tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22000490619157036272024-03-05T02:54:43.382-06:00Sisters on BlackwellKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033023836321345904noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200049061915703627.post-55826749328653689092014-08-20T07:00:00.000-05:002014-08-20T07:00:05.086-05:00Making Memories: A Fun DIY projectI love books! As a kid I loved workbooks and fill in the blanks. I'm a nerd for paper. And I still am. I ran across<a href="http://www.babymakingmachine.com/2012/11/30-things-my-kids-should-know-about-me.html" target="_blank"> this pin</a> awhile back and thought it was such a wonderful idea. Basically this blogger came up with 30 questions of things she thought her kids should know about her. What a fun idea! And the more I thought about, the easier I decided it would be to make it into a fun book! I used different fonts I had downloaded on my computer and typed out each question. Then I printed them out on card stock and doubled sided it. I made a cover page by printing a fun peice of digital paper and then feeding it back through the printer to print our names right on top. I paper clipped it all together and took it down to Staples and had them do a spiral bind on it. It was a fun and cheap project that turned into a keepsake! I keep thinking I need to print more of these books for some of the mamas and daddies I know. I know Mer will enjoy reading this later on.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiog9ZLjdbXQ8RTkBu1li8ShddHW3LmT3bwdcVt8z0O55sY72gXZXVYjZUIOvOlpeRH3w4o5E4FIRps7yxaeLvswLLXaFCrr5kNfIcErOTHtKs2r6SgMHUTZVaOIVCTOEvbsV1EEVrpe0ef/s640/blogger-image-309448753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiog9ZLjdbXQ8RTkBu1li8ShddHW3LmT3bwdcVt8z0O55sY72gXZXVYjZUIOvOlpeRH3w4o5E4FIRps7yxaeLvswLLXaFCrr5kNfIcErOTHtKs2r6SgMHUTZVaOIVCTOEvbsV1EEVrpe0ef/s640/blogger-image-309448753.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I cannot find the site I got these digital papers from :( </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAljpINtekjcRavHZh3jq_xHzIJ-05-grUadBLmaoHlK3tPJddWYLVIgkRWhV3zD_tfLBGj9xr9mCh-NBuA-Y0XpmGBg8zKJ1rsbEI6_2XiCuZ5JrZP6LuZf83RoCiNAxMZ9EujQdH9ARj/s640/blogger-image--15828473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAljpINtekjcRavHZh3jq_xHzIJ-05-grUadBLmaoHlK3tPJddWYLVIgkRWhV3zD_tfLBGj9xr9mCh-NBuA-Y0XpmGBg8zKJ1rsbEI6_2XiCuZ5JrZP6LuZf83RoCiNAxMZ9EujQdH9ARj/s640/blogger-image--15828473.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
As you can see I haven't finished my book yet.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCh_nyLVm7Nd5pfjzUKkSeJhsgUX0G6U3Py3nK16NlCgWDjSI24q913yROn9lPl3ZpDy1sZyN-O8Sy0RItULyt3qTAvQfhMp5Zym0dGHf4IIX6y-QTeTizQsHpKuqrYZBoPvc9-Q5gCTqj/s640/blogger-image-899424321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCh_nyLVm7Nd5pfjzUKkSeJhsgUX0G6U3Py3nK16NlCgWDjSI24q913yROn9lPl3ZpDy1sZyN-O8Sy0RItULyt3qTAvQfhMp5Zym0dGHf4IIX6y-QTeTizQsHpKuqrYZBoPvc9-Q5gCTqj/s640/blogger-image-899424321.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I love to use pretty colored pens to fill it out. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
This general idea of a book of questions is a great idea for kids as well! So many possibilities!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
xx</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Jamie </div>
<br /></div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824280952931242559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200049061915703627.post-7866946975590506162014-08-16T06:00:00.000-05:002014-08-16T06:00:02.977-05:00Maps! A fun DIYI love maps! Like love love them! I have no idea how I came about this relatively newfound love but they fascinate me and I feel like just looking at them opens doors. I've been looking at some watercolor style maps on Zulily for months. But the smallest version is $30, and then it still needs a frame. And while that isn't a great deal of money, it was more than I wanted to pay. Two weeks ago I walked into Walmart and practically squealed! They had the word version of the watercolor maps for $5 as posters! Yay yay yay!! I scooped up both the US and world version and headed home to figure out how on earth to make a frame. After some Googling, I found a great site, that I can no longer find, and used it as a general guide. I measured the poster and then headed for Sutherlands (it's kinda like Lowe's). I bought three pieces of 8 foot lattice that is about 1.75 inches wide. It's a thinner wood, only 1/4 inch thick, which was perfect, as everything else seemed too big and bulky. I had the store cut them down about a quarter inch shorter than the poster (I suggest doing at least 3/4 inch smaller to avoid some extra steps).<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We assembled the wood into frames on our patio and glued them together with wood glue. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ro_Or53Ed1WAi9SoH-Zud0egemJXdHO9LQ4EUW7Vy2HXZYw_9lvnofowgQP-nguVnFvKZG48HKWptkTEZDX_mvUH11kU2nx6z7MDlU47yDpYYxp6JU_v2FJGfywvVXyPCppxOi0ToeaW/s640/blogger-image--574777069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ro_Or53Ed1WAi9SoH-Zud0egemJXdHO9LQ4EUW7Vy2HXZYw_9lvnofowgQP-nguVnFvKZG48HKWptkTEZDX_mvUH11kU2nx6z7MDlU47yDpYYxp6JU_v2FJGfywvVXyPCppxOi0ToeaW/s640/blogger-image--574777069.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Toddlers can help too, ya know! We left the frames outside for a few hours so the glue would set. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1E_ClQPnDhFNOWVkqYPaNjVB39uLqz1oE2uHJg2X8Rlq2kJjqvpGGJ1XT7nE9VID-MCXr0JDAcZv0icYHnr8KbuE_LveRoiI9_I2ViXZAojFq1ASKn55Rx8ajjFnAfIc0k6RYeuNe7aS/s640/blogger-image-1778215447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1E_ClQPnDhFNOWVkqYPaNjVB39uLqz1oE2uHJg2X8Rlq2kJjqvpGGJ1XT7nE9VID-MCXr0JDAcZv0icYHnr8KbuE_LveRoiI9_I2ViXZAojFq1ASKn55Rx8ajjFnAfIc0k6RYeuNe7aS/s640/blogger-image-1778215447.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Nice feet honey! We used some wood joiners but I don't think they did much. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoiZAN7mt2QOw0KooKP2sJGvlLikAff3BoDl2StTCOla2_a3lZdY2U8jdb3UezNg-ZRKn3EiX0yvPay0IRAYpUHXMLzbgkzpLv7jL5v1CWiqoynXPbD99gnafcuiTb-8N9rl5k6hxRIzP1/s640/blogger-image-116878354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoiZAN7mt2QOw0KooKP2sJGvlLikAff3BoDl2StTCOla2_a3lZdY2U8jdb3UezNg-ZRKn3EiX0yvPay0IRAYpUHXMLzbgkzpLv7jL5v1CWiqoynXPbD99gnafcuiTb-8N9rl5k6hxRIzP1/s640/blogger-image-116878354.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Once they were dry I painted them a lovely and bright blue color. Again I left them outside for a few hours to get good and dry. It was about this time I realized that my poster and frame were just too close in size, I'd need something else to attach it. I bought 4 pieces of poster board, and used my dot runner from my scrapbook supplies to joint the pieces together so that they fit completely behind the frame, but were big enough to attach it to the frame. Then I used my dot runner to attach the poster to the poster board. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBukCm70SzuerBTlUJybB04TjLggDGN6vWQwdel2rBC4qgS9kHYJkcez8XkxWpmZJ6NKflKgmTWLzvk2EJaTscPlGQuMUQABBRJLftN7TP9NmLLBWmzbfGNKnMFscKJnp4z7AkSHQNxAEa/s640/blogger-image--1904487789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBukCm70SzuerBTlUJybB04TjLggDGN6vWQwdel2rBC4qgS9kHYJkcez8XkxWpmZJ6NKflKgmTWLzvk2EJaTscPlGQuMUQABBRJLftN7TP9NmLLBWmzbfGNKnMFscKJnp4z7AkSHQNxAEa/s640/blogger-image--1904487789.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Now all that's left is to attach it to the frame. I used packing tape all the way around the poster to secure it to the frame, as the staples in the staple gun were too long. I have a long shelf in my living room where I wanted to put them so I didn't use any hooks on the back or anything. A picture frame hanger would do the trick if you wanted to hang it. I slid these up on the shelf and have been admiring their beauty ever since. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinkGJh3CiMF0cE8ZGjOuN_kUpPPa8bokRfbS1tUYQoc7Gn6X8csDUbIoYtlkYZUzPn2_6iMdV2F7r9AqjN5UIZYC4drXz_e9ChlxWKdQUyTMlzi-jFk86TvU8mvvS0FVXqf_WSk5tuM0e/s640/blogger-image-1712380146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinkGJh3CiMF0cE8ZGjOuN_kUpPPa8bokRfbS1tUYQoc7Gn6X8csDUbIoYtlkYZUzPn2_6iMdV2F7r9AqjN5UIZYC4drXz_e9ChlxWKdQUyTMlzi-jFk86TvU8mvvS0FVXqf_WSk5tuM0e/s640/blogger-image-1712380146.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm thrilled with how these turned out. It was an inexpensive project that has offered lots of visual interest. The frames are light weight and it's so easy to change up the color. What have you been up to lately to change up your home décor?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
xx</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Jamie </div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824280952931242559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200049061915703627.post-26935686536790736292014-08-15T07:10:00.000-05:002014-08-15T07:10:01.147-05:00Follow Friday: Mish MashTGIF! Another week is in the books and that means it's time for another round of follow Friday! When I was a kiddo, we had the most lovely substitute teacher, Mrs. Wooderson. As I got older, I learned that she was quite the crafter and scrapbooker. One weekend I went garage saling and stumbled upon hers, it was scrapbook heaven! I bought a huge basket of paper and stickers and little kits that I have used here and there and held onto for dear life because simply having those in my house makes me happy. About a year ago I was surfing Pinterest for some Project Life inspiration and found the most beautiful blog, <a href="http://michellewooderson.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mish Mash</a>, and it was hers! I could not have been more thrilled. As luck would have it I haven't run into her in Walmart since then to tell her what a huge fan I am but I'm sure I will soon. Until then I'll keep following her Instagram and her blog for inspiration and the most beautiful photos.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://michellewooderson.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://michellewooderson.blogspot.com/" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXz9jt2hK9DM3qIeoLj7MKTWRbybaybaPj3ehwDp7EeYFF_s9CXXEyJGat9zbPcyFZUazUJRLfveHiNah7ywaQTt1IAdqRD24TqIy82JTvgxgMFmg3rUeTOc9Qnb3mgv5ULbod7wlA9ft-/s1600/mish+mash.jpg" height="164" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Her blog is so fun to read and her Project Life eye candy always gets me motivated to get back to documenting our memories. <a href="http://michellewooderson.blogspot.com/2014/07/summer-canning55-jars-of-homemade.html" target="_blank">This post</a> about canning is really making me eager to try my hand at it. Go visit Michelle over at Mish Mash and tell her I said hi!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
xx</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Jamie </div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824280952931242559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200049061915703627.post-91758702322812621502014-08-13T08:00:00.000-05:002014-08-13T12:20:08.438-05:00Happy Birthday BookBirthdays are the specialist of days in our family (and most others). The kids always get a fun themed party, the adults usually have a low key and enjoyable birthday dinner. With birthdays come gifts and with gifts come cards. I am so sentimental and I can't bear to part with cards. I keep them all. My mom has been keeping them for me since I was a kid. I have a big plastic tote full of cards. It is so special to go through and read the cards from my first holidays, especially the cards from my Gramma Ann who is no longer with us. I don't read them often, as they always result in tears and overwhelming emotions, but I treasure them. The Grents are big fans of cards and we usually get several at our birthdays. Typically these consist of one sentimental one and a few funny (read inappropriate) ones. I decided that instead of Mer having a bunch of birthday cards from us each year, I would make a book where we could write her a message and friends and family could do so as well. I hopped on Blurb and set it up so each page was a solid color, with each ages set of pages a different color, so all the pages for her first birthday are the same color and so on.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZIoCA4kJ2wklorSLa_hcOqE8N0VWM43kkmFLnOSFYOb4EXrue9esSUtNSTTH5gajf13wRejt70VG6WBxCRAKdeA_OK_mkU79ZmbDcJujdwp4ZczLVoeOaC6ffX-4E2nl9o0XrbUctmsn/s640/blogger-image-918836967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZIoCA4kJ2wklorSLa_hcOqE8N0VWM43kkmFLnOSFYOb4EXrue9esSUtNSTTH5gajf13wRejt70VG6WBxCRAKdeA_OK_mkU79ZmbDcJujdwp4ZczLVoeOaC6ffX-4E2nl9o0XrbUctmsn/s640/blogger-image-918836967.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
