tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83959628933829349872024-02-06T21:48:01.049-06:00a thing for ButtonsButtons McDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00451753458042977734noreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8395962893382934987.post-54861497695314942422013-11-26T10:45:00.000-06:002013-11-26T22:47:05.938-06:00Order up!One of Pickles' favorite thing about Thanksgiving is Christmas. Yep, Christmas. Every year at Thanksgiving we give the kids a Christmas list handout. It's a fun little worksheet that the kids fill out instead of just making a list. They can have questions, fill-in-the-blanks, silly trivia and more. The kids really have fun with them. Try handing these out for a little change of pace. Feel free to print and use these!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rtVbdN3wjUc/UpV4vPH394I/AAAAAAAABjw/nsf4wSuQsco/s1600/christmas+list2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rtVbdN3wjUc/UpV4vPH394I/AAAAAAAABjw/nsf4wSuQsco/s320/christmas+list2.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/?action=view&current=buttonsblogavatar.png" target="_blank"><img alt="signature avatar" border="0" src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/buttonsblogavatar.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8395962893382934987.post-31580888759516574182013-10-28T11:56:00.000-05:002013-11-22T11:57:13.548-06:00Pretty Pins - Girl Scout giftsSomething all Girl Scouts celebrate is the birthday of Juliette Gordon-Low, founder of the Girl Socuts. It falls on October 31 and is usually celebrated with a birthday party, ice cream social or a fun event of some sort.<br />
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Our troop celebrated the day before at our troop meeting. I wanted to make a special little gift for the girls and looking at painting of J-Low, realized it would make a pretty piece of jewelry. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-maps5E2hx6U/Uo-TxQ7ikZI/AAAAAAAABiY/9evm7b5m56c/s1600/GS+jlow1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-maps5E2hx6U/Uo-TxQ7ikZI/AAAAAAAABiY/9evm7b5m56c/s320/GS+jlow1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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So I looked through the craft stash and took out some goodies:<br />
Bottle caps<br />
beads & small sequins<br />
white tulle<br />
felt<br />
safety pins<br />
Juliette Gordon-Low<br />
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First things first, rub the back of the bottle caps with some sandpaper to scuff it up. Trust me on this, it's help with gluing later! So, I printed the pic above, sizing it to fit inside the bottle caps and glued them in with some glitter glue and let it dry.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MLfRbCXsR-0/Uo-U7_zdCNI/AAAAAAAABik/TSa3iDzpQXc/s1600/IMAG2889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MLfRbCXsR-0/Uo-U7_zdCNI/AAAAAAAABik/TSa3iDzpQXc/s320/IMAG2889.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Because we're talking about little girls (and one pre-teen) here, I knew that "sparkle" would have to be a part of this gift. Yes, shiny is best isn't it? So I filled the cap with some glitter, iridescent sequins and a shiny bead or two.</div>
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I put some glitter glue around the edge of the bottle cap and laid a square of tulle on top of it (just trimmed it when the glue was dry). You can also use glitter nail polish, it's shiny, it dries quickly and hardens when it does.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ufmsp2TYS0Y/Uo-XPTcNMQI/AAAAAAAABi4/72ZCNXMtSgI/s1600/IMAG2903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ufmsp2TYS0Y/Uo-XPTcNMQI/AAAAAAAABi4/72ZCNXMtSgI/s320/IMAG2903.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Finally, I made circles from the felt, cutting slits so that the clasp and the spring were exposed and the staff was glued behind the felt, against the back of the bottle cap (which you pre-scraped to help the glue adhere).</div>
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Each girl got a fun, sparkly pin featuring Juliette! My advice, use the larger, choppy glitter so it doesn't fall out through the tulle!</div>
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<a href="http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/?action=view&current=buttonsblogavatar.png" target="_blank"><img alt="signature avatar" border="0" src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/buttonsblogavatar.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8395962893382934987.post-28904304037774717582013-02-08T11:13:00.000-06:002013-11-22T11:14:51.373-06:00A Place for PicklesA while ago...a long while ago, I salvaged a cute and fab vanity chair from the roadside. It was a mid-century treat to find it and I took it home to love.I sat at my vanity for a while, but after Pickles' vanity make-over I decided she should have it. Sometimes I really hate making permanent changes to vintage finds. I love the old look of them so I try to find ways of updating without altering.<br />
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In this case, it wa as simple as sewing up some quick covers. Naturally I wanted it to coordinate with her room and that was easy because I used the bedskirt for her bed!<br />
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For the back of the seat, I simply cut a a rectangle and sewed up the top and the side leaving the</div>
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bottom (already hemmed, thanks to the manufacturer!) open to slip over the back.</div>
