tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41865705060957202302024-03-14T06:33:22.715-04:00Anna Cheung Interiors AnnaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764260444881951963noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4186570506095720230.post-91139657160156253772015-05-11T14:17:00.002-04:002015-05-11T14:17:38.105-04:00Storage of Priceless Memories<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Priceless
Memories<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When it comes to storing items in your home, I am from
the less is more camp. I thrive in uncluttered spaces! This process of purging
that has occurred over the last couple of years tends to drive my dear husband
crazy at times. But, through all of this purging there has always been one area
I have had a difficult time with – our son’s things. Warning- this article is a
bit personal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When it comes to purging kids’ clothing and other items,
you know for your family that it will save money later on if these items are
just stored for the next child. But, for me, the decision not to purge was an
emotional one. It began with the coming home outfit and then just escalated
until we had four giant Rubbermaid bins stacked in our guest room and a closet
full of other items (our son is now two years old). This was after I did pass
along a few items to friends. I knew I needed to get a handle on these clothes
if I was going to have a guest room for family. I would begin to purge and sort
and decide what to do with everything and then emotion would set in and I would
pack everything back into the bins breaking my back to stack them where they were
previously. I just </span><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">couldn't</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> let go of anything remembering ever outfit and what
he was doing when he wore it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">You may be wondering why I just </span><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">couldn't</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> keep these items
for our next child like most moms do or consign them. The answer is a simple
one –our son came after years and years of us longing to be parents. Some
people are pretty certain when they are married that they will have a certain
size family or they hope to have a certain sized family. In our case, God had
other plans. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We tried for a few years to add to our family the
traditional way. When we were financially able, we called on doctors to help us
and we believed we would be successful. We were wrong. This was an extremely
emotional time for us (as those of you who have gone through fertility
treatments can attest too). We then felt the call to adopt. Because we followed
this call, we had a baby boy in our arms nine months later (we had then been
married 8 years)!! It was love at first site and that love for him has grown
exponentially over the two years we have had him in our family. He is by far
the best thing that has ever happened to us. That being said, you can see why
it was and has been so difficult to purge anything related to his being in our
home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We recently joined a group at our church – the Orphan
ministry – that offers support to families who choose to expand their family in
different ways. These include adoption, fostering, or fostering to adopt. After
joining this group, I realized that these items that I was holding on to needed
to be used by others instead of sitting in our home. We were so blessed to
bring Declan into our lives and our home. I wanted to bless others by giving
these clothes to others who could use them now. I have since purged everything
baby related down into two bins. This has been an emotionally cleansing time
for me. But, there were still those items that have very special meaning to us
that we really will want to keep including his coming home outfit and handmade
hats and booties from grandparents. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I knew that these items could not just be packed into a
Rubbermaid bin. They needed to be stored somewhere where they could be pulled
out again years from now for another child or for our grandchildren still
looking like they do today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In my research, these are the guidelines I found to store
these items successfully: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Clean the item completely or dry clean if
able. Do not use any added stiffeners or starches on the item. Carefully
inspect the item to ensure it is completely clean.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 39.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Use containers that are made of <b>polypropylene</b> (#5 recycling code or the
letters PP). These would include Rubbermaid and Sterilite containers. These
containers do not need to be airtight. You could also store items in a cedar
chest, but they still need to be wrapped in the tissue paper mentioned below. You
could also order Archival boxes from a reputable dealer. If ordering boxes, they
need to be acid free and lignin free, not just labeled as “archival”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Handle the item with clean, washed hands (the
oils from our skin can cause stains over time)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Remove any metal or wooden buttons or other
embellishments that could stain the item over time (store these in a
polyethylene zip lock bag or wrap in muslin or tissue paper)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 39.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Use lignin and acid free tissue paper to wrap
the item (lightly add tissue paper to sleeves, hats or other three dimensional
items before wrapping), 100% washed muslin or 100% washed cotton sheeting can
also be used <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Add tissue paper to the inside of the storage
container<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 39.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Carefully fold the items if needed placing
tissue paper between the folds and place the item in the container (the best
storage will not require the item to be folded)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 39.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Add a container of dried French Lavender to
the container to repel pests (do not use moth balls as they are a carcinogen) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 39.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Store the container in a room near an
interior wall (not the attic or basement), ideally an interior closet or under
a bed. It should be away from drafts or any plumbing pipes which may be inside
the walls. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 39.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Inspect the item once every six months to a
year to ensure it is still in good condition refolding it differently to
minimize stress on the fabric <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 39.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Finally, make sure these items are covered
with your insurance company (take photos). This would go for antique items such
as tapestries that are worth a lot of money.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">No matter what items you have in your home that you need
to store safely, be sure to follow these guidelines. You can also find more
information on storing items of sentimental value by doing a quick google
search with the words “textile preservation”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We don’t know now what the future may hold for our
family, but we know we are blessed beyond measure to have Declan in our lives.
He has been the best thing that has ever happened to us. We hope to add to our
family a sibling for him soon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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AnnaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764260444881951963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4186570506095720230.post-23678580506261490872015-04-13T15:28:00.000-04:002015-04-13T15:28:29.795-04:00How to choose your design style {Part 1: Farmhouse Chic}I have always loved HGTV and would pay for cable even if that were the only channel we received!! As a homeowner and designer, I find a ton of inspiration and ideas by watching the shows on this channel. One of my new favorites - and probably some of yours as well - is <i>Fixer Upper</i> with the Gaines Family in Waco, Texas.<br />
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This show appeals to me for many reasons, but one of the top reasons is that Joanna and Chip work together and compliment each other very well - the strength of their marriage and family is portrayed in the show. And, the second is her design style - very clean and refined while still adding unique and classic touches from times past.<br />
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I have constantly put effort into our home to make it more clean and refined as well as organized. The light colors, the open spaces and the lack of clutter in the spaces she designs really, really appeal to my senses. Everything has a purpose. Her own farmhouse is also inspirational in that she has inspirational sayings hanging on the walls in every room.<br />
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<i>So, what style would I say Joanna Gaines inspires?</i> She calls her style <i>Farmhouse-Chic</i>. A little industrial. A little country. A little modern with its streamlined pieces. But, altogether timeless.<br />
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<i>What do I love about this style?</i> Mainly, the open and airy feeling and the unique pieces that make a statement as well as the fact that the chosen pieces serve for form and function.<br />
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<i><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">How do you add touches of this style to your home? </span></i></div>
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<b><i>ONLINE RESOURCES</i></b></div>
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://magnoliahomes.net/blog/" target="_blank">Magnolia Homes</a>: Many of the pieces Joanna uses on the show or in her farmhouse are also available for purchase. She also offers Gift Cards. <i>WINK, WINK GARY CHEUNG.</i> A few that I love include Metal Olive Buckets ($18 each), Tall Wavy Basket (from $58), White Canister Set ($38), Adjustable Stool ($145) and Bedtime Prayer Sign ($155) {Declan actually has a bear he received from his grandma that says this saying} </li>
</ul>
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<li> <a href="http://www.antiquefarmhouse.com/" target="_blank">Antique Farmhouse</a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ltlK28KpjXw/VSbQOIOVADI/AAAAAAAACMo/xicJsTmM26I/s1600/Antiqefarmhousebird-houseTEXT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ltlK28KpjXw/VSbQOIOVADI/AAAAAAAACMo/xicJsTmM26I/s1600/Antiqefarmhousebird-houseTEXT.jpg" height="185" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0xYGpvopKT8/VSbQNxfMmJI/AAAAAAAACMg/XWaZyU6SWPw/s1600/AntiqueFarmhousebird-house_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0xYGpvopKT8/VSbQNxfMmJI/AAAAAAAACMg/XWaZyU6SWPw/s1600/AntiqueFarmhousebird-house_2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UWpT_da29T0/VSbQN_Y7L7I/AAAAAAAACMk/tHjfgR0RZEI/s1600/AntiqueFarmhouseweekly-chalkboardTEXT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UWpT_da29T0/VSbQN_Y7L7I/AAAAAAAACMk/tHjfgR0RZEI/s1600/AntiqueFarmhouseweekly-chalkboardTEXT.jpg" height="127" width="400" /></a></div>
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<li><a href="http://www.farmhousewares.com/" target="_blank">Farmhouse Wares</a>: This site also offers unique soaps and pantry items such as herbs and other food items (also offers gift cards) </li>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fPHxitEZz_c/VSbLhwi-PiI/AAAAAAAACL8/9syYa0pkOFY/s1600/FarmhouseWaresBasketsTEXT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fPHxitEZz_c/VSbLhwi-PiI/AAAAAAAACL8/9syYa0pkOFY/s1600/FarmhouseWaresBasketsTEXT.jpg" height="207" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vIUnNTx2c-Q/VSbLhz6LyoI/AAAAAAAACL0/MuklbOa-XBo/s1600/farmhouseWaresCleaningProducts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vIUnNTx2c-Q/VSbLhz6LyoI/AAAAAAAACL0/MuklbOa-XBo/s1600/farmhouseWaresCleaningProducts.jpg" height="320" width="283" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N28P3Pu8Sjg/VSbLh9joMbI/AAAAAAAACL4/wuwkdMW1zVg/s1600/FarmhouseWaresfeedsackfabricTEXT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N28P3Pu8Sjg/VSbLh9joMbI/AAAAAAAACL4/wuwkdMW1zVg/s1600/FarmhouseWaresfeedsackfabricTEXT.jpg" height="400" width="195" /></a></div>
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<i><b>LOCAL RESOURCES</b></i></div>
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<li> <a href="http://nlbboutique.com/" target="_blank">The Boutique by No Longer Bound</a> where all purchases go to an awesome cause - to see men free of addiction and building a better life. Items available include custom built barn doors and custom built farmhouse tables. We have purchased a couple of signs from them and well as the Scrabble Letters to spell out Declan's name. In the future, we would love to change our Dining Room back into a Dining Room {Now a playroom} or a Sitting Room for Guest. If we opt for a dining room, we will definitely be saving for a Farmhouse table from here. </li>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sBIIs0-Y-QQ/VSbTwzA7nkI/AAAAAAAACNY/FXWpNen4--I/s1600/BoutiqueSignTEXT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sBIIs0-Y-QQ/VSbTwzA7nkI/AAAAAAAACNY/FXWpNen4--I/s1600/BoutiqueSignTEXT.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All monies go back into this program </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P3i8inUGsg4/VSbTw6vt7II/AAAAAAAACNU/tTED6cWQL7Y/s1600/ScrabbleLettersBoutique.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P3i8inUGsg4/VSbTw6vt7II/AAAAAAAACNU/tTED6cWQL7Y/s1600/ScrabbleLettersBoutique.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have these to spell "DECLAN"</td></tr>
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<li>Home Goods {Local}All of the items below were on sale at our local Home Goods at the time of this post. They had a large shipment from Broyhill. All of the items except for the furniture pieces were between $6.99 and $24.99!! What a steal!!! </li>
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<b><i>BLOGGERS TO FOLLOW</i> </b></div>
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<a href="http://cityfarmhouse.com/house-tour" target="_blank">City Farmhouse </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/" target="_blank">Thistlewood Farm</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.perfectlyimperfectblog.com/" target="_blank">Perfectly Imperfect </a> {She also has an awesome shop}</div>
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<a href="http://www.stonegableblog.com/" target="_blank">StoneGable</a> {Lots of DIY Tutorials}</div>
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<a href="http://www.livecreativelyinspired.com/10-ways-to-add-farmhouse-style/" target="_blank">Live Creatively Inspired</a> {Article}<br />
<a href="http://farmhouseporch.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Farmhouse Porch</a> {Has an Etsy shop}</div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">How have we begun to add Farmhouse Chic to our home?</span></i></div>
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<li><i><i>Floating DIY shelves in Master Bath <a href="http://www.annacheunginteriors.com/2014/07/master-bath-mood-board-and-master-bath.html" target="_blank">{Hubby DIY}</a></i></i></li>
<li><i>Lighter colors in our Master and Master Bath <a href="http://www.annacheunginteriors.com/2014/07/master-bedroom-mood-board.html" target="_blank">{Master Bedroom}</a></i></li>
<li><i>Board and Batten in our Master Bedroom <span style="color: red;">{Hubby DIY/Photo to Come}</span></i></li>
<li><i>Lighter colored bedding in Master - Purchased on Sale from {<a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/mckenna-paisley-duvet-cover-sham-blue/?pkey=e%7Cmckinna%7C1%7Cbest%7C4294967126%7C1%7C48%7C%252Fmckinna%252Fbedding%7C1&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||Category-_-Bedding-_-NoMerchRules" target="_blank">Pottery Barn Outlet</a>}</i></li>
<li><i>Stained Dining Room Table/Covered Chairs <span style="color: red;">{In the works}</span></i></li>
<li><i>Repurposed <a href="http://www.annacheunginteriors.com/2012/09/stripper-paint-and-poly-but-no-garage.html" target="_blank">Dresser</a> in Entryway <a href="http://www.annacheunginteriors.com/2012/09/stripper-paint-and-poly-but-no-garage.html" target="_blank">{Dresser DIY}</a></i></li>
<li><i><a href="http://www.annacheunginteriors.com/2013/09/the-infamous-pallet-wall.html" target="_blank">Pallet Wall</a> in Entryway <a href="http://www.annacheunginteriors.com/2013/09/the-infamous-pallet-wall.html" target="_blank">{Pallet Wall DIY}</a></i></li>
<li><i>Handmade signs throughout our home {Myself and Boutique by No Longer Bound}</i></li>
<li><i>DIY Coffee Filter <a href="http://www.annacheunginteriors.com/2013/10/half-bath-spruce-up.html" target="_blank">Wreath</a> in Half Bath {DIY}</i></li>
<li><i>Storage in the form of baskets, wooden bowls (Heirlooms), Cedar Chest (Heirloom) </i></li>
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<i>Still in the works for our home are a redo of our dining room table and chairs {Summer 2015} and perhaps some more paint changes {Sorry honey!} </i></div>
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<i>I am the most excited about moving our playroom upstairs this summer. This new room will be full of industrial, rustic, farmhouse charm. The perfect place for a rough and tumble little boy to play - on rainy days that is. The rest of the summer, we will be making memories and taking adventures outdoors. </i></div>
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<br />AnnaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764260444881951963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4186570506095720230.post-65498689064922944522015-03-30T14:51:00.002-04:002015-03-30T14:51:49.132-04:00Photos of Food We Ate (All of this deliciousness deserved its own space!) <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u6NagikcCIo/VRmYbv1JpvI/AAAAAAAACHs/t1m-u04RBLw/s1600/IMG_4064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u6NagikcCIo/VRmYbv1JpvI/AAAAAAAACHs/t1m-u04RBLw/s1600/IMG_4064.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dim Sum with Gary's Family <br />
(Sook Sook-Gary's Brother, MaMa -grandma, YeYe -grandpa, and PoPo - Gary's grandmother)</td></tr>
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Since being back in the states, we have craved Chinese food - authentic, only available for the most part overseas, Chinese food. So, last night we had a wonderful meal cooked by hubby of curry, rice and egg <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/2010/06/big-in-japan-kare-raisu-japanese-curry-rice.html" target="_blank">{Kare Raisu}</a>which we ate at the food court in his parents' building. The Kare Raisu we ate had an egg cooked- sort of like an omelette - in a pan with the ball of rice on top and then it was flipped over onto the plate with the curry. So, so yummy!!<br />
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This weekend (older post - we enjoyed our Dim Sum and our trip to IKEA this day) - weather permitting - we have planned a morning of Dim Sum at a restaurant a little further from our house and tea time at a local Asian buns and coffee house called <a href="http://www.sweethutbakery.com/#welcome-intro" target="_blank">Sweet Hut</a>. Can't Wait!!! We have made a plan from now on to eat Dim Sum at least once a month and invite different friends along.<br />
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The day in Hong Kong begins like the day in most other places around the world with people getting out of the house to go to work. But, <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g294217-s502/Hong-Kong:China:Breakfast.html" target="_blank">breakfast</a> in Hong Kong looks very different there than in the States. You can get eggs and oatmeal and toast, but those aren't the most common items found. Our breakfast here wouldn't last long with all of the walking and moving one does in Hong Kong.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast of Noodles, Beef and Bok Choy with Egg</td></tr>
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The most common breakfast at home or out will include Dim Sum, noodles, buns or Breakfast sets at restaurants. If I wanted eggs, I requested them at home or ordered them alongside noodles. You can find cereal and oatmeal in the grocery, but the "Americanized" food tends to be more pricey.<br />
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<i><b><a href="http://www.fodors.com/news/ultimate-guide-to-dim-sum-5867.html" target="_blank">Dim Sum Common Dishes:</a></b></i><br />
<i>Dim Sum is the Chinese equivalent to our southern restaurants that serve food in dishes family style. The dishes are ordered and brought to the table where they are placed on a giant lazy Susan in the center of the table. This is a great way to eat if you are a Chinese food newbie since you will get to try a lot of different things. I love Dim Sum. It is a laid back way to eat, drink tea and visit with friends.</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dim Sum Table </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Congee</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken Feet</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://joshicancook.blogspot.com/2009/05/pigs-blood-pigs-blood-fried-with.html" target="_blank">Pork Blood</a><br />