For each birthday I have a 2 page spread which notes which birthday it is, and this is where I'll put a few birthday pictures (eventually haha!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAagHtU2MVti-tQ9psZ4Z_l3qPaEXnmT7UMEeVNXngyC8AHk0RgNov0cfvSs3uiDMukv8Tnv4hwMl3hgOTjh9IRR1sI6vV_Zb86DqAKLEaIbLlor_xGQvpDRXZNJldigr9geDxSjbpqbU0/s640/blogger-image--480862237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAagHtU2MVti-tQ9psZ4Z_l3qPaEXnmT7UMEeVNXngyC8AHk0RgNov0cfvSs3uiDMukv8Tnv4hwMl3hgOTjh9IRR1sI6vV_Zb86DqAKLEaIbLlor_xGQvpDRXZNJldigr9geDxSjbpqbU0/s640/blogger-image--480862237.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Next is a message from Mom and Dad.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcqxfy5BF9_mmxLHgoslCozaDy8zKaYXOLWq_Hyga8rhKJutgaiiJmv17nhJC12qaMus3-PMtTgvh65Kqm8nazBJwn_Lr1S8HPapPC6t6Z9ss609SCIodo8bIfb-FD5yMzfpOuWmEhzHE/s640/blogger-image--1646642451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcqxfy5BF9_mmxLHgoslCozaDy8zKaYXOLWq_Hyga8rhKJutgaiiJmv17nhJC12qaMus3-PMtTgvh65Kqm8nazBJwn_Lr1S8HPapPC6t6Z9ss609SCIodo8bIfb-FD5yMzfpOuWmEhzHE/s640/blogger-image--1646642451.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Followed by a place for messages from friends and family. We set this out at each birthday party.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8gBbowYpNVHcTr0yywX8LpGwysDILXoD1ndo9a3QnthjX81dGptD_n3NcvZy9NPItNXKRy5Km3W_CGpTHazMW536VMi1TZtz2lFu1X6K8ZW0GbjhunLR6BGw4G_6v_-eno6NIgYChrI-G/s640/blogger-image-1619651602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8gBbowYpNVHcTr0yywX8LpGwysDILXoD1ndo9a3QnthjX81dGptD_n3NcvZy9NPItNXKRy5Km3W_CGpTHazMW536VMi1TZtz2lFu1X6K8ZW0GbjhunLR6BGw4G_6v_-eno6NIgYChrI-G/s640/blogger-image-1619651602.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I included two more blank pages after this for more messages or photos.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sO40KqUCRi43StVd-2jAztaUDZ3gAEaQk5J3QcOX-BV0zQ3PwIF-UCxEIpMBWyaSqbKU7dbPF6z9HlTHNvF96aVvjpaQHBRT2kLr1ENkWI4553kbba_vh-iWvXYSikpGMf4kn7PKQ4si/s640/blogger-image-1340384310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sO40KqUCRi43StVd-2jAztaUDZ3gAEaQk5J3QcOX-BV0zQ3PwIF-UCxEIpMBWyaSqbKU7dbPF6z9HlTHNvF96aVvjpaQHBRT2kLr1ENkWI4553kbba_vh-iWvXYSikpGMf4kn7PKQ4si/s640/blogger-image-1340384310.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Here are our messages from her second birthday: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4Wuar5nbDSanZEvAWI327oDq0UWBBrdlICv8RvM4ogR1ljqg_pOoGRVeMYR28wT-LTiB7IPpeUPBcLm-u2yMMgP8zWdbR3369tnzKbsfCSxH9ce4K3HqteMvIB2hKWUjYR99MqujNNHb/s640/blogger-image--1375728166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4Wuar5nbDSanZEvAWI327oDq0UWBBrdlICv8RvM4ogR1ljqg_pOoGRVeMYR28wT-LTiB7IPpeUPBcLm-u2yMMgP8zWdbR3369tnzKbsfCSxH9ce4K3HqteMvIB2hKWUjYR99MqujNNHb/s640/blogger-image--1375728166.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
This book has pages for her all through her 18th birthday. I made this on Blurb and I'm very happy with it, but it was pretty pricey. With some of the recent changes on Snapfish, you can easily make this on there and get it when they have a half off sale for much cheaper. This would make a great gift! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
xx</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Jamie </div>
<br /></div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824280952931242559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200049061915703627.post-16318485707625257102014-08-08T17:09:00.002-05:002014-08-09T19:16:42.863-05:00LasagnaWhen I grew up, my mom made some of the absolute best meals in the world. Most of her recipes she just made up as she went along. Her lasagna has always been one of her most requested meals, probably only second to her mancotti. When I was in high school, she would invite over my whole cross country team for dinner. Dinner at mama Angie's was highly attended every year and always consisted of some kind of pasta. <br>
I love my mom's lasagna, but I also loved by grandma's lasagna. Grandma Annette's lasagna couldn't have been any different from mom's. They used different meats, sauce, techniques, cheeses. When I "grew up" and starting cooking in my own home, I decided to take a little of this and a little of that from each recipe and come up with my own.<br>
Jamie thinks my recipe is absolutely ridiculous, because adding cottage cheese to lasagna is just blasphemy. That is a direct quote. But I LOVE my lasagna and the last time I made it I attempted to freeze it. I'll let you guys know! <br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOv4G1fLXhBDclZMqIU5J0WnGyHwaNsLdKu7P5VvWUs5bUwW42xW4wnzXbGh_rSm0oP4cnBdl788xYj_9URm89gz8GmIjffPIGVnlklA0hzfrhvDdvlfTGhQQX4sPYQBMoYxTTzeJ4vk/s1600/IMAG0461-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOv4G1fLXhBDclZMqIU5J0WnGyHwaNsLdKu7P5VvWUs5bUwW42xW4wnzXbGh_rSm0oP4cnBdl788xYj_9URm89gz8GmIjffPIGVnlklA0hzfrhvDdvlfTGhQQX4sPYQBMoYxTTzeJ4vk/s1600/IMAG0461-1.jpg" height="360" width="640"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<br>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Grocery List </div>
12 Lasagna noodles <br>1/2 pound italian sausage(use a pound if you like more meat) <br>1 Jar Pasta Sauce <br>10 ounces of Ricotta Cheese <br>6 ounces large curd cottage cheese <br>2 cups mozzarella <br>Italian Seasoning <br>1 egg <br> <br>1. Cook noodles as directed on box(careful not to tear them) <br>2. Ground italian sausage and pour off fat. Preheat oven to 375 F <br>3. Mix together ricotta, cottage cheese, 1 c. mozzarella cheese, italian sausage, egg, and seasoning in bowl <br>4 Lay out noodles on clean counter <br>5. Put couple spoon fulls of mixture on each noodle and spread across the noodle <br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdmzxkow7rezdyR6MXfwv5IwqohMb3xQbJqoMCE60gZ-IeCV2n_X8pES92lR68G0lx4K-_GwMqcRvJV8lqy_23DluSR92zv39rVjO3FbvDUjTx1soo9PsnOUxpgG53MBfozbO4LACmn4/s1600/IMAG0451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdmzxkow7rezdyR6MXfwv5IwqohMb3xQbJqoMCE60gZ-IeCV2n_X8pES92lR68G0lx4K-_GwMqcRvJV8lqy_23DluSR92zv39rVjO3FbvDUjTx1soo9PsnOUxpgG53MBfozbO4LACmn4/s1600/IMAG0451.jpg" height="225" width="400"></a></div>
<br>6. Cover bottom of baking pain in sauce <br>7. Roll up each noodle and arrange in pan so that the loose edge is on the bottom <br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCeiBkO_rQ905CY4b8bXRVUOYXkpjXEN9sH8Yem0DDTuAJvN4MzKb4JcGj98jlW6kE_zM2Ix7yJC97O3Ej4JrCTh2rRTP9URDn7t3of7VjUDn6isztgiW8GK4zRkkqHK-F-8PT51lnjg/s1600/IMAG0454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCeiBkO_rQ905CY4b8bXRVUOYXkpjXEN9sH8Yem0DDTuAJvN4MzKb4JcGj98jlW6kE_zM2Ix7yJC97O3Ej4JrCTh2rRTP9URDn7t3of7VjUDn6isztgiW8GK4zRkkqHK-F-8PT51lnjg/s1600/IMAG0454.jpg" height="225" width="400"></a></div>
<br>8. Cover noodles in remaining sauce <br>9. Sprinkle 1 c of mozzarella on top <br>10. Bake loosely covered for 15 minutes and then uncovered for 10 minutes<br>
<br>
<br>
Some notes:<br>
I normally cook more than 12 noodles. I always seem to tear a couple of them and it makes it much harder to put together. I always cut up the torn noodles and throw them in some butter with salt and pepper for lunch so they don't go to waste! You can switch the sausage for hamburger if you prefer. It is still very good! I use Marinara for sauce, but you can use whatever you like! You can do the layering technique as well, but I prefer to do the roll ups because it is so much easier to serve and less messy to eat. <br>
<br>
--KatelynKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033023836321345904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200049061915703627.post-8044133819298400592014-08-08T08:30:00.000-05:002014-08-08T08:45:32.185-05:00Follow Friday: Confessions of a Cookbook QueenHey guys! I'm back with an all new Follow Friday! This week I want to fill you in on the awesomeness that is Kristen of Confessions of a Cookbook Queen. First of all, anyone who hoards cookbooks the way I want to, is a-okay in my book. Second of all, she makes the most swoon worthy desserts that make you hungry and ready to get busy in your kitchen. I have found numerous recipes off her site that I love, as well as a whole bunch on my must try list. Like, <a href="http://www.confessionsofacookbookqueen.com/2012/06/brownie-batter-truffle-recipe/#_a5y_p=1588265" target="_blank">these</a> Brownie Batter Truffles, or <a href="http://www.confessionsofacookbookqueen.com/2013/12/snickers-cheesecake-fudge-brownie-recipe/" target="_blank">these</a> Snickers Cheesecake Fudge Brownies . I think Kate would love <a href="http://www.confessionsofacookbookqueen.com/2014/02/mint-chocolate-chip-brownies/" target="_blank">these</a> Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.confessionsofacookbookqueen.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.confessionsofacookbookqueen.com/" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1cQIZeBmMqF3XXzs_VZZW-OHXPPKxUnmLlQSVoc6VrKRN5LgT_bh1aQUoXm3pm3POdRZ-aTLoUjUIK2cU75NxZ-kW7NxFHplHx_08e0_eZTf0bHJo2RqIJPh1K6G6KC99Udt59OvBQm2/s1600/cookbook+queen.png" height="85" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Kristan is hilarious, and honest. She is real about life with a toddler and a school age kiddo, and it's both refreshing and relatable. I LOVE checking out new blogs and if you aren't already reading hers it's definitely worth a follow. Tell me about your favorite blog!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
xx</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Jamie </div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824280952931242559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200049061915703627.post-82091886916671968622014-08-05T08:30:00.000-05:002014-08-08T08:44:59.841-05:00Perfect Portions Make Me HappyHappy Wednesday everyone! The week is flying by and that is A-okay with me, as we're headed south to attend a wedding of an old friend, and I can't wait! Today I want to talk about Perfect Portions by Ziploc. These little bags are the most useful little things, and seem to be the most difficult things to find these days. I haven't been able to find them at any of our local stores recently and even checked at some stores in the nearest big city, still no luck! <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzb0v_To0-lYrYrOHhPagQfX7mP5MEZp2bOsWNxWBiH2f7XfRl1gijGxwF84JKVDCIJdTlK2Znf8Q5oIR4XCJQQ1l6p65ZPkwiwonaLIiue8oDF1Tuq1PTXD74lBdVeKp17cR9OPy78Zgq/s640/blogger-image--1025927295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzb0v_To0-lYrYrOHhPagQfX7mP5MEZp2bOsWNxWBiH2f7XfRl1gijGxwF84JKVDCIJdTlK2Znf8Q5oIR4XCJQQ1l6p65ZPkwiwonaLIiue8oDF1Tuq1PTXD74lBdVeKp17cR9OPy78Zgq/s640/blogger-image--1025927295.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
No worries, I just ordered some from Amazon! I have found so many uses for Perfect Portions and I'm sure there are many I haven't thought of. Our most common use for them is storing frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts. We buy large packages at the grocery store, then we trim them, cut them in half, and store them in packages of four, the perfect size for our family! Just like in the picture on the box, you can put your clean hand in the bag, pick up the chicken and invert the bag around the chicken, then I tightly wrap the bag around the chicken and stack them up in a gallon freezer bag. This makes it easy to thaw only what I need. I've used this same method on veggies, cooked shredded chicken, and ground beef. I've been making Mike bean and cheese burritos lately, and since I haven't been able to find Perfect Portions, I've had to use plastic wrap. That stuff is what nightmares are made of! If you can find, get some of these babies, they come in handy all the time! And if you can't find them in the store... There's always Amazon. Tell me what you use your Perfect Portions for! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