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In my fabric stash I found a great piece of purple stretch velvetine. I folded that in half, just like the bedskirt material and sewed up two sides again, making a sleeve to slip over the seat.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UT7-HlTfyK8/Uo-OKVdOyZI/AAAAAAAABho/vekFh2HUsBU/s1600/DSC07222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UT7-HlTfyK8/Uo-OKVdOyZI/AAAAAAAABho/vekFh2HUsBU/s320/DSC07222.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Finally, for the skirt....literally, I made an elastice waistband skirt. I cut more of the bed skirt fabric and folded the top over to make a "waistband" for the elastic. I ran elastic through it and sewed the two ends together. There's a great tutorial <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-a-simple-skirt.html" target="_blank">here</a> at <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/" target="_blank">DanaMadeIt</a>. </div>
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It was an easy project that was quick to make. I dare venture to say, you could get the same results with iron-on fusable tape instead of sewing. It turned a chair into a little throne!</div>
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<a href="http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/?action=view&current=buttonsblogavatar.png" target="_blank"><img alt="signature avatar" border="0" src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/buttonsblogavatar.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8395962893382934987.post-86211432948757460832013-01-03T14:51:00.000-06:002013-11-22T10:07:58.734-06:00A Tail of ChristmasAnimal lovers know that our furry friends are part of the fun at family get-togethers. They hang out, they photobomb, they beg for scraps. They can even get in on the gift giving. Now that Christmas is over, I can tell you that Mother Darling got a special present from her "granddogs".<br />
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The pooches decided that Mother Darling should have a sweet trinket to keep them near to her. A photo bracelet is just what Santa ordered! Pepper and the gang asked for my help due to the fact that well, they don't have thumbs. The materials included:<br />
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Photo charm bracelet (on clearance at the craft store)</div>
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Clear bubble stickers</div>
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Small printed pic of the granddogs</div>
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First thing was to cut the pics to fit inside the bubble stickers. The easier thing to do though, was to just place the stickers on the pictures. Then I just cut them both out!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fn_2QK6Y9sw/Uo0eoHfNNgI/AAAAAAAABf0/EQmnrEYqPhU/s1600/DSC06556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fn_2QK6Y9sw/Uo0eoHfNNgI/AAAAAAAABf0/EQmnrEYqPhU/s1600/DSC06556.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Once all the pics are cut, I just glue them into the bracelet. Easy peasy, right?</div>
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Now Mother Darling has something fab from her favorite paw pals!</div>
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<a href="http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/?action=view&current=buttonsblogavatar.png" target="_blank"><img alt="signature avatar" border="0" src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/buttonsblogavatar.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8395962893382934987.post-40853266691041960042012-12-17T09:04:00.000-06:002012-12-17T09:04:00.440-06:00not business as usualPickles and I have a morning ritual. She comes down from her bed and sits in my lap for a couple of minutes while I rock her and talk about what's in store for the day. It was not lost on me that this morning, there are parents who do not have the luxury, the priveledge, of holding their little ones. They can't hug their babies, they can't kiss them. I cannot begin to imagine the intense depth of their grief. Crying, I sat and prayed. All I can do is pray and ask anyone out there to do the same. Pray for comfort, for peace, for healing. <br />
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<a href="http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/?action=view&current=buttonsblogavatar.png" target="_blank"><img alt="signature avatar" border="0" src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/buttonsblogavatar.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8395962893382934987.post-87985810041145167872012-12-13T10:00:00.000-06:002012-12-13T12:14:05.707-06:00hard candy Christmas...but not really<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There's something about a jar full of found objects. I love jars of buttons, they're the best. I also love jars of bottle caps. When I was a kid (insert dinosaur joke), bottle caps were the currency of choice for our imaginary trips to the imaginary grocery store. <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The collection above has been sitting on my shelf for about a year and the collection itself is about 2 years in the making. I wanted to make something Christmasy with them for my Junque Tree. Pickles was vehemently against this since she feels it means "ruining" the caps somehow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Take heart, my dear Pickles! A a fun, non-altering solution is here. I've decided to make a candy wrapped garland with them. The idea is simple. I'm using cellophane to wrap the bottle caps like hard candy. All I need is:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">*bottle caps</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">*scissors</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">*roll of clear cellophane - cut into 4 inch wide strips along the length of the roll.