SwwtxQP8qYt5jo6QEniuwJ_2nyJsot5UXXGWh5IJ62mUFxGGcJOHrzqWyh6otE7nuDsuNnFePQLXZRRh4KGinyKqmCRFmMky_0Sb7VKtwAlNEjp5WX0/s1600/P1120336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4wAcf2JrukB5KecIB-cKh2n1SwwtxQP8qYt5jo6QEniuwJ_2nyJsot5UXXGWh5IJ62mUFxGGcJOHrzqWyh6otE7nuDsuNnFePQLXZRRh4KGinyKqmCRFmMky_0Sb7VKtwAlNEjp5WX0/s400/P1120336.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This board will now be the home to all of the kid artsy crafty <strike>crap</strike>. I think having it contained on one board will help it not look so "junky" if you know what I mean. Prior to adding this board, this is what we had goin' on....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Cz9IOMtG2-vFUpmQqKVHCAfB3TmjpaN-LewQbpV5UpBOsBXUpatvZiZGDaMfioYF-UoelAjStM4R03sv7Io2ZRVSc_Qc00GNSzmvv_E9xRFsGjz9BhjlUSSFyMblhMpPmb6OINQCyCQ/s1600/P1120338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Cz9IOMtG2-vFUpmQqKVHCAfB3TmjpaN-LewQbpV5UpBOsBXUpatvZiZGDaMfioYF-UoelAjStM4R03sv7Io2ZRVSc_Qc00GNSzmvv_E9xRFsGjz9BhjlUSSFyMblhMpPmb6OINQCyCQ/s400/P1120338.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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UGH.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVox3EvuhVaTTM66wLjHp_A1PuudB-fFH7Acg7tipQF9MZDRKmy7EHH97dSlvhgp3zykFHOncQmql9GIaFmxLRytgN0izPJ0C-XJ0qhvtTBEiDy4mGadFYBDZl-U-g91zd2D1wUx6iYfE/s1600/P1120340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVox3EvuhVaTTM66wLjHp_A1PuudB-fFH7Acg7tipQF9MZDRKmy7EHH97dSlvhgp3zykFHOncQmql9GIaFmxLRytgN0izPJ0C-XJ0qhvtTBEiDy4mGadFYBDZl-U-g91zd2D1wUx6iYfE/s400/P1120340.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Hopefully this beauty will help contain the clutter and help us achieve that "retreat" feel throughout our home. Ok, who am I kidding. It's just a cork board for cryin' out loud. Haha!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76446beWjcxk4xGa54HNNktQGuQHAW-6tIPJiInsE09HXxzYFJHZK-HitE0gfOT7UVRfXqUOyT2-6S2tFdrKzJ_qo6l5dBl3eAweFi2TEN0O6wnyNIKSsVN9z4pSID0xwanXa4arSF3w/s1600/PhotoGrid_1362092890674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76446beWjcxk4xGa54HNNktQGuQHAW-6tIPJiInsE09HXxzYFJHZK-HitE0gfOT7UVRfXqUOyT2-6S2tFdrKzJ_qo6l5dBl3eAweFi2TEN0O6wnyNIKSsVN9z4pSID0xwanXa4arSF3w/s400/PhotoGrid_1362092890674.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Happy weekend! I hope you have a great one :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/361/0CB58F02F2176CE6920D67B56AADF845.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Ali Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12674020983065707597noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051003162429074507.post-88399432298488064092013-02-21T21:36:00.000-08:002013-02-21T21:41:10.317-08:00Hangry.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKy_YfJlaxtjQmpcmGLZWwpxc6tJKQfUTuQq2Nl2UIaTMjMksIy67ZjGtcFXYcPIgINoH387mQ8CxFjjlu0QH3Yt6rmZw7PgK__Ec-Nob9tLpWBSs5FltdOCLO6E7eyFF_UPs6SzrKImI/s1600/hangry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKy_YfJlaxtjQmpcmGLZWwpxc6tJKQfUTuQq2Nl2UIaTMjMksIy67ZjGtcFXYcPIgINoH387mQ8CxFjjlu0QH3Yt6rmZw7PgK__Ec-Nob9tLpWBSs5FltdOCLO6E7eyFF_UPs6SzrKImI/s400/hangry.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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(both images found on pinterest)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZuejjbjvlWDW6TWM7uQW2xUpM4-uxjZeIFKGhKNv3AXdRW5oAaYo5yC47vc831ZBlZRTpzHxHpcNeKYKJYqe86K_TGbyX7aelLcjwmj9mxUbFzrsuZATv1D84z5wrJqmbn58lVNNmNc/s1600/ecard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZuejjbjvlWDW6TWM7uQW2xUpM4-uxjZeIFKGhKNv3AXdRW5oAaYo5yC47vc831ZBlZRTpzHxHpcNeKYKJYqe86K_TGbyX7aelLcjwmj9mxUbFzrsuZATv1D84z5wrJqmbn58lVNNmNc/s400/ecard.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Happy almost Friday everyone :)<br />
If you follow me on Instagram (arichardson79) then you are probably pretty annoyed by all of my posts lately. Lol. It's all pinterest's fault. Really, it is!<br />
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While browsing on pinterest, I saw a pin called "Lose 5 pounds in 3 days - 3 day military diet" and was intrigued. Let me start from the beginning. I made a new year's resolution to get fit and healthy. Starting January 2nd, I started eating MUCH healthier and working out every Monday, Wednesday, Friday EVERY WEEK for an hour each day. This was all new to me, I have never been very into fitness. I have been doing it now for over 6 weeks and have not shed one stinkin' pound. Not one. See, I have about 10-15 pounds that I have been wanting to lose for a long while and I thought these positive changes would do the trick. I know 6 weeks isn't that long, but I thought I should have at least seen a small improvement. Nope. So, this diet got me wondering IF I could do it, and IF it would work.<br />
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My husband is a firefighter and every couple of weeks gets 4 days off in a row. I decided that if I was going to try this diet, I would need him to be off work so he could tend to the kids, feed them, and just leave me alone if I needed to nap or cry or whatever. Why? I tend to get<strong> hangry</strong> when I haven't eaten much. This diet....not very much food. To make a long story short, I planned to start the diet this past Monday, did all my shopping, then found out that my hubby would be working for 2 out of the 3 days. I was already pumped up, so I decided to go for it anyway and just hoped for the best. <br />
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I'll spare you the pics of all of my meals. You can see them on Instagram if you want (arichardson79) And you can check out the details of the diet<a href="http://blessedmommy.hubpages.com/hub/Lose-Up-To-10-Pounds-In-3-Days-On-The-3-Day-Diet"> <strong><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">HERE</span></strong></a>.<br />
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It was HARD.<br />
