tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32013061890083757842024-03-28T04:18:03.012-05:00Tweet Potato Pieerinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941143379661348614noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201306189008375784.post-33069694500177913882015-02-10T07:00:00.000-06:002015-02-10T07:00:01.857-06:00february goals for business, creating, and readingi actually started this post last tuesday night...<br />
almost a week ago now.<br />
i got about three paragraphs in and stopped dead in my tracks, unable to go any further.<br />
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i really, really wanted this month to look like last month.<br />
i wanted a nice, neat list of goals--maybe ten, maybe more--that i could check off one at a time and update y'all on my progress.<br />
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and that's just not how it's going.<br />
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don't get me wrong...<br />
it's going well...<br />
heck, it's going awesome.<br />
but it's just not fitting all snug and concise "in the box" like last month did.<br />
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i told myself {and you} at the beginning of the year that when it came to being intentional, i'd tackle one area each month for the duration of 2015.<br />
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however, some of the facets of my life walk so closely hand-in-hand with each other that it'd just be futile to try to separate them.</div>
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for <b><i>february, march, and april</i></b>, i will be focusing on <b><i>intentional in business, creating, and reading</i></b>.<br />
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<b><i>business and creating</i></b>...they're soul-sisters in my world.</div>
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i love to create, y'all.</div>
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love, love, love it.</div>
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i feel most alive when i'm doing one of two things--writing or creating.</div>
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i've made a decent little business for myself selling vintage on instagram, and i value the connections and friendships i've formed through that outlet.</div>
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but really, my heart is in <b><i>creating</i></b>.</div>
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and i'm most blessed that i get to use my creating to help support my family.</div>
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these months will be spent, in part, focusing on my creating...</div>
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expanding on ideas that i've used in the past, and developing new products for the future {i'm super-excited about that part!}</div>
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speaking of my little vintage business, it's overtaken the far end of my basement!!!<br />
i want to sell off most of my vintage goodies during this month--i'm putting that under the <b><i>business</i></b> category.<br />
this fabulous shelving unit {it came out of an old post office} was an incredible craigslist find a few years ago and has been priceless for keeping my vintage inventory both organized and visible.<br />
i have no desire to completely abandon vintage-selling, but i do need to pare down the stock i have on hand.<br />
last week and this week thus far have been spent in thinning out this vintage supply. i estimate that i have another week or two of solid selling before i'm able to move on to the <b><i>creating</i></b> with a clear mind.<br />
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this huuuuuuuuuge armoire is in our bedroom, full of my crafting/creating supplies!!!<br />
ohhhhhh the goodies that are in here!<br />
i really believe i'm going to end up needing to do a sale of craft supplies, once it all comes down to it.<br />
i've gathered sooooo much goodness over the years that it's just overwhelming.<br />
when i want to make something, i open these doors and can't even figure out what i want to do.<br />
i need to thin out my collections and focus on one or two main areas.<br />
now let's just see if i can bring myself to actually do it!<br />
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this is my sad little sewing area. <br />
it's tucked away into a dark corner of the basement...<br />
but try as i might, i just canNOT come up with another option.<br />
there is just NO room anywhere else in our house for me to set up "creative camp."<br />
but!!!...in keeping with my goals, i have my builder-brother coming this friday to install to-the-ceiling shelves in this nook.<br />
i've decided that if this is where i must sew, it can at least be cute and functional and inspiring.<br />
be prepared for updates on this area!<br />
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i decided that it would just be too difficult--needlessly difficult--to try to separate and distinguish between business and creating.<br />
i'm lumping them in together, so to speak, and giving them an extended time period...<br />
because i truly believe they need those extra weeks.<br />
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i've also thrown <i><b>reading</b></i> in with <b><i>business and creating</i></b>.<br />
i wanted to work on reading early enough in the year that i could carry it through the rest of the year with me.<br />
also, it gave me an "easy" third area to group with business and creating, so that i could stretch their focus time out for a full {much-needed} three months.<br />
yes, i'm focusing on <b><i>three</i></b> areas over the span of the next <b><i>three</i></b> months.<br />
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i have several ideas floating around in my brain that i'd like to incorporate to foster more reading in my life.<br />
these days, it seems like my reading time is nearly nil...and when i do finally eke out a moment or two to turn a page, something louder/more important demands even that small bit of time.<br />
i want to try to implement an "electronics curfew" for myself, if only for a few evenings a week...<br />
but have yet to do so.<br />
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how do you carve out reading time for yourself?<br />
i find that i often drift over to pinterest or instagram when i've promised myself some reading time...<br />
do you have an "electronics curfew?"<br />
and most importantly, <i><b>what</b></i> are you reading these days?<br />
because the most compelling call to reading is an interesting book, of course!<br />
i'd love your helpful hints and book suggestions!<br />
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xo</div>
erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941143379661348614noreply@blogger.com141tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201306189008375784.post-27504018865981620692015-01-31T08:00:00.000-06:002015-01-31T08:00:04.377-06:00corners of our homehey, friends!!! i know it's saturday, but i just couldn't resist popping in here on this--<i>the last day of this month!!!</i>--to show you a few little corners of our home that i've spruced up this month!!!<br />
grab your hot cuppa, c'mon in and join me for a little saturday morning visit!<br />
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this shelf is above the fireplace in our sunroom, the first area anyone sees when they walk in the door.</div>
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one thing i've especially loved during this redecorating process is making use of sentimental items. i decided that i was tired of hanging on to certain things "to use someday," and that "someday" was finally here.</div>
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my dad built this shelf for my grandma, his mom, as a high-school shop-class project. when mimi passed away, it was given to him and he passed it on to me. the haviland bird cup & saucer sets were my mom's and i recently found the matching plates on ebay {for 99¢!!!}. the small green saucer and pitcher on the lower right were my mimi's childhood dishes and were also passed on to me from my dad. {the yellow rose plates and yellow vase on the top shelf were also mimi's!}</div>
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it means so much to me that i was able to gather items i love from people i love and display them in a cohesive fashion.</div>
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this is an overhead loft area, walking into the dining area from the sunroom. all of the globes were thrifted and all but one or two are vintage.</div>
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the double-barrel shotgun was passed down to my hubby from his dad.</div>
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this is another open cabinet in our kitchen...i did a little re-arranging in here this month. i'm still hanging on to some bright pops of color here and there...especially in the kitchen!</div>
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this slatted shelf above the kitchen sink is perfect for small succulents and other plants that i'm rooting for propagation. that sweet antique bird planter was a recent birthday gift from my thoughtful friend, denise.</div>
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i love this bright and cheery corner as you walk into our kitchen & dining area...if you peer closely, you can catch a glimpse of the coffee station in the reflection!</div>
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{hello sign from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/JustAddSunshineInc">just add sunshine</a>}</div>
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and because i promised i'd show you, here's my whiteware cabinet in the corner of the dining room {adjoining to the kitchen}. i've already added a piece or two since this photo was taken, but i love the ever-evolving nature of this collection.</div>
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i've been very selective with what pieces have gone back up on our walls, but these were must-haves for our home.</div>
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the black phone hung in my hubby's papaw and granny's home all through his childhood--their phone number is still typewritten on the paper in the center of the rotary dial.</div>
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the praying man print hung in my hubby's childhood home...</div>
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the "christ is here" sign was thrifted ages ago...we often wonder if it used to hang in a church?</div>
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paul bought me that old-school pencil sharpener for christmas a few years ago--really, nothing sharpens pencils like these good, old sharpeners.</div>
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also, pencil sharpener for christmas? enter this exhibit as further proof that this man truly gets me.</div>
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another {closer-up} view of our mail center...more on that in <a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2015/01/what-intentional-looked-like-in-january.html">this post</a>. the vintage ransburg bread box holds current bills, mail, and paperwork that we like to keep handy.</div>
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we've had that medicine-cabinet-turned-entry-mirror since we owned our very first home...it wasn't even a question as to whether or not it would make it back up on the walls. besides, it's perfect in the new neutral-ish color palette.</div>
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sweet denise also made the chicken wire cloche for me. crafty friends are the best type of friends, don't you think so?</div>
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if you were paying suuuuuuuuper-close attention when you read <a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2015/01/january-goals-for-decorating-and.html">this post</a>, you may remember that i mentioned needing to fix a broken vase that had sat on the laundry room counter for the better part of nine months. bam! done. here's proof.</div>
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oh. also proof that i did the tiniest bit of re-arranging in this cabinet...another goal checked off the january list.</div>
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you may recognize this table as the location of the unfortunate whitewash-the-lamp-spray-paint-the-shade-deck-the-shade-with-ruffles lamp.</div>
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yes. it's gone.</div>
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and this $50 lamp from target took its place.</div>
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lesson learned? even the savviest thrifter occasionally needs to pay full price {well, i did have a $5-off-$50 purchase coupon, so technically <i>not</i> full price} to get exactly what's needed for a space.</div>
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i haven't regretted it for a second.</div>
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a big thank-you to my precious mom-in-law for that birthday gift card to tar-jay...and hence, this lamp. </div>
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shelf is another built-long-ago treasure from my dad, many of the knick-knacks are family pieces.</div>
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{print from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlossomAndVine">blossom and vine</a>}</div>
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and just to keep it real, just so that you know this month will still end with a list of ongoing goals, here's what it looks like in front of my big picture window right now.</div>
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i may have spent a week's salary on house plants at home depot yesterday. </div>
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money? who needs money? we have clean air, baby.</div>
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y'all have been so good about following along with me during this month of intentional in decorating and housekeeping. i canNOT even begin to describe to you how very excited i am about what's to come for february. join me here next week?<br />
i just can't wait!<br />
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happy weekend, y'all!<br />
xo<br />
<br />erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941143379661348614noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201306189008375784.post-1808749157393524852015-01-28T07:00:00.000-06:002015-01-28T08:23:11.999-06:00what "intentional" looked like in january...as each month of this year draws to a close, i'd like to make the time to think a bit on what <i>intentional </i> looked like for me that month and how it actually fleshed itself out into <i>action</i>.<br />
i want to be able to look back and chart <i>tangible</i> progress, see <i>concrete</i> goals met.<br />
i want to be able to recognize how it changed my life.<br />
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january was focused on being <a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2015/01/january-goals-for-decorating-and.html">intentional in decorating and housekeeping</a>.<br />
this month, intentionality had one major influence on me.<br />
just one.<br />
but that one was big enough in itself.<br />
<b>in january, i was spurred to <i>action</i>.</b><br />
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i'm all for rest...relaxation...renewal...<br />
i even had <a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2015/01/birthday-weekenda-healthy-dose-of-r-r.html">a weekend for that</a> around the time of my birthday this month.<br />
but i think, every so often, a good kick in the seat of the pants is in order.<br />
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we all work hard. we do.<br />
and sometimes we can get into such a habit of<i> i deserve to rest</i>...<br />
<i>i deserve to sit and take a break</i>...<br />
<i>i'm just going to take it easy this evening</i>...<br />
and before you know it, those take-it-easy evenings have stretched into weeks, weeks into months,<br />
and we wonder why the needle-less christmas wreath is still hanging on our front door in april.<br />
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so, for me, january looked like a lot of <b><i>DO</i></b>ing and not much sitting around and resting.<br />
a time for everything, right?<br />
well, this wasn't the month for relaxation, let me tell ya.<br />
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january looked like an evening, after an exhaustingly long day of homeschooling, spent moving our mail center into my blogging/business desk in the living room.</div>
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it was after 7:00, i was waging the mental debate over curling up with a steaming hot cup of coffee and a good book--after all, i'd <i>earned</i> it right?....</div>
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OR moving my mail and bills and papers and other not-so-fun sounding stuff.</div>
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the thing is, i knew the pay-off would be worth it. i knew the sense of accomplishment would be greater than the enjoyment of hot java and a few chapters. i knew i'd be able to cross something off my january goals list.</div>
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but still, the inner struggle was very real. </div>
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<b>and that's what i want you to know.</b></div>
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it's not like <i>oh, but this is easy for her...she <b>likes</b> to organize!</i> </div>
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yes. true. i do. but i also enjoy sprawling out on the couch after a rough day just as much as the next person.</div>
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in the end, of course, i opted for relocating the communications center. </div>
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and i'll be honest...i really <i>didn't</i> enjoy it at first.</div>
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but i kept going, knowing that getting it done would be its own sort of fabulous reward.</div>
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and it was. i was pleased with the way everything fit together...so happy to still be able to use beautiful pieces that i love for practical purposes.</div>
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january looked like sewing a feedsack pillow one evening...</div>
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it looked like sewing <a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2015/01/upcycled-sweater-throw-pillow-easy-diy.html">sweater pillows</a> on two other evenings...</div>
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january looked like handmade billy balls, and felted wool wreaths and arrows, and homemade vintage-style school posters, and felt-blossom branches, and extra-large-pom-pom garland. </div>
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january looked like many photos added to the #dontjustPINitDOit hashtag.</div>
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and january looked like <b><i>A LOT</i></b> of fails, too...</div>
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it looked like a fabulous woven-wool rug that i hauled home from the bestie's house {after un-giving it to her...kind-of-sort-of-not-really}...only to find that i really liked my old rug better.</div>
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it looked like screwing cup hooks into approximately sixteen different places in <a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2015/01/our-little-coffee-corner.html">my new coffee corner</a>, only to figure out that hanging mugs just won't work for us in that space.</div>
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it looked like having a fabulous lamp...and then whitewashing that lamp because no matter how fabulous it is, it isn't fabulous if it doesn't go with your decor. and then after whitewashing it, discovering that now the shade looks terrible on it. so the shade gets spray-painted. and covered with three tiers of ruffles. handmade ruffles. torn-from-vintage-sheets ruffles. and then the newly-ruffle-bedecked shade gets put with the formerly-fabulous-freshly-whitewashed lamp, and all you hear inside is <i>womp...womp...womp</i>. yah. it looks like that, too. {and if your charitable self is tempted to say <i>awwwwww! it looks good!</i> please. don't. please trust me that it looks way worse in real life than in that photo above.}</div>
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of course, then, it looked like driving to no fewer than seven different stores, searching for <b><i>the right</i></b> lampshade for said lamp, before finally conceding that perhaps our match was not made in heaven and maybe this lamp and i were just not meant to be.</div>
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it looked like trying approximately eight different newly-thrifted baskets for tea bags in my coffee corner before discovering the berry baskets i'd had in my basement all along.</div>
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it looked like more returned picture frames and lamp shades than i care to remember.</div>
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but all in all, january looked like a lot more <b><i>DO</i>ing</b> than thinking about doing...</div>
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or talking about doing...</div>
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or pinning about doing...</div>
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or sitting and relaxing and wishing someone else was doing.</div>
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january looked like a lot getting off my bootay and getting it done.</div>
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if i can carry even a fraction of this motivation into the upcoming months, i'll be elated.</div>
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so, many of us choose "a word for the year"...</div>
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but here's where the rubber meets the road, so to speak.</div>
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we are 28 days into 2015...</div>
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<b>how has <i>your</i> word for 2015 changed <i>your</i> life?</b></div>
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did you choose a therapeutic-sounding/spiritual-sounding/wisdom-inducing word without giving it much thought?</div>
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are you wishing you would have chosen a word with more <b><i>applicable</i></b> meaning in <i><b>your</b></i> life?</div>
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it's not too late! we are only 28 days into 365!!! choose a new word!</div>
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for that matter, choose a new word each month if you feel led to do so.</div>
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the important thing is that is spurs you to <i style="font-weight: bold;">change</i>.</div>
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maybe you made the right choice on a word, but by 19 days in it had completely slipped your mind?</div>
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consider this your call to action, to renewal.</div>
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write it on your hand, tattoo it on your forehead {not really, please}, embroider it on a hoop {or order one from me}, put post-its around your house...</div>
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let your word seep through every fibre of your being until it's manifested through tangible results in your daily life.</div>
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this is my call for dialogue.</div>
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let's chat.</div>
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i want to know about <i><b>your</b></i> word...</div>
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tell me how it's changed you already...</div>
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or how you have changed it already...</div>
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or what your plans are to change beginning today.</div>
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talk to me, friends.</div>
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xxx</div>
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<br />erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941143379661348614noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201306189008375784.post-22975115770229792262015-01-27T08:30:00.000-06:002015-01-27T08:30:01.731-06:00our little coffee cornertoday, i finally get to show you the accomplishment of the first goal on my <a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2015/01/but-that-would-never-work-for-me.html">january goals list</a>!!!<br />
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back in december, i got the hair-brained idea that i'd like to create a special corner in our kitchen exclusively for our hot drinks--coffee, tea {which i'm drinking a lot more of lately}, and cocoa.<br />
when i'd visited my friend natalie in november, i'd quickly fallen in love with <a href="http://natalienoack.blogspot.com/2014/01/our-coffee-bar.html">her coffee bar</a>; but just hadn't considered it as a feasible option in our home...you know, the whole <i><a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2015/01/but-that-would-never-work-for-me.html">that would never work for me</a></i> sort of thing.<br />
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when january rolled around with its theme of intentional in decorating and housekeeping,<br />
that pesky idea of a coffee station just wouldn't let go.<br />
and now, i'm glad it stuck around!!!<br />
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i'm so excited to show you our new little coffee corner!!!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aDIqmdO5Yq8/VMb3z2akmtI/AAAAAAAAVZU/-Oo9HAvsUKk/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aDIqmdO5Yq8/VMb3z2akmtI/AAAAAAAAVZU/-Oo9HAvsUKk/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