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">*pipe cleaners (mine are gold!) - cut into 1 to 1.5 inch pieces</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TJ_XXEl3jbY/UMoU7cHn8dI/AAAAAAAABZ0/g79vl4aUqVg/s1600/DSC06918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TJ_XXEl3jbY/UMoU7cHn8dI/AAAAAAAABZ0/g79vl4aUqVg/s1600/DSC06918.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's kinda tricky to capture, but here's the strip of cellophane. I placed two bottle caps together with the open sides facing each other and wrap them just like you would a hard candy disc. You know...</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rCdkqPKlUDQ/UMoVGTpiRUI/AAAAAAAABZ8/BttCFPAzxeE/s1600/DSC06926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rCdkqPKlUDQ/UMoVGTpiRUI/AAAAAAAABZ8/BttCFPAzxeE/s1600/DSC06926.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Dang cellophane!! The camera won't focus on it! Ok, so twist the cellophane and tie it closed with your pipecleaner piece. Same for the other side and there you have you first "candy".</span> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FIdDmjPZnNw/UMoWxNPPWXI/AAAAAAAABaM/FZWpY8TOqAo/s1600/DSC06932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FIdDmjPZnNw/UMoWxNPPWXI/AAAAAAAABaM/FZWpY8TOqAo/s1600/DSC06932.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Now, just add another and another tieing after each one. When you're coming to the end of a cellophane strip (about 4 or 5 inches left at the end) just start a new one and add it to your existing strand. Simply place the end of the new strand inside the end of the old strand. Then just continue on your merry way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What you wind up with is a garland of bottle caps and they do look like candy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">They are too perfect for the Junque Tree!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zrbFOIs5GLM/UMoYvKmmezI/AAAAAAAABas/AfTMm7HhwyY/s1600/DSC06950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zrbFOIs5GLM/UMoYvKmmezI/AAAAAAAABas/AfTMm7HhwyY/s1600/DSC06950.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/?action=view&current=buttonsblogavatar.png" target="_blank"><img alt="signature avatar" border="0" src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/buttonsblogavatar.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8395962893382934987.post-91887074739779317002012-12-11T09:00:00.000-06:002012-12-13T12:12:12.507-06:00hooked on colors<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Holy Pinata, Batman! I love the colors on my tree, it's like Fiestas Patrias! But I couldn't hang my cute little decorations with those plain old aluminum hooks. How booooring. I needed something festive, bright, cheery. Oh if only I could find that special something...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">But wait! What's that I spy? Over in the stationary supplies in the kitchen. Could it be? Yes! Paper clips.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Okay, that's not how it happened. I was cleaning the stationary cabinet and I ran across the paper clips. I remembered using them as hooks in the past but now...they'recolored!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Just open them up and voila! A cute, color coordinated hook for my scrap medallions.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HUuhcOz8dLQ/UMc5dp9VjqI/AAAAAAAABW4/QD3Z8r2NS8U/s1600/DSC06861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HUuhcOz8dLQ/UMc5dp9VjqI/AAAAAAAABW4/QD3Z8r2NS8U/s1600/DSC06861.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/?action=view&current=buttonsblogavatar.png" target="_blank"><img alt="signature avatar" border="0" src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/buttonsblogavatar.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8395962893382934987.post-52684973325043270532012-12-10T19:09:00.000-06:002012-12-13T12:12:57.752-06:00that's just ducky!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HfZMGCYNJXc/UMKSDrvDrwI/AAAAAAAABVI/l3Q7D3tabAM/s1600/DSC06863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HfZMGCYNJXc/UMKSDrvDrwI/AAAAAAAABVI/l3Q7D3tabAM/s1600/DSC06863.JPG" height="302" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sometimes all you need is a little ribbon to totally change something. Look at these too-cute keychains I found at the "dollar store" (and .79 and 1.49 etc). These sparkly little quackers were .80 each and I <em>had</em> to have some! But I can't hang them like that. The keychain is convenient but ... no. Let's touch it up!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">That'll do, Duck. That'll do.</span></div>
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<a href="http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/?action=view&current=buttonsblogavatar.png" target="_blank"><img alt="signature avatar" border="0" src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/buttonsblogavatar.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8395962893382934987.post-51449245126673033892012-12-08T09:46:00.000-06:002012-12-17T09:48:11.444-06:00it's not junk, it's Junque<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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And then there's a little something for mom. I call it my Junque Tree. It sat in the attic <br />
