tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68060569912812021812024-03-05T22:32:55.999-08:00Restorative LivingRestorative Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774737097762096631noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806056991281202181.post-50689682649713241962011-12-22T14:55:00.000-08:002011-12-22T14:55:16.242-08:00Coated Marshmallows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We attended a bring-a-dessert Christmas party recently and I wanted to bring something fun and different for everyone to enjoy. It needed to feed a lot of people, so it had to be economical. After some internet scouring and <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/149885493818055414/">this </a>inspiring picture, I decided to make uniquely flavored coated marshmallows. </div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfIt8MwImw2FgCeImIgPeDU6UtWSkoOw2VvZZX0iqnz8RxXwUBj9K3qn1dUpelOKrlZcXpQ-tTV-VhQRGSKMe3cN0Fx-JjCu4XnLFM3V-vWyWZ9gxyU3MM_xNLMniprw-k8K6Sebvnj0/s1600/coated+marshmallow+ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfIt8MwImw2FgCeImIgPeDU6UtWSkoOw2VvZZX0iqnz8RxXwUBj9K3qn1dUpelOKrlZcXpQ-tTV-VhQRGSKMe3cN0Fx-JjCu4XnLFM3V-vWyWZ9gxyU3MM_xNLMniprw-k8K6Sebvnj0/s320/coated+marshmallow+ingredients.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The ingredients were cheap and quick with things I had on hand. Coconut, graham cracker crumbs, crushed peppermint (not shown), marshmallows, toothpicks, semi-sweet chocolate chips and Crisco. To make the coating, I microwaved the chocolate chips with a few spoonfuls of Crisco added in for 30-second intervals at 60% power until melted. Don't over-heat! You'll end up with a mess and not-so-tasty chocolate (if that's possible)!</div>
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Then I speared each marshmallow with a toothpick and dipped it halfway into the melted chocolate, then rolled it in the topping to create each flavor. I went with 3 crowd pleasers this time:</div>
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S'mores</div>
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(chocolate and graham cracker crumbs)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaIRebbwC_TUAiy6FNCQEfz5Zt1ElBJNFRczelAwdPonuFfXw06qE1KjzkzXaLPbisY6G8W0o88-mxL4CpF4axnRtKia75U4pq2IKKLhCYj0YQrd0oWVvhm59sz4zDL3h5kqtXyHzy7g/s1600/smores+flavor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaIRebbwC_TUAiy6FNCQEfz5Zt1ElBJNFRczelAwdPonuFfXw06qE1KjzkzXaLPbisY6G8W0o88-mxL4CpF4axnRtKia75U4pq2IKKLhCYj0YQrd0oWVvhm59sz4zDL3h5kqtXyHzy7g/s320/smores+flavor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Macaroons</div>
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(chocolate and flaked coconut)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfxfT4J09_5ITVhvL_sUCQDAhf2rpumhpASxJXBazYh2L3klXaxgx344mkKlS4fiN4zcm-uECONu4EPvVBh0qiJZXOH6UPw1xiqKPOGlRRzF7Zs_eDiriJM4si4KVT3BcFip0eimb0YQ/s1600/macaroons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfxfT4J09_5ITVhvL_sUCQDAhf2rpumhpASxJXBazYh2L3klXaxgx344mkKlS4fiN4zcm-uECONu4EPvVBh0qiJZXOH6UPw1xiqKPOGlRRzF7Zs_eDiriJM4si4KVT3BcFip0eimb0YQ/s320/macaroons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Chocolate Peppermint</div>
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(chocolate and crushed candy canes)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9H9aTCMuQUyVC-J7ZGx2Qfb2U6PS409mhyQG-gUmOddwNnWB-fELUDCaQpuclT3XRwtdYu_6i_c_5h1mccMwOcTgyzD8EnM12YcJbS8oCenzTYxUN_g1yQCAfeE9fwcPTgMDgNm_t8uQ/s1600/chocolate+peppermint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9H9aTCMuQUyVC-J7ZGx2Qfb2U6PS409mhyQG-gUmOddwNnWB-fELUDCaQpuclT3XRwtdYu_6i_c_5h1mccMwOcTgyzD8EnM12YcJbS8oCenzTYxUN_g1yQCAfeE9fwcPTgMDgNm_t8uQ/s320/chocolate+peppermint.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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They were a fun twist on the typical dessert offering and everyone had fun picking out their favorite flavor.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMvkLKkavQDv8ujzoIhEJlJbyuW5jAoWFjSHTNYIrSm4E0OzN-qAPiLWb68j96Zf4yL9UUd0nFNqKBKJbmA_coxXkK0zkP2gdTD2e8RPekUx-ikSTG8LuuhuSWvN7GA4LqS25vtMPXXk/s1600/full+shot+coated+marshmallows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMvkLKkavQDv8ujzoIhEJlJbyuW5jAoWFjSHTNYIrSm4E0OzN-qAPiLWb68j96Zf4yL9UUd0nFNqKBKJbmA_coxXkK0zkP2gdTD2e8RPekUx-ikSTG8LuuhuSWvN7GA4LqS25vtMPXXk/s320/full+shot+coated+marshmallows.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I do have to warn you though, it was way more popular with the gals than the guys. The boys went for the oatmeal cookies. :)<br />
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<br />Restorative Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774737097762096631noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806056991281202181.post-77208377141659115452011-11-28T11:29:00.001-08:002011-11-28T11:44:52.507-08:00Crafty Christmas: Framed Photo/Message Board<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkTlO94keFpOFDc3I1VGXxLa45rpSjdJ8gevcsx3QEmpiFD4I8spFLt_8rYi03FUK_4Hx202xnulg72QhsXshESYmiFLtpNeXcgmPvx2RCvwTMe0yoDAk7UDettn1tKL7gzDI7_zSdq4/s1600/close+up+lavender+ornament+flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkTlO94keFpOFDc3I1VGXxLa45rpSjdJ8gevcsx3QEmpiFD4I8spFLt_8rYi03FUK_4Hx202xnulg72QhsXshESYmiFLtpNeXcgmPvx2RCvwTMe0yoDAk7UDettn1tKL7gzDI7_zSdq4/s320/close+up+lavender+ornament+flower.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A few months ago, my aunt passed down some old frames to me and I've been itching to re-purpose them. Plus, my husband has lovingly dubbed a corner of our bedroom the "frame graveyard" so I figured it was time to get working and send them on their way.</div>
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My first project was a hit and I loved putting this one together for our Christmas-at-Thanksgiving tradition. It was hard to let this one go! </div>
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Here's what I started with: an old wooden frame with <i>lots </i>of knicks and rough edges. After much sanding and then cleaning, I gave it multiple coats of spray paint. The white part of the frame is a cloth insert. I didn't know how well it would hold paint, but it did beautifully. </div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8s6iO0s8eVSwbIGnmMQXA-3tjk6GJpxewvm_Qq59bu6saqEiVD-Wf7HU9Bk-C_lgNycWEOL5N0EjChc6NPr5uZZJHTCydfSYSfVUkFLwaDCOqszcLf8bm3FOkDB8LaXu83l11PXVDNGs/s1600/before_frame+message+holder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8s6iO0s8eVSwbIGnmMQXA-3tjk6GJpxewvm_Qq59bu6saqEiVD-Wf7HU9Bk-C_lgNycWEOL5N0EjChc6NPr5uZZJHTCydfSYSfVUkFLwaDCOqszcLf8bm3FOkDB8LaXu83l11PXVDNGs/s320/before_frame+message+holder.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I cut a few strands of twine and tied a knot at each end around flat pushpins. It's not a super strong hold, but it also won't have much weight to bear.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MezHX-Y1XTEJ1RRCPAEJ6VzS6OTFFcoOGsbACWPy84Z23R-MOfI88quAV5yHeitEeFuVDPKktJKe43Vqnfohvp3ZjkmCnpbbjl3Fh2HQI25qf52_kU9ZpBFgGy2ptgVvWAO5MjRSKMY/s1600/twine+attached+by+pins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MezHX-Y1XTEJ1RRCPAEJ6VzS6OTFFcoOGsbACWPy84Z23R-MOfI88quAV5yHeitEeFuVDPKktJKe43Vqnfohvp3ZjkmCnpbbjl3Fh2HQI25qf52_kU9ZpBFgGy2ptgVvWAO5MjRSKMY/s320/twine+attached+by+pins.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And the finished product! I found some fabulous teeny tiny wooden clothespins that will look adorable holding photos, paint swatches, quotes and other mementos. And since this one went to my super cute and stylish teenage cousin, I had to make this one in her favorite colors. The paint color is Rustoleum's Lagoon (it's more of a teal than this picture shows) and the lavender flower is actually a Christmas ornament from Michael's that I hot glued directly onto the wood.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguy6JodHIxId-6-yaTWxYEqthCLYHzn_r7i6a4iinowb29VTVqFarul0W6yQVG9IUGbzJINqiYwnBNdTfXai5JgA8eMg94of2Rkk98bFLlzt9ysvUiS8kA3jOmeWN1cbipHUdK2HsRjQs/s1600/after_turquoise+frame+message+holder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguy6JodHIxId-6-yaTWxYEqthCLYHzn_r7i6a4iinowb29VTVqFarul0W6yQVG9IUGbzJINqiYwnBNdTfXai5JgA8eMg94of2Rkk98bFLlzt9ysvUiS8kA3jOmeWN1cbipHUdK2HsRjQs/s320/after_turquoise+frame+message+holder.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
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The Christmas crafting has begun around here! Have you been crafting lately? What presents are you DIY-ing this year?Restorative Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774737097762096631noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806056991281202181.post-43994184388425734272011-11-03T08:32:00.000-07:002011-11-03T08:32:54.971-07:00We try not to attack dinner guests<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Aren't these resin squares fantastic? I bought these lovelies at a garage sale ages ago, but even though they were beautiful, I hadn't the slightest idea where I should hang them. When I showed them to my friend Laura, she audibly gasped because she knew exactly where they should go the instant she saw them. It's good to have friends like that.</div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOUnXZTMFEfcJJiBDVWGvEszbttpxiypxnK2Y4g1vy94Vr2QyHEPVGVRTcSir2PahdZQth_XXNLIuRs_k_EbGotGMphdJayiyOaahyphenhyphenD_7mRhFxLZ9yPpBHjgv831-1u-iEJzf2GG7wTE/s1600/resin+wall+square+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOUnXZTMFEfcJJiBDVWGvEszbttpxiypxnK2Y4g1vy94Vr2QyHEPVGVRTcSir2PahdZQth_XXNLIuRs_k_EbGotGMphdJayiyOaahyphenhyphenD_7mRhFxLZ9yPpBHjgv831-1u-iEJzf2GG7wTE/s320/resin+wall+square+front.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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But hanging them on the attached hook wouldn't work because <s> I have to make everything more difficult </s> they looked better on the diagonal. My first attempt was a Command Velcro adhesive. This worked great until we had a house full of people, of course. Some of our dinner guests sat on the couch beneath where they were hanging and immediately two of them fell down, knocking the shelf beneath it off of the wall and onto our guests. It seriously looked like a planned attack. It could have been really embarrassing if a grown man hadn't screamed like a girl when it all came crashing down. </div>
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I knew I needed a hook of some sort, but drilling into irreplaceable resin made me a little nervous. So I decided to give the coke tab trick a whirl. I've seen others try this with hot glue, but after our dinner guest attack, I decided to go with the more permanent super glue. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxsKoWxReqXKko14Fx7YV256eioMnTM4HvAHHBZ8gMPCmMIapudTrNe-0mr7uZmbt6Aw9tBUfMT77B1_Iotda8rZjKiJSNrWtyTfKWc5YLNjZDDwrnhG4anZ1y6Fik0VHMoiwVVh0dGU/s1600/resin+wall+square+with+coke+tab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxsKoWxReqXKko14Fx7YV256eioMnTM4HvAHHBZ8gMPCmMIapudTrNe-0mr7uZmbt6Aw9tBUfMT77B1_Iotda8rZjKiJSNrWtyTfKWc5YLNjZDDwrnhG4anZ1y6Fik0VHMoiwVVh0dGU/s320/resin+wall+square+with+coke+tab.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And I'm happy to report that no more dinner guests have been harmed since we made the switch.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2CYPfwY606xVdyO8ZWSy2P7QMkXgsF78YBEazycveh1byICrtM4NuRR3Axgjhv6DRFWB_CtJXpTJRgjf4jY2hZQClJCmQWyw0WkyaePyor7Cs-CVN8HBQ-rK1duFr01I_N4Z0OaIZHE/s1600/close+up+bottom+shelf_after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2CYPfwY606xVdyO8ZWSy2P7QMkXgsF78YBEazycveh1byICrtM4NuRR3Axgjhv6DRFWB_CtJXpTJRgjf4jY2hZQClJCmQWyw0WkyaePyor7Cs-CVN8HBQ-rK1duFr01I_N4Z0OaIZHE/s320/close+up+bottom+shelf_after.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A muti-level vignette is something I have wanted for our massive, gigantic, blank living room wall since the day we moved in, but it took some coaching from <a href="http://restorativeliving.blogspot.com/2011/05/home-tour-my-decor-mentor.html" style="text-align: left;">a talented friend</a> to make it happen. You can read more about my <a href="http://restorativeliving.blogspot.com/2011/10/vignettes-101.html" style="text-align: left;">learning curve with vignettes</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: left;"> and the tips I learned from a decor-minded friend for creating eye-catching vignettes <a href="http://restorativeliving.blogspot.com/2011/10/vignettes-101.html">here</a>.</span>Restorative Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774737097762096631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806056991281202181.post-70670733089370360372011-10-25T10:05:00.000-07:002011-10-25T10:05:41.748-07:00Quick Fix: Hemming Dilemma<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but I have to say, <a href="http://pinterest.com/restorativel/">Pinterest </a>has brought me the most incredible ideas. This week it gave me the inspiration necessary to fix a pair of beautiful, comfy pants I've loved but haven't been able to wear.</div>
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These pants are super cute on, and the perfect color and fit. Except for one thing: they're made for Amazon women. </div>
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You can see in the picture below on my right leg how drastically long they are. A few years ago my husband and I ran across this matching set (it comes with a zip up jacket) at a decor store (of all places!) for $12. Now I know why they were so cheap...no one is tall enough to wear these pants!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjP-GBknFG1kT7jPm32eKLgweyNI_XrXYbm52cmS9y54OUSAxE61ZqO2cZjnK-B5ckhfmENbKXlwaKN6VmddeBa_Yn6j4q0WE3nPsCt9K-mmrvC1JnSAKmo_gADHcx3AUwrPXdr_uIros/s1600/comparison+of+pant+legs+full+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjP-GBknFG1kT7jPm32eKLgweyNI_XrXYbm52cmS9y54OUSAxE61ZqO2cZjnK-B5ckhfmENbKXlwaKN6VmddeBa_Yn6j4q0WE3nPsCt9K-mmrvC1JnSAKmo_gADHcx3AUwrPXdr_uIros/s320/comparison+of+pant+legs+full+shot.jpg" width="269" /></a></div>