xx</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Jamie </div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824280952931242559noreply@blogger.com127tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200049061915703627.post-68912838320409106452014-08-02T09:00:00.000-05:002014-08-02T11:01:40.088-05:00Sausage Gravy and the G-Rents<div align="left" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Good Morning! Kate and I have been working on some fun and exciting stuff around here! We are filled to the brim with ideas and excitement. It is truly wonderful sharing a project like this with my sister and I couldn't be happier! Today I want to introduce you a little bit more to the people that have been so instrumental for both us, and who continue to be some of our biggest cheerleaders to this day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ82wYqQVRRemT23L33vzezBrLoQbl5waXwnlZ-VPtTROi7I_YCHpafcgw9Xi2cCt6XZwxSYMcdCDqX5pKF-HwyfVBr6J1KRxfYAasdJYSHLpSzH_6LoDTRrXQm6hs0x0jFhsEfHhyWBGR/s1600/grents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ82wYqQVRRemT23L33vzezBrLoQbl5waXwnlZ-VPtTROi7I_YCHpafcgw9Xi2cCt6XZwxSYMcdCDqX5pKF-HwyfVBr6J1KRxfYAasdJYSHLpSzH_6LoDTRrXQm6hs0x0jFhsEfHhyWBGR/s1600/grents.jpg" height="266" width="400"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Grandma Annette and Grandpa Stephen are two of the most amazing people you'll ever meet. They aren't your run of the mill, elderly grandparents. Until I started bringing friends around them, I didn't realize that. I thought everyone's grandparents played slow pitch softball, worked 40+ hours a week, owned rental houses that they maintain, etc. etc. My grandpa hired a stripper TWICE for my grandma's major milestone birthdays. They are anything but ordinary. And I think this is why Kate and I are the way we are. We are far from perfect, and they have always been honest with us about our shortcomings (no matter how much we disliked it) and tried their best to help us grow. Fun fact: during my teen years, my grandpa irritated me so much that I resorted to calling him by his first name only. It was a rough time. I look back and cringe. But without that honesty and his patience with me, I wouldn't be half the mama and person I am today. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Grandma has worked for KCP&L (formerly St. Joseph Light and Power) for 20+ years. Grandpa has his masters degree in counseling, but currently runs his own plumbing company and is a licensed master plumber. It's really a steal for his customers, fix your toilet and your problems at the same time! They are busier than I am and I don't know how they do all that they do. Grandma is the best gardener I've ever met (flowers only!) and Grandpa is CONSTANTLY trying to improve something. Side note, I'm going to hear about all these capitals and exclamation marks, I just know it. He'll tell me they're superfluous to my message, but I don't care! I'm a rebel, Grandpa! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
We visit often and have since we were children. Because they live a few hours away, we usually make a weekend of it. Sunday mornings at The G-rents is for making breakfast and talking around the table. Grandma's sausage gravy is one of the most requested breakfasts, and I'm here to share it with you! This gravy is thick and flavorful and cooks up in no time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Start with a pound of Jimmy Dean Country Mild sausage. Brown over medium heat.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mzs8vVgrh0D4uDYfxP19Vlge62NhaPLKZpZ0PRp6xWiymETMtSN_KO76PxGaN54Ry8hLj2v-tFMhyillvE_7AZ4uo20kjoJ6UeHIz6w8-DU-QDWD3mc1iQ-mIVdYiSd7GLvsK0YLf8d6/s1600/blogger-image--71162420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mzs8vVgrh0D4uDYfxP19Vlge62NhaPLKZpZ0PRp6xWiymETMtSN_KO76PxGaN54Ry8hLj2v-tFMhyillvE_7AZ4uo20kjoJ6UeHIz6w8-DU-QDWD3mc1iQ-mIVdYiSd7GLvsK0YLf8d6/s400/blogger-image--71162420.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Dice a small onion and toss it in when the sausage is about half cooked. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdJlOMwltfOJFIg_VowDv4-NlS2cCJ8AWjKdsBumbwBqeQPhR1zuQvi6I1elvWf54jxOY1caJWGWmT4y6HLnL6Uxn4GGgo66X9kHBXNKBbtmI4IZs1Kz_GY7ph2LYivvDd_GCGljpY7yC/s640/blogger-image--614090751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdJlOMwltfOJFIg_VowDv4-NlS2cCJ8AWjKdsBumbwBqeQPhR1zuQvi6I1elvWf54jxOY1caJWGWmT4y6HLnL6Uxn4GGgo66X9kHBXNKBbtmI4IZs1Kz_GY7ph2LYivvDd_GCGljpY7yC/s400/blogger-image--614090751.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
Toss in pan and cook until sausage is browned and onions are soft. <br>
<br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF05bl__rVMj-wMzVkCayCq9xKzPPxqy4KvWMjPZoGiWH-1Y74JQDUp4R0CYCj0leBS4KepzmWdXZJ6ynpHpavvauBddjjo8ZUwWrQlbcZjydVRt8u4iSUitgnMFXxFWehE3LENta9IUgn/s1600/blogger-image-331587074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF05bl__rVMj-wMzVkCayCq9xKzPPxqy4KvWMjPZoGiWH-1Y74JQDUp4R0CYCj0leBS4KepzmWdXZJ6ynpHpavvauBddjjo8ZUwWrQlbcZjydVRt8u4iSUitgnMFXxFWehE3LENta9IUgn/s400/blogger-image-331587074.jpg" width="300"></a><br>
<br>
Add 1/3 cup of flour to the sausage and stir until the sausage is coated and no flour is visible, about one minute. <br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVXvQ8Ywh3AZ2xvpT59fOpWx0oRoJfzuX_RxhBy8rJSdZ4l2iJhGFHGW1fMujmK9Z3ILAwbtXJzz68AJzvcJbjkshZDQiRqmi72tAwEdHsGBPPM3DImCMrCnSqi6wFwUnkuk4nQWsFSlI/s1600/sausage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVXvQ8Ywh3AZ2xvpT59fOpWx0oRoJfzuX_RxhBy8rJSdZ4l2iJhGFHGW1fMujmK9Z3ILAwbtXJzz68AJzvcJbjkshZDQiRqmi72tAwEdHsGBPPM3DImCMrCnSqi6wFwUnkuk4nQWsFSlI/s1600/sausage.jpg" height="400" width="298"></a></div>
<br>
Add in enough milk to mostly cover the sausage. Stir in seasoned salt. <br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VeMB6TJMaTtT45n-gSey6Lc6C4X9STuJEkd6x8RYNsavjHf5LGhlVZFgdZVpd7E1Cgnj6aqHyrzXxtjXDXu0sXCrhyjhtkd61dvjLPuKseacIxaxvA-GQ3jvgrZG7DeoRfTnEoe2aby7/s1600/blogger-image--1745768834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VeMB6TJMaTtT45n-gSey6Lc6C4X9STuJEkd6x8RYNsavjHf5LGhlVZFgdZVpd7E1Cgnj6aqHyrzXxtjXDXu0sXCrhyjhtkd61dvjLPuKseacIxaxvA-GQ3jvgrZG7DeoRfTnEoe2aby7/s640/blogger-image--1745768834.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
Increase the heat to high, stirring constantly. Gravy should thicken quickly. Once it reaches desired consistency, remove from heat. <br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf88GPI40E6fTAWqe6KDykiMGXOTzWt4TdeWUoM08E9vRDooBYTRYmO9fAFI5Gbh-SJIczzuKm2ofasgGFvt8DftWCisF2GpOJBSxaAatM2TnfBsGOIvJcPayZZCQAQ7EXm5Mxuc3BdejQ/s1600/gravy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf88GPI40E6fTAWqe6KDykiMGXOTzWt4TdeWUoM08E9vRDooBYTRYmO9fAFI5Gbh-SJIczzuKm2ofasgGFvt8DftWCisF2GpOJBSxaAatM2TnfBsGOIvJcPayZZCQAQ7EXm5Mxuc3BdejQ/s1600/gravy.jpg" height="400" width="300"></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF05bl__rVMj-wMzVkCayCq9xKzPPxqy4KvWMjPZoGiWH-1Y74JQDUp4R0CYCj0leBS4KepzmWdXZJ6ynpHpavvauBddjjo8ZUwWrQlbcZjydVRt8u4iSUitgnMFXxFWehE3LENta9IUgn/s1600/blogger-image-331587074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br>
Serve over biscuits. At Grandma's, we only eat Pillsbury Grands Buttermilk Biscuits. <br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrvWW681so8GTqbL2psxgPPbVw9uZ6XyfZ58q637d2fCN2s8iZi3VRfVp8-rOPbcWrTijpkb5SgUK9AAinpW3AvGvkOTHAv6UUxtIwebbaM1zE1bVYTabqAW-pRak_s3J9VZLLqSXzLvd/s1600/plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrvWW681so8GTqbL2psxgPPbVw9uZ6XyfZ58q637d2fCN2s8iZi3VRfVp8-rOPbcWrTijpkb5SgUK9AAinpW3AvGvkOTHAv6UUxtIwebbaM1zE1bVYTabqAW-pRak_s3J9VZLLqSXzLvd/s1600/plate.jpg" height="400" width="300"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<span dir="ltr" id="sites-page-title">Sausage Gravy</span> <br>
<div class="sites-canvas-main" id="sites-canvas-main">
<div id="sites-canvas-main-content">
<table cellspacing="0" class="sites-layout-name-one-column sites-layout-hbox" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><tbody>
<tr><td class="sites-layout-tile sites-tile-name-content-1"><div dir="ltr">
<div>
1 lb. mild breakfast sausage (we're loyal to Jimmy Dean)</div>
<div>
1 small onion, diced</div>
<div>
1/3 cup flour</div>
<div>
3/4 tsp. seasoned salt</div>
<div>
milk</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Brown sausage over medium heat. After about half the meat is browned, add diced onions. Continue cooking until all the sausage is browned and onions are soft. Sprinkle the flour over the sausage and stir well. Continue stir until no flour is visible and sausage is coated, about one minute. Add enough milk to mostly cover the sausage. Add in seasoned salt and increase the heat to high, stirring constantly. The gravy should come to a boil and thicken quickly. Once it reaches desired consistency, remove from heat. Serve over warm biscuits. </div>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
<br>
Get the handy printable <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/sistersonblackwell/sausage-gravy" target="_blank">here</a>. Tell me what you remember your Grandma making! <br>
<br>
xx<br>
<br>
Jamie Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824280952931242559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200049061915703627.post-15285944336730769172014-08-01T13:23:00.003-05:002014-08-01T13:24:05.642-05:00Follow Fridays: The BloggessJamie and I follow so many blogs between the 2 of us and love to find new blogs. I follow blogs on everything including DIY, recipes, healthy eating, personal, and ECGs. After some discussion, we thought it would be fun to start "Follow Fridays" and share some of the blogs we read on a regular basis with our readers. <br />
<br />
One of my absolute favorite blogs is <a href="http://thebloggess.com/" target="_blank">The Bloggess</a> and I am hopeful many of you are already following her! She is absolutely hilarious and definitely not PG13. She writes about her personal life and funny little anecdotes from everyday life. She is one of my favorite people to read after a really long day. She was once a journalist/writer and started blogging to enjoy the internet life of not being censored.<br />
<br />
This blog is for you if you enjoy sarcasm, making fun of everyday life, and like your humor a little rough around the edges.<br />
<br />
This blog might not be for you if you are more conservative, don't like the f-word, and don't like super popular blogs.<br />
<br />
I highly suggest checking her out!<br />
<br />
Let us know what your favorite blogs are to follow!<br />
<br />
<br />
-Katelyn <br />
<br />Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033023836321345904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200049061915703627.post-68441692520085935792014-07-31T21:48:00.000-05:002014-07-31T21:48:53.313-05:00Coffee BBQ SauceBarbeque sauce (henceforth known as BBQ sauce) is a newer food to me. Until I met my husband, I never really even bothered to try it. Now I eat it on traditional BBQ foods, and burgers. Specifically, a burger with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, melt in your mouth sautéed onions, a slice of tomato, and the perfect amount of BBQ sauce that makes the entire burger a big mess. I prefer a sweeter BBQ sauce because I'm a straight up wimp when it comes to spicy foods. However, this BBQ sauce isn't for me, it's for the meat loving man I married. This sauce is savory treat with a subtle heat with even subtler sweetness and it has become sauce number one for both my husband and his dad. Here is what you'll need...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmr2odL5i_M5Ii3A4H8JqVTgasDyzbGZdd7rM1HmYU2DHW8oUKZgCeNLu_6nPPm9xZtflJ1-65EdqAVvzP_vzJy1gtOeZJcAW-wobgCgpoEPecMzFENvArnM9Ax6NzwxvVCtPnsfN8yO5O/s1600/ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmr2odL5i_M5Ii3A4H8JqVTgasDyzbGZdd7rM1HmYU2DHW8oUKZgCeNLu_6nPPm9xZtflJ1-65EdqAVvzP_vzJy1gtOeZJcAW-wobgCgpoEPecMzFENvArnM9Ax6NzwxvVCtPnsfN8yO5O/s1600/ingredients.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Add to that picture brown sugar, my canister isn't pretty. This recipe is super simple and can be prepped easily and then left on the stove with an occasional stir. Finely dice a small onion. Brew a strong cup of coffee. Measure and add your ingredients into a small saucepan. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5hcnMSqPchWRIdgCtJwHCbzSS3UFtgrCUMwzaDi_KYEHD5C6tmWCDrqLD3RyhyySi92R5VSuZ2xsw8BqaH06kUfCqHrdUSgYDyiRhJJ7SeVv2QGz0DjyAyb88i8_Hcr-1y1z2Mfqx2rX/s1600/onions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5hcnMSqPchWRIdgCtJwHCbzSS3UFtgrCUMwzaDi_KYEHD5C6tmWCDrqLD3RyhyySi92R5VSuZ2xsw8BqaH06kUfCqHrdUSgYDyiRhJJ7SeVv2QGz0DjyAyb88i8_Hcr-1y1z2Mfqx2rX/s1600/onions.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38Qw3xmffDfTc6MwQQM3aNH4hXiyld_TU3t4rZxw5C_WkzRPuraEsbIKNhS7ZPk_24VXORvm1ZAhlcNn9k91XUf_P9-xY8MSR2BjkO0HEjeytB8og03G87PSbalY-Gk-gbF0cm42yAF6-/s1600/chili+powder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38Qw3xmffDfTc6MwQQM3aNH4hXiyld_TU3t4rZxw5C_WkzRPuraEsbIKNhS7ZPk_24VXORvm1ZAhlcNn9k91XUf_P9-xY8MSR2BjkO0HEjeytB8og03G87PSbalY-Gk-gbF0cm42yAF6-/s1600/chili+powder.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Give everything a good stir. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp34Vl0Vg_nAGSD9LUiHU6x02OotGQHQADHD0SySqnYEvdZqNjNACdpth_wxMRkX7NGXxu9VWTm9T1PmPWqe_1uTXMejnhOME5b0E2a1lT7jEFCyvhyphenhyphenxoQzuvVLnIrjzY9LYL4Z_SU5QF2/s1600/stir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp34Vl0Vg_nAGSD9LUiHU6x02OotGQHQADHD0SySqnYEvdZqNjNACdpth_wxMRkX7NGXxu9VWTm9T1PmPWqe_1uTXMejnhOME5b0E2a1lT7jEFCyvhyphenhyphenxoQzuvVLnIrjzY9LYL4Z_SU5QF2/s1600/stir.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