unused last year but I wanted to bring it down and let it show off. Plus, the family's tolerance for my quirky taste only goes so far so....<br />
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Since I didn't have ornaments ready for this little tree, I decided to raid the craft supplies and store items for cheery decorations. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ID_cS6MjG1c/UM84_JT8ywI/AAAAAAAABbg/_TnY7TzaCUs/s1600/DSC06961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ID_cS6MjG1c/UM84_JT8ywI/AAAAAAAABbg/_TnY7TzaCUs/s1600/DSC06961.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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These scrap medallions were a given.</div>
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And when I saw these ducks at the dollars store, I just couldn't resist!</div>
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The prize ribbons were a must, they're so colorful...and for sale :-)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hPWK9-ZSdEg/UM86F6GVj9I/AAAAAAAABb4/28UQ_E_F0eQ/s1600/DSC06967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hPWK9-ZSdEg/UM86F6GVj9I/AAAAAAAABb4/28UQ_E_F0eQ/s1600/DSC06967.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Of course, a Christmas tree needs a garland. I added my ruffled two-tone streamers which just brings in a whole, mexican pinata feeling. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dcdMkfBc4_4/UM87c7SdA8I/AAAAAAAABcA/je0tNKxS09Y/s1600/DSC06965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dcdMkfBc4_4/UM87c7SdA8I/AAAAAAAABcA/je0tNKxS09Y/s1600/DSC06965.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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And these stars are a long-ago craft project for gift giving on a budget. </div>
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I found a few left in the attic and threw them on!</div>
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One of my favorite things on this tree is my hard candy bottle cap garland. Bottle caps strung in cellophane to form a fun addition to my tree.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u2gupFegqyE/UM89zMez1LI/AAAAAAAABcQ/LuoMTnL59Rc/s1600/DSC06998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u2gupFegqyE/UM89zMez1LI/AAAAAAAABcQ/LuoMTnL59Rc/s1600/DSC06998.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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My MOST favorite decoration is my heart from Pickles. It was a Valentine's gift but now...</div>
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<a href="http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/?action=view&current=buttonsblogavatar.png" target="_blank"><img alt="signature avatar" border="0" src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/buttonsblogavatar.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8395962893382934987.post-1297163011708589802012-12-07T12:10:00.000-06:002012-12-07T18:52:13.874-06:00holiday lights... and lights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D38UsRIm_FM/UMIn_ylXZgI/AAAAAAAABS0/-6SNl6oDjRo/s1600/DSC06752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D38UsRIm_FM/UMIn_ylXZgI/AAAAAAAABS0/-6SNl6oDjRo/s1600/DSC06752.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My tree trimming is all done and I don't mind saying I love it!! As I'm sure you do, I have my steps and methods for getting a tree that is full, bright and just right! I mentioned before, I stuff a couple of garlands into the center of my artificial tree to make it look fuller. When my tree is nice and fluffy, I start adding lights, extra lights, since our tree is pre-lit. LIGHTS LIGHTS LIGHTS!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Years ago Mother Darling taught me to brighten my tree with a most basic trick: put reflective, refractive ornaments on the inner branches. Doing this first bounces light around really making your tree sparkle! Use ornaments that are:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">CLEAR FACETED</span> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2n1PcncFdu0/UMIhGd2gRmI/AAAAAAAABR4/l2icp5L60Wo/s1600/DSC06761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2n1PcncFdu0/UMIhGd2gRmI/AAAAAAAABR4/l2icp5L60Wo/s1600/DSC06761.JPG" height="289" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">these are actually plastic ornaments but they're made to look like cut crystal. Think clear plastic stars or snowflakes too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">METALLIC</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A classic, of course! So shiny, and that mirror finish means every </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">ornament adds several extra points of light!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">DISCO BALLS</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> Hello...if they're good enough for the skating rink slow jam, they're good enough for me. A ball covered with mirrors is perfect...amariteorwut?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">THE LATEST</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">trick I just got from </span><a href="http://www.auntpeaches.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Aunt Peaches</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She uses little </span><a href="http://www.auntpeaches.com/2012/11/five-ways-to-thicken-christmas-tree-for.html#more" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">puffs made from tinsel</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> to 'thicken' her tree. When I saw them, I knew I MUST use them for extra sparkle. Boy does it work! Placed in the inner branches, each puff becomes a little cloud of light!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Once my 'base' is down, I can add all the other layers of decorations on a shiny, sparkly canvas!</span><br />