when i finally conceded to the idea and began considering locations for the coffee corner, there were two cabinets that came up as possibilities.<br />
this cabinet was already an open, display-style cabinet, which is what i was specifically wanting; while the other cabinet would have taken a considerable amount of work to get display-worthy.<br />
i'm not saying it couldn't have been done, but when all the factors were considered, this was by far the more favorable option.<br />
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my hubby and i have been french press people for ages now, not owning a coffee machine of any sort. <br />
while we didn't want to ditch the presses completely, we <i>did</i> want the convenience of an electric coffee maker.<br />
my budget was limited for this project--limited meaning, as inexpensive as possible, while still maintaining quality workmanship and products--so i employed one of my favorite money-saving techniques--phone a friend.<br />
we have a neighbor down the road that shows up here for coffee several times a week--i asked him if, by any chance, he had a spare coffee maker sitting around {lots of folks do, you know!}...and he commented that he had this espresso maker tucked under his counter that he had never even used!!!<br />
he brought it down the next day and gave it to me!!! free is my favorite price, y'all!<br />
another friend saw on IG that i was considering buying a keurig and offered me her used model for $15.<br />
it's just a one-cupper, and our coffee needs will quickly outgrow it, but it buys us time. and that was well worth the $15 to me.<br />
my husband works for nestle and can get a great corporate discount on their <a href="https://www.nespresso.com/us/en/">nespresso</a> machines. ultimately, that's what we'd like to get. we're just doing our research and saving our pennies first.<br />
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the little yellow tea pot was a gift from natalie. the sugar and creamer were gifts from my best friend, denise. shine on art {by<a href="http://evieivy.com/"> evie ivy</a>} was in my swag back when i attended <a href="http://www.megduerksen.com/craft-weekend-information/">whatever craft weekend</a> in 2013.<br />
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in one of the drawers beneath the counter, i store all my boxed teas--the kind with the bags <i>not</i> individually wrapped.<br />
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i've collected antique ransburg canisters in various colors throughout the years, and was thrilled to be able to use some in this little nook.<br />
the large white canister holds my hubby's coffee--he can drink the jet-fuel, hi-test, <i>real</i> coffee...<br />
and the smaller green canister holds my coffee--decaf--because i'm a total caffeine-wimp.<br />
<br />
i had already purchased the <i>have a cup of cheer</i> print {from <a href="http://showandtell.bigcartel.com/products">this shop</a>} before i decided to create the coffee corner. <br />
including shipping it was only $12, but i don't think that should really have to enter into the coffee-corner-cost, do you? <br />
i mean, since it wasn't expressly purchased <i>for</i> this project? <br />
hmmmmmm...<br />
<br />
i already owned the round red clock...<br />
and as an avid thrifter, my mug collection is ever-evolving, but none of them count toward the cost of this project.<br />
the wooden tray was a {gulp!} brand-new target purchase, and i almost choked at the $20 it cost me,<br />
since i'm suuuuuuuuure i'll see one in goodwill next week.<br />
but alas, i searched several thrift stores and just couldn't find a wooden tray, and this one <i>did</i> meet my needs perfectly. <br />
so there. a few more $$$ on the cost tally.<br />
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i bought this beat-up old bread box up in ontario, wisconsin, last fall when we were up there for our <a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2014/10/uncle-toms-cabin-ontario-wi-2014.html">yearly pilgrimage to uncle tom's cabin</a> {<i>our</i> uncle tom, not <i>theeeee</i> uncle tom}.<br />
i think i paid $5 for it and even second-guessed myself paying that much.<br />
the handle had fallen off and it was pretty scuzzy.<br />
when my color scheme for this corner started including a bit of yellow and green, i remembered this relic tucked away in a dusty corner of my laundry room. i dug it out, scrubbed it up, fixed its handle...<br />
and now, needless to say, i'm thrilled that i plunked that lincoln down for it!<br />
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the bread box holds a bit of overflow from my tea collection.<br />
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cake stand, vintage yellow tea pot, and small green metal shelf are all thrift finds that i've had for ages, recruited for this new purpose {remember my mantra, friends--<b><i>shop your house</i></b>!!!}<br />
small white berry baskets hold my individually-wrapped teas and were purchased on special last summer from <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/invite/erinhisaw">one king's lane</a>. {they have <b><i>great</i></b> specials...and if you sign up via my link above, you'll receive $15!!! off your first purchase! and i'll get a $15 credit, too :)}<br />
happy flags are from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/nataliecreatesshop">natalie's etsy</a>.<br />
and last but not least, that adorable little cross-hatch jar is theeeee smallest one i've ever found {and <i>only</i> one i've ever found that small}...i paid a whole dollar for that cutie up in amish country, too.<br />
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this isn't the prettiest picture of the bunch, but because i am <i>always</i> curious about this detail {and because a lot of posts leave it out}, i wanted to show you how this area fits in to the rest of our kitchen.<br />
if you read <a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2015/01/if-you-give-woman-paintbrush.html">yesterday's post</a>, you'll notice that i still haven't hung that berggren bread board. my bad.<br />
<br />
so that's that!<br />
according to my not-so-scientific calculations, i put the cost of this project under $40!!!<br />
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<br />
one little note that i think's worth mentioning...<br />
i tend to put a lot of links in my posts. <br />
some blog readers don't want to follow links...<i>give me the post, the whole post, and nothing but the post, so help me God</i>.<br />
others like to jump around, following links here and there.<br />
i'll give you one guess which category i fall into.<br />
<br />
if you're of the former sort, feel free to just skip over all the links...<br />
believe you me, i'll let you know if something is truly a matter of life or death.<br />
<br />
so there.<br />
i've felt like getting that off my chest for a while.<br />
and now that i've said that, i want to say this...<br />
this little project...this project that i was at first convinced wouldn't work at all in our space...<br />
this little nook makes me smile sooooo big every time i see it.<br />
please, do yourself a favor. if you haven't already, take the time to read <a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2015/01/but-that-would-never-work-for-me.html">last friday's post</a>.<br />
and yes, that's a link you should click.<br />
it may convince you to paint that cabinet white!<br />
it may convince you to build a pallet headboard!<br />
hey, it may even convince you to create a coffee corner in <i>your</i> kitchen!<br />
<br />
xo<br />
<br />erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941143379661348614noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201306189008375784.post-26467166914112587942015-01-26T06:30:00.000-06:002015-01-26T06:30:01.554-06:00if you give a woman a paintbrush...saturday marked exactly one week left in this first month of 2015, and tonight was the first time that i've gone back and looked over my <a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2015/01/january-goals-for-decorating-and.html">january goals for decorating and housekeeping</a>.<br />
i'll admit, there are one or two on the list that had somewhat slipped my mind; albeit, not entirely forgotten. <br />
but for the most part, i'm over-the-moon thrilled with what i've been able to accomplish over these past 25-ish days.<br />
<br />
goals 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, and 10 are completely finished...and by "completely finished" i mean no loose ends, no "well, i just need to do this one thing and it will be perfect"...<br />
they're finished. <br />
done.<br />
goal met.<br />
<br />
i wanted to take the time to sit down and plot out exactly what i'd like to finish in this final week of january.<br />
it's not that this month's focus of <a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2015/01/grab-cup-of-coffeeor-maybe-entire-pot.html">intentionality in decorating and housekeeping</a> will come to a screeching halt on the 31st as i transition into next month's theme; but naturally, as my emphasis shifts, so will the drive, motivation, and somewhat-sense-of-urgency.<br />
i want to close out this month by knocking out as many of those remaining goals as possible, and maybe even wrap up a few things that have come up along the way.<br />
<br />
so, for this week...<br />
{red numbers indicate "leftovers" from that <a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2015/01/january-goals-for-decorating-and.html">original post</a>}...<br />
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1. i need to get a lampshade for this guy {the owl, not the cat}.<br />
for the longest time he had theeeee coolest shade that i made from an old lampshade frame and vintage christmas balls. i left it on him year-round...but again, this is one of those things that is just due for a change. <br />
this lamp is <i>big</i>.<br />
i'v shopped at a few places for a shade for him, but to no avail.<br />
hoping i maaaaaaay find one this week.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">2.</span> {2 on original list, too} tv is still in our bedroom, still not working. this is one of those things that this totally-tech-illiterate girl has to rely on her hubby for. he's been so good about helping me out with some of my other projects, but with a full work week ahead of us, i'm wondering if this is one that's going to actually get checked off or not.<br />
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3. this is one of those that wasn't on the original list, but it's made it on to the final-week list...<br />
i'd like to get one or two things hung back up on this wall.<br />
my walls were empty...blank...bare...for 26 days. <br />
i've been very selective with which items i'm hanging back up, and there are a few oldies-but-goodies that simply must come back into this space.<br />
this week.<br />
{sidenote: the photo that i originally intended to post here included the entire wall, all the way to the corner. <br />
which means you would have seen my whiteware cabinet in the corner--goal #7 on original list--which is done!!!! <br />
can't wait to show it off to you--along with all the other finished projects--later this week!!!}<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">4</span>. {5 on original list} while the mail center has been successfully moved into my blogging/business desk area, i'd like to get that blue cabinet of shipping supplies tidied up and a bit more orderly before i consider crossing this one off as done.<br />
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5. another one of those silly little things that's cropped up, but one i'd like to finish, nonetheless.<br />
i need to finally decide whether or not to re-hang this vintage berggren bread board on this little patch of wall.<br />
i'm leaning toward yes...just haven't actually done it yet.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">6</span>. {6 on original list, too} of all the <i>easy</i> things on my list, making a weekly housekeeping schedule has somehow fallen to the bottom. i sat down to write out a list of duties and regularity with which they need to be done, and my mind went ______________________________.<br />
blank.<br />
i <i>know</i> i clean this house.<br />
i <i>know</i> i do!<br />
but somehow, i couldn't come up with what to write on that list.<br />
i found <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2015/01/home-ec-how-to-keep-a-clean-home.html?crlt.pid=camp.gDgc9HwLVnsS">this</a> on pinterest today, and it was a godsend. so simple, but exactly what i needed to spur me to get this one done.<br />
i plan to finish this early this week.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">7</span>. glass-door cabinet in living room--see original post--nothing has changed.<br />
this is simply one that i just haven't gotten to yet.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
if there's one thing i've more than learned this month, it's that home improvement projects breed home improvement projects.<br />
my original list of goals had ten items on it.<br />
i accomplished six of those and i still have seven left.<br />
the math doesn't add up right.<br />
<br />
it's like the <i>if you give a mouse a cookie</i> books. if you paint the walls, you'll move the furniture. and if you move the furniture, you'll try the floor lamp next to the chair rather than the sofa. and if you move the lamp over to that side of the room, then you'll decide that maybe the sofa would look better on that side of the room, too. and if you move the sofa, then you'll rearrange the entire living room. and if you rearrange the entire living room, you'll discover that now there's a spot that needs a new lamp. and if you need a new lamp, you'll go to approximately 2,143 stores before settling on the perfect lamp. and if this is what happened in the living room, multiply it times 100 when you consider that i did little projects in nearly every room of our main living areas. <br />
<i>if you give a woman a paintbrush</i>...my new bestseller. <br />
look for it to be released in june of 2016. <br />
not really. <br />
<br />
hey, you'll be hearing from me a lot this week.<br />
be ready for it.<br />
xoerinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941143379661348614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201306189008375784.post-59628311343640655582015-01-23T06:30:00.000-06:002015-01-23T06:30:02.633-06:00...but that would never work for me
<i>i'd love to have a coffee bar, but my kitchen is too little.</i><br />
<i>that would never work in our house.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>i'd love to decorate with whites and neutrals, but i have boys/dogs/too many kids.</i><br />
{boys/kids/dogs = all the same thing, right? ;)}<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>i'd really like to have my counters clear, but i don't have enough storage space.</i><br />
<i>it just won't work in my kitchen.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>i wish i could make those pillows, but i don't know how to sew.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>i don't have thrift stores like that near me.</i><br />
<i>i just don't have the creative flair.</i><br />
<i>i don't have the money to redecorate.</i><br />
<i>i don't have the time.</i><br />
<i>i don't have the room.</i><br />
<br />
...and on and on the list could go.<br />
<br />
the reasons we tell ourselves why we <b><i>can't</i></b> do some thing...any thing.<br />
<br />
if there's one thing that this month of "<a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2015/01/january-goals-for-decorating-and.html">intentional in decorating and housekeeping</a>" has taught me, it's that i need to take a second {and sometimes third and fourth} look at all the "i can'ts" i've registered in my log of doable feats.<br />
<br />
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early this month--actually it was late last month--i had the idea cross my mind that i'd like a coffee bar area in my kitchen.<br />
i quickly dismissed the idea because...<br />
<i>we don't drink coffee enough...i mean, for pete's sake, i can only drink decaf!</i><br />
<i>we don't have enough room...all our cabinets are full.</i><br />
<i>we don't even have a coffee maker...we've been french press people for years!</i><br />
but the idea kept popping up. and the more i pondered it, the more i craved such a space.<br />
and once i eliminated the option of dismissing the idea, i realized that there were actually <b><i>two</i></b> spots in my kitchen that just might work for the little drink station i had in mind.<br />
you'll have to wait for the reveal post to see what i came up with, but i'm super-pleased.<br />
and most of all, i'm glad that i quit listening to my "that'll never work" mentality.<br />
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i remember, years ago, when my mom bought her first white couch.</div>
i thought it was one of the most ridiculous, impractical decisions she'd ever made.<br />
fast forward ten-ish years later, and i have a <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S19875765/">white sofa</a>...with the matching <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S79875786/">white armchair</a> and <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S39817557/">ottoman</a>.<br />
my how time changes things, eh?<br />
and i can't tell you how many comments i've received, from real-life friends and internet friends alike--about how they could neverrrrrrrrrrrrr, ever have white furniture {see reasons in diatribe at beginning of post}.<br />
people. look at me. would i ever lead you astray?<br />
no. the correct answer is no.<br />
people, if you saw theeee pure filth that's wrung from these gloriously white slipcovers every time i throw them in the wash machine, you'd think twice about your permanently-upholstered germ-trap that "<i>is so good at hiding dirt!</i>"<br />
mind you, in no way am i discrediting your sofa choice; but please, believe me when i say that no amount of kids {we have four}, dogs {we have one}, or cats {one, also} could convince me to go with an un-wash-able sofa ever again.<br />
it's amazing what hot water, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Krud-Kutter-KK01-Concentrated-Degreaser/dp/B005FMZ40Y/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1421981101&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=krud+kutter+gallon">krud kutter</a> {i get mine at menard's}, a washing machine, and a good soak can do to keep whites white...even in the most challenging of surroundings.<br />
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<br />
i could go on...this post could go on.<br />
my point is not to address every last little excuse you have for why you cannot do that which you want to do.<br />
my point is to get you to question the "i can'ts."<br />
we get an idea, an idea we like...<br />
and then, so suddenly, so easily, so naturally we fall into default mode of i-can't-ness.<br />
<br />
no.<br />
stop.<br />
think twice {or thrice or four-ice}.<br />
and ask yourself if there's a way.<br />
is there <i><b>any</b></i> way for it to work?<br />
<br />
i have my coffee station.<br />
my living room is rearranged into a totally different configuration.<br />
my counter is cleared.<br />
my mail center is moved.<br />
i'm decorating with a shadow box my dad built ages ago.<br />
i've painted my walls white.<br />
<br />
all...capital ay-double-ell...ALL of these projects are things about which i out-loud expressed an "i can't."<br />
but guess what?<br />
one friend gave the nudge i needed to paint my walls white.<br />
another gave me the idea for a coffee station.<br />
and yet another gave me the not-so-gentle push to rearrange my living room.<br />
<br />
so that's what i'm here for today.<br />
allow me to be that friend for you.<br />
consider this your idea-booster...your nudge...your not-so-gentle push.<br />
<br />
and when you do whatever it is that you've been wanting to do forever and "couldn't" do,<br />
by all means, contact me and let me know!!!<br />
there's little more satisfying than accomplishing something--no matter how little--that you've been convinced you "can't" do.<br />
<br />
it's the weekend...<br />
get out there and do it!<br />
<br />
happy friday, y'all!<br />
<br />
xoerinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941143379661348614noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201306189008375784.post-60579752696655453152015-01-22T06:30:00.000-06:002015-01-22T06:30:00.675-06:00birthday weekend...a healthy dose of r & r<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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early last friday, my best friend and i ditched the hubbies, the kids, the laundry, the cooking, the cleaning, and all the other chores that fill our days and headed an hour or so north to lake geneva, wisconsin.<br />
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each year, around the time of my birthday, we try to sneak away for a few days of r & r.<br />
denise has seven kiddos...i have four...<br />
it's nice to be able to get away and thrift and craft and eat and simply <b><i>converse</i></b> without being interrupted multiple times by multiple kids with multiple needs.<br />
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we thrifted...<br />
and ohhhhhh my, how we thrifted!<br />
denise has always been a big lover of alllllll things white; and recently, with my neutral-ish decor re-do, i've been leaning more toward the soothing palette of whites. her eye is more trained to find the white treasures, but she was generous enough to share many of them with me.<br />
we hit up a goodwill that's always on our "must-go list," along with three of our favorite antique shops.<br />
it's true that many antique shops are full of over-priced relics, destined to collect dust while their too-steep price tags fade over the years.<br />
however, if you're willing to dig {like we are!} and really search, you can usually come up with some reasonably priced pieces.<br />
we both found a trove of antique ironstone, stacks of white vintage hardcover books {for decor purposes}, sweaters for crafting, and numerous other goodies.<br />
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we ate...</div>
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and ohhhhhh my, how we ate!</div>
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neither of us wanted to gain ten pounds over the weekend, so we only ate out for one meal each day--waistline-friendly <b><i>and</i></b> budget-friendly! plus, it afforded us more money to spend while treasure hunting!</div>
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but those meals that we did eat out were well worth every calorie consumed.</div>
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wisconsin-style all-you-can-eat fish fry...</div>
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sumptuous beer cheese soup {hello! wisconsin = cheese! of course!}...</div>
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curd burgers {yes, more cheese}...</div>
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and "the mobster" pizza...</div>
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oh. yum.</div>
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and, in what i'd venture to say was the highlight of the weekend for both of us, we crafted.</div>
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we hunkered down in our jammies, binge watched episodes of gilmore girls, sucked down lattes and copious amounts of dove chocolates, and cut and stitched and hot glued to our hearts' content.</div>
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most of the crafts we made are for our valentines mantels...</div>
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denise had been pinning project ideas on a "birthday weekend" pinterest board for weeks before our trip.</div>
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it's all-too-easy to get caught up in the busy-ness of everyday life.</div>
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it seems that often, we as mothers, as the family caregivers, neglect to take time for ourselves.</div>
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sometimes it feels selfish...all sorts of wrong...like there are so many more important things that we <b><i>could</i></b> be doing.</div>
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but i'm here to argue that sometimes taking care of <b><i>me</i></b>, taking time for <b><i>me</i></b> is the <b><i>best</i></b> thing i can do...</div>
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for me <b><i>and</i></b> for my family.</div>
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my days at home are so full and so rich...</div>
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and sometimes i just need a break from all that...with a bit of <b><i>quiet</i></b>.</div>
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and that's exactly what i came away with...</div>
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my spirit refreshed and renewed.</div>
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do you have any special traditions with your girlfriends?</div>
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times of rest and renewal?</div>
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i'd love to hear about them!</div>
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xo</div>
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<br />erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941143379661348614noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201306189008375784.post-25151613415686199312015-01-16T06:30:00.000-06:002015-01-16T06:30:02.312-06:00january 2015 mantel{post three in a three-part mini-series...if you'd like to catch up on the others, you can find them <a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2015/01/a-year-or-so-of-mantels.html">here</a> and <a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2015/01/the-great-mantel-manifesto.html">here</a>.}<br />
<br />
at the beginning of this week, when i put the finishing touches on my new years/winter mantel,<br />
i do believe i breathed an audible sigh.<br />
my mantel makes me sooooooo happy.<br />
it's such a little thing, really. a simple, little thing.<br />
but it sure does make me smile big.<br />
<br />
let me show it off a little for you, okay?<br />
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my january mantel is usually one of my favorites, if not my very favorite.<br />