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But armed with a tutorial from Pinterest (<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/149821120/">find it here</a>), I took them on. I added an extra seam to my version so they looked more like a cuff. Admittedly, it wasn't on purpose, but I like the end result just the same.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8GK3-qocmoo4ty2e7Ua8ob9C_rs4oZL6ofUOzGgyrg2P8lXa_hJsqlATtwauLnO0QqjR4EiTvzlR_iLztaUJDidjqqwUdaUZB8QgVKMpuE2qfHdrY9ux8aUM73aBIbvPafJ34mxeqihk/s1600/hemmed+close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8GK3-qocmoo4ty2e7Ua8ob9C_rs4oZL6ofUOzGgyrg2P8lXa_hJsqlATtwauLnO0QqjR4EiTvzlR_iLztaUJDidjqqwUdaUZB8QgVKMpuE2qfHdrY9ux8aUM73aBIbvPafJ34mxeqihk/s320/hemmed+close+up.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Once I got started on these, I was on a sewing roll and fixed everything in my mending pile. I even performed stuffed animal surgery on a toy my son adores. It's such a relief to add those clothes (minus their tears, rips and too-long hems) back into our daily rotation.<br />
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What's holding you back from attacking your to-do pile today?Restorative Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774737097762096631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806056991281202181.post-7592224288106122882011-10-04T10:44:00.000-07:002011-10-04T10:44:05.584-07:00Vignettes 101<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Remember when I took you on a<a href="http://restorativeliving.blogspot.com/2011/05/home-tour-my-decor-mentor.html"> tour of the home</a> of Laura, my friend and decor mentor? I showed you just a few of the vignettes she has created in her home. Here's a picture of one of my faves...</div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQT6NHwrEnWtpvzF647Bkf4BDe3hGBnws4OipiQUCmuWH85-Uv9pGsbRFMlIeohdiCab4ALQF9J8IPnxEWco9KQFqTqdSFCrDSzIqnM_xhrXfaQlthgFefg9GH31HCVA4uSWVJuYEk4jQ/s1600/wall+vignette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQT6NHwrEnWtpvzF647Bkf4BDe3hGBnws4OipiQUCmuWH85-Uv9pGsbRFMlIeohdiCab4ALQF9J8IPnxEWco9KQFqTqdSFCrDSzIqnM_xhrXfaQlthgFefg9GH31HCVA4uSWVJuYEk4jQ/s320/wall+vignette.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As we began a complete overhaul of basically every decoration and color scheme in our house, I knew I had to call in my expert. Somehow, miraculously, Laura and I both found a kid-free afternoon and went on a 2 hour speedy shopping spree to find just the right accessories to create a wall vignette for the gigantic blank wall in my living room.</div>
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I came back with a minivan full of decor goodness, and a chest-full of fear knowing I would have no idea what to do with it all. The next few days, every time nap time for our little ones rolled around, I would set out different arrangements of all the accessories we accumulated and send Laura pictures through text message of my concoctions. You can see my feeble attempts below: </div>
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Take 1: Mirror image look. Too bland.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohvUBpHnarjpvKYut-CMcMbJF-dw_gRuTBWW5Ts7kEpDay_DwAGGpIQ9BJrl99a-h1FvjkRcxlsrxJLYdHjz7q96nkr9Bw5KMKsLS4MftlygXTlUFxPBqQJKhrGM6kBUY7DAsZ7uB_b4/s1600/mirror+image+vignette+shelving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohvUBpHnarjpvKYut-CMcMbJF-dw_gRuTBWW5Ts7kEpDay_DwAGGpIQ9BJrl99a-h1FvjkRcxlsrxJLYdHjz7q96nkr9Bw5KMKsLS4MftlygXTlUFxPBqQJKhrGM6kBUY7DAsZ7uB_b4/s320/mirror+image+vignette+shelving.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Take 2: Adding sconces didn't help. Nice try.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGbYsPq_OnvL_Vm6KUuV3_g6tyAHdLY42Wzjwdet3n9HnUYPvASCQi8oak5p4zBbXbR4XcLaF0umM5EEHEok-JAPirRqFUagj7K0NHEmPFil9u80ov7N038TfxDtfpryMgT52G6aw0s0Q/s1600/mirror+imagine+with+sconces+vignette+shelving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGbYsPq_OnvL_Vm6KUuV3_g6tyAHdLY42Wzjwdet3n9HnUYPvASCQi8oak5p4zBbXbR4XcLaF0umM5EEHEok-JAPirRqFUagj7K0NHEmPFil9u80ov7N038TfxDtfpryMgT52G6aw0s0Q/s320/mirror+imagine+with+sconces+vignette+shelving.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Take 3: Symmetry? A little better but still...swing and a miss.<br />
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Take 4: When I sent this to Laura she said, "Too lined up. It would be so much easier if I were there."</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzY4DVCdvmLvIn9Nf_g4-8ORVIM2kUnhg2ROovs0H-yNh5Fw-3MzZ9aI3179D0rI-VzrqB8WAHTrArsNPs88Td3mil_kfwX9Q5sNrQglbt6BhRrxT9V75r1pzsQVz_TY3sUenzNefGEEs/s1600/all+lined+up+vignette+shelving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzY4DVCdvmLvIn9Nf_g4-8ORVIM2kUnhg2ROovs0H-yNh5Fw-3MzZ9aI3179D0rI-VzrqB8WAHTrArsNPs88Td3mil_kfwX9Q5sNrQglbt6BhRrxT9V75r1pzsQVz_TY3sUenzNefGEEs/s320/all+lined+up+vignette+shelving.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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She tried sending me pictures of sketches she drew through text of what would work better, but it was pretty useless. Either you have an eye for this stuff, or you don't. And, apparently, I don't. But we were convinced we could make this work.</div>
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Since we live pretty far from each other, we decided that I would load up any and all decorations that might be useful and we would meet halfway, on the side of the road, and figure this out. Now we're sounding desperate, aren't we?! Between Laura's love of decorating, and <a href="http://restorativeliving.blogspot.com/2011/01/graceful-living.html">my perfectionism</a>, we were ready to solve this problem.</div>
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So one afternoon we met in a parking lot just off the interstate, spread out a sheet as our "wall" and began laying out our options. Within minutes the perfect layout became obvious. I took a million pictures from every possible angle, measured distances between shelving, accessories and art, and packed it all back up.</div>
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And the results... </div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlSKPOpuHe3sCVsPGuO-unnDbKTvehu5Wrw7a-DuaAz_8wrTEuHk9sU50AnHwYlibBrM5lTbofo3ZlH1C5gPT_2b_33fvG8pfYyhDe9EfQieZplN7K4XWxMx3M-58CK0B6FSbwMXtBQk/s1600/vignette+wall_after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlSKPOpuHe3sCVsPGuO-unnDbKTvehu5Wrw7a-DuaAz_8wrTEuHk9sU50AnHwYlibBrM5lTbofo3ZlH1C5gPT_2b_33fvG8pfYyhDe9EfQieZplN7K4XWxMx3M-58CK0B6FSbwMXtBQk/s320/vignette+wall_after.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So much better! As my husband was hanging it all on the wall for me, he couldn't believe that I needed him to measure everything perfectly before hanging. He said, "You can't just eyeball it?" Hahaha. Days of trying to figure this out have proven to me that, no, I can't.</div>
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While I don't have the natural gift of "eyeballing" art placement, Laura did teach me a few essentials for creating beautiful vignettes:</div>
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<b>1. Everything needs to be a little "off".</b> Don't line up every shelf. Don't make every candle stick the same height. You can see in my after photo above that no shelf, frame, candle or piece of art lines up perfectly with anything else. Keeping things out of order magically makes the eye travel smoothly across the arrangement, instead of stopping at every obvious line.</div>
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<b>2. Spread out your pops of color.</b> My color scheme, if looked at in percentages, would probably read: 60% gray/white/black (neutrals), 30% blue, 10% pink. I didn't want pink on every shelf because it's my <i>"pop" </i>(and a man does have to live here), but I did want to make sure that each shelf carried out the blue scheme in some form.</div>
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<b>3. Create a unifying theme.</b> As we shopped for accessories, we realized that everything I picked up had a fleur-de-lis or scroll pattern to it. Before I even realized it, I gravitated towards a clear theme for our living room. You probably already do this without realizing it as well. Do you love chevron, paisley or stripes? Are you always attracted to yellow dresses? Or maybe you stock your kitchen with only red appliances. Your theme is probably already in your house. As you design vignettes, keep this theme in mind and carry it out evenly across your wall.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rJ7KTl6eobQuONFEPL3j_uYDrKsznl19bwdcx4QdeKSN5dLqxuJNmuBwG8VYheeIA65eq0eRgZabe4DV1UWPxjZDRaksoct_9MgMiytCC4j1zRVxvWlY4qmxlYdOWAkx6rFzzC5VCns/s1600/close+up+bottom+shelf_after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rJ7KTl6eobQuONFEPL3j_uYDrKsznl19bwdcx4QdeKSN5dLqxuJNmuBwG8VYheeIA65eq0eRgZabe4DV1UWPxjZDRaksoct_9MgMiytCC4j1zRVxvWlY4qmxlYdOWAkx6rFzzC5VCns/s320/close+up+bottom+shelf_after.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Creating eye-catching vignettes takes time and (<i>a lot</i>) of patience. One of the keys that my vignette is missing is <b>layering</b>. You can see in the first photo how Laura layered accessories, plants and frames on her shelves to create a much more cohesive and homey look. But the truth is, layering takes <i>time</i> - time to gather decorations and keepsakes to display. So while my vignette isn't quite finished (what project is??), I'm still very glad I took a leap and decorated that big, bad, blank wall that has been staring me down <a href="http://restorativeliving.blogspot.com/2010/03/about-restorative-living.html">since the day we moved in</a>.</div>
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Do you have any vignettes you want to show off? Did these tips help?</div>
Restorative Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774737097762096631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806056991281202181.post-91812145683602620542011-09-27T05:05:00.000-07:002011-09-27T05:05:00.252-07:00Whoopie Pies, Three Yummy Flavors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Whoopie pies are everywhere! I even saw a box mix for them at the store last week. I wondered how long it would take Betty Crocker to catch on to this phenomenon that's been swirling around the DIY, crafty blog world.</div>
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Remember the rainbow of whoopie pies we baked as part of my son's <a href="http://restorativeliving.blogspot.com/2011/08/rainbow-balloon-3rd-birthday-party.html">Rainbow Balloon Birthday party</a>?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoixwQBwIeM74npgA6Eg-jWTDhxOhBq46Wlkmryu_jCDp5MfnC8x6XzTLg5srvQWTA5jZ1nko-8iL8Rb8Mp1Gu5bKE-ICrOEKGtWYwpFlrkm3J9dZz-Jc0POYERF3OWPyNMCQDMZkAdkk/s1600/whoopie+pies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoixwQBwIeM74npgA6Eg-jWTDhxOhBq46Wlkmryu_jCDp5MfnC8x6XzTLg5srvQWTA5jZ1nko-8iL8Rb8Mp1Gu5bKE-ICrOEKGtWYwpFlrkm3J9dZz-Jc0POYERF3OWPyNMCQDMZkAdkk/s320/whoopie+pies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My cousin, Becca, helped me put these together and after we had them all laid out, she stopped and said, "It looks like a stoplight!" Haha.<br />
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Each color represented a different yummy flavor: Red Velvet, Lemon Cream & Key Lime, but all were delicious! Everyone had a different favorite by the end of the day. It was a tough decision!<br />
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We tried to keep things as simple as possible on the baking front, so for the Red Velvet pies, we used a basic red velvet cake mix, and for the lemon ones, a lemon boxed cake mix. The Key Lime flavor was a little trickier, but allrecipes.com came to the rescue with <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/key-lime-cake-iii/detail.aspx">this </a>easily adaptable key lime cake recipe.<br />
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To make the signature shape, we filled cupcake tins about 1/4 full and baked for 8-10 min each. I highly suggest keeping an eye on your first batch because these can burn quickly and your oven may be a little different. Cool on a wire rack completely before frosting.<br />
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To create the eye-catching color, we used Wilton and Americana gel dyes. And, in the interest of keeping things simple, we relied on a few tubs of store-bought cream cheese frosting for the filling. Boxed cake mixes, store-bought frosting - and it couldn't have been yummier.<br />