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<a href="http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/?action=view&current=buttonsblogavatar.png" target="_blank"><img alt="signature avatar" border="0" src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/buttonsblogavatar.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8395962893382934987.post-82483724152947298852012-12-05T11:22:00.000-06:002012-12-07T12:27:43.630-06:00not the mama!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do you know what you're looking at? You probably think you're looking at a pink blanket from the dollar store, right? Well, you'd be wrong. What you're looking at is my grandchild. Says who?...<br />
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Because according to Pepper, it's her "baby". The world's ugliest, stinkiest most disgusting baby. EVER.<br />
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If it's not in her mouth, it's at her head and if it's not at her head, it's at my feet. For some ungodly reason, Pepper thinks<strong><em> I</em></strong> want her baby as much as she does. No really, Pepper, knock yerself out.<br />
Seems like every time I turn around, this ugly thing is sitting at the floor next to me. If it wasn't for Pepper, I'd think I was being stalked...by a blanket.<br />
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<a href="http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/?action=view&current=buttonsblogavatar.png" target="_blank"><img alt="signature avatar" border="0" src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/buttonsblogavatar.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8395962893382934987.post-56170637365701106822012-12-03T09:00:00.000-06:002012-12-07T12:27:13.235-06:00filler up!<div style="text-align: center;">
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I don't know...should a tree be this bald? </div>
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This is our christmas tree. Daddy McD prefers an artificial, pre-lit tree to a natural one. I could go either way as arguments for each are valid. However, THIS tree in particular has a certain something missing. <br />
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We'll call them branches...or sprigs, or tree. Yes, it's quite decidedly missing a certain amount of TREE. Look at it! you can see clean through every part!<br />
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There's still hope, though. A simple solution really. I stuff it with garland. Not the thin tinsel-y kind. the thick, wire-y kind that you hang on mantels or banisters. I stuff it into the empty spaces. It fills up the bald spaces and garland is super easy to score cheap at after Christmas sales or, my favorite store, the thrift store. Thrift store ones are best if you're using them for filler or some sort of background.<br />
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Here you can see the center pole right through the tree. a big empty space wating for some filler.<br />
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I just take a swag and wrap it around a level or two. Of course, once all the ornaments are on, it will look much fuller but the garland gives this tired old tree just a little more life. Now, isn't that better?<br />
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<a href="http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/?action=view&current=buttonsblogavatar.png" target="_blank"><img alt="signature avatar" border="0" src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/buttonsblogavatar.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8395962893382934987.post-68075051379098990852012-11-26T09:06:00.001-06:002012-12-07T18:54:17.728-06:00Thrift Store Score - homecoming editionI know it's now officially Christmas season but look at my fun score from the thrift store....<br />
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HOMECOMING LETTERS! You know, the glittery ones you stick on homecoming mums. I found 2 bags of them for about $5 total. Do you know much fun homecoming letters can be? Just look at 'em!<br />
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Obviously, they'll make for some fancy Christmas gift tags with everybody getting tags with their initiasl on them. But some of these can be a little more silly.</div>
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Hello? Emoticons! amiright?</div>
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Of course, I could just use a mess of stickers to cover something and make it all shiny like. They'd make a fun crazy frame around a mirror. No telling, until I get started.</div>
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Bad picture but good intentions. These I's would make some cool stripes!</div>
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...and to all a good night!</div>