after the crazy-color-soaked baubles of the christmas holidays are packed away, i find myself longing for a soothing, neutral color palette.<br />
on last year's january mantel, i went with even more white than i did this year; however, my background wall back then was nearly turquoise.<br />
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this year, i accented with bits of color, still sticking with nature-inspired tones of pine and bittersweet.<br />
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i always refer back to photos of my previous mantels for inspiration...</div>
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and while i used many of the same elements as last january, i decided that this season, i wanted my mantel to have a bit more of an organic, down-to-earth feel rather than the winter wonderland tone of last year.</div>
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i did exactly as i stated in one of my suggestions yesterday and <i>shopped my home</i>.</div>
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i've never used this antique hat form on my mantel, but it's one of those pieces i've had forever and knew i'd use eventually. it's solid wood and belonged to my great aunt who was quite the milliner. </div>
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the hand-knit mittens and woolen toboggan were scrounged out of our outerwear bin.</div>
the vintage flash card was a stroke of inspiration from <a href="http://natalienoack.blogspot.com/2015/01/my-winter-inspired-mantel.html">my friend natalie's mantel</a>...i found mine in a set of flash cards from the thrift...and the antique flower frog holding it was also thrifted.<br />
the pair of birds were my mom's...and while i don't believe in attaching sentimental value to every last item that belonged to a loved one, for some reason, i haven't been able to let these go even though they don't go with any of my current color schemes.<br />
as of right now, i'm pretty pleased that i clung to them...they're perfect with this month's mantel...and i really do think of her every time i see them...and a million other times each day, of course.<br />
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i really do love this wreath.<br />
i took a simple straw wreath form and wrapped it in long strips torn from a solid white sheet. {you do know that bedsheets tear quite nicely in an even, straight line, don't you? oh yes. quite handy.}<br />
i then gathered bits and bobs in varying shades of white and wrapped them and tied them here and there.<br />
i twisted long thin slivers of felted wool into winter snow-blossoms and pinched a few leaves in there for good measure. you could whip one of these up in no time flat, i'm sure...maybe even add a few pearls or smatterings of glitter, if your little heart desires a dash of the bling.<br />
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one of my favorite things to find at the thrift is teeeeeeny paintings for my mantel.<br />
i feel like they add another dimension of interest...a bit of art within my <i>big</i> work of art.<br />
remember what i said about making things into what you need them to be? this little painting had a rather hideous frame...all olive-toned with gold trim. i gave it a good swipe with the white spray paint and then proceeded to wipe some of the paint off with a dry rag. the effect is so good that, quite honestly, i forgot that i'd done it until i started to type out this post!<br />
be creative, friends!<br />
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remember i said that i wanted this season's mantel to have a bit more of an organic or rustic feel? <br />
i originally had my evergreen arrangement in the tall white vase that was used in so many mantels in yesterday's post...the same vase used in last january's mantel, in fact.<br />
and while it was pretty, it just wasn't the "feel" i was going for this month.<br />
again, i shopped my shelves and found this old, rusty coffee can...ideal for this job.<br />
a few sprigs from my backyard pine tree, some scraggly shoots of artificial greenery, several rogue spray-painted branches and it was ready to go.<br />
don't just shop your house, shop your yard! ;)<br />
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the snowy paint-by-number scene was part of my christmas package from <a href="http://www.littlebitfunky.com/">my sweet friend crystal</a>.</div>
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it was the first piece to go up on this month's mantel and i love how it provided the inspiration for all the colors used.</div>
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i made the giant pom-pom garland sitting quietly in my bed after a long day...</div>
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there's something therapeutic about pom-pom making, y'all. this is truth.</div>
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and one last view...</div>
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taking it allllllll in...</div>
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hmmmmmmmm.....</div>
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breathe deep...</div>
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big happy sigh...big happy smile.</div>
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but wait!</div>
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what if you don't have a fireplace?</div>
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i begged my good friend, megan, to share a photo of her mantel with us...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AIQMI8xZFv0/VLifzFH4jNI/AAAAAAAATys/6vm0GdB9wjk/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AIQMI8xZFv0/VLifzFH4jNI/AAAAAAAATys/6vm0GdB9wjk/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" height="640" width="484" /></a></div>
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as you can see, meg doesn't have a fireplace, either.</div>
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she found this fabulous old mantel on her recent road trip through texas...</div>
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maybe you can't find an old mantel...</div>
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could you build one? maybe some old barn wood and rough-hewn beams would do the trick!</div>
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and if a mantel just won't work for you, possibly a high sofa table would?</div>
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perhaps you have very limited space and a narrow table in your entryway is all the display space you have.</div>
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think outside the mantel, friends!</div>
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if this is something you'd like to do, by all means, look around your house and find the space to do it!</div>
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i even had a friend mention that she sets up her little display scene in her windowsill!!!</div>
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oh my...</div>
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i do so love sharing this with y'all.</div>
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i hope i've been a bit of a help and maybe inspired you just a little...</div>
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please, please, pretty please...</div>
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if you do a special little mantel-scape--no matter where it is--please tag me in your photo! </div>
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i'd SO love to see it and share in the fun!</div>
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happy decorating, friends!!!</div>
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xo</div>
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<br />erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941143379661348614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201306189008375784.post-83062585527772187592015-01-15T06:30:00.000-06:002015-01-16T07:58:18.751-06:00the great mantel manifesto{part two in a three-part mini-series...if you'd like to catch up on the other posts, find them <a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2015/01/a-year-or-so-of-mantels.html">here</a> and <a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2015/01/january-2015-mantel.html">here</a>.}<br />
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like i said yesterday, decorating my mantel for the changing months and seasons is something from which i get a little thrill. <br />
i'm back today with some helpful tips and pointers to make <b>your</b> mantel-decorating experience so much fun.<br />
i'm not a professional decorator, by any stretch of the term and i lack knowledge of the correct technical words for much of what i'll try to convey...<br />
but what i lack in professional lingo, i promise i'll more than make up for in enthusiasm and geekery ;)<br />
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on that note, let's dive right in!<br />
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1. choose decor items that are versatile</div>
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look closely at the four mantel photos above...</div>
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used in <b>all four</b>, you'll find...</div>
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~white and black H's {two separate H's that i thrifted at two separate times...i like to use them together for the "shadowing" effect}</div>
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~white milk glass bottle {by reindeer's legs in photo 1}</div>
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~tall narrow birdhouse {i have a "bird thing," remember?}</div>
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~and the antlers, of course</div>
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used in three of the four, you'll find...</div>
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~squatty white candle pedestal {used for plant in photos 2&3, for bird in photo 4}</div>
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~antique yellow plant pot</div>
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~three antique wooden architectural pieces</div>
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~antique small pitcher/saucer set {they were my mimi's when she was a child}</div>
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~green pom-pom trim</div>
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you'll also notice that i used the same tall white vase in photos 1&2, and the same yellow basket-weave vase in photos 3&4.</div>
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in photos 1&4, i used the same white and forest "welcome" stitchery.</div>
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why am i taking the time to point out all these things?</div>
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because many of us are limited on storage space. we can't buy complete mantel-settings for each and every holiday, season, or occasion. but if we start a foundation collection of items that we love...items that we <b>love to see</b> and that we <b>love to display</b>, it will be easy to build our seasonal decor around those items.</div>
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2. shop the other rooms of your house.</div>
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as i mentioned in #1, most of us don't have unlimited storage space for oodles of kitschy items.</div>
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for 11 out of 12 months of the year, several of these boy/girl figures are used in my little girls' room for decor.</div>
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but guess what? each february, they take a vacation to the living room for a month where they grace my little love-themed valentines mantel.</div>
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the hand-knit mittens and woolen toboggan that you'll see on my current mantel {in tomorrow's post} were unearthed from our outerwear bin.</div>
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nothing is safe around here!</div>
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3. make things into what you need them to be.</div>
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look at the first photo above...</div>
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see that fab hanging milk glass basket?</div>
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first of all, it isn't glass. it's plastic. and it's a half-basket...the back of it is cardboard.</div>
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but when i saw it at the thrift, i knew it was destined for my mantel.</div>
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only one slight problem. artificial greenery gives me the heeeby-jeebies.</div>
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so i improvised. i carefully taped a deep ziploc bag to the inside of the "basket", filled the bag with water, and put some clippings from a houseplant in there.</div>
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problem solved!</div>
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second photo...that cool reindeer? he was gold back before gold was en vogue. </div>
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he never quite fit in with my christmas mantel, and i needed him for my new years/winter mantel...a coat or two of white spray paint and he stands guard quite regally, i do say.</div>
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oh! and look back up there at the valentines mantel...</div>
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see that cute white heart atop the VW bug??</div>
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it's styrofoam packaging material from a set of speakers!!!</div>
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people! be creative!! make things work for you by improvising and turning them into what you want!</div>
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4. think outside the "mantel-decorating box."</div>
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all sorts of things have been turned into mantel decor around these parts!!!</div>
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vintage thermoses hold christmas angels, old lunch pails are filled with pumpkins, antique safety deposit boxes are perches for owls and cars {there's another versatile item used more than once!}...</div>
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small paintings, metal cups, vintage toys, colorful books!!!...</div>
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really, anything and everything could be a possible candidate.</div>
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but maybe you're saying, "all of this is great information, but where do i even begin??"</div>
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i'm so glad you asked.</div>
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here's what i want you to do...</div>
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1. determine a general "theme" for your mantel.</div>
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don't go getting twitchy on me...i'm not talking mid 90's apple-border kitchen theme. </div>
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i'm saying determine a general direction you'd like your mantel to go.</div>
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are you craving neutrals and soothing tones after the crazy-color-filled holidays? </div>
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maybe you'd like to throw some gold in there...good! keep that in mind.</div>
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want to get a head-start on valentines? perfect! reds and pinks? or maybe you have non-traditional valentines colors in mind. that's fine, too.</div>
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here's what you're <b>not</b> allowed to do. you're not allowed to come up with a theme and then dismiss it because "i don't have anything in my house that will go with that."</div>
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that's not allowed. don't go there. figure out how you <b>want</b> to decorate your mantel. that's all. </div>
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2. grab an empty box {preferably one of those big "tray" boxes from ALDI--you DO shop at ALDI, right??}, </div>
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put on your "shopper's glasses" and walk through your house, you hunter-gatherer you.</div>
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you're gathering possible candidates for your mantel.</div>
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you wanted touches of gold on your new years mantel?</div>
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grab that vintage white porcelain glove form and your widest gold bangles...those are possibilities.</div>
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sure, you may not end up using them...then again, they might come in handy!</div>
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remember, brass is gold-toned...grab those antique candlesticks that aunt gertrude gave you for your wedding. </div>
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you may finally use them!</div>
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you're gathering pink and red for valentines? don't forget your old care bears lunch box that you saved from fourth grade...</div>
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this might be just the time to show it off. </div>
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are you starting to see what i mean? </div>
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don't look at your house through the eyes of someone who sees those items every day. </div>
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gather up ANYthing that could possibly be used in keeping with your theme. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aqKW6qegFsg/U9VGl9K8VAI/AAAAAAAAOV4/0YaYTBb-lg4/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aqKW6qegFsg/U9VGl9K8VAI/AAAAAAAAOV4/0YaYTBb-lg4/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SnMLcSUfVbs/U9VEwurJMAI/AAAAAAAAOZI/I5LEsi2z5Xg/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SnMLcSUfVbs/U9VEwurJMAI/AAAAAAAAOZI/I5LEsi2z5Xg/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
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3. decorate that mantel.</div>
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just do it.</div>
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it won't be perfect.</div>
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but it'll get better with time. {see exhibit A above...summer 2013 mantel...summer 2014 mantel. case in point.}</div>
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it'll get <b>easier</b> with time.</div>
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you'll develop your collection of mantel-decor stand-by's, and before long, most of your mantels will just be filling in with some updated pieces or new favorites.</div>
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a few quick notes:</div>
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~99% of my mantel decor is thrifted...think resale shops, garage sales, you-name-it...i buy <b>nothing</b> brand new. well, basically.</div>
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~i don't have a ton of storage space. i do have some fab built-in shelves that make the most out of mostly-unusable space down in my furnace room. that's where all my mantel stuff lives when it's not on display making me happy.</div>
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~i purge <b>constantly</b>. pretty much, if i don't <b>love</b> it, it's gone. still, though, i find i love <b>too</b> much.</div>
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i could go on and on...</div>
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this is something that's reeeeeeeeeally fun for me to write about.</div>
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tomorrow...</div>
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tomorrow you'll get to see my current mantel...</div>
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and i *pinky-promise* to share some ideas for those of you who don't even have a mantel!!!</div>
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can't wait! xo</div>
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p.s. pretty please, if you have <b>any</b> questions, feel free to contact me. i'd love to help out in any way i can...and your questions may even help with another post!</div>
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you can always contact me on IG {i'm @tweetpotatopie on there, too}, or by leaving a comment below {check back for my responses!}, or by emailing me through the link in my sidebar! xxx</div>
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<br />erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941143379661348614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201306189008375784.post-74868436138075757732015-01-14T06:30:00.000-06:002015-01-16T07:57:42.730-06:00a year {or so} of mantels...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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{post one in a three-part mini-series...if you'd like to read the others, find them <a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2015/01/the-great-mantel-manifesto.html">here</a> and <a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2015/01/january-2015-mantel.html">here</a>.}</div>
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it's really no secret that i kind of have a "thing" for my mantel.</div>
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i absolutely *adore* decorating it for the changing seasons and holidays....</div>
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and i fastidiously document each arrangement under my IG hashtag #mytweetmantel.</div>
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i love posts like this...</div>
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where all sorts of great decor inspiration is put together, all neat and tidy, for easy reference.</div>
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and i figured, if i could use the quick go-to mantel guide, maybe you could too?</div>
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tomorrow, i'll share just a bit about the elements i use...</div>
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i'll give you some helpful and valuable tips on finding pieces that you love, using items that are versatile throughout the seasons, and getting inspiration for your mantel.</div>
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and hey! you may not even have an actual fireplace mantel. no worries...you aren't left out of this party!</div>
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i've seen people use a high sofa table, or even a cute little entryway table as their "mantel" area.</div>
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these tips can work for a mantel, a shelf, a table...any sort of display area that your little heart desires.</div>
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but for today!...</div>
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for today, let's look at my mantel over the past 18 or so months...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aqKW6qegFsg/U9VGl9K8VAI/AAAAAAAAOSE/u2SiJyVx1Hg/s1600/14+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aqKW6qegFsg/U9VGl9K8VAI/AAAAAAAAOSE/u2SiJyVx1Hg/s1600/14+-+1" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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summer 2013</div>
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{this is pretty much when i firrrrrrrrst started my little "fling" with my mantel.</div>
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nothing to be ashamed of, but if you scroll down to the second-to-last photo and see my summer <b>2014</b> photo...</div>
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whoa, we came a long way, baby.}</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sN0iNmkurZ4/U9VGKo5yYcI/AAAAAAAAORo/S08bW57tRnc/s1600/14+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sN0iNmkurZ4/U9VGKo5yYcI/AAAAAAAAORo/S08bW57tRnc/s1600/14+-+1" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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autumn 2013</div>
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{the first season with the barn-board "pallet" that my hubby built. </div>
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i really feel like that piece in and of itself stepped up the "mantel-game."}</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSXe0h37fVk/U9VF5mPWKJI/AAAAAAAAORM/9FLHSZZkb08/s1600/14+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSXe0h37fVk/U9VF5mPWKJI/AAAAAAAAORM/9FLHSZZkb08/s1600/14+-+1" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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christmas 2013</div>
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{enjoy this christmas mantel, folks. there isn't another one in this post.</div>
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remember <a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2015/01/grab-cup-of-coffeeor-maybe-entire-pot.html">the great christmas debacle of 2014</a>? yah. no christmas mantel this past year.}</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ipEfQjB7Dns/U9VTrULSVDI/AAAAAAAAOTc/eoRCoLRuhgk/s1600/IMG_3166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ipEfQjB7Dns/U9VTrULSVDI/AAAAAAAAOTc/eoRCoLRuhgk/s1600/IMG_3166.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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new years/winter 2014</div>
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{one of my all-time favorites...i looooooooved this mantel.}</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FMtHx9nJHFE/U9VTSFXNouI/AAAAAAAAOTM/mhDNThQrPGo/s1600/IMG_3568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FMtHx9nJHFE/U9VTSFXNouI/AAAAAAAAOTM/mhDNThQrPGo/s1600/IMG_3568.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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valentines 2014</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rfciImCf3Uc/U9VTXcR6MMI/AAAAAAAAOTU/4tjpiW3mDnE/s1600/IMG_4209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rfciImCf3Uc/U9VTXcR6MMI/AAAAAAAAOTU/4tjpiW3mDnE/s1600/IMG_4209.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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st. paddy's day 2014</div>