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These are a simple treat that add a lot of color and whimsy to your buffet table. I have seen an incredible array of whoopie pie recipes floating around the blogosphere these days. What's your favorite take?Restorative Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774737097762096631noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806056991281202181.post-14555517844006173272011-09-23T13:59:00.000-07:002011-09-23T13:59:47.831-07:00Pinterest Made Me Do It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You know I love me some <a href="http://pinterest.com/restorativel/">Pinterest</a>. I've had way too much fun gathering some great ideas, tips and a whole lot of why-didn't-I-think-of-that's. I've heard a lot of people say that it's just a dumping ground for great ideas they'll never take the time to use, but I can honestly say I am taking full advantage of that beautiful website. I've made probably 1/2 of the recipes I've logged away in my <a href="http://pinterest.com/restorativel/recipes/">Recipes </a>folder (but somehow my list keeps getting longer!). Here are a few of my favorites...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Zu-pFr8iskqPt498MQxcDRhYJ51YyLoXXuxU6bn9UMyGnEScqRh2RMbHsLKtPeUEn8mGVHHF6ELCQ_XCYgk5xit2zaCwv-lskJ6nFX5WjYCEomF7gNQZcS_LtPG0pa-42kI8jYdUO6s/s1600/roasted+green+beans%252C+mushrooms%252C+potatoes%252C+dressing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Zu-pFr8iskqPt498MQxcDRhYJ51YyLoXXuxU6bn9UMyGnEScqRh2RMbHsLKtPeUEn8mGVHHF6ELCQ_XCYgk5xit2zaCwv-lskJ6nFX5WjYCEomF7gNQZcS_LtPG0pa-42kI8jYdUO6s/s320/roasted+green+beans%252C+mushrooms%252C+potatoes%252C+dressing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Roasted Mushrooms, Green Beans & Potatoes. </div>
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Find the recipe link <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/225628242/">here</a>. I added potato wedges and doubled the dressing amount. So. Stinkin'. Good.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWSPcUrtwtMcM1MCfP-vOOcu71J2sVyH5wc69Zlzi_RDXafOP1KbSO6ipgMNUOdHJdBFCTeUbl9DLxMX6U2cmXz_wWPBqc8brVyWxPpZoQWX9YAlxijRBm8VU_0yOPD5KnsIw8gq5GSk/s1600/trimming+ends+of+green+beans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWSPcUrtwtMcM1MCfP-vOOcu71J2sVyH5wc69Zlzi_RDXafOP1KbSO6ipgMNUOdHJdBFCTeUbl9DLxMX6U2cmXz_wWPBqc8brVyWxPpZoQWX9YAlxijRBm8VU_0yOPD5KnsIw8gq5GSk/s320/trimming+ends+of+green+beans.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And in keeping with the theme of <i>WHY didn't I think of this sooner?!</i> that Pinterest seems to offer me daily, that recipe taught me to trim green beans, instead of snapping off the ends one by one. So much easier. Sometimes habit keeps us from an obvious solution to everyday tasks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZT5wavwtANW2iRmJUFbTy6RFqAei67p08zdRcPbT491vWozu2iceOrwatBcGsQvlHmcD0lo3oBtX2kINMwLEpiNn1wKoy33EbkKfrb1wJ9DGIbVM_N16s09Vxy8j22eNw_Y_BkO2gnlY/s1600/icing+dr+pepper+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZT5wavwtANW2iRmJUFbTy6RFqAei67p08zdRcPbT491vWozu2iceOrwatBcGsQvlHmcD0lo3oBtX2kINMwLEpiNn1wKoy33EbkKfrb1wJ9DGIbVM_N16s09Vxy8j22eNw_Y_BkO2gnlY/s320/icing+dr+pepper+cake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And then there's <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/203086797/">this </a>amazing Dr. Pepper Cake.</div>
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I'm going to write this thing a sonnet. It's full of butter and sugar (full disclosure). Not for the faint of heart, but oh-so-good.<br />
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What have you made from Pinterest lately?Restorative Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774737097762096631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806056991281202181.post-75362189352827515972011-09-15T14:22:00.000-07:002011-09-15T14:22:59.421-07:00Transforming a Monogram Accent Piece (on the cheap)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We've been doing some major room -- make that <i>entire house</i> -- renovation this month. Wall colors, furniture placement - everything was up for grabs. It looks so much better and I'll share the after photos with you soon.<br />
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Until then, here's a quick and easy accent piece you can make for under $5.<br />
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I picked up a shiny metallic initial from Hobby Lobby (1/2 off, of course).<br />
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I sanded her down so she would take paint well. FYI - those letters, they don't like to be sanded. Gold glitter was <i>everywhere</i>. But a quick wipe down with a damp cloth, a few coats from a Behr sample that may or may not be my new favorite kitchen wall color ever (wait and see!) and...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnM6VU1NCagKnq-cMBx-L_-Xoxoj5w9RqAXeho6Jo2ApNMA-YfSLTFKX10pbTQm4FySfvPi4HxnkksYkkRuGQ0vKWutj1OZY7BlQXvjI7n2-robecxAACH4vs85J0u5xzzbM7tPUcyI4/s1600/glitter+hands%252C+p+monogram+wall+hanging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnM6VU1NCagKnq-cMBx-L_-Xoxoj5w9RqAXeho6Jo2ApNMA-YfSLTFKX10pbTQm4FySfvPi4HxnkksYkkRuGQ0vKWutj1OZY7BlQXvjI7n2-robecxAACH4vs85J0u5xzzbM7tPUcyI4/s320/glitter+hands%252C+p+monogram+wall+hanging.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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She turned out so pretty, don't ya think? I didn't use a clear coat because I liked the matte finish of the flat sample paint. You can see a sneak peek of my new living room in this photo. Such a transformation; I'm so happy with the results! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MVvJE-2L8L21BipRW6Cu0QPXMT3tv9sZLM3Yr2Bnklhjq6uyzBu4e-OZSMT2aVhPcbxT7-eh-wzuqEKTTV0JzDD6QGIIjBFBem13G0GYhc335ys-pwz1360V5AYkZzZprkzP_nnOxfk/s1600/P+monogram+initial+after+paint%252C+sneak+peek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MVvJE-2L8L21BipRW6Cu0QPXMT3tv9sZLM3Yr2Bnklhjq6uyzBu4e-OZSMT2aVhPcbxT7-eh-wzuqEKTTV0JzDD6QGIIjBFBem13G0GYhc335ys-pwz1360V5AYkZzZprkzP_nnOxfk/s320/P+monogram+initial+after+paint%252C+sneak+peek.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
Come back soon to see the after photos, paint names, and some vignette inspiration.<br />
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Have a great weekend!Restorative Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774737097762096631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806056991281202181.post-30839196250725676342011-09-05T04:00:00.000-07:002011-09-26T13:13:57.672-07:00Birthday Train, How To<div>
Remember the birthday candy train I showed you last month? It was a fun addition to the <a href="http://restorativeliving.blogspot.com/2011/08/rainbow-balloon-3rd-birthday-party.html">Rainbow Balloon Birthday</a> party we threw for our sweet baby boy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbq01cyMC-UQZ_xY5fd-2CSegyUABriqGrbOSj7cMg7MndndZNX9Z6W82_M7_0qKM6wp5A_K-4rI8OzslyLU2NgX6EV_SLzBfbCdp6Jwv71kv5PQVJ-sd9USRI9OCin3d9UNtlWWsLyww/s1600/dessert+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbq01cyMC-UQZ_xY5fd-2CSegyUABriqGrbOSj7cMg7MndndZNX9Z6W82_M7_0qKM6wp5A_K-4rI8OzslyLU2NgX6EV_SLzBfbCdp6Jwv71kv5PQVJ-sd9USRI9OCin3d9UNtlWWsLyww/s320/dessert+table.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I promised you a tutorial, so here she is! This one is simple, very simple. My favorite kind. I wanted a white train for the table but did not want to spend a lot of cash so I dreamed up this little idea one afternoon while roaming Hobby Lobby. I picked up one of their natural wood train engine pieces, and three small cardboard craft boxes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHpTfnRczQ3xJYu1FUd3yQahpH60954VuOCnt4htkerwupwKV3NdSgYdsPPjctkSCHeSzDtVMnhAQLXG7q7u7i23CzOCYasCiDWQr1ynmhqWE1Wn_FML6Zg8xop1JqHD_8Exb8ZmdOz8/s1600/train+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHpTfnRczQ3xJYu1FUd3yQahpH60954VuOCnt4htkerwupwKV3NdSgYdsPPjctkSCHeSzDtVMnhAQLXG7q7u7i23CzOCYasCiDWQr1ynmhqWE1Wn_FML6Zg8xop1JqHD_8Exb8ZmdOz8/s320/train+before.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I got rid of the lids, then painted everything white, except for the wheels, which I painted black. Then I hot glued colorful buttons for the wheels, and to add height.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDX4ntu8WdwkHYLKajSyRys_vUV9P_esJ0fbIblKva9QqlCnBEvlmi6sD06rmBkA5rTYuULBjmp9racl06cRel8YXu9x5Ncvr3IwHc0tELyyCJtAuGJvHfUs1IA9vHsvT3dYHng-yMNTs/s1600/buttons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDX4ntu8WdwkHYLKajSyRys_vUV9P_esJ0fbIblKva9QqlCnBEvlmi6sD06rmBkA5rTYuULBjmp9racl06cRel8YXu9x5Ncvr3IwHc0tELyyCJtAuGJvHfUs1IA9vHsvT3dYHng-yMNTs/s320/buttons.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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The most tedious (and expensive) part was separating out the Skittles for the rainbow cargo. :) I cut white coffee filters to fit the boxes so I could pour the Skittles in on top of those instead of the painted (not food-safe) boxes.<span id="goog_1426643969"></span><span id="goog_1426643970"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-aFUjQNXMCBtg9nCWzUB8WpIqEr6mHhRIogL8FQbvtWBXNolLqQzFWRMvaOWwRtuNYxL7322SKVrXWnw5MvBBfPEqtPtVcoBzcQUx9zSZ_PR-JIOU9CBCMMqNzXJ_-uNHoa6DOHYqDQ/s1600/birthday+train+after2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-aFUjQNXMCBtg9nCWzUB8WpIqEr6mHhRIogL8FQbvtWBXNolLqQzFWRMvaOWwRtuNYxL7322SKVrXWnw5MvBBfPEqtPtVcoBzcQUx9zSZ_PR-JIOU9CBCMMqNzXJ_-uNHoa6DOHYqDQ/s320/birthday+train+after2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There you have it! An easy, eye-catching centerpiece you can make in one afternoon (or less) on the cheap. Happy crafting!<br />
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Linking to:<br />
<a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><img src="http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/button2.jpg" width="25%" /></a> <a href="http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/" title="Sumo's Sweet stuff"><img alt="Sumo's Sweet Stuff" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpP2h_PD1IryoYGPjzmQU8AgVPMsUsgRjZ237cyyGmhZ8JxO2cJcxgB7sUMWbK4SEiGzHgbmK12a-u5XS0atpLgx3JpToosDO-hhU0YUPPTj0_RIWLHukOiWAdgXaIKTOo0ICX2I14l1Ow/" style="border: none;" width="20%" /></a> <a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/2011/09/weekend-wrap-up-party-75-pick-your-plum-giveaway.html">Tater Tots & Jello</a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace;"><a href="http://www.theidearoom.net/" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll45/huntleygang/idearoom/idearoombutton-1.jpg" width="20%" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The Girl Creative" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/thegirlcreative/grab_button_aug2011.png" width="20%" /></a> <a href="http://madincrafts.blogspot.com/search/label/Mad%20Skills%20Party/"><img alt="BWS tips button" src="http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s186/jeslman/madskillsbutton2.jpg" width="20%" /></a></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>Restorative Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774737097762096631noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806056991281202181.post-78817329118680777362011-09-03T04:00:00.000-07:002011-09-03T04:00:00.856-07:00Cooking with Artichokes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I finally gathered up my nerve and cooked with canned artichokes. Does anyone else think they smell a little bit like crab meat?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkpjdxuQfBrJK83KgupjLjtPogk0xheXbmcvPCXtiIRARaee-9u2vjuVDs5NaZoQcq0_rQ02AF5IIhZ8eQw65Dg5w9BYS12iT-lNjxuEAAEwBM0hicsRAcr0dyPe1u-6DKgvs8yoghfg/s1600/artichokes+and+mushrooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkpjdxuQfBrJK83KgupjLjtPogk0xheXbmcvPCXtiIRARaee-9u2vjuVDs5NaZoQcq0_rQ02AF5IIhZ8eQw65Dg5w9BYS12iT-lNjxuEAAEwBM0hicsRAcr0dyPe1u-6DKgvs8yoghfg/s320/artichokes+and+mushrooms.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I used <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/04/chicken-with-mushrooms-and-artichokes/">this </a>recipe from faithful P Dub and it did not disappoint. In fact, <i>heavenly </i>might be an appropriate adjective.<br />
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PS - How precious is Ree on her new <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/details-on-the-food-network-show/">Food Network show</a>? I think I've become a groupie.Restorative Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774737097762096631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806056991281202181.post-17321149333831054312011-09-01T10:01:00.000-07:002011-09-01T10:30:17.693-07:00What I've Been Up To...<div>A whole month?! I guess it <i>has </i>been a while since I last posted. We had a computer crash (<a href="http://restorativeliving.blogspot.com/2010/11/5-reasons-psa.html">again</a>!) so I blame that.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>While I've been silent, I haven't been still. Here's a peek at what I've been up to...</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Picking out new wall colors. Oh, the insanity. It got to the point that I almost asked the internet repairman to pick his favorite. But I finally made a decision! (Pictures to come, but if you want a sneak peek at where this is headed, you can check out my <a href="http://pinterest.com/restorativel/living-room/">Pinterest</a>)</div><div>
<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LYbaF4RSwEzA5XkyYavgeZXrVkaN4iRtP82gSBYHEoS6S7l0_ANYHsoh3EiMsXyxRfDgsj83jk4Y7Zj8srhfLh5Djdi_9Rygi6BAi6JrkbRbNHqXYu7pk2LB7D72o76LEbtTz26eA7Y/s1600/wall+paint+colors.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LYbaF4RSwEzA5XkyYavgeZXrVkaN4iRtP82gSBYHEoS6S7l0_ANYHsoh3EiMsXyxRfDgsj83jk4Y7Zj8srhfLh5Djdi_9Rygi6BAi6JrkbRbNHqXYu7pk2LB7D72o76LEbtTz26eA7Y/s400/wall+paint+colors.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647438536371912274" /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >{FYI...the sad paint colors not labeled are my own mixes}</span></div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >I organized. A lot. This is a picture of all the orphaned plastic container lids I thew away. Why was I taking up cabinet real estate with these?!