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<img alt="signature avatar" border="0" src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/buttonsblogavatar.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8395962893382934987.post-45966144955702280702012-11-21T09:00:00.000-06:002012-12-07T22:15:12.163-06:00Hey, Kool-Aid....nice box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JUVzZwgl72I/UKmL4OzF1bI/AAAAAAAABEE/S3FZo_NCDg0/s1600/koolaid1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JUVzZwgl72I/UKmL4OzF1bI/AAAAAAAABEE/S3FZo_NCDg0/s640/koolaid1.png" height="240" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pickles is a sack-luncher and one thing that goes in her lunch every day is a Kool-Aid pouch. We wind up with several leftover boxes. Granted we recycle them, but I just like the shape of the box. Figured I could repurpose them, but I gotta pretty 'em up first.<br />
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With some dollar store wrapping paper and ModgePodge, they become a cute matching set. Good for storing crafts supplies, office supplies, maybe stuff in the kitchen cabinets. <br />
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I'm using these for storing some product for the shop. They're particularly cute when they're stacked.<br />
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Cute, cheap, easy....my favorite!</div>
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<a href="http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/?action=view&current=buttonsblogavatar.png" target="_blank"><img alt="signature avatar" border="0" src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/buttonsblogavatar.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8395962893382934987.post-30822139972212955362012-11-19T09:30:00.000-06:002012-11-19T09:30:00.298-06:00Giving Thanks, in writingA few weeks ago our Ladies' Auxiliary held a vendor's market at the fire station. A few firefighters helped us all day long, setting up, BBQ-ing, helping vendors and more. We we wanted to give a simple token of appreciation and decided on some homemade plaques. Nothing fancy, but sincere.<br />
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I just transfered images onto wood plaques. They were prettty simple to make, actually. I searched online for some image transfer tutorials. Most of them required a gel or some medium and a process involving several steps. "Ain't nobody got time for that" I reduced them down to a few steps and they came out just fine.<br />
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I used:<br />
wood plaques - got 'em at Walmart for $.97. You can get them at Hobby Lobby or Michael's too.<br />
Parchment paper - I cut 8.5x11 sheets of it. Word of advice: iron it before using. It makes it uncurl, and a little bit stiff for printing. (I tried wax paper at first, but it messed up pretty bad when printing and it got jammed in my printer.)<br />
credit card - for rubbing your image onto the plaque<br />
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This is just a personal preference, but I used a wood burning tool to "age" the edges just a bit.<br />
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I worked up an image and reversed it. Then I printed onto the waxy side of the parchment paper.<br />
I only used one sheet at a time. I didn't know how quickly the ink would set so I wanted to get the images onto the wood as soon as I could.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9GOv1klWwGw/UKmeknadELI/AAAAAAAABF0/Y114CxkjHCM/s1600/DSC06694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9GOv1klWwGw/UKmeknadELI/AAAAAAAABF0/Y114CxkjHCM/s320/DSC06694.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I cut the image to the size I was going to use so that I could be sure to center it on my plaque. Then, I carefully laid the paper down onto the wood and holding it still, I began to rub. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ICj26n3n5oU/UKmfIucs7oI/AAAAAAAABF8/OQPPFJW8wP8/s1600/DSC06695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ICj26n3n5oU/UKmfIucs7oI/AAAAAAAABF8/OQPPFJW8wP8/s320/DSC06695.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once I had the imaged transfered, I let it set for a few minutes. The last thing I did was spray it with hair spray. HAIR SPRAY. It <em>is</em> a fixative, after all, and it worked like a charm. It kept the ink from smearing.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AXH1nvxAC1A/UKmhHhicQ2I/AAAAAAAABGQ/HV9uqEQxTLg/s1600/IMAG1456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AXH1nvxAC1A/UKmhHhicQ2I/AAAAAAAABGQ/HV9uqEQxTLg/s640/IMAG1456.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The finished products were simple, rustic and pretty nifty if I don't say so myself!<br />
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<a href="http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/?action=view&current=buttonsblogavatar.png" target="_blank"><img alt="signature avatar" border="0" src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/buttonsblogavatar.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8395962893382934987.post-29129441461793579272012-11-15T14:14:00.000-06:002013-11-20T14:15:58.517-06:00Thanksgiving - neices and nephews<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NcSqUzVEIyw/UKBKtDRhwsI/AAAAAAAABAY/TrkH7MZ7DjY/s1600/DSC06262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NcSqUzVEIyw/UKBKtDRhwsI/AAAAAAAABAY/TrkH7MZ7DjY/s1600/DSC06262.JPG" height="240" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NcSqUzVEIyw/UKBKtDRhwsI/AAAAAAAABAY/TrkH7MZ7DjY/s1600/DSC06262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