day 2 and 3 had NO caffeine at all. No coffee. No tea. Nothin'.<br />
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HARD.<br />
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The kids and I watched lots of tv. I read half my book. I was hangry for a lot of the three days. lol. I even sat on my couch long enough to make these cuties for my<a href="http://www.oohlalaco.etsy.com/"><strong><span style="color: red;"> shop</span></strong></a>:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUL9JrRXsSqcUWWNOUZl55IyogTFiIFyJDjkWPZX9KnLx5fhKkJmp60O4RbGxji-pyTIW5-FVPwvDIjeUY6o-5KU3A1m8jOmGM06XcqtPt9OL8HU08JuW-OSvpBKOygwUKkaz_xJmzCU/s1600/greenedit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUL9JrRXsSqcUWWNOUZl55IyogTFiIFyJDjkWPZX9KnLx5fhKkJmp60O4RbGxji-pyTIW5-FVPwvDIjeUY6o-5KU3A1m8jOmGM06XcqtPt9OL8HU08JuW-OSvpBKOygwUKkaz_xJmzCU/s400/greenedit1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlzJYTp1hZvG4WQbK9sx80ndx51yCq8tEnVnvWuiuyTnZiJKLPeTaLjtcQ1iL6i7g5OQnHtBDLcdlPpaYSeX4mXyCKw9azRefBtqkDvXXZRBMMHbklNHq2-bXHtWIhMfzMXAqXs4aeIw/s1600/rainbowedit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlzJYTp1hZvG4WQbK9sx80ndx51yCq8tEnVnvWuiuyTnZiJKLPeTaLjtcQ1iL6i7g5OQnHtBDLcdlPpaYSeX4mXyCKw9azRefBtqkDvXXZRBMMHbklNHq2-bXHtWIhMfzMXAqXs4aeIw/s400/rainbowedit1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Cute, yes!? (pardon my shameless plug).<br />
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Anyway. The diet was HARD. Did I mention that? Haha. It was doable though, and I did it!! The hardest part was having to prepare food for others while eating barely anything myself. I didn't cheat once and I stuck strictly to the meal plan. I don't actually own a scale so I weighed myself at the gym at the start (Monday morning) and after I was done (first thing Thursday morning).<br />
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<strong>My Results: I lost 5.6 pounds in 3 days :)</strong><br />
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Proud of myself?? YES!! I wasn't sure if I could stick with it but I really gave myself no choice. Hopefully this is the jump start I need to keep losing little by little. Overall, I am in support of a healthy lifestyle. To me, this means a well balanced diet and regular exercise. But, this little "fad" diet really gave me some confidence and has helped me realize that I don't need to snack as much as I do. I also discovered that my portion sizes could really be smaller and I would still be satisfied. A great learning experience and eye opener for this food loving girl.<br />
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I recommend trying this diet. I will definitely do it again down the road if I feel like I need another boost. I recommend doing it with a buddy too, that would have really helped me through my hangry moments. Instagramming my meals really helped me stay accountable and it was nice to have support from my friends following me along.<br />
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Hopefully I'll be able to keep the pounds off and continue on this path :)<br />
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Let me know if you try it out or if you already have :) Misery really does love company, haha!<br />
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Have a great weekend everyone!!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/361/0CB58F02F2176CE6920D67B56AADF845.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Ali Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12674020983065707597noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051003162429074507.post-5569396388150587792013-02-13T10:04:00.002-08:002013-02-13T10:04:17.241-08:00Snow FUNThanks for all of the input on my last post everyone. Definitely helped get my wheels spinning and hopefully I can come up with some minor changes to make them sell sell sell.<br />
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If you follow me on instagram (arichardson79) then you saw an abundance of happy snowy pics on there over the weekend. We had the BEST time in our local mountains and I wanted to share some more pics with you :)<br />
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We picked up Noah from school on Fri at 2pm and got right on the road. Typically, in good weather, the drive to Big Bear takes approximately 2.5 hours. It had been raining all day and the temp was low so we knew it would take a tad longer. BUT - we had no idea that it would take us close to 8 HOURS to get there. Yep. Brutal.<br />
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Before it got too snowy, this happened.....<br />
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It took a while to get them on just right, but luckily the kiddos and I were warm in the car while the hubby did all the hard work (did I mention how much I love that guy)......<br />
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(that's him in the side mirror. Brrrr.)<br />
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The drive basically looked like this the entire time. Brake lights. Ugh. As it got more snowy, the kids in the car ahead of us kept getting out and having snowball fights int he middle of the road. We would be stopped for 20-30 minutes at a time at some points due to cars sliding in the road, people who had their chains on wrong, collisions, etc. Noah was so restless in the car, he almost had a breakdown. lol.<br />
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All in all, we knew we would eventually get there so we just had to relax and make the best of it. Most of you saw on the news about that crazy ex-cop shooting up Big Bear. We knew of this going in to it and although it wasn't ideal, based on what we knew of the situation, we felt we would still be safe and didn't want to cancel our happy weekend. <br />
