tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37238976481201002652024-03-12T19:18:00.530-07:00Home is Where my Heart iscathhasablog@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10498514900596476016noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723897648120100265.post-64942307768384688322012-04-12T18:48:00.000-07:002012-04-12T18:48:30.084-07:00HysterectomyDisclaimer: A little bit graphic about my hysterectomy...<br />
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Hello to all my new blog friends! Just wanted to leave a quick note to tell you all that I am home from the hospital and recovering well from my<b> <a href="http://cathhasablog.blogspot.ca/p/background-info.html" target="_blank">hysterectomy</a>. </b> There were 8 people in the operating room for my surgery which totally shocked me. There was the anesthesiologist and his med student, the oncologist who actually did the surgery and his 2 residents and 3 nurses. Right before they put me to sleep I said <i>if there is any way to complete this surgery without having to cut me wide open please please do it</i>. I don't know if it was because I had said this or not but Dr. S. (my oncologist) said that there were a few complications that they weren't expecting and I lost a lot more blood than usual and he came <i>so close</i> to cutting me open, but they were able to complete the surgery with 4 small incisions and vaginally, I can live with that! Thank you God! So I am in full recovery mode right now, catching up on reading all my favourite blogs and sleeping (lots of sleeping!). My mother in law has been my angel and is here with my FIL looking after me and the kids. I am very VERY blessed.<br />
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Here are the "Highlights" of my stay in the "all-inclusive resort":<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p9wwZkIr7QM/T4eDc5KEhYI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/iXI1QhBwoWA/s1600/Hysterectomy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p9wwZkIr7QM/T4eDc5KEhYI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/iXI1QhBwoWA/s640/Hysterectomy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>1st Photo: The food is so gross. Why oh why do they feed sick people disgusting food?<br />
<br />
2nd photo: It's not that obvious in this photo but when they intubated me they must have banged my lip pretty hard as I had a fat lip when I woke up. My hubby thinks it's hilarious that I can only smile with half my face!<br />
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3rd photo: I lost my knuckles! My left hand was so swollen by the IV! Thank goodness I had removed my wedding rings!!<br />
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Thank you for all the wonderful emails of love, support and prayers you have sent me! I will let you know my biopsy results as soon as I get them (in approx. 1 week). :) Cath<br />
<br />
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<center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center>cathhasablog@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10498514900596476016noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723897648120100265.post-61478457687551818682012-04-09T00:27:00.006-07:002012-04-18T22:46:29.487-07:00An Organized Master Bathroom<span style="text-align: left;">Alrighty...the spring cleaning has continued and I am (slowly) getting each room clean and organized! A confession...I hate cleaning, I read all these blogs where they say how much they LOVE cleaning..but I just don't. What I DO love though, is the feeling after the cleaning is done, it just feels so good to have a clean and organized house.</span><br />
<center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">If you missed my posts about my organized kitchen cabinets, you can read it<b> <a href="http://cathhasablog.blogspot.ca/2012/02/more-kitchen-cupboard-organizing.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>, </b>my organized pantry is<b> <a href="http://cathhasablog.blogspot.ca/2012/02/organizing-cupboards-pantry.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> </b> and my organized art closet is<b> <a href="http://cathhasablog.blogspot.ca/2012/01/art-closet-reveal-before-and-after.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b><b>.</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">This weekend I organized our master bathrooms cabinets (and our master closet and bedroom but more on those later!).</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">Here are the "before" photos:</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><b style="text-align: center;">Cupboard #1</b> </center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vuWC07UkfFg/T384GhKcLxI/AAAAAAAAAxM/wmrUCRsZCaw/s1600/IMG-20120405-00019.