tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83542430149766467072024-03-12T21:16:56.408-04:00An Inviting AbodeDecorating, Dining, and Entertaining.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375714745559255511noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354243014976646707.post-26277841923211052682013-04-21T19:17:00.000-04:002013-04-22T09:41:40.681-04:00Pinwheel Shower for Baby Powers<div style="text-align: left;">
What a lovely weekend in Atlanta! Friday and Sunday were low key, while Saturday was spent throwing a baby shower with girls I love for a friend we adore. Our friends Kristen and Joe are expecting their first bundle of joy, a bouncing baby boy, in early June, and I simply cannot wait to watch them become parents. They are two of the most thoughtful, loving and fun people that I am blessed to call friends, and I just know that they will make incredible parents. Baby Boy Powers is one lucky little guy!<br />
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To celebrate his impending arrival, five of his anxiously awaiting "aunts" threw him a navy blue and kelly green pinwheel-themed shower. I just love how it all turned out!<br />
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The Walshes graciously allowed us to use their home for our seated luncheon - and Maggie is ever the wonderful hostess. We wanted the shower to have a familial feel to it, and thought a seated luncheon would allow for that. We used their dining room and adjoining formal living room to seat all 24 guests. (Thanks for moving the furniture, Tim!)<br />
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The table elements were our primary decor. We used white linens as a base, and I made navy and white stripe runners for all of the tables. (Thanks for serging all of the edges, Mom!) Maggie made personalized place cards for each guest. She also designed note cards to tuck into each napkin for guests to fill out for Baby Powers' shower scrapbook. (Isn't she talented?) The guest of honor had a personalized pinwheel baby bib tucked into her napkin that Miss Ashley J just "whipped up" - such a great memento! </div>
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We clipped gorgeous, seasonal azaleas from Maggie's yard for the table vases which were also festooned with the adorable pinwheels Laura handmade. (We're a crafty bunch!)</div>
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The cake was my absolute favorite detail! We ordered a plain tiered cake (the lady at the bakery could NOT understand why we would want it plain), and Laura created more precious pinwheels for decor. Absolutely love. </div>
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A pinwheel wreath was placed on the door. My mom keeps Emily two days a week for me - and made these (along with the pinwheel banners) while she napped last week. Now that's good help!<br />
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The entry table featured a pinwheel and twine banner along with baby pictures of Kristen and Joe (so cute!) and a scrapbook for Baby Powers that Ashley J created. It will include the guests' wishes, photos, and other shower memorabilia.<br />
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More pinwheels were waiting in the family room where we enjoyed pre-lunch champagne.<br />
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...And where guests could play a game about Kristen and Joe as babies - game cards also designed by Maggie. Leigh had a great time working with the moms to get these answers!</div>
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The menu was an assortment of salads intended to be served family-style.</div>
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Every guest was sent home with gladiolus bulbs as a favor. If planted now, the flowers should bloom just as Baby P is making his grand entrance. Welcome little one!</div>
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..and no shower is complete without stacks of presents wrapped in a <a href="http://www.lilywrap.com/" target="_blank">lilywrap</a> gift wrap!<br />
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Sorry that my photos are only of the shower setup! Ashley J had camera duty during the shower with all of the people shots!<br />
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What do you think?<br />
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<br />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375714745559255511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354243014976646707.post-27439326376513298792013-04-04T15:04:00.002-04:002013-04-04T15:04:42.388-04:00{recipe} Crock Pot Creamy Tortellini SoupI love to cook and try out new recipes, but during the week I am a big fan of quick, easy recipes that I know forward and backward. <br />
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I am an even bigger fan of recipes where I can just toss all of the ingredients in the crock pot in them morning and have a delicious dinner come evening. However, I have found a lot of the crock pot recipes I've tried to be just okay. They are either super heavy, bland or just "meh". (That's a real technical term.)<br />
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I came across this unbelievably easy (as in so easy that I am almost embarrassed to share it) <a href="http://littlefellows.blogspot.com/2011/11/best-crockpot-meal-ive-tried-yet.html" target="_blank">recipe for Creamy Tortellini Soup from the Little Fellows blog</a> on Pinterest recently. <br />
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I tried it out exactly as posted and thought it was good - but I made a few changes to better fit our family's personal tastes.<br />
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<li>Added an extra 1/2 cup of chicken stock (can sub vegetable stock or water), because I wanted it to be a little less heavy and more soup-like.</li>
<li>Did not drain the tomatoes. Again, I wanted the final result to be a little thinner.</li>
<li>Subbed shrimp for the sausage to lighten up the recipe a bit. To make sure that the shrimp is not overcooked, I added raw shrimp with 45 minutes left to cook.</li>
<li>Added a full bag (6oz) of spinach - but think it could take even more.</li>
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You literally just dump a bag of frozen tortellini, two cans of diced
tomatoes, raw spinach, cream cheese, shrimp, and chicken stock into the slow cooker and let it cook for 4 hours - no chopping, browning or anything. It takes less than 5 minutes - how great is that?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo taken part way through cooking. Cream cheese is still melting.</td></tr>
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Crock Pot Creamy Tortellini Soup<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
1 19oz bag of frozen cheese tortellini <br />
1 6oz bag of fresh spinach <br />2 (14.5 oz) cans of Italian style diced tomatoes<br />
1 8 oz block of reduced fat cream cheese (cut into smaller chunks)<br />
4.5 cups of chicken broth <br />
1/2lb to 1lb of raw shrimp (I thawed whatever I had in the freezer)<br />
<br />Add all ingredients except shrimp to crock pot. Cook on low for 4-6 hrs. With 45 minutes left of cook time, add raw shrimp.<br />
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Serves 6-8 <br />
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I thought that this recipe would be perfect to share on this rainy, cold (April!) day in Georgia. Here's to a warm weekend!<br />
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375714745559255511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354243014976646707.post-53856551583060934902013-03-31T08:30:00.000-04:002013-03-31T08:30:00.886-04:00Hoppy Easter!<div style="text-align: center;">
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The Easter bunny came to our house and was good to Miss Emily with a book, floor mirror, bubbles and all the necessities for our May beach trip -- sun hat, sunscreen, swimsuit and sunglasses. (Hey, I like to plan ahead!) The treats are for Ryan and I, and her CiCi sent the sweet bunny. </div>
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...and I have to share a few of the hilarious outtakes from my "photo session" with Emily earlier this week. She gives me about two minutes of smiles before she's over it!</div>
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We are celebrating with church and family picnic in the park -- pending good weather. I'll share my mom's sure-to-be-lovely spread as well as Easter dress pictures tomorrow! Until then...</div>
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375714745559255511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354243014976646707.post-88345288825803164202013-03-28T22:33:00.000-04:002013-03-28T22:33:10.541-04:00Featured on Isn't She LovelyToday's post is going to be my shortest ever -- and I am sending you elsewhere!<br />
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Fellow blogger, Jana Burrow, featured me on her beautiful blog, <a href="http://www.isntshelovelyblog.com/" target="_blank">Isn't She Lovely</a>, as a "<a href="http://www.isntshelovelyblog.com/2013/03/fairly-new-mompreneur.html" target="_blank">New Mompreneur</a>". I love the concept of Jana's blog where in a world full of negativity and self-doubt she is dishing out praise and recognizing the loveliness in others. I am honored to be chosen. Now go check it out!<br />
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{There is a super cute picture of Emily's mohawk and a lilywrap giveaway too, in case you need extra incentive.}<br />
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375714745559255511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354243014976646707.post-23705046331541700532013-03-23T11:46:00.000-04:002013-03-23T11:46:00.366-04:00A Fresh Start in 2013Oh hi there, blog followers!<br />
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I am attempting to make yet another come back since my last post in October - which also claimed a come back. A lot has changed since then - <br />
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Ryan and I welcomed this precious little one into our lives on November 20, 2012. Emily Britt Edmonds weighed in at 9lbs. 5oz. and was 22 inches long. Our hearts were (and are still) happy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.heathercarrawayphoto.com/" target="_blank">Photo: Heather Carraway Photography</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.heathercarrawayphoto.com/" target="_blank">Photo: Heather Carraway Photography</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.heathercarrawayphoto.com/" target="_blank">Photo: Heather Carraway Photography</a></td></tr>
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We are loving life as our little family of three.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.heathercarrawayphoto.com/" target="_blank">Photo: Heather Carraway Photography</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.heathercarrawayphoto.com/" target="_blank">Photo: Heather Carraway Photography</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.heathercarrawayphoto.com/" target="_blank">Photo: Heather Carraway Photography</a></td></tr>
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She is now four months old and has grown and changed so much. She is so alert and very, very busy. She is smiling and laughing and just so much fun at this age.<br />
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After a lot of soul searching, praying, and discussions on the best path for our family, I decided to resign from my position as Marketing Director for the University of Georgia MBA Programs. (More on that in a future post.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(I know that taking a cooking class in Beijing with a friend doesn't look like "work", <br />
but that's what was so great about my job!)</td></tr>
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I am now taking on our entrepreneurial venture, <a href="http://www.lilywrap.com/" target="_blank">lilywrap</a>, on a full-time basis. The company is finally getting the attention it needs, and I am able to do it from home with Miss Emily (and help two days a week from the best nanny & <a href="http://www.chapingroup.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">decorator</a> around, my mom.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 2013 Atlanta Gift Show</td></tr>
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I hope that you will read the blog as I continue to share my adventures in entertaining, cooking, decorating, and family -- with a little bit of entrepreneurship and motherhood added in. I plan to go back and post about some highlights from 2012 - as there were numerous parties hosted that can't go unrecognized!<br />
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Stay tuned --<br />
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375714745559255511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354243014976646707.post-72107469996603637312012-10-11T14:11:00.000-04:002012-10-11T19:46:05.929-04:00I'm Baaack...I Think?Oh hey there! Miss me? I'm afraid that I have once again neglected my little blog. I promise it's with good reason.<br />
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I bet you're wondering if it's because I've been cooking up a storm? Finishing my <a href="http://invitingabode.blogspot.com/2012/02/master-bedroom-before.html" target="_blank">Master Bedroom Master Decor Plan</a>? No and no. (...though the Master Bedroom is ALMOST done and ready for a reveal. I've heard from many of you who are anxiously awaiting photos!)<br />
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We have been busy though...I left you with images of <a href="http://invitingabode.blogspot.com/2012/03/ryans-birthday-celebration-flip-burger.html" target="_blank">Ryan's birthday celebration</a> back in March. Well, the very same day as that post we discovered that I was PREGNANT! That's a right -- a little Edmonds is on <i>her</i> way! (In fact, Emily Britt Edmonds is due in just 5.5 weeks. Time flies.)<br />
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My pregnancy has been extremely healthy and smooth -- with one little distraction. I threw up. A lot. Every day. Until I was 6.5 months pregnant. Hence, the lack of blogging. (People kept telling me that it would get better after the first trimester, and I would smile and say "I am 26 weeks pregnant!") I look back now, and it doesn't seem that bad. I think that they call that Momnesia. However, the thought of blogging (or doing anything worthy of blogging about, including cooking, decorating, hosting, etc) was so far from the front of my mind. So I just didn't.<br />
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So, I'm having a baby. What else have I been doing that's kept me from posting you might ask?<br />
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Oh yeah, Ryan and I developed a product. And launched a business. The idea for a <a href="http://lilywrap.com/how-it-works/" target="_blank">reusable, eco-friendly gift wrap</a> came about over a year ago for a business school class on entrepreneurship I was taking.<br />