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I have actually tried most everything there is to try from Dim Sum, including the Pork Blood and Chicken Feet. I do not care for chicken feet as it really is all about the chewing and not really any meat. The Pork Blood actually tastes a lot like beef liver and has the consistency of Tofu. I like both tofu and beef liver so this wasn't a biggie for me.<br />
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Congee is a winter staple at our home and it is our equivalent to Chicken Soup when we are sick - Declan loves it! It is so easy and simple to make - only one cup of rice goes a long way. We often add chicken, mushrooms, ginger and scallions to our congee along with the water.<br />
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<i><b>Other Breakfast:</b></i><br />
Buns are served as a Dim Sum dish as well as found as a take and go snack. This article tells a lot about the different types. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baozi" target="_blank">{Buns}</a><br />
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We also often visited a Chinese Bakery for tea time or for a quick snack for Declan. This website has a lot of mouth watering photos of the bakery items we eat most. <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/2014/10/chinese-bakery-pastries-buns-egg-tarts-guide.html" target="_blank">{Chinese Pastries}</a><br />
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My favorites are the Red Bean Pastries while Gary loves the Egg Custard Tarts. Declan often went for the Hot Dog or Sponge cake pastries. The Sweet Hut tea and pastry shop is where we find these in the Atlanta area.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baked Goods (Chinese Buns)</td></tr>
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<i><b>Snacks:</b></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mDa7TAQ-9ms/VPjK12dJwgI/AAAAAAAACBQ/620C28Id2PI/s1600/IMG_4017.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mDa7TAQ-9ms/VPjK12dJwgI/AAAAAAAACBQ/620C28Id2PI/s1600/IMG_4017.CR2" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.justonecookbook.com/recipes/takoyaki-recipe/" target="_blank">Octopus Balls (Takoyaki)</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSJV6gMrPlE/VPjLiwGIerI/AAAAAAAACCY/g4SpCfAz1oA/s1600/IMG_4677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSJV6gMrPlE/VPjLiwGIerI/AAAAAAAACCY/g4SpCfAz1oA/s1600/IMG_4677.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://travel.cnn.com/hong-kong/eat/hong-kong-egg-waffles-885080" target="_blank">Gai Daan Tsai (Waffles)</a> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S18lwFEnNHo/VPjLdc_ZluI/AAAAAAAACBk/zin507-I7Bo/s1600/IMG_4428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S18lwFEnNHo/VPjLdc_ZluI/AAAAAAAACBk/zin507-I7Bo/s1600/IMG_4428.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://steamykitchen.com/2147-chinese-tea-eggs-recipe.html" target="_blank">Chinese Tea Eggs </a></td></tr>
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<i><b>Hot Pot for Dinner:</b></i><br />
<a href="http://yireservation.com/recipes/chinese-hot-pot-part-i/" target="_blank">Hot Pot</a> refers to a way of cooking a lot of food in one pot with a boiling soup base. The water is kept boiling hot and items such as meat, fish balls, vegetables and other items are dropped into the pot where it cooks. You then take out what you want and eat it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7 Layer Pot for Chinese New Year (Already cooked) Included Chicken, Veggies, Abalone)<br />
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We enjoyed Hot Pot for our Chinese New Year Meal with all of Gary's family. I will add more photos of family meals when I find them on the computer :)<br />
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<br />AnnaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764260444881951963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4186570506095720230.post-37869968476895257232015-03-18T22:50:00.002-04:002015-03-18T22:50:40.844-04:00Upstairs Playroom/Schoolroom (OlioBoard) We recently transitioned our son to his very own big boy bed!! I know - it is a happy moment knowing he is still our little boy, but he is getting so big so fast!!<br />
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Anyway, while shopping at IKEA for his bed (full post on that coming soon), I had somewhat of an epiphany. We were strolling - well not really strolling - but squeezing our way through IKEA on Family Day when we stopped in the section where the hide a beds were. Now, when we first purchased our home and saw the staircase and how hard it was to move furniture upstairs we vowed to NEVER EVER own a hide a bed or a sofa bed as they are called sometimes.<br />
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But, on this day - we thought why not? And, here is our reasoning.<br />
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Having a little two year old involves having a lot of extra stuff - a lot needed, some probably not. But, as he grows, he takes up more space and so do the amount of items he needs.<br />
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He currently has 3 rooms in our home all to himself - his bedroom, his bathroom and our downstairs "dining room" which is his current playroom. Now, when he was a little tike - he was very easily entertained within the confines of the dining room space via baby gates. Now that he is a full head strong two year old, those baby gates are not doing their job. The result - toys EVERYWHERE downstairs. At the end of the day, most of the cars and trucks and trains have found their way into every room of the house.<br />
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Our extra bedroom is supposed to be our guest room, but we honestly have a bed in there and the rest is storage - clothes, baby bed and mattress, pictures we have no where to hang. We have been purging and selling a ton and we still have a ways to go, but we need to gain more control over our space.<br />
<br />
We decided that we really don't need a fully devoted room just for guests (sorry family). We do occasionally have guests during the holidays, but that is pretty much the extent of it. So, getting back to that hide a bed. We decided we will sell the double bed and mattress and some other things we have in our guest room.<br />
<br />
We will purchase an L-Shaped low profile sofa with a fold out double bed (whether from IKEA or somewhere else) and place it in the room. This will clear up sooooo much space. I will then move the trestle table and cubbies (hubby made these) from downstairs along with the cubby shelving (also built by hubby) into the room along with all of little D's art supplies, books, puzzles and toys.<br />
<br />
If he wants to play downstairs, we will use the bucket system and he will be allowed to fill that bucket with toys to play with downstairs. At the end of the day, it will be filled back up and the toys will be taken back upstairs. This new toy room/activity room will also allow us to have a little quiet preschool area where we can work on learning activities and art activities. We may eventually hang a TV in there on the wall, but as for now TV is a limited commodity at our house.<br />
<br />
Room Plans and Mood Board (via OlioBoard):<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Fb9ilEDuBc/VQowoQCzf6I/AAAAAAAACD8/GrTBgWj8Ia8/s1600/OB-playroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Fb9ilEDuBc/VQowoQCzf6I/AAAAAAAACD8/GrTBgWj8Ia8/s1600/OB-playroom.jpg" height="482" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The above is my first attempt at using OlioBoard to create a Mood Board. I like it, but think using other tools can be somewhat faster unless you use all of the items from the downloaded brands they already have available. Some of the items shown here include:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>A cute little chalk board/art area for the corner as seen on TheProjectGirl.com and her roundup of spaces from the <a href="http://www.theprojectgirl.com/2013/06/07/utah-valley-parade-of-homes-2013/" target="_blank">Utah Parade of Homes 2013</a> {Definitely DIY}</li>
<li> (2nd Option) Easel that can easily be for chalk or drawing </li>
<li>Industrial shelving as seen on <a href="http://www.beneathmyheart.net/2014/02/industrial-shelves-boys-room/" target="_blank">Beneath My Heart</a> {DIY LOVE LOVE LOVE this look}</li>
<li><a href="http://retropolitanhip.blogspot.com/2012/05/from-3-ikea-floor-mat-to-flippin.html" target="_blank">Floor Poufs</a> - these have been popular for a while now, but I just haven't had the time to complete them - Summer project for sure using IKEA Signe Flatwoven rugs in various colors (I chose a red/sage stripe and a black/red stripe). These rugs were $2.99 each!! Of course, the stuffing will be pricey. I will save up my JoAnn's coupons for that. </li>
<li>Pottery Barn Stripe Rug - Pricey at $299 for a 5'x8', but this will be in the playroom so I want something cheap. I have been wanting to paint a canvas rug for a while. Add to my list of Things to Do. </li>
<li>Art Center- Love these rolling carts from IKEA at $30.00, but I already have a thrifted one from my favorite little spot. May repaint it a better color. </li>
<li>Love Love Love the Smart Store system from The Container Store. I will be purchasing a few of these and the Sterilite containers from Target to store his ever growing art supply pile</li>
<li>To keep this room a little rustic and boyish, I am going to go for stripes, plaids and woodsey prints. I might even break down and take on the trend of paper mache animal heads on the wall. Maybe....</li>
<li>Art will be kept to a minimum because I want this room to be mainly functional. There will be a chalkboard/art roll as well as a magnetic center for letters, numbers, etc. Other art will include family photos, pallet board art (DIY), and maybe some vintage airplane or car paintings. A few of my favorite sayings I have seen recently on DIY signs include, "You are our greatest adventure", "Why fit in when you were born to stand out", "Every good and perfect gift comes from above", "A Little boy is the only thing God can use to make a man", "It was always you." </li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, I am sure my readers are tired of seeing the ever changing "Playroom" Posts, but this home is ever changing. Ever since beginning Dave Ramsey and vowing to pay off all of our debt within the next few years (our house will take a little longer), we have decided to stay in this home for a while and just make it work for us where we are. We don't need more space, we just need less unnecessary items and a little more organization. </div>
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Not quite sure what we will fill the empty dining room space with once we move little man upstairs, but it will either take on its previous dining room roll or will become a keeping/sitting room where we can read or I can paint. </div>
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Thanks for reading. Hope to have some updates and photos soon. Blogging is always the easy part. Finding time to tackle these projects is what gets put on hold. I would much rather be at the part with little D. </div>
AnnaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764260444881951963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4186570506095720230.post-63194710515106698872015-03-15T16:37:00.001-04:002015-03-15T16:37:16.246-04:00Where do I Begin? (Decorating 101)<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Where
Do I Begin?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Following design trends is like trying to follow
fashion trends – they change constantly! Should you follow trends? Yes, If they
suit your overall style. But, what are the basic design rules to follow that
don’t necessarily rely only on trends? How can you have a home that looks like
a million bucks without spending a fortune and without changing your décor
every season?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <b>Take your time</b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">:
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Decorating is an expensive
business. Having an overall vision for the space (and, more importantly – a
budget) before beginning is a good way to save money in the long run. There are
a variety of means available to pre-plan for a space. One popular way to do
this is by creating a Design Board using Pinterest or by using other Internet
resources such as Olioboard to create a Mood Board. Magazines and photographs
can also help create a Mood Board or collage if you are a more hands on kind of
planner. Cut clippings from magazines when you see something that inspires you
and create a photo collage. All of these will help you to see your vision. If
you are still feeling overwhelmed, hire a designer to help. There is nothing
worse than choosing items for your home only to hate them when you see them in
the space. Some items can’t be returned and who wants the hassle anyway? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Other ways to take your time
include shopping for signature pieces that make a statement. Frequent vintage
and resale shops until you find the pieces that speak to you and your overall
design vision. By shopping vintage and resale, you can save money a lot of
times and the pieces will have character. If you do find the perfect piece,
don’t snag it just because it is the perfect price. Also think about what you
might need to do to it once you bring it home – repaint, reupholster, fix
drawers. If you need to refinish, count the cost of paint and supplies. If the
piece needs to be reupholstered, add $300-$400 to the sale price. Also remember
that wherever you decide to shop, price doesn’t always negate quality. Hiring
someone to refinish or reupholster a piece for you will sometimes produce
better results than purchasing an expensive piece from the mass produced
market. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Measure
and measure again:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Unless you are able to knock walls
down in order to expand you space, measuring is a necessity when it comes to
designing a space. If it won’t fit, it won’t fit. Remember to keep scale and
proportion of objects, of furnishings and of furniture in mind as well as
overall square footage of the space. You want to choose pieces that fit well
proportionally in the space as well as look proportional to each other. A small
chair will look out of place in a large room while it will look just right in a
smaller room. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Focus
on function:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Some rooms are a no brainer when it
comes to function. A bathroom has a very specific function as well as a
kitchen. But, what function do other rooms in your home have? Some rooms can
function in several ways especially when you have children or when you work
from home. That spare bedroom which would normally be just for guest can double
as an office or playroom. How often you need a guest room may also lead to
different furniture purchases and more functions for the space. If you choose
to add a bed, the space is limited for other functions. But, what if you did a
sofa with a fold out bed? Your space just increased as did the room’s overall
functions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The one rule to avoid though is to
have your office inside your bedroom. Mixing work and sleep could have
repercussions on how well you sleep. If you do have to have a workspace in your
sleeping space, try to make it as inconspicuous as possible with room dividers,
great organization and minimal office furniture. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Acknowledge ALL of the surfaces in
a room:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Many of us tend to choose a paint
color, flooring, draperies and furnishings but neglect the sixth side of a room
– the ceiling. Make a statement with the ceiling by using wallpaper, beams,
wooden planks, or paint it a contrasting color to make a huge statement. If you
aren’t into making a huge statement, purchase a gallon of white paint and have
it tinted with the wall color you are using in the space.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Keep
it clean and organized:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">No matter what your design style or
which trends you decide to follow, keep your space clean, organized and clutter
free. Purge or store anything you don’t need on a regular basis and don’t go
overboard with items that will clutter the space. Baskets and bins are a great
investment to hide unwanted clutter especially in the office area or if your
children’s toys share the living space. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Remember that having a home where YOU feel
comfortable is your main goal. Trends do have their place in moderation, but
remember that you are not decorating for your neighbors or friends. You want
your home to feel welcoming when you entertain visitors, but the overall design
style should be reflection of your tastes. You want to love coming home!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
AnnaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764260444881951963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4186570506095720230.post-8243382530009223822015-03-03T14:57:00.002-05:002015-03-03T14:57:49.187-05:00What We Packed: Toddler Carryon and Backpack Marrying someone from another country means it is inevitable that you will travel at some point with kids. This is my first post of many documenting our trip to Hong Kong ~ our first with little man {he was 2 years 4 months at the time}. This was my third trip.<br />
<br />
When we first decided to travel home for Chinese New Year, my teacher brain began to plan. I am the OCD, rule following, must have a plan part of this marriage!<br />
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This post will show what we packed and how we packed (Part 1 for Declan)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Little Man's BackPack</i> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>Books:</b><br />
<b>The books chosen were ones on topics he loves right now (transportation vehicles). A huge plus to these books is that they are interactive and he can spend a while on one page lifting the flaps and naming items. The airplane book was read to him before our trip to help get him ready. </b><br />
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<ol>
<li><i>Slide and Find - Trucks</i> by Roger Priddy </li>
<li><i>Busy, Busy Thomas</i> (Thomas & Friends) Nifty Lift-and-Look Board Book by Rev. W. Awdry </li>
<li><i>The Noisy Airplane Ride</i> by Mike Downs and David Gordon </li>
</ol>
<b>Activities: </b><br />
<b>I picked up several zippered pencil cases from Wal-Mart one day. My goal was to fill them with items that would keep our little man entertained during our very long flight. Movies usually cause him to get a little rowdy because he is sitting still so long. </b><br />
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<i>Pouch 1: Coloring </i><br />
<ul>
<li>Disney Planes Play Pack Grab & Go {Included two sticker sheets, one coloring pad and 4 crayons} </li>
<li>Crayola Coloring Pad Disney Pixar Cars (picked up for $1.00)</li>
<li>1 My First Crayola Triangular Crayons 8 ct</li>
</ul>
<div>
***I removed the crayons from the Grab and Go and just put in the triangular ones since they don't roll. Huge plus with a tray table and confined space. </div>
<br />
<i>Pouch 2: Valentines Craft ***Since we were traveling on February 12, this was the perfect craft. </i><br />
<ul>
<li>White cardstock hearts cut using a template </li>
<li>Red construction paper strips {for the accordion legs and arms}</li>
<li>Valentines Stickers Chosen by Declan himself (Target)</li>
<li>Googly Eyes {Self-adhesive is best}</li>
<li>Glue stick </li>
</ul>
<i>Pouch 3: </i><br />
<ul>
<li>Popsicle Sticks with Velcro attached to the ends </li>
<li>Matching Wooden Circles <a href="http://www.dandee-designs.com/2011/05/shapes-colors-memory-game.html" target="_blank">{Transportation Memory Game}</a> I got the idea from here and used the wooden circles (Michael's), but I printed photos of vehicles using my computer's clip art. On one side, there are emergency vehicles (firetruck, ambulance, police car) and the other side has construction vehicle such as dump truck and excavator. </li>
</ul>
<i>Pouch 4: </i><br />
Felt Button Snake <a href="http://happyhooligans.ca/button-snake/" target="_blank">{Button Snake}</a><br />
Lace and Learn Shapes ~ Farm Theme {Birthday Gift}<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HpGBvD1PmXQ/VNltKafEFwI/AAAAAAAABwA/f32otmSxM30/s1600/LaceAndLearn.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HpGBvD1PmXQ/VNltKafEFwI/AAAAAAAABwA/f32otmSxM30/s1600/LaceAndLearn.png" height="200" width="146" /></a></div>
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<b>Toys:</b><br />
Car Roll Mat with 3 cars and 3 trains <a href="http://www.sewdelicious.com.au/2012/04/toy-car-mat-tutorial.html" target="_blank">{Car Mat Tutorial}</a> I liked this one best. I followed it mainly, but added an extra piece of fabric behind the road to create an extra wide pocket. In this pocket, I inserted a Train Track sewn onto felt and a felt Dumptruck page with buttons. <a href="http://allthequietthings.blogspot.com/2013/03/quiet-book-boys.html?m=1" target="_blank">{Dump Truck With Button Up Tires"</a><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Snacks:</b><br />
Sippy Cup {One that doesn't leak!!}<br />
Snacks {Box of raisins, 1 package Dehydrated fruit (Costco), Annie's Cheddar Snack Mix, 1 Peter Rabbit Organic Fruit Pouch}<br />
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<i><br /></i>
<i>Extras ~ You know, Just in Case</i><br />
<br />
<i>I wanted to have something to surprise him with when he got anxious or fussy. These were based on his likes at the time. </i><br />
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Disney Planes Racing Dusty Crophopper Die Cast Plane <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YrU4S6thAgU/VNluTCPpzuI/AAAAAAAABwI/WbaVX5OTF6w/s1600/DustyPlane.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YrU4S6thAgU/VNluTCPpzuI/AAAAAAAABwI/WbaVX5OTF6w/s1600/DustyPlane.png" height="200" width="148" /></a></div>