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When we woke up in the morning on Saturday, we had a fresh coat of white fluffy snow on everything. It was truly magical for this SoCal girl. So white and quiet and sparkly. Just beautiful.<br />
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Our first stop was "Magic Mountain" Snow play area. Time for some tubin'!</div>
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There was a cool "magic carpet" that would take you back up to the top. Sort of a lazy-tubers dream. Lol.</div>
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The kids had a blast!!</div>
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weeeeeeeeeeeee!!!<br />
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Selfie (I am always the one behind the camera)<br />
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We had a GREAT time zooming down the hill and ended our day out with yummy pizza from a local pizza joint. YUM.<br />
After we got back to the cabin, we found a cool sledding hill about 50 feet down the road. It was awesome!!!<br />
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Josh took some time to dig out a nice smooth path for the sleds while the kids and I hung out in the fresh powder.<br />
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There were even traces of Christmas around the forest...<br />
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Hayden was our sledding champ. She would bomb the hill with no fear and a HUGE smile on her face. SO cute to watch!<br />
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Occasionally she would end up like this.....<br />
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But she usually recovered quickly and got right back to sledding. Lol. <br />
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Papa of the year :)<br />
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My brother after a not so smooth landing. Lol.<br />
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I even bombed the hill a few times (pardon the butt shot)<br />
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After a loooong day of sledding and playing, it was time to soak in the hot tub :)<br />
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Noah and Hayden both said this was their favorite part of the trip :)<br />
After a yummy homemade dinner, we finished up the night with some smores. Yum.<br />
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The next day, we did some more playing in the snow, sledding, and having FUN!<br />
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The crew:<br />
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siblings...<br />
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After a final soak in the hot tub, we packed our things and headed home. The ride home was a lot less eventful and we made it home in about 3 hours (including a stop for dinner and donuts). It was a truly magical weekend and we will definitely be going back next year!!!!<br />
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Happy hump day everyone :)<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/361/0CB58F02F2176CE6920D67B56AADF845.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Ali Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12674020983065707597noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051003162429074507.post-22165837248204918812013-02-07T15:43:00.000-08:002013-02-07T15:43:05.300-08:00Market research....Hello people! It is almost Friday, woohoo! The fam and I are headed up to our local mountains for some fun in the snow this weekend and I can't wait! I popped in quickly to get some feedback from my lovely, smart, and honest readers.<br />
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In my <a href="http://www.oohlalaco.etsy.com/"><span style="color: red;">Etsy shop</span></a>, I have these felt cupcake/dessert flags....take a look.<br />
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I package them up cute too....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLWO6rvrLAb5kpxTI6ipdfYhf6F3UchNQrClR4BxJNtNIUptZJsHiTxs1RTVrWaOP7xmjKtRngxEvLUv_ZX5-I_FnxBKGeg6Co_Bp1Tlhhl3meYKyJugpw3pjv1LbYDHSHSKYDmMvcQo/s1600/Edit5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLWO6rvrLAb5kpxTI6ipdfYhf6F3UchNQrClR4BxJNtNIUptZJsHiTxs1RTVrWaOP7xmjKtRngxEvLUv_ZX5-I_FnxBKGeg6Co_Bp1Tlhhl3meYKyJugpw3pjv1LbYDHSHSKYDmMvcQo/s400/Edit5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<strong>I have not sold one set.</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
I take that back actually. I sold a set of 50 flags in a custom color story for somebody's wedding cupcakes (which I think is an adorable idea - btw). But I haven't sold any in the colors that I have listed in my shop. Ever.<br />
<br />
My question to you all is.....why do you think they sit in my shop and don't sell?<br />
<br />
Originally I was charging $12 per dozen. Then I thought that might be a bit too high for a throw-away item (I totally rinse my sticks off and reuse them, but typically they would get thrown away). I lowered them down to $10 per dozen. Nothin'. Now, I have come down to my "lowest I will go" price of $8 per dozen hoping they will start to sell.<br />
<br />
I'm just a bit perplexed. I guess mainly because<strong> I</strong> love them so much and use them for every occasion that is even semi-cupcake/dessert/cake appropriate.<br />
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Does $8 per dozen sound reasonable to you? Can you think of anything I need to do to tweak them? Do you like them as is? Do people typically just make their own cupcake toppers or buy the basic ones at craft stores? Any feedback you give me will be greatly appreciated.<br />
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Thanks friends!!<br />