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{i know a lot of people don't decorate for st. paddy's day--and yes, it's st. <b>paddy</b>, folks, not <b>patty</b>.</div>
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but anywhooo...i'm irish. and my favorite color is green. and my name means "ireland."</div>
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so really? i kind of <b>have</b> to celebrate!}</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x8MpFeV84xE/U9VTzyvTfXI/AAAAAAAAOTk/Px7pQAMGQ2s/s1600/IMG_5031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x8MpFeV84xE/U9VTzyvTfXI/AAAAAAAAOTk/Px7pQAMGQ2s/s1600/IMG_5031.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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easter 2014</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YQRclaoh7FU/U9VT2xmnBAI/AAAAAAAAOTs/t3oQ_6wwmU8/s1600/IMG_5570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YQRclaoh7FU/U9VT2xmnBAI/AAAAAAAAOTs/t3oQ_6wwmU8/s1600/IMG_5570.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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spring 2014</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SnMLcSUfVbs/U9VEwurJMAI/AAAAAAAAOO4/gXTFI3Q6y88/s1600/14+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SnMLcSUfVbs/U9VEwurJMAI/AAAAAAAAOO4/gXTFI3Q6y88/s1600/14+-+1" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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summer 2014</div>
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{feel free to refer back to summer of 2013. we're movin' up, y'all. movin' right up!}</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-83T72mlAteo/VEbdxeE7akI/AAAAAAAAQtA/eRW3GBnRhDQ/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-83T72mlAteo/VEbdxeE7akI/AAAAAAAAQtA/eRW3GBnRhDQ/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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autumn 2014</div>
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{aaaaaaaaand this was theeeee last glorious mantel until...today.</div>
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there wasn't a christmas mantel--we've re-hashed that whole thang.</div>
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but yes. today i finally finished my "new years/winter mantel" for 2015.</div>
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all the praise-hands.}</div>
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a few notes:</div>
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the background paint is the same color in all of the photos above. it's called Biscayne Bay {by Dutch Boy, i believe}...</div>
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i purchased it at Menard's. </div>
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these photos were all taken with my iphone, at different times of day, at different times of the year, and edited with different filters. </div>
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any variation in tone is due to those factors...the color is the same, i promise.</div>
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you can see that in the fall of 2013, my hubby built and hung that incredible barn-wood "pallet" for me. </div>
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although the paint color has now changed {not seen in any of these photos--you'll have to wait}, the pallet did go back up. </div>
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and i'm so glad it did. i think i love it even more now, on its new white background. just wait until you see it.</div>
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ok...</div>
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come back tomorrow...pretty please?</div>
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i want to chat about some of my very favorite mantel decor pieces...</div>
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where i find them, where i store them, how i use them from season to season...</div>
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and ideas for you even if you <b>don't</b> have a mantel!!!</div>
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see you then!</div>
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xo</div>
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<br />erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941143379661348614noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201306189008375784.post-4279736862925150242015-01-08T06:30:00.000-06:002015-01-08T13:13:58.839-06:00upcycled sweater throw pillow {easy DIY}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K-xrI_aQSOg/VK4H4o-XZ-I/AAAAAAAAS-I/Ajambskwbzc/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K-xrI_aQSOg/VK4H4o-XZ-I/AAAAAAAAS-I/Ajambskwbzc/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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this may just be theeeeeee easiest DIY in the history of ever. like, ever ever.<br />
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in typical fashion, i've been wanting to make one of these pillows for a good long while.<br />
i've just never gotten around to it. isn't that really how it goes with so many things??<br />
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i grabbed this sweater late fall while at the thrift and finally wore it last week.<br />
and hated it.<br />
and that's exactly why i love the fact that 95% of my clothing comes from the thrift.<br />
mind you, i still try to be very mindful that i only buy what i absolutely love and am positive i'll wear.<br />
but still, there's little guilt when i'm re-donating a $3.99 sweater as opposed to a $39.99 sweater.<br />
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and after this little DIY, i don't even need to re-donate those sweaters!!!<br />
moments after tossing this sweater into my "donate box," i was back downstairs, digging it out.<br />
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i needed new throw pillows for the sofa, going along with my new "bits of muted colors with copious amounts of white" color scheme. and yes, that's the easiest way i can think of to describe it.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xBIEE9ywsiE/VK4Lid6EwPI/AAAAAAAATNo/3ZxmrEKkmis/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xBIEE9ywsiE/VK4Lid6EwPI/AAAAAAAATNo/3ZxmrEKkmis/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
supplies:<br />
sweater<br />
appropriately sized filler pillow<br />
sewing machine<br />
needle and thread for hand-sewing {optional}<br />
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so, i'm going to give you the incredibly technical low-down-skinny on how i made this.<br />
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turn your sweater inside out.<br />
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stuff the filler pillow into the inside-out sweater. hopefully you have an old throw pillow laying around that you can use. because then, you're out NO money. boom!<br />
since there are ribs/lines on the sweater, use those as your guides for how much of the sweater you'll want to "take in" {i.e. eliminate}.<br />
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once you've eyeballed it and chosen the rib or stripe that is going to be your seam, be sure you don't forget which one it is. you could be really silly and mark it with a pin or something. but really, why would you want to do a responsible thing like that?<br />
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pull the pillow out.<br />
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using ZIG ZAG stitch, sew the sweater up on both sides, following the ribs that you've chosen as your guidelines...EXCEPT when you near the bottom of the sweater. i strongly suggest you taper in a bit as you sew through that bottom densely ribbed portion. i tapered in a good 3/4" on each side and it really helped my sweater not get that funky stretched out appearance that these pillows often get.<br />
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i also, obviously, sewed one horizontal seam between the two vertical seams. again, i just shoved the filler pillow in the inside-out sweater and eyeballed where i wanted my seam to be. i made sure it landed in approximately the same location as related to the chest/arms {you know, so it would be a straight line}. i also held the placket shut as i went over the button area so that that would lay nice and flat. like so.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uIh55Ekxff0/VK4IxlEMExI/AAAAAAAATGg/KSxyIQGexiY/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uIh55Ekxff0/VK4IxlEMExI/AAAAAAAATGg/KSxyIQGexiY/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kupys7EeeSU/VK4H2evGoOI/AAAAAAAAS98/zZ53pW0KTpo/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kupys7EeeSU/VK4H2evGoOI/AAAAAAAAS98/zZ53pW0KTpo/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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now trim the excess sweater material off. give yourself a good 3/8"- 1/2" seam allowance...you don't want your sweater being tempted to unravel close to those seams.</div>
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when i was done, i turned the whole thing right-side out and stuffed it with the filler pillow.</div>
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i could have easily just left it like that and it would have been fine, but i wanted it to look just a bit more "finished."</div>
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i snipped off the extra buttons {on the cut-off, unused portion of the sweater} and sewed them along the bottom of the pillow cover. i didn't try to hide my stitches, and i didn't use my sewing machine to make button holes. remember, this is a sweater. i snipped ever-so-teeeeeny holes and they slipped easily right over the buttons.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kD0OzQFcZo8/VK4H0FWnRDI/AAAAAAAAS88/qWg5I6-ObQM/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kD0OzQFcZo8/VK4H0FWnRDI/AAAAAAAAS88/qWg5I6-ObQM/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_R1PcIu1W54/VK4IDw44QoI/AAAAAAAAS_4/FQ8-5oBcTU4/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_R1PcIu1W54/VK4IDw44QoI/AAAAAAAAS_4/FQ8-5oBcTU4/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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start to finish, including hand-sewing on those four buttons {totally optional}, this took me under an hour.</div>
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this kind of project is extremely rewarding for me--quick results and a finished product that i really think looks classy.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-loCZ_8egz4M/VK4Hw2mCSBI/AAAAAAAAS8Q/mvwvsdXMzZ4/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-loCZ_8egz4M/VK4Hw2mCSBI/AAAAAAAAS8Q/mvwvsdXMzZ4/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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heaven help me, jesus take the wheel...</div>
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as i'm typing this post out, no lie, y'all. inspiration just struck like lightning.</div>
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scroll on back up there and look at theeeeeee yummy ribbed sleeve of that sweater!!!</div>
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do you see what i see? {a star, a star, shining in the night, with a tail as big as a kite. and now you'll be humming that for the rest of the day. you're welcome. i love you, too.}</div>
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nobutreally.</div>
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do you see what i see??</div>
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i see...</div>
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BOOT CUFFS!!!!</div>
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oh my word.</div>
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i'm off to dig those out of my sewing trash can.</div>
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xo</div>
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{for real...for really real. if you make onnna these, you'd better tag me. i wanna see. please? it's nice to share. xo}</div>
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{p.s. a little birdie told me that the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/tweetpotatopie">tweetpotatopie etsy shop</a> is having a sale for today only!!! use code "happy birthday" at checkout to save 20% on all orders over $10!!!}</div>
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<br />erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941143379661348614noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201306189008375784.post-37649180159632403502015-01-07T06:30:00.000-06:002015-01-22T21:09:33.464-06:00january goals for decorating and housekeeping<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">once i decided that january would be focused on decorating and housekeeping, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it was like my eyes were opened...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i realized there were things that i <i>looked at</i> everyday but didn't really <i>see</i>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">in january, i want to get those things done...i want to finish the little projects that i always tell myself i really <i>need</i> to do. i want to glue {or toss} that broken vase, rather than stare at it on the laundry room counter for another nine months {true story}. i want to change that burnt-out light bulb that's been plaguing me. and for heaven's sake, i want to get the non-working dehumidifier--the one that's the size of a large toddler--out of my bedroom!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">this may not look like <i>your</i> definition of <i>intentional in decorating and housekeeping</i>. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">but for me?...for me, this is what it looks like.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it looks like recognizing the silly little inconveniences that we get used to as we live in a place over the years, and doing something about them.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it looks like putting thought...much thought into what will actually go back up on my walls {and as of right now, that's very little}.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it looks like putting action to some of the ideas i've had for some of my favorite little spaces.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and a little bit, just a little, it looks like viewing my home through different eyes...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">shifting out of auto-pilot and actually seeing minor repairs and touch-ups and and dusty corners...and not just <i>seeing</i> them, but <i>doing</i> what's necessary to make them right.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">so...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">here are some projects on my january docket!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F3wilQH7Ptc/VKynG6XuMrI/AAAAAAAASwA/EcUgNeaElBQ/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F3wilQH7Ptc/VKynG6XuMrI/AAAAAAAASwA/EcUgNeaElBQ/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" height="320" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_64vIM5vV8/VKym-KHs-MI/AAAAAAAASuk/BjBFrcXNGtI/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_64vIM5vV8/VKym-KHs-MI/AAAAAAAASuk/BjBFrcXNGtI/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1. coffee station</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'd seen <a href="http://natalienoack.blogspot.com/2014/01/our-coffee-bar.html">natalie's coffee bar</a> on instagram, but when i visited her in november, i was even more inspired by the sweet touch of warmth it added to her kitchen area. i dismissed the idea quickly because <i>we just don't have the space for it</i>. then, in december, as i was tearing down alllllllllll the decor, it occurred to me that although this open cabinet in our kitchen was full of <i>cute</i> stuff, it was all stufffffff that we rarely--if ever--used.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it's a work-in-progress right now, and since this isn't the reveal post, i'm not sharing all the details. you'll just have to wait.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2. tv in our bedroom--<i>working</i> or <i>out</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">shortly after we moved into this house, we mounted a flat-screen tv to the wall in our bedroom. shortly after that, we cancelled our cable and haven't looked back.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">on our wall, the tv still hangs. unused for years. literally.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'd like to get it in sync with our wi-fi so that we can stream netflix/amazon prime shows on to it...OR...i'd like to get it out of our room. either option is equally attractive to me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the point is to just <i>do</i> it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">rather than stare at it for another three years.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bHpBBjhWNck/VEbdEHrR5kI/AAAAAAAARH0/k234bPnDMgo/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bHpBBjhWNck/VEbdEHrR5kI/AAAAAAAARH0/k234bPnDMgo/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PwPIMEMZGzA/VKym8dnOc_I/AAAAAAAASuw/Z3CD-7ctP-c/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PwPIMEMZGzA/VKym8dnOc_I/AAAAAAAASuw/Z3CD-7ctP-c/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3. "map wall" in the living room</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">basically, this is an easy one. well, kind of.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i need to decide whether or not i want to put the map back up.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i know...most of you are probably staring at the second photo and thinking how plain and stark and boring it looks. but folks, let me tell you, i am <i>so</i> loving my white walls. like love, love, loving them. i could stare at them for hours. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">what does this say about me?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">wait. don't answer that.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">so, this little job is easy <i>if</i> i decide to put the map back up.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">if not...well, then the job isn't so easy. because then? then i have to decide what to put up in its place.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4. juicer off the counter</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">see, y'all?! this is exactly the type of thing i'm talking about!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i own a champion juicer. it was my mom's. she bought it when i was a teen...a <i>young</i> teen. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">that's been at least a few years ago.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'm sure the organizing/purging purist would say that i don't use it enough to justify keeping it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">they're wrong.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">you don't get rid of a work horse like the champ.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">furthermore, i use it often enough that i want to keep it in my kitchen. just not out on the counter any more.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">but we get used to these kinds of things!!! we look at them everyday. they may even register as tiny annoyances. but we do nothing about them...because we are so <i>used to them</i>.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">so this month? i'm finding space in my kitchen for the champion. but not on the counter.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">5. create mail center in living room work space</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the small space you see here is already the command center for all of my blogging/business ventures. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the blue cabinet is loaded with padded envelopes, shipping labels and tapes, baskets of washi and other packaging/shipping necessities.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">remember my new coffee bar? well, the counter beneath that cabinet is where our mail used to land. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">bills, sales papers, the occasional awana book...that counter was home to it all.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and now...now it isn't.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it only makes sense, since this space is already set up for all my other paperwork needs, to move the mail center out here. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it won't be a big project, but it <i>will</i> be fun. this is right up my organizational alley. i actually can't wait...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and that's said with zero sarcasm whatsoever.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">seriously.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">6. make a weekly housecleaning schedule/chart</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it may surprise you to know that i don't follow any set schedule for cleaning. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'm a<i> the bathroom looks scuzzy, let's clean it</i> sort of cleaner. with six of us in this house, it doesn't take long for scuzzy to move in; so rest assured, it gets cleaned at least once a week, just not on a set day.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">same for vacuuming...<i>oh, the dust bunnies are now building warrens, we'd better vacuum</i>. our house has hardwood floors...we find new baby bunnies daily.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'm just finding that it's all getting to be a bit much for me to keep up with just flying by the seat of my pants. and then there are those chores that never seem to get done that really <i>need</i> to get done.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">like dusting.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ugh. i've hated dusting for my entire life.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">wonder which one of the kids i can pay to take that one over?</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bTe1VGfe5_M/VKynANdrxuI/AAAAAAAASvE/o0LytcmItm8/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bTe1VGfe5_M/VKynANdrxuI/AAAAAAAASvE/o0LytcmItm8/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">7. corner cabinet in the dining room</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">speaking of dusting {or the lack thereof}, check out those shelves.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">or rather, maybe don't check out those shelves.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">there. we now know how much erin hates dusting.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">moving right along...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i like my vintage pyrex. i do. can we all just acknowledge that i said that? i haven't gone completely off my rocker. i'm not donating it all to goodwill.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">but my tastes have changed a little bit.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ok. a <i>lot</i>tle bit.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'm going to pack away a set {fridgies and bowls} for each of my three girls. then i'm going to have a real come-to-Jesus chat with myself about which pieces i just can't live without and which ones i can bear to part with.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">what is certain is that none of it is staying out on display.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">this cabinet will house some ironstone and white ware and all sorts of pretty white goodness.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the cabinet itself was a gift from my grandma and is gorrrrrrrgeous wood. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'm not one of those you-can-never-paint-antique-wood sort of people, but i'm just not ready to slap a coat of annie sloan on this baby quite yet.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">anywhoo, i'd like to at least get a start on filling her up this month.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">8. wax seal on toilet</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the wax seal on one of our toilets needs to be replaced. it has a suuuuuuuuuuuuper-slow leak, but a leak nonetheless. and it's annoying. and isn't that what this is all about?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">why live with it when i can get it fixed? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">boom.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wgUlcKIWR6Q/VKym6uOSWEI/AAAAAAAASt4/I6wK6MvaeDA/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wgUlcKIWR6Q/VKym6uOSWEI/AAAAAAAASt4/I6wK6MvaeDA/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">9. glass-door cabinet in living room</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i need to update the decor in this cabinet. it's been the same for a while and i'm ready for a change. that's all. there's nothing fundamentally wrong with it, just ready for change.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">oh, and speaking of mail center...you're looking at it right there. there's all the stufffff from the <i>old</i> mail center, waiting for the development of the <i>new</i> mail center. we've yet to see if that fab vintage bread box will make the cut into the new design {it holds bills, receipts, etc}.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{oh! and see that tan chair right there? i'm done with it. soooooo very done with it. and my birthday is in two days. and i've been saving some pennies. i maaaaaaaayyy be going to IKEA and getting <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S79875786/">this chair</a> that matches my couch!!!