18 Wheel Truck with a car that goes inside a trailer {He loved the one our neighbor had}<br />
<div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>CarryOn:</i></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>1 Pack size 5 Super dry diapers</li>
<li>1 Huggies Designer Tub {Full - Came Free in a box of diapers from Costco}</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nu2DhRHeSoY/VNlzltoQR8I/AAAAAAAABwY/deV5UFp4PLU/s1600/HuggiesWipesDispenser.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nu2DhRHeSoY/VNlzltoQR8I/AAAAAAAABwY/deV5UFp4PLU/s1600/HuggiesWipesDispenser.png" height="200" width="187" /></a></div>
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<ul></ul>
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<ul>
<li>1 Huggies Natural Care Clutch 'n' Clean Refillable wipes holder with arm strap - great for airport and walking around Hong Kong {Free in box of Costco diapers, but can be found at Wal-mart}</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OkkpWYU9eiE/VNl0tXKQGYI/AAAAAAAABwg/0g4YG8Z9dko/s1600/ClutchHuggies.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OkkpWYU9eiE/VNl0tXKQGYI/AAAAAAAABwg/0g4YG8Z9dko/s1600/ClutchHuggies.png" height="158" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />
<ul>
<li>Small soft blanket (From a dear friend's mom for Declan's baby shower)</li>
<li>Summer Infant ChangeAway Changing Pad (with two diapers inside for ease of getting to the airplane bathroom)</li>
<li>A zippered pouch for night time items ~ comfy 2 piece PJs, Disney Cars Softee Fuzzy Socks, <a href="https://www.perfectlyposh.com/skin-sticks/sleepy-skin-stick" target="_blank">Lavender Stick</a>, <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=13276901&cp=&parentPage=search" target="_blank">My First Blankie</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-First-Years-Teething-Pacifier/dp/B006I0R68A" target="_blank">The First Years GumDrop Teething Pacifier</a>, <i>Goodnight Moon </i>by Margaret Wise Brown{We decided that since the flight was 16 hours and we would be getting up so early to get to the airport that we would follow the same bedtime routine on the plane} </li>
<li>One extra set of comfy clothes like drawstring pants and a loose T-Shirt {Our poor little man is prone to car sickness}</li>
<li>Headphones and Leap Frog {Loaned to us by generous friends}</li>
<li>Memory Foam Pillow </li>
</ul>
<div>
Reflections on the airplane ride:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The best thing we did for this trip was keep little man on his schedule the day before and he had a great night of sleep. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The second best advice found in my research was to follow bedtime routine on the airplane. This worked like a charm on the way over to Hong Kong. We took Declan to the airplane bathroom at his normal bedtime. We changed his diaper, brushed his teeth, and put on his PJs. We then went back to our seat and read his favorite bedtime story, rubbed his forehead with Lavender, gave him his lovey and blanket and after he got comfortable on the seat between daddy and I he fell fast asleep lulled by the sound of the airplane's engine. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
The third best advice was to pack a couple of new toys for him to open during flight. This worked great for when he was getting restless and we had to keep our seatbelts on. We opened the new truck and he spent a long time just rolling it along the tray table. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Something I did that probably was overkill- all of the pouches of activities. We did use the crayons and stickers and he loved the Valentine's activity. The rest we never opened! </div>
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<br />AnnaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764260444881951963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4186570506095720230.post-32943105082073625042015-02-19T02:55:00.001-05:002015-03-03T14:04:56.246-05:00Tourist Attractions: Noah's Ark and Hong Kong Cable Car Ride<a href="http://www.noahsark.com.hk/eng/index.php" target="_blank">Noah's Ark </a><br />
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Noah's Ark was our first tourist stop on our trip. It was quite cloudy this day so we weren't able to take in the Solar Tower and we spent most of our visit eating lunch at the buffet and viewing the amphibians inside. Declan loved the Chameleon.<br />
<br />
This tourist area offers a hotel and buffet as well as the venue itself and shopping. The walk from the transportation stop to the Ark is nice as well with a lot of little shops and food venues.<br />
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<a href="http://www.np360.com.hk/en/" target="_blank">Hong Kong Ngong Ping Cable Car Ride </a><br />
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This was an awesome ride. We rode public transportation to get to Ngong Ping and then waited in line (a long line so make sure you have something to keep any little ones happy). We ended up buying the round trip tickets along with the boat ride in the <a href="http://www.np360.com.hk/en/np360-exp/one_day_pass.html" target="_blank">fishing village</a>. We opted for the round trip tickets over the glass bottom cars (I was very happy about this since I am fearful of heights).<br />
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The cable car ride up to the Buddha was a long one. But, Declan loved it. He stood on the seat the whole time and looked out of the window. It was very cloudy (granted this was February, but the humidity was high) the day we went so we didn't see a lot on the way up, but by the time we left the sun was out full force and we had an awesome view!<br />
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From the cable car, we could see the Hong Kong Airport, the landscape, and the new bridge from Hong Kong Island to Macau.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trip Up</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not Fearful Of Heights At all</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clear Afternoon Skies Beautiful</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We Could See Everything From Up Here on the Way Back </td></tr>
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After getting off of the cable car, we walked around the village shops and hiked to the top of the hill to see the brass <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/see-do/culture-heritage/chinese-temples/big-buddha-and-po-lin-monastery.jsp" target="_blank">Big Buddha and Lon Po Monestary</a>. To the top of the Buddha is 268 steps. The hike is well worth it when you arrive at the top and look down to see the hills and ocean views. Incense was burning everywhere. There are also cows roaming free on the road and dogs everywhere off leash. They are safe, but petting or feeding them is not something you should do. We were also able to walk through the temple and see the kneeling spots of the monks. The monks weren't that happy that all of the tourist areas were added, but they do receive monies from people there.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Village</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Declan and Sook Sook (Chinese term for Uncle)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buddhist Tree </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dogs Were Everywhere (They had inner peace as well!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buddha</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Year's Incense </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lon Po Monastery</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View From the Top</td></tr>
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Gary's dad also wears Buddhist beads around his wrists which he was able to "recharge" while we were there. He wears them as a sort of protection. He paid his respects to the Buddha and believes he receives more protection from this process. Inside of the beads are 6 strands. One time, his dad says, that all 6 strings broke and he knew something bad was going to happen. Someone was robbing taxis. Gary's dad is a taxi driver.<br />
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After seeing the Buddha and the Monastery, we traveled by taxi (you could take a bus) down the hill to the fishing village. We walked around the little village and then rode a speed boat out into the water where we were able to see the famous Pink Chinese Dolphins. You can also see the historic Tai O Heritage Hotel which resides in the restored <a href="http://www.hongkongextras.com/_lantau.html" target="_blank">Tai O Police Station</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barely Make Out the Pink Chinese Dolphins</td></tr>
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Our little man was kept busy while we climbed up to the Buddha by his YeYe and bubbles. Having someone at the base to watch any small children is a must. The boat ride was his favorite and he finally fell asleep at this point on his YeYe's lap to the bouncing of the waves.<br />
<br />AnnaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764260444881951963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4186570506095720230.post-85480435047627914312015-02-19T02:06:00.004-05:002015-03-05T15:46:25.964-05:00Hong Kong: Highlights Daily LifeTraveling to Hong Kong, in my opinion, gets a little easier each time you visit. For one thing, you get used to being the minority, you get used to using public transportation, you get accustomed to packing a bag before you leave the house and you learn to LOVE the food and convenience of shopping.<br />
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<i>Daily Life:</i><br />
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Because you are using public transportation to get everywhere, a BAG is a must when you leave home. You won't have a car to run back to if you need something. Any bag will work, but a great bag will be able to hold a good bit without being too heavy to carry. A great bag will also have an outside pocket to put your OCTOPUS card inside so you can just slide your bag (or wallet) over the NFC (Near Field Communication) sensor at the many public transportation stations. You can also load money on your card and use it for purchasing at most stores (people in Hong Kong really don't use ATM cards or credit - mainly cash or OCTOPUS).<br />
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<i>What to pack in your bag:</i><br />
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<ul>
<li>Mini Umbrella</li>
<li>Snack</li>
<li>Water (most restaurants serve tea or soft drinks only)</li>
<li>Packs of tissue (you won't receive a ton of napkins at restaurants)</li>
<li>Hand sanitizer (we carried wipes)</li>
<li>Scarf that can be used for a wrap or wear a jacket (even on the most humid days, the air conditioning in malls and public transportation is cold - the wind between the buildings can also be cold)</li>
<li>Cell Phone/earbuds</li>
<li>OCTOPUS card </li>
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<i>Traveling with baby or toddler:</i></div>
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Since we were traveling with a toddler (2 years 4 months), I often used his small backpack as a diaper bag and my bag. You don't know when you might return home or how long a trip might take so plenty of diapers, wipes, a bag to put dirty diapers inside and a change of clothes. There aren't always changing table either!!! We practiced changing his diaper standing up for a couple of weeks before we visited. You can always put the toilet seat down and have him or her stand up for changing (of course if it isn't a messy diaper). Of course, there are stores everywhere so forgetting something isn't an issue. </div>
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<i>Stroller Access:</i><br />
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If you have a busy toddler who doesn't like to sit still (as we do), a stroller is a huge plus. Friends gave us a Maclaren stroller to use on our trip. It was a lifesaver!! Navigating the streets is sometimes difficult at rush hour, but the MTR stations have stroller access, there are lifts everywhere and balancing a stroller up or down the escalator is achievable. Also, a lot of restaurants do not have high chairs so the stroller is used there.<br />
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Whatever stroller you choose, it should be one that takes up limited space and can fold really quickly. Our little man spent most of his transportation rides in the stroller until he discovered how cool it was to hold onto the bar and spread his legs for balance on the MTR.<br />
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At home, the basket at the bottom of the stroller is used a lot to store items, but Hong Kong streets are quite dusty. Bringing a plastic bag to store an extra jacket or bought items is a plus if you use the basket on the stroller. Our <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/The-Mommy-Hook-Stroller-Hanger-Black/16351146" target="_blank">Mommy Hook</a> came in handy as well.<br />
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<i>Food: </i><br />
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"American Food" is scarce in Hong Kong, but there are usually options. If you are a picky eater, buns, Congee, rice and noodles are on every menu. There are always little shops along the way to get items you may want to snack on between meals if you know you are not going to try different foods.<br />
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Our families' building had a Starbucks, <a href="http://www.spaghettihouse.com/html/eng/vip/spaghetti360.jsp" target="_blank">Spaghetti 360 </a>, <a href="http://www.cafedecoral.com/eng/main/index.jsp" target="_blank">Cafe De Coral</a> and California Pizza Kitchen. There are also Japanese and Vietnamese restaurants. McDonalds isn't hard to find at all as well as KFC and Wendys.<br />
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<b>Dim Sum: What to Try <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/2011/04/guide-to-dim-sum-dumplings-siu-mai-bao-chinese-steamed-buns.html" target="_blank">Serious Eats</a></b><br />
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Dim Sum is a must if you visit Hong Kong and the restaurants are everywhere. Dim Sum is a great way to try different foods as it is served family style. You have your own bowl and chopsticks and everyone orders. The food is in the center of the table on a Lazy Susan and you can try everything.<br />
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My Favorites:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Congee (great for a toddler)</li>
<li>Lo Baak Gou</li>
<li>Cha Sui Bao</li>
<li>Lo Mai Gai</li>
<li>Har Gau</li>
</ul>
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Stay tuned for updates on these posts when we return to the states. Pictures will be added then. I can't wait for everyone to see the photos of the foods and of our little man holding his own on the MTR and escalators. </div>
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<br />AnnaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764260444881951963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4186570506095720230.post-16603403481903341662015-02-19T01:18:00.001-05:002015-02-19T01:18:19.983-05:00AnnaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764260444881951963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4186570506095720230.post-73180222747884365972015-02-02T21:15:00.002-05:002015-02-03T14:27:16.664-05:00Let's Get Cozy ~ Parachute Home <div class="MsoNormal">
Disclaimer: This is a post featuring <a href="http://www.parachutehome.com/collections/bedding" target="_blank">Parachute Home</a>. All opinions are 100% my own.<br />
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As someone who sees snow as a beautiful sight - from indoors that is- I was excited when I was approached by Parachute Home to write a blog post on what it means for me to get cozy during the winter months.</div>
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Growing up in the south, Mississippi to be exact, there
wasn't ever really a need to celebrate the seasons - all four of them I mean.
We had two seasons, “Boiling Hot” where
you developed that little sweat mustache as soon as you cracked your front door in the morning, if you even dared.<br />
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Our second season was what you might refer to as “A Little Cooler” which meant we
needed a light jacket- maybe a sweatshirt in football season or a heavier coat. On the off chance that we had an ice storm or a little dusting of snow, you know the times that the entire state shuts down in panic and school is cancelled for weeks (insert Northern snicker here), we did bundle up a little more. </div>
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So, all of that being said, it wasn't until my husband and I made
the move to Georgia that we even knew what it meant to have more than two seasons per year. I know, I know still in the south, but we actually do get a few of the seasons here. </div>
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The first winter here we realized we didn't have the proper
wardrobe. We ended up buying gloves, scarves, sweaters, boots and good coats. We also bought a home with a fireplace which is AWESOME!</div>
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But, all of these things were not enough for me to become a
lover of all things winter. Can I say irritation at having to <i>try</i> to layer a
shirt with a sweater (that might just be me, I don’t know) and dry itchy skin,
dry hair and static electricity. Throw two hairy dogs in that ball of yarn and
you've got enough electricity to power a small light fixture.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There are some people who love the snow and colder
climates. I will say that I do love some aspects of the colder weather a few
months out of the year. The clothes really are cute in winter. Who doesn't love
wearing tall boots, boot socks, chunky infinity scarves and gloves all to
match? Having short hair, I have to say I also really learned to love hats. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But, it isn't the clothes that make me the most comfy in
winter. </div>
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As soon as the weather begins to get cooler, I begin not to dream of
boots and sweaters (although they do look so super cute for a run to the Starbucks drive through), but of hibernation. That is a human thing right? Oh well, the bears can have their caves, I will take the sofa!<o:p></o:p></div>
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So here it is—what is my idea of comfort on a cold winter’s
day? I love to stay indoors. Since we have a fireplace, that is a must on super
cold days. To truly appeal to the ultimate level of comfort (in my opinion
that is), one must appeal to all of the senses at once.<br />
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The <i>sound</i> of the fireplace crackling and the
warmth it provides. There is something soothing about it and relaxing.</div>
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Along with
the crackling fire, a nice cup of hot chocolate with whipped cream and cinnamon
on top warms the tongue and reminds us of bonfires and s'mores. Sitting on the floor in front of the
fireplace is not very comfortable, but in our house, we like to pile pillows
and blankets on the floor in front of the fireplace and curl up together. Down filled
pillows and cashmere blankets are perfect for this cold weather cuddling. <o:p></o:p><br />
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It is at times like these we skip all of the fluff of the
winter wardrobe and just settle for our most comfy PJs and warm socks. No need
for a scarf and hat here. Unless of course you want to wear your mittens as a
barrier from your hot cocoa mug! <o:p></o:p><br />
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Here are a few items from Parachute Home that could find there way into our home on a cold winter's day. Parachute Home is a <a href="http://www.parachutehome.com/collections/bedding" target="_blank">newer bedding company</a> that offers quality cozy products for a really affordable price.<br />
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<i>Striped Cashmere Throw in Pearl and Desert Sand</i><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-phk9p-pNObI/VNAul37OX6I/AAAAAAAABvQ/Bru7W-OwVyQ/s1600/throw.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-phk9p-pNObI/VNAul37OX6I/AAAAAAAABvQ/Bru7W-OwVyQ/s1600/throw.png" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Scented Candle Fireside </i><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9EiRGcVR7F8/VNAu7NA7PjI/AAAAAAAABvY/B7xFAhJMZKk/s1600/candle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9EiRGcVR7F8/VNAu7NA7PjI/AAAAAAAABvY/B7xFAhJMZKk/s1600/candle.png" height="320" width="284" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i><i> Linen Decorative Pillow in Agate</i><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cXj0wLRipAg/VNAvJxgBcSI/AAAAAAAABvg/kN5HyElnLX0/s1600/pillow.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cXj0wLRipAg/VNAvJxgBcSI/AAAAAAAABvg/kN5HyElnLX0/s1600/pillow.png" height="320" width="250" /></a></div>
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AnnaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764260444881951963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4186570506095720230.post-46964072433969942212014-11-10T21:03:00.001-05:002014-11-10T21:35:05.438-05:00Ways to Have a Happier (and more giving) Holiday Season <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ways
to Have a Happier (and more giving) Holiday Season</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If you
are like me, you begin getting into the holiday season as soon as the Pumpkin
Spiced coffee arrives back on the scene and there is a little chill in the air.