Happy {almost} weekend to you all :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/361/0CB58F02F2176CE6920D67B56AADF845.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Ali Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12674020983065707597noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051003162429074507.post-3620875224180831532013-02-01T11:39:00.000-08:002013-02-01T11:39:09.325-08:00Etsy SALE<br />
SALE SALE SALE!<br />
Use the coupon code: <strong><span style="font-size: large;">Vday13</span></strong> in my Etsy shop through Sunday and receive <strong><span style="font-size: large;">20%</span></strong> off your purchase.<br />
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Truth: I am saving up to attend the Country Living Fair in September with my sister and some amazing friends so.......... c'mon and SHOP! K!!?? $$$$$$$ Lol.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yOMBGOi7kjpAsiLGX6d8Ilfeq_dUhHHjBhlSl1Cxoy4n_40kGJqX4jR5a2BGax-gOc_TVO0i69ajCQqrQsPRVbMbVszt5NGmPdkImA2xz6uhiL_IgmqDdQGFu-WdtBUyYkFVDgIc8Nc/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yOMBGOi7kjpAsiLGX6d8Ilfeq_dUhHHjBhlSl1Cxoy4n_40kGJqX4jR5a2BGax-gOc_TVO0i69ajCQqrQsPRVbMbVszt5NGmPdkImA2xz6uhiL_IgmqDdQGFu-WdtBUyYkFVDgIc8Nc/s400/PicMonkey+Collage+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Thanks people!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/361/0CB58F02F2176CE6920D67B56AADF845.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Ali Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12674020983065707597noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051003162429074507.post-78569916591033140352013-01-28T11:22:00.001-08:002013-01-28T11:22:53.073-08:00No more...I will not touch this painting anymore. I won't.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8vLHsL5HGGWI1iQECdwF_HrslANQzhGCUhvsXSaOePM0BNhyveA2HP8SFSvQmHclHHXeX_eq6v066TsQfGq2HX-QgKDEb3QDqpg0ssicL6AJ_8e2Z0U_YCg2C5xXzIlAMSer-2NERiY/s1600/edit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8vLHsL5HGGWI1iQECdwF_HrslANQzhGCUhvsXSaOePM0BNhyveA2HP8SFSvQmHclHHXeX_eq6v066TsQfGq2HX-QgKDEb3QDqpg0ssicL6AJ_8e2Z0U_YCg2C5xXzIlAMSer-2NERiY/s400/edit1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's a brief recap for you...</div>
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Before:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVcQzZGYh9bhjkl3rggCaQzDmOb94NrK03MKqdIBS7tQuaGG0Gds1jI8PbMSKxOEB40FlLhmxyNy1eJmcQJ_yhnuS63rCbBbsvqnW2PJNxrEKPWYQEbbDLKprT8f-ylgcPjSzRpAzbkI/s1600/edit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVcQzZGYh9bhjkl3rggCaQzDmOb94NrK03MKqdIBS7tQuaGG0Gds1jI8PbMSKxOEB40FlLhmxyNy1eJmcQJ_yhnuS63rCbBbsvqnW2PJNxrEKPWYQEbbDLKprT8f-ylgcPjSzRpAzbkI/s400/edit2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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First "after"...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhst3m5HY11zvDbqE5Ub5KWOsLnlocrczeP4tuXkimJLaXfBw1mbhG5IZq_6jKgqMcSnF9aqNtVjCFamW5od8hFF-EtIJ0T90Ai-DCEaGU7pdqcVtxCEtL8mqLkxrRWxZ2HJXi_Iia9hfY/s1600/edited3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhst3m5HY11zvDbqE5Ub5KWOsLnlocrczeP4tuXkimJLaXfBw1mbhG5IZq_6jKgqMcSnF9aqNtVjCFamW5od8hFF-EtIJ0T90Ai-DCEaGU7pdqcVtxCEtL8mqLkxrRWxZ2HJXi_Iia9hfY/s400/edited3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Final "after"....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7XS_avsOHDkTDeqIxZ3xI1pIPCNyZ8R9aGpMtNrwJJsD4uDIJIEogj_lx2waA6AtayXYz-wj1do_O9ZB_83akbAaZYxxRlb3zPm1kithyphenhyphenfqQjMTGMj2rE30AS8k1JXKGwB91jKw_GqE/s1600/edit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7XS_avsOHDkTDeqIxZ3xI1pIPCNyZ8R9aGpMtNrwJJsD4uDIJIEogj_lx2waA6AtayXYz-wj1do_O9ZB_83akbAaZYxxRlb3zPm1kithyphenhyphenfqQjMTGMj2rE30AS8k1JXKGwB91jKw_GqE/s400/edit1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I liked the flower orange, really, I did. But, it was starting to feel a bit "tropical" which was definitely not the look I was going for. I am finally done messing with it. Leaving well enough alone was never a strength of mine, lol.</div>
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Here's a shot of it in the room.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBkQGwTBjbIYUf1Y6Tb4OsHdPKWIK7NplcKMRfL8V9w53swQ1PL10p4NxEwMYOcNQBy5pEaXHRlDbwaxI6fj7i5DOH0jMim-QUcU2vkD-UAx0rJADnWWMWmNo8DxpMnLIex5KnDRr-fQ/s1600/edit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBkQGwTBjbIYUf1Y6Tb4OsHdPKWIK7NplcKMRfL8V9w53swQ1PL10p4NxEwMYOcNQBy5pEaXHRlDbwaxI6fj7i5DOH0jMim-QUcU2vkD-UAx0rJADnWWMWmNo8DxpMnLIex5KnDRr-fQ/s400/edit2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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THE END.</div>
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We had a pretty rainy weekend here, so we had some fun yesterday playing outside. Noah didn't feel like being photographed but I was able to get some fun shots of Hayden (wearing pig tails for the first time since her hair cut). Take a look...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1uf-1TzPgabwODBsgk-MoLRrfsXwI19OjXLhZl5znPbzTQLtQnQBSdD-IcLwff-517gcGJbVt5XF2CJMTsGm2uH7OfDKkM3W4LJscqQuX4OxRgt7zE4iy21HE223cTUbfQqDlG6LSAk/s1600/edit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1uf-1TzPgabwODBsgk-MoLRrfsXwI19OjXLhZl5znPbzTQLtQnQBSdD-IcLwff-517gcGJbVt5XF2CJMTsGm2uH7OfDKkM3W4LJscqQuX4OxRgt7zE4iy21HE223cTUbfQqDlG6LSAk/s400/edit1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CMr8bjWFi2w9o0GB79UR4pDfHAsQES_rIg8Cq59LnwtFLQXUa5xsqHBNKKWjxPb5lwRYpxLpZsrKxHVYJ4k_39dv632JACrDXcb70cnsz9Copur49y1T1rm8d5YFSXRkhg0egncxYEA/s1600/edit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CMr8bjWFi2w9o0GB79UR4pDfHAsQES_rIg8Cq59LnwtFLQXUa5xsqHBNKKWjxPb5lwRYpxLpZsrKxHVYJ4k_39dv632JACrDXcb70cnsz9Copur49y1T1rm8d5YFSXRkhg0egncxYEA/s400/edit2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98oKzSsncJw5w4cbfzKeVZNaXXXKYwZJQrO9A0SE-p9hCdrfjVHwWnNXAuFaLLDdR2YMUT9Erz-HqZadGDlKgF9P3BUjWOTA-OXyys0N3l94FJcAtpgfiRgiiJw7HM0hPYrQYzJPJoh0/s1600/edit3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98oKzSsncJw5w4cbfzKeVZNaXXXKYwZJQrO9A0SE-p9hCdrfjVHwWnNXAuFaLLDdR2YMUT9Erz-HqZadGDlKgF9P3BUjWOTA-OXyys0N3l94FJcAtpgfiRgiiJw7HM0hPYrQYzJPJoh0/s400/edit3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Happy Monday everyone :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/361/0CB58F02F2176CE6920D67B56AADF845.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Ali Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12674020983065707597noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051003162429074507.post-59440656549482237722013-01-22T15:22:00.004-08:002013-01-22T15:22:57.178-08:00If it ain't broke.....Fix it anyway!! Lol<br />