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vuWC07UkfFg/T384GhKcLxI/AAAAAAAAAxM/wmrUCRsZCaw/s640/IMG-20120405-00019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Top Drawer</span></b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uYg5P9FmCo4/T384HM_aJ5I/AAAAAAAAAxU/epIAw2_8zzk/s1600/IMG-20120405-00021.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uYg5P9FmCo4/T384HM_aJ5I/AAAAAAAAAxU/epIAw2_8zzk/s640/IMG-20120405-00021.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <b>Middle Drawer</b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PUarhseuIY8/T384IJjRHHI/AAAAAAAAAxk/WJcOMgz7FSo/s1600/IMG-20120405-00023.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PUarhseuIY8/T384IJjRHHI/AAAAAAAAAxk/WJcOMgz7FSo/s640/IMG-20120405-00023.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Bottom Drawer:</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wxubvr4yDgI/T384JFHRPxI/AAAAAAAAAx0/4hvTVj-EStA/s1600/IMG-20120405-00025.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wxubvr4yDgI/T384JFHRPxI/AAAAAAAAAx0/4hvTVj-EStA/s640/IMG-20120405-00025.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Cabinet #2</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3fGQw5R12A/T384J1CMpCI/AAAAAAAAAx8/XwIaf14H8I0/s1600/IMG-20120405-00027.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3fGQw5R12A/T384J1CMpCI/AAAAAAAAAx8/XwIaf14H8I0/s640/IMG-20120405-00027.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;">Now you may be asking yourself, "is that an Easter Basket in cupboard #1?" I cannot lie...yes, yes it is.</span><br />
<center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">So as you can see, we have loads of storage space in our master bathroom, it just wasn't being used to it's full potential. So here's what I did:</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>1. I completely cleared out all cabinets and drawers washed them, and purged the products that had expired or that we didn't use.</b></center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xUOJMnJA7U/T384LyHf2gI/AAAAAAAAAyc/5cYBMvEEhAA/s1600/IMG-20120405-00033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xUOJMnJA7U/T384LyHf2gI/AAAAAAAAAyc/5cYBMvEEhAA/s640/IMG-20120405-00033.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b style="text-align: left;">2. I purchased "under the sink" storage shelves. </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QF_HAVKUvJI/T384Lm3FuqI/AAAAAAAAAyU/lUbmfcQxINM/s1600/IMG-20120405-00032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QF_HAVKUvJI/T384Lm3FuqI/AAAAAAAAAyU/lUbmfcQxINM/s640/IMG-20120405-00032.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"><b><i>They are normally around $20 each but they were on sale at Canadian Tire for $5.97 so I bought 6 of them. One for each sink in the house!</i></b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9_lvdnPwWU/T384LPd7sII/AAAAAAAAAyM/nBzU0mewa5E/s1600/IMG-20120405-00031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9_lvdnPwWU/T384LPd7sII/AAAAAAAAAyM/nBzU0mewa5E/s640/IMG-20120405-00031.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b style="text-align: left;">3. I put the shelves together and placed them under the sinks.</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kdFcxKcqoYI/T384MCiMqMI/AAAAAAAAAyk/vsi4MjAY3vI/s1600/IMG-20120405-00035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kdFcxKcqoYI/T384MCiMqMI/AAAAAAAAAyk/vsi4MjAY3vI/s640/IMG-20120405-00035.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b style="text-align: left;">4. Then I filled the shelves with the products that we actually use.</b><br />
<center style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></center><center style="text-align: left;">Here are the "after" photos:</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>CABINET #1 - This is the cabinet right beside the toilet, so it made the most sense to store the toilet paper there. The clear container on the top right contains spare supplies, on the middle right is a container I purchased from Ikea, and it is perfect for organizing my make-up. On the bottom left is a basket with my blow dryer, straightening iron and curling iron and the right side has my hair brushes and hair products.</b> </center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TdbGdHOaoZI/T4J6kEsRf_I/AAAAAAAAAz0/j6hA-wIcYkc/s1600/IMG-20120407-00067.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TdbGdHOaoZI/T4J6kEsRf_I/AAAAAAAAAz0/j6hA-wIcYkc/s640/IMG-20120407-00067.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Top Drawer: This is where we keep our toothbrushes now as well as everyday things such as my hair elastics and body butter!</b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W92FhhhTETo/T4J72NAppbI/AAAAAAAAA0E/_DwmYlR2a3o/s1600/IMG-20120407-00074.