Suddenly the trees are shed of their colorful leaves and the sweaters come out
of storage. All too quickly we begin to make our Christmas lists and thoughts
of Thanksgiving are brushed aside as we begin to busy ourselves. It seems that
this time arrives earlier and earlier each year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">While we
should be relishing in our first seasonal break, turkey and football, the clock
begins to move at dizzying speed as retailers stock their shelves with holiday décor.
Christmas trees are for sale while Thanksgiving items are being sold at
discount prices on the next isle and remnants of Halloween costumes litter the
clearance racks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What does this mean for the consumer? It means that we
begin to feel pressure – pressure to shop and shop some more. Pressure to get
everything on our mile long list and pressure to buy for everyone we know.
Thanksgiving becomes a blur of eating and the next day brings Black Friday and
all of the craziness that it entails. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">With a little thought and careful planning, we will not
get caught up in the hustle and bustle and will be able to enjoy what the
Christmas season is really all about – <i>giving
to others and enjoying quality time with family and friends</i>. There are
several ways to achieve a happy and joyous Christmas season without going broke
and without feeling like you didn’t get a break at all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Create a budget and do not waver<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Christmas does come at the same time each year! If you
being in January budgeting for the extra costs of Christmas, you will not need
to add up unneeded credit card debt. Make a list for who you are buying gifts
for and set limits. One option to prevent buying a present for everyone in your
entire extended family is to have a name drawing and buy only for the person
you choose. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Calculate hidden costs<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hidden costs of the holiday season can include elevated
electricity bills due to guests and/or holiday décor, gasoline costs from
sitting in heavy traffic and endless trips to the store, shipping costs if you
procrastinate, additional grocery costs due to visitors, parties and large
meals as well as giftwrap, Christmas cards and stamps. Remember to add these
into your budget. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Shop for well thought gifts<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Many of us can get caught up in the “sales” including
Black Friday. But, these shopping trips can lead to overspending and impulse
buying. Really give thought to the gift buying process. Give gifts that will
truly mean something to the recipients. Think about what would make someone’s
life easier like a subscription to a dinner preparation center like Dream
Dinners in Cumming or a prepaid maid service. Also think about that person’s
hobbies or something they have always really wanted to do but haven’t. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Also put thought into <i>where</i>
you shop. Some businesses use part of their proceeds to help others and pay it
forward and many are Buy One, Give One companies. Some examples are Toms Shoes and
Sunglasses, Blue Silk Scarves, Burt’s Bees, Blanket America, Roma Boots,
Noonday (jewelry), Sseko (sandals/purses), Tukula (accessories), Better Life
Bags (Detroit based), Not For Sale (T-shirts), Hydros (water bottles), Krochet
Kids (clothing), Sevenly (clothes), Barnabas Clothing, Hiptipico, Red Earth
Trading Company (jewelry), and The Honest Company (organic baby care items). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Local places that give back include: The Boutique by No
Longer Bound (</span><a href="http://nlbboutique.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">http://nlbboutique.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">) on
Peachtree Parkway where all of the items are created or built by men recovering
from addiction, Ten Thousand Villages at The Collection which helps eradicate
poverty in developing countries, and Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee located on
Post Road. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">By choosing to shop for gifts with these companies, you
are helping to give back to more than just the gift recipient. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Donate to local charities or Sponsor a
Charitable Organization<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There will be countless opportunities to donate money and
items to local charities during this time of year. We may feel the pull to
donate to every cause, but this is unrealistic. As a family, choose one or two
charities to participate in for the season. Remember that donating does not
only include monetary donations. Donating of coats and clothing from your own
home or donating of toys can also be an option. Serving at a local food bank
also cost nothing and is a great way to get involved. These donations of items
you already own and giving of your time also allow your children to see how
rewarding giving to others can be. A comprehensive list for Cumming and Atlanta
can be found at ForsythForFamilies.com. Many local churches also have ways to
help and donate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Other charities that will keep you giving all year
include sponsorship of an International child through Compassion International
(</span><a href="http://www.compassion.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">http://www.compassion.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">) or
World Vision (</span><a href="http://www.worldvision.org/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">http://www.worldvision.org/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You can also order your Christmas cards through an
organization such as Children’s Healthcare, UNICEF, ShopDiabetes.org, Cards
That Give and St. Jude’s Recycled Card Program. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Take time for yourself to alleviate stress</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Don’t feel pressured to attend every holiday party you
are invited too. Take some time to just relish the season with those who are
the closest to you. Enjoy the lights of your tree and the warmth from your fire
for a little while.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you follow these guidelines and your holiday season
becomes more about giving to others than rushing from store to store to get
that last minute gift, you really will feel that you have used this holiday
season to do something good for others and you will not be focused on what your
holiday could’ve been. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Disclaimer: Holiday and Christmas were used in this
article, but many of these ideas can also be used for your family even if your
family celebrates something other than Christmas such as Hanukkah. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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AnnaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764260444881951963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4186570506095720230.post-40778260888341445032014-10-14T20:56:00.004-04:002014-10-16T19:58:16.154-04:00Welcome Fall Banner DIY<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cd1PYzK1HlQ/VEBbQktOqcI/AAAAAAAABrc/KGonkOK4_XI/s1600/Fall%2BMantle%2Bwith%2BSpider%2BEdited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cd1PYzK1HlQ/VEBbQktOqcI/AAAAAAAABrc/KGonkOK4_XI/s1600/Fall%2BMantle%2Bwith%2BSpider%2BEdited.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Couldn't resist the Spider with Halloween Close By </td></tr>
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I have been seeing a ton of DIY banners for each season and I really wanted to do one of my own to add to our FALL HOME Decor. I initially wanted to use fabric and burlap, but decided against this. I decided to use what I already had on hand and create something new.<br />
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Supplies needed:<br />
<ul>
<li>Card Stock (white will do unless you want this banner to be reversible) </li>
<li>Craft Paper </li>
<li>Chipboard Letters (Michaels Craft Store - Chipboard Embellishments "Autumn Bouquet" 52 pieces) <i>SEASONAL ITEM</i> </li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P8bCrjC-2v8/VD3CgMXnmsI/AAAAAAAABqw/qGXKcpsy4Ds/s1600/chipboardlettersEdited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P8bCrjC-2v8/VD3CgMXnmsI/AAAAAAAABqw/qGXKcpsy4Ds/s1600/chipboardlettersEdited.jpg" height="299" width="320" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>Mini Clothespins (Michaels Craft Store - Recollections brand "Craft It Halloween") <i>SEASONAL ITEM</i> </li>
<li>Spray adhesive (Loctite Spray Adhesive Multipurpose Acid Free and Photo Safe - I want this baby to last forever!!) Warning- get the kind labeled repositionable because this stuff is sticky. </li>
<li>Bunting/Banner Pattern - Found Here: <a href="http://acultivatednest.com/2013/09/cornstalks-how-to-make-an-outdoor-banner/" target="_blank">{Banner Template}</a> I saved it on my computer and shrunk to the size I needed. </li>
<li>Jute Twine </li>
<li>Scissors</li>
</ul>
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Instructions:<br />
<ol>
<li>Gather all of your supplies </li>
<li>Cut your Banner Template </li>
<li>Cut the background Banner pieces using the template </li>
<li>Cut small squares or circles to use as the base for your letters</li>
<li>Use spray adhesive to attach the second layer of craft paper to the banner background </li>
<li>Attach the letter using spray adhesive</li>
</ol>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2cGfsBQkjw/VD3Er2jlGSI/AAAAAAAABq8/XgSxRxrgW08/s1600/banner2edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2cGfsBQkjw/VD3Er2jlGSI/AAAAAAAABq8/XgSxRxrgW08/s1600/banner2edited.jpg" height="400" width="290" /></a></div>
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7. Cut a second set of banners out of card stock</div>
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8. Use spray adhesicve to attach the finished banner to the cardstock for stability </div>
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9. Cut your twine and attach the banner pieces using mini clothespins </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GPb37bXGD44/VD3GGIfktoI/AAAAAAAABrE/SM8SnHUhV1o/s1600/welcome%2BbannerEdited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GPb37bXGD44/VD3GGIfktoI/AAAAAAAABrE/SM8SnHUhV1o/s1600/welcome%2BbannerEdited.jpg" height="158" width="640" /></a></div>
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And, the mantle won!! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--gEbAu6hI6M/VEBZaJafl3I/AAAAAAAABrU/BKhNlrP1-bE/s1600/Fall%2BBanner%2BEdited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--gEbAu6hI6M/VEBZaJafl3I/AAAAAAAABrU/BKhNlrP1-bE/s1600/Fall%2BBanner%2BEdited.jpg" height="345" width="640" /></a></div>
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ENJOY! </div>
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AnnaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764260444881951963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4186570506095720230.post-50691787717353135862014-09-16T13:27:00.003-04:002014-09-16T13:27:31.482-04:00Furniture Refinishing: To Toss or Not to Toss? {Latest Fieldstone Article}<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Furniture Refinishing: To Toss or Not
to Toss?</b></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">With the
current housing boom, it is hard to believe that just a few years ago we were
in an economic and housing crisis. The housing crisis affected many people
negatively including design firms who were forced to close their doors. Many
homeowners just </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">didn't</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> feel the need to update and spend their money on a
designer – this was seen as a luxury. As a result, a full blown DIY mentality
was born. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do It
Yourself is all the rage right now in design and home remodeling. Over the last
few years, DIY blogs have exploded. These blogs as well as social media sites
such as Pinterest have caused many people to reevaluate how they update their
homes and the mantra has become, “I can do that!” Even with the market now
being a seller’s market, homeowners have continued to do a lot of things
themselves to add character to their new homes and save money. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Two very
popular DIY projects involve furniture refinishing and/or repurposing and
reupholstery. Many new tools are available and there are a plethora of YouTube
videos and blogs to help you along the way. But, what does it really take to complete
a furniture project on your own? When should you tackle these projects and when
should you hire someone to help? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">DIY does
take a lot of planning, a medium amount of skill and all of the right tools in
order to be successful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>What you should know?</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1 <span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Repurposing/Refinishing Furniture
(Case Goods): </i><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Structural integrity is the main feature to look for when choosing a
piece to refinish. Test the piece to see if it is level or if it sways when
moved, check the drawers to ensure they all close and open properly, and check
to see if the piece has deep scratches or gouges. Elaborate detail such as carving and turns
will also take more time to strip and refinish. These pieces will cost more
money and take more time and skill than you probably want to invest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Looking for pieces made after 1850, but before 1960 is a good idea since
these pieces will be made very well and are not usually a mixture of laminate
or veneer over wood. Dove tailed joints and solid wood (heavy) pieces are best
to tackle. If you do have a piece that is a mixture of wood and veneer, know
that you will not be able to strip the veneer and it will be need to be painted
and not stained. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You also need the right tools and knowledge before you begin. Take before
photos of your piece and scour the Internet looking for inspiration. Begin only
after researching and coming up with a plan for what you want the after to look
like. If you like the look of painted
furniture, you do not always need to strip the piece before painting if you use
a good quality primer such as Kilz and a good quality latex paint. Chalk paint
is also a great option for refinishing as it doesn’t take a lot of prep work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Other tools you need to have in order for a successful refinish include quality
paint brushes (I am partial to Purdy) and a good quality sander. Painting a
piece will not take as much work as staining a piece. To stain a piece,
stripping and/or sanding is a priority since you must have raw wood to take the
stain. When staining, you will also need to prep the wood with a wood conditioner
such as MinWax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner which will allow the wood to take the
stain evenly. You then must stain the wood and top that with a good quality
Polyurethane. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Other tools that can give your piece a unique look include fabric, tacs,
and stencils. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> <i> </i></span></span><!--[endif]--><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Reupholstery: </i><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Many of us may have a piece of inherited furniture around our homes that
has sentimental value, but has seen better days. Or, you may have gotten a
really good deal on a piece from a garage sale that you would love to update.
Both of these pieces can be reupholstered in new, modern fabric to fit in
perfectly for today’s design trends. But, you need to know that reupholstering
a piece is not always cheaper than buying a new piece. Fabric alone is costly,
but foam and other materials that go under the fabric can also be costly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As with case goods, structural integrity is a must when selecting a piece
to reupholster. A chair or sofa will be more costly to fix if the structural
integrity is compromised. If you sink to the floor when you sit on it or if it
has a strong musty or cigarette smell, you will probably want to pass. These
things will be a lot more costly to fix. With pieces that no longer have
support when you sit in them, this is usually a spring issue and the piece will
need to be restructured from the base up. Oftentimes, the smell can be
eliminated, but that will take replacing the fabric, the batting and the foam.