I'm thankful for my nieces and nephews! Big ones and little ones, I love EVERY one.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oYXVEZkU30c/UKBQwoGKjVI/AAAAAAAABBE/3BkS-_U_smc/s1600/IMAG0311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oYXVEZkU30c/UKBQwoGKjVI/AAAAAAAABBE/3BkS-_U_smc/s1600/IMAG0311.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-14bxX2cRB5Y/UKBQ_FMaJwI/AAAAAAAABBM/xBFd4Xqh2Vw/s1600/IMAG0369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-14bxX2cRB5Y/UKBQ_FMaJwI/AAAAAAAABBM/xBFd4Xqh2Vw/s1600/IMAG0369.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uZeSBFGtGY8/UKBRiuUsnAI/AAAAAAAABBU/AIls1pYc--k/s1600/IMAG1140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uZeSBFGtGY8/UKBRiuUsnAI/AAAAAAAABBU/AIls1pYc--k/s1600/IMAG1140.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></div>
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I should be closer to them and maybe that's something I can work on in the coming years. But no doubt, they are precious to me as the most prized jewels!<br />
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<a href="http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/?action=view&current=buttonsblogavatar.png" target="_blank"><img alt="signature avatar" border="0" src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/buttonsblogavatar.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8395962893382934987.post-44882207592930635002012-11-14T10:31:00.002-06:002012-11-14T10:31:37.430-06:00Thanksgiving - Day 14<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NcSqUzVEIyw/UKBKtDRhwsI/AAAAAAAABAY/TrkH7MZ7DjY/s1600/DSC06262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Although I don't want to seem like I'm tooting my own horn, I'm thankful for creative abilities. I was raised by a crafty, DIY mom and Pickles and I have fun making things for our lives, for our family, and for our friends. My BFF and I used to call it "make-do 101". I just call it fun. Even if my craft area pretty much ALWAYS looks like this: <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xTyD5QoR9k4/UKPGc8XOYjI/AAAAAAAABDs/VSJSWYWgAao/s1600/IMAG1451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xTyD5QoR9k4/UKPGc8XOYjI/AAAAAAAABDs/VSJSWYWgAao/s1600/IMAG1451.jpg" height="238" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/?action=view&current=buttonsblogavatar.png" target="_blank"><img alt="signature avatar" border="0" src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/buttonsblogavatar.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8395962893382934987.post-62701794921562079932012-11-13T20:21:00.002-06:002012-11-13T20:21:36.382-06:00Thanskgiving - Day 13<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NcSqUzVEIyw/UKBKtDRhwsI/AAAAAAAABAY/TrkH7MZ7DjY/s1600/DSC06262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>I'm thankful that my kids go to school so close! I can watch Pickles and Chief walk to school from our front step and that's is indeed a blessing! Besides the convenience, it affords me a glimpse into their interaction when noone is looking. It's adorable to see them chatting, laughing...I've seen them hold hands! I'm grateful to be able to see those little moments!<br />
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<a href="http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/?action=view&current=buttonsblogavatar.png" target="_blank"><img alt="signature avatar" border="0" src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/buttonsblogavatar.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8395962893382934987.post-11562071402478406752012-11-12T21:24:00.002-06:002012-11-12T21:24:39.928-06:00Thanksgiving - Day 12<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BRZEAhKn3Is/UKG9Yg7RkrI/AAAAAAAABCM/yBGwo4tOWvs/s1600/DSC06659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BRZEAhKn3Is/UKG9Yg7RkrI/AAAAAAAABCM/yBGwo4tOWvs/s1600/DSC06659.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm thankful for bedtime stories. One day she'll be too old for them. Like Chief, she'll just let them fade away until she doesn't want them anymore. So for now, I relish the sweet little moments that let me send her off to sleep with a giggle or a sigh or a wish.<br />
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<a href="http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/?action=view&current=buttonsblogavatar.png" target="_blank"><img alt="signature avatar" border="0" src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/buttonsblogavatar.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8395962893382934987.post-2664857907584983252012-11-11T10:00:00.000-06:002012-11-11T21:38:32.193-06:00Thanksgiving - Day 11It's Veteran's Day! Today I'm thankful for the men and women who volunteered to serve this country (including my dear Daddy McD). We take for granted just walking around without worrying about the ugly stuff because somebody else is doing that for us. Someone else is on watch while we take kids to school, go to the grocery store, attend high school football games. They're a blessing to this country, thanks y'all!!<br />
<a href="http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/?action=view&current=buttonsblogavatar.png" target="_blank"><img alt="signature avatar" border="0" src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/buttonsblogavatar.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8395962893382934987.post-6603026524508051352012-11-10T21:14:00.000-06:002012-11-11T21:14:20.594-06:00Thanksgiving - Day 10Today is our 5th anniversary. I'm thankful for the best and happiest five years EVER! Five years ago, our families joined together. We formed our own little haven, where we're safe to be our nerdy, quirky, weirdo selves with the people who most share our nerdy, weirdo quirks. It's pretty awesome.<br />