Bring your sauce to a boil and then reduce to low heat. Stir occasionally. Cook until all the ingredients have cooked down and become a rich and thick sauce (approximately 45 minutes). Let the sauce cool and then store in an airtight container in the fridge. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKhtE4HWkaR8tcp7mBjnMVE2nSxhJztUH2cJ-zX2YGgAv66nlOnRtMxbQ0qftklXk0X7UTHjS-L9C44U_xjR2Wq3Uziddq_mMHpUZJesCpfC3cHAVGOL601Do7P3uIHWNev_43ICWDCbK/s1600/bbq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKhtE4HWkaR8tcp7mBjnMVE2nSxhJztUH2cJ-zX2YGgAv66nlOnRtMxbQ0qftklXk0X7UTHjS-L9C44U_xjR2Wq3Uziddq_mMHpUZJesCpfC3cHAVGOL601Do7P3uIHWNev_43ICWDCbK/s1600/bbq.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Coffee Barbeque Sauce</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Prep: 10 minutes</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Cook: 45 minutes</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Makes: 2.5 cups</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1/2 cups strong brewed coffee</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1 cup ketchup</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">3/4 cups packed brown sugar</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1/2 cups apple cider vinegar</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1/2 cups finely diced yellow onion</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1/2 cups sweet red chili sauce</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2 heaping teaspoons finely diced garlic</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2 tablespoons soy sauce (I used low sodium)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2 tablespoons ground cumin</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2 tablespoons chili powder</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Add all ingredients to small sauce pan and stir. Bring to a boil and immediately turn heat to low. Cook until thick and well blended, about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool sauce and serve or transfer to airtight container and store in the fridge. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For the handy printable, click <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/sistersonblackwell/coffee-bbq-sauce" target="_blank">here.</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few notes: I'm a big fan of the diced garlic in the jar. I know some people are against it, but if it makes my life easier I'm all for it. If you do so desire, grab two cloves and chop them yourself. This recipe has been adapted from How Sweet Eats (love this blog!) which I found through the Brit + Co. app. If you love all things crafty, recipe, DIY, etc., this app is for you! I'm obsessed! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks for stopping by! If you give this recipe a try, let me know! It makes a wonderful gift!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
xx</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Jamie </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824280952931242559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200049061915703627.post-46974323912528597522014-07-30T07:30:00.000-05:002014-07-30T08:02:50.752-05:00Delicious!: A Book ReviewI am a lover of the written word, in so many different forms. Magazines, books, blogs, etc. I'd rather read my news than watch it. I don't get to read quite as much as I used to, pre-toddler days, but I still squeeze it in. It helps to keep me sane. As kids, Grandma used to take us to Hastings to pick out books every month that we came to visit, and even more often over the summer. Most people would think, as Grandma did, "they're kids! What a nice way to encourage them to read, while not spending a ton of money. Kids books are cheap!" Well... we weren't exactly your average every day kids. Ever heard of Robin Cook? He writes medical murder mystery thrillers. I had read all his books by the time I completed middle school. Michael Crichton? I wrapped up his books in the sixth grade. We were pretty young when we stopped shopping for the Boxcar Children (my favs!) and started shopping the New York Times Bestseller list. As Kate recently reminded me, I used to bargain with Grandma, as she set a number of books limit as opposed to a price limit. I'd find three books off the bargain table, which together would total the cost of one regular priced book. Those days were essential in starting our love affair with reading. Kate loves to read as much as I do, although she has even less time for fun reading than I do. My daughter currently has an extensive library and I anticipate it will only continue to grow. We read her first chapter book to her shortly after her first birthday. I think reading is so important and I hope to instill a love of books in Merideth as well. <br>
<br>
Now to my most recent read. Last week I finished Delicious! by Ruth Reichl. I read a lot of food magazines and this book has popped up in several of them as recommended reading. It was a wonderful story with vibrant words and descriptions that transported me directly into New York City, standing on the street along with the main character. The book took a hard look at grieving and loss, and how you cope with it and carry on, without being overt about it. The main character's story was one of transformation and growth that seemed almost textbook for a novel, but had you rooting for her to be happy every step of the way. The supporting cast was full of colorful, interesting people, that accented the story perfectly. Every page made me hungry, both for food and for friendship, and even more so to delve farther into the story. I finished this book in only a few days and quickly decided it is one of the best books I've read. It delighted me, it made me tear up, and most of all, it made me feel hopeful. <br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh17Bc26Xdz_CJcSGysX0lhjy6i1MB4RCJ8DiAl2CvSa7cGABnR18KUBCL8zuOLlYWyP2Z8-dR4QLOiUZakbd4qoDdl13TmpycjWie8fnRvyPZOO-iVQAX2OR9XbQw3ZbJV_q1kWgUQWxE4/s1600/Delicious.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh17Bc26Xdz_CJcSGysX0lhjy6i1MB4RCJ8DiAl2CvSa7cGABnR18KUBCL8zuOLlYWyP2Z8-dR4QLOiUZakbd4qoDdl13TmpycjWie8fnRvyPZOO-iVQAX2OR9XbQw3ZbJV_q1kWgUQWxE4/s1600/Delicious.png" height="400" width="262"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
If you're interested in reading it, you can find it <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Delicious-Novel-Ruth-Reichl-ebook/dp/B00GL3PXAM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1406600044&sr=8-2&keywords=Delicious%21" target="_blank">here</a> on Amazon, or my personal favorite, your local library. Tell me what you're reading, I'm always looking for suggestions! <br>
<br>
xx<br>
<br>
Jamie Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824280952931242559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200049061915703627.post-4305836777288046582014-07-28T21:13:00.000-05:002014-08-05T08:40:49.482-05:00Taco Seasoning<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Taco seasoning is one of those versatile things you can use in a lot more than just ground beef in a fried tortilla shell. Taco soup, burritos, chicken, enchiladas, possibilities are endless. Making your own is very easy and takes no time at all. Make a big batch and keep some on hand, or package it up and hand it out as gifts! Add a washi tape label and you're ready to go! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbe1gGAPFw_cU0Cfmo2iX3AOlPUj1GmkpZSqbrkadYEgU8OoYjCxuYzUIQgq8uL6-jTcMIx6Pm4zsRzP68nndrDCFsvURq-4SjE4acsbQXpp5cYLk9wsRaIQIZfu2PjmO2ZhIympNemwH/s640/blogger-image--128570038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbe1gGAPFw_cU0Cfmo2iX3AOlPUj1GmkpZSqbrkadYEgU8OoYjCxuYzUIQgq8uL6-jTcMIx6Pm4zsRzP68nndrDCFsvURq-4SjE4acsbQXpp5cYLk9wsRaIQIZfu2PjmO2ZhIympNemwH/s400/blogger-image--128570038.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qpveaxFqZoC0B0ibZ8UYSNgKQhxAUvQ2LnLVIqb8CqevSvqtXSGnDa2hzIF_2oD-qV6uuR46pfNncVhV4oidREwLUoiGQMEyZVVv3qcCoi0UkksXIM0DwdyeHasQZMHLghEnh-ZCXpxL/s1600/blogger-image--764914240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qpveaxFqZoC0B0ibZ8UYSNgKQhxAUvQ2LnLVIqb8CqevSvqtXSGnDa2hzIF_2oD-qV6uuR46pfNncVhV4oidREwLUoiGQMEyZVVv3qcCoi0UkksXIM0DwdyeHasQZMHLghEnh-ZCXpxL/s400/blogger-image--764914240.jpg" width="300"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What you need... 1/2 cup chili powder, 1/4 cup onion powder, 1/8 cup ground cumin, and 1 tablespoon each garlic powder, paprika, salt. Mix. Store in airtight container. Add to food until fragrant. Makes one cup. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you don't need an entire cup of seasoning, and maybe just need to whip up a little for tonight's dinner... use 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin, and 3/4 teaspoon each garlic powder, paprika, and salt. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Get the printable here. Enjoy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
xx</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Jamie </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00824280952931242559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200049061915703627.post-7499128366852050792014-07-26T09:00:00.000-05:002014-07-26T11:37:01.048-05:00Sisters on Blackwell<u> </u><b><u>A message from Katelyn</u></b><br />
Hello! In 2012, I started this blog to share my journey in crafting and baking with the rest of the world. I have been very lucky to have a huge number of views of my blog over the last couple of years, a number that is getting close to a MILLION! I was very hopeful that I would be able to keep up with the blog and post several times a months as I went through medical school, but becoming a physician is very time intensive. After looking at the dwindling number of posts over the last year, it was clear something needed to be done and the answer was almost overly obvious. I started crafting with my sister right before she got married. That was the very beginning of what would become one of my favorite hobbies and a hobby that my sister and I shared. It is with great joy that I am announcing a merger of such that comes with a few changes (as all mergers do.)<br />
<br />
A Crafty Escape is becoming a sister's blog with a new name and a brand new look! Let me be the first person the welcome you to Sisters on Blackwell! We will expanding the blog some to include lots of new recipes, some book/beauty reviews, and of course more DIY! I hope that you will join us every Saturday morning for a new project or something new to cook up in your kitchen. We will see you soon!<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>A message from Jamie</b></u><br />