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<br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdViFWvdBwVd0txKzDsmEbpDdoVKkc2Ou8rZJGpBNv9SY2JDTNLSnobW2SbFhNxSe4_vSFKkpE19nL5iDTQ3Amb9w1Ru0BqI11xbZen2wRTZbBVeZ1MF7dCru28FBARMvQ1G48ncVfkU/s1600/tupperware+lids.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdViFWvdBwVd0txKzDsmEbpDdoVKkc2Ou8rZJGpBNv9SY2JDTNLSnobW2SbFhNxSe4_vSFKkpE19nL5iDTQ3Amb9w1Ru0BqI11xbZen2wRTZbBVeZ1MF7dCru28FBARMvQ1G48ncVfkU/s400/tupperware+lids.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647438530601384018" /></a>Even my shoes got the organizing treatment. My heels are now in order of ascending height. I can almost breathe better now.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhvRksmQ4mxr6FTYIyfNJ_NTlLCg1NdgybXeZvu3cBtwcdjXrPQi8MAgluh6u8oZlIyyYGHW3xvPTNlbxL2PC4TeXDdzO6vLbSZIDk7KpMupo-2x8coddWCphAZrhOUAKM6MD4vdyWqM/s1600/heels.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhvRksmQ4mxr6FTYIyfNJ_NTlLCg1NdgybXeZvu3cBtwcdjXrPQi8MAgluh6u8oZlIyyYGHW3xvPTNlbxL2PC4TeXDdzO6vLbSZIDk7KpMupo-2x8coddWCphAZrhOUAKM6MD4vdyWqM/s400/heels.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647438533901567042" /></a>But most of my time, fortunately, was spent entertaining my precious 3 year-old. This week we crafted a bubble foamer. Care to copy? It's 3 easy steps...</div><div>
<br /></div><div>1. Cut the bottom off of an empty plastic bottle.
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<br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYe-5BjT3ux1myoUU_gLhFMQPT4XU0DYc6AGVKc6dgGfPHwRakdz-fhwtGmp7R_KATEVIyHXk-NiE7h3FTYumobLf1DDlwDQAlZ1zpnKbQjbm0K4MYG712j3rLa197ZixX_zl8638EIc/s400/plastic+bottle+pieces.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 236px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647437898108402098" />Secure a thin damp terrycloth rag (we used a baby washcloth) to the bottom opening with rubber bands.</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cyjpCG2kGvKUk_QxmGrJwVkwA4E-sHFfV605ENPG25RZ5EGtRRExM7HZ5mrgIwH5NTKmpSd_rn7C2YK3V9v3yJh62QEjLqP6_jQ7uxvNjWBgvsKXbz77lMD1ZD3RpYMcH3-7ZrqZG-w/s400/with+washrag+attached.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647437897393513234" />Mix up a bubble solution of a few squirts of dish soap (Joy works wonders) and water, dip the bottom of the bottle in it and go to town!</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1gmZdZ8hTWF6ahnEYQ00DHBT_L9In7AlnlXgGfq8gFmTTN0oW_2JaTpVPYM-QxYB3nhAuS_-rIrZypQQJQeDMzzyiqzfpdtdbDOfwzt-a8igKwzFcgyxt6u4_Sj8aA4ix5SAkLjCK10/s400/making+bubbles.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 276px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647437904008962274" /><div style="text-align: left;">I got this idea from skimming through the wonder that is <a href="http://pinterest.com/restorativel/project-ideas/">Pinterest</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, what have you been up to?</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div></div>Restorative Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774737097762096631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806056991281202181.post-20958512611958437702011-08-01T13:28:00.000-07:002011-08-09T14:23:22.803-07:00A Rainbow Balloon 3rd Birthday Party<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9K6FmQa4KXnDJlWDHHvLnbMzdlpUWuK4v2SmXLzAvwTghxQ9YnHYHOfdx3vn009a9xJxOCLY6LGcBzrp_cgPWhNEPp1AeIXeLPXgRL8rv9lzOfyIk_p0ckLrkrPHTUB8KbswakAMHkw/s1600/six+layer+rainbow+birthday+cake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9K6FmQa4KXnDJlWDHHvLnbMzdlpUWuK4v2SmXLzAvwTghxQ9YnHYHOfdx3vn009a9xJxOCLY6LGcBzrp_cgPWhNEPp1AeIXeLPXgRL8rv9lzOfyIk_p0ckLrkrPHTUB8KbswakAMHkw/s400/six+layer+rainbow+birthday+cake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635994181211797538" border="0" /></a>My precious baby turned the big three years old recently and we threw him a big birthday bash. The theme was balloons but rainbow balloons are even more fun, so we combined the two.
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<br />A six layer R.O.Y.G.B.I.V. (minus the indigo) cake with cream cheese frosting. It was a big hit and tasted fantastic! The trick is using gel dyes instead of liquid. They make for very intense colors!
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQkoHa87_Zolb7vZnset79IJl1SoKz6i0_96Izqg2A0WzafgaPozLHaSCtcSyy_0hDAb8aBn3hWiMLGeFooeRag3SVc8SOZJDBeTdG_t7roSeP5QHapml_YsA4H0JWv8qI7rLmyKwr8k/s1600/slice+of+six+layer+rainbow+cake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQkoHa87_Zolb7vZnset79IJl1SoKz6i0_96Izqg2A0WzafgaPozLHaSCtcSyy_0hDAb8aBn3hWiMLGeFooeRag3SVc8SOZJDBeTdG_t7roSeP5QHapml_YsA4H0JWv8qI7rLmyKwr8k/s400/slice+of+six+layer+rainbow+cake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635994184053655010" border="0" /></a>My son <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">loves </span>balloons. He can spot them from a mile away. But truth be told, I didn't think I had it in me to make a cake shaped like any of his favorite characters of the moment. So we went a little more abstract this time around. He still was thrilled with his cake and was absolutely head over heels when he discovered we had filled an entire room full of balloons. He had a blast plowing through them again and again.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KAmbja4_Ek5uGZh393RsrBzUo5T8ZLw4I3fKW0PX5Qom9B15MlXYeFhckP2MNIdI3JOaEZ1q05q40P8R4KLublk5cP5PWgBqgrW3ACwSqE_Bh2C7Uj7A1VV_EOSG0lcuesOzpZpFwKQ/s1600/rainbow+sprinkle+cupcakes%252C+happy+birthday%252C+3+tiers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KAmbja4_Ek5uGZh393RsrBzUo5T8ZLw4I3fKW0PX5Qom9B15MlXYeFhckP2MNIdI3JOaEZ1q05q40P8R4KLublk5cP5PWgBqgrW3ACwSqE_Bh2C7Uj7A1VV_EOSG0lcuesOzpZpFwKQ/s400/rainbow+sprinkle+cupcakes%252C+happy+birthday%252C+3+tiers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635993255405245666" border="0" /></a>Whoopie pies! Key lime, lemon, and red velvet all with cream cheese frosting. My son loved these and even skipped cake, instead saying, "I want a <span style="font-style: italic;">gween </span>one, Mommy!" (I'll post directions for these soon but trust me, they are a piece of cake! Ugh, puns...)
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7U2nEoM6uk6o_eUfMDNZvqROhmSogSHsBrKQ6zMPIeCoqZt0NFq1NeXEJeS_iiaX2eQK3l0ejPv1k6CS-olm7R_uawC1HEXPzl9GwwASAOZhNOiuY8tyAC_bta8v5Z0yHvUBqm00mlww/s1600/rainbow+whoopie+pies%252C+key+lime%252C+lemon%252C+red+velvet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7U2nEoM6uk6o_eUfMDNZvqROhmSogSHsBrKQ6zMPIeCoqZt0NFq1NeXEJeS_iiaX2eQK3l0ejPv1k6CS-olm7R_uawC1HEXPzl9GwwASAOZhNOiuY8tyAC_bta8v5Z0yHvUBqm00mlww/s400/rainbow+whoopie+pies%252C+key+lime%252C+lemon%252C+red+velvet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635993267019025826" border="0" /></a>Rainbow tissue poms added fun color and a festive backdrop. I couldn't believe I had never thought of those before! It's just your basic tissue pom, only with a variety of colors.
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<br />I'll have a tutorial soon for the candy filled train as well.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSw8WRZSgYokJGx94I4NTxjFt3f2QeCd91jC4V-_x-Zfho2qBCT7gtZJ10eJ_lscLXp-Ynde7xWvZ0kvgGYDqG6inDO1OX2NWLCF0kAd6N67MawP-woE0Y_O7xXTfN_pZQz_bC9gHnnoo/s1600/dessert+table.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSw8WRZSgYokJGx94I4NTxjFt3f2QeCd91jC4V-_x-Zfho2qBCT7gtZJ10eJ_lscLXp-Ynde7xWvZ0kvgGYDqG6inDO1OX2NWLCF0kAd6N67MawP-woE0Y_O7xXTfN_pZQz_bC9gHnnoo/s400/dessert+table.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635992840304385906" border="0" /></a>All of the food was served on white servings trays I have collected (on clearance, of course) over the years and we ate off of dollar store napkins and plates. Nothing too expensive or fancy, just fun and bright. It was the perfect evening celebrating our incredible blessing!
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<br />A lot of my inspiration came from Pinterest. Oh, Pinterest. Where have you been all my life? See the inspiration board for the party <a href="http://pinterest.com/restorativel/rainbow-balloon-birthday-party/">here</a>. If you want to follow along with all the goodies I'm discovering on the web, you can follow me on Pinterest <a href="http://pinterest.com/restorativel">here</a>.
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<br />Hope you're enjoying your last few weeks of summer!