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It took us almost a full year from my initial business plan to fully prototype, file a patent, source materials, develop packaging and marketing materials, find sales reps, and get our product to market. (Whew.) It has been extremely exhilarating and a lot of hard work -- but we did it. We are still doing it. And, I promise to keep you apprised of our progress. (Now, go <a href="http://www.lilywrap.com/" target="_blank">buy a lilywrap</a> and support our growing family! Or, at least <a href="http://www.facebook.com/lilywrap" target="_blank">follow us on Facebook</a>.) <br />
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So there you have it. A baby and a business. Oh, and a full time job, a few fun vacations, a nursery to decorate, volunteer work..<br />
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I promise to TRY to be better about posting. (I will have plenty of time on my hands come November, right?!) I need to update you on the Master Bedroom, Emily's nursery, a few baby showers, new recipes and more.<br />
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Stay tuned!<br />
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375714745559255511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354243014976646707.post-34471727888610240402012-03-05T20:11:00.001-05:002012-03-05T20:12:21.169-05:00Ryan's Birthday Celebration: Flip Burger Style!Ryan turned the big 2-9 this weekend. To celebrate, I threw him a birthday party featuring menu items from his favorite restaurant, <a href="http://www.flipburgerboutique.com/menu-2/" target="_blank">Flip Burger Boutique</a>. <br />
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We had a slider bar with a range of toppings--- pickles, pimiento cheese, jalapenos, pepper jack cheese, blue cheese, guacamole, avocado slices, sprouts, cheddar cheese, bacon, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, coleslaw, ketchup, mustard -- you name it, we had it!<br />
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...and I have to mention the sides --- brussels sprouts with bacon (of course) and sweet potato fries!<br />
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....aaaaand last but not least: KRISPY KREME MILKSHAKES! That's right. We recreated the most delicious dessert offering on the Flip menu. The ingredients are <strike>calorie-free</strike> simple-- vanilla ice cream, whole milk, and Krispy Kreme donuts. I didn't measure exact amounts -- but I can tell you that about 6 donuts went into every "blenderful". That's almost a full donut per shake. (Forgive me for not taking pictures of the shakes themselves -- it was a bit of a <em>sticky</em> situation!)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh yeah -- and we had plenty of Ryan's new found favorite beer on hand. (By the way, we were SUPER excited to find out that Costco is now carrying Guinness. At $25 for a pack of 24 -- it's a steal! Those suckers are over $2 each at Publix/Kroger.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aVYROmHaSA0/T1Ve7RXSevI/AAAAAAAAEtM/chGILhCSIk0/s1600/IMG_5613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aVYROmHaSA0/T1Ve7RXSevI/AAAAAAAAEtM/chGILhCSIk0/s400/IMG_5613.JPG" uda="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Delicious.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pzfNhFY1Jcs/T1VepU7zDeI/AAAAAAAAErs/DJp8DWFV9Mk/s1600/IMG_5605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pzfNhFY1Jcs/T1VepU7zDeI/AAAAAAAAErs/DJp8DWFV9Mk/s400/IMG_5605.JPG" uda="true" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nr2oegfk7XQ/T1VeoKI2ZSI/AAAAAAAAErk/DFormA1l5G8/s1600/IMG_5599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nr2oegfk7XQ/T1VeoKI2ZSI/AAAAAAAAErk/DFormA1l5G8/s400/IMG_5599.JPG" uda="true" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E-bjSOTFitg/T1Veq5-VjKI/AAAAAAAAEr0/tj8Qgk9E0fY/s1600/IMG_5603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E-bjSOTFitg/T1Veq5-VjKI/AAAAAAAAEr0/tj8Qgk9E0fY/s400/IMG_5603.JPG" uda="true" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EfKjTDSUnuI/T1Vetz9l8SI/AAAAAAAAEr8/lZSamlDuOgk/s1600/IMG_5606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EfKjTDSUnuI/T1Vetz9l8SI/AAAAAAAAEr8/lZSamlDuOgk/s400/IMG_5606.JPG" uda="true" width="266" /></a></div><br />
Thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate! We are so blessed to have such great friends.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/340/EC2488982A6ECBFD835F6BEA7D85D6D1.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375714745559255511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354243014976646707.post-83954813984181891592012-02-24T07:00:00.000-05:002012-02-24T07:00:08.983-05:00Friday Photo<div style="text-align: left;">Okay...I know I said no sneak peeks. But, I am just too excited! Here's a look at the progress on the bookshelves. This was earlier in the week before the crown molding was added and prior to the first coast of paint. I LOVE them. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Friday!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gamm6gjfPQ4/T0WUOLqPHaI/AAAAAAAAErc/Ziyn1KFOmdY/s1600/shelves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" lda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gamm6gjfPQ4/T0WUOLqPHaI/AAAAAAAAErc/Ziyn1KFOmdY/s400/shelves.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/340/EC2488982A6ECBFD835F6BEA7D85D6D1.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375714745559255511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354243014976646707.post-14454205462726926312012-02-23T07:00:00.001-05:002012-02-23T07:00:02.307-05:00Master Bedroom "Before"Remember how I mentioned that we are FINALLY decorating our Master Bedroom? Well, I am SO excited to report that we've made a lot of progress. (No pictures until it's done!) Ryan has been hard at work constructing built-in bookshelves and I got the<a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/napa-chair-slipcovers/?pkey=e%7Cparsons%2Bchair%7C152%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C17&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-" target="_blank"> Pottery Barn Napa Chair</a> and <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/jacquelyne-rattan-lidded-barrel-baskets/?pkey=e%7Cbasket%7C55%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C16&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-Sku_Top_Marketing_Rule%7CBaskets-_-" target="_blank">Lidded Barrel Basket</a> for my birthday. Still on our list:<br />
<ul><li>artwork for behind the bedside lamps</li>
<li>rug</li>
<li>bench/chest/baskets for the end of the bed</li>
<li>tiebacks for the drapes</li>
<li>swing arm lamp for above the chair</li>
<li>writing desk </li>
<li>accessories for desk/shelves</li>
<li>remove giant black armoire</li>
</ul>While that seems like a lot, we are making really good progress and I hope to have it complete in the next few weeks. To make myself accountable for that statement, I am going to share the before pictures below.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z9FiMfOiRU0/T0WSV-zS0XI/AAAAAAAAEqM/Wgf1zkLFhKw/s1600/IMG_5525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" lda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z9FiMfOiRU0/T0WSV-zS0XI/AAAAAAAAEqM/Wgf1zkLFhKw/s400/IMG_5525.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qbVQfJhB4DA/T0WSdvlf_ZI/AAAAAAAAEqU/9aq3cNxcp0E/s1600/IMG_5526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" lda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qbVQfJhB4DA/T0WSdvlf_ZI/AAAAAAAAEqU/9aq3cNxcp0E/s400/IMG_5526.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aq3eKQgPR8c/T0WSe3WggKI/AAAAAAAAEqc/lIZ6ZO7eFhw/s1600/IMG_5528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" lda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aq3eKQgPR8c/T0WSe3WggKI/AAAAAAAAEqc/lIZ6ZO7eFhw/s400/IMG_5528.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--nAYOnsAd0g/T0WSf2xuHtI/AAAAAAAAEqk/POpBs6dP228/s1600/IMG_5529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" lda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--nAYOnsAd0g/T0WSf2xuHtI/AAAAAAAAEqk/POpBs6dP228/s400/IMG_5529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U_INx3R_NNg/T0WSl5k4FsI/AAAAAAAAEqs/bbCDmel20oY/s1600/IMG_5532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" lda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U_INx3R_NNg/T0WSl5k4FsI/AAAAAAAAEqs/bbCDmel20oY/s400/IMG_5532.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rCKAIVQr3fs/T0WSnOGmx9I/AAAAAAAAEq0/GiIXayUIf_4/s1600/IMG_5533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" lda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rCKAIVQr3fs/T0WSnOGmx9I/AAAAAAAAEq0/GiIXayUIf_4/s400/IMG_5533.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zpZpW6duHRI/T0WSwLJSiRI/AAAAAAAAEq8/k8HEpuhKBaw/s1600/IMG_5534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" lda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zpZpW6duHRI/T0WSwLJSiRI/AAAAAAAAEq8/k8HEpuhKBaw/s400/IMG_5534.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZNU8QVOfb4/T0WSx4YZ1UI/AAAAAAAAErE/I6vCLxm5szA/s1600/IMG_5535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" lda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZNU8QVOfb4/T0WSx4YZ1UI/AAAAAAAAErE/I6vCLxm5szA/s400/IMG_5535.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-neL7JDQETl0/T0WSzoS1DWI/AAAAAAAAErM/AWqaA4_YV-g/s1600/IMG_5536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" lda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-neL7JDQETl0/T0WSzoS1DWI/AAAAAAAAErM/AWqaA4_YV-g/s400/IMG_5536.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V2F_kjHmUJ8/T0WS2Jq24zI/AAAAAAAAErU/j8SP5dDInc8/s1600/IMG_5537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" lda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V2F_kjHmUJ8/T0WS2Jq24zI/AAAAAAAAErU/j8SP5dDInc8/s400/IMG_5537.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Any suggestions??</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/340/EC2488982A6ECBFD835F6BEA7D85D6D1.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375714745559255511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354243014976646707.post-9058113120700441232012-02-22T19:56:00.000-05:002012-02-22T19:56:10.470-05:00Recipe Recap<div style="text-align: left;">Remember how I was<a href="http://invitingabode.blogspot.com/2012/02/weekend-update.html" target="_blank"> trying 3 new Pinterest recipes last week</a>? I am happy to report that I followed through! You already heard my reflections on the <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/252975704038569141/" target="_blank">Mexican Chicken Casserole</a>. Here is my review of the other two:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/252975704038570416/" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken</a></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5jIX86j-Fr4/T0WKwpvgASI/AAAAAAAAEqE/mPZj7wz9H-M/s1600/chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" lda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5jIX86j-Fr4/T0WKwpvgASI/AAAAAAAAEqE/mPZj7wz9H-M/s320/chicken.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I would say...eh. It's okay. In all fairness, I did mess up the recipe a little. The directions say to cook it on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1.5-2.5 hours. In the daze of my sinus infection last week, I cooked it on high for 4 hours. Whoops. Let's just say that the chicken was VERY browned. Luckily, thanks to cooking it in the crock pot, it was not charred and was still edible. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I just didn't really like it. However, I am not really a sweet sauce person. Ryan liked it (while admitting it would be better if a little less....cooked) and thought we should try it again. I served the leftovers to my mom, aunt, and cousin on Thursday, and they all liked it too. (Aren't I so nice? Serving leftovers to house guests?) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
Grade: B- </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2048004117">Zucchini, Rice, and Black Bean Skillet</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Yum! (With some additions.) This is what I love about blogging. I posted that I was going to make this, and Ryan's sweet Aunt Sheila in Houston sent me a note to tell me that she'd had friends who had tried the recipe and that they recommended the following: </div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">Use the entire zucchini, more bell pepper and Pete's Hot Sauce</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">Add 2 zucchini, 1 red and 1 green bell pepper, "fiesta" corn, green chilies, half an onion diced, lime and cilantro. She also added that next time she would add another can of black beans to give more protein.</div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;">I was all geared up to add more black beans, another pepper, green chilis, and lime--- but I TOTALLY forgot to stop at the store during my <strike>daze</strike> drive home. So, I had to use what I had on hand. I added 2 extra zucchini, the entire green pepper, and a whole onion. I also spilled my entire thing of instant rice on the floor (it was a great night), so I had to use the Trader Joe's seasoned rice I had on hand. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The result was pretty delicious. (Sorry-- I forgot to snap a picture!) And, I absolutely LOVED how easy this meal was to throw together. I think it took me all of 15-20 minutes. (Note: My veggies were chopped on Sunday when I prepped for the week.) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The flavor of this recipe was definitely more Italian savory, and I think I was expecting more of a Mexican skillet. So for next time, I plan to add more black beans, substitute the fire-roasted tomatoes for diced tomatoes with green chilis, and add cilantro and lime. (Ryan really liked it -- but he suggested that adding some sort of meat-- pork, sausage, bacon, shredded chicken -- would make it extra delish.)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Grade: A+ (with the changes)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/340/EC2488982A6ECBFD835F6BEA7D85D6D1.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375714745559255511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354243014976646707.post-4507877689248969642012-02-12T20:30:00.001-05:002012-02-12T20:38:13.923-05:00Weekend UpdateOh hi there, neglected blog. I promise to become a more regular blogger one of these days...<br />
<br />
This weekend was both busy and relaxing all at once. <br />
<br />
Saturday morning we visited with my parents and my grandma ,who was in town from Florida. As usual when my parents are here, Ryan and I dragged them from room to room soliciting advice on everything from frame sizes to bookcase construction to furniture placement. (I'm pretty blessed to have an<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chapin-Group-Interiors/280790572092" target="_blank"> interior decorator</a> mom and extremely handy dad and husband!) <br />
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The rest of the afternoon consisted of running errands to Home Goods and Home Depot. (To all of my MBA friends at Home Depot-- we had the most helpful, friendly experience ever. I know it must be all of your hard work at the corporate office!) <br />