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W92FhhhTETo/T4J72NAppbI/AAAAAAAAA0E/_DwmYlR2a3o/s640/IMG-20120407-00074.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Middle drawer: I organized our deodorant and face washes/moisturizers into convenient dollar store containers and placed perfume (and cologne) along the side. I'm actually not a big fan of scents, everything I use is usually unscented but for some reason the "white musk" at the Body Shop as well as Citrus scents don't bother me.</b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hTHs1gE4SK4/T4J8FKop4EI/AAAAAAAAA0M/nGc3YST1IRo/s1600/IMG-20120407-00073.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hTHs1gE4SK4/T4J8FKop4EI/AAAAAAAAA0M/nGc3YST1IRo/s640/IMG-20120407-00073.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>The Bottom drawer: I stuck all our "tubes" of lotions and potions into a cool little dollar store container which is so much more organized.</b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H4YzV90j3zk/T4J7j3e-g8I/AAAAAAAAAz8/E2MpjEtlNok/s1600/IMG-20120407-00076.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H4YzV90j3zk/T4J7j3e-g8I/AAAAAAAAAz8/E2MpjEtlNok/s640/IMG-20120407-00076.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Cabinet #2: The mouthwash and 2 white containers have my hubby's toiletries in them. Then we have face cloths, bath mats, hand towels and bath towels handy. The spray bottle is an "after shower" spray that we use after each shower or bath. It's nice to just spray it down and leave it.</b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XZENSF5Dq1A/T4J6Y2DtgJI/AAAAAAAAAzs/rz-fMaFtwkQ/s1600/IMG-20120407-00078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XZENSF5Dq1A/T4J6Y2DtgJI/AAAAAAAAAzs/rz-fMaFtwkQ/s640/IMG-20120407-00078.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><center><b>Ok so there it is! My newly organized Master Bathroom. YES!</b></center><center><b><br />
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I've linked up here:<br />
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/></a>cathhasablog@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10498514900596476016noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723897648120100265.post-27804571670936842782012-04-04T21:29:00.003-07:002012-04-09T07:50:27.810-07:00Creating Memories!<span style="text-align: left;">It's fun to come home to my family playing and laughing and having fun! I walked in on an impromptu game of "hockey" in our small little yard. Sometimes as adults we get so wrapped up in serious things that we forget to play with our kids and to let ourselves just "be". We need to do that more. </span><b style="text-align: left;">I</b><span style="text-align: left;"> need to do that more!</span><br />
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<center style="text-align: left;">Here's the scene I came home to today:</center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JacZNtF2sng/T30ewRhqO_I/AAAAAAAAAwc/1lew7VsREmg/s1600/IMG-20120404-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JacZNtF2sng/T30ewRhqO_I/AAAAAAAAAwc/1lew7VsREmg/s640/IMG-20120404-007.jpg" width="534" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-siwyfcfJM6s/T30ewiBv7kI/AAAAAAAAAw0/NWJqt9dKakk/s1600/IMG-20120404-00008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-siwyfcfJM6s/T30ewiBv7kI/AAAAAAAAAw0/NWJqt9dKakk/s640/IMG-20120404-00008.jpg" width="538" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IVWtBCX903g/T30ew7IAmiI/AAAAAAAAAws/jwv8Th9bods/s1600/IMG-20120404-00009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IVWtBCX903g/T30ew7IAmiI/AAAAAAAAAws/jwv8Th9bods/s640/IMG-20120404-00009.jpg" width="536" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-REA4GCQQxfU/T30exW7qpvI/AAAAAAAAAwo/cffz52ZuvUA/s1600/IMG-20120404-00013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-REA4GCQQxfU/T30exW7qpvI/AAAAAAAAAwo/cffz52ZuvUA/s640/IMG-20120404-00013.jpg" width="534" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IoYLwMnB3aM/T30exivqUiI/AAAAAAAAAw4/42GMgL3e0z4/s1600/IMG-20120404-00014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IoYLwMnB3aM/T30exivqUiI/AAAAAAAAAw4/42GMgL3e0z4/s640/IMG-20120404-00014.jpg" width="534" /></a></div><br />
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<center style="text-align: left;">Creating memories. Awesome. :) Cath<br />
<br />
I've linked up at these fabulous blogs:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.crystalandcomp.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://crystalandcomp.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_18/custom/images/button3.png" title="Crystal & Co" width="100" /></a> <a _blank"="" border="0" href="http://www.sugaranddots.com/%20target="><img height="100" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/g00dy2sh0es/button200.jpg" width="100" /></a><br />