<br />Restorative Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774737097762096631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806056991281202181.post-68824612666710107562011-08-01T09:35:00.000-07:002011-08-01T09:56:06.537-07:00We need rain.That's just all there is to it. We. Need. Rain. Even the ants think so...they've resorted to eating my cantaloupe. My beautiful cantaloupe that I've been babying for months and throughout the drought.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzcIJOdnHKi-iKZxdeyA-0FlgaHvKlqpLYb5Wq3w8V_fBwiEbLO5mbhlKNrlvMqsozyNaxmmFC0SEf8wTALLHnKZ2L_QCzktYsBN3gP2bGfkGRZ7M7vHmb63dKfRFMu0TMssy31dEExE/s1600/cantaloupe+ants.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzcIJOdnHKi-iKZxdeyA-0FlgaHvKlqpLYb5Wq3w8V_fBwiEbLO5mbhlKNrlvMqsozyNaxmmFC0SEf8wTALLHnKZ2L_QCzktYsBN3gP2bGfkGRZ7M7vHmb63dKfRFMu0TMssy31dEExE/s400/cantaloupe+ants.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635927910090274946" border="0" /></a>I get that the whole country is sweltering right now, but seriously. Texas is an oven. My son begs all day to go outside but it truly isn't safe (or bearable) to do so until after 8pm. And no rain in sight. The forecast keeps climbing too. It's now in the 108-111 degrees range.<br /><br />This is my backyard this morning. Cracking under the heat.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_REqKUE02sLjioIfTg29BzK8Z_-GmPG1KwVF0BVZMsJkNzEgdcsgrAqL0p0r_UMmrOMJPNDr_8QHiO6uENcB6f3J7rWp8hMhtyqm0mGZzVGdvqyOO1hxx0T14cLi4PUWl-QcXlo9CFqY/s1600/ground+cracking.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_REqKUE02sLjioIfTg29BzK8Z_-GmPG1KwVF0BVZMsJkNzEgdcsgrAqL0p0r_UMmrOMJPNDr_8QHiO6uENcB6f3J7rWp8hMhtyqm0mGZzVGdvqyOO1hxx0T14cLi4PUWl-QcXlo9CFqY/s400/ground+cracking.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635927917443112674" border="0" /></a>And my poor red oak that I have faithfully watered throughout the drought. No amount of watering can make up for this kind of heat.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvLrM7j5k_ewhPyrOauv3r43uY3hTk0_VslM6Fea66HFyQXPd0i0x6Hv3XLnNvGewQ6xPVk0JMDEpXc4g0vPbb8sdJ0loBhfaiY8zlSR0IckCY25bfb4Hv15kGEWi91xnLbK95gN-urg/s1600/red+oak+withering+in+heat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvLrM7j5k_ewhPyrOauv3r43uY3hTk0_VslM6Fea66HFyQXPd0i0x6Hv3XLnNvGewQ6xPVk0JMDEpXc4g0vPbb8sdJ0loBhfaiY8zlSR0IckCY25bfb4Hv15kGEWi91xnLbK95gN-urg/s400/red+oak+withering+in+heat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635927921142203138" border="0" /></a>But we have faith in our Father and believe He will provide. I keep asking him for rain, and I know I'm not the only one. This morning my son and I went out to water the trees. Their leaves are browning now, falling off, and the dirt around the roots is pulling away and cracking from dehydration and heat. The dirt around our house foundation is pulling away as well. Our driveway has started to crack. This is serious stuff, this heat. More than a few lives have been lost this summer in Texas because of it.<br /><br />We need rain.<br /><br />So today I've put this plastic cup on my kitchen island as a reminder. My son planted grass seeds in it at VBS last week and decorated it with stickers that say "Trust in the Lord." The grass in this cup is doing great, of course, since it's growing in an air conditioned home, and getting plenty of water. But those green blades are serving as a reminder to me. My God is bigger than this. He gives and takes away. I'll trust Him.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKco73gJayt0MXO-6zA7PD47a_9aV7HLqoN-PRud6mDlLkJTGUGGmwn8dmqZrOGXy-UPpnc5O9QDBbEGAGPKNa30R03yxNgMX1yF-2uqFqkzIkK_s1qdo8iTNtWTOI14ZrpPKJQRTD6U/s1600/grass+in+a+cup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKco73gJayt0MXO-6zA7PD47a_9aV7HLqoN-PRud6mDlLkJTGUGGmwn8dmqZrOGXy-UPpnc5O9QDBbEGAGPKNa30R03yxNgMX1yF-2uqFqkzIkK_s1qdo8iTNtWTOI14ZrpPKJQRTD6U/s400/grass+in+a+cup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635927914135063938" border="0" /></a><br />We need rain.Restorative Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774737097762096631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806056991281202181.post-85788416912284092652011-07-27T13:35:00.000-07:002011-07-27T13:38:21.144-07:00Rainbow Cake<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CrdseZ8OQAEpb_olr2x6qAcyM3e2Ew-grbWys59dSIeuSdcIjmD6lcaAg8HwJUgkl9Kz2ackTd08vmiU9uUnwOpD0gZbG-GKF6tpIoQahuQV-q6dsFSYS193jSyUxwxupOvRKpIXEUk/s1600/slice+of+cake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CrdseZ8OQAEpb_olr2x6qAcyM3e2Ew-grbWys59dSIeuSdcIjmD6lcaAg8HwJUgkl9Kz2ackTd08vmiU9uUnwOpD0gZbG-GKF6tpIoQahuQV-q6dsFSYS193jSyUxwxupOvRKpIXEUk/s400/slice+of+cake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634133641127453890" border="0" /></a>Summer is still in full swing over here but we've managed to fit in a party or two. I'll post more pictures later, but here's a sneak peek at the birthday bash we threw last weekend. It was an absolute blast!Restorative Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774737097762096631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806056991281202181.post-40225456661225849152011-07-07T14:22:00.000-07:002011-07-07T14:56:52.101-07:00Mustache and Most Interesting Man in the World PartyI'm back from a summer sabbatical. Thanks for sticking with me! I'd like to say that I spent the last month on a beach in Hawaii or relaxing at our (imaginary) mountain cabin, but in reality we spent most of it doing what most youth ministry families do in the summertime: hanging out with teenagers. Majority of the time we were blessed to work with teens at camp in Oklahoma. If you thought it was hot in Texas, Oklahoma has us beat. Great state, miserable heat. The only place that has them beat is Arizona. The one summer I spent there I thought I was going to swelter to death.<br /><br />We did squeeze in some family fun as well. My husband's grandfather turned 95 (ninety-five!) this year so we threw a surprise party for him to celebrate. Our theme was The Most Interesting Man in the World (because 95 years of living earns you that title) and mustaches for extra fun.<br /><br />Here are a few pictures from the event.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjt-E0-TuC-_3klt-8l3r0wx5QKSTXjXhIcLBxthmdo-mOckvuoAcghdWqbwd16G01zf9pcyAFo8CWgCcHjFAlW4_HC0vF4uYOJWOr9IN4Br6nw2czo022wSMgGvhUOUmhDPTfUMePz1s/s1600/wet+your+whiskers+pic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjt-E0-TuC-_3klt-8l3r0wx5QKSTXjXhIcLBxthmdo-mOckvuoAcghdWqbwd16G01zf9pcyAFo8CWgCcHjFAlW4_HC0vF4uYOJWOr9IN4Br6nw2czo022wSMgGvhUOUmhDPTfUMePz1s/s400/wet+your+whiskers+pic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626725677647033922" border="0" /></a>We used these mustache-on-a-stick as decor and then later as props for photos. Our giant family portrait turned out great and it's one of my favorite family treasures of all time. Everyone from age 2 to 95 was proudly holding them up.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsZhHo0eOAKsSvVGZUkHrJ8CtziTRqZ7sm2FDyg7n9FfGD7gubmE-C0zvnwYbiDNb74lewr2iRT-r9xpQCj_99IhMqUJqFufk07xix3x6mK0lMPNKRARceMzUPrkco9eDsX10lFyk_x4/s1600/mustache+centerpiece.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsZhHo0eOAKsSvVGZUkHrJ8CtziTRqZ7sm2FDyg7n9FfGD7gubmE-C0zvnwYbiDNb74lewr2iRT-r9xpQCj_99IhMqUJqFufk07xix3x6mK0lMPNKRARceMzUPrkco9eDsX10lFyk_x4/s400/mustache+centerpiece.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626725662274916546" border="0" /></a>Pictures of Grandad from earlier days were everywhere, and this sign greeted guests: <span style="font-style: italic;">Grandad...The Most Interesting Man in the World</span>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV62s6XpuZGdyhGMZlpi9tq_3urGZeMg4eIwXQu3xatx5JxWnAgPxJHdsgVaE-8LLqZ1sRuxpUiX4BwojdDK7V11flKVmlbNZ6aGkkwslFbCP-C4vLrh_JGqa8NpWhZW_Q8FLvBh90Cbk/s1600/entry%252C+most+interesting+man+in+the+world.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 324px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV62s6XpuZGdyhGMZlpi9tq_3urGZeMg4eIwXQu3xatx5JxWnAgPxJHdsgVaE-8LLqZ1sRuxpUiX4BwojdDK7V11flKVmlbNZ6aGkkwslFbCP-C4vLrh_JGqa8NpWhZW_Q8FLvBh90Cbk/s400/entry%252C+most+interesting+man+in+the+world.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626724761522823906" border="0" /></a>Throughout the house we put "most interesting man in the world" quotes to go with his pictures. There are a ton of hilarious ones all over the web. We chose a few of our favorites, including this one...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWgb97JwM6LsoArAY9FSsTmPbDUbfaB6ObyF-qwsCPIFxDR44P6cAbLKcyCnqtkbK3dbDWQS_IyhFTuMbZaLRSXHplcUtetOYvXRvj1JXDARJOS7shtPBZ6Q9leJI8zVjtg1UAMyDbIo/s1600/most+interesting+man+party+quote.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWgb97JwM6LsoArAY9FSsTmPbDUbfaB6ObyF-qwsCPIFxDR44P6cAbLKcyCnqtkbK3dbDWQS_IyhFTuMbZaLRSXHplcUtetOYvXRvj1JXDARJOS7shtPBZ6Q9leJI8zVjtg1UAMyDbIo/s400/most+interesting+man+party+quote.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626725531078267538" border="0" /></a>And these, to just show a few.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6pCQ1niyqNEQvl_ZW08gUHlc0soxQw4fA6NHXBLe-xV3osAvWyEZWAYkqC1GrCIQPDjZn5_u90P_v1QyidqA-lDnD-pxLkVPR_Xe3KnSRN4BBlOlJR1Owho4lb_HOJQA7jsMnM9ElzM/s1600/most+interesting+man+party+quote+centerpiece.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 277px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6pCQ1niyqNEQvl_ZW08gUHlc0soxQw4fA6NHXBLe-xV3osAvWyEZWAYkqC1GrCIQPDjZn5_u90P_v1QyidqA-lDnD-pxLkVPR_Xe3KnSRN4BBlOlJR1Owho4lb_HOJQA7jsMnM9ElzM/s400/most+interesting+man+party+quote+centerpiece.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626725647209094706" border="0" /></a>This is Texas party y'all, so you know we had a lot of this...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdYn9O9eA6RyCEiQLxDGrn7uhaKSISZn8FhVIf4JmXQwI153Nw8-RCp1TMBjL9tdfvVl16WGtyZL14Q1tKoCDRM2yjaO22yIGWaCOPo21Q1MZityiiHfIso7asS6V3sL6SCq9viny1zA/s1600/dr+pepper+party.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 363px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdYn9O9eA6RyCEiQLxDGrn7uhaKSISZn8FhVIf4JmXQwI153Nw8-RCp1TMBjL9tdfvVl16WGtyZL14Q1tKoCDRM2yjaO22yIGWaCOPo21Q1MZityiiHfIso7asS6V3sL6SCq9viny1zA/s400/dr+pepper+party.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626724746622478002" border="0" /></a>And if you've been reading this blog for more than 2 seconds you know I love me some pennant banners. Throw it on top of a banana pudding and you can't go wrong.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbRnrBPyEMqZJogVe1wjwTEGEMZnWNWDQMKC4LK6vt8eod5NYlgd_ftt5q7ZrkZy2_Mz2PMHA7CwuWclQmo5raJB8YQfmhXJ6Y8cAwVYa07xiGHOuHU9cl8JFkEDf623TfyOVdvIGbto/s1600/banana+pudding.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 328px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbRnrBPyEMqZJogVe1wjwTEGEMZnWNWDQMKC4LK6vt8eod5NYlgd_ftt5q7ZrkZy2_Mz2PMHA7CwuWclQmo5raJB8YQfmhXJ6Y8cAwVYa07xiGHOuHU9cl8JFkEDf623TfyOVdvIGbto/s400/banana+pudding.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626724655712495762" border="0" /></a>Grandad's favorite impossible-to-make birthday cake passed down for generations.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLv3wHHktnGbcqP429DsxjTR1E57WEWHIbpn6vkqbbMbb8IfJyyJ29DZi8oWMmBr_bWZa005wZhhAIpv3OCDxhv4TJfxhb4Osmm_uU8ZAGEdSaWiuGw5HPXT4Ac0ELL3iS38lciFHIr0/s1600/birthday+cake+grandad.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLv3wHHktnGbcqP429DsxjTR1E57WEWHIbpn6vkqbbMbb8IfJyyJ29DZi8oWMmBr_bWZa005wZhhAIpv3OCDxhv4TJfxhb4Osmm_uU8ZAGEdSaWiuGw5HPXT4Ac0ELL3iS38lciFHIr0/s400/birthday+cake+grandad.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626724739726332562" border="0" /></a>We had a great time together and Grandad was caught with a tear in his eye more than a few times. He felt honored and special, and that was the whole goal. We displayed the verse Prov 22:1 ("A good name is more desirable than great riches, to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.") in a frame as well because it describes beautifully what we all feel about our favorite Grandad. What a beautiful legacy of faith he has given us.<br /><br />An added bonus: We threw this party together for less than $5 by using <a href="http://blog.silhouetteamerica.com/2011/06/free-download-of-week.html">Silhouette's free download of the week</a> to make the mustaches, skewers (in a pack of 100) for less than $1, blue play sand we had on hand to anchor centerpieces, and displaying quotes and pictures in frames we had throughout the house.<br /><br />Thanks for stopping by today!Restorative Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774737097762096631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806056991281202181.post-80052930144450119972011-06-09T14:55:00.000-07:002011-09-15T14:38:22.718-07:00Rocking Horse Before and After<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Qv9dGPMtVKBOjqyDQM1u1PE-DLOKsMXBbaPf8RzFGAmWXzoEKb4l-BHkdtqDEgUcTKgVq-rXAIj6N_TSO94RmyOyVD8Wqvzj779LYJIM8VUe1aNZvKHCfNatfmkTXxCw0KKLgooXSYg/s1600/rocking+horse%252C+teaser%252C+monogram%252C+blue%252C+rosette+bow.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616343049610931922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Qv9dGPMtVKBOjqyDQM1u1PE-DLOKsMXBbaPf8RzFGAmWXzoEKb4l-BHkdtqDEgUcTKgVq-rXAIj6N_TSO94RmyOyVD8Wqvzj779LYJIM8VUe1aNZvKHCfNatfmkTXxCw0KKLgooXSYg/s400/rocking+horse%252C+teaser%252C+monogram%252C+blue%252C+rosette+bow.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a>Is it just me, or are there<span style="font-style: italic;"> lots </span>of baby showers to attend these days? I think it's just this stage of life. Surely it's not the water.<br />