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That night we met up with our dear friends, Maggie and Tim (also an employee of the big orange box!) to devour burgers and shakes at<a href="http://www.flipburgerboutique.com/" target="_blank"> Flip Burger</a>. (Yes, for the second time this week. Yes, we have a problem...)<br />
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Though Saturday was fun and relaxing, Sunday was the type of productive day that, though busy, is also energizing and extremely satisfying. After church and a quick trip the grocery store, we got down to business. <br />
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For me, getting down to business meant taking down my winter decor, redecorating the vacated spaces, serving as Ryan's construction assistant (more on this later), prepping meals for the week, and cooking dinner. <br />
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In what I may later deem an overzealous effort, I am attempting three new <a href="http://pinterest.com/aedmonds/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> recipes this week: <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/252975704038569141/" target="_blank">Mexican Chicken Casserole</a>, <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/252975704038570416/" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken</a>, and <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/252975704038566568/" target="_blank">Zucchini, Black Bean, and Rice Skillet</a>. To make my week easier (and it more likely that I cook during the week), I went ahead and sliced, diced, and prepped everything I need for the meals this week: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P30b3Ctweas/Tzhknc6pmzI/AAAAAAAAEpo/6QRnqfdIkhM/s1600/chopped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P30b3Ctweas/Tzhknc6pmzI/AAAAAAAAEpo/6QRnqfdIkhM/s400/chopped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Throughout the day, I was on call as Ryan's construction assistant, as he started building the bookshelves I've been wanting for our bedroom today. (Back in January, we met with my mom and put together a design plan for our room. Look for the "before" pictures soon!) Check out my skills on the table saw!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LxKsFXV_fQ4/TzhmUE7ZlmI/AAAAAAAAEpw/VF5Js7JCB2A/s1600/Construction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LxKsFXV_fQ4/TzhmUE7ZlmI/AAAAAAAAEpw/VF5Js7JCB2A/s400/Construction.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">Here's the progress of the bookshelves so far: </div><div align="center">(Our black lab, Katie is right there to help. Always.)</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G4He93e82qk/TzhmzFpSpjI/AAAAAAAAEp4/k2k0ztmaY4c/s1600/shelves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" sda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G4He93e82qk/TzhmzFpSpjI/AAAAAAAAEp4/k2k0ztmaY4c/s400/shelves.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">Finally, I got started on my first Pinterest recipe of the week. First up? The Mexican Chicken Casserole. We have small group on Mondays, so I needed a recipe that produced yummy leftovers for tomorrow night. The recipe took about 45 minutes of hands-on time (which was a little longer than I expected) and then 30 minutes of cook time. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">The result? Served on a plate, the dish looks like a yellow and white pile of mush (forgot to snap a photo!). However, it tastes delicious and is a low-calorie Cooking Light meal. Ryan loved it. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Consensus? Let's keep this one in the rotation.</div><br />
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Look for posts on the master bedroom before pictures, Pinterest recipe recaps, and my pillow sewing project soon. Have a great week!<br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/340/EC2488982A6ECBFD835F6BEA7D85D6D1.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375714745559255511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354243014976646707.post-46269411087886571402012-01-23T08:00:00.000-05:002012-01-23T10:49:55.938-05:00tag! you're it!<div style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> <span style="line-height: 20px;">My friends, <a href="http://carafengle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cara</a> & <a href="http://lindsayclairehamilton.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lindsay</a>, tagged me in a little blogger game. And because I'm "it" you get to find out 11 fun facts about me (actually 22 -- since they both tagged me, I will answer them all!)</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><div style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><div style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> <span style="line-height: 20px;">the rules to tagging:<br />
1. You must post these rules.<br />
2. Each person must post 11 things about themselves on their blog.<br />
3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.<br />
4. You have to choose 11 people to tag and link them on the post.<br />
5. Go to their page and tell them you have linked him or her.</span></div><div style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"> </span></div><div style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Cara's Questions: </span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><div style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span">1. If you could have someone do one chore for you for the rest of your life, </span></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span">what chore would it be?</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> Easy. Mop the floor. I hate mopping. Like really hate it. Vacuuming? Easy breezy. Too bad for me that we have a lot of hardwoods. That sounds super-complainy. I love our house. Just not mopping.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span">2. Which song do you always sing </span><span class="Apple-style-span">at-the-top-of-your-lungs-</span><span class="Apple-style-span">super-loud-yelling style in your car?</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Adele - Someone Like You. I can't help but belt it out every time it comes on the radio. Which is a lot. This is most unfortunate to anyone who happens to be in the car with me. To say that I cannot carry a tune is an understatement. That does not stop me with this song. It's just too soulful to not be shared at full volume. </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span">3. Publix or Kroger?</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Publix. Hands down. My husband and I frequently debate this with friends. Publix has a MUCH better bakery, meat/seafood selection, and better produce. Pair that with the super-friendly staff, zero wait time, being walked out to my car, and the fact that my Publix is a Publix Greenwise Market (aka, competes with FreshMarket and Whole Foods at Publix prices). How can Kroger compete? </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">**Note: I am also a huge fan of Costco and do half of our weekly shopping there**</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span">4. What instrument do you wish you could play?</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Piano. I am not cool enough for guitar, but I think that I could pull off the piano. </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span">5. What did you eat for breakfast?</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">We had a fun coffee/breakfast date at The Library with our small group friends Tim and Ashley before work today. I devoured a bowl of oatmeal with dried cranberries and a little brown sugar. Yum.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span">6. If you had to buy your clothes from one store for the rest of your life, </span></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span">what store would you choose?</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Tough. I would probably say J.Crew. Classic, yet stylish with lots of fun, bright colors. I would like to say Anthro -- but I don't think that I can carry that look off all of the time. </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span">7. What is one quirky thing you do that others may find strange?</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Eeek. I don't know? Maybe that I let my coffee get lukewarm before actually drinking it? Or that for every party I host I type up a 5+ page "party plan" complete with menu, decor, "to do", responsibilities delegated? I don't know...</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span">8. What TV show is your guilt pleasure?</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The Bachelor. I don't really watch reality TV -- but the ridiculousness of this show (and the awesome destinations) has me hooked. I know that it's over-produced and so many fake surprises -- but all the drama sucks me in. It's all about love ;) </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span">9. What is your favorite season of the year?</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Spring. I like that everything is new and green and like a fresh beginning. Plus, it holds all of the anticipation of summer. It's like how Christmas Eve is actually better than Christmas due to the anticipation. </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span">10. When was the last time you felt homesick?</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Not in a very long time. Maybe when I interned in NYC after my junior year of college? I loved New York and the experience -- but I missed the South. </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span">11. If you could be best-friends with a celebrity, who would he/she be?</span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">My celebrity best friends club is getting pretty long these days. I think I would have to say Carrie Underwood, probably. First of all, we are both excellent singers (see #2). And second, she just seems really nice and down-to-earth. We went to a Predators hockey game in Nashville over Christmas, but Carrie was nowhere to be seen. She probably didn't realize that I would be there ;)</span></span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"> Lindsay's Questions:</span></span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1. When you were 5 years old, what did you want to be when you grew up?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">A CEO. I don't even think I knew what this meant -- except that you got to be boss. I liked that. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">I love traveling and have been very fortunate to visit so many places. If funds were no object, I would probably say Bora Bora. (Just in case you want to take me on a second honeymoon, Ryan!) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. If you could go back to high school and revive one fashion trend, what would it be?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Goodness. None of them. So terrible. My husband would say those stretchy black Express pants circa 2001. They are now called yoga pants and more appropriately worn to the gym. Not parties. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4. What is the weirdest food you have ever tried?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">I get to travel to Asia frequently for work -- so this list is pretty long. I would probably go with Sea Cucumber though. It was fresh. Very fresh. As in, an </span><i style="color: black;">old </i><span style="color: black;">woman in Korea dove down into the sea and brought it up...and I ate it. It's a tradition.</span> <a href="http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/life/haenyo-divers-korea%E2%80%99s-women-sea-935630" target="_blank">Check it out on CNN</a>. <span style="color: black;">(And, yes, it was very rubbery.) I also had cow tongue in China -- but that was a complete accident. That dish was NOT Mongolian beef.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5. If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you buy?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Vacation house on the coast. I love the beach.</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">6. A picture is worth 1,000 words... what's your favorite?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NG8lIzntcyA/Tx15vDlOPeI/AAAAAAAAEpg/PSm5Qv29o2I/s1600/232323232%25257Ffp53686%2529nu%253D3278%2529938%25297+%253B%2529WSNRCG%253D336369%252897+32%2528nu0mrj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NG8lIzntcyA/Tx15vDlOPeI/AAAAAAAAEpg/PSm5Qv29o2I/s320/232323232%25257Ffp53686%2529nu%253D3278%2529938%25297+%253B%2529WSNRCG%253D336369%252897+32%2528nu0mrj.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="color: black;">Our amazing wedding photographer, <a href="http://reneebrock.com/" target="_blank">Renee Brock</a>, took this during our first dance back in 2009. Best day of my life.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">7. If you could eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Yogurt. I love it and never get tired of it. Maybe that should have been my quirk?</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">8. What's the one thing you wish your parents would have let you do when you were a kid?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">When I was a kid, I really wish that they let me eat white bread, potato chips, pop tarts, and sugar cereal. Now that I am an adult -- thank Goodness they didn't! Smart decision, guys.</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">9. NSYNC or Backstreet Boys?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">NSYNC. Is that even really a question? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">10. Favorite thing that happened in 2011?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;">What I should say: Finishing grad school. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;">The truth: Our anniversary trip to Italy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Seriously, my MBA was an invaluable experience, and I gained so much from the program -- a wider breadth of business knowledge, a business plan for a new venture, a large professional network, and some great friends. Vacation is vacation though, and I love travel.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">11. And what are you hoping for in 2012?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span"> <span style="color: black;">Cheesy-- but to enjoy every moment. </span></span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Now for my questions:</span></span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">1. What is your favorite kitchen tool?</span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> 2. Of the places you've traveled, which destination would you recommend most? (This is self-serving, as I am trying to plan a vacay.)</span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">3. What is the best beauty tool/secret that you've discovered?</span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">4. What is your go-to dinner recipe?</span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">5. How much time do you spend on Pinterest? Really.</span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">6. Favorite blog? (Other than mine, of course.)</span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">7. What is the first website you visit every morning?</span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">8. What is your guilty pleasure?</span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">9. Favorite meal of the day?</span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">10. What exercise do you dread the most?</span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">11. What is the best deal you've ever found?</span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">And who I'm tagging...</span></span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Emily @ <a href="http://savannahredtops.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">a savannah redtop</a></span></span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Brittney @ <a href="http://www.ahealthysliceoflife.com/" target="_blank">A Healthy Slice of Life</a><br />