</center><center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center> <a href="http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/rebeccaanncooper/simple_button1_150px-1.jpg" width="100" /></a>cathhasablog@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10498514900596476016noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723897648120100265.post-82892147245714206062012-04-02T16:27:00.000-07:002012-04-02T16:27:33.266-07:00Free Easter/Spring Printables!<center style="text-align: left;">I've said it once and I'll say it again, "I love free printables!". I have searched the internet and found some fun (and free!) printables you can use to decorate your home for Spring and Easter! Enjoy! PS...please make sure to download them from the original site which is linked under each one. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">I also have a large variety of free printables on my "free printables" <a href="http://pinterest.com/mcvandas/" target="_blank">Pinterest Board</a>, please swing by and check them out and follow along!</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">Thanks!! Happy Spring Decorating!!</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.homemade-gifts-made-easy.com/image-files/printable-easter-cards-3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.homemade-gifts-made-easy.com/image-files/printable-easter-cards-3.gif" width="640" /></a></div><center style="text-align: center;">(via <a href="http://www.homemade-gifts-made-easy.com/printable-easter-cards.html" target="_blank">Homemade Gifts Made Easy</a>)</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aiuUfcX6Tuw/T3opRNc0ynI/AAAAAAAAAwA/xV3h4a_m73E/s1600/Spring+Printable+-+16x20springsubwayart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aiuUfcX6Tuw/T3opRNc0ynI/AAAAAAAAAwA/xV3h4a_m73E/s640/Spring+Printable+-+16x20springsubwayart.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><center>(via <a href="http://eighteen25.blogspot.ca/2011/03/spring-subway-art.html" target="_blank">Eighteen 25</a>)</center><center><br />
</center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Q9yJCC5Cyw/TYU1YvntPbI/AAAAAAAABnM/-fSYDSuh9yY/s640/spring+subway+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Q9yJCC5Cyw/TYU1YvntPbI/AAAAAAAABnM/-fSYDSuh9yY/s640/spring+subway+art.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><center>(via <a href="http://www.agapelovedesigns.com/2011/03/free-spring-subway-art-printable.html" target="_blank">Agape Love Designs</a>)</center><center><br />
</center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kpLKnEdaJdU/TZo-ToJIFMI/AAAAAAAAEL0/-JMiiC0dMgM/s400/Untitled-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kpLKnEdaJdU/TZo-ToJIFMI/AAAAAAAAEL0/-JMiiC0dMgM/s640/Untitled-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><center>(via <a href="http://handsonhousewife.blogspot.ca/2011/04/keep-calm-for-easter.html" target="_blank">The hands on housewife</a>)</center><center><br />
</center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flamingotoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/getpeepsgreenyo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.flamingotoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/getpeepsgreenyo.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><center>(via <a href="http://www.flamingotoes.com/2011/03/more-peeps-yo/" target="_blank">Flamingo Toes</a>)</center><center><br />
</center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4IszYD3vnSA/TYjZaoHhgdI/AAAAAAAAAbo/XFiu1Kd8lrM/s320/Easter-Subway-Art-8x10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4IszYD3vnSA/TYjZaoHhgdI/AAAAAAAAAbo/XFiu1Kd8lrM/s640/Easter-Subway-Art-8x10.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><center>(via <a href="http://thepinkinkdoodle.blogspot.ca/2011/03/what-i-whipped-up-wednesday-easter.html" target="_blank">The Pink Doodle</a>)</center><center><br />
</center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.homemade-gifts-made-easy.com/image-files/printable-easter-cards-1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.homemade-gifts-made-easy.com/image-files/printable-easter-cards-1.gif" width="640" /></a></div><center>(via <a href="http://www.homemade-gifts-made-easy.com/printable-easter-cards.html" target="_blank">Homemade Gifts Made Easy</a>)</center><center><br />
</center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kOE3z3czu_Q/TWWhJR6EWII/AAAAAAAAA4s/n8MO8s4B3GE/s320/Subway+Art+-+Page+001.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kOE3z3czu_Q/TWWhJR6EWII/AAAAAAAAA4s/n8MO8s4B3GE/s640/Subway+Art+-+Page+001.png" width="428" /></a></div><center>(via <a href="http://valfrazier.blogspot.ca/2011/02/easter-printable-subway-art.html" target="_blank">Making Messes</a>)</center><center><br />