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When I'm out thrifting, I always stay on the lookout for unique baby presents so I'll be ready for the next shower. One morning I ran across this sad little wooden rocking horse for $2. It looked like someone had tried to spray paint it black and then gave up.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ncu4XRABkOHuFmZfB6wh5R5ebAyf3GYswKbUTBR6FFhjDVlJ5eGslQ_fwH8G5D9tt5uQUwQVmS7ioo9lAbdD2r6QeRQQ8lAlK78vOxmSYvW30VYsK30sBfHlPvmQS0DAbNDzX8TcPh4/s1600/rocking+horse+before.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616342531797457346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ncu4XRABkOHuFmZfB6wh5R5ebAyf3GYswKbUTBR6FFhjDVlJ5eGslQ_fwH8G5D9tt5uQUwQVmS7ioo9lAbdD2r6QeRQQ8lAlK78vOxmSYvW30VYsK30sBfHlPvmQS0DAbNDzX8TcPh4/s400/rocking+horse+before.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 255px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>I couldn't help but imagine it painted and pretty, and the cheap price tag made it easy to say yes. So I took it home with the idea that, once refinished, it might be a great gift for a baby shower I'm attending this month. I started sanding and discovered this...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISAbWCqtHv1uuQgy2a7Tg6RHKkoTVSPtwtuYvQGa8wHuh-Tly8bWOb9rwoao7yQ5xa3peoVeJxi56C0X6xrcpIVlJ9F4kX6K9H89qm-cZAexXDk3y-ksukRv_hTdM2-YycWghH6g2APg/s1600/rocking+horse+before%252C+teeth+marks.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616342524363946210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISAbWCqtHv1uuQgy2a7Tg6RHKkoTVSPtwtuYvQGa8wHuh-Tly8bWOb9rwoao7yQ5xa3peoVeJxi56C0X6xrcpIVlJ9F4kX6K9H89qm-cZAexXDk3y-ksukRv_hTdM2-YycWghH6g2APg/s400/rocking+horse+before%252C+teeth+marks.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>No wonder it was $2! But some wood filler, lots of sanding, and even more coats of blue paint led to this...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYvRAVpbOHgRtRFJr5hQrHKtH17Xt7QwFxEXcHpfllxoMFTg7pZQvrjC3FXWULQNAH-mZf2wRquGh-ux4DLHL3lLsPh-h1J2lcqT3hDF_Ud3eQJ_I_AMvMZYqXzDZC7DF6lsZybrYIF0/s1600/painted+rocking+horse%252C+monogram%252C+silhouette.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616342542583311250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYvRAVpbOHgRtRFJr5hQrHKtH17Xt7QwFxEXcHpfllxoMFTg7pZQvrjC3FXWULQNAH-mZf2wRquGh-ux4DLHL3lLsPh-h1J2lcqT3hDF_Ud3eQJ_I_AMvMZYqXzDZC7DF6lsZybrYIF0/s400/painted+rocking+horse%252C+monogram%252C+silhouette.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 308px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>I used my trusty <a href="http://restorativeliving.blogspot.com/2011/03/look-what-i-won.html">Silhouette </a>machine to cut out a vinyl monogram in the baby's initials, and then whipped up some rosettes (how-to <a href="http://restorativeliving.blogspot.com/2010/12/rosettes-galoreim-back.html">here</a>) that match the nursery colors picked out by the mommy-to-be.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Qv9dGPMtVKBOjqyDQM1u1PE-DLOKsMXBbaPf8RzFGAmWXzoEKb4l-BHkdtqDEgUcTKgVq-rXAIj6N_TSO94RmyOyVD8Wqvzj779LYJIM8VUe1aNZvKHCfNatfmkTXxCw0KKLgooXSYg/s1600/rocking+horse%252C+teaser%252C+monogram%252C+blue%252C+rosette+bow.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616343049610931922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Qv9dGPMtVKBOjqyDQM1u1PE-DLOKsMXBbaPf8RzFGAmWXzoEKb4l-BHkdtqDEgUcTKgVq-rXAIj6N_TSO94RmyOyVD8Wqvzj779LYJIM8VUe1aNZvKHCfNatfmkTXxCw0KKLgooXSYg/s400/rocking+horse%252C+teaser%252C+monogram%252C+blue%252C+rosette+bow.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a>Unique, thoughtful and TWO DOLLARS. I can't wait to give this to her!<br />
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Linking to:<br />
<a href="http://sewmuchado.blogspot.com/2011/06/we-did-it-wednesday.html">Sew Much Ado</a> ... <a href="http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2011/06/under-100-linky-party_08.html">Beyond the Picket Fence</a> ... <a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/">Tip Junkie</a> ... <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2011/06/13/made-by-you-monday-54/">Skip to My Lou</a> ...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thecsiproject.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Visit thecsiproject.com" class="aligncenter" src="http://thecsiproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/thecsiproject.com-logo-150.png" width="10%" /></a>Restorative Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774737097762096631noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806056991281202181.post-54967778853594870372011-05-31T03:55:00.000-07:002011-05-31T03:55:00.520-07:00A Tree for TexansPlanting trees in Texas isn't always a sure bet. We get so much wind, heat and sometimes snow that the beautiful flowering trees you see in the North (you lucky cherry blossom owners!) just can't cut it in Texas climate.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU583mj955-pVnVwg9QFwOLO_SmY4FrEjy8B2eCG6jiB66M5c8KobG_jiEpIpuSvo8X5GNIMv9xjM-eleV4RyPCLL42_pa4KJ0JIy9PvPBsrPaHdbbsGXZ3cuMHhZamNCJVJy0HNp_4xA/s1600/Texas+Lilac%252C+doubled+in+size%252C+growth.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU583mj955-pVnVwg9QFwOLO_SmY4FrEjy8B2eCG6jiB66M5c8KobG_jiEpIpuSvo8X5GNIMv9xjM-eleV4RyPCLL42_pa4KJ0JIy9PvPBsrPaHdbbsGXZ3cuMHhZamNCJVJy0HNp_4xA/s400/Texas+Lilac%252C+doubled+in+size%252C+growth.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607792404705444850" border="0" /></a>A friend introduced us to the Texas Lilac (also known as Vitex or Chaste Tree) and we are loving it. We planted it in September and it's already doubled in size and bloomed like crazy. We love it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2w7u3KhhJI-BpYPeXMdBgRCbwtZc6peB2G49ndti9Y6w5GV_Gf2BtlyMRTB2gSRDHXQnUqw3gtslO0um3ut2JOA4Op2G-hRwP4btqmPi7VcRxqSh0dsy1j8D38PRl72Avsfh3fG33PA/s1600/Texas+Lilac+with+bee+crop.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 390px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2w7u3KhhJI-BpYPeXMdBgRCbwtZc6peB2G49ndti9Y6w5GV_Gf2BtlyMRTB2gSRDHXQnUqw3gtslO0um3ut2JOA4Op2G-hRwP4btqmPi7VcRxqSh0dsy1j8D38PRl72Avsfh3fG33PA/s400/Texas+Lilac+with+bee+crop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607793972245364514" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPSvtCOUANSKJVl2s4Km3U-CRMa3iWYxkdn9L4OTi1AVOF3Yrnt3Y3LsmZ1qy5vA8QYC28SI5scTd2HipNdQgdIESOEAD1F-hlcF8K4P04y4gnyOPwgiIp_DYdRX5PlitdEQi_fn0bB4/s1600/Texas+Lilac+with+bee.jpg"><br /></a>And so do the bees, apparently.Restorative Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774737097762096631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806056991281202181.post-38772696057029706662011-05-28T03:54:00.000-07:002011-05-28T03:54:00.427-07:00Norwegian WafflesStarting a morning like this is hard to beat...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5iZfK-1RkLnsaeXb9KrtJibEkBjBlZdHi1CpG29AprUbSA2gnjEF_Wo5MbTdg856nhPhIpFoHfx-1OQcPuWs4K6kdvs9p1w6J04XI0UyQM18GNTHF9_WeGaUaiUvCymn0bNeOBBpMQw/s1600/close+up+short+stack.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5iZfK-1RkLnsaeXb9KrtJibEkBjBlZdHi1CpG29AprUbSA2gnjEF_Wo5MbTdg856nhPhIpFoHfx-1OQcPuWs4K6kdvs9p1w6J04XI0UyQM18GNTHF9_WeGaUaiUvCymn0bNeOBBpMQw/s400/close+up+short+stack.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605194462062771010" border="0" /></a>We whipped up a batch of my very favorite waffle recipe from <a href="http://www.allrecipes.com/">All Recipes</a> over the weekend and have been enjoying the leftovers all week. Why these are called Norwegian Waffles is beyond me. But, I've never been to Norway, so what do I know?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidnN3aZUMck07Y1wWNItXFZhwCIckwvPDGuZgH33aR6ppGyIm1QSktpni3E8gkt_6u5B_vigdSeZINbfMexeRsoMqHeu6gCJ6CijyzUfwbZxqqI7ynIMF-W3_1QOz-aRINVleLV_Y_IE/s1600/norwegian+waffles+with+eggs+and+bacon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidnN3aZUMck07Y1wWNItXFZhwCIckwvPDGuZgH33aR6ppGyIm1QSktpni3E8gkt_6u5B_vigdSeZINbfMexeRsoMqHeu6gCJ6CijyzUfwbZxqqI7ynIMF-W3_1QOz-aRINVleLV_Y_IE/s400/norwegian+waffles+with+eggs+and+bacon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605194465156864226" border="0" /></a>If you give it a whirl, I suggest adding about 1/4 C more sugar than the recipe suggests. Happy Breakfast!Restorative Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774737097762096631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806056991281202181.post-37945869717450904812011-05-24T13:34:00.000-07:002011-05-24T13:42:28.186-07:00Garage Sale Score<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CYKcz0Lydo5HIjn2YAVd2wSU4jn33k-DaIuD7THPkFCvNo7b_hoVRc52QNWhMIOXm6qSbQh9zUKp_uUKQI3aA_g-YxhlBKinNvWvH-93VXygUQg8QR2_Dz_mdF3H_ss6e5g2se6hiKA/s1600/zippers%252C+talon%252C+vintage%252C+close+up.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CYKcz0Lydo5HIjn2YAVd2wSU4jn33k-DaIuD7THPkFCvNo7b_hoVRc52QNWhMIOXm6qSbQh9zUKp_uUKQI3aA_g-YxhlBKinNvWvH-93VXygUQg8QR2_Dz_mdF3H_ss6e5g2se6hiKA/s400/zippers%252C+talon%252C+vintage%252C+close+up.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610384230686336466" border="0" /></a>I happened upon a garage sale late in the afternoon on Saturday and the owner was itching to get rid of everything in sight. After asking her three different times if she was sure it was OK, I went home with a box full of vintage sewing items, including unopened rolls of lace and tulle, and these lovely ladies for...<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67D_-X3e5ZMpcr5yuIhEi70NX3chE7FN69nsHAUSIN8EU5gsbnZoLOXzFTBhCDfRaaZ7wkgYwSBafPICfaj4hwu519aX_7qoEvZfliMVY6zbXuTCfre6jnZW7NsGQ5ZQGM5boaOQkPZ8/s1600/zippers%252C+talon%252C+vintage%252C+flea+finds.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67D_-X3e5ZMpcr5yuIhEi70NX3chE7FN69nsHAUSIN8EU5gsbnZoLOXzFTBhCDfRaaZ7wkgYwSBafPICfaj4hwu519aX_7qoEvZfliMVY6zbXuTCfre6jnZW7NsGQ5ZQGM5boaOQkPZ8/s400/zippers%252C+talon%252C+vintage%252C+flea+finds.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610384234487234642" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">ONE DOLLAR!</span><br /></div><br />I'm already brainstorming sewing ideas just so I can use that bright lemon "magic zipper." Is it garage sale season where you live yet?Restorative Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774737097762096631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806056991281202181.post-80965097600354772202011-05-21T03:33:00.000-07:002011-05-21T03:33:00.343-07:00My Little (BIG) Backyard GardenI am floored by how quickly my garden has grown! Here's a picture of what it looks like today:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6avNPifWq0Q6by4LuqIXAm_kCo0Dz1VARc4sSySNXVxSoIm8kcgoKyCF3GSi9CyEzD5JikSljgffJcNTyoHeQHUee2s0XTlpeFLucmhv_FqrsYmHqPKxlkmqVFlcRZuN0qK2hH7JEFQ/s1600/garden+full+shot%252C+may+2011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6avNPifWq0Q6by4LuqIXAm_kCo0Dz1VARc4sSySNXVxSoIm8kcgoKyCF3GSi9CyEzD5JikSljgffJcNTyoHeQHUee2s0XTlpeFLucmhv_FqrsYmHqPKxlkmqVFlcRZuN0qK2hH7JEFQ/s400/garden+full+shot%252C+may+2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607787316111816738" border="0" /></a>And what it looked like the day I planted - just SIX WEEKS ago!