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Happy Tuesday everyone. I hope you all had a nice long weekend. We had really beautiful weather here in SoCal so we had a beachy, picnicky weekend. Birds chirped. Leaves blew in the breeze. My cheeks got rosy in the sun. It was wonderful. <br />
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<strong>Life really is beautiful.</strong><br />
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That leads me to my project for the day. A few years ago, my sister bought me this awesome painting from Pier1. I just loved it so so much and since she loves me so so much, she bought it for me. awwww. My<a href="http://www.turning-the-tables.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: red;"> sis</span></a> is the best!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVwl1ZQVIynZ-7p7KDxSyxrEj4TUtz2q-oEYFTVSB7h8INagyhEq30g4ZSxOqbVp3cwg2HwFOnpB5Nez4W9Vlb67Ahp_09Hr7hM6Jr5bTJTdbFYVvZ418Y07znDjvbxyBW5rfswgq61M/s1600/edit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVwl1ZQVIynZ-7p7KDxSyxrEj4TUtz2q-oEYFTVSB7h8INagyhEq30g4ZSxOqbVp3cwg2HwFOnpB5Nez4W9Vlb67Ahp_09Hr7hM6Jr5bTJTdbFYVvZ418Y07znDjvbxyBW5rfswgq61M/s400/edit2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It has been hanging over the "brown beast" aka our guest bed in the den that sits in the center of our home. I walk by it a zillion times a day. I often notice it hanging there, but sometimes I don't. It's just a part of our house. I love it. It means a lot to me. It makes me happy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3T7p1fxE0GsrDJd-Xgmawh8RDea3Ydhq5_rv85z_82D5W3RU05yGqYMadE_93F4iFVrqdOyIeJMnTBOfYO5USTRTfvoqplKjgB_wsDCRibc2_xluiXX9Cf66xvr4KEVt8UKtzY5ccB78/s1600/edited1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3T7p1fxE0GsrDJd-Xgmawh8RDea3Ydhq5_rv85z_82D5W3RU05yGqYMadE_93F4iFVrqdOyIeJMnTBOfYO5USTRTfvoqplKjgB_wsDCRibc2_xluiXX9Cf66xvr4KEVt8UKtzY5ccB78/s400/edited1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Well, today, I walked past it and noticed it. Only, not for the awesomenss that I usually do. I noticed that hanging over the brown beast, the plum/gold/brown hue looked kinda muddy and dark. I never saw it that way, but all the sudden I did. Instantly I new what to do....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fjjsiln8J39sCLQEKpkVY5XA-Hcctljexfpzcv4St72ZTZ9inhhRrsQaogh1AR7cDwTBZ8oOsrwvieevyNGMWrl-XS71uZYz71-oa2mHd-jJxyBtqIPzb9pRTRpKJF1gYaFZDgz07B4/s1600/edited3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fjjsiln8J39sCLQEKpkVY5XA-Hcctljexfpzcv4St72ZTZ9inhhRrsQaogh1AR7cDwTBZ8oOsrwvieevyNGMWrl-XS71uZYz71-oa2mHd-jJxyBtqIPzb9pRTRpKJF1gYaFZDgz07B4/s400/edited3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you have been reading this blog for a while, you know that nothing is safe from my aqua paint. I used my Martha Stewart craft paint (color: Surf) and simply painted over the background color with a foam brush. <br />
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Two coats later and poof!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Lp494Pc7W8xl_SBePYGds40sZwIqVcn_jW6yoKR_Bl3Wyxb7qBKStd1TBmTQv7Num0rR5j7_w2QgDY74s1bXnI6cS5scEO8mJS1dTsUl1I7eg_L2jmfZ-dKjV1AwGiGDdFZ3TfuZzoo/s1600/edited6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Lp494Pc7W8xl_SBePYGds40sZwIqVcn_jW6yoKR_Bl3Wyxb7qBKStd1TBmTQv7Num0rR5j7_w2QgDY74s1bXnI6cS5scEO8mJS1dTsUl1I7eg_L2jmfZ-dKjV1AwGiGDdFZ3TfuZzoo/s400/edited6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Lighter and brighter and very much more "me."</div>
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I may end up moving it into my bedroom. It would look really pretty hanging over my bed now that it's so bright and happy. I didn't factor in that the new aqua color may clash a bit with the icy blue color of the highboy dresser. That's what happens when you are impulsive I guess. haha!</div>
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It wasn't super perfectly painted to begin with...kinda free form and splotchy. This made it so I didn't have to be super careful when I was painting over it (which works out nicely for me - lol).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AsN-a62uIAmY-9hiiiapInIYQeDdP6fYlLriGTr6PBBVfQEYhxssUeGjZa3Mj9TLP3sS9GLRwOuQkDcYPFIaJiG_MOVd5-2mCqx_ZrRyHBIOR1sEw885OZ9c5mBNlA9Mq5Dp9kqikw4/s1600/edited5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AsN-a62uIAmY-9hiiiapInIYQeDdP6fYlLriGTr6PBBVfQEYhxssUeGjZa3Mj9TLP3sS9GLRwOuQkDcYPFIaJiG_MOVd5-2mCqx_ZrRyHBIOR1sEw885OZ9c5mBNlA9Mq5Dp9kqikw4/s400/edited5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I like it so much better now :) <br />
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I looooved it before, but now it just pops more and fits in with the rest of our decor. The brown beast with all ways be beasty. Some day I see an awesome murphy bed or caned day bed or some other less unsightly guest bed solution. For now, the beast is brightened up with some aqua love. Sigh. I love you aqua!<br />