}</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ni7WWULb6yc/VKym4OZjmvI/AAAAAAAAStA/aNb411EROko/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ni7WWULb6yc/VKym4OZjmvI/AAAAAAAAStA/aNb411EROko/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">10. mantel</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">my mantel makes me so happy when it's done up all pretty.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and besides, it was sooooo neglected over the christmas holiday {read all about that in <a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2015/01/grab-cup-of-coffeeor-maybe-entire-pot.html">yesterday's saga</a>, if you haven't already} and i'm afraid its feelings will be hurt if it's left alone much longer.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'm looking at my written-out list, and there are actually two more items on it...but i can't tell you about them right now.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'll dish on one of them tomorrow...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">but the other one...you'll just have to wait a bit on that one.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">so tell me, what are <i>your</i> january goals?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941143379661348614noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201306189008375784.post-91404884677427275572015-01-06T06:30:00.000-06:002015-01-06T21:37:13.374-06:00grab a cup of coffee...or maybe the entire pot...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{if you're interested in reading my other posts on <b><i>intentional</i></b>, click <a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/search/label/intentional">here</a>.}</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{also, is there something like a p.s. but one that comes at the <i>beginning</i> of a letter? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">because if so, i feel like this post needs it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">this is a loooooong post. i just got to typing and whoooo-eee, did it ever feel good to just get it all out there.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">consider this your warning.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">might want to get your morning cuppa and your wool socks and your cozy afghan for this one.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it's gonna take a while.}</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">for a variety {and multitude} of reasons, this past Christmas was incredibly difficult for me.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">as i sit down in the quiet to write this out, i wage the mental debate as to whether or not to even go into the details.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the part of me that loves blog posts that are short and sweet and photo-heavy and to-the-point argues that sharing will simply make this post <i>word</i>-heavy...and no one likes word-heavy and no one wants to know about all that anyway.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the <strike>slightly larger</strike> part of me that loves to read openness and authenticity even when it reveals imperfections and vulnerability argues that perhaps, just maybe there are those who may be helped...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">maybe there are those that can learn from my mistakes; and if not <i>learn</i>, maybe there are some that can take comfort in the fact that they aren't the only ones who've made these silly blunders.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the openness and authenticity and imperfections and vulnerability part just won.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">if you were rooting for the first contestant, simply scroll down under the christmas tree photo, you'll be able to catch up down there.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">in early november, i went to arkansas to see my friend natalie.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'm an introvert, albeit an <i>outgoing</i> introvert...a bit of a juxtapostion, if you will.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">while i thrive on--and feed my soul off of--alone time, i'm almost equally filled by one-on-one time with my close friends. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">this trip was no exception. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">natalie is several steps ahead of me in the blogging/handmade business arenas, and my visit was to-the-brim with incredible conversations, overflowing with inspiration and challenges.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i came home with a new determination to tackle several business goals that had been placed on the back burner, so to speak.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i jumped back into the process of getting my blog/business sites re-designed, along with getting business cards and packaging goodies designed.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i contacted <a href="http://themasonbarcompany.com/">the mason bar company</a> about collaborating on my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/214254232/vintage-blue-quart-traveling-mason?ref=shop_home_active_3">vintage traveling mason jars</a>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">our family budget does not support my business ventures {nor would i expect it to}, so during this time, i also held two large instagram sales of vintage christmas tree trucks. one sale was the week before thanksgiving; the other sale, the week after.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i also hosted thanksgiving for my extended family.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">as fate would have it, everything fell into place with the mason bar company early in the first week of december. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i was faced with the decision--knuckle down and get the product out there pre-christmas or hold off until february or march when the post-holiday spending freeze finally thaws a bit.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i opted to get the product out asap.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">not at all blogging or business-related, but during this time, we also received a call from a painter we'd been trying to hire {my dad only wants contracted painters painting in this house} that he was available for the week after christmas.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i've been wanting my main level painted for over three years.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and no, that's not in the budget, either.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'm not complaining. i'm not. these "luxuries" are why i work. they are.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">but maybe you're beginning to see how it all snowballed...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">blog design, business design, truck sale #1 and the photographing and the posting and the invoicing and the packaging and the shipping involved, corresponding back and forth with the mason bar company, corresponding with the glass straw company, deposit on blog and business design, hosting thanksgiving, truck sale #2 {and a repeat of all that work involved}, paying for the initial mason bar company order, paying for the glass straw order, saving to pay for the painting, and finally the jar sale on etsy which included the same {and even more} effort as the the truck sales.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'm not saying i made all the right choices.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">but even as i sit here in hindsight...hindsight being 20/20...i still don't know what i would have done differently.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">all of it seemed necessary at the time.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">all of it still seems pretty necessary from where i am looking back.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and maybe all of that, in and of itself, wouldn't have made christmas difficult.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">but because i was so busy and because of the business-related frenzy and at least partially because we were having our house painted beginning on the 29th, i didn't get to decorate for christmas.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i decorate my mantel for every holiday. for valentines and easter and fall/halloween, i put out a few other little decorations. that's it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">but for christmas?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">for christmas i go all-out.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">well, not <i>out</i>, literally. we don't do outside lights. that's where my hubby draws the line. i think it's because he <strike>suspects</strike> knows the display would grow every year. hmph.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">you're laughing at me, aren't you?</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">you're chuckling.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"<i>this is what ruined christmas for her??</i>"</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">how very first-world of me, right?</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">but i felt guilty.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i felt less-than.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i. felt. terrible.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i felt like i'd let my entire family down. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">mind you, <i>they</i> didn't make me feel that way.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">but regardless, i felt like a big, huge number.one.loser.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">in an effort to put up some semblance of christmas, we stopped at walmart and i ran in to buy an artificial tree.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">this is so unlike me, people. i can't even begin to explain how polar opposite of me this whole thing is.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">but this is what happened. it did.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i was convinced that an artificial white tree would be just the thing for our vintagey christmas decor.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the last white tree they had was the floor model. on clearance. missing one of its four supporting feet. and its box. and its instructions.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">walmart's kelsey and dan and i packed that puppy into two clear garbage bags quicker than you can wink...i was convinced i'd solved our christmas dilemma.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the next day, austyn and colton were thrilled...after their schoolwork was done {oh, yes, let's not forget i was doing school everyday throughout the midst of all this!}, i let them put the tree together and decorate it all on their own {because i was the horrible, detached mother still sending off orders and attempting to take down the halloween decor! that was still up in december!}</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it never occurred to me, until i saw the completed tree in all its regal glory, that you're supposed to have white-strung lights for a white tree. our poor, sad, leaning tree had sweet colored lights...on dark green strands.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">suddenly, i felt even worse.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i felt like somehow, how ever inadvertently, i'd chosen making money over making the holiday special.</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{and i'm still unsure whether to look at it all through those glasses or to see it as what was necessary for this year.}</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and it all just went downhill from there.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">my mantel, which is usually my seasonal pride and glory, never did get decorated for the holidays. there were four lonely vintage red thermoses stuck on one end, my vintage glass ornament wreath hung on a too-high nail, and a snowy-scene paint-by-number of a completely different color scheme tucked on the opposite end {it arrived in one of my christmas packages and that was the easiest place to put it}.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the tree stayed the same with its wonky decor.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">none of my vintage ceramic trees came out.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">my mom's elves didn't see the light of day.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i never snipped a single evergreen bough.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">as it always does, though, time went by.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">we inched closer to christmas.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the rush of buying and ordering trickled down.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">christmas school-break began.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i was finally able to see a tiny glimmer of a silver lining in what had appeared to be such a large cloud--since i didn't get my copious amounts of christmas decor up, there was that much less for me to take down in prep for the paint job.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i immersed myself in the christmas-week duties of gift wrapping, menu planning, and last-minute shipping of gifts.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">christmas came and went.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and the day was no less special for lack of our traditional real tree or grandly bedecked mantel.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the afternoon of the 26th, i began the tedious task of removing all my wall decor {i had <i>a lot</i> of wall decor} and the nails that held said decor. i boxed it all up and tucked it into a corner of the basement, unsure what would actually make it back on to the freshly painted walls. i shifted all the furniture that was against walls...the rooms looked like mountains of furniture surrounded by moats of hardwood floor.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and we spent new year's week in that disheveled mess.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it was nearly enough to drive me off the edge...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the savior of my sanity was the fact that each day i could see more and more white and less and less oatmeal.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">which brings us to now...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">now what?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">well, for me, the obvious choice for january's "intentional project" is <i><b>intentional in decorating and housekeeping</b></i>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">if these last several hectic weeks have taught me anything, they've taught me that my mood and outlook on life in general are in direct proportion to the orderliness and atmosphere in my home.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i <i>must</i> put my house back together.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">perhaps as the way new year's resolutions go, <i>intentional in health and fitness</i> would have been the more customary choice.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">but this is what works for me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and that's good enough for me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and that's the way this whole <b><i>intentional</i></b> thing is going to go, i've determined.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i mean, february--the month of love--<i>may</i> be all about being intentional in marriage or even being intentional in friendships. then again, my new blog design will be up and running by then so maybe february will be about being intentional in blogging. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">who knows? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i don't really want to "force" any of it...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'm just taking it a month at a time, getting my cues from my day-to-day life.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">if you've made it to the end of this post, i feel like i should send you a certificate.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">or a blue ribbon.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">or perhaps one of those heart necklaces that's broken in half and i'll keep the other half because certainly we must be bff's, right?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">you're the bestest. thanks for listening. and for reading.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and wow-o-wow, come back throughout the month to see the projects i'm doing around the house!!!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{teaser: the diy i'm sharing this thursday is insanely easy. and cheap. you'll never believe!}</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941143379661348614noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201306189008375784.post-56452320424353297192015-01-05T06:30:00.000-06:002015-01-05T06:30:02.924-06:00intentional in...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{to read more about my word for 2015, look <a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2015/01/my-word-for-2015.html">here</a>.}</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'd had all these thoughts, these goals, these ideas, these personal challenges tumbling over each other in my brain for weeks on end.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'd spent hours in thought, trying to fit all those things into a nice, tidy package, labelled with a single word.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">finally, i had my word.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and once it came to me, it was an instant fit.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and all those thoughts and all those goals and all those ideas and all those personal challenges suddenly marched in single file, into orderly columns of brain space.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">my brain loves orderly columns.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">you know this about me.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">in·ten·tion·al</span></h2>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><input class="au" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www.merriam-webster.com/styles/default/images/reference/audio-pron-hw.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: pointer; height: 17px; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: 4px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: bottom; width: 18px;" title="Listen to the pronunciation of intentional" type="button" /> <span class="main-fl"><em style="color: #717274; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">adjective</em></span> <span class="pr" style="color: #717274; display: inline; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 10px;">\in-<span class="unicode" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'lucida sans unicode'; font-size: 0.9em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">ˈ</span>tench-nəl, -<span class="unicode" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'lucida sans unicode'; font-size: 0.9em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">ˈ</span>ten(t)-shə-n<sup>ə</sup>l\</span><div class="ld_on_collegiate" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 19px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 405px;">
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: done in a way that is planned or intended</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="ssens">done by <a class="formulaic" href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intention" style="color: #1122cc; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">intention</a> or design <strong>:</strong> <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intended" style="color: #1122cc; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-variant: small-caps; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">intended</a> <span class="vi"><<em>intentional</em>damage></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding-right: 15px;">Related to <em style="font-style: normal;">INTENTIONAL</em></span></span></h2>
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<dt><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Synonyms</span></dt>
<dd><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conscious" style="color: #1122cc; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">conscious</a>, <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deliberate" style="color: #1122cc; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">deliberate</a>, <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intended" style="color: #1122cc; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">intended</a>, <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knowing" style="color: #1122cc; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">knowing</a>, <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purposeful" style="color: #1122cc; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">purposeful</a>,<a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purposive" style="color: #1122cc; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">purposive</a>, <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set" style="color: #1122cc; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">set</a>, <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/voluntary" style="color: #1122cc; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">voluntary</a>, <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/willed" style="color: #1122cc; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">willed</a>, <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/willful" style="color: #1122cc; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">willful</a> (<em class="it">or</em> <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wilful" style="color: #1122cc; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">wilful</a>),<a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/witting" style="color: #1122cc; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">witting</a></span></dd></dl>
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<dt><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Antonyms</span></dt>