Tracy @ <a href="http://kitchenambition.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kitchen Ambition</a></span></span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Todd & Nancy @ <a href="http://explore.dream.discover./"></a><a href="http://305linares.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Explore.Dream.Discover.</a></span></span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Jen @ <a href="http://www.peanutbutterrunner.com/" target="_blank">Peanut Butter Runner</a></span></span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Jennifer @ <a href="http://estebanandjennlopez.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lopez Family</a></span></span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Jenny & Liz @ <a href="http://sosnweddings.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Something Old, Something New</a></span></span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Stephanie @ <a href="http://baublesandbangles.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bauble, Bangles, & Beads</a></span></span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Chrissy @ <a href="http://www.theperfectpalette.com/" target="_blank">The Perfect Palette </a></span></span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Jana @ <a href="http://jsburrow.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Burrow Blog </a></span></span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Meredith @ <a href="http://face-painting-blog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Face Painting</a> </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><br />
</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/340/EC2488982A6ECBFD835F6BEA7D85D6D1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/340/EC2488982A6ECBFD835F6BEA7D85D6D1.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375714745559255511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354243014976646707.post-82839717901438398512012-01-08T17:00:00.000-05:002012-01-08T17:25:45.164-05:00Cookie PartyHappy New Year! Our holidays turned pretty hectic with the combination of travel, out-of-town guests, and a nasty cold -- so I am just getting back to the blog. I am working on a couple of posts and hope to be less sporadic in the new year. For today, however, my mom prepared a guest post about our recent return visit to DC (this time WITH husbands) for my Aunt Lynne's annual cookie party. Enjoy!<br />
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In Wendy's Words...<br />
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Each year, my sister hosts a Christmas Cookie Open House for family, friends, neighbors and work associates. After hearing rumors that this might be the last year for the extravaganza, Ashley and I (along with Ken and Ryan) decided to make the journey to Alexandria to attend this year’s festivities. <br />
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After several days of sightseeing in D.C.,<br />
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Operation Cookie Party Preparation began!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YQdDM5XRhmI/TwoOafvMOUI/AAAAAAAAEj0/Pf3_zaKR7aI/s1600/IMG_5140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YQdDM5XRhmI/TwoOafvMOUI/AAAAAAAAEj0/Pf3_zaKR7aI/s400/IMG_5140.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Cookies were unloaded from two freezers at the house and an overflow freezer at the school where Lynne teaches. She stopped counting at 350 dozen!<br />
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Last minute touches were added to varieties that didn’t freeze well. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gtpayF8Imfo/TwoOluRPY0I/AAAAAAAAEj8/HcZo3GPPHbA/s1600/IMG_5139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gtpayF8Imfo/TwoOluRPY0I/AAAAAAAAEj8/HcZo3GPPHbA/s400/IMG_5139.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9MCYJ3RQdOk/TwoOoGZvVnI/AAAAAAAAEkE/iB1BzhFpdns/s1600/IMG_5124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9MCYJ3RQdOk/TwoOoGZvVnI/AAAAAAAAEkE/iB1BzhFpdns/s320/IMG_5124.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bft4G1MY_zg/TwoOuJi5hYI/AAAAAAAAEkM/KdfUD_DR-4Q/s1600/IMG_5149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bft4G1MY_zg/TwoOuJi5hYI/AAAAAAAAEkM/KdfUD_DR-4Q/s320/IMG_5149.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Saturday morning, arranging all the cookies on serving pieces was a major undertaking. Lynne has a huge collection of milk glass that she uses every year to display the cookies.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h9xB8lBzsBc/TwoPGBZ9WRI/AAAAAAAAEkU/or06AABLYLY/s1600/IMG_5150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h9xB8lBzsBc/TwoPGBZ9WRI/AAAAAAAAEkU/or06AABLYLY/s400/IMG_5150.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AVbsi644K88/TwoPH9DMV0I/AAAAAAAAEkc/vwpIveE1X_o/s1600/IMG_5151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AVbsi644K88/TwoPH9DMV0I/AAAAAAAAEkc/vwpIveE1X_o/s400/IMG_5151.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ashley carefully arranges the ribbon cookies with all the stripes lined up in the same order. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9AeSO1Uy0MI/TwoPX964k6I/AAAAAAAAEkk/YtVzwtTLAjQ/s1600/ashleycooki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9AeSO1Uy0MI/TwoPX964k6I/AAAAAAAAEkk/YtVzwtTLAjQ/s400/ashleycooki.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had to stop Grandma Britt from prying apart the cookies that were stuck together; Lynne had carefully sandwiched the chocolate stars together with raspberry preserves.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DDJpF30vOQo/TwoPY21mZsI/AAAAAAAAEks/De550mhvNkY/s1600/grandma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DDJpF30vOQo/TwoPY21mZsI/AAAAAAAAEks/De550mhvNkY/s400/grandma.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
With everyone dressed in their festive attire, we began removing the saran wrap at 12:30 in anticipation of the 1:00 start time<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GuanRWQfU-0/TwoQFr6gM3I/AAAAAAAAEk0/YyBAe4zzf2Y/s1600/IMG_5173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GuanRWQfU-0/TwoQFr6gM3I/AAAAAAAAEk0/YyBAe4zzf2Y/s400/IMG_5173.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qzrgdBNxNBU/TwoQL9M7TZI/AAAAAAAAEk8/JrzEp4FMALE/s1600/IMG_5194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qzrgdBNxNBU/TwoQL9M7TZI/AAAAAAAAEk8/JrzEp4FMALE/s400/IMG_5194.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Party Time! </div><br />
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The green and red color scheme of their home makes for very festive Christmas décor.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2FuepRR748M/TwoQ8JmTq8I/AAAAAAAAElM/Tb3tael_kOc/s1600/auntlynnedinig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2FuepRR748M/TwoQ8JmTq8I/AAAAAAAAElM/Tb3tael_kOc/s400/auntlynnedinig.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
While the dining room held the most cookies, they were everywhere throughout the house.<br />
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On the desk and bookshelves in the office<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lIDikXU8D48/TwoROb3Ub8I/AAAAAAAAElU/YT-wpJPKUYo/s1600/IMG_5233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lIDikXU8D48/TwoROb3Ub8I/AAAAAAAAElU/YT-wpJPKUYo/s400/IMG_5233.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--2ZzTEEcbn8/TwoRiytSAfI/AAAAAAAAElk/QkLqBbUo8zA/s1600/auntlynneoffice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--2ZzTEEcbn8/TwoRiytSAfI/AAAAAAAAElk/QkLqBbUo8zA/s400/auntlynneoffice.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>On every available surface in the living room.<br />
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Even the upstairs landing had cookies.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a-0D5aQk8kI/TwoSGl4QFiI/AAAAAAAAEl8/5Rqy2L9cHrY/s1600/IMG_5240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a-0D5aQk8kI/TwoSGl4QFiI/AAAAAAAAEl8/5Rqy2L9cHrY/s400/IMG_5240.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qYVl3dmWdHA/TwoSQcRs6PI/AAAAAAAAEmE/cyjApjdoYjo/s1600/IMG_5189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qYVl3dmWdHA/TwoSQcRs6PI/AAAAAAAAEmE/cyjApjdoYjo/s400/IMG_5189.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EU5nhkV5l8A/TwoSScrSa5I/AAAAAAAAEmM/1sC49s5xQyc/s1600/IMG_5198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EU5nhkV5l8A/TwoSScrSa5I/AAAAAAAAEmM/1sC49s5xQyc/s400/IMG_5198.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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I love how she has included her children’s early artwork in her holiday décor.<br />
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Jared’s masterpiece: “Santa in the Blender”<br />
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Clyde got into the festive spirit of the party!<br />
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Dixie was just hoping for dropped cookies.<br />
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Another Successful Cookie Party!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/340/EC2488982A6ECBFD835F6BEA7D85D6D1.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375714745559255511noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354243014976646707.post-38713090392179883592011-12-21T08:00:00.002-05:002011-12-21T09:52:06.186-05:00In Pictures: My Christmas Decor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S4lwkSb3g18/TvFKuVYHCOI/AAAAAAAAEeg/C1EI7q25hro/s1600/IMG_5267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S4lwkSb3g18/TvFKuVYHCOI/AAAAAAAAEeg/C1EI7q25hro/s400/IMG_5267.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o81UJl3AWNY/TvFQCCYT4nI/AAAAAAAAEjk/4HNLqhpVuW4/s1600/IMG_4859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o81UJl3AWNY/TvFQCCYT4nI/AAAAAAAAEjk/4HNLqhpVuW4/s400/IMG_4859.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Merry Christmas!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/340/EC2488982A6ECBFD835F6BEA7D85D6D1.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375714745559255511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354243014976646707.post-25670456017801549152011-12-20T21:45:00.007-05:002011-12-20T21:49:59.752-05:00Everett's 1st Birthday: A Charlie Brown Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In our family December not only calls for a Christmas celebration -- but the celebration of my nephew, Everett! He turned one earlier in the month -- and celebrated in a big way! The theme of the day, Charlie Brown Christmas, embraced the season. We held the party at my house -- but the details of the day were the mastermind of my sister-in-law Paige, my mom, and her mom, Sandra. Everything turned out so cute -- they did an amazing job!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Birthday, Big Boy!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mMwu_5O-hmA/Tt0OlXdEDRI/AAAAAAAAEcU/9ojBgPi4N74/s1600/IMG_4888.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mMwu_5O-hmA/Tt0OlXdEDRI/AAAAAAAAEcU/9ojBgPi4N74/s400/IMG_4888.JPG" width="266" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Welcome to the party!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W3vlmgcvX6E/Tt0N25rsevI/AAAAAAAAEa8/MBy8K-L5r6Q/s1600/IMG_4860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W3vlmgcvX6E/Tt0N25rsevI/AAAAAAAAEa8/MBy8K-L5r6Q/s400/IMG_4860.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You've come a long way from tubes to help you breathe to walking!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5gOE7u-w8Og/Tt0Nx_bhQbI/AAAAAAAAEas/DAPJm4pmaPw/s1600/IMG_4852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5gOE7u-w8Og/Tt0Nx_bhQbI/AAAAAAAAEas/DAPJm4pmaPw/s400/IMG_4852.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Favors for the guests -- goodies in Charlie Brown buckets that included Snoopy fruit snacks and York peppermint patties!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OBhSy7pXZuM/Tt0N1Ir0W8I/AAAAAAAAEa0/ohhu4XKWaJQ/s1600/IMG_4854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OBhSy7pXZuM/Tt0N1Ir0W8I/AAAAAAAAEa0/ohhu4XKWaJQ/s400/IMG_4854.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zt6-6KdgVOU/Tt0O0yvxwwI/AAAAAAAAEck/lbOV_CHqiLw/s1600/IMG_4897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zt6-6KdgVOU/Tt0O0yvxwwI/AAAAAAAAEck/lbOV_CHqiLw/s400/IMG_4897.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Homemade Snoopy Doghouse Birthday Cake! Made with love by Nana.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IVpqE9a-MI8/Tt0M_uyc9OI/AAAAAAAAEZs/JUQYpwLIpsY/s1600/IMG_4843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IVpqE9a-MI8/Tt0M_uyc9OI/AAAAAAAAEZs/JUQYpwLIpsY/s400/IMG_4843.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beverage station -- with drinks for kids and "big" kids.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gVhOLdMj9C8/Tt0OGUrvdsI/AAAAAAAAEbc/jbLlgz7IU6U/s1600/IMG_4868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gVhOLdMj9C8/Tt0OGUrvdsI/AAAAAAAAEbc/jbLlgz7IU6U/s400/IMG_4868.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fu-a6fBxLsQ/Tt0N_uQye1I/AAAAAAAAEbU/3cNegGYNUIo/s1600/IMG_4867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fu-a6fBxLsQ/Tt0N_uQye1I/AAAAAAAAEbU/3cNegGYNUIo/s400/IMG_4867.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vpHvXYs8N2c/Tt0OH3UfHMI/AAAAAAAAEbk/I_bv8WVnP6I/s1600/IMG_4869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vpHvXYs8N2c/Tt0OH3UfHMI/AAAAAAAAEbk/I_bv8WVnP6I/s400/IMG_4869.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_wvUYgXvdNY/Tt0OLKoyWLI/AAAAAAAAEbs/MZSOZhBX4jI/s1600/IMG_4871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_wvUYgXvdNY/Tt0OLKoyWLI/AAAAAAAAEbs/MZSOZhBX4jI/s400/IMG_4871.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gW9qdUcHZDg/Tt0OSRFTODI/AAAAAAAAEcE/O_49ZlCISck/s1600/IMG_4875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gW9qdUcHZDg/Tt0OSRFTODI/AAAAAAAAEcE/O_49ZlCISck/s400/IMG_4875.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkM8ik1Oe6U/Tt0ONmNPmzI/AAAAAAAAEb0/5v9QWjTKu-M/s1600/IMG_4873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkM8ik1Oe6U/Tt0ONmNPmzI/AAAAAAAAEb0/5v9QWjTKu-M/s400/IMG_4873.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w1xttWVeWq0/Tt0OQ6xScqI/AAAAAAAAEb8/wMJgWnUUzuo/s1600/IMG_4874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w1xttWVeWq0/Tt0OQ6xScqI/AAAAAAAAEb8/wMJgWnUUzuo/s400/IMG_4874.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Snuggling with Nana.