</center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9d7Blvnfuzg/T3ox-MzNiXI/AAAAAAAAAwI/RTvbPxOs-IQ/s1600/meet+my+peeps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9d7Blvnfuzg/T3ox-MzNiXI/AAAAAAAAAwI/RTvbPxOs-IQ/s640/meet+my+peeps.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><center>(via <a href="http://spunkyjunky.blogspot.ca/2011/04/i-loathe-easter-grass-but-i-do-love.html" target="_blank">Spunky Junky</a>)</center><center><br />
</center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.livinglocurto.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/Picture-106.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.livinglocurto.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/Picture-106.png" width="518" /></a></div><center>(via <a href="http://www.livinglocurto.com/2009/04/free-easter-printables/" target="_blank">Living Locurto</a>)</center><center><br />
</center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0M9x6P0IMXo/TZoG3svPVFI/AAAAAAAABUg/wCHCbs7hC2s/s320/Easter+Subway+Art--Brown%252C+Green%252C+and+Orange+Leaf+Print.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0M9x6P0IMXo/TZoG3svPVFI/AAAAAAAABUg/wCHCbs7hC2s/s640/Easter+Subway+Art--Brown%252C+Green%252C+and+Orange+Leaf+Print.png" width="512" /></a></div><center>(via <a href="http://todaysfabulousfinds.blogspot.ca/2011/04/easter-subway-art-prints.html" target="_blank">Today's Fabulous Finds</a>)</center><center><br />
</center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p3Ib-R_Ju9U/TZJD-0nmZYI/AAAAAAAAAWw/rZDnfOFG61c/s400/EasterSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p3Ib-R_Ju9U/TZJD-0nmZYI/AAAAAAAAAWw/rZDnfOFG61c/s640/EasterSign.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><center>(via <a href="http://eyecandyeventdetails.blogspot.ca/2011/03/free-printable-easter-new-life-framed.html" target="_blank">Eye Candy Event Details</a>)</center><center><br />
</center><center><br />
</center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><center><br />
</center><center><br />
</center><center><br />
</center><center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center>cathhasablog@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10498514900596476016noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723897648120100265.post-57708912543327546592012-03-30T11:51:00.000-07:002012-03-30T11:51:32.120-07:00A Sad Anniversary.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>I love this photo of my mom. It could totally be a coca-cola commercial!</b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-BmIcvH7Lo/T3FbN5KhiZI/AAAAAAAAAvY/5IG9ikQLyyo/s1600/DSC00009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-BmIcvH7Lo/T3FbN5KhiZI/AAAAAAAAAvY/5IG9ikQLyyo/s640/DSC00009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Today marks 1 year since my mom passed away from breast cancer. Losing my mom has been so profound, so deeply sad and life changing, that nothing could have prepared me for it. For 2 months leading up to her death, she was in palliative care and then hospice, and I knew she would be passing away soon, but still, I was not prepared for this kind of grief. Part of this was due to the fact that I felt and still feel too young to have lost my mom, I'm only 36, I should have had years yet with her. It feels like a bit of a rip off. At the same time, I know I am also blessed to have had the time with her that I did, many people lose their moms as children. My husband being one of them. </span><br />
<center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">In her final days on earth, my love for her only grew as I intimately cared for her, comforted her and supported her. I was her advocate and I was happy to do it. Every decision, every fight, all the dealings with insurance, doctors, social workers, the financial department at the hospital etc. etc. was my responsibility. My dad and brothers were just not able to do these things. I was the one who had to sign off on no more blood transfusions, I gut wrenchingly signed the DNR, it was me that my dad and brothers directed medical staff to talk to. I arranged her priest to make visits and phoned when it was time to read her last rites. I don't write this to sound self-righteous, believe me, I was humbled by this situation. I am just so glad that I was able to do these things for her. It kept me (very) busy, which I guess in a way was good and it made me feel productive, but mostly, I feel grateful that I was able to be there to voice her wishes when she wasn't able to.</span></center><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AHC2ONlb17w/T3X-UGbM5FI/AAAAAAAAAv4/RMxZE6-6lek/s1600/101228_1236~01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AHC2ONlb17w/T3X-UGbM5FI/AAAAAAAAAv4/RMxZE6-6lek/s640/101228_1236~01.jpg" width="384" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Her last Christmas (she had just gotten the scarf!)