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivw9Yw-Wk7GuewnZMh8oRwrrxjCCk3vW7PIy6PGnRl2m4KF_FIcZuo0IQXiIMDV-2xhBbEUgmJAjSKzgaFObAWB35avGYOtjZYLhIei3XWJDSvZxsjoV9gQHLhlRGKij59ixY7nnuo4Pc/s1600/garden+full+shot%252C+week+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivw9Yw-Wk7GuewnZMh8oRwrrxjCCk3vW7PIy6PGnRl2m4KF_FIcZuo0IQXiIMDV-2xhBbEUgmJAjSKzgaFObAWB35avGYOtjZYLhIei3XWJDSvZxsjoV9gQHLhlRGKij59ixY7nnuo4Pc/s400/garden+full+shot%252C+week+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607788576284180978" border="0" /></a>I'm thrilled. To be honest, I kind of figured it was a toss up whether or not anything would take hold. But look at these beauties:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGowgjkGhh91D8TyJj28RtP1bLrN9OKDEaJxHigk6QMZZwpN9ZiLMDP3VdQOX-8ZmA54qEmQgD42as-PVwpv6B80K6Tf7X4wuuGaAOPGZs9OasmtDqCAX2K-EOyX56JPXaBDtbqthy_8/s1600/green+tomatoes+on+the+vine.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGowgjkGhh91D8TyJj28RtP1bLrN9OKDEaJxHigk6QMZZwpN9ZiLMDP3VdQOX-8ZmA54qEmQgD42as-PVwpv6B80K6Tf7X4wuuGaAOPGZs9OasmtDqCAX2K-EOyX56JPXaBDtbqthy_8/s400/green+tomatoes+on+the+vine.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607787310684042050" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3D-RSEOL9CQLi2sAmYY9HOWvJZsZSB7xdQ8fk50GQOvUFQ7xg2kicWhcmwL0pFiWPAldErjY52ObFOEnxicMLkaoieR92ZguTVCK3awBUsqVnuPJLQ2VxnQdzhNkfH-HEVg6w8ZyoVhM/s1600/green+baby+tomato.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3D-RSEOL9CQLi2sAmYY9HOWvJZsZSB7xdQ8fk50GQOvUFQ7xg2kicWhcmwL0pFiWPAldErjY52ObFOEnxicMLkaoieR92ZguTVCK3awBUsqVnuPJLQ2VxnQdzhNkfH-HEVg6w8ZyoVhM/s400/green+baby+tomato.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607787304919125698" border="0" /></a>Squash blossoms!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1kPowzSPdvmX9fqc_50UtAMDGWtj4jmS23dZpzTzp21fxWFDGcXZiDfWEkIKm8g2M9OuvDrgzitE8Xulgm6xt12BMFmKvlEjnjpaRKD56vHOIcNSR6l-33AGRCm34TMzk4uGO-hkOQQ/s1600/squash+blossom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1kPowzSPdvmX9fqc_50UtAMDGWtj4jmS23dZpzTzp21fxWFDGcXZiDfWEkIKm8g2M9OuvDrgzitE8Xulgm6xt12BMFmKvlEjnjpaRKD56vHOIcNSR6l-33AGRCm34TMzk4uGO-hkOQQ/s400/squash+blossom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607787319828448962" border="0" /></a><br />We've only had one hiccup, which was an infestation of spider mites that devoured one whole spinach plant and part of my basil. A home remedy of 2 quarts water mixed with 1 T vegetable oil and a few drops of dish detergent sprayed at dusk seems to have cleared it up though. {fingers crossed} The bugs were annoying, but my 2 year-old has had an absolute blast getting to take a spray bottle to the garden every evening!<br /><br />Have you planted yet? It's not too late! And don't forget to plant sweet basil so you can try <a href="http://restorativeliving.blogspot.com/2011/05/melt-in-your-mouth-basil-bread.html">this recipe</a>!Restorative Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774737097762096631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806056991281202181.post-59688042152962338992011-05-18T04:08:00.000-07:002011-05-18T04:08:00.986-07:00Graduation Party, Dr Seuss StyleWorking in ministry with teenagers brings both blessing and heartache. For us, one of the greatest heartaches we face each year is watching our seniors graduate and move on to the next phase of their journeys. And this year was no exception. We have been incredibly blessed by this particular group of seniors and we know we'll feel the heavy weight of their absence next year as they leave the nest.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">BUT</span>...We are <span style="font-style: italic;">thrilled </span>knowing that we are sending out an entire class of talented, confident, God-loving world changers. It was so appropriate to celebrate their accomplishments with a banquet themed <span style="font-weight: bold;">"Oh, the Places You'll Go!" </span>recently. We have a tradition at our church that the moms of the junior class students plan and organize the annual senior banquet and every year I'm blown away with their creativity and talent.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1slzf2CLyat7hy43oEdN3DGoahPz4Bpd5jvFduEjBqhNGkQL7lpYVBBs5X7YZE_zRtXthrNw3ixdCFshsGegFQ4I_-GeGw4b-wb6uD55k86kl4Tl-sJekHf2j69KdLORzHcM0rvGR4Ys/s1600/dr+seuss+grad+party+focal+point.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1slzf2CLyat7hy43oEdN3DGoahPz4Bpd5jvFduEjBqhNGkQL7lpYVBBs5X7YZE_zRtXthrNw3ixdCFshsGegFQ4I_-GeGw4b-wb6uD55k86kl4Tl-sJekHf2j69KdLORzHcM0rvGR4Ys/s400/dr+seuss+grad+party+focal+point.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607780215439881026" border="0" /></a>The picture above is a {<span style="font-style: italic;">gigantic</span>} painting. It was so incredibly well done that when I walked in I thought it was a print. The artist behind this beauty is also the same one who painted one of my <a href="http://restorativeliving.blogspot.com/2010/05/my-obsession-with-green.html">favorite pieces of art</a> in my home.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8VBktRc4RNUbpjxLPgbLsdY0GTL0tW6bMHfF6xwEKlMh-jG_BLwtPS9ljmJuh4-IMNUEpMcrch2TVGhDXZ5aG2NgcQaTkqfG0GOqNH9k9bRF3YixKpvpJrqkH0e0fAH-eUwypuqPQzI/s1600/hot+air+balloon+centerpiece.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8VBktRc4RNUbpjxLPgbLsdY0GTL0tW6bMHfF6xwEKlMh-jG_BLwtPS9ljmJuh4-IMNUEpMcrch2TVGhDXZ5aG2NgcQaTkqfG0GOqNH9k9bRF3YixKpvpJrqkH0e0fAH-eUwypuqPQzI/s400/hot+air+balloon+centerpiece.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607780229363421666" border="0" /></a>Hot air balloon centerpieces and place cards.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HZCUo80CVGJ6TAIIZAr2TvRkcEL13T5pwVmX0bgsM1osGjxyQSk_qvFGz2adypqlmwpGRfgZP1f_q96BblhKjuhK7fbZj2p8VHztsHW_1x0Lx6iXc5Lj1AwfqcGAX7gQHYHYI2hr1tc/s1600/hot+air+balloon+centerpiece+table.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HZCUo80CVGJ6TAIIZAr2TvRkcEL13T5pwVmX0bgsM1osGjxyQSk_qvFGz2adypqlmwpGRfgZP1f_q96BblhKjuhK7fbZj2p8VHztsHW_1x0Lx6iXc5Lj1AwfqcGAX7gQHYHYI2hr1tc/s400/hot+air+balloon+centerpiece+table.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607780226537207138" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZ4YmN5xLGDK7ciajAlOaBINgimbxth4ff_nSkaCLZjXVxca3sHLfcquf61zDzEJH1YM9uCQSJh7o5HvL7lrlqlUJ70AGSQfqG6anDN4B63XcJrGwocVyBCsHrPgEuYMAU-Ly059w5nM/s1600/fork+placement%252C+graduation+party.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZ4YmN5xLGDK7ciajAlOaBINgimbxth4ff_nSkaCLZjXVxca3sHLfcquf61zDzEJH1YM9uCQSJh7o5HvL7lrlqlUJ70AGSQfqG6anDN4B63XcJrGwocVyBCsHrPgEuYMAU-Ly059w5nM/s400/fork+placement%252C+graduation+party.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607780213188848018" border="0" /></a>Can you just imagine how long it took the poor cake decorator to make that many different colors of icing?!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9Q2fiSQb3Uj87uOwzSx9HSuFWGe_R1RGVXY72p4xO2-ysLUPRC5g4hbADlR-hPb_N1nYIoZHqdRGxqvkqkA9RXEzrT9Qwk065BU2qcmpSe8PpTh0U8VDdP2OwzjA0WzbbJIu9tnol9c/s1600/dr+seuss+oh+the+places+youll+go+cake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9Q2fiSQb3Uj87uOwzSx9HSuFWGe_R1RGVXY72p4xO2-ysLUPRC5g4hbADlR-hPb_N1nYIoZHqdRGxqvkqkA9RXEzrT9Qwk065BU2qcmpSe8PpTh0U8VDdP2OwzjA0WzbbJIu9tnol9c/s400/dr+seuss+oh+the+places+youll+go+cake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607780205892786082" border="0" /></a><br />Need more graduation party ideas? Check out the inner-city graduation party we threw last year and all the decorations and treats involved <a href="http://restorativeliving.blogspot.com/2010/05/graduation-party.html">here</a>.Restorative Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774737097762096631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806056991281202181.post-4176648242809404562011-05-14T03:00:00.000-07:002011-05-14T06:21:03.133-07:00Home Tour: My Decor MentorI have the lovely pleasure of sharing my friend Laura's house with you today. Laura is a graphic designer by trade that I had the pleasure of working alongside for a few years while we launched a paper design business. It was a fun experience and one we're glad is over. It was a lot of work!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2ztec8BpsyxLThmWjWTAsEPKY1ZtWqK-_BA2HEhDO1TTOGTyL0J2-hYaxi7S3_7qiZaJ30JAJEG_F-nFkw_rm24QVaCrs9eXIcYC_utHJv_cG92lzcarfIgG_KBh_uL0tM0U1IhLqv8/s1600/Living+room+coffee+table+yellows.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2ztec8BpsyxLThmWjWTAsEPKY1ZtWqK-_BA2HEhDO1TTOGTyL0J2-hYaxi7S3_7qiZaJ30JAJEG_F-nFkw_rm24QVaCrs9eXIcYC_utHJv_cG92lzcarfIgG_KBh_uL0tM0U1IhLqv8/s400/Living+room+coffee+table+yellows.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605925315740287074" border="0" /></a>Like most graphic design artists, color schemes and furniture placement all come naturally to her. Her home's style is beautifully coordinated while still feeling effortless and comfortable. I love how her house always looks incredible and put together, but relaxed enough that seven kids can come over for a play date (as we did this week) and no one is fainting about throw pillows being tossed or baskets being pushed around the room.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YMo4f2rGVf-fU7EdOwf3V9JWvbAEgvWV17pRdqoXFz2jc1Omp22SKzYEhTa_KwaolZ4DnjRoAHbN_3ZSPYuyLu6J9hhYQhcSO730J71xmpO4xheUio6hnwX1ycYXMpGvS-9Un2udgQw/s1600/Living+room+sectional+couch+and+coffee+table.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YMo4f2rGVf-fU7EdOwf3V9JWvbAEgvWV17pRdqoXFz2jc1Omp22SKzYEhTa_KwaolZ4DnjRoAHbN_3ZSPYuyLu6J9hhYQhcSO730J71xmpO4xheUio6hnwX1ycYXMpGvS-9Un2udgQw/s400/Living+room+sectional+couch+and+coffee+table.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605925300753088034" border="0" /></a>Laura is the one who introduced me to the color mustard a few years ago. I remember thinking she was crazy the first time she walked in with a mustard-colored purse. Now I can't help but gravitate towards that shade. She uses yellow as an accent color in her living room to tie in with the barely-lemon paint color on her kitchen and entry walls.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7O_QDW4ncEDDjd5w6wG2NVs8OpxyCktcbdXwvkZWRO8_cWBxN3AC9pHq610I-LvrK5f5j3splo68nuk_qlNujDOR5wehWTMGx5q-ngQ2w2dEqHf63HQx6nIAVUiNFokYmN32pM6gwwRs/s1600/living+room+tv+console+and+fireplace.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7O_QDW4ncEDDjd5w6wG2NVs8OpxyCktcbdXwvkZWRO8_cWBxN3AC9pHq610I-LvrK5f5j3splo68nuk_qlNujDOR5wehWTMGx5q-ngQ2w2dEqHf63HQx6nIAVUiNFokYmN32pM6gwwRs/s400/living+room+tv+console+and+fireplace.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605925298216942594" border="0" /></a>She is also the queen of vignettes. Even before I had a blog I took pictures of her decor so I could take it home, study it and figure out why it worked. That sounds creepy, doesn't it? But it's more about seeing something I loved and learning how to emulate it on my own.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQT6NHwrEnWtpvzF647Bkf4BDe3hGBnws4OipiQUCmuWH85-Uv9pGsbRFMlIeohdiCab4ALQF9J8IPnxEWco9KQFqTqdSFCrDSzIqnM_xhrXfaQlthgFefg9GH31HCVA4uSWVJuYEk4jQ/s1600/wall+vignette.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQT6NHwrEnWtpvzF647Bkf4BDe3hGBnws4OipiQUCmuWH85-Uv9pGsbRFMlIeohdiCab4ALQF9J8IPnxEWco9KQFqTqdSFCrDSzIqnM_xhrXfaQlthgFefg9GH31HCVA4uSWVJuYEk4jQ/s400/wall+vignette.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605923637169075346" border="0" /></a> The walls of her master bedroom are a green-gray that draw in the living room color without overwhelming the graphic impact of the neutral black and white linens. And you gotta love a pop of red.