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hCPq6i7F_sI/Tt0QYSLGuOI/AAAAAAAAEd8/D01DMr2QonM/s1600/IMG_5018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hCPq6i7F_sI/Tt0QYSLGuOI/AAAAAAAAEd8/D01DMr2QonM/s400/IMG_5018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cousin Addyson, Uncle Brian, and Dave hang with the boys on the deck.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AYWT5Md99F8/Tt0O4PyieSI/AAAAAAAAEcs/4qCCcNQTWcI/s1600/IMG_4899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AYWT5Md99F8/Tt0O4PyieSI/AAAAAAAAEcs/4qCCcNQTWcI/s400/IMG_4899.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SMwkP_uIPeY/Tt0O5J_C6DI/AAAAAAAAEc0/efiBqvqObyo/s1600/IMG_4900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SMwkP_uIPeY/Tt0O5J_C6DI/AAAAAAAAEc0/efiBqvqObyo/s400/IMG_4900.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The food table is open featuring Charlie's Chicken Chili, Pig Pen's Dirt Balls, Lucy's Mini Mac 'n Cheese, The Great Pumpkin Bread, Snoopy's Snack Mix, Sally's Fruit Salad, Peppermint Patty's Peppermint Pretzels, & Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Popcorn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8_cdZZL8VHU/Tt0PFlt-s5I/AAAAAAAAEdE/suMuwLWX4is/s1600/IMG_4907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8_cdZZL8VHU/Tt0PFlt-s5I/AAAAAAAAEdE/suMuwLWX4is/s400/IMG_4907.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hGbC4mOvvbM/Tt0N44aEw3I/AAAAAAAAEbE/rEW3lG8L1VQ/s1600/IMG_4862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hGbC4mOvvbM/Tt0N44aEw3I/AAAAAAAAEbE/rEW3lG8L1VQ/s400/IMG_4862.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-89bS90P1RAo/Tt0OXD9yh3I/AAAAAAAAEcM/5nIfD0hICBE/s1600/IMG_4885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-89bS90P1RAo/Tt0OXD9yh3I/AAAAAAAAEcM/5nIfD0hICBE/s400/IMG_4885.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qx-ibxszCfI/Tt0MxGlrhbI/AAAAAAAAEYs/faxslyzEkfQ/s1600/IMG_4828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qx-ibxszCfI/Tt0MxGlrhbI/AAAAAAAAEYs/faxslyzEkfQ/s400/IMG_4828.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-acR-6ET4YTs/Tt0M1Md9tII/AAAAAAAAEY8/jgjH-StYuzQ/s1600/IMG_4830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-acR-6ET4YTs/Tt0M1Md9tII/AAAAAAAAEY8/jgjH-StYuzQ/s400/IMG_4830.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DSajatU72Pc/Tt0Mv_Oq-BI/AAAAAAAAEYk/IuVia16Knko/s1600/IMG_4827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DSajatU72Pc/Tt0Mv_Oq-BI/AAAAAAAAEYk/IuVia16Knko/s400/IMG_4827.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6zgcvHOwpl4/Tt0Ot64laQI/AAAAAAAAEcc/5dQHV6YDFe0/s1600/IMG_4893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6zgcvHOwpl4/Tt0Ot64laQI/AAAAAAAAEcc/5dQHV6YDFe0/s400/IMG_4893.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8xSHNtSENE/Tt0M2oLkg0I/AAAAAAAAEZE/EGgobYX5kxg/s1600/IMG_4832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8xSHNtSENE/Tt0M2oLkg0I/AAAAAAAAEZE/EGgobYX5kxg/s400/IMG_4832.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RiLbk9SF-GY/Tt0NdX8eyVI/AAAAAAAAEac/h4NM3vPDKqo/s1600/IMG_4834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RiLbk9SF-GY/Tt0NdX8eyVI/AAAAAAAAEac/h4NM3vPDKqo/s400/IMG_4834.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-at_K_UvdKGc/Tt0M4qHwD7I/AAAAAAAAEZM/VRX9mn7OlKo/s1600/IMG_4833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-at_K_UvdKGc/Tt0M4qHwD7I/AAAAAAAAEZM/VRX9mn7OlKo/s400/IMG_4833.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSukqvj_m2o/Tt0M8UGGdII/AAAAAAAAEZc/K9WGQoPb3dg/s1600/IMG_4836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSukqvj_m2o/Tt0M8UGGdII/AAAAAAAAEZc/K9WGQoPb3dg/s400/IMG_4836.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ITXZoXvQXM/Tt0M-a-nGUI/AAAAAAAAEZk/uue4ATyIW6M/s1600/IMG_4837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ITXZoXvQXM/Tt0M-a-nGUI/AAAAAAAAEZk/uue4ATyIW6M/s400/IMG_4837.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aktyRe_LogA/Tt0NCVTdvQI/AAAAAAAAEZ0/090g7eK2QOQ/s1600/IMG_4844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aktyRe_LogA/Tt0NCVTdvQI/AAAAAAAAEZ0/090g7eK2QOQ/s400/IMG_4844.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RiLbk9SF-GY/Tt0NdX8eyVI/AAAAAAAAEac/h4NM3vPDKqo/s1600/IMG_4834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RiLbk9SF-GY/Tt0NdX8eyVI/AAAAAAAAEac/h4NM3vPDKqo/s400/IMG_4834.JPG" width="266" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nIhE_dc0ZiA/Tt0NEXe0msI/AAAAAAAAEZ8/zYi68Aqn9b0/s1600/IMG_4845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nIhE_dc0ZiA/Tt0NEXe0msI/AAAAAAAAEZ8/zYi68Aqn9b0/s400/IMG_4845.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">EV is so excited to be 1! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OPKossZZdiQ/Tt0QWsh-WJI/AAAAAAAAEd0/019-y3YiTUc/s1600/IMG_4999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OPKossZZdiQ/Tt0QWsh-WJI/AAAAAAAAEd0/019-y3YiTUc/s400/IMG_4999.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A glimpse into our future...{We figured it would be smart to round up some toys for the 15 kiddos coming to our house. We are the boring aunt & uncle with no toys!}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pSZlATIm-M4/Tt0MMZBBQdI/AAAAAAAAEYU/9-drguOWAJE/s1600/IMG_4808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pSZlATIm-M4/Tt0MMZBBQdI/AAAAAAAAEYU/9-drguOWAJE/s400/IMG_4808.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qvYRJPb-87Y/Tt0NJys1NMI/AAAAAAAAEaM/7N3waTQw3uQ/s1600/IMG_4848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qvYRJPb-87Y/Tt0NJys1NMI/AAAAAAAAEaM/7N3waTQw3uQ/s400/IMG_4848.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was nervous about having so many little ones in our not-at-all-childproofed home -- but they seemed to have a good time. And stay injury-free. (At least during the party, EV bopped his forehead and nose the night before. Whoops.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XZ3KA7n0jQU/Tt0PSld3ibI/AAAAAAAAEdU/0J5fjgStwZA/s1600/IMG_4913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XZ3KA7n0jQU/Tt0PSld3ibI/AAAAAAAAEdU/0J5fjgStwZA/s400/IMG_4913.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wz31jhGA5rQ/Tt0O8QZMVbI/AAAAAAAAEc8/rhwWbkD6TEg/s1600/IMG_4903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wz31jhGA5rQ/Tt0O8QZMVbI/AAAAAAAAEc8/rhwWbkD6TEg/s400/IMG_4903.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uDuVkCohaLc/Tt0PxLXSD8I/AAAAAAAAEdk/vhMViOyTewQ/s1600/IMG_4986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uDuVkCohaLc/Tt0PxLXSD8I/AAAAAAAAEdk/vhMViOyTewQ/s400/IMG_4986.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-93Fm4S1L-3w/Tt0PL9yTghI/AAAAAAAAEdM/Vmu22xRZJVY/s1600/IMG_4909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-93Fm4S1L-3w/Tt0PL9yTghI/AAAAAAAAEdM/Vmu22xRZJVY/s400/IMG_4909.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_JTrhJDJI2U/Tt0PY9Df4kI/AAAAAAAAEdc/2xdUQC3fRaI/s1600/IMG_4923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_JTrhJDJI2U/Tt0PY9Df4kI/AAAAAAAAEdc/2xdUQC3fRaI/s400/IMG_4923.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wx9iLE-BJOw/Tt0P4ok6LnI/AAAAAAAAEds/ou33vMGwBls/s1600/IMG_5003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wx9iLE-BJOw/Tt0P4ok6LnI/AAAAAAAAEds/ou33vMGwBls/s400/IMG_5003.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/---9vHLW2OZg/Tt0MROawPNI/AAAAAAAAEYc/3KgIFHsaQ2Y/s1600/IMG_4823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/---9vHLW2OZg/Tt0MROawPNI/AAAAAAAAEYc/3KgIFHsaQ2Y/s400/IMG_4823.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy First Birthday, Everett! We love you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/340/EC2488982A6ECBFD835F6BEA7D85D6D1.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fu-a6fBxLsQ/Tt0N_uQye1I/AAAAAAAAEbU/3cNegGYNUIo/s1600/IMG_4867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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</div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375714745559255511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354243014976646707.post-48496156323492824342011-12-01T19:59:00.000-05:002011-12-01T19:59:12.984-05:00Giveaway Winner!<div style="text-align: center;">The winner of the<a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/MElaine-Beadworks/285030258182709?sk=wall" target="_blank"> m.elaine beadworks</a> bracelet <a href="http://www.invitingabode.blogspot.com/2011/11/cyber-monday-giveaway-melaine-beadworks.html" target="_blank">giveaway</a> is commenter #9 as generated by random.org! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AiqDUHtMw0k/TtgfsGS8BiI/AAAAAAAAEX8/nRqKQ_j1t0c/s1600/random.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AiqDUHtMw0k/TtgfsGS8BiI/AAAAAAAAEX8/nRqKQ_j1t0c/s1600/random.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Congratulations, Jen Teusink! (Yes, that is my cousin's wife -- though I assure you that the drawing was completely random.) I hope the bracelet sparkles at your upcoming holiday parties!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DmVQKYMeVvI/TtggQyBpPiI/AAAAAAAAEYE/C7FeAxY8KjI/s1600/comment.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="178" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DmVQKYMeVvI/TtggQyBpPiI/AAAAAAAAEYE/C7FeAxY8KjI/s400/comment.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you to everyone who entered. Don't forget that <a href="http://melainebeadworks.com/" target="_blank">m.elaine</a> is offering Inviting Abode readers 15% with the promo code ABODE through the end of the year!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm hoping that my "What I Want for Christmas" post will be up tomorrow. I spent two hours on it last night -- and my computer crashed. Fingers crossed for better luck tonight!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/340/EC2488982A6ECBFD835F6BEA7D85D6D1.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375714745559255511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354243014976646707.post-38241414136369526642011-11-30T17:00:00.014-05:002011-11-30T17:08:27.306-05:00Genius! Stocking RodsStocking Rods! Seriously -- this is an amazing idea for your Christmas decor as you get ready for the holidays. My mom found this idea from <a href="http://www.southhousedesigns.com/?p=86" target="_blank">South House Designs</a> on Pinterest and posted it to our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chapin-Group-Interiors/280790572092" target="_blank">Facebook wall</a>. <br />
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When you have more than 2-3 stockings to hang by the chimney with care, the mantel fills up quickly. Most stocking holders on the market are bulky and can takeaway from the overall look of your mantlescape. Enter Two stocking hooks and a run of the mill curtain rod. With these three items you can hang multiple stockings from the fireplace with ease. Don't have a mantel? Hang the rod from a window sill, entry table or hutch. I love it! Head over to <a href="http://www.southhousedesigns.com/?p=86" target="_blank">South House Designs</a> for more details and pictures!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bivZ8xKofF4/TtamfJEofrI/AAAAAAAAEXs/r39yOktbPOI/s1600/stockings038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bivZ8xKofF4/TtamfJEofrI/AAAAAAAAEXs/r39yOktbPOI/s400/stockings038.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Just have a few stockings to hang but don't like the traditional stocking holders? (That's me!) Last year, I ordered mantel clips like <a href="http://www.target.com/p/4-Piece-Holly-Oil-Rubbed-Bronze-Mantle-Clips-Set/-/A-11286087#?ref=tgt_adv_[XSVALUE]&AFID=[DESTINATION]_df&LNM=%7C11286087&CPNG=" target="_blank">these from Target</a> in the oil rubbed bronze finish for our two stockings. I like that they blend in without interfering with my decor. (Pictures of my Christmas decor to come soon!)<br />
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Don't forget to <a href="http://invitingabode.blogspot.com/2011/11/cyber-monday-giveaway-melaine-beadworks.html" target="_blank">enter the giveaway</a> for the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/MElaine-Beadworks/285030258182709" target="_blank">m.elaine beadworks</a> bracelet! It ends tonight at midnight. (Come on...you know you want to enter!)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/340/EC2488982A6ECBFD835F6BEA7D85D6D1.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375714745559255511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354243014976646707.post-60247387404441444382011-11-28T06:00:00.001-05:002011-11-28T10:16:21.870-05:00Cyber Monday Giveaway: m.elaine beadworks<div style="text-align: left;">Happy Cyber Monday! Last week, I enjoyed no less than three fabulous Thankgiving dinners in two cities with countless friends and family members that I love. I promised you a post on my Black Friday finds-- but I have a confession: I didn't buy anything. Therefore, I have nothing to show you. </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I did enjoy the gorgeous fall weather in <a href="http://www.franklinis.com/shopping-in-downtown-franklin" target="_blank">Downtown Franklin, Tennessee</a> poking in and out of charming boutiques with friends, Jenna and Christina. Actually purchasing something, however, would have required me to stand in long lines amid masses of people. Not my thing. As much as I typically love shopping at malls, boutiques, and outlets, this time of year I prefer shopping from the comfort of my couch in my pjs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In honor of Cyber Monday (and a comfortable shopping environment), I am offering my first giveaway from <i><a href="http://melainebeadworks.com/" target="_blank">m.elaine beadworks</a></i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Need a special gift for a female in you life? Your mother, sister, sister-in-law or friend? I think that you'll love the one-of-a-kind stackable bracelets from<a href="http://melainebeadworks.com/" target="_blank"> <i>m.elaine beadworks</i></a>.</div><br />