If there is no smell, the foam can often be reused and only the fabric
replaced. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Depending on the age of the piece, it will also be more costly. More
modern furniture makes use of sinuous as opposed to tied springs and foam and
batting as opposed to welting, horse hair and burlap. When reupholstering a
piece, you want to use the original types of materials. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fabric is also a huge consideration when reupholstering a piece. Where
will the piece be placed and who will be using it? If this piece will be a regularly
used piece of furniture and you have pets or kids in your home, you will not
want to choose a dry clean only fabric. With homes that have pets and or
children, a wash and go fabric such as canvas, denim (this now comes in shades
other than blue), and microfiber are often used. Furniture can also be treated
to help with staining. Some reupholsters have also used painter’s drop clothes
to reupholster which are very economical, but this fabric is more suited to
slipcovers than reupholstery. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Be cognizant of the pattern as well. Stripes and larger patterns will
need to be matched up on the different areas of the piece and will take more
fabric and often take a lot more work to keep straight. Solid fabrics or
fabrics with all over smaller patterns will not need to be matched. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you decide to reupholster on your own, know that it will be a lot of
work. Never reupholster by simply covering the current fabric with your new
fabric. Taking the old fabric completely off (hours of staple pulling), will not
only give you a pattern for cutting the new fabric, but will also give you more
insight into the structural integrity of a piece. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Having the right tools can also be a huge plus. Tools that are in my opinion
a necessity include a rubber mallet, a good pair of fabric scissors, a staple
remover along with a flat head screwdriver and needle nosed pliers, a heavy
duty glue gun, T-Pins to hold fabric in place as you replace the new fabric, and
a compressor with a pneumatic 22 gauge fine wire staple gun specifically
designed for reupholstery (you can use a hand held staple gun, but this type
makes it hard to get in tight places), and the appropriate staples. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you are adding any other items to the piece such as piping or buttons,
you will need additional tools. If your piece has a cushion or cushions, you
will also need a sewing machine with a welting foot, a top stitch needle and a
zipper with zipper foot. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Whatever
your DIY project, know that you need to do your research in order to be successful
with any project. Having the right tools and a little know how can go a long
way. If you don’t have the tools, know how or time to tackle the project on
your own do contact a professional for help. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Anna Cheung
is owner of Anna Cheung Interiors where she offers Home Design, Furniture Refinishing
and Organizational Services. She is also available to speak to groups on the
topic of organization. Learn more tips and ideas by following Anna at: </span><a href="http://www.annacheunginteriors.com/"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">www.AnnaCheungInteriors.com</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
AnnaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764260444881951963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4186570506095720230.post-61113266708930219622014-08-11T09:36:00.000-04:002014-08-12T21:33:01.254-04:00A Few Before and Afters - Reupholstery <h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Goodwill Beginnings </span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{This chair was $10!!! and the fabric was $2.85/yd in the scrap rolls! Very good cost for a first project} </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; text-align: center;">New Skills:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; text-align: center;">Staple pulling - Ouch!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="text-align: center;"></span><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; text-align: center;">Making a pattern</span><br />
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</span><span style="text-align: center;"></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; text-align: center;">Learning the lingo - welting, cording, piping??</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="text-align: center;">
</span><span style="text-align: center;"></span></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="text-align: center;">Nail Heads</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="text-align: center;">
</span></span><span style="text-align: center;"></span>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Zipper {Thanks Mom!}</span></span></div>
<span style="text-align: center;">
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
What I have learned since this redo to make the cushion cover fit better ~ Make the cover tight and then fold the cushion in half before putting it into the cover. Makes a neater fit. Who knew?</div>
</span>
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<td><span class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VMjzfrjexmo/U-GTnXf4a8I/AAAAAAAABjA/JnIhKk1Izho/s1600/Master+Chair+Before+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VMjzfrjexmo/U-GTnXf4a8I/AAAAAAAABjA/JnIhKk1Izho/s1600/Master+Chair+Before+.jpg" height="400" width="290" /></a></span></span></td>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ojQ941AfpvA/U-jDTUTVAWI/AAAAAAAABk4/NxV6v-xUjIs/s1600/MasterChairText.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ojQ941AfpvA/U-jDTUTVAWI/AAAAAAAABk4/NxV6v-xUjIs/s1600/MasterChairText.jpg" height="640" width="524" /></a></div>
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</h3>
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<b style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">Victorian Velvet </b>
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<b style="color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">New Skills: </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Hand Tying Springs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Recovering Buttons</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
</span>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Diamond Tufting </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> New Materials Found ~ Dacron and Pronged Buttons </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Drab Green to Shiny Blue </span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Knowledge of New Tools Needed {22 Gauge Nail Gun to 18 Gauge Nail Gun} </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Note: A Rubber Mallet Made reattaching the sides and back a BREEZE on this project!! A must have for any larger reupholstery jobs. </span></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan;"><b>Little guy saw this as the perfect opportunity to play with his vehicles. Always ready to help momma. He will be pulling staple in no time. Smile.</b></span></i><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8fDrOXN4ZY4/U-GjYVdze_I/AAAAAAAABkI/0o1ueSSTMPc/s1600/Deunsing+ChairBeforeText.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8fDrOXN4ZY4/U-GjYVdze_I/AAAAAAAABkI/0o1ueSSTMPc/s1600/Deunsing+ChairBeforeText.jpg" height="400" width="347" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-syxkKpHX2Pw/U-jBUNV663I/AAAAAAAABkk/VhjlYad_JAI/s1600/DeunsingChairAfterText.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-syxkKpHX2Pw/U-jBUNV663I/AAAAAAAABkk/VhjlYad_JAI/s1600/DeunsingChairAfterText.jpg" height="640" width="624" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>With each new project, I learn a little more and gain more confidence in my newfound skills. I am looking forward to my next couple of projects!! Pictures to be posted soon!! </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>The hardest part of this process -- staple pulling!! </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="font-style: italic;">My ABSOLUTE favorite part of this process -- getting to </b><i><b>WORK AT HOME</b></i><b style="font-style: italic;"> while Declan is young and the finished product. Having a design degree isn't a must, but having a VISION is. When I see a piece, the AFTER vision is already in my head and that is what keeps me going. That and CLIENT SATISFACTION!! There is nothing better than seeing the JOY on client's face when they see the finished product! </b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0m-2EFkPkfA/U-GWeh3HumI/AAAAAAAABjI/WBUhBWaUfkg/s1600/MasterChairText.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0m-2EFkPkfA/U-GWeh3HumI/AAAAAAAABjI/WBUhBWaUfkg/s1600/MasterChairText.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0m-2EFkPkfA/U-GWeh3HumI/AAAAAAAABjI/WBUhBWaUfkg/s1600/MasterChairText.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0m-2EFkPkfA/U-GWeh3HumI/AAAAAAAABjI/WBUhBWaUfkg/s1600/MasterChairText.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0m-2EFkPkfA/U-GWeh3HumI/AAAAAAAABjI/WBUhBWaUfkg/s1600/MasterChairText.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0m-2EFkPkfA/U-GWeh3HumI/AAAAAAAABjI/WBUhBWaUfkg/s1600/MasterChairText.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0m-2EFkPkfA/U-GWeh3HumI/AAAAAAAABjI/WBUhBWaUfkg/s1600/MasterChairText.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>AnnaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764260444881951963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4186570506095720230.post-54739463107977392062014-07-24T21:12:00.000-04:002014-08-12T21:33:39.055-04:00Master Bath Mood Board and Master Bath Redo: Letting the Light In<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">T<span id="goog_514374341"></span><span id="goog_514374342"></span>his was our bathroom BEFORE (right after we moved in): Builder Paint Booooring</b></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This was our bathroom after the first redo: </span></h2>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i><b>Changes ~~</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Behr Paint </span><span style="color: blue;"><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.790000915527344px; text-align: center;">BEHR</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.790000915527344px; text-align: center;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.790000915527344px; text-align: center;">480F-4 MERMAID NET </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.790000915527344px; text-align: center;">(this is the same color as the accent wall in our Master)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Added Hooks for Towels/Robes From Hobby Lobby </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">New Accessories,Towels and Large Wooden Carving from Home Goods</span></div>
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<b>This is our bathroom now (after the recent update):</b></h2>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Much Lighter and Not as Dark and Tunnel Like - More relaxing and Spa Inspired </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>New Paint Color: Behr Clear Vista PPU13-11</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Removed the Towel Bar and Added Floating Wooden Shelves <a href="http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2014/01/easy-diy-floating-shelves.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+shanty-2-chic/WwSe+(Shanty2Chic)" target="_blank">{Shelf Inspiration}</a> My dear hubby saw these shelves and created them using his own strategy! </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Kept the Wooden Carving and Towel Hooks </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Accessorized the Shelves to make it more Spa Like </b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>{These are some accessories that are on my to buy list} they will be added a few at a time and photos will be updated. Some of my favorite resources for this bathroom are Crafts for Less, Pottery Barn Bath and Woodwick Candles and Diffusers. </b></span><br />
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<br />AnnaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764260444881951963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4186570506095720230.post-37825003321939237372014-07-24T16:29:00.002-04:002014-08-12T21:35:07.183-04:00Master Bedroom Mood Board Over the last year or so, Gary and I have been discussing options on home ownership. The home we are currently living in is/was a <i>starter home</i> and our plan was to stay for at least 5 years. With the market changing (and our having been in our home for almost 8 years), we have been thinking on what to do next. Our family has grown through adoption and we hope to grow it more with more child(ren). With all of our family living out of state and overseas, we often run out of bunking space when everyone visits. We are close to say the least.<br />
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In the meantime (while we determine our next steps), we have also decided to update our home a little. Nothing like viewing new builds to know that your home is a little outdated even if it was a new build when you moved in. So, the planning {and scheming on my part} began. Hubby is all about projects these days and he is a wonderful carpenter and mathematician. I sometimes feel I have my own design show with him in the house. It is great to have a vision and someone there by your side to make it a reality!! I love you honey - you better be reading this. Ha!!</div>
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We began with our Master Bath and I will be posting photos of that soon. We are now on to our Master Bedroom. YAY!!! The OASIS I have dreamed of forever is finally becoming a reality. </div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Here is what I envision the finished product to look like: </span></i></h2>
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<li>Paint the walls a darker color {Behr Antique Tin PPU18-3} PAINT PURCHASED!!!</li>
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<li>Add Board and Batten in White WE HAVE THE TOOLS FOR THAT!!</li>
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<li>Add Seating <a href="http://www.annacheunginteriors.com/2014/01/adding-decorative-nailheads-to.html" target="_blank">{Goodwill Chair Reupholster}</a> FINISHED and IN PLACE!</li>
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<li>Add "NEW" lighting over the reading nook DIY in Progress!</li>
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<li>Add "NEW" lighting beside the beds DIY {this may find its way into our new home if we move}</li>
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<li>Draperies ALREADY in PLACE {Current Drapes}</li>
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<li>Add a few new pieces of art {We currently have a couple of Asian watercolors that will be staying in the room} along with a couple of new Equestrian pieces. I LOVE these from the Etsy stores {ApplesAndOats and EyePoetryPhotography}</li>
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<li>Add a large floor length mirror and perhaps seating at the end of the bed </li>
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<li>NEW BEDDING! YAY! I am in LOVE with Pottery Barn's McKenna Collection which is part of The Indigo Collection. The colors are vibrant Indigo along with a khaki to match the chair fabric, tans, greys, and greenish blues. The colors in this bedding will make the greenish blue of the drapery pop and will add a interest and richness to an otherwise neutral grey palette. </li>
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A few other projects may find their way into the room like reupholstering our current sleigh bed, but I am not sure about that yet. </div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Here is a current photo of our MASTER BEDROOM: </span></i></h2>
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What I love: </div>
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Size of the room is perfect with the high ceiling</div>
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Lots of natural light </div>
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Our furniture which was a present to ourself when we were married </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I1r8XgG1CVg/U9FrBGo4BDI/AAAAAAAABh8/aa-VQ1Px8lk/s1600/DSCN0819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I1r8XgG1CVg/U9FrBGo4BDI/AAAAAAAABh8/aa-VQ1Px8lk/s1600/DSCN0819.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hope to have this project underway soon after school is back in session!!! </div>
AnnaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764260444881951963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4186570506095720230.post-70464207640614419732014-07-02T15:55:00.001-04:002014-08-12T21:37:03.942-04:00Fourth of July Fun {And a little something extra}Usually, decorating for each and every holiday is not a priority at our house. Christmas is the exception to the rule and Thanksgiving to an extent.<br />
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But, this year, Gary will be sworn in as a <span style="color: red;">US Citizen</span>!! Hooray for the USA and Gary!!! His birthday also falls on the 17th of July. So, we are going to celebrate the 4th on the 4th and then celebrate Gary's birthday and Citizenship a couple of weeks later.<br />
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What better excuse to get crafty? I thought these were great excuses to decorate for the 4th since Gary's party will have a Red, White, Blue USA theme.<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">First Project for the Party </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">{4th of July Themed}</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Wreath for the Door</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Supplies: </span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Wooden picture frame {I had a boring brown one that I could've spray painted white, but I liked the look of the burlap}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Ribbon in a variety of patterns/colors</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Small Grapevine Wreath </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Scrapbook Paper </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Cardstock or cardboard {for back support}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Glue Gun </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Scissors </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Inspiration: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">From Delia Creates <a href="http://www.deliacreates.com/2011/06/blue-and-red-stripes.html" target="_blank">{4th of July Wreath}</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I loved the <i>simplicity</i>, the <i>vintage charm</i> and the <i>red/white/blue</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nic-zyen_bo/U7RbNDHfcPI/AAAAAAAABc8/WZpY4-n1b38/s1600/wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nic-zyen_bo/U7RbNDHfcPI/AAAAAAAABc8/WZpY4-n1b38/s1600/wreath.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">From Blue Cricket Design <a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/2009/12/chrismas-paper-mache-ornaments.html" target="_blank">{Square Wreath}</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I liked the <i>bright colors</i> and the <i>hanging feature</i> of the Christmas ornaments in the center</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Re1UZ9h21ck/U7Rftdb12SI/AAAAAAAABdQ/ZYjvM7RR0Nc/s1600/WreathInspire.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Re1UZ9h21ck/U7Rftdb12SI/AAAAAAAABdQ/ZYjvM7RR0Nc/s1600/WreathInspire.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Step 1: Go hunting ~ my goal was to spend $0 mula on this project</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Step 2: Gather all supplies at the kitchen table and get busy {After little man was snoring of course}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Step 3: Step back and ooh and ahh, take pictures and send it to blogland!! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Voila'!! My Version</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4mFD0i_23E/U7RdI933YCI/AAAAAAAABdE/1wlUFKpATZ4/s1600/4thOfJulySquareWreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4mFD0i_23E/U7RdI933YCI/AAAAAAAABdE/1wlUFKpATZ4/s1600/4thOfJulySquareWreath.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Star Background</span></b></i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UBZZakdMOrE/U7RirF6qmqI/AAAAAAAABdc/Kg45YRVEBkE/s1600/GarysWreath4th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UBZZakdMOrE/U7RirF6qmqI/AAAAAAAABdc/Kg45YRVEBkE/s1600/GarysWreath4th.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Red/White Stripe Background</b></span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What do you guys think? Red and White Stripe Background or Colorful Stars Background? Voting is now open. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Have a Happy and SAFE 4th of July from our home to yours!! </span></div>
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AnnaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764260444881951963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4186570506095720230.post-26597824023398970652014-05-19T21:40:00.004-04:002014-08-12T21:38:05.332-04:00Creating Arm Pieces for A Sofa (or Chair) When I began my journey into upholstery, I knew I would learn a lot! I also knew each piece would be different. But, when you want to learn a new skill you have to do your research. It is trial and error to a certain extent, but you must have the right tools for the job if you want it to turn out.<br />
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So, on my first reupholstery project - a Goodwill chair find at $25 - I knew I had my work cut out for me.<br />