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYG3cyRiiaA2fhPIfjq14pItxtC07aAArDEsAn06ZrMBPcbYWdegq_Rj1YVi6IQ1znfG9ESlAHhQ-q5IAHg4JRoEvXvQaVCkT6mNs9iH6ow11Wl9zY3ErdmwgVxFNoOqn9Li856XS_04U/s1600/Master+bedroom%252C+black%252C+white%252C+red.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYG3cyRiiaA2fhPIfjq14pItxtC07aAArDEsAn06ZrMBPcbYWdegq_Rj1YVi6IQ1znfG9ESlAHhQ-q5IAHg4JRoEvXvQaVCkT6mNs9iH6ow11Wl9zY3ErdmwgVxFNoOqn9Li856XS_04U/s400/Master+bedroom%252C+black%252C+white%252C+red.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605923628053716674" border="0" /></a>Again with the great vignettes. This time in her master bath. She used scrapbook paper to fill in the photo blanks in this shelf.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbp3X-sgAjDjhZMjLEcdMB9Ncqm8VuDwZ5Bgwp__2CaBlZOPXgY0oCz6Ygxkausq-dLAYuQ-m8YOzo4gWJAahqheayaazlEOMUIz1fwRvcVKOvADZVpG02Y-eXz-xPpjkINFnO_aJsTI/s1600/Master+bath+vignette%252C+frames%252C+apothecary.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbp3X-sgAjDjhZMjLEcdMB9Ncqm8VuDwZ5Bgwp__2CaBlZOPXgY0oCz6Ygxkausq-dLAYuQ-m8YOzo4gWJAahqheayaazlEOMUIz1fwRvcVKOvADZVpG02Y-eXz-xPpjkINFnO_aJsTI/s400/Master+bath+vignette%252C+frames%252C+apothecary.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605923577987488066" border="0" /></a>A little snippet of the sweet pink nursery down the hall. I absolutely adore this room. It's filled with all things floral, tutu and pink.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhon25vAFTnZE7Ij_DhE-mN6w-Tf5IrOPchiA1EXHZCvbqJPRUow93SmYWngt4Leuqgqd3secY699EjyXfpOll3hocc-sAFV2M8sY9qoXbha-dYERAU60uSCxIsCnxnV3XkvJ2e8d1vawc/s1600/Kallie+name+plate.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 373px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhon25vAFTnZE7Ij_DhE-mN6w-Tf5IrOPchiA1EXHZCvbqJPRUow93SmYWngt4Leuqgqd3secY699EjyXfpOll3hocc-sAFV2M8sY9qoXbha-dYERAU60uSCxIsCnxnV3XkvJ2e8d1vawc/s400/Kallie+name+plate.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605923631037487026" border="0" /></a>The playroom upstairs is bright and fun with lots of room for imaginative play and train track building. But my favorite spot is the reading nook filled with fluffy bean bags and this vinyl art.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvPgTY2A6wt5OFvKq13Xzw3HtDCaKC3IFkMVFgxlSmgAC0pSs_WybWfZn97yMoQuRFPgMCxla_3DvinbkLMUAF99Ec8vWbTsOW0xErUXAwgi1s-hPef2FdCgkZ1obtrcmAjz7NyZK_lc/s1600/playroom%252C+tree%252C+rooted+in+faith.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvPgTY2A6wt5OFvKq13Xzw3HtDCaKC3IFkMVFgxlSmgAC0pSs_WybWfZn97yMoQuRFPgMCxla_3DvinbkLMUAF99Ec8vWbTsOW0xErUXAwgi1s-hPef2FdCgkZ1obtrcmAjz7NyZK_lc/s400/playroom%252C+tree%252C+rooted+in+faith.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605922772551279698" border="0" /></a>Paper lanterns hang over the art corner.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmQzdfe58z8yKybaUsUtU5WMDHHyQytUWNt_axhiUegY1KHAKaE_NPqNX8xwHNmS2CMiwLgZPsPleOKM5flK9ief6o9OUG1581VDquw8Y2UwFPg-U9a8_nAK-HWYgTSMpnY5JpYZjm6I/s1600/playroom%252C+paper+lanterns.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmQzdfe58z8yKybaUsUtU5WMDHHyQytUWNt_axhiUegY1KHAKaE_NPqNX8xwHNmS2CMiwLgZPsPleOKM5flK9ief6o9OUG1581VDquw8Y2UwFPg-U9a8_nAK-HWYgTSMpnY5JpYZjm6I/s400/playroom%252C+paper+lanterns.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605922783411631378" border="0" /></a>With four kids, it's easy to run out of room on the refrigerator door for all of the works of art each kids dreams up. To showcase them, she hung sheet metal on the walls and framed it for a finished look.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkOeIbw4Dj8sK8y-QC4Hh6Zi977DOG7gGu2Gw5tVF-8dWanrzHXougOfb5ozSsFMX5DGE-thqbFpVqFqHAuG6xke0mTSfv7qN8FNLvIpkwx0gi80CFz0oAdtuKCC2p8ZJS1PXtQVBY6I/s1600/craft+corner%252C+metal+display+areas.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkOeIbw4Dj8sK8y-QC4Hh6Zi977DOG7gGu2Gw5tVF-8dWanrzHXougOfb5ozSsFMX5DGE-thqbFpVqFqHAuG6xke0mTSfv7qN8FNLvIpkwx0gi80CFz0oAdtuKCC2p8ZJS1PXtQVBY6I/s400/craft+corner%252C+metal+display+areas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605922767533303730" border="0" /></a>As you can imagine, all of the extras Laura adds to her home make their dwellings hot tickets once they go on the market. After a few moves and leaving behind her hard work (framed bathroom mirrors, built-in shelving, updated lighting) for the new owner to enjoy, she was tired of starting from scratch. So when she decided she wanted shelving and a built-in bench seat she knew she wanted the option to take it with her in the future when they move. Her solution was cube storage shelving and a vinyl storage bench that offers the same effect as built-ins, without the heartache when they move.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFExAjt22GialwOtcyvjS81b5rCpuiVTwu4_G4jWspMKV3xU7dFMQUWTdSko7EMNmr5CezMYWP6icSXULSFrw3hfCFeT_cQe0xLHAC447__MC_3VesFIWRu1X6_tez-UeTD7y3h9OBwU/s1600/faux+built+in+shelves+and+bench.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFExAjt22GialwOtcyvjS81b5rCpuiVTwu4_G4jWspMKV3xU7dFMQUWTdSko7EMNmr5CezMYWP6icSXULSFrw3hfCFeT_cQe0xLHAC447__MC_3VesFIWRu1X6_tez-UeTD7y3h9OBwU/s400/faux+built+in+shelves+and+bench.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605922764935787730" border="0" /></a>I hope you've enjoyed Laura's house! It is such a blessing to have talented friends to walk me through my design hiccups and offer inspiration to get me moving.<br /><br />Visiting talented friends is a lot cheaper than hiring a decorator! Schedule a decor play date and get inspired!Restorative Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774737097762096631noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806056991281202181.post-79389265770534535472011-05-09T03:55:00.000-07:002011-05-09T03:55:00.783-07:00Tonight's dinner in 10 minutes or lessI'm not kidding. 10 minutes for this recipe. And it will rock your world.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPvivTvYPoUKwCg15EBwISm2Y_E0WddlC29oakXot-jzoM83-NgjYl3rtTapbeG2WFjwBxrwbzhOxWwvu85p7G67lJdIiBiXmmQlVDSvDgl2ZUCB5NE1ZG0Cl2a4GIlTvHlmwy12hPhk/s1600/santa+fe+blend+cream+cheese.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 361px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPvivTvYPoUKwCg15EBwISm2Y_E0WddlC29oakXot-jzoM83-NgjYl3rtTapbeG2WFjwBxrwbzhOxWwvu85p7G67lJdIiBiXmmQlVDSvDgl2ZUCB5NE1ZG0Cl2a4GIlTvHlmwy12hPhk/s400/santa+fe+blend+cream+cheese.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603709757520057906" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">{My little helper wanted to be in the picture}<br /></span></div><br />Have you tried these cooking cremes yet? And, yes, the way they spell "creme" drives me crazy too. I picked up the Santa Fe blend the other day and whipped up a fun little dinner creation that I think your family will love just as much as mine did.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Quick Santa Fe Chicken in 10 Minutes or Less</span><br /><br />Saute 1/2 C chopped onion and a minced garlic clove in a tablespoon or two of olive oil until onion is transparent. Add 2-3 C of shredded seasoned chicken and stir. Spoon in the Santa Fe blend "creme" and 1 C of salsa. Mix well and cook on med-low until heated through. Serve over rice.<br /><br />Easy-peasy and a great way to use up that leftover chicken. Enjoy!Restorative Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774737097762096631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806056991281202181.post-45950739864655123972011-05-02T13:07:00.000-07:002011-05-02T13:29:25.354-07:00Melt-In-Your-Mouth Basil Bread<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPwnPWQoT2Md6PIkUKSAC7wiM4Yqmf_NvBsbOt8bYGTGER-5n98Rv77jzYjfYxEb98zP-LSMl_Y2kT-y91hR46L0fBf6wl9aRt-j3JT8UTj3yWrcX0l4URppBV_WXNjvY_bfvrMKbuWc/s1600/basil+herb+spread+on+toasted+bread.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPwnPWQoT2Md6PIkUKSAC7wiM4Yqmf_NvBsbOt8bYGTGER-5n98Rv77jzYjfYxEb98zP-LSMl_Y2kT-y91hR46L0fBf6wl9aRt-j3JT8UTj3yWrcX0l4URppBV_WXNjvY_bfvrMKbuWc/s400/basil+herb+spread+on+toasted+bread.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602213426625804546" border="0" /></a>Go plant basil <span style="font-style: italic;">right now</span>. I mean it. Because the longer you wait to plant, the longer you'll have to wait to eat this bread.<br /><br />You saw the pictures of my sweet basil <a href="http://restorativeliving.blogspot.com/2011/04/first-fruits.html">harvest</a>. Honestly, other than pasta sauce I really didn't know what to do with it. I left it alone for a day or two out of indecision until I finally put together this Basil Herb Spread. And you've just <span style="font-style: italic;">got </span>to try it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBNzL2kMAyixSPMa8Uaa7wFUSjlI__bm8I45qKy8_CXciq10Iaq8H0BUuDarPJ3cmBolNTyKP7y-TCQu4KuJ8qEj_tfP1rKMe760Bxx4osJ2FwrqDP5Onl3smmwap9cHyEQAwu8FSO-w/s1600/basil+herb+spread+before+oven.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBNzL2kMAyixSPMa8Uaa7wFUSjlI__bm8I45qKy8_CXciq10Iaq8H0BUuDarPJ3cmBolNTyKP7y-TCQu4KuJ8qEj_tfP1rKMe760Bxx4osJ2FwrqDP5Onl3smmwap9cHyEQAwu8FSO-w/s400/basil+herb+spread+before+oven.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602213167974147266" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Basil Herb Spread</span><br />4 T butter<br />1 t parsley, chopped<br />1 T sweet basil, minced<br />1 clove garlic<br />pinch of salt and pepper<br /><br />Combine the ingredients and spread on 1" slices of thick bread.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSCmg5kNmykmAlJ1GX4rS0O7VIawXs2xaowq3nSfWbFOnHMTgySfiK8cG9IuiE8f-wtQE0UkUFt46WjoJXLQtYhX_5HibBYBcDKEQszTtvJ-Hui8drVZVozshqDJrUS7MdxT0h-qOZjY/s1600/basil+herb+spread+on+thick+bread.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSCmg5kNmykmAlJ1GX4rS0O7VIawXs2xaowq3nSfWbFOnHMTgySfiK8cG9IuiE8f-wtQE0UkUFt46WjoJXLQtYhX_5HibBYBcDKEQszTtvJ-Hui8drVZVozshqDJrUS7MdxT0h-qOZjY/s400/basil+herb+spread+on+thick+bread.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602213172804559714" border="0" /></a>Slather it on, ladies. This is butter and bread we're talking about here. Now is not the time for calorie counting.<br /><br />Broil for 2-3 minutes. No need to set a timer. Before it dings everyone in your house will be huddled around the oven door. It smells absolutely incredible.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hILYflrC9lK3HZ21UgY1fCM8sRk7Y7SIEQ-7aHxusJzatc5mjf5vsPhO7YFxoj5BMmKyeIvMpcBgXqIF6rTl5JAD2Ix-yDYaP6FMG3TApdNNiMy-8fy4L8rQYkXkJDKXyrN9sqsLqdo/s1600/basil+herb+toasted+bread+cu.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hILYflrC9lK3HZ21UgY1fCM8sRk7Y7SIEQ-7aHxusJzatc5mjf5vsPhO7YFxoj5BMmKyeIvMpcBgXqIF6rTl5JAD2Ix-yDYaP6FMG3TApdNNiMy-8fy4L8rQYkXkJDKXyrN9sqsLqdo/s400/basil+herb+toasted+bread+cu.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602214090615620354" border="0" /></a>My parsley is finally starting to peek through the soil. I can't wait to try this recipe again with parsley straight from the garden!Restorative Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774737097762096631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806056991281202181.post-48436400905257216642011-04-27T13:24:00.000-07:002011-04-27T13:29:56.350-07:00First Fruits<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnji1hWFN4_FcUlq0RA-KCcej7FK045BvgSWWELp-eZWzn9IYxedu80kavpfohZcimlP16x1nACGuvrRekGGArTOpRvMpusMIyq9RfHmd42Lg3U9dyz1cLEsDq2HSZ_552up6uoW2FaM/s1600/first+crop.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 353px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnji1hWFN4_FcUlq0RA-KCcej7FK045BvgSWWELp-eZWzn9IYxedu80kavpfohZcimlP16x1nACGuvrRekGGArTOpRvMpusMIyq9RfHmd42Lg3U9dyz1cLEsDq2HSZ_552up6uoW2FaM/s400/first+crop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600362140707624194" border="0" /></a>My little <a href="http://restorativeliving.blogspot.com/2011/04/how-my-backyard-garden-grows.html">backyard garden</a> is starting to earn its keep. I harvested my very first crop (can you call it a crop if it barely fills one plate?) this week. Spinach and sweet basil.<br /><br />The tomatoes look like they'll be next, but I'm pulling for the squash and zucchini.Restorative Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07774737097762096631noreply@blogger.com2