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://s4e4c09de31531.img.gostorego.com/802754/cdn/media/s4/e4/c0/9d/e3/15/31/designeditor/theme/current/13/images/logo.png" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="81" src="http://s4e4c09de31531.img.gostorego.com/802754/cdn/media/s4/e4/c0/9d/e3/15/31/ART1-2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="http://melainebeadworks.com/" target="_blank">m.elaine beadworks</a></i> was started by two fashion forward friends of mine. Meredith and Rachel are first and foremost best friends who shared awkward teenage years together in Alabama, college trips from Athens to Knoxville and back, weddings and babies -- they’ve truly been through it all making it a natural decision to start a business together.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/310594_289323551086713_285030258182709_1060433_458247437_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" border="0" class="spotlight" height="267" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/310594_289323551086713_285030258182709_1060433_458247437_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Meredith draws on her experiences working for a local jeweler and now as the manager of <a href="http://www.kellyscloset.net/" target="_blank">Kelly's Closet</a>, a bridal and ready-to-wear boutique in Atlanta, to design the bracelets, while Rachel utilizes her years of media and advertising experience to promote the brand.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Meredith and Rachel are complete perfectionists (trust me, I know!) and their perfectionism shows in their bead choice. They only selecting the stones and other materials that make a rich, bold statement. I love that many of their pieces are one-of-a-kind, since they use unique, vintage charms.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">What I find really appealing about <i><a href="http://melainebeadworks.com/" target="_blank">m.elaine beadworks</a></i> is their focus on individuality and personal style. Their bracelets can be worn as a single bracelet, but they are really designed to be worn in sets, or "stacks" as they call it. You can add to your collection and mix and match pieces for a look that is completely YOU!<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Take a look at their gorgeous designs (get ready for an onslaught of photos -- I just loved so many!):<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="267" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/389493_294246627261072_285030258182709_1080325_957554867_n.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="267" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/300975_289224137763321_285030258182709_1059890_1008823577_n.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="267" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/319198_289322274420174_285030258182709_1060430_1595378537_n.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="267" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/316793_289322311086837_285030258182709_1060431_1536007412_n.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="267" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/378426_294239990595069_285030258182709_1080315_287652902_n.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="267" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/317572_289324721086596_285030258182709_1060438_63518059_n.jpg" width="400" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="267" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/313518_289324747753260_285030258182709_1060440_1554792371_n.jpg" width="400" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="267" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/317432_294239710595097_285030258182709_1080309_1557125914_n.jpg" width="400" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="267" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/382096_294236750595393_285030258182709_1080270_1456874684_n.jpg" width="400" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="http://melainebeadworks.com/" target="_blank">m.elaine beadworks</a></i> is offering a <b>discount</b> to all Inviting Abode readers just in time for Christmas! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Simply enter the promo code ABODE at checkout to receive 15% off all of your purchases through the end of the year! </div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Meredith & Rachel also generously offered to giveaway the bracelet below [<a href="http://melainebeadworks.com/singles/gunmetal-chinese-crystal-beads-with-alternating-silver-crystal-rondelles.html" target="_blank">gunmetal chinese crystal beads with alternating silver crystal rondelles</a>], worth $58, to a lucky Inviting Abode reader! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>In their words:</u> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>We chose this bracelet because it's a great starter for a stack or an addition to any stack, and it is pretty generic (no skulls, crosses, Buddhas!). It can be dressed up or down and is just the right amount of sparkle! </i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--U5qtYIVsYA/TtLT-SosSrI/AAAAAAAAEXc/tLK0XoHO6Ds/s1600/Giveaway1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--U5qtYIVsYA/TtLT-SosSrI/AAAAAAAAEXc/tLK0XoHO6Ds/s320/Giveaway1.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-33DAohMKPSM/TtLT_Z0H3WI/AAAAAAAAEXk/aEjxeQMxrkU/s1600/Giveaway2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-33DAohMKPSM/TtLT_Z0H3WI/AAAAAAAAEXk/aEjxeQMxrkU/s320/Giveaway2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Entering is Easy:</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><b>[required] Like m.elaine beadworks on </b><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;"><b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/MElaine-Beadworks/285030258182709" target="_blank">Facebook</a></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;"> </span>and leave a comment letting me know you did and what you'd wear it with below.</div></div></li>
</ul></div><ul><div style="text-align: left;"></div><li><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><b>[extra entry] Follow/Subscribe to </b><u><a href="http://www.invitingabode.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: purple;"><b>Inviting</b></span><span style="color: purple;"><b> Abode blog</b></span></a></u> by clicking "follow" or "subscribe" on the right hand side of my blog, then leave a comment letting me know you did.</div></div></li>
</ul><ul><div style="text-align: left;"></div><li><div style="text-align: left;"><b>[extra entries] Mention this giveaway in a blog post, FB link or tweet</b>, then leave a comment letting me know you did.</div></li>
</ul><ul><div style="text-align: left;"></div><li><div style="text-align: left;">Please post a separate comment for each extra entry.</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">Please list your email if I don't have a way to contact you. </div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">Entry period closes at midnight EST on Wed, Nov 30, 2011. The winner will be chosen by Random.org and will be announced on Inviting Abode on Thurs, Dec 1, 2011.</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">Limited to US residents only.</div></li>
<div style="text-align: left;"></div></ul><div style="text-align: center;"> Happy Shopping!</div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/340/EC2488982A6ECBFD835F6BEA7D85D6D1.png" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375714745559255511noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354243014976646707.post-34675161993914582832011-11-24T07:00:00.000-05:002011-11-24T07:00:04.742-05:00Thankful<div style="text-align: center;">Today (and everyday) I am thankful that I am so incredibly blessed by</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">my amazing, supportive husband</div><ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pu2h69Q2HvM/Ts0l94rV9VI/AAAAAAAAEU8/IHVsAw4S5eo/s1600/May+355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pu2h69Q2HvM/Ts0l94rV9VI/AAAAAAAAEU8/IHVsAw4S5eo/s400/May+355.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">my fun, loving (and fun-loving) family & in-laws</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRYnIleHZhs/Ts0ngAkEWCI/AAAAAAAAEVM/z4_2PGiGrow/s1600/brittfamily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRYnIleHZhs/Ts0ngAkEWCI/AAAAAAAAEVM/z4_2PGiGrow/s320/brittfamily.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tnPCiQ6K3fo/Ts0oAuh-ZYI/AAAAAAAAEVc/MDo9lXxFVK4/s1600/060609Edmonds0606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tnPCiQ6K3fo/Ts0oAuh-ZYI/AAAAAAAAEVc/MDo9lXxFVK4/s320/060609Edmonds0606.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">my amazing, inspiring group of girlfriends (this doesn't even come close to capturing all of you)</div></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-546cIrM5WvM/Ts0pV3Ib-YI/AAAAAAAAEV0/sgYfyVM4GAY/s1600/iphone+215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-546cIrM5WvM/Ts0pV3Ib-YI/AAAAAAAAEV0/sgYfyVM4GAY/s400/iphone+215.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-upj3RCTvsCY/Ts0pts4Eq5I/AAAAAAAAEWE/d0sJbqy1QO0/s1600/October+2011+403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-upj3RCTvsCY/Ts0pts4Eq5I/AAAAAAAAEWE/d0sJbqy1QO0/s400/October+2011+403.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">the personal growth and friendships developed in our small group </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BrXdZiClaKM/Ts0rTkJm7WI/AAAAAAAAEWM/NFDHHin_FDc/s1600/smallgroup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BrXdZiClaKM/Ts0rTkJm7WI/AAAAAAAAEWM/NFDHHin_FDc/s400/smallgroup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">our two crazy, but lovable dogs</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BkA9aumNQW4/Ts0rphluuvI/AAAAAAAAEWU/mR-7N2OzprA/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BkA9aumNQW4/Ts0rphluuvI/AAAAAAAAEWU/mR-7N2OzprA/s400/014.JPG" width="400" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qm4dvYnenE4/Ts0rubKIWTI/AAAAAAAAEWc/g1F2oFNmXM4/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qm4dvYnenE4/Ts0rubKIWTI/AAAAAAAAEWc/g1F2oFNmXM4/s400/002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">our warm, comfortable home </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--deSnxFhyts/Ts04bPzmBiI/AAAAAAAAEXM/nhwLwy1NRwo/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--deSnxFhyts/Ts04bPzmBiI/AAAAAAAAEXM/nhwLwy1NRwo/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">my job and colleagues that allow me to learn, grow, and travel</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vx2a61FY5qs/Ts0z_iGby9I/AAAAAAAAEXE/trfSsCfRTx0/s1600/China+2011+118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vx2a61FY5qs/Ts0z_iGby9I/AAAAAAAAEXE/trfSsCfRTx0/s400/China+2011+118.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Did I mention my husband?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZG-f4AiqwSQ/Ts1tpgU26aI/AAAAAAAAEXU/87N85kOJo98/s1600/May+847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZG-f4AiqwSQ/Ts1tpgU26aI/AAAAAAAAEXU/87N85kOJo98/s400/May+847.JPG" width="266" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. <br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/340/EC2488982A6ECBFD835F6BEA7D85D6D1.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375714745559255511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354243014976646707.post-72784555285514198972011-11-23T11:00:00.000-05:002011-11-23T11:00:00.933-05:00Thanksgiving at Mom & Dad'sWhen you are one of four kids who have spouses (who are one of three or four kids themselves), significant others, and kids of their own, scheduling is....well, CRAZY. My parents worked around our schedules and planned a Thanksgiving meal at their house last Sunday. <br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We had all the traditional fare; and for the first year, all of the kids brought something to share. I happily contributed homemade sweet potato souffle (sans marshmallows, add pecans) and pumpkin pie. I got too caught up in ogling over the adorableness of my niece and nephew (and eating) that I did not take any pictures of our elaborate meal.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I did, however, snag a few shots of my mom's dining room decor for any of you looking for last minute centerpiece ideas of your own. This year, my mom went with simple, yet beautiful. (I say simple, because decor in past years have involved such things as my mom drilling holes in over-sized gourds to make gourd vases to line the table. There you go. Now you see where I get my<strike> craziness</strike> creativeness.) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">She started with an over-sized wooden bowl and filled it with all things fall: extra large pine cones, <a href="http://invitingabode.blogspot.com/2011/11/november-scott-antique-trip.html">deer antlers from our recent Scotts trip,</a> cabbage planted in ceramic gourd pots, acorns, and decorative balls with fall-like textures (ie, twine, wicker, and feathers).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">These photos are very deceiving in terms of scale. The table the centerpiece rests on is a large square that seats 12 people with 3 on each size. To give you some perspective, see that large wicker ball in the back? That has about a 12'' diameter. Those pine cones are about 12'' long as well.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9skrUF-CtEE/Ts0LWdIGYNI/AAAAAAAAEUM/rY8KpjLtAd4/s1600/photo1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9skrUF-CtEE/Ts0LWdIGYNI/AAAAAAAAEUM/rY8KpjLtAd4/s400/photo1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KZTCiAw1c0g/Ts0LbfzMeVI/AAAAAAAAEUs/pJSDL6PzPRA/s1600/photo%255B2%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KZTCiAw1c0g/Ts0LbfzMeVI/AAAAAAAAEUs/pJSDL6PzPRA/s400/photo%255B2%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">My parents have a fantastically versatile dining room chandelier. Essentially, the center is a glass vase that allows them to change out the look from season-to-season (or dinner party-to-dinner party in my mom's case). I love that the seasonal decor is not limited to the table and sideboard. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">For Thanksgiving, she filled the bottom of the vase with horse chestnuts she collected while visiting my grandmothers in Michigan. The green leafy stuff (sorry it's so dark!) is more cabbage to continue the look from the table. She added a few sprigs of red berries from their yard to finish the look. This room is so gorgeous when all of the surrounding candles (and the wall of candles behind it!) are lit. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDYk_Vdx7sI/Ts0LYL3osZI/AAAAAAAAEUc/A81Ziv6Myog/s1600/photo.3JPG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDYk_Vdx7sI/Ts0LYL3osZI/AAAAAAAAEUc/A81Ziv6Myog/s400/photo.3JPG.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Finally, my mom had her china cabinet all decked out for <strike>her Halloween party</strike> Thanksgiving. Note that your buffet or china cabinet need not be limited to the traditional items: dishes, candlesticks, and serving ware. She has glass cloches, antique bottles, books, and interesting antique finds (such as that iron bathtub foot on the second shelf). My favorite part of this display, however, is the top. On the left, she has a grouping that includes a large wicker tray, a wicker covered glass jar, and beautiful green and white pot. On the right, she has a beautiful antique scale weighing...what else? A pumpkin!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n8hc-awPkn8/Ts0LXVBm6eI/AAAAAAAAEUU/v-DGv7KBsv4/s1600/photo4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n8hc-awPkn8/Ts0LXVBm6eI/AAAAAAAAEUU/v-DGv7KBsv4/s400/photo4.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Ryan and I are celebrating Thanksgiving with his wonderful family in Nashville this year -- with one dinner tonight and a Thanksgiving lunch tomorrow. The turkey is currently brining in the fridge -- and we will drop it in our Big Easy Oil-less Turkey Fryer this afternoon. Yummy!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I plan to get ahead on my blog posts while I am here. A few upcoming posts to look for:</div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">What I Want for Christmas (I need to post this soon, as the list keeps growing!)</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Giveaway on CyberMonday from <a href="http://melainebeadworks.com/">M.Elaine Beadworks</a></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Black Friday Finds</div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/340/EC2488982A6ECBFD835F6BEA7D85D6D1.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375714745559255511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354243014976646707.post-51050510359392136312011-11-15T20:42:00.000-05:002011-11-15T20:42:15.426-05:00Fall Decorations..Sort Of.I know that I promised to show you my Fall decorations; however, Sunday I was confronted by THIS before I could take pictures.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R2oxr6aJA24/TsMT_ZZ_qsI/AAAAAAAAETQ/rzD20G1VabY/s1600/RyanDecor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R2oxr6aJA24/TsMT_ZZ_qsI/AAAAAAAAETQ/rzD20G1VabY/s400/RyanDecor.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">That's right. My husband was overcome by holiday spirit and pulled out all of the Christmas decor. Whoops. (Secretly, I am happy. Every inch of my house is now Christmas-ified...and I love it. Another benefit? I was able to take inventory of things I need to buy to add to the decor, like large evergreen branches and outdoor wreaths, before the holidays get too crazy. Double bonus.)</div><br />