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I checked out books at the library and I researched several Upholstery sites to study the tools needed and the different types of materials. This gave me a new admiration for the furniture builders in our history! Wow!!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Project 1</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Goodwill find as first project in our Master Bedroom Redo</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AwxNzgCIaeQ/U3qp76ezgKI/AAAAAAAABX0/lVpy-7rTHbA/s1600/DSCN2167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AwxNzgCIaeQ/U3qp76ezgKI/AAAAAAAABX0/lVpy-7rTHbA/s1600/DSCN2167.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AFTER</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-31j-yLQxGnc/U3qpy-w1SGI/AAAAAAAABXk/chYcrxO-meE/s1600/DSCN2053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-31j-yLQxGnc/U3qpy-w1SGI/AAAAAAAABXk/chYcrxO-meE/s1600/DSCN2053.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BEFORE </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mrHhJfx1Yro/U3qp5o0_WsI/AAAAAAAABXs/2kTEYUwUJug/s1600/DSCN2055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mrHhJfx1Yro/U3qp5o0_WsI/AAAAAAAABXs/2kTEYUwUJug/s1600/DSCN2055.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FRONT ARM PIECE </td></tr>
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On this chair, the front arm piece (shown above) came off easily with the help of a flat head screwdriver. It consisted of a piece of cardboard with a nail at either end. That was then covered with fabric with the piping added as well. After being reupholstered with the new fabric, I just had to hammer it back into the chair. Easy, peasy. I then decided to add the decorative nail heads.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Project 2</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Client's Sofa </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8zO_i9i3RfQ/U3qq76N2G1I/AAAAAAAABX8/rOnIIjWR_Yc/s1600/BeforeOriginal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8zO_i9i3RfQ/U3qq76N2G1I/AAAAAAAABX8/rOnIIjWR_Yc/s1600/BeforeOriginal.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SOFA BEFORE</td></tr>
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This sofa had a similar arm piece on the front of it. I guessed it would be just as easy to reupholster as the ones on my Goodwill chair. </div>
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Well, like I said you learn something new with each piece. The decorative nailheads on this piece were not that great. They were not separate pieces. Instead, they were long strips of metal pieces attached together. They were dangerously thin and could've sliced my fingers had I not been wearing gloves. They were a tad scary. </div>
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When I took the old upholstery off of the sofa, I discovered the arm pieces were not that different, but they were lacking the nails in the cardboard pieces. It took me a minute to decide how to reattach them once they were reupholstered. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pMy7BU-dSFo/U3qsiDxisrI/AAAAAAAABYI/bTRMYrATC0c/s1600/WP_20140424_009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pMy7BU-dSFo/U3qsiDxisrI/AAAAAAAABYI/bTRMYrATC0c/s1600/WP_20140424_009.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NAIL HEAD TRIM </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMKwbKxv6JE/U3qszkOv22I/AAAAAAAABYQ/J-5cjWvEyyY/s1600/WP_20140507_006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMKwbKxv6JE/U3qszkOv22I/AAAAAAAABYQ/J-5cjWvEyyY/s1600/WP_20140507_006.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NEWLY UPHOLSTERED ARM PIECE</td></tr>
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I decided to use some of the tack strips I had left over from a previous project. I could've just added nails through the cardboard piece I already had, but this piece goes the length of the arm and I wanted a snug fit all the way down. </div>
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Steps:</div>
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1. Use the existing cardboard strip and add the Tack Strip.</div>
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IMPORTANT: Make sure the tack strip is facing the right direction. You want them to hammer in from the back of the piece. Also make sure your left and right are correct. </div>
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There are two types of tack strips:</div>
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Metal with teeth- this type is more flexible <a href="http://www.diyupholsterysupply.com/tacking-strip.html" target="_blank">{Metal Tack Strips}</a></div>
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Cardboard with nails inserted <a href="http://www.joann.com/tack-strip-with-nails/11325461.html#q=tack+strips&start=2" target="_blank">{Dritz Home Fiber Tack Strip With Nails}</a></div>
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2. Use spray adhesive to attach the dacron or batting to the front of the cardboard {I used a Spray Adhesive}. Just make sure it says that it is All Purpose and includes fabric. </div>
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3. Attach the new fabric {I admit I used a regular old office stapler for this since I didn't want the staples to poke through and show. They are merely for attaching the fabric to the cardboard piece. </div>
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4. Attach the piping in the same way as you attach the fabric</div>
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5. Hammer into the arm of the sofa </div>
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Note: Because I used the cardboard strips and they are not as flexible as the metal ones, I will need to go back and hand sew with an upholstery needle and thread with a hidden stitch so it will be snug with the sofa arm. </div>
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I will add more detailed photos of this process when I can. Stay tuned. </div>
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This is the progress so far: </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5fLRhtDNOD4/U3qs0LQJLKI/AAAAAAAABYs/KWis-9vpFLo/s1600/WP_20140507_009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5fLRhtDNOD4/U3qs0LQJLKI/AAAAAAAABYs/KWis-9vpFLo/s1600/WP_20140507_009.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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<br />AnnaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764260444881951963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4186570506095720230.post-90912373733280490092014-04-24T15:25:00.004-04:002014-04-24T15:25:57.726-04:00Playroom Mini UpdateLoving the shelving already in place in the playroom. Thanks to a great hubby who is handy with a saw. And, I always check the Clearance aisles when I go to Target. You never know what great finds are waiting there!! The blue baskets were a score!! Target Clearance aisle. Originally $21 each. I purchased them for $7.00 each for a total of $14. One holds balls right now and the other is holding blocks.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mkHcDg6bGMc/U1liqy8ZQlI/AAAAAAAABWM/46riNoYgTFI/s1600/BasketsClearanceTarget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mkHcDg6bGMc/U1liqy8ZQlI/AAAAAAAABWM/46riNoYgTFI/s1600/BasketsClearanceTarget.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Target Baskets {Clearance}</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LNEcIPL2WkU/U1lirLloKoI/AAAAAAAABWQ/LziBV1xiiTI/s1600/PBShelving.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LNEcIPL2WkU/U1lirLloKoI/AAAAAAAABWQ/LziBV1xiiTI/s1600/PBShelving.png" height="248" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pottery Barn Shelving </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K5DjMmjImlE/U1lirnhp9-I/AAAAAAAABWU/oBgJao8agcY/s1600/ShelvingGary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K5DjMmjImlE/U1lirnhp9-I/AAAAAAAABWU/oBgJao8agcY/s1600/ShelvingGary.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shelving by Gary </td></tr>
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We have to still add the doors to the bottom portion and one more shelf will be in the playroom by the end of the week after the backing is added.<br />
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Very excited about the progress. I also have painting a rolling cart {Will repaint a color other than yellow} to add as art storage and making pillow covers using some IKEA fabric I purchased a while back on my TO DO list. I still love the IKEA cart since the sides come up and would prevent supplies from rolling or falling off, but my flea market find will do for now.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t9mEyivwowQ/U1lkvqPDbEI/AAAAAAAABW4/g_Unf05CFXc/s1600/yellow+cart.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t9mEyivwowQ/U1lkvqPDbEI/AAAAAAAABW4/g_Unf05CFXc/s1600/yellow+cart.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flea Market Rolling Cart</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wPTYjCtjrqs/U1liq5elNfI/AAAAAAAABWo/WB4zric4N0o/s1600/IKEACartRaskog.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wPTYjCtjrqs/U1liq5elNfI/AAAAAAAABWo/WB4zric4N0o/s1600/IKEACartRaskog.png" height="320" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IKEA Cart I would Love to Have</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-plaz5BQMQek/U1lkDSYa11I/AAAAAAAABWw/ZkXHQfkoNa4/s1600/IKEATreeFabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-plaz5BQMQek/U1lkDSYa11I/AAAAAAAABWw/ZkXHQfkoNa4/s1600/IKEATreeFabric.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IKEA Fabric</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Stay tuned for the finished product. More to come.AnnaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764260444881951963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4186570506095720230.post-69724869303063721932014-04-21T10:05:00.002-04:002014-04-21T10:05:40.198-04:00Minimalist Living: Saving Time on Housework Minimalist Living is all about saving your time for those things that really matter. It is sometimes overwhelming for stay at home moms as well as those moms in the workplace to get it all done, especially when there are children involved.<br />
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The sure fire way to save time on housework is to just have less stuff, but how do you keep up with the essentials like laundry, dishes, meals, etc.?<br />
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There are a lot of sayings out there about housework like, "Please Excuse the Mess, The Children Are Making Memories" or the one my hubby used to create a gift for me "Good Moms Have Sticky Floors, Dirty Ovens, Piles of Laundry and Happy Kids."<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o3tBOzIpdq0/U1UczBtdEdI/AAAAAAAABUg/JOBhZGCaAP4/s1600/ChildrenAreMakingMemories.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o3tBOzIpdq0/U1UczBtdEdI/AAAAAAAABUg/JOBhZGCaAP4/s1600/ChildrenAreMakingMemories.png" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
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I do like the idea behind both of these sayings - we shouldn't let housework and chores and errands take precedence over spending quality time with our kids.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b><i>However......</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i>If everyone left their dishes in the sink every day, there eventually wouldn't be any clean dishes and there would be a smell. If the laundry were left undone, you would soon hear, "Have you washed tennis clothes this week?" or "Mom, did you clean my favorite shirt? I HAVE to wear it tomorrow." </i></b><br />
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So, how do you balance the work with spending quality time with your kids? You take care of what really has to be done and you don't sweat the other things. You go play instead or take time for a hot bath and that book you never seem to be able to finish reading!!<br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><i><b>A Few Tips to Make Housework Faster and Easier</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><i><b>{Things I Do}</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
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<ol>
<li><u> <i>DELAY START</i> feature on your appliances {Washer, Oven, Dishwasher and Dryer if your dryer has one}</u></li>
</ol>
- Load the dishwasher after dinner and set it to begin washing after baths. In the morning, you will have clean dishes and your kitchen will be clean enough to prepare breakfast.<br />
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- Load your washing machine at night. Set it to wash about an hour before you generally </div>
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wake up. When you wake up, turn on the coffee machine and put the clothes in dryer. </div>
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- Use your oven's COOKING TIME feature if your oven has one. I have only done this one </div>
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time, but you put the food in and the oven shuts off when the food is done. Of course, you </div>
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do need to check at this point to ensure the food is completely cooked. </div>
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<br /></div>
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2. <u> Time saving appliances for cooking {Crock Pot, Vacuum Pot, Steamer, Pressure </u> <u>Cooker, Rice Cooker</u> </div>
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<br /></div>
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- You can pretty much cook anything in a crockpot - just keep it healthy! A Whole Chicken </div>
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is great for Sunday lunch <a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/02/25/recipe-the-best-whole-chicken-in-a-crock-pot/" target="_blank">{The Best Whole Chicken in a Crock Pot}</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.hamiltonbeach.com/slow-cookers.html" target="_blank">{Slow Cooker Hamilton Beach}</a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h-VXiMiWPXA/U1UfzykwDSI/AAAAAAAABU0/7RKeJScYkzk/s1600/crockpot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h-VXiMiWPXA/U1UfzykwDSI/AAAAAAAABU0/7RKeJScYkzk/s1600/crockpot.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
- <i>Thermos Thermal Cooker</i> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Thermos-Nissan-Thermal-Cookware/dp/B000NZV95C/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1397228103&sr=1-1&keywords=thermos+thermal+cooker" target="_blank">{Thermos Thermal Cooker}</a>. The one we own has two size </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
inserts and was a gift from Gary's mom from Asia. We use this mainly in the winter for hot soups or Asian dishes. The insert is filled with the food you are cooking along with the (water or stock) and boiled on the stove. You then place the lid on the container and put it in the outer insulated cooker and close the sealable lid. You can even do a search for </div>
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thermal cookware recipes on Pinterest. </div>
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Information: http://www.thechinesesouplady.com/thermal-pots/</div>
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Recipes: <a href="http://thermalcooker.wordpress.com/2009/01/21/corn-and-pork-ribs-soup/" target="_blank">{Corn and Pork Rib Soup}</a> and <a href="http://www.cookinglight.com/food/recipe-finder/chicken-soup-recipes-00412000073917/page11.html" target="_blank">{Chicken Apple Soup}</a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ErHE7OJsaP4/U1Uf9SDx7zI/AAAAAAAABU8/OyJ-86aQs6s/s1600/ThermosCooker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ErHE7OJsaP4/U1Uf9SDx7zI/AAAAAAAABU8/OyJ-86aQs6s/s1600/ThermosCooker.jpg" height="320" width="303" /></a></div>
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- Rice Cooker - of course you can cook rice in this! But, if your rice cooker also has a </div>
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steaming tray that goes in the top, you can steam veggies or potatoes (This is great with <br />
small children) You can also mix chicken, eggs, or other ingredients in with the rice. </div>
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<a href="http://www.drclarkstore.com/rice-cooker-and-steamer-stainless-steel.html?ref=lexity&_vs=google&_vm=productsearch&adtype=pla" target="_blank">{Stainless Steel Rice Cooker} </a> Dear Hubby - this would be a great one to replace our rice </div>
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cooker with :) </div>
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3. <u>Weekly Meal Planning</u></div>
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- Plan your shopping list and then menu based on local sales. Buy produce using the Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen lists to save money. </div>
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- Shop the perimeter of the store buying fresh fruits and veggies, meat and dairy to save money and time and eat healthier. </div>
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-Buy only what is on your list to save money. If you are lucky, your hubby will let you go </div>
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alone and you can have a coffee while you casually peruse the aisles!<br />
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4. <u>Clean as you go</u><br />
-Rinse dishes and load the dishwasher as you cook<br />
-Turn clothing and socks right side out when you take them off; have laundry hampers to sort clothes; use mesh bags for socks<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mx4uaHNaMzk/U1UlWsUZtyI/AAAAAAAABVU/aSatkfzx0QY/s1600/laundryhamperContainerStore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mx4uaHNaMzk/U1UlWsUZtyI/AAAAAAAABVU/aSatkfzx0QY/s1600/laundryhamperContainerStore.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Container Store $59 {Ours Came from IKEA - much cheaper}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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-Spray stains and soak items right away {Especially kids' stains - save those expensive clothes for the next child, donating or consigning}<br />
-Clear clutter at night before bed<br />
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5. <u>Pack away toys and other items your kids don't play with right now</u> - this helps eliminate a lot of extra clutter and toys around the house<br />
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AnnaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764260444881951963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4186570506095720230.post-4812381773096395172014-04-10T22:50:00.000-04:002014-04-10T22:50:16.930-04:00Playroom Dreams {A place to play and learn}For now, our playroom is in what was intended as our dining room. We do have space upstairs for a playroom if we did away with our guest room, but placing D's playroom where it is has two advantages:<br />
<br />
1. We still have room for guest(s) [ie family from out of town]<br />
2. D is much easier to watch downstairs where I can also do a few chores<br />
3. It is open, but we were able to enclose with gates for a safe place for him to play (without the dogs interrupting)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: blue;">Playroom Now</span></i></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DUA4QYLk-yw/Uz4P_MXVhSI/AAAAAAAABTo/R2KbqGoxDXY/s1600/WP_20131225_004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DUA4QYLk-yw/Uz4P_MXVhSI/AAAAAAAABTo/R2KbqGoxDXY/s1600/WP_20131225_004.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W74CAA4YfiU/Uz3_xZSeCQI/AAAAAAAABTY/lCxS_N6e-ow/s1600/DSCN2003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W74CAA4YfiU/Uz3_xZSeCQI/AAAAAAAABTY/lCxS_N6e-ow/s1600/DSCN2003.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />
Having the playroom in the dining room does present a few design issues. For one, our dining room is completely open to the front door so lots of toys = messy unwelcoming entryway. This is not okay since the entryway is supposed to the the spot people see when they come in that makes them want to kick off their shoes and stay awhile.<br />
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As you can see from the photos above, many of the toys are just lined up around the room or are in large bags. The canvas bag with the "Moose" came from Home Goods, the grey felt bag from Target and the Lion chair from Costco.<br />
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Secondly, we have a baby gate to keep Declan separate from our two dogs while he is playing. This, along with the entry dresser causes a tunnel effect and really makes getting in and out of the front door a challenge at times.<br />
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<i><u><b>So, here is what I envision for this space to help alleviate some of these issues:</b></u></i><br />
<i><u><b><br /></b></u></i>
A. Cameron Storage Wall <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/room/rom/romply/playrooms-cameron-wall-2/" target="_blank">{Shelving/Storage}</a>and IKEA Expedit Shelf <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20116274/#/70116276" target="_blank">{IKEA Expedit}</a> (this will be moved to his big boy room at some point)<br />
B. Seating Floor Pillow/Poufs <a href="http://www.serenaandlily.com/Kids/Kids-Seating-Poufs-Cut-Circle-Floor-Pillow-Aqua" target="_blank">{Pillow}</a> <a href="http://knockoffdecor.com/floor-pouf-from-rugs/" target="_blank">{Poufs}</a> <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/comfort-rocker-and-ottoman/?pkey=bslipcovered-upholstered-chairs&" target="_blank">{Adult Seating}</a> <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/bd/10229?SourceCode=BDGOO46&cm_mmc=mer-_-cse-_-houzz-_-prod-feed&mr:referralID=dac7e4c1-c10a-11e3-a375-001b2166becc" target="_blank">{Adult Seating/Extra Guest Bed}</a><br />
C. Table<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50178411/" target="_blank">{Table and Chairs}</a><br />
D. Wall Art - envisioning world maps and bright art<br />
E. Bins - you have to keep things organized - to an extent <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Martha-Stewart-Living-10-1-2-in-x-11-in-Azurite-Blue-Fabric-Drawer-4929/202040770" target="_blank">{Bins}</a><br />
F. Flooring {Floor Tiles} <a href="http://www.flor.com/made-you-look-lime.html#opi1979222960" target="_blank">{Carpet Tiles}</a><br />
G. Organization for Learning<br />
<ul>
<li> Magnetic Board {Created from an Oil Drip Pan}</li>
<li> Library Cart for Books <a href="http://ana-white.com/2010/12/library-book-cart.html" target="_blank">{Library Cart DIY}</a> </li>