<dd><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nondeliberate" style="color: #1122cc; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">nondeliberate</a>, <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonpurposive" style="color: #1122cc; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">nonpurposive</a>, <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unintentional" style="color: #1122cc; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">unintentional</a></span></dd></dl>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>intentional</i> says so much about what i want...what i want for my family, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">what i want for me, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">what i want to be.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">notice the synonyms. they're pretty powerful, too.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i've thought of so many areas of my life in which i'd like to be more intentional.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">intentional in parenting</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">intentional in decorating</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">intentional in blogging</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">intentional in marriage</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">intentional in health and fitness</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">intentional in finances</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">intentional in business</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">intentional in housekeeping</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">intentional in friendships</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">intentional in schooling</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">intentional in personal care</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">intentional in worship and devotion</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">intentional in reading </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">intentional in creating</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">these aren't in any order, certainly not in order of importance. they're just categories that came to mind when i was thinking about living my life more intentionally.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b25frsrjL8Y/VKnZzfopg5I/AAAAAAAASUw/kIJj-mcnNhA/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b25frsrjL8Y/VKnZzfopg5I/AAAAAAAASUw/kIJj-mcnNhA/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">that list above is a big list.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">an important list. but a daunting list, nonetheless.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it would be easy for me to look at such a list and do one of two things:</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">jump in with both feet, tackling everything all at one time, spreading my time and thought and energy so thin that i burn out no later than march 6th.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">OR</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">decide that there are so many areas that need work that it's nigh unto impossible so why even start in the first place i think i'm just going to give up.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">run on sentence? yes.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">good plan of attack? not really.</span></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i've decided to choose twelve areas of my life--one for each month of 2015--and work on intentionality in each of those areas.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">rather than looking at these as twelve individual blocks, laid out in a slender, straight line, i'm looking at them as interlocking bricks, each building on--and in turn <b>strengthening</b>--the others.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8YjpgeVk8CM/VKnZK0EWb9I/AAAAAAAASTo/ZLdeuG1NG6I/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8YjpgeVk8CM/VKnZK0EWb9I/AAAAAAAASTo/ZLdeuG1NG6I/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i realize i'm only a handful of days into this, i do realize that.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">but i'm loving this approach.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it's made it manageable.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it makes <i>intentional</i> feel attainable.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i need that.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i can't wait to tell you about the category i'm working on first! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941143379661348614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201306189008375784.post-90334366417912066162015-01-01T14:33:00.000-06:002015-01-01T14:33:21.224-06:00my word for 2015<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i still remember at the end of 2008, visiting my friend kim out in michigan, and her telling me all about the concept of choosing a word for the year.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">this was long before i knew it was "a thing," long before i'd heard of the term "one little word," long before i'd seen the hashtag #olw.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the whole idea made such sense to me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">rather than form a list of resolution after resolution, long forgotten by the time february rolls around, choose one word...one simple word as your "resolution" for the new year.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">whereas an ongoing litany of goals soon becomes overwhelming and oft becomes neglected, focusing and directing one's attention to <b>one word</b> proves to be attainable. reachable. and for me, life-changing.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">my word for 2009 was <b><i>calm</i></b>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2010's word was <b><i>simplify</i></b>. or <b><i>gentle</i></b>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">because i'm terrible about keeping a journal, and because 2010 was five years ago, my fuzzy memory can't quite recall which one i chose. i know <i>simplify</i> was in the running for 2009's word, which makes me think i may have chosen it for 2010. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2011 was <b><i>perspective</i></b>.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qTGZr_hkUlg/VKWbmj5OKRI/AAAAAAAASMI/IyKMtk3HfyQ/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qTGZr_hkUlg/VKWbmj5OKRI/AAAAAAAASMI/IyKMtk3HfyQ/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">my hubby and i went to california in the summer of 2011 and an artist on the beach did this driftwood wood-burning for me using only the sun and a magnifying glass.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2012 was <b><i>moderation</i></b>. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">in my journal, on january 1, 2012, next to <i>moderation</i>, i wrote, "confessions of an over-achiever."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">of note: in this same january 1 journal entry--you know, the one where i just declared <i>moderation</i> as my word for the year?--in this very same journal entry i have a list of no fewer than <b>three</b> daily social media <b>assignments</b> for myself. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">uhmmmmm, yes. i may have needed some moderation. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">still do.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">also of note: my last journal entry in 2012 was april 27th. i try, people. i really try. why can't i keep a journal??</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2013 was <b><i>grace</i></b>.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U1uPamxLJJ8/VKWbsRe9cjI/AAAAAAAASL8/8Y3RkU2c2W8/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U1uPamxLJJ8/VKWbsRe9cjI/AAAAAAAASL8/8Y3RkU2c2W8/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">in my january 1, 2013 entry {because, of course i have plenty of january 1 entries}, i wrote this: </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>grace--His grace <b>on</b> me and showing His grace <b>through</b> me.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>an affirmation <b>and</b> a challenge to action.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i still love those words.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.farmgirlpaints.com/">farm girl paints</a> was kind enough to make me a cuff with my word on it...and my hubby bought me that gorgeous necklace for my birthday {also in january} that year.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2014 was <b><i>relationship</i></b>.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--YzJVgTd2Cc/VKWbpJ8rfvI/AAAAAAAASLo/AiTgWwYgVO4/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--YzJVgTd2Cc/VKWbpJ8rfvI/AAAAAAAASLo/AiTgWwYgVO4/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">though the point of the practice is to focus on <b>one word</b>, 2014 found me thinking on a short phrase more often than just a single word--<i>relationship over responsibility</i>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'm sure this phrase could be taken and twisted a hundred different ways in a hundred different {and unflattering} lights, so let me tell you what it meant to <b>me</b>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i believe the people of the world could be divided into two groups of thought--those who are responsibility-focused, and those who are relationship-focused. some may do better than others at balancing the two, but i truly believe that each of us has a 51%, a definite lean, no matter how slight.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'm a responsibility-focused person. through and through. all the way. for me, it isn't 51% responsibility, 49% relationship. it's more like 75/25...or possibly even 80/20. it's not a lean. it's a full-fledged imbalance.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2014 was all about closing that gap.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it wasn't about neglecting my responsibilities or shirking my duties.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it was about remembering and considering the relationships in my life and not making them play second-fiddle to my responsibilities. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">this year, i also added another word cuff from <a href="http://www.farmgirlpaints.com/">farm girl paints</a>...and a sweet hand-stitched hoop as a birthday gift from my oldest girl.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i posted this image to instagram earlier this week...</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W8vRfl68-IM/VKWYwWuiPDI/AAAAAAAAR_0/9nfZaWk01ls/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W8vRfl68-IM/VKWYwWuiPDI/AAAAAAAAR_0/9nfZaWk01ls/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">purposely blurred on that day, so as not to give away my "secret," this image shows the result of hours and hours of thought given to my word for 2015.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">throughout most of november and december each year, i'm mulling over word choices for the following year. considering each one, weighing the need for it in my life, discarding those that don't fit, and reevaluating all over again.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">for several weeks, i was convinced that 2015's word would be <i>believe</i>. and while <i>believe</i> is a powerful word and the meaning that it holds for me is great in depth, it just didn't contain what i needed for the coming year. eliminating it was hard, as it sent me back to the drawing board, so to speak.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and then, last sunday on the way to church, it finally came to me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'd had the concept, the fleshing-out, the "what this looks like to me" in my mind for days and days, unable to unravel the exact word that would be a fitting label.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and then, just like that, i had it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">my word for 2015 is <b><i>intentional</i></b>.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{...more to come}</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941143379661348614noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201306189008375784.post-88657269071525672472014-12-09T10:00:00.000-06:002014-12-09T10:00:01.664-06:00tweetpotatopie etsy shop is OPEN!!!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/tweetpotatopie">tweetpotatopie etsy shop</a> is officially re-open</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and stocked to the brimmity-brim with</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">goodies for you!!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">of course, there's a full supply of my vintage blue</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">traveling mason jars...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7H_Ir9rC8m4/VIZyyWbPFlI/AAAAAAAAR4o/vpODqr2RSZQ/s1600/get-attachment-107.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7H_Ir9rC8m4/VIZyyWbPFlI/AAAAAAAAR4o/vpODqr2RSZQ/s1600/get-attachment-107.aspx.jpeg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">but look closely...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">look vewy, vewy closely.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">your eyes are not playing tricks on you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">tweetpotatopie traveling mason jars have a new</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and <b><i>very, very improved</i></b> lid!!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'm so excited to announce that i've been able to source my lids through the folks at </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the mason bar company.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KrRkJUXO28s/VIZ2CQ0wywI/AAAAAAAAR40/Cs0ih2UJv_U/s1600/get-attachment-109.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KrRkJUXO28s/VIZ2CQ0wywI/AAAAAAAAR40/Cs0ih2UJv_U/s1600/get-attachment-109.aspx.jpeg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">these lids are gonna rock.your.socks.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">prepare to be impressed.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">all one piece, smooth design, dishwasher-safe...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">like mary poppins...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">practically perfect in every way.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the shop has <b><i>vintage</i></b> {not the newer reproductions} blue jars</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">in both quart and pint sizes...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">limited-edition vintage clear traveling mason jars...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">glass straws and straw-cleaning brushes...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">oh!...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and one more thing...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i searched high and low for the perfect bags to offer for </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">you to gift with your mason jar tumblers...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">friends, you're going to love these handy little burlap totes i found.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">they're hand-decorated {by yours truly} and theeeeee ideal </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">size for a mason jar.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">there's still plenty of time to shop for christmas...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">or to just plain ole treat yo'self, for that matter!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">stop on by!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'd love to have you there!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tweetpotatopie.etsy.com/">tweetpotatopie.etsy.com</a></span></div>
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erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941143379661348614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201306189008375784.post-89844962871727620382014-12-03T06:30:00.000-06:002014-12-09T10:14:54.300-06:00thrifty gifty {a fabulous idea...a coupon code...AND A GIVEAWAY!!!}<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">a few weeks ago, my friend and i spent a saturday morning at a craft fair not too far from my home.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">we usually grab a cup of coffee, browse while sipping and chatting, doing more talking than spending, but having a great time, nonetheless.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i spent rather little that day, but near the end of the "circuit," i happened upon a jewelry booth that caught my attention. that's unusual, since i rarely buy jewelry, much less at a craft fair.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">not only did i walk away from the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/lillyanlou">lillyan lou</a> booth with one necklace, i ended up purchasing two.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRhr4pNtym0/VH6Ej51_U3I/AAAAAAAAR2g/IxeodQQkiNY/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRhr4pNtym0/VH6Ej51_U3I/AAAAAAAAR2g/IxeodQQkiNY/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i've never seen anything like these antler necklaces before and immediately fell in love with their design.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/213794673/antique-bronze-deer-antler-necklace?ref=shop_home_active_8">short one</a> is simple, lightweight...perfect for wearing with your everyday flannel and jeans.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/213792046/antique-bronze-deer-antler-necklace?ref=shop_home_active_6">long one</a> looks great worn alone...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">but i especially enjoy bunching it together with some of my other favorite pendants...</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2PkCk-NT0Pg/VH6ETs6c1EI/AAAAAAAAR2s/V0s0KsTblwk/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2PkCk-NT0Pg/VH6ETs6c1EI/AAAAAAAAR2s/V0s0KsTblwk/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">a few days later, after i'd already worn the necklaces several times in the space of less than a week, i contacted karmen and asked if she'd be interested in doing a giveaway to my readers. i was especially excited when she agreed to do so--this is a product that i hand-picked for myself, and i was <b><i>so</i></b> eager to share it with <b><i>you</i></b>!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GqwYj9_WMfs/VH6EPAP-i3I/AAAAAAAAR24/ev3NpK900mg/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GqwYj9_WMfs/VH6EPAP-i3I/AAAAAAAAR24/ev3NpK900mg/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'm going to be perfectly honest with you, i pinch pennies nearly any place i can.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">even during the gift-giving frenzy of the holidays, i try to maximize the mileage i get from every dollar.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i was thoroughly impressed with karmen's price point...i love that i can recommend her shop to you, knowing that you're going to be so pleased with how far you're able to stretch your gift-buying money. she's got it filled to the brim with goodies--vintage-inspired antique bronze necklaces {see the key necklace i'm wearing above?}, felt hairclips for your little girl...all sorts of accessorizing treasures!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">what's even better???</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">karmen is offering 20% off to tweetpotatopie readers...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">get this...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>through the end of december</i></b>!!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">simply use code tweetpotatopie in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LillyanLou?ref=l2-shop-info-avatar">her etsy shop</a> during your checkout process and you'll save big $$$!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FgW65sJx1Eg/VH6EfFhQSxI/AAAAAAAAR3E/4wOxD-xr0tI/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FgW65sJx1Eg/VH6EfFhQSxI/AAAAAAAAR3E/4wOxD-xr0tI/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and just in case that wasn't enough, you have the chance to win a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/213605441/antique-bronze-deer-antler-necklace?ref=shop_home_active_9">lillyan lou long antler necklace</a> for yourself!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it'll be like christmas-come-early!!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">here's how to enter the giveaway:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1. go to karmen's etsy shop, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LillyanLou?ref=l2-shop-info-avatar">lillyan lou</a>, and pick out your favorite item...she has such great things to choose from!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">come back here and leave a comment stating what your favorite piece in <a href="http://come back here and leave a comment stating what your favorite piece in her shop is. please be sure to leave your email address with your comment. comments without email addresses with be disqualified. 3. for an extra entry, follow @pamelalalasusan on instagram and come back and leave a separate comment stating that you did so. again, please be sure to leave your email address with your comment. comments without email addresses with be disqualified.">her shop</a> is. <b><i>please be sure to leave your email address with your comment. comments without email addresses with be disqualified.</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3. for an extra entry, follow <a href="http://instagram.com/lillyanlou">@lillyanlou</a> and <a href="http://instagram.com/tweetpotatopie">@tweetpotatopie</a> on instagram and come back and leave a <b><i>separate</i></b> comment stating that you did so. again, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>please be sure to leave your email address with your comment. comments without email addresses with be disqualified.</i></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">winner will be randomly chosen and notified via email tuesday morning {12/8}.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">happy-happy-win-win!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">xo</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">giveaway closed!!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">sarah ann, you're the winner!!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'll be emailing you later today.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">congratulations!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941143379661348614noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201306189008375784.post-6444267819379935202014-11-25T06:30:00.000-06:002014-11-25T06:30:03.310-06:00how to get it all done<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">so...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">maybe you're not like me.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">but, i'll tell you, this is the kind of thing that happens to <i><b>me</b></i> at this time of year.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sUkPKrkhtYM/VHQBo7vMLfI/AAAAAAAARuk/VHz9zb75VJU/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sUkPKrkhtYM/VHQBo7vMLfI/AAAAAAAARuk/VHz9zb75VJU/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" height="320" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ScCXRViHts/VHQBYV_G4fI/AAAAAAAARt0/aQxFE1KBmeA/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ScCXRViHts/VHQBYV_G4fI/AAAAAAAARt0/aQxFE1KBmeA/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C_7ZmgGrix8/VHQBTjLDj8I/AAAAAAAARtY/pVq3mZAN12U/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C_7ZmgGrix8/VHQBTjLDj8I/AAAAAAAARtY/pVq3mZAN12U/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" height="320" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b5zpRLHfJ_M/VFt30yndxOI/AAAAAAAARRI/518I3yxW1dU/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b5zpRLHfJ_M/VFt30yndxOI/AAAAAAAARRI/518I3yxW1dU/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i start scrolling through instagram...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">or leafing through magazines...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">or browsing through blogs...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and i see the crafts that she's doing...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and the meals that she's making...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and the goodies that she's baking...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and the holiday decor that she's <i>already</i> put up...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and the elaborate table settings...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and the intricate centerpieces, complete with coordinating place cards...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and i begin to berate myself</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and beat myself up</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and ask myself, "how does <b><i>she</i></b> do it all?"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">implying, of course, that the hypothetical "she" <b><i>does</i></b> do it all...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and i, of course, fall short, come up lacking, and <b><i>do not</i></b> do it all.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i try to always present an honest and open front, especially on social media.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i don't think i come across as a bright and shining example of how a perfect life looks, but that doesn't really matter, does it?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">because when we're out to compare ourselves, anyone and everyone looks more "with it" than we do, right?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">how do i do it all?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">here's how...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">this is what the rug by my back door looks like right now.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it rained this weekend.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and by "it rained this weekend," i mean it rained ALL weekend.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">that is mud on the rug {and on the door, i'm noticing now}. not dirt.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">that rug is toast. gone. kaput. garbage.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">but i refuse to change it out until thursday morning.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'll want a nice, clean one there for our thanksgiving company...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'm not going to drive myself batty putting down a clean one now and trying to keep it clean until thursday. no way, no how.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">if you stop by my house between now and thursday, expect to be greeted at the back door by this sight.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">sorry.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">not really.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xkTt4xTqrQY/VHQAl8OoqOI/AAAAAAAARp8/0C-HYnYeOAs/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xkTt4xTqrQY/VHQAl8OoqOI/AAAAAAAARp8/0C-HYnYeOAs/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and this is what it looks like in my living room.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'm sure the littles are playing incredibly educational games on those electronics, right?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">hmmmmm...probably not.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">judging from the, "addie! don't burn my house down!" i just heard, i'd guess that they're "connected" on minecraft.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{not that i really have any clue what that means, mind you. minecraft is above my pay grade, evidently. i'm clueless.}</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and those bags?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">those are filled with supplies for the next batch of christmas tree trucks that i'm making.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i don't have a studio.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">hey, i don't even have a dedicated craft table.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">so my craft supplies end up here and there and everywhere...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">until the project at hand is finished and i gather them up and stow them away.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CPwvlsgpMjQ/VHQA1j99FMI/AAAAAAAARqs/wRc1rnrjRQk/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CPwvlsgpMjQ/VHQA1j99FMI/AAAAAAAARqs/wRc1rnrjRQk/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and if you were standing and staring at that big pile of shopping bags and then turned to your left, this is what you'd see...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">that's our fabulous vintage record player...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">buried under packaging supplies, boots waiting to be listed on ebay, and an antique printer's drawer ready to be shipped to a friend.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VHD0xhQ4pa0/VHQA6X5iBaI/AAAAAAAARr8/k8YWhFfPwdI/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VHD0xhQ4pa0/VHQA6X5iBaI/AAAAAAAARr8/k8YWhFfPwdI/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the bathroom?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the bathroom is spotless.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i know that because i had to inspect it three times before it reached "spotless" status.