Anyway, I was able to snap a few photos of the still intact fireplace and kitchen island. The rest will just have to wait until next year! I know, right? How will you sleep in anticipation for a whole year?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sRSMXQ3ZEfU/TsMUCw-EPNI/AAAAAAAAETY/YVXpYHP_HSE/s1600/IMG_4732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sRSMXQ3ZEfU/TsMUCw-EPNI/AAAAAAAAETY/YVXpYHP_HSE/s400/IMG_4732.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R1sYVH8MPG4/TsMUDmUSJMI/AAAAAAAAETg/GJwI0_xITcI/s1600/IMG_4737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R1sYVH8MPG4/TsMUDmUSJMI/AAAAAAAAETg/GJwI0_xITcI/s400/IMG_4737.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WGgYixdPu10/TsMUExvoxNI/AAAAAAAAETo/iBn8mSMOPJw/s1600/IMG_4738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WGgYixdPu10/TsMUExvoxNI/AAAAAAAAETo/iBn8mSMOPJw/s400/IMG_4738.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WxrR-aWnrHM/TsMUFqbgMfI/AAAAAAAAETw/cAl9I2spPXs/s1600/IMG_4739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WxrR-aWnrHM/TsMUFqbgMfI/AAAAAAAAETw/cAl9I2spPXs/s400/IMG_4739.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4Zi4yb9dW4/TsMUI1KY4EI/AAAAAAAAET4/3l8i8YZaI6Q/s1600/IMG_4741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4Zi4yb9dW4/TsMUI1KY4EI/AAAAAAAAET4/3l8i8YZaI6Q/s400/IMG_4741.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>What's the best Christmas decor idea you've seen on Pinterest? I am in FULL Christmas mode now!<br />
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</div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/340/EC2488982A6ECBFD835F6BEA7D85D6D1.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375714745559255511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354243014976646707.post-66938329193761332302011-11-14T12:00:00.009-05:002011-11-14T12:00:08.531-05:00Recipe: Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Victory tastes so sweet! My beloved Georgia Bulldogs beat up on the defending National Champions, the Auburn Tigers, to continue our quest to win the SEC East (Sorry, Melissa!). All that stands between us now is a W over the Kentucky Wildcats next Saturday. Go Dawgs!</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ryan and I spent the day in Athens tailgating and cheering on our team with dear friends and family. (Hi, <a href="http://sosnweddings.blogspot.com/">Liz</a> & <a href="http://lindsayclairehamilton.blogspot.com/">Lindsay</a>!) A special thanks to my brother for providing an unfailingly fabulous tailgate setup.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dUsC7EivpT8/TsEohvckq4I/AAAAAAAAETI/cx_T5tv8arg/s1600/304138_929695445839_12806239_40871155_979065150_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dUsC7EivpT8/TsEohvckq4I/AAAAAAAAETI/cx_T5tv8arg/s400/304138_929695445839_12806239_40871155_979065150_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
What did I bring to share? After careful perusal of my <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> boards Friday, I decided to make these sweet treats: Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies. They were delicious! The recipe made 65 cookies -- and there was not a crumb left by game time. I guess that means everyone agreed with me?<br />
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(Side note: I actually discovered that I pinned the recipe twice...I guess that means they <i>really </i>sounded good to me.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UWw_gwSIgUk/TsEoGBnjctI/AAAAAAAAES4/0OWqjUbcdYs/s1600/UGA+Auburn+Tailgate+2011+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UWw_gwSIgUk/TsEoGBnjctI/AAAAAAAAES4/0OWqjUbcdYs/s400/UGA+Auburn+Tailgate+2011+001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The original recipe was on the always delicious baking blog, <a href="http://twotinykitchens.com/2011/02/23/peanut-butter-pretzel-bites/">Two Tiny Kitchens</a>. I pretty much followed her recipe exactly (though a little less sugar). One thing to note if trying this out, I made the cookies the night before, and they definitely tasted better the next day. I am not sure why -- I guess that the flavors needed to meld together.<br />
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<b>Ingredients</b><i><br />
</i><br />
1 cup creamy peanut butter<br />
2 tbsp softened butter<br />
1/2 cup powdered sugar (give or take)<br />
3/4 cup brown sugar (give or take)<br />
Pretzels (you will need about 130 pretzels)<br />
1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips<br />
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<b>Directions</b><br />
<i>Step 1: </i><br />
Combine peanut butter and butter in a large bowl with whisk a stand mixer. Add the sugars and mix to combine. If the filling rolls easily into balls without sticking to your hands (note: roll in your palm rather than your fingertips to reduce stickiness), you are ready for Step 2. If not, add a little more of each sugar until you reach a consistency that is easy to roll.<br />
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<i>Step 2: </i><br />
Roll filling into small balls (approximately 1 tsp), then sandwich them between two whole pretzels. When all the balls are rolled and sandwiched, place the tray in the freezer for about half an hour.<br />
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<i>Step 3: </i><br />
Pour the chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl and heat at 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally until completely melted. (Note: You will need the entire bag.) Remove the pretzel sandwiches from the freezer and quickly dip each cookie into the melted chocolate. When all are dipped, return the tray to the freezer to set up completely. Store the sandwiches in the refrigerator until serving time.<br />
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Yum!<br />
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Want to see what others brought to share?<br />
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My mom made this incredible (seriously, I could not stop eating it...notice the missing bottom right corner of dip? Whoops!) <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2010/12/7-layer-greek-dip/">7-Layer Greek Dip</a> she found on Pinterest. (She substituted Tzatziki sauce for the cream cheese base. Delish.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dUsC7EivpT8/TsEohvckq4I/AAAAAAAAETI/cx_T5tv8arg/s1600/304138_929695445839_12806239_40871155_979065150_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSOaLVmV-4I/TsEoHCNctxI/AAAAAAAAETA/IXtSmQmBBBg/s1600/UGA+Auburn+Tailgate+2011+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSOaLVmV-4I/TsEoHCNctxI/AAAAAAAAETA/IXtSmQmBBBg/s400/UGA+Auburn+Tailgate+2011+002.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My friend <a href="http://sosnweddings.blogspot.com/">Liz</a> brought this tasty <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2010/12/7-layer-greek-dip/">Fruit Salsa with Baked Cinnamon Chips</a>. The fresh, crisp flavor of the fruit was such a nice change from your regular tailgate fare. I ate quite a bit of this too... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Note: I am not sure if that's the exact recipe Liz uses -- but it is very similar. She says she uses all sorts of different fruit depending on what's in season.)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h2Sk8ftJBsk/TsEoFGAVnDI/AAAAAAAAESw/Vc6kIFeZ0N8/s1600/UGA+Auburn+Tailgate+2011+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h2Sk8ftJBsk/TsEoFGAVnDI/AAAAAAAAESw/Vc6kIFeZ0N8/s400/UGA+Auburn+Tailgate+2011+003.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Food, football, and friends? An all together great weekend. What's your favorite tailgate recipe?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/340/EC2488982A6ECBFD835F6BEA7D85D6D1.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375714745559255511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354243014976646707.post-38414271611611995892011-11-11T21:21:00.000-05:002011-11-11T21:21:34.297-05:00November Scott Antique TripOh, Scott's. How I have missed you. I have not been to Scott's in at least 8 months. My mom shops Scott's every month for<a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Chapin-Group-Interiors/280790572092"> her clients</a> and has all sorts of great inside knowledge-- so we like to go together. But, she only likes to go on Friday's when it's not as crowded or as picked over. Attending on Friday requires me to take a day off of work, which I can only do every so often. However, today's finds remind that it's completely worth it! <br />
I took a ton of pictures to share -- see them below:<br />
(I forgot my regular camera, so these are iPhone shots. Sorry!)<br />
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Great light green antique leather settee<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_vQodgXGW-I/Tr23YaLZeUI/AAAAAAAADxk/YI8_kqMQfdI/s1600/IMG_0636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_vQodgXGW-I/Tr23YaLZeUI/AAAAAAAADxk/YI8_kqMQfdI/s400/IMG_0636.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I love the burlap and chicken wire combination used for these light shades.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ibPkleiI-4/Tr23aFZGvCI/AAAAAAAADxs/cgOBBYi84Tk/s1600/IMG_0637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ibPkleiI-4/Tr23aFZGvCI/AAAAAAAADxs/cgOBBYi84Tk/s400/IMG_0637.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Antique sleds were out in full force to prepare for the holidays. I adore the one I bought last year -- however, I did have to explain to my husband that he could not ACTUALLY use it during last January's snowstorm.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ys_pA1aZac/Tr23buxfKGI/AAAAAAAADx0/_V7pDuIuGRk/s1600/IMG_0638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ys_pA1aZac/Tr23buxfKGI/AAAAAAAADx0/_V7pDuIuGRk/s400/IMG_0638.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br />
This booth had a huge array of antique game boards. These would be perfect framed in a playroom, media room, or kid's room!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TY1e10wFbpw/Tr23dcazCII/AAAAAAAADx8/8Urg-R-hb3g/s1600/IMG_0639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TY1e10wFbpw/Tr23dcazCII/AAAAAAAADx8/8Urg-R-hb3g/s400/IMG_0639.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I really liked the holiday displays in this booth using just silvers, greens, and brown. I snapped a few photos that I am going to try and recreate at my house this year. Antlers (see Leigh, they are in!) and greenery inside a lantern makes a simple, elegant winter display. My mom snagged a few antlers to use at her house.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IWVJrIHurc8/Tr23fd0ds6I/AAAAAAAADyE/S2s4TwTqbI0/s1600/IMG_0640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IWVJrIHurc8/Tr23fd0ds6I/AAAAAAAADyE/S2s4TwTqbI0/s400/IMG_0640.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P6scdiK3mR8/Tr23hvFNpJI/AAAAAAAADyM/O8MlB0zlXdU/s1600/IMG_0641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P6scdiK3mR8/Tr23hvFNpJI/AAAAAAAADyM/O8MlB0zlXdU/s400/IMG_0641.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
We chatted with the gentleman from <em>altered</em> for quite a while -- he makes furniture and decorative accessories all out of church pews. They are AMAZING. See those two brown benches in front? They are from the same church -- the lighter one was near a window. He makes tables, chairs, benches, vases, candesticks, and more all out of the pews. So cool! His website is not up quite yet-- but I have his card if anyone is interested.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sUr9p0gXPWo/Tr23j0KDoEI/AAAAAAAADyU/geZ5WIUfqLE/s1600/IMG_0642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sUr9p0gXPWo/Tr23j0KDoEI/AAAAAAAADyU/geZ5WIUfqLE/s400/IMG_0642.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I saw these European olive picking buckets -- and it was love at first sight. (Despite their $59/each price tag!) They reminded me of our trip to the olive groves during our Italian vacation in May. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Alas! They were sold. Much to my luck, however, several other vendors were carrying them. I saw these olive buckets carried out of Scott's by patrons left and right. I purchased my own from one of my favorite outdoor vendors for...$35! These are selling on etsy.com for $75-$250 right now. What a steal!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6msnf0iJO8I/Tr23nwcpbTI/AAAAAAAADyk/71SlC7dvtUk/s1600/IMG_0644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6msnf0iJO8I/Tr23nwcpbTI/AAAAAAAADyk/71SlC7dvtUk/s400/IMG_0644.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Check out this antique double decanter carrier. <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/wood-double-decanter-caddy/?pkey=call-glassware">Pottery Barn just added a reproduction</a> of one of these to their new line. This would make a great Christmas gift for the special man in your life.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r2iXo18j5O4/Tr23pQa2U2I/AAAAAAAADys/1fP6HEyygvY/s1600/IMG_0645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r2iXo18j5O4/Tr23pQa2U2I/AAAAAAAADys/1fP6HEyygvY/s400/IMG_0645.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">How sweet is this antique baby scale?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-04ZhR15SjPM/Tr23rtcOPOI/AAAAAAAADy0/WQ4SXNi5vsc/s1600/IMG_0646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-04ZhR15SjPM/Tr23rtcOPOI/AAAAAAAADy0/WQ4SXNi5vsc/s400/IMG_0646.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br />