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Happy day to you :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/361/0CB58F02F2176CE6920D67B56AADF845.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Ali Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12674020983065707597noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051003162429074507.post-23898405577468443792013-01-15T22:42:00.000-08:002013-01-15T22:44:54.940-08:00Our Liberace momentHi everyone, how's it goin'!? I hope you all are well. We have been doing the usual day to day over here but we have also been getting a little crafty. During the holidays, I saw<a href="http://megduerksen.typepad.com/whatever/2012/12/throw-back-craft-.html"><span style="color: red;"> this post</span></a> on one of my favorite blogs and it got my wheels spinning. I loooove vintage inspired crafts and definitely wanted to give it a try. I didn't have a big bag of sparkly "goodies" (as Hayden and I call them) given to me by my great aunt, but I do have a craft cabinet that's busting at the seams.<br />
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Hayden and I gathered up our supplies and got to work. Take a look...<br />
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(the spangle mix and tri-beads are from the craft section at Wal-Mart)</div>
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My first step was to paint a basic canvas aqua (shocker). This is actually more of a minty aqua but you can't really tell in these pictures. I cut out a heart template and traced it on to the center of the canvas.</div>
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Next I covered the pencil line with tacky glue, and added some thick cream yarn to define the shape.</div>
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After that, I started covering the inside of the heart with tacky glue. I squirted it on, and then spread it out with a foam brush. I wasn't stingy with the glue, I knew we would need quite a bit.</div>
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Once the entire heart was covered in glue, it was time to get blingy. Hayden had sooooo much fun putting all of the sparkly goodies (one by one) in the glue. It was really cute to watch her pick out each one and stick it on. She kept telling me how beautiful each one was :)</div>
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I helped the process along by dumping on small hand fulls of goodies at a time. We didn't have all day and one by one would have taken way too long. Plus, we wouldn't get that fun clumpy layered look that we were going for.</div>
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After the whole thing was covered with sparklies, we covered the bits of remaining glue with glitter. My girl looooooves shaking on glitter...</div>
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Once that was done, I added the word "Love" with tacky glue and shook on some mooooore glitter!</div>
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We let that dry for a a few hours and then shook off all of the excess glitter and goodies. At the last minute I decided to add some polka dots. I mean, why not, right!?</div>
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Wanna see the finished product??</div>
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Take a look...</div>
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Does it make you smile (or give you hives...you can be honest). Hayden and I love love love it! The only problem we're having is figuring out where we should hang it. If it ends up in my gallery wall above my desk, I definitely won't complain ;)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFcfbMRKqoFKd7Q3xZwbTyhrBjo3GmB3IDKSddlFiSzmsHHV6GuA2IL-Zpo0RKxvDkQYttoxCeA9k3zSmYKecsCLCZJtZUo6g6EEtb3-peg_0CJ8Ki7x-9Kf5Ynz6Oad0cvfVywW7ETE/s1600/P1120035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFcfbMRKqoFKd7Q3xZwbTyhrBjo3GmB3IDKSddlFiSzmsHHV6GuA2IL-Zpo0RKxvDkQYttoxCeA9k3zSmYKecsCLCZJtZUo6g6EEtb3-peg_0CJ8Ki7x-9Kf5Ynz6Oad0cvfVywW7ETE/s400/P1120035.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I think Liberace would be proud of this fancy, sparkly, fabulous craft that was made with love!</div>
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Getting crafty with the kids really is fun! Especially when they really enjoy themselves and love the finished product. Happy kid, happy mom :) Simple (& sparkly).</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/361/0CB58F02F2176CE6920D67B56AADF845.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Ali Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12674020983065707597noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051003162429074507.post-46111868307472619012013-01-13T09:28:00.003-08:002013-01-13T09:31:37.266-08:00Hi , remember me...Hello all, sorry I have been missing in action lately. Sadly, although I have been having some blogable moments lately, I can't seem to find the time to sit still and blog {sigh}. It's Sunday morning, I have my warm cup of coffee by my side, and I'm ready to go.<br />
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This post, and the next few posts will most likely be all over the place and a bit on the random side. Hopefully you don't mind ;)<br />
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First - I want to share with you all something that I now feel is a MUST have! I'm going to start by showing you something embarrassing. Well, at least for me. Typically when I sit down to use my glue gun, I have many things that I need to glue (so the glue gun is on for a while). Anyone who uses one knows that they can be drippy and messy. My solution for this has been to use an old cutting board. The problem is, the glue is really hard to peel off once it dries, so it looks very unsightly. Wanna see??
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Eeeew! Typically I would perch the glue gun somewhere over there on the right and use the small space on the left as a work surface. It definitely helped keep the glue off the table, but still. Not an ideal situation.<br />
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On a recent trip to hobby lobby, I stumbled upon this beauty....