I am so excited about all the changes and to be contributing regularly! Katie and I have lots of fun things to share and we'll be kicking off our new content starting on Wednesday with a review of the book I just finished. In August we'll be showing you our grandma's sausage gravy, some amazing salsa, and a fun new DIY project to spice up those boring plastic storage drawers! We've also revamped the About Me page with some fun info about ourselves and our blog so head over there to learn more about us and we'll see you back here soon! <u></u>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033023836321345904noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200049061915703627.post-42848476915355899862014-05-28T08:29:00.001-05:002014-07-22T21:49:19.851-05:00Skirt FeverIt has been a long time since I put my foot down on the pedal of my sewing machine. I had forgotten how great it feels to make something beginning to end and be proud of your final project, so I've decided I'm getting back into the craft room and work on some projects. My time is very limited right now with school, but I am trying to dedicate a few hours every week toward my projects to give me some "me" time and keep my sanity.<br />
So what better way to get back to everything than making my first clothing item. The idea really came from seeing the material and trying to find something to do with it. Making my own clothes is something I've wanted to do for a long time, but was always afraid it would frustrate me. After looking at lots of tutorials and getting the general idea I came up with this skirt. It took a little trial and error, but I love how it turned out!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-uBENwOF41ohcj9lHR3I1mRR6NqbaR75MLqA0wvnxf8yDpCKcaaBtQnoGt5UXB2wuJy5kYKIXZtTjc02OguaV1KLqpr_DxNge-Anr_XxQOXXPmkKHt9j0V-X_1rdSylA0yx70w9DPog/s1600/IMAG0390-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-uBENwOF41ohcj9lHR3I1mRR6NqbaR75MLqA0wvnxf8yDpCKcaaBtQnoGt5UXB2wuJy5kYKIXZtTjc02OguaV1KLqpr_DxNge-Anr_XxQOXXPmkKHt9j0V-X_1rdSylA0yx70w9DPog/s1600/IMAG0390-1.jpg" height="640" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>What You Need</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 yard patterned material</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 yard white material</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Matching thread</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Elastic(half waistx3inches)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Usual sewing supplies </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8YvH4KehjsCDP_sdY7P3JsLOEC3tc8KiPguAu1akQKDilISGha_1_h1u09nbslSrqzCTC5oQfjOcWn1KNb67f-v-cLIGxUOiWVbnxay_GIp3XYXr57-ayfWoerl-eKdbEtJo5V2n-Oc/s1600/IMAG0365.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8YvH4KehjsCDP_sdY7P3JsLOEC3tc8KiPguAu1akQKDilISGha_1_h1u09nbslSrqzCTC5oQfjOcWn1KNb67f-v-cLIGxUOiWVbnxay_GIp3XYXr57-ayfWoerl-eKdbEtJo5V2n-Oc/s1600/IMAG0365.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
1. Measure your waist and add 4 inches. <br />
2.Cut a pattern piece that is your waist(+4)x 18 inches and then cut this piece in half so you have to equal pieces.(for example my pieces measure 19x18in)<br />
3. Cut your white material waist(+4)x16 inches and cut into 2 equal parts<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghS-DbzaAFlTYfidiz2_Gao3l83DumCY0WkdaWRw4w7d5Nb4TpIYxP-rUVduHverY9JRXCdvb3ED4DPFkT3dNwbbyslgFzK2KESoEDKZQl0tCADGEBHE_EATCFVfKhIDHk3mfQ3a3zf1Y/s1600/IMAG0366.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghS-DbzaAFlTYfidiz2_Gao3l83DumCY0WkdaWRw4w7d5Nb4TpIYxP-rUVduHverY9JRXCdvb3ED4DPFkT3dNwbbyslgFzK2KESoEDKZQl0tCADGEBHE_EATCFVfKhIDHk3mfQ3a3zf1Y/s1600/IMAG0366.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
4. Pin your patterns and white pieces together<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbUhnTAeILZwkGygmryD4TNmcQBiw30bTrQDI_gZSpYqGdRKpSMrWfrrp4ND_o2BB-cINU1r0YGFqZ6hLxkKB6CykE9U5uYR_lT8v2dKn6oRxlX_ljGL_UrXcHK3vTPw8ihItRs2Y20U/s1600/IMAG0367.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbUhnTAeILZwkGygmryD4TNmcQBiw30bTrQDI_gZSpYqGdRKpSMrWfrrp4ND_o2BB-cINU1r0YGFqZ6hLxkKB6CykE9U5uYR_lT8v2dKn6oRxlX_ljGL_UrXcHK3vTPw8ihItRs2Y20U/s1600/IMAG0367.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a> <br />
5. Sew together<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfBHxBMXSEMmhoBvKPjSI6vqF2OhC8awAUNw4TSofU_zMO9ivswK2URp8vv8y0yaH69fbX43jYlZznfxishinGoJSwxid9JQOXS758Uvzj0YlqlyEi2zOaBwjtoXD33h0XT6EaJI1YrY/s1600/IMAG0373.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfBHxBMXSEMmhoBvKPjSI6vqF2OhC8awAUNw4TSofU_zMO9ivswK2URp8vv8y0yaH69fbX43jYlZznfxishinGoJSwxid9JQOXS758Uvzj0YlqlyEi2zOaBwjtoXD33h0XT6EaJI1YrY/s1600/IMAG0373.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a> <br />
<br />
Waist<br />
1. Cut a piece of your patterned material that measures half your waist x9inches and fold in half<br />
2. Cut a piece of patterned material that is half waist+ 2-3 inches x 9 inches<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoBOvTVaTFFEiweWtZU_IiogjjCQ7Q9wwvwSRicacL0QVx6faXw_J7d36PgjzSKwm-_25rgYNFpBxKQo5Lc60jIVLY-K8IEUrZGV-GEuhHT1N4zJabpYptg70ov1uJ-cs3HSy7rNDdBo/s1600/IMAG0368.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoBOvTVaTFFEiweWtZU_IiogjjCQ7Q9wwvwSRicacL0QVx6faXw_J7d36PgjzSKwm-_25rgYNFpBxKQo5Lc60jIVLY-K8IEUrZGV-GEuhHT1N4zJabpYptg70ov1uJ-cs3HSy7rNDdBo/s1600/IMAG0368.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a> <br />
3. Cut piece of elastic that is half your waist<br />
4. Pin elastic to one half and sew at each end and a couple times in-between<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFK8xiYXVq6FETWuFSeDuuui_AGHTnnNbSFasowmFWlePIsizNqrZK3V3csELG0VAnaRqJDjbIkfC33KMBTq_dzEY9IeDTU-4kL3yYsvlLhhToMbVK6R4bQ28-_A_kBYhcRB7o02HcxY/s1600/IMAG0369.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFK8xiYXVq6FETWuFSeDuuui_AGHTnnNbSFasowmFWlePIsizNqrZK3V3csELG0VAnaRqJDjbIkfC33KMBTq_dzEY9IeDTU-4kL3yYsvlLhhToMbVK6R4bQ28-_A_kBYhcRB7o02HcxY/s1600/IMAG0369.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjqegiuSKqGBJeQ97VD8P-P6USmVxile03SF75LQv2F-pf_uDOrV8s_NlUYU7NsNvn3Rtr1_EGEj0wSi1IfBFXjlAYESY_jIjMioymGNbxSkUt-pMg55I73vzzPNypEf3AGdUnfhYvDo/s1600/IMAG0370.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjqegiuSKqGBJeQ97VD8P-P6USmVxile03SF75LQv2F-pf_uDOrV8s_NlUYU7NsNvn3Rtr1_EGEj0wSi1IfBFXjlAYESY_jIjMioymGNbxSkUt-pMg55I73vzzPNypEf3AGdUnfhYvDo/s1600/IMAG0370.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a><br />
5. Sew each half of waist closed<br />
Note: in photos the elastic is small, but in retrospect the waist would have had a cleaner look if I had used one big piece of elastic rather than 2 small pieces. <br />
<br />
Put it all together<br />
1. Place your waist piece front down on top of front of skirt and vise versa<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixY777hDfP3aFqEyvzu2c51_kCFogkBqfgf13A8zixB3VJWWnM_JijdHa4e6FaqZmjUBUOE-s1LahKU_O8lCyyibEp-mr3tkvDjxvtNTkW25wmA9-TvOSylaj4ogfdx7fW41TAKdGy8p0/s1600/IMAG0374.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixY777hDfP3aFqEyvzu2c51_kCFogkBqfgf13A8zixB3VJWWnM_JijdHa4e6FaqZmjUBUOE-s1LahKU_O8lCyyibEp-mr3tkvDjxvtNTkW25wmA9-TvOSylaj4ogfdx7fW41TAKdGy8p0/s1600/IMAG0374.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
2. Sew together <br />
3. Ensure the both halves of your skirt are the same length.<br />
4. Fold bottom of the skirt up 1/2 inch and iron<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UX3eDnnRjzbTvnUQBZdmlrWe3ohZpCYlkgH5ydh_ogZDg7NdTXHFoPmn09ev5t8C_bpHZeWjv-BpG-sb9ulPQUgsauji1ukUknJqpEpXm8aEystlCBkqZlKXnWaUHf4vaQFS_I4vyM4/s1600/IMAG0377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UX3eDnnRjzbTvnUQBZdmlrWe3ohZpCYlkgH5ydh_ogZDg7NdTXHFoPmn09ev5t8C_bpHZeWjv-BpG-sb9ulPQUgsauji1ukUknJqpEpXm8aEystlCBkqZlKXnWaUHf4vaQFS_I4vyM4/s1600/IMAG0377.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
5. Fold bottom up 1 1/2 inch and iron<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KIXSPbeODmU6ToJm6djRcnBH8Jgy6wPR2dmQMsUKM-9JmP9XKv7G_owkpKRDplUagydZJC0PNc88fUpRD_OKjrmXIybxSq0XJFDp7P_Xm5uVrRJ0HldBt2h9fKU1dFEZe3JrOvfH_HQ/s1600/IMAG0378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KIXSPbeODmU6ToJm6djRcnBH8Jgy6wPR2dmQMsUKM-9JmP9XKv7G_owkpKRDplUagydZJC0PNc88fUpRD_OKjrmXIybxSq0XJFDp7P_Xm5uVrRJ0HldBt2h9fKU1dFEZe3JrOvfH_HQ/s1600/IMAG0378.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtwh2VTrBnRVEBbJR-L-no5dBBDVolYJ5TROBi7ShpMwjBcEhAlzdcDCzKfoLNQq_WS0Ik84W3XhZnHpjBOUQbCiFN5yaZ6oMN3xtRkIQBSo4VwQ-Jwaq3ivdEBXMk5u7qyAbkrmv7N4/s1600/IMAG0379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtwh2VTrBnRVEBbJR-L-no5dBBDVolYJ5TROBi7ShpMwjBcEhAlzdcDCzKfoLNQq_WS0Ik84W3XhZnHpjBOUQbCiFN5yaZ6oMN3xtRkIQBSo4VwQ-Jwaq3ivdEBXMk5u7qyAbkrmv7N4/s1600/IMAG0379.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
6. Sew hem<br />
7. Place two halves together (fronts face)and sew together using zig-zag stitch<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUH6SomydaJDScSYuwlrT4S-6OGTogFCkvulVT277049rUQJ_uGqO1a3P8G_a5i4ahBBLUz1hSsvIn03uxJDTpddnrluBSclxqN-lZ2Ahg_wAp7cTM8KKo0gK37Vq8VHwWydpQC0fFdZ4/s1600/IMAG0391-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUH6SomydaJDScSYuwlrT4S-6OGTogFCkvulVT277049rUQJ_uGqO1a3P8G_a5i4ahBBLUz1hSsvIn03uxJDTpddnrluBSclxqN-lZ2Ahg_wAp7cTM8KKo0gK37Vq8VHwWydpQC0fFdZ4/s1600/IMAG0391-1.jpg" height="400" width="345" /></a></div>
8. Sew a straight line stitch right next to your zig zag stitch or you will see you threading when you put it on.(as shown above)<br />
<br />
Estimated Project Time: 3 hours<br />
Estimated Cost: $17<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033023836321345904noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200049061915703627.post-87143867830079082262013-11-14T19:21:00.000-06:002014-07-22T21:49:34.112-05:00Christmas Tree 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8Orz4uGyaWcEgqHBJPfVxOx6XjoRJp1Ab5zw_OzCBuo6WhFSOdyREAFQ3qYXc06duFU3Rvl0mNbZ4s8fvitBzk_AB5K9IkernaOgmHqUvT6dA41BZo5yc3qAkJOCUbUAJcAl9ZJBlqc/s1600/DSC03308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8Orz4uGyaWcEgqHBJPfVxOx6XjoRJp1Ab5zw_OzCBuo6WhFSOdyREAFQ3qYXc06duFU3Rvl0mNbZ4s8fvitBzk_AB5K9IkernaOgmHqUvT6dA41BZo5yc3qAkJOCUbUAJcAl9ZJBlqc/s640/DSC03308.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
Fall is my favorite time of year because of the falling and changing leaves and cool air, but Christmas is by far my holiday. I start decorating the weekend after Halloween and then don't take anything down until January. I never get tired of Christmas movies or Christmas music. I am that person who randomly watches Polar Express(my favorite xmas movie) in July. So the first thing that went up this year was the Christmas Tree. Last year was the first year I had my own tree and I went with light blue and silver, but I didn't love it. This year I decided on red and silver and I do LOVE it! I also did my ribbon a little differently this year. It is like a checkered pattern and pretty easy to do. You just use floral wire ribbon that you can attach to the top of the tree and have the over lap at certain places and secure them with an ornament. Then within every diamond I put a bulb and ornament that went with the color scheme and then finished it up with some smaller bulbs in more empty areas. It is absolutely gorgeous! Now I just have to get gifts under it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUoIFIZCGShOvOxPYzvMCXCVIt6BvAPFIDC-kGZu4WVv408vJtMc5mdyO0evgKa1e7w87PEs-1iY9KW-mGsShuEr6CnRKATw_hSMtYMuRbNV9naoTOLbSjpHAu9t9ZlIp9nNF39V_150/s1600/DSC03316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUoIFIZCGShOvOxPYzvMCXCVIt6BvAPFIDC-kGZu4WVv408vJtMc5mdyO0evgKa1e7w87PEs-1iY9KW-mGsShuEr6CnRKATw_hSMtYMuRbNV9naoTOLbSjpHAu9t9ZlIp9nNF39V_150/s640/DSC03316.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPca64jPeIP63ygYV_RyIcXUYeWBIQj8Ch4flQV3h01_qznTVJmweZLm3kuxiMbscRbUqAqhWMG0lzq0Y3tyxOJnLwRZzG_-fmnpp6TgrsZLYn6yzUgVj5BLpUKqoaYEszcnVxXSqRV4/s1600/DSC03317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPca64jPeIP63ygYV_RyIcXUYeWBIQj8Ch4flQV3h01_qznTVJmweZLm3kuxiMbscRbUqAqhWMG0lzq0Y3tyxOJnLwRZzG_-fmnpp6TgrsZLYn6yzUgVj5BLpUKqoaYEszcnVxXSqRV4/s640/DSC03317.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033023836321345904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200049061915703627.post-21828674123446084572013-11-09T16:53:00.003-06:002013-11-09T16:53:55.300-06:00FallJust in time to switch to Halloween, I finished up my fall decor and now I'm switching to Christmas. The sign behind my mums is actually one of those yard signs you are suppose to put in the ground, but the ground was hard and I liked it better where I put it. The centerpiece was super simple. I just got some fall flowers and a vase and put it together. The carriage I got at Hobby Lobby and LOVE it. I went simple this year outside of my big wreath. I'm concentrating on Christmas as it is my favorite!