I'm a sucker for vintage baby blocks. The booth display spelled my father-in-law's name, Rex. I had to snap a picture! (For some reason, Blogger insists on displaying the photo sideways...)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Burlap chests. Love.</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A beautiful seafoam green chest to be used as a sideboard or dresser. See that white tag? It says sold. Merchandise was selling SO quickly today.</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Owl andirons for in front of a fireplace. I bet these sold quickly given the popularity of owls in the design world.</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Galvanized table. Very industrial looking.</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Everywhere you looked vendors were carrying vintage suitcases. A few of these stacked makes a fabulous end table or bedside table. The cases in this stack ranged from $45-75 -- not bad!</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Leigh, this is for you. You know...in case Ryan 2 doesn't know what to do with his deer feet. (Seriously, WHO would use this lamp?)</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mom gives her legs a rest among a sea of linen seating options.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jars, pots, wine casks galore!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qplk5ja9sQQ/Tr23_hA043I/AAAAAAAAD0M/yc3gXyx9HJI/s1600/IMG_0657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qplk5ja9sQQ/Tr23_hA043I/AAAAAAAAD0M/yc3gXyx9HJI/s400/IMG_0657.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am not always a huge fan of brass-- but there is something about this antique brass light fixture that I just love. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NdxageoDlz8/Tr24BMxDJII/AAAAAAAAD0U/rFWoaZSFC6c/s1600/IMG_0658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NdxageoDlz8/Tr24BMxDJII/AAAAAAAAD0U/rFWoaZSFC6c/s400/IMG_0658.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All of the industrial furniture makes me want another house to decorate...</div><br />
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I thought that this could make a really pretty Christmas centerpiece -- vintage ornaments hung from a lamp shade frame.<br />
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Hands reaching to the sky...<br />
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I *think* that this is an old dental chair. As such, I promptly texted my pediatric dentist friend, Leigh, a picture. We had the following hilarious exchange:<br />
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Ashley: This chair looks medical so I bought it for you. You're welcome.<br />
Leigh: And it looks so comfortable! Thanks, friend! :)<br />
Ashley: No problem! If it doesn't fit in your house you can always use it at the office -- it won't scare the kids at all!<br />
Leigh: Perfect! I'll call it the Magical - not at all for medical experimentation - special chair. <br />
Ashley: Hahahaha!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mantels, pillows, and more olive picking buckets...</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was amazed at the selection of funky chairs. These remind me of my brother's law office...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KkKav8CW9RM/Tr24PQChwYI/AAAAAAAAD1c/YSsixJX7cnc/s1600/IMG_0668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KkKav8CW9RM/Tr24PQChwYI/AAAAAAAAD1c/YSsixJX7cnc/s400/IMG_0668.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4oHSasFoaqQ/Tr24Q_2WFgI/AAAAAAAAD1k/S1jCNMbaC2k/s1600/IMG_0669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4oHSasFoaqQ/Tr24Q_2WFgI/AAAAAAAAD1k/S1jCNMbaC2k/s400/IMG_0669.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u0O1738ufF4/Tr24SYo4BGI/AAAAAAAAD1s/TnOKjgUIEs8/s1600/IMG_0670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u0O1738ufF4/Tr24SYo4BGI/AAAAAAAAD1s/TnOKjgUIEs8/s400/IMG_0670.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Chandeliers...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jx1asg9j9oY/Tr24VrLiMfI/AAAAAAAAD18/ZwgfVz4cUTM/s1600/IMG_0672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jx1asg9j9oY/Tr24VrLiMfI/AAAAAAAAD18/ZwgfVz4cUTM/s400/IMG_0672.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I seriously considered these cube trunks for $110. <br />
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Wine racks...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-c11vzK5yg/Tr24bpBH8cI/AAAAAAAAD2c/DAXqYW9wqvQ/s1600/IMG_0676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-c11vzK5yg/Tr24bpBH8cI/AAAAAAAAD2c/DAXqYW9wqvQ/s400/IMG_0676.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I can't forget to share Ryan's Christmas present for this year -- a smoker/grill in the shape of a bull! (The smoke literally comes out of its nose.) I could not stop laughing! I was also surprised the bull grill was only priced at $675. Somehow, I thought that this beauty would be priced higher...</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uV8ZFUYda_8/Tr24aHvawhI/AAAAAAAAD2U/PuHkXqfNUk8/s1600/IMG_0675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uV8ZFUYda_8/Tr24aHvawhI/AAAAAAAAD2U/PuHkXqfNUk8/s400/IMG_0675.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7gtYDHWGHps/Tr24c1ZELwI/AAAAAAAAD2k/k5KCh8iIemk/s1600/IMG_0677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7gtYDHWGHps/Tr24c1ZELwI/AAAAAAAAD2k/k5KCh8iIemk/s400/IMG_0677.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Old light bulbs filling the box -- I just thought this looked interesting...<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mirrors, coral, rocking horse....</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-clVrCM7El6I/Tr3EjWu3j1I/AAAAAAAAD20/iWKMTmAC0hw/s1600/IMG_5350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-clVrCM7El6I/Tr3EjWu3j1I/AAAAAAAAD20/iWKMTmAC0hw/s400/IMG_5350.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Deer antlers my mom snatched up for just $15 each. (She would want me to inform you that <a href="http://www.antler-shed.com/why_deer_shed_antlers.htm">deer shed their antlers every year</a>. No deer were killed for her decorating desires...)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VemGEfUvGeo/Tr3Ekq3-rcI/AAAAAAAAD28/mim-lEYi94o/s1600/IMG_5351+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VemGEfUvGeo/Tr3Ekq3-rcI/AAAAAAAAD28/mim-lEYi94o/s400/IMG_5351+%25282%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Pretty chair fabric...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xUH7bTts6ZE/Tr3EmzGM2cI/AAAAAAAAD3E/golyJOR7rV4/s1600/IMG_5352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xUH7bTts6ZE/Tr3EmzGM2cI/AAAAAAAAD3E/golyJOR7rV4/s400/IMG_5352.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Lamps made out of all sorts of repurposed objects -- gears, water meter covers, coils, etc. So neat!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DyGBqNkyRjw/Tr3Eo7R1DKI/AAAAAAAAD3M/mGrrattXMHo/s1600/IMG_5353+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DyGBqNkyRjw/Tr3Eo7R1DKI/AAAAAAAAD3M/mGrrattXMHo/s400/IMG_5353+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last, but not least, how cool are these orb-shaped iron pieces? My mom wants to wire one as a light and hang it above her family room coffee table. I love the idea.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hosMWQSMOrQ/Tr24YUfHdkI/AAAAAAAAD2M/VjnuffkcmUk/s1600/IMG_0674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hosMWQSMOrQ/Tr24YUfHdkI/AAAAAAAAD2M/VjnuffkcmUk/s400/IMG_0674.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Whew! That was a lot. Based on the responses to <a href="http://invitingabode.blogspot.com/2011/11/weldon-loft-master-bedroom-bath.html">my previous post</a>, the next posts will be about My Fall Decor, What I Want for Christmas, and a DIY Wall Unit. I also plan to post a <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> recipe I made for tomorrow's UGA football game against Auburn. Go Dawgs!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/340/EC2488982A6ECBFD835F6BEA7D85D6D1.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375714745559255511noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354243014976646707.post-21516952112028481242011-11-10T08:00:00.001-05:002011-11-10T08:00:23.036-05:00Weldon Loft: Master Bedroom & Bath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally...my favorite part of the Weldon's home: the serene and comfortable Master Bedroom and Bathroom. (See: <a href="http://invitingabode.blogspot.com/2011/10/weldon-loft-entryway.html">Entryway</a>, <a href="http://invitingabode.blogspot.com/2011/10/weldon-loft-living-room.html">Living Room</a>, <a href="http://invitingabode.blogspot.com/2011/11/weldon-loft-guest-bedroom-bath.html">Guest Bedroom & Bath</a>, <a href="http://invitingabode.blogspot.com/2011/11/weldon-loft-kitchen-dining-room.html">Kitchen & Dining</a>) After a long day of dentistry, Ryan and Leigh can unwind in this beautiful space. I have a hard time picking my favorite part of the room -- I adore the framed (and symmetrical) artwork above and to the side of the bed. The monogrammed bedding is totally my style. I also love the new lamps and bench at the foot of the bed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What's your favorite part?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8WmY_Dt0SRQ/TrsU2q62o6I/AAAAAAAADWE/2kx8i15j2PA/s1600/Slide10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ida="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8WmY_Dt0SRQ/TrsU2q62o6I/AAAAAAAADWE/2kx8i15j2PA/s400/Slide10.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-20eFxd1654w/TrsU3sWQ-_I/AAAAAAAADWM/4JBinvlMBgE/s1600/Slide11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ida="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-20eFxd1654w/TrsU3sWQ-_I/AAAAAAAADWM/4JBinvlMBgE/s400/Slide11.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fdklyjsq7sc/TrsU4rVRfbI/AAAAAAAADWU/sHARnk8wt_s/s1600/Slide12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fdklyjsq7sc/TrsU4rVRfbI/AAAAAAAADWU/sHARnk8wt_s/s400/Slide12.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cA0ymInneYE/TrsU6NsFYbI/AAAAAAAADWc/KNIAQDkjtZM/s1600/Slide13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cA0ymInneYE/TrsU6NsFYbI/AAAAAAAADWc/KNIAQDkjtZM/s400/Slide13.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nLipG4WndRc/TrsU8bWdNdI/AAAAAAAADWk/GYYHX0zJw-U/s1600/Slide14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ida="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nLipG4WndRc/TrsU8bWdNdI/AAAAAAAADWk/GYYHX0zJw-U/s400/Slide14.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">That wraps up my coverage of the Weldon's -- thanks to Leigh and Ryan for letting me show off their gorgeous home. I know many happy, exciting times are ahead for these two in their new home and new town.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">I suppose I am going to have to actually think up my own topics for future posts. Here are some of my ideas -- let me know which ones you are the most excited to read:</div><ul><li><div align="left">Thanksgiving Hostess Gifts for 2011 (Remember <a href="http://invitingabode.blogspot.com/2009/11/top-10-thanksgiving-hostess-gift-ideas.html">this post</a> from 2009? It was well-received.)</div></li>
<li><div align="left">Pumpkin Cranberry Bread recipe</div></li>
<li><div align="left">DIY Wall Unit Refinishing</div></li>
<li><div align="left">Thanksgiving Centerpieces</div></li>
<li><div align="left">Homemade Applesauce recipe (a family holiday favorite!)</div></li>
<li><div align="left">What I Want for Christmas</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">Fall Decor at Our House</div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/340/EC2488982A6ECBFD835F6BEA7D85D6D1.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375714745559255511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8354243014976646707.post-29541971140927964422011-11-08T15:00:00.000-05:002011-11-09T14:50:29.670-05:00Weldon Loft: Kitchen & Dining Room<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Moving on from the <a href="http://invitingabode.blogspot.com/2011/10/weldon-loft-entryway.html">entryway</a>, <a href="http://invitingabode.blogspot.com/2011/10/weldon-loft-living-room.html">living room</a>, and <a href="http://invitingabode.blogspot.com/2011/11/weldon-loft-guest-bedroom-bath.html">guest bedroom &bathroom</a>...we check out the kitchen and dining room at the Weldon's. The dining room in their loft opens to the kitchen, which allowed for our <a href="http://invitingabode.blogspot.com/2011/10/weekend-in-romegeorgia.html">host and hostess</a> to remain engaged with their guests (us!) while finishing brunch preparations. I am a big fan of open floor plans -- especially in the kitchen -- so that those of us who like to cook are able to feel a part of the action while trying out (or cleaning up from!) new recipes.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">When first moving in, Leigh wasn't crazy about the green cabinetry in the kitchen. However, once the rest of the decor was in place -- she loved the warm, comfortable feel that the non-traditional cabinets gave the space. (To my dismay, I just realized that none of my photos show Ryan 2's beautiful stuffed turkey(?) that rests on top of the far right cabinet. The turkey(?) keeps <a href="http://invitingabode.blogspot.com/2011/10/weekend-in-romegeorgia.html">the deer </a>in good company.)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vH-K3tQG878/TrkqDturv1I/AAAAAAAADV8/jwE8HxKwyn0/s1600/Slide21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ida="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vH-K3tQG878/TrkqDturv1I/AAAAAAAADV8/jwE8HxKwyn0/s400/Slide21.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: left;">Leigh's mom and Aunt Susan found this dining room set at a local estate sale. The china cabinet proudly displays their gorgeous wedding china, while also providing storage for their many serving pieces. (Don't you love when things are aesthetic and functional?) Leigh felt that the dining room set was very traditional and formal when compared to the rest of her decor -- so she worked with her decorator to tone down the traditional. To do this, they recovered the seats of the side chairs with a coordinating fabric from the living room throw pillows and added simple monogrammed linen parsons chairs to the ends. Leigh also ordered long window panels from <a href="http://www.westelm.com/">West Elm</a> for her exceptionally high windows to add softness to the room.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ctx93KjIGg/TrkqBvd59AI/AAAAAAAADV0/C_9aJge0YWo/s1600/Slide16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ctx93KjIGg/TrkqBvd59AI/AAAAAAAADV0/C_9aJge0YWo/s400/Slide16.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: left;">Of course, I can't finish up this post without talking about Leigh's seasonal decor. (<a href="http://invitingabode.blogspot.com/2010/01/christmas-at-our-house.html">Seasonal decor -- my favorite!</a>) She started with Pottery Barn's <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/linen-hemstitch-table-runner/?pkey=ctablecloths">Linen Hemstitch Table Runner</a> and an apothecary jar (given to her by Your's Truly). I personally love apothecary jars because they are so versatile. You can change their look from season-to-season (or in my case, mood-to-mood). I love how she lined the center with fall foliage and candles in the colors of autumn. Take special note of the cork tray. This was a little DIY project that Leigh took on using saved wine corks and a shadow box. It was perfect for holding our mimosa mixings!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kmdSsuYW2oA/TrkqAJ-YHAI/AAAAAAAADVs/l_7tDOZynzo/s1600/Slide15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kmdSsuYW2oA/TrkqAJ-YHAI/AAAAAAAADVs/l_7tDOZynzo/s400/Slide15.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
We'll finish up the tour tomorrow with the grand finale -- the Master Bedroom!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/340/EC2488982A6ECBFD835F6BEA7D85D6D1.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px;" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09375714745559255511noreply@blogger.com0