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Let me tell you, the dry glue peels off of this thing soooo easily! It is some sort of scientific miracle. AND - it's bright pink :) I think it was $10 but I used a 40% off coupon. It's by MOD PODGE and is some sort of silicone mat. Amazing, I tell you!! Definitely worth picking up!<br />
For it's maiden voyage, I made a bunch of Valentine's day glitter banners for my<a href="http://www.oohlalaco.etsy.com/"><span style="color: red;"> etsy shop</span></a> :)
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Another thing I wanted to share is kind of a BIG deal around here. My daughter Hayden will be turning 4 in March and she has NEVER had a hair cut. Can you believe that!!? Ever since she was little, I knew we wanted to donate her hair once it was long enough. So, we waited. She has beautiful hair! I'm her mom, so of course I'm going to think so. But really, people stop me in the street on a regular basis to look at her beautiful locks. Well, it was finally getting to the point where it was getting tangled and she was wearing it up in a pony tail more than she was wearing it down. It was time to CHOP! *gulp.<br />
Here's a "before" shot of her hair when we arrived at the hair salon:<br />
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Those are her baby curls on the bottom and they are my absolute favorite part of her hair. I knew even with a trim that we would lose those, so we just decided to go BIG.<br />
Here is the after:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGFpc12lu8NpwzLw8H1UdWS3uAJ9py4HmrwFkECgGa78NVJTYl0CoA3UT3Ox8jlEzWgLYz6c8mE_z_HiTqFqClkfcKnLdwclL4HyWBu_N7bQDNRmKVlrxsKTt9NAAlZBUXEvNwdTLI_8/s1600/PhotoGrid_1357949887555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGFpc12lu8NpwzLw8H1UdWS3uAJ9py4HmrwFkECgGa78NVJTYl0CoA3UT3Ox8jlEzWgLYz6c8mE_z_HiTqFqClkfcKnLdwclL4HyWBu_N7bQDNRmKVlrxsKTt9NAAlZBUXEvNwdTLI_8/s400/PhotoGrid_1357949887555.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here are a few more shots....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKlGxtnmpzlYTkFQbtGjFBzkn0DQFsgB7yRYHYr6lzOPieFrtNEDzgZqhxMbN9_ZKPEG6LFbfSIicGaupIJthYJZ2CyFOMDD7sgFClFpiIkxCeV0EDYhkZAl6f2sxlJJiKHP4F_jb3qo/s1600/P1110953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKlGxtnmpzlYTkFQbtGjFBzkn0DQFsgB7yRYHYr6lzOPieFrtNEDzgZqhxMbN9_ZKPEG6LFbfSIicGaupIJthYJZ2CyFOMDD7sgFClFpiIkxCeV0EDYhkZAl6f2sxlJJiKHP4F_jb3qo/s640/P1110953.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Doesn't she look cute!!?? I got a little hot and sweaty as she made the first big chop, but after that it was smooth sailing. We will be donating her hair to an organization called <a href="http://www.wigsforkids.org/"><span style="color: red;">Wigs for Kids</span></a> that gives free wigs to kids with cancer and other disorders that cause hair loss. I feel happy and proud that we made this decision early on and stuck to our guns.<br />
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Right after the hair cut, we went straight to the baseball field for Noah's baseball tryouts. It was freeeeezing. Well, CA freezing but I think my phone said 42 degrees while we were out there and I definitely wasn't dressed appropriately.<br />
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Noah had a great time at tryouts and will soon be drafted onto his first ever little league team. Exciting stuff around here, let me tell you!!<br />
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So, that's what's been going on around these parts. I hope you all are well :) <br />
Remember, if you are looking to spice things up in your home for V-Day, check out my lil' <a href="http://www.oohlalaco.etsy.com/"><span style="color: red;">shop</span></a>.<br />
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I'll be back sooner rather than later :)<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/361/0CB58F02F2176CE6920D67B56AADF845.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Ali Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12674020983065707597noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051003162429074507.post-25717042912054453512013-01-04T17:19:00.000-08:002013-01-04T17:19:12.214-08:00Back to the {grind}Haha, I say {grind} because we aren't quite back in the swing yet. The kids start back at school next week (and I will be starting back at the gym...haven't worked out once over the break. Not proud). We had a GREAT Christmas, wonderful New Year's, and we have had some fun just hanging around (& using my many gift cards - yay). All in all, I would say that this winter break has been a great success filled with many happy times :)<br />
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Here are a couple pics of randomness...<br />
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Noah fell asleep right before the countdown. We woke him up of course :) </div>
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My mom and Hayden snuggled in the new year :)<br />
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Me & my girl :)</div>
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After all the holiday decor was put away {sad} I got the urge to start crafting for Valentine's Day. I even got the urge to.....wait for it......SEW. That almost never happens so I had to take advantage. I made a few cute buntings that will most likely end up in my<span style="color: red;"> </span><a href="http://www.oohlalaco.etsy.com/"><span style="color: red;">Etsy shop</span></a>...</div>
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I also took some time to revamp the gallery above my crafting desk. I have always wanted that wall space filled with beautiful things that speak to me and bring me inspiration. I still have a few things I need to frame and hang, but I like how it's coming along so far (& yes, the bulletin board on the left is a hot mess, I know).</div>
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This is my newest and most favorite addition so far. I got this painting at the local flea market for like $10 I think. I just fell in love with it. I want to go and run on those pretty green hills. I was inspired by my bestie<a href="http://www.primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: red;"> Cassie</span></a> and decided to make it my own and tweak it a bit. I added the word "Wonderful" using black acrylic craft paint. I also added a red heart with some glitter (but you can't see the glitter in this pic). I love the idea of personalizing thrifted art and making it extra special :) Wonderful!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKqiS7b_WhYhFjouZ-Z-7l5cP9HSqD-z08fsueORvDzf3snKr6lhz02QDxkxiOlmo7Y0VWNXkCKtp3FTByvDYKO20SOUwy41KK3SM0i4nlXd-x7V_klINmPsH4D9LKhurCpcTM-y2OQU/s1600/P1110856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKqiS7b_WhYhFjouZ-Z-7l5cP9HSqD-z08fsueORvDzf3snKr6lhz02QDxkxiOlmo7Y0VWNXkCKtp3FTByvDYKO20SOUwy41KK3SM0i4nlXd-x7V_klINmPsH4D9LKhurCpcTM-y2OQU/s400/P1110856.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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These two fireballs bring me endless amounts of inspiration (& the need for advil and chocolate on occasion).</div>
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Isn't this book page the CUTEST?! Ok, maybe you aren't a swan lover like me, but I was thrilled when I found a vintage baby animals book at the thrift store and this beauty was inside. Love!</div>
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Well, That's all I have to report for now. I'll be getting my craft on over the next few days to load up my shop. I also have some friends coming in to town this weekend and perhaps a visit to the flea market on Sunday (if the fates allow).<br />
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Oh - and my awesome sister opened an Etsy shop. She's selling those baltic amber teething necklaces for babies. Go check 'em out!<br />
<a href="http://www.myolivercash.etsy.com/"><span style="color: red;">www.myolivercash.etsy.com</span></a> <br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Happy 2013 people, let's make it ROCK!</span></strong><br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/361/0CB58F02F2176CE6920D67B56AADF845.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Ali Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12674020983065707597noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051003162429074507.post-55186959505242189782012-12-21T09:13:00.001-08:002012-12-21T09:15:31.919-08:00Tis the season...Happy happy almost Christmas everyone! I can't believe how fast this year flew by! Don't blink, or you might miss it! This will be my last post of the season. As many others have said, especially since the CT tragedy, I really want to be present with my family and make every moment count. I will also be knee deep in festive wrapping paper until minutes before Christmas morning. <br />