</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">I am lucky that my parents only lived 40 minutes away from where I live. I have friends who have had to travel quite far and be away from their husband and kids, family and friends for 2 - 3 months to be with their parent when they were dying. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">I am so very blessed with a very supportive circle of close friends and family, and a wonderful pastor who eased my guilt (of being away from my kids so much). For them, I am eternally grateful. They brought meals for us, they would take the kids out for the day and bring them to visit at the hospice or take them over night. They prayed with us and for us, cried with us and even laughed with us (I know it sounds a bit weird to laugh but some of her hallucinations <i>were</i> really funny!). One friend would bring her dog, Chica, to the hospice and my mom would cuddle with her. She loved dogs, they always brought a smile to her face, and she would sleep with her hand on little Chica's body. The dog also brought happiness to my dad, it would give him a few minutes of distraction while he fed her cookies.</span></center><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RCh-H2Qf2eg/T3X83o3VkaI/AAAAAAAAAvg/TzckQJWBxFA/s1600/SDC10509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RCh-H2Qf2eg/T3X83o3VkaI/AAAAAAAAAvg/TzckQJWBxFA/s640/SDC10509.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Little Chica cuddling with my mom.</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">My mom LOVED being a Nana and the grandkids adored her. They were able to say their good byes and she told them she loved them. It was right before she went into a coma, and it was like she had a moment of clarity as she brightly smiled at each of her grandchildren. I thank God that they were able to say good bye to her.</span></center><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1uABRCGEm3Y/T3X9SP1VEAI/AAAAAAAAAvo/DLk-lczuYWg/s1600/100_0512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1uABRCGEm3Y/T3X9SP1VEAI/AAAAAAAAAvo/DLk-lczuYWg/s640/100_0512.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>The kids wearing the winter hats that Nana made.</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">I often go back to a conversation we had late one night when we were alone in the palliative care ward. We were holding hands and her eyes were closed and I assumed she was asleep. I sat and quietly cried, already missing her. She opened her eyes and looked at me and asked me what was the matter. I said, "I don't know what I'm going to do without you, I am going to miss you so much." She calmly looked at me and very matter of fact said, "Well, it was bound to happen sometime. God is with me. You'll be ok." It was one of the last "normal" conversations we had. She was often confused and hallucinating after that. During really difficult times, when she would grab me and beg me to take her home, I would remember that conversation and how calm she was and I would be able to gently comfort her and hold her and hopefully bring her back some peace in her heart.</span></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Even though I did take some slack for being away from home so much, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I had to be with her and I had promised her that I would be with her when she died..and I was. She died in my arms at 12:20pm on March 30th, 2011.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">I do not regret for one minute the time I spent with her. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">She was with me when I took my first breath of life and I was with her when she took her last. It was an honour.</span></center><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YqX3VCwczYg/T3X9rFJT3DI/AAAAAAAAAvw/7puPX3m0XHE/s1600/Mom+headshot+in+England.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YqX3VCwczYg/T3X9rFJT3DI/AAAAAAAAAvw/7puPX3m0XHE/s640/Mom+headshot+in+England.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>This</i> is how I remember her.</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">It's been one year and I still reach for the phone to call her. I miss her. I always will.</span></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">It's been therapeutic to write this. Thanks for reading. Now go phone or hug your mom!!