<li> Bins for Books <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Martha-Stewart-Living-10-5-in-x-11-in-x-5-1-2-in-Cloudless-Day-Fabric-Drawer-2-Pack-4941/204149532" target="_blank">{Martha Stewart}</a> <a href="http://www.2sisters2cities.com/2012/10/rolling-storage-crate/" target="_blank">{Books}</a></li>
<li> Cart for Art Supplies <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30216536/" target="_blank">{Art}</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
H. {Possibly} Barn Doors <a href="http://decoratingfiles.com/2012/11/sliding-barn-doors/" target="_blank">{Barn Doors}</a><br />
I. Accessories <a href="http://www.bowerpowerblog.com/2012/07/hes-got-the-whole-world-in-his-room/" target="_blank">{Globes}</a><br />
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We don't want anything too permanent on the walls since this room will at some point become a dining room again. So, here it is...my <i><span style="color: purple;">VISION</span></i>.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QptkRXhfRzI/U0dK4zYNtgI/AAAAAAAABUI/UkeXSF80viM/s1600/PlayroomLabeled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QptkRXhfRzI/U0dK4zYNtgI/AAAAAAAABUI/UkeXSF80viM/s1600/PlayroomLabeled.jpg" height="640" width="537" /></a></div>
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<div>
A Container Store Smart Store System <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop/storage/smartStore" target="_blank">{Container Store}</a><br />
B IKEA Raskog Rolling Cart <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30216536/" target="_blank">{Art Cart}</a><br />
C IKEA Knappa Pendant Light <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00197191/" target="_blank">{Current Lighting}</a> **Note: We got this same fixture at Lowe's<br />
D DIY Canvas Rug <a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/tutorials/17-painted-rug-tutorials-rugs-to-make.html" target="_blank">{Rug}</a><br />
E DIY or Buy Floor Pouf <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/search?query=pouf" target="_blank">{Land of Nod}</a> <a href="http://retropolitanhip.blogspot.com/2012/05/from-3-ikea-floor-mat-to-flippin.html" target="_blank">{DIY}</a><br />
F Pillows <a href="http://www.serenaandlily.com/Kids/Kids-Seating-Poufs-Cut-Circle-Floor-Pillow-Aqua" target="_blank">{Serina and Lily}</a> and <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/abc-d-pillow/s163671" target="_blank">{Land of Nod "D"}</a> or <a href="http://www.serenaandlily.com/Gift/For-Baby-Red-Letter-Pillow" target="_blank">{Serina and Lily Initial Pillow}</a> Pottery Barn also has some Initial Pillows<br />
G IKEA Latt Children's Table and Chairs <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50178411/" target="_blank">{Table and Chairs}</a><br />
H Pottery Barn or Ballard Designs <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/comfort-rocker-and-ottoman/?pkey=bslipcovered-upholstered-chairs&" target="_blank">{Comfort Swivel Rocker}</a> or <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/upholstered-twin-sleeper/10229" target="_blank">{Sleeper Chair}</a><br />
I Pottery Barn Cameron Shelving <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/creativity-storage-system-w-drawers/?pkey=bstorage-wall-systems&" target="_blank">{Cameron Creativity Center}</a><br />
J Chalkboard for Daily/Weekly Scripture and Map Wall Art <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/stretched-wall-art/kids-room-decor/grand-canvas-banner-map/f12046" target="_blank">{USA Wall Art}</a><br />
K DIY Book Storage and Target Tote Storage <a href="http://www.2sisters2cities.com/2012/10/rolling-storage-crate/" target="_blank">{2Sisters2Cities Rolling Cart}</a> <a href="http://www.target.com/p/threshold-striped-canvas-basket-blue/-/A-14986713#prodSlot=medium_1_29" target="_blank">{Canvas Basket Navy}</a><br />
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If you went to all of these links and added up the costs, it is WAY more than we can afford. But, there is hope! <span style="background-color: yellow;">Here is how we have and will cut costs.</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I have always LOVED the IKEA cart, but I have a two tier rolling cart from a flea market $30 that I can spruce up a bit and use as an art cart. </li>
<li>DIY Floor Pillows - we were given 3 very large pillows from a friend who was moving back overseas. We have carted these burgundy pillows from state to state and apartment to apartment and somehow they survived the move to our current home. They will be slipcovered and used as floor pillows {I have cute fabric from IKEA I have had for a while}</li>
<li>Wall Storage Unit - If you haven't checked out Ana White, you should! Gary and I are in the process of building this unit now (he more building and me more painting I should say) <a href="http://ana-white.com/" target="_blank">{Ana White}</a></li>
<li>Seating - We were given a glider and ottamen for the nursery that will most likely be reupholstered again and find its way into this space. I will save for a swivel recliner for the next baby (fingers crossed) <a href="http://www.annacheunginteriors.com/2013/03/decorating-nursery-for-adoption.html" target="_blank">{Decorating the Nursery for Adoption}</a></li>
<li>The art will be DIY for sure. I have some ideas for artwork that I will paint and I love the idea of the state map on canvas - pretty easy DIY project. </li>
<li>Flooring - We already have the rubber interlocking tiles down so those will stay for the meantime, but if the playroom is ever moved upstairs to a carpeted area, there will also be an area rug added to protect the carpet</li>
<li>Save, save, save!! Wipes containers, plastic or metal formula container, baby food plastic containers with tops -- all of these make great art supply containers. </li>
<li>I would also LOVE to have barn doors over this opening to the playroom, but the hanging equipment is expensive. If we stay in this house for the long haul, we will be doing this using farm supplies and building the doors ourselves to save money. </li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
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So there you have it! As soon as the shelving is built and painted and finds its way into the space, I will get it all organized for the unveiling!! Hopefully this will be sooner than later, but we lead the busy lives of working parents of a toddler so..... </div>
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<br /></div>
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New Fab Playroom Coming Soon! I will add the link here when it is finished. </div>
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AnnaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764260444881951963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4186570506095720230.post-43401735815335580652014-03-31T11:56:00.002-04:002014-03-31T11:56:32.440-04:00Minimalist Living: Social Media and Internet Downplay {ie Pinterest}Having a child really makes you want to simplify and get back to the basics of life - <span style="background-color: yellow;">those things that really matter.</span> Before Declan, I did have time to waste on social media. It was my time to wind down after a long day. Of course, I still had laundry and cooking and dishes, but not nearly as much as I do now!!!<br />
<br />
After reading about the Minimalist lifestyle, I began to clear out and purge our belongings <a href="http://www.annacheunginteriors.com/2014/03/minimalism-living-closet.html" target="_blank">{Minimalist Living: The Closet}</a> and <a href="http://www.annacheunginteriors.com/2014_02_01_archive.html" target="_blank">{Minimalist Living: Books}</a>. That was very therapeutic, but that only helped purge things. I needed to make more time as well. <i><span style="color: blue;">I also felt the desire to begin really fostering close friendships with people who had children Declan's age and could help support me in this new role as mother. </span></i><br />
<br />
It all started with a book lent to me by a neighbor - <i>Snow Flower and the Secret Fan</i> by Lisa See. My neighbor is very interested in Chinese culture and reads novels based with an Asian setting and storyline. Being married to a Chinese man, I was intrigued.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b>A Little Background</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
One particular theme of the book that stood out to me was the <span style="color: blue;">theme of friendship.</span> In the book, daughters were still matched to their future husbands through the use of a <i>matchmaker</i>. Women would then, following Chinese culture, MARRY INTO THEIR NEW HUSBAND'S FAMILY. They would leave the natal or family home of their childhood and would live with their husband's family. They would not see their birth families until big holidays. This was quite a lonely life for these women because they were going to a new place and living with a family they did not know. They were leaving everything familiar behind. {This is much like the lives of many women today - lonely}<br />
<br />
But, these women did find a way to happiness. The matchmaker would also match the young girls early on with a "sworn Sister" or "sister for life". In Chinese, the term is <i style="background-color: yellow;">Laotong</i>. These "sisters" were to serve as a support for each other through life's hardships and everything they would be facing. Sisters were matched based on birthday, family status, size of bound feet, etc. This was a match that was to never be broken.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b>True Friendships (as opposed to FB friendships)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
From this book, I took the idea of such a deep friendship to heart. <span style="background-color: yellow;"><u>Yes, many of us have hundreds is not thousands of "friends" on FB and Instagram and Pinterest etc...., but how many TRUE "Lao Tong" relationships do we as women truly have? </u></span>Women need these deep relationships. We need other women who can be there through thick and thin and through all of life's ups and downs. People who will truly share in our joys and sorrows. Women who will be there no matter the distance or time apart. You know the friends I am speaking of (hopefully you have been so lucky) - the friends we have that we can just visit with or talk on the phone to and just pick up where we left off even after a long period of time.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">Being a woman is hard! Being a mother is hard! We as women are our own worst critics and sometimes we are each others worst critics!!</span></i><br />
<br />
My husband and I have both been very lucky in friendships of this kind. I have several friends who are always there for me whether we see each other very often or not. {Nora, Holly and Regan I love you all!!!} My husband has one friend, John, who he can call on at any time even though there is distance between them.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;">With the beginning of social media, I believe true friendships are falling to the waste side.</span> True friendships that are fostered through time spent together. I am as guilty as the next person about not calling people or sending cards on their birthday since I can wish them a Happy Birthday on FB - I am even reminded by FB when to do this!!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b>FB Purge </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
So, my FB purge began. I have recently felt convicted that my time is being wasted way too much on FB and Pinterest. I won't cancel either because they do provide a way for me to show photos of Declan to out of town family and Pinterest does help with research for my business projects. But, I did began to delete a lot of "friends" so I wouldn't have so many things jumping out at me when I log in to just post a photo which in turn ends up being an hour long viewing of what everyone is doing!!<br />
<br />
I believe there are people who are brought into our lives for a season when we need them most. All friendships are not going to be these LaoTong types of friendships. But, we should all strive to have at least one person in our life that is our LaoTong - someone who we can spend time with and someone we can talk to and someone who will support us. Someone who will not judge. Someone who will be there for us no matter what is going on or what is not going on. This takes effort on the part of both people.<br />
<br />
My friends were there for me through our struggles with infertility even though both of them had beautiful children already. They were there when I had my appointments and they were there when our IVF failed. They were there to support us through our adoption and they are still there to provide deep friendships for our son and us as we travel this hard road through parenthood.<br />
<br />
As a Christian, these true friendships are Biblical. Forming friendships based on commonalities of belief and life stages is important. You need someone who will give you wise counsel when you need it. You can go to the following passages to read about what the Bible says about friendships:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Proverbs 27:17 Friends can help you stay strong </li>
<li>Proverbs 12:26 Be careful in choosing friends</li>
<li>Proverbs 18:24 True friendships</li>
<li>Ecclesiastes 4:9 Laboring together</li>
<li>Proverbs 17:17 Friendship is lasting </li>
</ul>
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Don't get me wrong, FB has its value. FB can also take our time when we should be focusing on much more important things in life. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My challenge to you today is to put down the phone, log out of the computer and spend time doing something wonderful with a true friend. Whether it be lunch or time at the park with your kids or just talking on the phone. Spend some time fostering those relationships. </div>
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<br /></div>
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If you have any more verses on friendship, feel free to post them in the comment section!! </div>
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<br />AnnaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764260444881951963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4186570506095720230.post-70434440726506861402014-03-24T15:17:00.003-04:002014-03-26T11:57:39.560-04:00Meaningful Play: Tools and ResourcesThis post will be simple and to the point and will include resources and tools to help your infant/toddler learn. I will focus on the one year stage since that is where Declan happens to be right now.<br />
<br />
<i style="background-color: yellow;">Special NOTE: I am not the mom who thinks her son is the smartest on the block or even should be the smartest on the block. These resources are only suggestions to help enhance meaningful play with your child. Exposure is the main idea behind introducing any ABCs or numbers at this point. Repetition is key, but you can model ideas for your child as well just in daily routines. It also is important to remember that we are dealing with young children - they are sponges at this age, but they also need to burn off energy!! Down time and just fun time is important. Routine is also important to children at this stage. So, having a "lesson" time each day is fine as long as it is still fun. Let your child lead - if he isn't into putting pom poms into the egg carton that day, move to something else. </i><br />
<i style="background-color: yellow;"><br /></i>
This is just a list. Remember my philosophy when it comes to buying anything - always hunt at garage sales, secondhand stores (our area has a store called Kid to Kid with gently used clothing and toys), and get CREATIVE in what you can use that you already have on hand. <br />
<br />
Don't spend a ton of money on items for your child to learn. You will be amazed at what they will pick up without any toys at all just from their observations.<br />
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<h2>
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Online Resources for lesson ideas (I will add to this list as I find things):</span></b></i></h2>
<ul>
<li>www.babycenter.com</li>
<li>www.healthychildren.org</li>
<li>http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.net/ {Lesson Plans and Activities + Resources}</li>
<li>Learning Videos: abcmouse.com </li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<h2>
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Things to Collect:</span></b></i></h2>
<ul>
<li>Paper towel/toilet paper rolls</li>
<li>Egg Cartons</li>
<li>Containers such as wipes containers and plastic snack containers {A friend even saved these and created her son's own little bowling set}These are also great to make bean shakers or rain sticks using beans or rice (music is important as well and developing rhythm). </li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQLxSuNyyKo/UzCBa61bnnI/AAAAAAAABRk/blD4ICzoQnY/s1600/puffs+Containers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQLxSuNyyKo/UzCBa61bnnI/AAAAAAAABRk/blD4ICzoQnY/s1600/puffs+Containers.jpg" height="200" width="87" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Beads </li>
<li>Buttons (save from clothing you buy)</li>
<li>Tops to food squeeze pouches like those from Plum Organics or GoGoSqueez Applesauce (great colors and can serve as counters for patterns) You are already buying them possibly so why buy additional colored counters. A word of caution - watch children carefully who still put things in their mouth. </li>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C8mtoaICRLQ/UzCAypvu3uI/AAAAAAAABRY/JYdlUv24rxg/s1600/squeezepouch+tops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C8mtoaICRLQ/UzCAypvu3uI/AAAAAAAABRY/JYdlUv24rxg/s1600/squeezepouch+tops.jpg" height="200" width="168" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://happyfamilybrands.com/product_lines/happy-squeeze/" target="_blank">{Tops To Save}</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Containers from food like sour cream etc. to hold items (cheaper way to do this)</li>
<li>Beans/pasta</li>
<li>String</li>
<li>Ribbon</li>
<li>Scraps of felt or cloth</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<h2>
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Toys (online and local resources):</span></b></i></h2>
<b style="color: blue;"><i>Declan is at the age now (16 months) where he loves to stack things. He also is beginning to enjoy puzzles and he enjoys putting tops on containers and putting items into containers. He is also really into construction vehicles and trucks of any kind. Many of these toys can serve his interest long past 16 months even though some are labeled as 2+. </i></b><br />
<b style="color: blue;"><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Melissa and Doug</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{These toys help with hand/eye coordination and physical manipulation of items- gross motor skills as well as learning shapes, colors and numbers}</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CCi3J0iWwo8/UzB3k2m4BrI/AAAAAAAABQs/nf9AfQpaLeU/s1600/M&Doug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CCi3J0iWwo8/UzB3k2m4BrI/AAAAAAAABQs/nf9AfQpaLeU/s1600/M&Doug.jpg" height="259" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melissa and Doug </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A. Stacking Cars Baby & Toddler Toy $12.99</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
B. Caterpillar Gears Toddler Toy $9.99</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
C. First Bead Maze $14.99</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
D. Geometric Stacker Toy Toddler $16.99</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
E. Shape Sorting Cube Classic Toy $14.99</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
F. Classic ABC Block Cart $14.99</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
G. Large Shapes Jumbo Knob Puzzle - 8 Pieces $19.99</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
H. See Inside Numbers Peg Puzzle - 10 Pieces $7.99</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I. Vehicles Jumbo Knob Puzzle - 8 pieces $19.99</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
**M&D also has some great puzzles that make sounds when the pieces are placed. Declan LOVES his animal noise puzzle he received for his birthday!! <a href="http://www.melissaanddoug.com/zoo-animals-learning-sound-puzzle" target="_blank">{Zoo Animals Sound Puzzle}</a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>IKEA **Great place to check first along with garage sales**</b><br />
{These toys help with gross motor skills, learning shapes and imaginative play}</div>
<ul><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cFomMCZDiBE/UyyLyMD8C2I/AAAAAAAABQM/KIsJeo5T9TI/s1600/IKEAToyCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cFomMCZDiBE/UyyLyMD8C2I/AAAAAAAABQM/KIsJeo5T9TI/s1600/IKEAToyCollage.jpg" height="272" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IKEA<br />
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<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</ul>
<div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A. Mula Stacking Rings $5.99</div>
<div>
B. Mula Crane with Blocks $14.99</div>
<div>
C. Mula Bead Roller Coaster</div>
<div>
D. Mula Stack & Nest Cups $2.99</div>
<div>
E. Mula 24 Building Blocks with Wagon $7.99</div>
<div>
F. Mula Toy Hammering Block $5.99</div>
<div>
G. Latsas 11-Piece Shopping Basket Set $7.99</div>
<div>
H. Duktig 14-piece Vegetable Set $7.99</div>
<div>
I. Duktig 9-piece Fruit Set $7.99</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Other Resources</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Amazon.com (we are members of Prime which helps save on a variety of kids' items as well as downloadable videos for Declan to watch on our Roku - <a href="http://www.littlepim.com/?gclid=CL-pkpHwq70CFbTm7Aod7XQAZQ&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">{Little Pim Language Videos}</a></li>
</ul>
Christmas Present via Amazon.com: </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sGg7OuHrVeM/UzCD4A2c6FI/AAAAAAAABRs/oe5qA18C7SM/s1600/Drum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sGg7OuHrVeM/UzCD4A2c6FI/AAAAAAAABRs/oe5qA18C7SM/s1600/Drum.jpg" height="180" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.littlepim.com/?gclid=CL-pkpHwq70CFbTm7Aod7XQAZQ&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">{Parum Parum Pum Drum - Lime}</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Ross (or other discount stores)</li>