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK1_vGUJQIX86RNPS9lb3-d2s8fRqs3DVDATio5oVPzXR9wAI5dWrvAhVgYwI8M7SOU6f9NT41sydOvbaAhTWkqFHgTLV0OM382KBO8u_OEAytDMrANXpM0yc6XE3w5wdCCYtJWywoQAk/s1600/DSC03264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK1_vGUJQIX86RNPS9lb3-d2s8fRqs3DVDATio5oVPzXR9wAI5dWrvAhVgYwI8M7SOU6f9NT41sydOvbaAhTWkqFHgTLV0OM382KBO8u_OEAytDMrANXpM0yc6XE3w5wdCCYtJWywoQAk/s640/DSC03264.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmdrmeyLCbKHAR89nngoAej8pVykkGDcCLHnHmiWWHxelpt7PXigKCyaeReDGQTsjV3KrWVy7_Df7zBE7I_X9S6QylQfqRQ1NL4HYBrOTNaIclYOGQzOsKc_OdIPTMxFySc1WoN-NNPE/s1600/DSC03297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmdrmeyLCbKHAR89nngoAej8pVykkGDcCLHnHmiWWHxelpt7PXigKCyaeReDGQTsjV3KrWVy7_Df7zBE7I_X9S6QylQfqRQ1NL4HYBrOTNaIclYOGQzOsKc_OdIPTMxFySc1WoN-NNPE/s640/DSC03297.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXImo8Znp1GYPOwONjkeN9ogDiz0HU_vbrjo0XXeZildQGfogLBD_-icrlt-uWOD5fVqOvrt1PCjdMN3SXQSBPxFnKI-t7doqE-IN0j0BMtuV39VuLCcHbvGV8kU1KgrQLj5daxnAX06A/s1600/DSC03298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXImo8Znp1GYPOwONjkeN9ogDiz0HU_vbrjo0XXeZildQGfogLBD_-icrlt-uWOD5fVqOvrt1PCjdMN3SXQSBPxFnKI-t7doqE-IN0j0BMtuV39VuLCcHbvGV8kU1KgrQLj5daxnAX06A/s640/DSC03298.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iApgBWOCDA5CPgTOymcfhGqEwngYClPpCiYOjYEoUIKOg57twPS8g2hHt5fGTa_DGx4SgCKfNsl2di6NPlGQ8uS12LiW7vQZJGXO0uPX-P7wbZuxdKjl9eHVDxXdtHCFYL1bRNcYJNo/s1600/DSC03300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iApgBWOCDA5CPgTOymcfhGqEwngYClPpCiYOjYEoUIKOg57twPS8g2hHt5fGTa_DGx4SgCKfNsl2di6NPlGQ8uS12LiW7vQZJGXO0uPX-P7wbZuxdKjl9eHVDxXdtHCFYL1bRNcYJNo/s640/DSC03300.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bBJahRU-kEs9R519ZFT9yZ0oY3H191w1yp-StS4v1gHF9cR9LL7iraeZqCG8WOpyQ6U6S-nM8ohDa41R64QfHGROMBQfZwE_RX62TUYA7yZpQIyyCdtGketVbTBQO1a8X773yOh9YpY/s1600/DSC03303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bBJahRU-kEs9R519ZFT9yZ0oY3H191w1yp-StS4v1gHF9cR9LL7iraeZqCG8WOpyQ6U6S-nM8ohDa41R64QfHGROMBQfZwE_RX62TUYA7yZpQIyyCdtGketVbTBQO1a8X773yOh9YpY/s640/DSC03303.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033023836321345904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200049061915703627.post-86136443834214539482013-09-12T18:31:00.001-05:002014-07-22T21:50:02.149-05:00Mini-envelopesI made a whole batch of these for a project I should finish up somewhere around the beginning of December. They are super cute and easy to make. Useful for gift cards, but you will see what I am using them for in the next few weeks.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What You Need</span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Scissors</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Glue</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Card Stock</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6xBu4eTX_XQlspkMCaTHi73e5XD4P9x11qiHcFZvVWipYx9Y_-FeU_LBrNtLoZR2__vNhs751Ns0QPAHqj4WcheoJbdLJ7hsMwuiTDNYQVnMgiqgtL9gW6GxdUHzulrE3Cf9B-beZBo/s1600/DSC03278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6xBu4eTX_XQlspkMCaTHi73e5XD4P9x11qiHcFZvVWipYx9Y_-FeU_LBrNtLoZR2__vNhs751Ns0QPAHqj4WcheoJbdLJ7hsMwuiTDNYQVnMgiqgtL9gW6GxdUHzulrE3Cf9B-beZBo/s640/DSC03278.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1. Cut your card stock so that it is as tall as you would like +1 inch<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgkctwGABlmZWM-8exMxW8QXsMup1QHkyS06ec80Np1121p-91EH-DZLeVx7WUQKmMf-P249v7AhuMluyF9DEklm8ipauLm2ap3Ipwk7geZ-xiJi9SgpAQjBoBTfS52TmQcs6dXzFlCI/s1600/DSC03268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgkctwGABlmZWM-8exMxW8QXsMup1QHkyS06ec80Np1121p-91EH-DZLeVx7WUQKmMf-P249v7AhuMluyF9DEklm8ipauLm2ap3Ipwk7geZ-xiJi9SgpAQjBoBTfS52TmQcs6dXzFlCI/s320/DSC03268.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYsl8twHyiM0vZgA3teWEzTWz37BCUt87Cad34zZHGZKvTbnsq8lJrO9CRAU1_MJmnYtH2C6TQjJsmXtRRiC6_AcN3psVa0cnxuAwHbtVPi3tKcNn8yxvz3sftlTCK0nj0xNKaPiCc4g/s1600/DSC03269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYsl8twHyiM0vZgA3teWEzTWz37BCUt87Cad34zZHGZKvTbnsq8lJrO9CRAU1_MJmnYtH2C6TQjJsmXtRRiC6_AcN3psVa0cnxuAwHbtVPi3tKcNn8yxvz3sftlTCK0nj0xNKaPiCc4g/s320/DSC03269.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. Then it should be cut so that it is twice as wide as you want your envelop to be + 1/2 inch</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3. Fold up bottom 1/2 an inch<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbh_jm4g_GUHuLQOVRlca1gCwcIL7dkVSijDTrYJaJ9apfRNr0XfajYbgfnG7N7hc-ay6qKSWP8zSUFa-qGLr_YI1RNFGEsMfb6JGNckPCkyNwN2osh4mvUijI41VCYPO2cVtKIdv_cw8/s1600/DSC03270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbh_jm4g_GUHuLQOVRlca1gCwcIL7dkVSijDTrYJaJ9apfRNr0XfajYbgfnG7N7hc-ay6qKSWP8zSUFa-qGLr_YI1RNFGEsMfb6JGNckPCkyNwN2osh4mvUijI41VCYPO2cVtKIdv_cw8/s320/DSC03270.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4. Fold the sides so that they overlap by 1/2 an inch in the middle<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71U4r8N8ZrLmaFdjl_eY0VIJ2ckjbMvCzA0CrxOh8MLje3wT6U759ITtD1669v4OG0yf1cRFV3D-3kBZg3tmmhWTxyf0L4RkFs_tFD_4qM3H7NT17hyphenhyphenNVmCrpKzsfE15bdgE9HVyMiKE/s1600/DSC03271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71U4r8N8ZrLmaFdjl_eY0VIJ2ckjbMvCzA0CrxOh8MLje3wT6U759ITtD1669v4OG0yf1cRFV3D-3kBZg3tmmhWTxyf0L4RkFs_tFD_4qM3H7NT17hyphenhyphenNVmCrpKzsfE15bdgE9HVyMiKE/s320/DSC03271.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
5. Fold the top down 1/2 inch<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4u1_ZxpmIXboa0jiC_w4PwHn3SRxQlb0-XKxk6HlCAlzjQQQ3B2p37NUte9qvyjpwb6Vwbd-BJ-h0yoElHbJiXMU8xEfSCZGqRdR833ChPMmJgr08QOAx1IPEQWDsqI2VoVXS06xZqs/s1600/DSC03273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4u1_ZxpmIXboa0jiC_w4PwHn3SRxQlb0-XKxk6HlCAlzjQQQ3B2p37NUte9qvyjpwb6Vwbd-BJ-h0yoElHbJiXMU8xEfSCZGqRdR833ChPMmJgr08QOAx1IPEQWDsqI2VoVXS06xZqs/s320/DSC03273.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
6. Cut out small side rectangles as shown on both sides<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJfL4ntWo_A45PJjIPckevRIweIDPuYebl3DZ2LR69jQM4KKRV4rPoOn5AYNca873H-t4E3vTJ3Xiu6lfxc8S3JqN3QJOBTX0lW8fR8hYqyWCJ2RUOAwdaoGsFP2Lfx_95CLeYS71RWE/s1600/DSC03272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJfL4ntWo_A45PJjIPckevRIweIDPuYebl3DZ2LR69jQM4KKRV4rPoOn5AYNca873H-t4E3vTJ3Xiu6lfxc8S3JqN3QJOBTX0lW8fR8hYqyWCJ2RUOAwdaoGsFP2Lfx_95CLeYS71RWE/s320/DSC03272.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
7. Round your corners</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
8. Fold 1 side down and put on glue then fold other side down<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPYD2R6uzda1hFCsNU4O3sgumYb1Qnm812qALL5VVg-oKX10_McXr111aF8Tn2u9PaLnJG0Xy3zSTY10wTlyupnceV5ylf2vKJKHwVQeQLq2alysL9kNBNMkXhMFJERPyznYC8EF7yM0/s1600/DSC03276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPYD2R6uzda1hFCsNU4O3sgumYb1Qnm812qALL5VVg-oKX10_McXr111aF8Tn2u9PaLnJG0Xy3zSTY10wTlyupnceV5ylf2vKJKHwVQeQLq2alysL9kNBNMkXhMFJERPyznYC8EF7yM0/s320/DSC03276.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-5eWI0LGTVgjm8fvTe2tPnW93ViC4PnYBZWjVcHjoIPbZHDFzs2wKSvIpR5rIcv7Pw-ZKsnMQlU6JpBXM69MwdhXJFBAQIpvwRTC5IbRShMLMae0P8Y6poLxlhluJrhzmcybfuV2mSY/s1600/DSC03275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-5eWI0LGTVgjm8fvTe2tPnW93ViC4PnYBZWjVcHjoIPbZHDFzs2wKSvIpR5rIcv7Pw-ZKsnMQlU6JpBXM69MwdhXJFBAQIpvwRTC5IbRShMLMae0P8Y6poLxlhluJrhzmcybfuV2mSY/s320/DSC03275.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
9. Then fold bottom over those and glue down</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
10. Use for various projects!</div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033023836321345904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200049061915703627.post-77931028306861451692013-09-06T00:15:00.000-05:002013-09-06T00:15:51.350-05:00What's Next? Other Blogs and suchToday was one of my few days off from school for the next couple of months. Life is incredibly busy. However, I put up some fall decorations today and plan to put together a fall arrangement once I find a vase I like. When I am all done I will post pictures of the finished product. I bought fabric for the second taggie I am going to make and once that is all done I will post a tutorial(hopefully next weeks post!) I've been doing some art and trying to start planning for Christmas. In the meantime as I try to get my craft room back up and running while keeping up with school, I have also started a second blog which goes through my daily life as a med student which you can check out <a href="http://lifeofafmd.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here!</a><br />
My sister(who does guest posts) also has started her own blog about her family life which you can find <a href="http://robertsfamilyof3.blogspot.com/?m=0" target="_blank">here!</a><br />
Keep checking back for new projects. Ideally I am going to post on Thursdays!<br />
Happy Fall!Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033023836321345904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200049061915703627.post-69158355642615142722013-08-23T16:28:00.006-05:002014-07-22T21:50:27.003-05:00To Soon for Fall?Where did summer go to? I am pretty sure it never arrived. Or maybe I just spent most of it hibernating at my study table. Yeah that was probably it. So I figure if pumpkin has hit Starbucks it must officially be fall, right? So the first project of the fall is a new wreath for the front door. I LOVE!!!! how it turned out. It cost me about the same amount to make my own unique wreath as it costs to buy one. It is super easy to make and easily changed to fit everyone's style and preferences.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAl1iIDW-CtzorgK5xHpyYKnWvMvUO37AAMT6Oj1U5IbfkrVSVla4vH7pghqw9y3iK6URJBZGrhyh-p8PAYDGq4D-fchbtOj8ZwsWrAzX26DmP1L7SwMqSU1hbFpupdSwjRlqlzrbZWw/s1600/DSC03260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAl1iIDW-CtzorgK5xHpyYKnWvMvUO37AAMT6Oj1U5IbfkrVSVla4vH7pghqw9y3iK6URJBZGrhyh-p8PAYDGq4D-fchbtOj8ZwsWrAzX26DmP1L7SwMqSU1hbFpupdSwjRlqlzrbZWw/s640/DSC03260.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What You Need</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Grape Vine Wreath</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fake Flowers/leaves/pumpkins...etc</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Clips</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Quick Grip Super Glue</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wooden Letter</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Paint</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
String</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1. Start by clipping off the flowers or leaves you want to use on your wreath and attaching them to the clips with the super glue. Make sure it is super strong glue or the first sign of wear and the flower will fall off!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. Clip the flowers around your wreath</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3. Add leaves and other such decorations around your flowers. I added leaves for the outside and made a circle of leaves for the inside</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4. Paint your letter(My last name initial is H but I liked the K better in the style of letters they had so I went with K)(Give it a good 3 coats)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77Qb2nI57-so3uo_JnSt6tY9uMpakH9gkAmOL5zGwDxZVxfWQtdJ0PAL5l9G5n0pXnl7hDnaA7JCewXxTrzd9mQQjGHrgyjD_ll8xiK7qqvZTX5avqsX9B2gM2-fzz6UrTXpRbB3LcgI/s1600/DSC03250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77Qb2nI57-so3uo_JnSt6tY9uMpakH9gkAmOL5zGwDxZVxfWQtdJ0PAL5l9G5n0pXnl7hDnaA7JCewXxTrzd9mQQjGHrgyjD_ll8xiK7qqvZTX5avqsX9B2gM2-fzz6UrTXpRbB3LcgI/s400/DSC03250.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
5. Cut a 18 inches of ribbon and glue onto back of letter<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCKyjf2ZKYM50bJ-EsDca0GQf3yRHBjCTG0waiDw7ToU1YxDzxNxvqsw36G5WE1WxqtyH-hwBlYMU6R8zCXCWL7NRYpJbvIT12LqDM9r0rVNRndoQTPDb6EYWuvhlmXIQypBpK7V44fc/s1600/DSC03257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCKyjf2ZKYM50bJ-EsDca0GQf3yRHBjCTG0waiDw7ToU1YxDzxNxvqsw36G5WE1WxqtyH-hwBlYMU6R8zCXCWL7NRYpJbvIT12LqDM9r0rVNRndoQTPDb6EYWuvhlmXIQypBpK7V44fc/s400/DSC03257.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
6. Attach ribbon to top of wreath or to wreath holder</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