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I wanted to share a few things before I sign off :)<br />
My friend Kelly with <a href="http://www.bubba-loo.com/"><span style="color: red;">Bubba-loo photography</span></a> took the pics for our Christmas card and she did not disappoint....<br />
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Thanks Kelly, you rock!<br />
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My card board is filling up and makes me smile every time I see it. Checking the mail is so fun this time of year :)<br />
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Both of my kiddos had holiday programs at school. They were so cute to watch. It really warmed my heart to hear their sweet voices and see their smiling faces. It also broke my heart to think of the families of Sandyhook elementary school. Sweet angels who are now safe from harm, may they be resting in peace.<br />
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(Noah top row - center left ish)<br />
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(Hayden center - gray dress)<br />
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Noah has an awesome room mom for his class. She made the teacher this awesome classroom subway art.<br />
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His teacher definitely lucked out in the room mom department, she is super sweet and talented.<br />
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Well, I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and hold those that you love close. Life is a precious gift and shouldn't be taken for granted. I hope your holiday season is filled with love, laughter, and lots of yummy food!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/361/0CB58F02F2176CE6920D67B56AADF845.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Ali Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12674020983065707597noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7051003162429074507.post-80841130858924797052012-12-11T12:21:00.001-08:002012-12-11T12:24:21.625-08:00Holiday Home TourHello everyone, I hope your holiday season is going smoothly so far. I have been a maniac lately, but let's face it, that's par the for the course. Anyway, my house was finally clean enough to take pics (I had guests over yesterday), so I thought I would share my 2012 holiday home with you. Ready?!<br />
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Let's start with the outside, shall we!?<br />
This is what greets you at my front door. If you weren't feeling the joy before you got to my house, you are now :)<br />
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Don't forget these guys...<br />
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The one on the left with the pom pom nose is Rudolph, and the one on the right is Hello Kitty (can you tell which kid named which deer).<br />
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Big pic<br />
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Now let's take a look inside.<br />
Living room...<br />
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Here's a close-up of my favorite addition this year:<br />
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Can you tell what my new favorite thing is??<br />
closer.....<br />
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Vintage vintage vintage! I am IN LOVE with all of these pretty vintage ornaments. I want them on display year round. lol.<br />
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Where for art thou baby Jesus (Josh hides him from me until midnight on Xmas eve and then he magically appears in the manger).<br />
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Those are the vintage bulbs I got at a garage sale in the Spring for $.50. Major score :)<br />
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Here are some more living room pics...<br />
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My ultimate favorite Xmas decoration of all time...<br />
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I will putting this wreath up every year until the end of time. Period.<br />
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I got this sweet angel tree topper at the flea market. My husband is<strong> not</strong> a fan. It reminds me of one my Grandma had long long ago. Definitely an acquired taste, but I love her :)<br />
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Sooooo many sentimental and adorable ornaments on our tree. The more the better, that's my motto.<br />
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In the den to the right of the living room, I have a fun new addition ($20 after Xmas sale last year)<br />
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Here's a closer look...<br />
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I wanted to find a galvanized pail to put the ugly stand in, but no such luck. Maybe next year.<br />
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Pom poms, book pages, cherished family pictures. I can't really think of much more that makes me this happy :)<br />
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Moving on.<br />
I can't, in good conscience, show you my whole crafting space. Messy. But here are a couple holiday cuties that help keep me in the mood while I'm glittering and glue gunning everything in sight.<br />
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Elfie Elf is risking getting glittered. apparently he likes vintage florals ;)<br />
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The hall between the kid's rooms has their handmade Xmas tree banner from<span style="color: red;"> </span><a href="http://www.smartbottomkids.etsy.com/"><span style="color: red;">Smartbottom Kids</span></a>. They got so excited to see it when I pulled it out of the box this year!!<br />
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Each kid (spoiled) got their own tree this year ($15 after Xmas sale at wal mart last year)<br />
Hayden's:<br />
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Hayden threw a tantrum because she wanted a greeeeeeen one. See. Spoiled.</div>
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Look at this cute little ornament I got at the flea market for her...</div>
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Noah's: (Noah has my hubby's childhood lionel train in his room too)</div>
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He added this to his tree topper...</div>
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And he picked these out at the Dollar Tree...</div>
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Last but not least, the kitchen...</div>
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Chalkboard....</div>
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Table....</div>
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Bulletin board filling up with happy cards. The Frosty bunting was an awesome gift from one of my besties last year....</div>
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Coffee station...</div>
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We've been using the cute little Santa plate I got at the flea as a spoon rest. I think on Christmas, it will be holding a very special cookie for a very special someone :)</div>
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Well, that's about it. My bedroom/bathroom get holiday neglected. The guest bathroom has a few holiday touches, but I forgot to take a photo. It's a bathroom. Nothing magical. Lol.</div>
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Thanks for coming on the picture-mania tour. I hope you all have a great rest of the week!!</div>
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<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/361/0CB58F02F2176CE6920D67B56AADF845.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Ali Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12674020983065707597noreply@blogger.com17