</ul>
I recently snagged these two toys at our local ROSS: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Melissa and Doug Stack and Sort Board (teaches shapes, colors, patterns, coordination) Regularly $9.99 - Purchased for $6.99.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yliQqsR79LI/UzB6s4jy6mI/AAAAAAAABQ4/tPpvIdza-os/s1600/M&DStackingShapes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yliQqsR79LI/UzB6s4jy6mI/AAAAAAAABQ4/tPpvIdza-os/s1600/M&DStackingShapes.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My First Construction Set by FirstLearning.com (Teaches Hand/Eye Coordination, Building Skills, Vehicle names- cement truck, dump truck, gasoline truck, front end loader) Purchased for $7.99. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3YlrPZSdX8Q/UzB71x2z-4I/AAAAAAAABRA/GhLDwOL9PbY/s1600/MyFirstConstructionSet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3YlrPZSdX8Q/UzB71x2z-4I/AAAAAAAABRA/GhLDwOL9PbY/s1600/MyFirstConstructionSet.jpg" height="186" width="200" /></a></div>
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<div>
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<ul>
<li>Dollar Tree (or other dollar stores)</li>
<li>Spielgaben "Smarter Play, Smarter Child" {More Expensive Option created for homeschoolers} </li>
<li>Oriental Trading Company </li>
</ul>
- Cool Craft Trays <a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.net/2009/02/behind-scenes-tot-trays/" target="_blank">{Tot Trays via 1+1+1=1 Blog}</a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5J7gjc5AlkI/Uyx2PqOxZxI/AAAAAAAABP8/bFdClL-14Uc/s1600/TotTrays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5J7gjc5AlkI/Uyx2PqOxZxI/AAAAAAAABP8/bFdClL-14Uc/s1600/TotTrays.jpg" height="163" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oriental Trading Company $10.50/6</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Tools (for crafts and learning):</span></b></i><br />
<ul>
<li><u><b>Oriental Trading</b></u> <span style="background-color: yellow;">{Follow Websites Notes for Age Appropriateness of Foam Items for Choking Hazards}</span></li>
</ul>
- Wiggly Eyes for crafts {Dollar Store or Walmart}<br />
- Pom Poms {Dollar Store or Walmart}<br />
- Pipe Cleaners {Can also be found at the local dollar store}<br />
- Foam Shapes and Foam Sticky Back Letters <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/awesome-self-adhesive-foam-letters-a2-57_2006.fltr?prodCatId=550061" target="_blank">{Foam Letters}</a> <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/foam-letters-a2-48_7695-11-0.fltr?xsaleSku=57/2006" target="_blank">{5" Foam Letters}</a><br />
- My Book of Numbers Thumbprint Craft Set <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/my-book-of-numbers-thumbprint-craft-kit-a2-13604448.fltr?Ntt=5%20foam%20numbers" target="_blank">{Make a Number Book}</a><br />
- Tissue Paper and Craft Paper<br />
- Kitchen Tongs to pick things up {We bought these at Bed, Bath and Beyond for our <br />
kitchen, but you can purchase them at Amazon.com or Wayfair.com <a href="http://www.wayfair.com/Progressive-International-3-Piece-Nesting-Tongs-Set-GT-3239-PRI1165.html" target="_blank">{Tongs Set of 3}</a> for $12.70.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t4B37AzOF7k/UzB9iijhNlI/AAAAAAAABRM/O8Fz3ijNWFI/s1600/GreeTongsSetof3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t4B37AzOF7k/UzB9iijhNlI/AAAAAAAABRM/O8Fz3ijNWFI/s1600/GreeTongsSetof3.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><u>IKEA</u></li>
</ul>
-Mala Chalk $1.99/24 pack<br />
-Drawing Paper Roll $4.99<br />
-Mala Tabletop Paper Roll Holder $6.99<br />
-Ice Trays (or at the dollar store)<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Local Resources:</span></b></i><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The School Box Teacher Store</li>
<li>Learning Express Toys </li>
<li>Target</li>
<li>Walmart</li>
<li>Dollar Store </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I always try to buy toys that are educational as well as fun. And, I try to buy toys not based on age, but on how long Declan will be able to play with the toy and how many things it can teach. For example, he isn't going to be learning his ABC's anytime soon, but he can pull the Melissa and Doug cart behind him and can use the blocks to build towers.<br />
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<br />
Wonderful Addition I happened on toda: Dwell Studio<br />
<br />
I have always LOVED Dwell Studio patterns and home items, but these are so cute!!! Meaningful play and imaginative play!!<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5ix_CGwdAc" target="_blank">{Wooden Play Sets}</a> On Sale Now for $15.99 Regularly $36.00.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SV3FxVi1rD0/UzL4em__DRI/AAAAAAAABSU/MEgdYIQTfSU/s1600/DweelStudioPlaySets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SV3FxVi1rD0/UzL4em__DRI/AAAAAAAABSU/MEgdYIQTfSU/s1600/DweelStudioPlaySets.jpg" height="310" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Woodland Creative Play Set}</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gzgg7UzPePU/UzL4cI0rWZI/AAAAAAAABSI/bTKZSxkQmjA/s1600/DwellSkylineSet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gzgg7UzPePU/UzL4cI0rWZI/AAAAAAAABSI/bTKZSxkQmjA/s1600/DwellSkylineSet.jpg" height="303" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Skyline Creative Set}</td></tr>
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AnnaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764260444881951963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4186570506095720230.post-52531116798372321792014-03-21T11:22:00.000-04:002014-03-21T11:22:08.371-04:00Meaningful Play I always said when I had children that they wouldn't be TV watchers. When I was younger, TV wasn't an option most days. We went outside to play - all of the time. We rode our bikes, roller skated, jump roped, went to the park with our cousins, made mud pies in our front yard. And, when it rained, our back yard would fill up with water (Mississippi is very flat and my parents had the largest yard in the neighborhood since our house was one of the first built). This large area of yard filled with water made a great playground. When we were done slipping and sliding and rolling in the water, my mom would pull out the waterhose and hose us down. {Honestly, if I remember correctly, it was me who made neat little mud pies while my sister and brother rolled in the water and grass and mud.}<br />
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My brother would also disappear for a whole day in the creek near our house. He came home only to change <strike>clothes</strike> uniforms to match what he was pretending to be - fireman, cowboy, military. This was the worst for my mom!<br />
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Those were the days!! Reminiscing about the days of my childhood sparked something in me - a reason to foster meaningful play with my son. All of those days outside were filled with creativity and imagination and fun!! Nowadays, we have to be careful with our children outdoors which is very sad, but we still need to foster that creativity and imagination that comes from being outdoors.<br />
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Today, TV and electronics are the staple in most homes and sadly in most children's activities daily. I admit I have followed suit with cartoons in the morning and movies on rainy or sick days or even days when I just would have rather stayed in bed.<br />
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But, recently, a friend of mine has begun to do "school" with her son at home. I became excited about doing the same for our son, Declan. Granted, Declan is only 16 months old, but he is a SPONGE!! He learns so quickly and is starting to say actual words we can understand. {Everything this week has been APPLE - even his little friend who sent a photo birthday invitation!}<br />
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I began to feel I needed to harvest this learning while I can. Why wait? Fostering that same creativity I grew up with is of utmost importance to me right now.<br />
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You may ask, how can you have "school" with a 16 month old who isn't talking yet? Well, you focus on what they can do and the skills they need to improve for their age.<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: blue;">According to HealthyChildren.org, these are the milestones of a toddler 1-3 years of age:</span></i></b><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xlM2tcrGdHo/UyxUQiqEXYI/AAAAAAAABPs/11nC9kASiTg/s1600/3-21-2014+11-00-55+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xlM2tcrGdHo/UyxUQiqEXYI/AAAAAAAABPs/11nC9kASiTg/s1600/3-21-2014+11-00-55+AM.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: blue;">According to BabyCenter.com, a child has certain milestones and adults can foster these: </span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: blue;">{Ages 13 to 24 months} **See the website for other ages</span></i></b><br />
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<li>Confident on their feet, climbing, running, kicking a ball</li>
<li>Language skills are growing and he/she understands more than he/she can express</li>
<li>Follows two step directions</li>
<li>Beginning to identify colors and shapes</li>
<li>Uses crayons, builds with blocks, throws a ball, fills/empties containers</li>
<li>Wants independence - dress him/herself, uses a spoon/fork, washes his/her hands</li>
<li><span style="background-color: yellow;">Children may show defiance at this stage since they want that independence </span></li>
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<i><b><span style="color: blue;">What can WE do to FOSTER these MILESTONES: </span></b></i><br />
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<li>Read to your child and discuss/talk about the books (this is an early thing we began when Declan was an infant even)</li>
<li>Have conversations with your child and answer their questions </li>
<li>Begin teaching letters and numbers</li>
<li>Discuss feelings and help them put their feelings into words</li>
<li>Rephrase sentences if they are incorrect, but don't get on to them</li>
<li>Practice having child ask for items instead of pointing </li>
<li>Learn parts of the body</li>
<li>Categorize items while playing/sort items by color/shape</li>
<li>Encourage pretend play </li>
<li>Explore outside at the park, the zoo, etc.</li>
<li>Reinforce good behavior and set clear limits {Safety is key at this age such as running into the street}</li>
<li>Allow toddlers to have a few options and allow him to make choices </li>
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As you can see from this list, we as parents have a huge role to play. Now, that being said, I am not one of those moms who says her child is going to be the brainiac of the neighborhood. The meaningful play we take part in is meant to make learning fun. It is really play that our children actually learn from. It really isn't "school" in the traditional sense of the word. I still want our child to be a boy. Run, play, turn flips, get muddy, learn to fish and hunt, but I also want to foster learning so he will do well in the future. </div>
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<i><span style="color: red;">Please read my next blog post on meaningful toys and activities that Declan and I have been doing each day. I will list a few toys and activities as well as websites that can take the guess work out of "planning" for these activities. </span></i></div>
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<br />AnnaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764260444881951963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4186570506095720230.post-11208107416856571812014-03-19T16:16:00.001-04:002014-03-19T16:16:54.448-04:00Minimalist Living: The ClosetRecently, I began to see these small pin sized brown bugs on the baseboards in our Master Bathroom and sometimes in our Master. Ugh! Ick! I was curious as to what they were. So, I did a little digging via the Internet. My OCD self immediately felt like cleaning.<br />
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I am still not sure what they might be at this point, but I have narrowed it down to DUST MITES or CARPET BEETLES. </div>
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<b>Resources for Dust Mites:</b></div>
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http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/dust-allergies</div>
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http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=20276</div>
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<b>Resources for Carpet Beetles:</b></div>
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http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Carpet-Beetles</div>
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http://npic.orst.edu/pest/carpetbeetle.html</div>
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Apparently, my busyness as a mom has resulted in my house not being as clean as I would have hoped. Of course, we do have two dogs (one a long haired Australian Shepherd) and the dog hair alone would be enough to feed an Army of Dust Mites!!! Ick!! I do dust at least once a week, but sometimes it can go longer. I do vacuum my mattress and wash the sheets weekly as well as put the pillows in the dryer. But, it is difficult to keep up with the hair especially with this winter season and the dogs being indoors more than out. </div>
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So, I turned to my new found interest in MINIMALISM. I decided to do what any OCD person would do - Super Clean the Closet and Bedroom. This would get rid of the bugs if that was their source and help organize the closet at the same time. </div>
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<b><i>Steps to a Minimalist Closet</i></b></div>
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Even though I do vacuum, the closet hardly ever gets vacuumed. Maybe because it on the other side of the bathroom. Maybe because it is often too crowded with laundry that needs washing. Either way, it was quite dusty in there. </div>
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Do you ever have the conversation with yourself when you are getting ready for an event that goes something like this - </div>
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" I have so many clothes, but I can't find anything to wear!" "This is too big, this is too small." "I LOVE this skirt - why haven't I ever bought a top to match so I could wear it?"</div>
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If you have, like me, have this conversation with yourself all too often, something is wrong!!</div>
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<b>My Closet Purge Process: </b></div>
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1. Take EVERYTHING out of the closet and lay it on the bed</div>
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2. Quickly go through each set of clothing {Dressy, casual, jeans, etc.} and toss what you haven't worn in ages into one pile. Don't forget the shoes too. You don't really need 5 pair of black pumps. </div>
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3. Make another pile of clothing you need to try on</div>
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4. Toss doubles of items into a pile {You don't need the same shirt in every color} </div>
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<b>5. Clean: </b><b>Dust and vacuum EVERY surface in the closet. Yes, I even vacuumed the walls and the shelves. Don't forget the baseboards, corners, and vent if there is one. </b></div>
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6. Replace items you are keeping in an organized way (ie. Dresses together, slacks together, work clothes together.....)</div>
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<b>OPTIONS TO DONATING</b> if you need additional money to rebuild your wardrobe or a Girls' Night- Clothing Swap Party or Sell them online. </div>
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<b>Things there is no need to keep:</b></div>
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<li>Items you haven't worn in at least 6 months</li>
<li>Items too large for you {Do you really want to plan on gaining weight??}</li>
<li>Items too small {Unless you have just gone on a diet or you just had a baby, keeping clothing several sized too small isn't worth the space it takes} I did honestly lose 20 pounds after changing my diet/exercising and went through several sizes over a time. </li>
<li>Items you no longer need to wear {I was a teacher for 10 years and I have a lot of business clothing that I do not ever wear- I kept some for when/if I return to work, but got rid of the outdated items}</li>
<li>Items that are torn, faded or worn out {DO NOT DONATE THESE ITEMS!!}</li>
<li>You DO NOT need a T-Shirt for every day of the year (My hubby gets free ones from conferences and meetings and from his job and vendors - we are working on this. LOL!) I love you honey!!!</li>
<li>Items with sentimental value (I admit I am having issues with this one as my little man gets older. I find it hard to part with an outfit I can picture him wearing as a baby.) You do, however, need to protect items such as wedding dresses if you do plan to keep them. They will age quickly hanging in a closet. </li>
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<b><i><span style="color: purple;">Tips for Rebuilding an Efficient Closet</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: purple;">{Resources: </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: purple;">http://into-mind.com</span></i></b></div>
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<b style="color: purple;"><i><u>http://www.missminimalist.com/category/wardrobe/</u></i></b></div>
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<b style="color: purple;"><i><u>http://www.houseforfive.com/2013/08/purging-closet-30-piece-wardrobe-free.html </u></i></b></div>
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<b style="color: purple;">(my favorite is the last one)}</b></div>
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<li><b>Items that are classic and versatile - classic pieces that never go out of style </b></li>
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{White button up dress shirt (short and/or long sleeved), black slacks, black heels/flats, simple versatile blazer, black skirt, Little black dress; Black Cardigan; Colored Cardigan}</div>
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SIDE NOTE: When I was still teaching, I semi-purged my closet and gave some of my clothes to a coworker. I didn't like them and I didn't wear them anymore, but they were in great condition. The first time I saw her wear some of them to school - I selfishly wanted them back. Why? Because of the way she created a totally different look with the same items. </div>
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<b> 2. Items you absolutely LOVE and they go with your individual style </b></div>
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{Stay away from purchasing items just because they are "in style" - create your own unique style}</div>
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<b> 3. Items that are well made and high quality - </b>I often think of how an item needs to be take cared for as well. I don't want items that are hand wash only or dry clean only when dealing with a toddler! But, I do appreciate well made items. </div>
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<b> 4. Seasonal Items</b></div>
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{Great Winter Coat- remember versatility - dress up or dress down, Winter hat/scarf/gloves, Rainy Day Coat with lining for warmth (mine has a removable warm layer lining so I can also wear this as a summer rain coat}</div>
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<b>5. Don't forget to accessorize</b></div>
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{Scarves, jewelry, hats, belts- don't forget that the same outfit can look very different depending on what accessories are added}<b> </b></div>
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What is the moral of this very winded story on the tiny bugs in our room? </div>
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Purge your wardrobe and build one that works for you - not everyone else. On her blog, House for Five, Demi points out that Pinterest can be our best friend when it comes to planning our outfits. I honestly do this a TON. Pick out a dress or skirt or any piece and then go to Pinterest and see how people have worn that same or similar outfit. I do this and it really helps you to look at your wardrobe in a different way. What used to be your mantra of "I don't have a thing to wear." now becomes, "Oh, that is cute together - why didn't I think of that?"</div>
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<b>Examples: The ever popular Maxi Dress (I admit I own 2- one blue stripe and one tan with lace detailing) and Maxi Skirt </b></div>
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YouTube Video (Pop Sugar): <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFY0ZvqR-4Q" target="_blank">{10 Ways to Wear a Maxi Dress}</a></div>
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You Tube Video (Maxi Skirts) <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnN_4noRwvQ" target="_blank">{5 Ways to Wear a Maxi Skirt}</a></div>
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I love this 2nd one because these would all work for a shorter person like me. I find that most Maxi Dresses and Skirts are often too long for me. These tricks would save me the hassle and money for hemming. I admit I have actually worn many of my skirts as dresses before - one huge benefit of being short!! </div>
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The Maxi Dress and Skirt actually fall into the VERSATILITY category as well. Add boots for cooler weather, a jacket, scarf and pare it down to sandals and a beach hat for summer. </div>
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<b>So, go get busy restyling your closet! Just in time for Summer and a new look. Who cares you have a toddler in tow? Looking great is for mommies too. It will make you feel great!! </b></div>
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AnnaChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764260444881951963noreply@blogger.com0