7. Hang and prepare for compliments! :D</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Happy Fall!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33ZsW9t4j4Ri2EdBEZw9Z_vChVLJ_kv85N5ZgjnBneU45rkAcmChfkZzz68EEs73tsGnBP9vpDS0MxIadL23fsBLMo4UdvKUp7ibnU5Xw1EgGADMcM5rBx47UesTHSBG7iuIEr1bVzMs/s1600/DSC03261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33ZsW9t4j4Ri2EdBEZw9Z_vChVLJ_kv85N5ZgjnBneU45rkAcmChfkZzz68EEs73tsGnBP9vpDS0MxIadL23fsBLMo4UdvKUp7ibnU5Xw1EgGADMcM5rBx47UesTHSBG7iuIEr1bVzMs/s640/DSC03261.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazsVr6T7tCbh6zQaS_Gkj1KoNVzihZDL6z9u_FVZYVqHlDSU9-_tJ2uwXzno2NCUUwM2ZliUqrs6217nzooIg9dMs6btu5m6XquaNoCEq46epkuUwu1LVDJxUiv7SdGDUhlpXYV3gE4k/s1600/DSC03262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazsVr6T7tCbh6zQaS_Gkj1KoNVzihZDL6z9u_FVZYVqHlDSU9-_tJ2uwXzno2NCUUwM2ZliUqrs6217nzooIg9dMs6btu5m6XquaNoCEq46epkuUwu1LVDJxUiv7SdGDUhlpXYV3gE4k/s640/DSC03262.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlMgM61Qi9yARQsqNGXcVcgsB2V4EinZr22IxGBQSWFuR_5kxW3ynjzi9oW5FefOou01roLAN9mNJDq69AdocIKK7vH3ELVwFWzTbCIurctIRqRZKUITcFokyotsTMbr-EtxkKkNT7S8/s1600/DSC03263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlMgM61Qi9yARQsqNGXcVcgsB2V4EinZr22IxGBQSWFuR_5kxW3ynjzi9oW5FefOou01roLAN9mNJDq69AdocIKK7vH3ELVwFWzTbCIurctIRqRZKUITcFokyotsTMbr-EtxkKkNT7S8/s640/DSC03263.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033023836321345904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200049061915703627.post-77585531760726817972013-08-15T23:26:00.000-05:002013-08-15T23:26:06.146-05:00Art or Something Like ItMy most vivid memory of my art ability is from when I was in elementary school. Anyone who didn't like art in school can relate to the dread you get when you are asked to draw something for an assignment. I was probably 7 or 8 and I don't really remember what the assignment was, but I remember I drew a buffalo. The teacher walked by and said, "oh, what a nice squirrel." Yup, I was scarred for life. I decided at that moment that I sucked at art and would never, ever be an artist of any kind. Like NEVER. I pretty much have stuck with that throughout life. It is actually that memory that made me decide I wasn't an artist, a crafty person, and I lacked all imagination. Talk about a life changing moment. I may have taken it to heart a little too much(can you really be that overly dramatic at 7? apparently you can). But I started giving up on at least part of that resolution a couple of years ago when I started crafting. My sister did a lot of sewing and made her own centerpieces for her wedding which were fabric birds stuffed with rice. We had a fight at some point during the wedding planning and as a way of calling it a truce and mending bridges I offered to help her with the birds. I had never done any kind of sewing before that(remember, I was sure I sucked at those kinds of things plus I tried to stay as far away from all kinds of needles as possible). I think I finished 1 bird the 3 hours we worked on them and my sister did the other 7ish. I didn't immediately get into crafting, but some time after that I decided to learn to quilt. It was the beginning of everything. Crafting has been something my sister and I have shared ever since. It has become one of my passions. However, I did not give up the notion that I was not an artist of any kind. My baby sister is the artistic being and I was going to leave it to her. But, then this week hit and I needed a new type of stress reliever. I took my medical board exams in July and I was awaiting the results that only come out on Wednesdays. So Tuesday nights have been brutal for the last 4 weeks. This Tuesday I decided to try my hand at drawing just for fun and I might have a new obsession. Let's just say that it is an excellent stress reliever, but I stand by the I will never be a da Vinci. However, I think for someone who has avoided art of all kinds for 15 years, I am doing alright. I also did some painting which I have decided I also really enjoy. Mediocre or not I am definitely enjoying it and I figure what the heck I'll share it will all of you! I hope to post a tutorial for taggies early next week. I am very excited to get back into blogging and I may even start a second blog to share my adventures as a medical student. Until then...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMO5pD2awQp5RJJs3V0caXcHpKwlbazAvqQr1XgYaWSk05hhMQ4kzjNwjM45CnOwgPVIH8PtnzmopKeAF1qlbLTTVpQcc_hzWcbgnAtzJhU7KaA0HdXwgNHcInefhw07CMu88QBg4wmtk/s1600/DSC03219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMO5pD2awQp5RJJs3V0caXcHpKwlbazAvqQr1XgYaWSk05hhMQ4kzjNwjM45CnOwgPVIH8PtnzmopKeAF1qlbLTTVpQcc_hzWcbgnAtzJhU7KaA0HdXwgNHcInefhw07CMu88QBg4wmtk/s640/DSC03219.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCskxexAHhcaQTBBi84FzCdya8T9RAbV3W8YkHGl93NDSVpYQmm1dWcAldHbuoQ3fjiGAupj4R8M5HnZN_dTyFCZ-EqKA3aAAMkCTx_0ZgXdKRFp_E5BhnY1Iye7l_hTPFXDUF9MHjM_c/s1600/DSC03224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCskxexAHhcaQTBBi84FzCdya8T9RAbV3W8YkHGl93NDSVpYQmm1dWcAldHbuoQ3fjiGAupj4R8M5HnZN_dTyFCZ-EqKA3aAAMkCTx_0ZgXdKRFp_E5BhnY1Iye7l_hTPFXDUF9MHjM_c/s640/DSC03224.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrcCSBLrH2QcFxeBka6KKMXxTnW8LgmBEl6JT5fWS-ubN4Y_tffueJSxMhxOT5bSSCvyPkye7KFTSHCTFDvL1E_qeCt2RyBmNv0dt-VYr3p3kFvtJNx9N3ykrDmAj_iqsir3nU7oIqec/s1600/DSC03231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrcCSBLrH2QcFxeBka6KKMXxTnW8LgmBEl6JT5fWS-ubN4Y_tffueJSxMhxOT5bSSCvyPkye7KFTSHCTFDvL1E_qeCt2RyBmNv0dt-VYr3p3kFvtJNx9N3ykrDmAj_iqsir3nU7oIqec/s640/DSC03231.JPG" width="488" /></a></div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033023836321345904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200049061915703627.post-44625301871498411632013-08-07T15:55:00.002-05:002013-08-08T20:46:15.477-05:00DIY Jewelry Board(Guest Post)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHypQVQoIwoK7bezk5rgSX6di7j6WGNy8jw1Zv0KYM0DF-bj0RR9JemXTDfuWkmxGFKPVQCUncblu_4muunK4h5RSnDa_9pPLCeSO7h8ie2pmudqzJkOT3jQfA2pwKlYHhZVn0VoQzUM/s1600/jamie1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHypQVQoIwoK7bezk5rgSX6di7j6WGNy8jw1Zv0KYM0DF-bj0RR9JemXTDfuWkmxGFKPVQCUncblu_4muunK4h5RSnDa_9pPLCeSO7h8ie2pmudqzJkOT3jQfA2pwKlYHhZVn0VoQzUM/s640/jamie1.gif" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2200049061915703627" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black; font-family: Helvetica;">So at almost 9 months very pregnant I was getting very bored and quite anxious to meet our little lady. I decided one random Saturday that I needed a project. I decided to make a jewelry display! I went to the local hardware store and I needed a board about yay by yay size (picture a 5 foot very pregnant woman telling a pimply teen to cut my bored about so big, shown with hands spaced a ways apart, yikes!). In reality it's about 2 feet wide by 15.5" tall.</span></a><i><u><br /></u></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">I painted the entire bored in a minty green/blue. I started in the corner and attached diagonal strips of tape all the across the bored, to ensure even spacing. Then I removed every other piece and painted the open spaces with silver glitter paint.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">I picked out 14 drawer knobs, 6 drawer pulls, and a package of lace. My husband attached each piece to the board in the layout I designed. I also added a strip of wide lace that I just taped to the back to hook earrings into.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">I LOVE the piece. It looks beautiful in my room and is very functional. If I were to do it again, I'd make a few changes:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">1. This project costed me about $100. Yikes! Next time I'd hit up an antique shop or catch the drawer pulls half off at Hobby Lobby.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">2. I'd fasten my lace better. Heavy earrings really pull it down. Maybe using hot glue on the back and every so often on the front would help.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnTh-vTLC-uwh8F8zCwLwqiRdKb8tdydEmW5bY5q3t7ngOrIPlKQxaJ9_LkbRszKtRjaIfghjY-S-ye2eoNZguj6oUBuLv1dyAm5ysHP_80nsYrfvJSTIuskKgvRIs7CaeKU8bjnnKDs/s1600/jamie2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnTh-vTLC-uwh8F8zCwLwqiRdKb8tdydEmW5bY5q3t7ngOrIPlKQxaJ9_LkbRszKtRjaIfghjY-S-ye2eoNZguj6oUBuLv1dyAm5ysHP_80nsYrfvJSTIuskKgvRIs7CaeKU8bjnnKDs/s640/jamie2.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXENeD4LceqUCLgyFNbOZOHCJiIYo94jeUnkfB6O_QorQza32zMYCWpI5fHNQV7bdMGRokinFbEk8GiJ5wsoLHgq-_uXqVHiWC46SnwiV2VecPzzlU-zV7IiwGzf_UYDUuv_U8TnlI6g/s1600/jamie3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXENeD4LceqUCLgyFNbOZOHCJiIYo94jeUnkfB6O_QorQza32zMYCWpI5fHNQV7bdMGRokinFbEk8GiJ5wsoLHgq-_uXqVHiWC46SnwiV2VecPzzlU-zV7IiwGzf_UYDUuv_U8TnlI6g/s640/jamie3.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;">Note: I'd like to give a big THANKS to my sister Jamie Roberts for writing this post and helping me to get back into my blog after the crazy busy few months of preparing for my board exams!</span></span></h3>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033023836321345904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200049061915703627.post-24836968240391174512013-07-29T15:30:00.002-05:002013-07-29T15:30:57.709-05:00Oh! SunlightFor the last several months I have been preparing for my board exam which I finally took about a week ago. I was hopeful to keep my blog up and running while I was studying, but preparing for boards basically takes you completely away from the world. My last couple of weeks I didn't leave the house and was constantly studying or sleeping. When I finally left the house to take my exam gas prices had jumped $0.40 and the temperature had jumped 20 degrees. I guess you could say that I have been a bit isolated. I've been taking a few days off to recuperate and enjoy my family and friends, but now I'm trying to get back in the swing of things. I'm working on putting together a list of projects(I know my sister and I are going to tackle a repurpose project very soon!) and trying to get things I finished months ago ready to be posted online. I'm super excited to get back in my craft room and begin living again. Look for new posts in the next couple of weeks!Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033023836321345904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200049061915703627.post-81967198811734781942013-04-25T17:03:00.000-05:002014-07-22T21:51:08.793-05:00Panel Quilt Tutorial<div style="text-align: left;">
Though I really enjoy to make complex quilts for the adults in my life, sometimes I come across a single piece of fabric or a panel for an infants quilt and I just must make it. Panel quilts are much easier to make and take up a lot less time, but end up being just a cute and still a homemade gift and who can beat that? My niece got so many quilts before she was ever born, so I decided I would wait to make her one until she was older like maybe for her fifth birthday. BUT...my sister decided to redo my niece's room in owls(it looks amazing by the way) and I found this owl panel and I just had to get it. I love the way it turned out. I used the sewing machine to do the quilting around the objects and it went much better than expected!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSCFvqnyp3FNJ88hvLWGoENDY5CVOzseSp_aqOpkWp1iL_1CW530Zm3jxOv2Gl9Q6Ff9kG8qyJ3jk3YPZqVyjq4IYpsbk0o8yzs1dfNCO4CtJzZG6bmMYQ2ed5l0EqguqSZvi0g_mExA/s1600/DSC03020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSCFvqnyp3FNJ88hvLWGoENDY5CVOzseSp_aqOpkWp1iL_1CW530Zm3jxOv2Gl9Q6Ff9kG8qyJ3jk3YPZqVyjq4IYpsbk0o8yzs1dfNCO4CtJzZG6bmMYQ2ed5l0EqguqSZvi0g_mExA/s640/DSC03020.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What You Need</span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 Panel</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Batting</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Flannel that is as big as your panel</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/3-1/2 of a yard of binding cotton fabric</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sewing Machine</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Iron</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><u>Preparing your Panel</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1. Start by measuring out the size of you panel and cutting out batting and flannel that is the same size.(Note: if you are not using spray basting it is a good idea to have extra flannel and batting on each side for sew basting because it will pull in.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvAqgMTubT46qJTS_u4MMcdIbA8X63kV_7sw031OGabGuXmphcx10-keGP8_rCJQT43jRTWgxK3cLPMM0RFI2J-s_aHuhDxKzexqSv0d6tqEa3UdlUohc9hMcsgZeQblb98-o9915X_E/s1600/DSC02826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvAqgMTubT46qJTS_u4MMcdIbA8X63kV_7sw031OGabGuXmphcx10-keGP8_rCJQT43jRTWgxK3cLPMM0RFI2J-s_aHuhDxKzexqSv0d6tqEa3UdlUohc9hMcsgZeQblb98-o9915X_E/s400/DSC02826.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. Line up your 3 layers and begin basting them together section by section. Be sure to keep creases out of each layer</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3. At this point you should have a quilt sandwich that looks kind of like this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmvos40sJ-oz9fF3evJXJZtI2nIev5sUAusnTndcz7eF7t24w_GsFM6o2NnSVzjfjjemxJPDg3LRHUxrlrpNIWM_mNzyBVqJQGjKhkd6GsIFd9-oRo1JnmS68CYfbqL_SSJ37e1YvmGU/s1600/DSC01912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmvos40sJ-oz9fF3evJXJZtI2nIev5sUAusnTndcz7eF7t24w_GsFM6o2NnSVzjfjjemxJPDg3LRHUxrlrpNIWM_mNzyBVqJQGjKhkd6GsIFd9-oRo1JnmS68CYfbqL_SSJ37e1YvmGU/s400/DSC01912.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4. Now comes the stitching. Some people have very nice sewing machines that will do very pretty patterns into the quilt, however I'm a poor medical student so I have a very basic machine and did the pattern myself. You can either use a fabric pen and mark the pattern you want to use or you can trace some of your shapes(I did the animals).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