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<a href="http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/?action=view&current=buttonsblogavatar.png" target="_blank"><img alt="signature avatar" border="0" src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/buttonsblogavatar.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8395962893382934987.post-74789631807986375072012-11-10T17:00:00.000-06:002012-11-12T21:52:21.489-06:00Bringin' Poly Back I don't know what came over me, but on a trip to the thrift store I ran into a cache of polyester pants and a switch went off inside me. Now, supposedly I was just there to drop stuff off but of course, I just <em>had</em> to do a turn about the store to see what was "new". There, in the "oldies" section, was a cache of polyester. I know, it's been there the whole time, right? I just never "saw" it!<br />
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First I liked some of the shirts, </div>
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then I found a pair of shorts </div>
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then the pants started looking good and before I knew it, I was in need of a cart. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e4V6Zxri_Lo/UKHC5wcvYbI/AAAAAAAABDE/NVkwagxvDQY/s1600/DSC06645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e4V6Zxri_Lo/UKHC5wcvYbI/AAAAAAAABDE/NVkwagxvDQY/s1600/DSC06645.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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All of a sudden I could see myself looking like tv moms from the 70's...and I liked it.</div>
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I need these pants. Besides, several seasons ago fashion magazines began touting the return of high-waisted pants...I'm still waiting for them to trickle down to the bargain basements. <br />
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In the meantime, I'm bringing Poly back. </div>
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OH!...did I mention the wedges?</div>
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<a href="http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/?action=view&current=buttonsblogavatar.png" target="_blank"><img alt="signature avatar" border="0" src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/buttonsblogavatar.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8395962893382934987.post-13007376150519462142012-11-09T10:00:00.000-06:002012-11-11T20:01:23.517-06:00Thanksgiving - Day 9Sweet Dreams!! It may be kinda kooky but, I'm thankful for my bed. Soft pillows, a down comforter, several extra blankets. It's a blessing that can't be overlooked! During some lean years (childhood and young adult), I went without a bed a time or two (ok, four). There are people in the world sleeping on dirt floors, or without ample cover in the cold or both. By comparison, I'm sleeping like a king!<br />
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Sometimes at night, when I can't sleep, I just thank God that I'm in a big, warm, fluffy bed with my pillows and my covers and suddenly, I'm out like a light!<br />
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<a href="http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/?action=view&current=buttonsblogavatar.png" target="_blank"><img alt="signature avatar" border="0" src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/buttonsblogavatar.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8395962893382934987.post-38320974072805151772012-11-08T10:00:00.000-06:002012-11-11T18:50:12.242-06:00Thanksgiving - Day 8<img height="300" id="il_fi" src="http://www.lawyersgunsmoneyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/american-flag-2a.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="400" /><br />
Today, I'm thankful that I live in the U.S.. Folks here enjoy basic freedoms that in other countries would be luxuries! Freedom to believe the way you want, freedom to choose your mate, freedom to express your views and opinions. We have the right to live where we choose, dress as we wish, defend ourselves. ALL of us can vote, be educated, be free. Some of us even excercise our right to speak against this nation. If only Americans knew how good they have it, they'd be thankful too!<br />
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<a href="http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/?action=view&current=buttonsblogavatar.png" target="_blank"><img alt="signature avatar" border="0" src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/buttonsblogavatar.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8395962893382934987.post-48872145808744677202012-11-07T10:05:00.000-06:002012-11-07T22:09:09.836-06:00Thanksgiving - Day 7I'm so very thankful for the roof over my head. It's not the Biltmore Estate, but it's our own little corner of the world and I'm working on making it a little haven.<br />
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I've seen little wooden shacks literally built from discarded wood. I've seen houses the size of my kitchen. I'm not describing the tiny house movement. I'm talking about folks who would look at my house and consider me rich. My blessings are not lost on me. <br />
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<a href="http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/?action=view&current=buttonsblogavatar.png" target="_blank"><img alt="signature avatar" border="0" src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r43/mustbetv_2006/buttonsblogavatar.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0