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">but still, eleven-year-olds aren't great at remembering to put away the vacuum. or empty the mop-water bucket, for that matter.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">so, while the bathroom is spotless, the vacuum sits in the middle of the hallway.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6vF6_Vd1vI0/VHQA_ANUBGI/AAAAAAAARuM/RP4SUfpmYZk/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6vF6_Vd1vI0/VHQA_ANUBGI/AAAAAAAARuM/RP4SUfpmYZk/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and since mommy had to work today {work at home, granted, but still <b><i>work</i></b>}, the littles occupied themselves for some of the day in their room.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and it shows.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">they also spent over an hour outside in the wet, slushy snow.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i won't even show you the mound of laundry that created.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u4uTvodL8ww/VHQBDq7taII/AAAAAAAARuw/GLnRFZaLF6A/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u4uTvodL8ww/VHQBDq7taII/AAAAAAAARuw/GLnRFZaLF6A/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hgd_PMqRbAU/VHQBIEtd49I/AAAAAAAARss/XIT1SYBz3o8/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hgd_PMqRbAU/VHQBIEtd49I/AAAAAAAARss/XIT1SYBz3o8/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and in the interest of full disclosure, i should probably admit that all these photos were taken as i strolled through my house at 5:12.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">in the evening.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">in my pajama pants.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">yes, i've made it a goal to get dressed daily.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">like, ready-to-leave-the-house dressed.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">but it didn't happen today.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it just didn't.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and eden...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">eden dressed herself.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">stripes match stripes, right?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">seems like good logic to me.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">you see, <b><i>this</i></b> is how i get it all done.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>i. don't.</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and neither does "she." and neither can you.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">oh, you may never get to see her muddy back-door mat.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">you might not get to see her five-in-the-afternoon pajama ensemble, or her stack of unruly shopping bags.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">she may never show you her mis-matched toddler or her mis-placed vacuum, or her messy bedrooms.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">but they're there.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">they may manifest themselves differently.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">but they're there.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">we all have to choose what "gives"...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">today, my rug and my bedrooms and my clothing choices and my clutter tolerance all had to "give"...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and because they "gave," i was able to ship several hundred dollars worth of merchandise.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'm all for a pretty instagram feed.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">there's enough negative in life...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i like instagram for the fact that it {mostly} showcases the nice, the pretty, the positive in our days.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">but just remember, that's what social media is--the highlight reel.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i've heard it said before, and it's so, so true--you cannot take your life, complete with cuts and outtakes and behind-the-scenes footage, and compare it with someone else's highlight reel.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">you already <i>know</i> most of this, right?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">but sometimes it just takes someone saying, "see? my house has dirty spots, too. and i have clutter piles, too. and some days, i end up still in my jammies at dinnertime, too."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">sometimes it just takes someone else admitting that they don't get it all done.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">that's me. both hands in the air.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'm admitting it. i don't get it all done. not even close. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'm that someone for you today.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">my challenge for you?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">go be that someone for somebody else.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">you just never know who might breathe a sigh of relief at the thought that you <b><i>don't</i></b> actually do.it.all.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">be real.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">not real perfect.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">just real.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">xo</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941143379661348614noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201306189008375784.post-3883207186623378942014-11-13T06:30:00.000-06:002014-11-13T06:30:00.855-06:00salted caramel apple salad {NOT paleo :)}<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">this past weekend, we were invited to yet another friend's house for dinner on saturday night.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i was asked to bring fruit. you know, like fruit salad...or something similarly healthy.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">throughout the morning on saturday, i developed a craving for caramel apple salad.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i dug up a recipe...decided that it simply wasn't decadent enough, and tweaked the formula here and there to make it absolutely sinful...great friend that i am.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">in the end, our hostess didn't mind one little bit.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">this recipe goes together super-quickly...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and i wanted to share it now, before you plan your holiday menus.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">sometimes amidst the heavy--and usually <i>warm</i>--holiday pies and treats, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it's nice to have a cold dessert salad for a change of pace.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">this fits that bill perfectly.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">if you have a culinarily-challenged guest attending your holiday feast, this would be the perfect dish to request for them to bring...i think it's virtually impossible to mess up.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">without any further ado...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6zkhHx936QI/VGLHuxYCNFI/AAAAAAAARmM/vCDAO2ImxMk/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6zkhHx936QI/VGLHuxYCNFI/AAAAAAAARmM/vCDAO2ImxMk/s640/14%2B-%2B1" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>salted caramel apple salad</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">10 medium-size apples, washed, cored, and cubed {i used honeycrisp and did not peel them}</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">16oz. tub of cool whip, thawed</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3oz. packet instant vanilla pudding </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">6oz. can planters salted caramel peanuts</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">8oz. bag heath english toffee bits</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">smucker's simple delight salted caramel topping</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vg7l7E96Mok/VGLEPHBPypI/AAAAAAAARjk/mKFIsnN-ZdE/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vg7l7E96Mok/VGLEPHBPypI/AAAAAAAARjk/mKFIsnN-ZdE/s320/14%2B-%2B1" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDkVZzvyzjc/VGLETYgS52I/AAAAAAAARj8/IUFEW3xJOms/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDkVZzvyzjc/VGLETYgS52I/AAAAAAAARj8/IUFEW3xJOms/s320/14%2B-%2B1" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NX2MJXPsCsM/VGLEWxC4-vI/AAAAAAAARkU/kmUNf4Ivbt8/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NX2MJXPsCsM/VGLEWxC4-vI/AAAAAAAARkU/kmUNf4Ivbt8/s400/14%2B-%2B1" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">cut apples into large bowl.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">in separate bowl, stir cool whip with pudding mix {mix packet <b><i>only</i></b>, not milk} until well-incorporated.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">chop peanuts {i dumped them into a ziploc bag and pounded them with a rolling pin until they were in small pieces. i should note, i did include all the salty-caramely goodness that had settled in the bottom of the peanut can. i should also note that i found these peanuts in the popcorn/chip aisle at walmart.}</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>all at once</i></b>, fold cool whip mixture, chopped peanuts, and <b><i>half</i></b> of the bag of toffee bits into the chopped apples. mix gently.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">drizzle with salted caramel topping <i><b>immediately before serving</b></i>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">recipe makes one large bowl...approximately 12-15 moderately-sized portions...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">or 6-8 very large portions...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it really all depends on how big of a serving spoon you use...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and how much of it you inhale as you stand at the counter taste-testing it.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">enjoy!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{p.s. if you're looking for another yummy autumn-inspired apple treat, you may want to try the <a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2014/11/paleo-apple-pie-smoothie.html">apple pie smoothie</a> i posted last week!}</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{p.p.s. don't forget to enter <a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2014/11/my-favorite-jewelryand-giveaway.html">the giveaway</a> for my favorite sterling silver earrings...today's the last day!}</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941143379661348614noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201306189008375784.post-78532971987446895352014-11-12T06:30:00.000-06:002014-11-12T06:30:01.884-06:00keep calm and carry on...{some helpful suggestions}<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">our family is part of a regional homeschool group, including ten other families, that meets every other friday.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{read on, this isn't all just about homeschooling, i promise.}</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">our kiddos are given the opportunity to experience an organized classroom environment, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">participating in four different, age-categorized classes throughout the day.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">during the hour-long lunch period, two moms monitor the children at recess {we alternate taking turns each week}, while the other ladies take part in a small-group type of setting.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">this past week, the question was presented to us, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>what do you do to keep calm?</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>what techniques do you employ to maintain a sense of inner peace?</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">many moms enter the homeschooling scene with visions of children dancing through fields with hand-woven flower crowns...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">busy home-pupils, noses studiously buried in a pile of field guides...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">neat hand-written book reports, curving, looping script covering bright white notebook paper...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">students of all ages, gazing in wonder at charts of the human skeleton, eagerly memorizing the periodic table of elements, and avidly studying the maiden flight of the wright brothers {constructing a scale model of their flyer I out of toothpicks, popsicle sticks, and washi tape, of course}...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and all of this done in a peaceful, quiet, calm, serene setting, worthy of the best hazy-edged photo editing you've ever seen.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">those moms are usually pulled down to a much different reality.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">homeschooling is fabulous.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and it's terrible.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the students are fabulous.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and they're terrible.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">those fields have prickers in them...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and the flower crowns fall apart...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and the students would rather bury their noses in playstations and ipads...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and there are days that the handwriting is illegible...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">there are still crude jokes and annoying snickers when studying anatomy...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and the model plane dive-bombed into the two-year-old, sending him into screaming hysterics for the next half hour.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">basically, it's your typical day around the house...along with the full-time job of teaching mixed in.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i love homeschooling.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i hate homeschooling.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'm just keeping it really, really real.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">but for right now, and for the past six years, homeschooling is what works for our family.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and as such, we've had to implement some rules procedures for maintaining a bit of calm around here...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'd imagine it's the same struggle in <b><i>any</i></b> household...not only those that homeschool.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i thought maybe you'd be interested in hearing some of the insights and suggestions from the moms in our group. this isn't a one-size-fits-all sort of thing.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">this is more like a colander...or a sifter...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">pick through...keep what works for you...toss out the rest.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1. <i><b>establish boundaries and adhere to them.</b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">when we start the school day, the two littles are at the dining room table with me, and the two olders are in their rooms. to begin the day, i give each of the littles a bit of seatwork to work on while i do my teaching with the older ones.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the littles are to sit there quietly and work on their pages. this is not the time to ask questions. if they come to something they don't understand, they are to skip it and ask me about it later.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">to be blunt, this is not their time.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">this is my time with the two older students.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">yes, i am still at the table right by the two little ones. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">but this is not their time.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i cannot handle four kids throwing questions at me all at the same times. i think there are some moms that would do just fine under those circumstances.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">me? no.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it makes me craaaaaay-see.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">so, i've established this boundary, and i adhere to it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">there are still times when one of the little ones will try to interrupt with a question. i either ignore them {and they usually catch on very quickly as to why they aren't being answered}, or i look directly at them and tell them to go to the next section. i do not answer questions. this is not the time for that.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2. <i><b>afternoons are quiet times.</b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">this is actually a <i><b>must</b></i> that several moms brought up. we all seem to feel the need for a quiet downtime during the afternoons.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">that quiet downtime looks different for each of us.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">for me, right now, it's pushing the kids to enjoy every last second outdoors before the weather turns frigid later this month.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">for a mom of younger little ones, it means nap time.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">for a mom without outdoor play capabilities, it means sending each child to a designated space for alone time...they may read, or craft, or even occasionally be on electronics, but they must be <b><i>alone</i></b> and they must be <b><i>quiet</i></b>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3. <b><i>find bits of solitude for yourself</i></b>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">...and if possible, make sure your spouse is on board with this.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">for me, a day full of teaching four littles, combined with the non-schooling day-in-day-out needs of my children, along with my household duties of laundry, cleaning, budget, healthy cooking {and on the list could go...you get the idea}, is enough to have me worn to a frazzle by dinnertime.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">fortunately, my supportive husband realizes this and when he gets home from work, he steps in to divert some of the troubleshooting toward him.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i've been down in our room before and heard a child coming down the stairs, only to hear him ask that child what they needed. when they said they were going to ask mom something, he told them to wait a while, that mom needs some alone time.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i know some parents may view this as selfishness, and i wish i could erase that image from your mind. it's actually quite the opposite. i'm a better me, a better mom, if i carve out alone time for myself...i'm actually doing my kids a favor by being unavailable just for a bit.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4. <b><i>have a set routine and stick to your routine.</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">one mom in our group has children that rise particularly early. she found that without a rather rigid, set routine, her mornings tended to quickly get out of hand. she now has set times that the children are expected to be downstairs for breakfast, along with specific time slots for brushing teeth, getting dressed, and other morning chores. her husband works from home and helps monitor the hygiene/dressing time, as those times of crossing paths in the hallway seem to be perfect opportunities for it to all fall apart with little conflicts and arguments.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">5. <b><i>get your rest.</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'm currently in a season of rising early every morning. another mom in the group is a late-riser. yet another mom tries to grab a short nap each afternoon. basically, it doesn't matter how you go about it, just make sure you get enough rest and sleep.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the same could apply to your kiddos. tired kids are cranky kids and cranky doesn't bode well for calm and peace.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">6. <b><i>figure out what works for you.</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">...and don't worry about it if it doesn't look like what works for someone else.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">as stated above, some of us moms are early risers, some late.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">some take naps, some don't.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">we do our schooling in the mornings, while one of my dearest friends {also nearest, incidentally} does her schooling in the afternoons.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">my children think best in the mornings, while i can feel my blood pressure rising with the slackened pace that comes after lunch each day. their frustration increases, their comprehension decreases, and general unease prevails.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">for my friend, the opposite is true. her kids aren't morning people and for her to try to push the school routine into the morning box just doesn't work for them.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">find what works for you. don't worry if it doesn't look like what works for someone else. you'll be happier for it. your kids will be happier for it. and happy = calm and peaceful far more than unhappy does.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">7. <i><b>organize your schedule and make optimal use of </b>everyone's<b> time.</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">there are several larger families in our group, and a couple of those moms suggested the resource <a href="http://www.titus2.com/managers-of-their-homes.html">managers of their homes</a>. though i've never personally used this system, i've heard very positive feedback on it from multiple sources.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">regardless of whether you use that book or not, it operates on the premise that, in a family, each person has something to offer. too often as moms, we shoulder the majority of the work, forgetting that we have capable little helpers that can help with <i><b>some</b></i> things. no, they cannot do everything...but they can do some things. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">in <a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2014/08/11-favorite-housekeeping-tips.html">this post</a> {tip #8}, i share my experience with realizing that my littles are more capable than i thought.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">you have some great helpers living right in the same house as you. use them! your kiddos will benefit from the responsibility they learn and you will find yourself breathing a bit easier when your workload is divided a bit.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">none of these suggestions are earth-shattering.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">none of them will make a fuzzy aura glow around your house...you won't automatically hear enya playing in the background.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">but if you're able to incorporate one or two of them--adjusting them to meet the individual needs and preferences of your family, of course--you may just find that your frenetic days settle down into a more manageable pace.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{pssssssst! if you missed <a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2014/11/my-favorite-jewelryand-giveaway.html">yesterday's post</a>, there's a fabulous jewelry giveaway going on, and it's incredibly easy to enter!}</span><br />