5. You can either use your sewing machine to stitch in your design or you can sew it by hand. I chose to use thread that blended into the background because I wanted the design of the fabric to be the main feature, however if you want your stitching to stand out you should use contrasting thread.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9SbvD6fU0vzPE-vhTUgFV3gmYAFsSHX9_2LjO81AjD00P3LqCXYfE8TSMx34zPkzZp8JScs2Z_XzTPUbBGh4D2L_Rwohltpzh7tN6-lBhYqGkVfX5A60ZjNRPYAOqXf3O7nqEDVQVNY/s1600/DSC02827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9SbvD6fU0vzPE-vhTUgFV3gmYAFsSHX9_2LjO81AjD00P3LqCXYfE8TSMx34zPkzZp8JScs2Z_XzTPUbBGh4D2L_Rwohltpzh7tN6-lBhYqGkVfX5A60ZjNRPYAOqXf3O7nqEDVQVNY/s640/DSC02827.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCGCgPlP_7aqwb6JlIy-inDRFo9W6UGZz_6AHaJYjN0AT9NvMNd0eu5rBC4Gi0rirKJ2RiClySac5GP6ToSA4JLXS60UwkmE5z_3vWtNmnXd7Mlb8bBncMAaB7m5gGJo-F9yLOMsqQBs/s1600/DSC02828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCGCgPlP_7aqwb6JlIy-inDRFo9W6UGZz_6AHaJYjN0AT9NvMNd0eu5rBC4Gi0rirKJ2RiClySac5GP6ToSA4JLXS60UwkmE5z_3vWtNmnXd7Mlb8bBncMAaB7m5gGJo-F9yLOMsqQBs/s640/DSC02828.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<b><u>Binding your quilt</u></b><br />
1. I used bias tape. There are several different ways you can do binding and because I was in a huge hurry(I put on the binding right before her birthday party), I did my the quick way<br />
2.When you unfold it you will see that inside it is folded inward again(don't unfold these). Starting in the middle of a side pin the binding onto your quilt<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZ0eCKK9-czKkjo9vsnxwetQV4K8SjFUHr4QsseDkA0QGKf5LROWPAyf-wzhxcv48zCJZTmETa5Zc4RWMYl96EAswTpTojQR8V9hbFwLXPSH96RhXnGcbKasTLuVg4PfGc0Kf9TN5qWQ/s1600/DSC02829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZ0eCKK9-czKkjo9vsnxwetQV4K8SjFUHr4QsseDkA0QGKf5LROWPAyf-wzhxcv48zCJZTmETa5Zc4RWMYl96EAswTpTojQR8V9hbFwLXPSH96RhXnGcbKasTLuVg4PfGc0Kf9TN5qWQ/s400/DSC02829.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
3. To make corners fold so that there are two triangles that come together to make a square corner on both in front and back and pin<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBT6h8-RIupUZXA4sBQ2KmKFHy2i7Ij79P1MwtEe3zj1cxi-uTiQJg_7KagW4w_0x4b3yTB5YvXZn6C7JsvhLhosaz9pxugzCCHROftj_1qMAgWG5ce0yyFx8zGFm5Og78YyLWwJJm4B0/s1600/DSC02830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBT6h8-RIupUZXA4sBQ2KmKFHy2i7Ij79P1MwtEe3zj1cxi-uTiQJg_7KagW4w_0x4b3yTB5YvXZn6C7JsvhLhosaz9pxugzCCHROftj_1qMAgWG5ce0yyFx8zGFm5Og78YyLWwJJm4B0/s400/DSC02830.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwt9oKhy3mrgkzcTfaDJ-HLLPYtlQuRG3Xj4xQ4SQCfni-fpT7ZYSy4K01hRw_3UHHUNKE1zY6ONhtccwCjEW55W_Q1JAQHXyYnnKAQywdmUjGmNofuYclOg4lJIoN0HI4u_ytrB-4G0/s1600/DSC02831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwt9oKhy3mrgkzcTfaDJ-HLLPYtlQuRG3Xj4xQ4SQCfni-fpT7ZYSy4K01hRw_3UHHUNKE1zY6ONhtccwCjEW55W_Q1JAQHXyYnnKAQywdmUjGmNofuYclOg4lJIoN0HI4u_ytrB-4G0/s400/DSC02831.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
4. Sew on your binding<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033023836321345904noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200049061915703627.post-84150950160292393842013-03-30T15:05:00.000-05:002014-07-22T21:51:26.054-05:00Bowl EtchingMy absolutely gorgeous and wonderful mother got another year older in Febuary. Ugh I know I am so behind on posts, aren't I??? Silly me, I need to get it together. Anyway, we got together and had dinner and did some gifts a couple of times. Part two was slightly better than part one. We got our wires crossed you see. My family and I live in different cities and I don't get to go home as often as I would like, so when I went home the day after my mom's birthday I thought we were waiting to celebrate until my other two sisters could be there, but plans had changed and I showed up unprepared. So we just did it again the next time I came home and my mom got 2 birthday dinners. Last year, my parent's kitchen got a complete makeover, except of course the kitchen ware. Somehow people also forget that part. So I thought I would use my new glass etching skills and some permeant outdoor vinyl to put together some new personalized kitchenware and everything turned out really well. You can find the glass etching tutorial <a href="http://acraftyescape-katie.blogspot.com/2013/01/glass-etching.html" target="_blank">here</a> and the vinyl I got from vinyloutlet online and it is outdoor vinyl that I cut with my cricut. The bowls and the casserole pans are pyrex.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUFf4_ZikNTNLF8KquToPghwvRmMbT-pUvVB-rPwV7TgyT2MuJRhBTNnCPIrWmZey6SgLrJcYrnocQuUHSocrg-Dc8GWniHzHS8avH-TKAFc3wAk3-MlG9i2x9PL8sQfDTb-1dGMWrKM/s1600/DSC02695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUFf4_ZikNTNLF8KquToPghwvRmMbT-pUvVB-rPwV7TgyT2MuJRhBTNnCPIrWmZey6SgLrJcYrnocQuUHSocrg-Dc8GWniHzHS8avH-TKAFc3wAk3-MlG9i2x9PL8sQfDTb-1dGMWrKM/s640/DSC02695.JPG" height="496" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAB8tg266WalrEmbyZH5UE63Dr9pWwd1GrwZUgjdAQEO_jdX5dmwa3HjgnD3nzk1BFuvEur12spiX_J1ETYKke2SfGB2dV4aoyYH7K0weMUT5jMmHnb7WuKlpnBE43WDPRdaLdZkuVbfM/s1600/DSC02694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAB8tg266WalrEmbyZH5UE63Dr9pWwd1GrwZUgjdAQEO_jdX5dmwa3HjgnD3nzk1BFuvEur12spiX_J1ETYKke2SfGB2dV4aoyYH7K0weMUT5jMmHnb7WuKlpnBE43WDPRdaLdZkuVbfM/s400/DSC02694.JPG" height="246" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgf0PVDAC3DNcgCqcE6TuByLFQsqKOZg1Q_tdavd5Xnf_XTtVxgu95t8nt-3XaEHjTFN4eLKN4oKezFo1ROaaAYU7UyKDcdmyj0fk2rdNs9mAI0nBa8i1YT7YPtvRbAEsj9b-xyPnpP8E/s1600/DSC02702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgf0PVDAC3DNcgCqcE6TuByLFQsqKOZg1Q_tdavd5Xnf_XTtVxgu95t8nt-3XaEHjTFN4eLKN4oKezFo1ROaaAYU7UyKDcdmyj0fk2rdNs9mAI0nBa8i1YT7YPtvRbAEsj9b-xyPnpP8E/s640/DSC02702.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NWQerpF6rJ5Nx1-N0TSFYWVTAtXoT2tSb8uDsvQlUyaygWyQFXkfkiYQQpUAqc8-P4hbjCz-J_Iw6ZYbGOvb1S1RUqkkigsszNcLcwFoX-stW0_BR9WY1RhFtgfsFG2Gak7Aoe0uBU0/s1600/DSC02705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NWQerpF6rJ5Nx1-N0TSFYWVTAtXoT2tSb8uDsvQlUyaygWyQFXkfkiYQQpUAqc8-P4hbjCz-J_Iw6ZYbGOvb1S1RUqkkigsszNcLcwFoX-stW0_BR9WY1RhFtgfsFG2Gak7Aoe0uBU0/s640/DSC02705.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6TSRYw2l_Jsw7QZ3KoxWlMlGWdB1mbNGyq1XSyjQTOm0ihgPEXF5cGv3tVenU2XIg1F3U61xdMyaw9H6OIDAhr_1eEgW3sI5JIboAKYCMVdp4mfS5_gf7TXNAUQBFT2ejj3PJn5Bges/s1600/DSC02706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6TSRYw2l_Jsw7QZ3KoxWlMlGWdB1mbNGyq1XSyjQTOm0ihgPEXF5cGv3tVenU2XIg1F3U61xdMyaw9H6OIDAhr_1eEgW3sI5JIboAKYCMVdp4mfS5_gf7TXNAUQBFT2ejj3PJn5Bges/s640/DSC02706.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsAxrFIbuHeuwCEFwhC0EedsWgnFMR1t66MRBNR-DhaSXZeJ5tnTpPk4buqhMwdkyGvxKj0bLH4f_8wOnTdh0t9VAi0YP7fsNwBSspao04xs3eL8poL1jAjolgXIUpjL8B04JUoIuNBc/s1600/DSC02708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsAxrFIbuHeuwCEFwhC0EedsWgnFMR1t66MRBNR-DhaSXZeJ5tnTpPk4buqhMwdkyGvxKj0bLH4f_8wOnTdh0t9VAi0YP7fsNwBSspao04xs3eL8poL1jAjolgXIUpjL8B04JUoIuNBc/s640/DSC02708.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrMDR3OhHUYDHg_6jIm04qGGabtpoyp0YxNe8UkSBXI5mwJC1YVTlBNYB2CIMt-5q75rCMKVhjRCe5rKDE5PGIx39_9Em0JwWoMAE-7R6Nw79sW_R_VUJSqUFfWspGQkOII_6govdt9w/s1600/DSC02712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrMDR3OhHUYDHg_6jIm04qGGabtpoyp0YxNe8UkSBXI5mwJC1YVTlBNYB2CIMt-5q75rCMKVhjRCe5rKDE5PGIx39_9Em0JwWoMAE-7R6Nw79sW_R_VUJSqUFfWspGQkOII_6govdt9w/s640/DSC02712.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXxurk41xrI0EkNc4AGATMhXXINE7JpWZFOb-5yDa7YQcGmXABjUAvYY6aKFeHSnrJxZWF8N8ybSqv2k0s8KIyIOWofKyUYfqaP3q2HABTTRujs9AIjqFsjVHok48BoHlHGt_iXqzQm8/s1600/DSC02714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXxurk41xrI0EkNc4AGATMhXXINE7JpWZFOb-5yDa7YQcGmXABjUAvYY6aKFeHSnrJxZWF8N8ybSqv2k0s8KIyIOWofKyUYfqaP3q2HABTTRujs9AIjqFsjVHok48BoHlHGt_iXqzQm8/s640/DSC02714.JPG" height="302" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqtha3BDRqe1M3fdXUa9w32vRxEQTbQlHXOhWNXr9m3gdVCSyW3idVWTFW55gWQktNjtbmCXP13fc8LP0MGNDvpEyU-zSTG9mJbyNvnAhd6xdLtPwFITEzz9oJ8dJqAgPRR0HYsBuHw8/s1600/DSC02716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqtha3BDRqe1M3fdXUa9w32vRxEQTbQlHXOhWNXr9m3gdVCSyW3idVWTFW55gWQktNjtbmCXP13fc8LP0MGNDvpEyU-zSTG9mJbyNvnAhd6xdLtPwFITEzz9oJ8dJqAgPRR0HYsBuHw8/s640/DSC02716.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033023836321345904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200049061915703627.post-17632571437667961852013-03-12T16:39:00.002-05:002013-03-12T16:39:30.556-05:00Life HappensI had made this goal to have a blog post once a week and I realize now it has been over a week and the one before that wasn't exactly a week after the one before it. Let's just say life has happened. I am juggling school, work, studying for my exams, family, crafts, and volunteering while trying to get some decent sleep, oh yes and I decided it was the perfect time to get healthy. I am learning how to use to word no and constantly feel guilty for saying it, but it is an important thing we all must learn at some point. I have made the decision to have a few months of selfishness. Or at least as selfish as I can possibly be as I still love to make people happy. Mostly, what that means is I am trying to learn to say no, live for me, and not pursue any relationship avenues so I can keep up with my busy lifestyle. I enjoy the feeling of freedom like I never thought I would. My sister always told me that I should be happy being alone before I decided to be with someone else. I guess you can say I am finally at that point where I enjoy being with just me and doing my own thing. One day in the future I will return to the dating scene, but today isn't that day. But I digress. Even though I haven't shared everything with you all, I have been working on several great project much of which are finished. I put together a few things for my mom's birthday at the beginning of Feb and then for a baby shower at the end of Feb. I'm also working on a small little thing for my nieces birthday this week and finished some things in the office. I have tons of projects I want to work on and just not as much time as I would like. However, I will be sharing with you all the projects I have been working on in the next several weeks and then look for a full week of posts from my sister as she has officially finished my niece's room and let's just say it looks AMAZING! She made tons of things from a clock, to a quilt, to new wall arrangements. I can't wait to unveil the whole ordeal for you all in a couple of weeks! As spring approaches and life begins to happen, I am sure you all will be busy as well trying to keep up and planning things for birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, weddings, etc. May spring be a happy, productive time for us all!Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02033023836321345904noreply@blogger.com0