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erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941143379661348614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201306189008375784.post-52758951308694812792014-11-11T10:15:00.000-06:002014-11-14T09:20:29.338-06:00my favorite jewelry...and a giveaway<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i love it when creators/makers contact me, wanting to do a giveaway on my blog or instagram...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it's so fun and is pretty much a win-win all the way around.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the maker gets exposure for their wares--win for them!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i get kicks out of giving gifts--win for me!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and you get free goodies--win for you!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{and to be perfectly transparent, i enjoy the freebies that i usually receive, too.}</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">on my blog {or my IG}, i only do giveaways for items that i actually "believe in"...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'm not just trying to fill blog space, pump out another post, and gather free goods for myself...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i want to provide publicity for quality products and introduce you to possibly new ideas.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">all that said, i'm thrilled when i get to give away an item that has been a tried and true favorite of mine...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">such is the case today.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">last year, pamela contacted me to see if she could send me a few pieces of her jewelry. it was a no-strings-attached sort of offer...all she asked was that if i truly enjoyed them and felt comfortable doing so, i'd show them off on my instagram account.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">that was over a year and a half ago...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and i've shown these earrings off countless times.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">they are, quite sincerely, my very favorite pair of earrings.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">made of ultra-thin, super-lightweight <b><i>sterling silver</i></b>, i can't even feel that i have them on...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">that's something i love in any jewelry i wear...such comfort that i forget i'm even wearing it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">putting the shoe on the other foot, so to speak, i recently contacted pamela, raving on and on once again about how much i love these earrings, and asked if she'd be interested in giving <b><i>you</i></b> a pair!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">pamela's jewelry shop on etsy has grown and had multiplied hundreds of sales; and although she didn't need the publicity, she so kindly agreed to give away a pair of these fabulous earrings!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">here's what pamela has to say about her creating...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I like to make things. Lots of things. Creating with my fingers and bringing to life the ideas that swirl around in my mind makes me feel alive and happy. It's as simple as that. Whether it be photography, making soap, knitting, jewelry or just plain ol' rock stacking on the coast of Oregon, they all remind me of the quote, "Stay close to anything that makes you glad you're alive" by Hafez. </span></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">For this I am grateful for the jewelry-making journey that began long ago, at the feet of my artist mother. She planted the seed of creativity in my mind and heart and since that time it has flourished.</span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As for where I find inspiration for my designs, the colors of the gems themselves are naturally inspiring to me. What can I say? I like vibrant, pretty little things that sparkle. And hammering metal. That's pretty fun, too. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i am so very excited about this giveaway!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">treat yourself to an early {free} christmas gift...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">or if earrings aren't your thing, save a few $$$ and set these aside to give! i promise that no recipient could possibly be disappointed in these.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">here's what you have to do to enter:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1. visit <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/pamelasusan">pamela's etsy shop</a> and pick out your favorite piece of jewelry.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2. come back here and leave a comment stating what your favorite piece in her shop is. <b><i>please be sure to leave your email address with your comment. comments without email addresses with be disqualified.</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3. for an extra entry, follow <a href="http://instagram.com/pamelalalasusan">@pamelalalasusan</a> on instagram and come back and leave a <b><i>separate</i></b> comment stating that you did so. again, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>please be sure to leave your email address with your comment. comments without email addresses with be disqualified.</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">winner will be chosen and notified via email friday morning {11/14}.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">happy-happy-win-win!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">xo</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">giveaway closed!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">jill, you are the winner!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">i'll be in contact with you via email today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">congratulations!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">xo</span></div>
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erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941143379661348614noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201306189008375784.post-52668813491984953422014-11-06T07:46:00.000-06:002014-11-06T12:03:11.547-06:00november...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i love the beginning of a new month...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">new years is one of my very favorite holidays; </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and to me, the beginning of each new month is akin to a mini new years twelve times a year.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">fresh starts...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">clean calendar pages...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">renewed goals...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">november always bears a bit more of a new-years "feel" for me than any of the other months, save january, of course.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">after the bittersweetness that accompanies each october, november dawns clear-eyed and level-headed...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">a late-autumnal breath of fresh air.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">so much feels "new" to me this month...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">waking</i> up earlier every morning...those precious minutes of solitude, of silence, have become a treasure to me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>drinking</i></b> tea and <a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2014/11/paleo-apple-pie-smoothie.html">smoothies</a>...and still steering clear of coffee.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>brainstorming</i></b> about a new blog series, and</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>loving</i></b> writing.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>cooking</i></b> with copious amounts of kale.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hzw_Qg-ALSw/VFt4VETp1HI/AAAAAAAARP8/QkhxLajg9GE/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hzw_Qg-ALSw/VFt4VETp1HI/AAAAAAAARP8/QkhxLajg9GE/s1600/14%2B-%2B1" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>reading</i></b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cuckoos-Calling-Cormoran-Strike/dp/0316206857/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1415277869&sr=1-1&keywords=the+cuckoo%27s+calling">the cuckoo's calling</a> by robert galbraith {j.k. rowling's penname}. finding it slow getting into, but the pace is picking up.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>smelling</i></b> yankee's maple and white barn's creamy pumpkin candles, lit nearly every morning {and, of course, i can't find either one online}.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><b>dabbling</b></i> around a bit with selling on ebay.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>finishing</i></b> up some custom orders of my quilt piece hoops, and</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>crafting</i></b> a series of incredible items for a christmasy instagram sale.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>scheming</i></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> about some new product collaborations...fingers crossed they'll be coming soon {and i'm so excited!}</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>thinking</i></b> that i need to be getting out for a walk more often.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>schooling</i></b> addison and eden together for nearly all subjects, and totally</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>enjoying</i></b> the "classroom feel" of teaching multiple students.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>eating</i></b> a lot of spaghetti squash and goat cheese and all things pumpkin {not necessarily all together}.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>baking</i></b> pumpkin cookies with austyn today, and</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>sharing</i></b> that recipe soon.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>heading</i></b> to <a href="http://natalienoack.blogspot.com/2014/10/holiday-craft-party-with-natalie.html">arkansas</a> next week, on a plane, just like a big girl {even though i'm terrified of flying}.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>wearing</i></b> some new-to-me {mostly thrifted} clothes, and</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>getting</i></b> dressed in "real clothes" every day {also new to me}, and</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><b>having</b></i> so much fun doing so.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>spending</i></b> a little extra time connecting with loved ones and friends and neighbors, </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>putting</i></b> a renewed focus into my word for 2014--relationship, and</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>pondering</i></b> over possibilities for my word for 2015.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>going</i></b> on a date night tomorrow night, and </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>looking</i></b> so forward to it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2014/10/little-steps-for-walking-slowly-through.html"><b><i>slowing</i></b> down</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941143379661348614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201306189008375784.post-6218788942558724402014-11-05T06:33:00.000-06:002014-11-05T06:33:23.682-06:00paleo apple pie smoothie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">here's what i want you to do...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">close your eyes.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">come on, now. close 'em.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">imagine your very favorite apple pie...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">maybe it's that one your mom makes every year for thanksgiving...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">or maybe your grandma makes it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">maybe perkin's or baker's square or sara lee makes it...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">if so, please don't tell me about it. please. just keep that one to yourself.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">anywhoo...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">imagine a generous wedge of that glorious apple pie...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and now, envision that pie topped with homemade vanilla ice cream.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'm not talking about the yellow-food-dye-infested "french" vanilla stuff you buy in a bucket for $6.99.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'm talking homemade, real-cream, real-sugar, real-vanilla ice cream.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and now...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">now you've got what this smoothie tastes like.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">take my word for it, folks, you've <b><i>got</i></b> to try this one.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">my ten-year-old son who doesn't like bananas, who will only eat raspberry yogurt because all the others have chunks, and whose favorite food is pizza took a sip of my smoothie the other day and immediately looked up at me wide-eyed exclaiming, "how do you get it to taste like that?!?"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it's just.<b><i>that</i></b>.good.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>apple pie smoothie</b> {with optional paleo instructions}</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 large apple, cored and cubed {i don't peel mine. i use honeycrisp.}</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 large handful of ice</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">¼ cup plain greek yogurt {omit if paleo}</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">scant ¼ cup old-fashioned oats~OR~2 tablespoons almond butter {paleo}</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3 tablespoons pure maple syrup</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">½ teaspoon cinnamon</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">milk {or almond/coconut milk}</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 raw egg {optional...<b><i>very</i></b> optional}</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">blend first six ingredients together, adding milk until desired consistency is reached. i usually prefer my smoothies very thick, but this is one that i actually enjoy more when it's the consistency of a milkshake, maybe even a bit thinner.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">if you're incredibly brave and feel like taking your life into your hands, you can do what i do and toss a raw egg in during the last minute or so of blending. it will give you a luscious foamy finish atop your smoothie...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">of course, plenty of people will also tell you that it will give you salmonella, too...so there's that. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">daring, i tell ya. bold and awfully daring.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">this recipe makes nearly a quart of fabulously delicious smoothie...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and is best if you drink it almost immediately.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">some smoothies can sit for a bit and not be any worse for wear...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">in this one, the apple and oats seem to soak up the moisture and get very pulpy. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">sit down, take a few minutes to breathe, and just enjoy it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i promise you'll want to make one again tomorrow.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">or maybe for lunch today.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941143379661348614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201306189008375784.post-21363188006014528232014-11-04T06:34:00.000-06:002014-11-04T06:34:29.101-06:00thrifty hostess gift<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">over the weekend, we were invited over to a friend's house for dinner. though i asked and offered a few times, i was told that i didn't need to bring anything to contribute to the meal.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">still, it would have pained me to show up empty-handed, so i wanted to take my friend a small hostess gift.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">as weekends go, the time got away from me and there were about thirty-seven temptations for me to scratch the idea all together; but in the end, i'm glad i put forth the {simple and very easy} effort to get this little gift basket together.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">here's what goodies are in there:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">☛dark green berry basket {found during my early-morning dash through Michael's. it was on fall clearance for 80% off...for a cost of $1.89.}</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">☛mrs. meyer's lemon verbena hand soap and countertop spray {in <a href="http://www.tweetpotatopie.com/2014/09/random-randomness-92614.html">this post</a>, i share how you can get <b><i>eight</i></b> mrs. meyer's products for only $2.24 each. these are great for gift baskets...or for stocking stuffers if you've any adult stockings you need to fill this christmas! by the way, the countertop spray may be my very favorite mm product ever...and the lemon verbena <b><i>is</i></b> my very favorite scent ever.}</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">☛hand-stitched quilty hoop. i've been selling some of these autumn-inspired hoops over on instagram...they're stitched on whimsical pieces from vintage quilt tops. i specifically wanted to include one of these in my gift basket. after a doctor's appointment that ran over an hour late and an unexpected run to the pharmacy, i ended up stitching this at the very last minute. it still turned out so cute...and i really think a small, handmade touch makes any gift that much more special.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">☛chocolate. really, need i say more?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">so, here's the low-down.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the berry basket from Michael's cost me $1.89.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the two mrs. meyers products were in my "gift stash"...so, on saturday, they didn't cost me anything; but originally, they cost around $2.24 each.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the quilty hoop was made from supplies i had on hand...little to no cost.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the chocolate was in my personal treat "stash." {are you sensing a theme here with my "stashes?" i do tend to tuck many items away for later use...gifts, treats, etc.} again, no cost to me on saturday, but an original cost of around $3, i believe.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the basket, twine, acorn ornament, and granny square were all gathered from here and there around my house...no cost.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">add it all up and for under $10, i had a cute, thoughtful hostess gift to take to my sweet friend.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">like i said, there were several times during my manic saturday morning that i was tempted to just forego the entire idea. it wouldn't have bothered my friend in the least if i'd shown up gift-less. but <b><i>i</i></b> wanted to take her something...i wanted her to know i had thought of <b><i>her</i></b>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i think all too often we forsake the good on the altar of the perfect.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>i can't put together a gift basket like her. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>i can't stitch that hoop.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>i don't have a gift stash.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>i don't have time.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>i don't have money.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">personally, i am so very guilty of this. there are so many things that i just do not do because i feel i can't do them perfectly.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and that's just silly.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i'm admitting that about myself. that is silliness.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">maybe you don't have a spare basket lying around. what about a bowl? grab a fall leaf and a bit of paint and "stamp" a cardboard box. do you have a pressed-paper strawberry basket hanging around from the summer? maybe a cute vintage pillowcase? you have something you could use to hold those goodies. stretch your mind...be creative!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">maybe you can't stitch. can you paint? maybe you are a couponer. couponner? coupon-er? sheesh...how ever you say it...maybe you're one of those crazy coupon ladies. stick some of your favorite recent deals in that basket!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">maybe you don't have a gift stash. start one. i'm serious. a friend of mine turned me on to this idea several years ago and it's been a life-saver time and time again. click on that link above and get the mrs. meyers deal. save some for yourself...and then tuck the rest away for when you need a last-minute gift. when you find brand new items at the thrift store or at garage sales, tuck them away for gifts! oh geeeez...quit rolling your eyes at me. next time your little one has an unexpected birthday party to go to, you'll be happy you bought that brand new lalaloopsy for $5 at a garage sale, rather than having to shell out the $32 wally-world is asking for the same cheapo piece of plastic.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">maybe you don't have time. nope. i don't buy it. you do have time. we all have time to be thoughtful. make the time. take the time. if nothing else, grab a cute vintage mug at the thrift, a box of fancy tea, and a small bottle of honey. tie it all together with a ribbon. bam. again, you're under $10. and all of that can be purchased on your next grocery run. if you don't have time to run to the thrift, grab a mug out of your own cabinet...chances are you have plenty to spare.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and really and truly, maybe you don't have the money. but all the ideas i've thrown out today have been for $10 or less. skip two starbucks runs and you've got your money. or if that amount is still not doable, get your creative juices flowing even more and stretch those few dollars you do have.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">above all, don't skip the small, thoughtful bit that you <b><i>can</i></b> do just because you can't do some large extravagant gift.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">like i told someone today, <b><i>some</i></b>thing is better than <b><i>no</i></b>thing.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941143379661348614noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201306189008375784.post-65209683140312127892014-10-31T11:12:00.000-05:002014-10-31T11:12:14.599-05:00random randomness 10/31/14<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">saturday--pumpkins are totally fall-ish, right? not just for halloween? because <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/2014/10/book-page-pumpkin/">this</a> looks cute. and fun. and i'd probably slice a finger or two off while making it, but still. fun, right?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">sunday--have we become so concerned with creating a life of meaning that we've forgotten we already have one? <a href="http://momastery.com/blog/2014/10/26/look-youre-started-your-life-beautiful-done-carry-on/">what if your life is already the best thing?</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">monday--i've been steering clear of coffee lately. it does not nice things to me. and i don't mean digestively-speaking...i mean IN MAH HEDDDDDDDD. and then i read <a href="http://nymag.com/scienceofus/2014/10/when-introverts-should-avoid-coffee.html?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Greatist%20Daily&utm_campaign=Greatist%20Things%20on%20the%20Internet%3A%2010%2F24%2F14">this</a>. and it all makes so.much.sense.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">tuesday--<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/caramelized-butternut-squash-recipe.html">caramelized butternut squash</a>?!?!? ok. i've got to be honest and admit, she had me at "caramelized." caramelized lemur liver?....mmmm...caramelized...it must be good.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">wednesday--a good life story always gets my attention. <a href="http://www.livesimplybyannie.com/important-post-ive-ever-written-story-live-simply/">this one</a> did not disappoint. well worth the seven minutes it will take you to read it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">thursday--even if you're just the teeniest, tiniest small-business person like i am, <a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/77589952/0/sethsblog~But-what-do-you-do.html">this</a> applies. food for thought. i've already read it twice this week.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">friday--several links about capsule wardrobes in the past few weeks. <a href="http://serendipityandcreativity.com/2014/10/15/23-must-see-tips-for-the-shopaholic-on-a-budget/">this</a> will help you keep your pennies in mind, in the event that you're considering updating/revamping your fall attire. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">my cat has a doctor's appointment this morning.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">which equates to me having a bit of alone time.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">desperate times, friends, desperate times. it's pitiful when you look forward to vet visits for a bit of peace and quiet.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">we're going up to lake geneva for fish fry with my daddio tonight.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">local fish fry joints on friday evenings...this is totally a wisconsin thing, isn't it?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">i mean, we live in illinois...and we once lived in michigan...but no one does friday night fish fry like wisconsin.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">saturday is already filling up with chores...why is it that saturdays are always soooooo full of stuff that <b><i>must</i></b> be done? wouldn't it be great to be a kid again? wake up on saturday morning..."hey, i want to stay in my jammies and watch Bonanza all day!" those were the days. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">alas, our saturday promises gutter-cleaning, shed-clearing, leaf-burning and more general frivolity.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the best part of saturday?...dinner with friends. now <b><i>that</i></b> is fun.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">church on sunday...looking so forward to it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">happy weekend, y'all!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">savor the time with your loves.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">xo</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{from my IG this week...i'm <a href="http://instagram.com/tweetpotatopie">@tweetpotatopie</a> over there, too.}</span></div>
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erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02941143379661348614noreply@blogger.com0