</span></center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<center style="text-align: left;"></center></div>cathhasablog@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10498514900596476016noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723897648120100265.post-68238305209685076732012-03-26T12:16:00.002-07:002012-03-29T19:25:34.600-07:00A Layered Skirt Tutorial<center style="text-align: left;">I'm Back! The kids had 2 weeks off for Spring Break and are back to school today. One of the fun projects I worked on over spring break was sewing a skirt with my bonus daughter, Leo. (We say "bonus" instead of "step"...Cinderella totally ruined that for all "step" people in this world...haha!).</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;"><i>I apologize in advance for the poor quality photos. My camera broke and I was using an Iphone.</i></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--182PiTjGoQ/T3CzBZAGpCI/AAAAAAAAAtw/AiIyF9MkYsA/s1600/IMG_0479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="614" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--182PiTjGoQ/T3CzBZAGpCI/AAAAAAAAAtw/AiIyF9MkYsA/s640/IMG_0479.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<center style="text-align: left;">This past weekend, my sister-in-law, <a href="http://www.annavandas.com/home2/" target="_blank">Anna</a>, gave me a big bag full of fabrics (now that I am a sewing extraordinaire), so Leo and I had fun going through it and brainstorming on what to make with it all. Here's our conversation:</center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Me: How about we sew some napkins or coasters, that's a nice simple project to try.</span></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Leo: I've always wanted to try sewing a skirt!</span></center><br />
<h4><center style="text-align: left;">Me: Oh! A skirt..he he...I have no idea how to do that, I've only ever made pillow covers.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">Leo: A skirt would be fun, we can use these 2 materials, they look so cool together!</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">Me: (reluctantly)..well I suppose I could google how to make a skirt.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">Leo: A layered skirt!</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">Me: Layered? How about we start with a simple skirt?</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">Leo: No...a layered one would be cool! We can do it!</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">Me: Uh...ok....a layered skirt it is...(eeek!)</center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">And guess what?! We did it! (Thanks for believing in me Leo!) We followed the tutorial over at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2011/11/basic-3-tiered-skirt-with-hidden-or-exposed-seams-measurement-chart-included.html" target="_blank">Make it and Love it</a> (and she has AWESOME photos!)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">. Her tutorial is easy to follow and I totally recommend you go check it out. I do kind of giggle when I see she calls this a "basic" skirt and that "it came together so quickly, make 5 more!" I'm sure it's true for a seasoned sewer, but I am a beginner so mine took hours to make, but the next one will be faster! Rome wasn't built in a day! Practice Practice right?!</span></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">What's really cool is that the skirt is made from 3 strips of fabric each one a different measurement.</span></center></h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wC-xuUP2Z0A/T3C4EDGaj4I/AAAAAAAAAuI/kxSRIaEuv3o/s1600/SDC17115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wC-xuUP2Z0A/T3C4EDGaj4I/AAAAAAAAAuI/kxSRIaEuv3o/s640/SDC17115.JPG" width="617" /></a></div><br />
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<center style="text-align: left;">The measurements on <a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2011/11/basic-3-tiered-skirt-with-hidden-or-exposed-seams-measurement-chart-included.html" target="_blank">Make it and Love it</a> are for a 5 year old, Leo is 13 and here are the measurements we used for her:</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">Measure waist. (Leo's waist was 29")</center><center style="text-align: left;">For the top tier multiply the waist x 1.5 (Top Tier: 43.5")</center><center style="text-align: left;">For the middle tier multiply the waist x 2 (Middle Tier: 58")</center><center style="text-align: left;">For the bottom tier multiply the waist x 2.7 (Bottom Tier: 78.3")</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">Cutting:</center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SNWuPRnm0xA/T3C3qJESfuI/AAAAAAAAAt4/UMBCKCMPXMY/s1600/IMG_0397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SNWuPRnm0xA/T3C3qJESfuI/AAAAAAAAAt4/UMBCKCMPXMY/s640/IMG_0397.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
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<center style="text-align: left;">Ironing:</center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8vrT2yPJy14/T3C8bJuxXwI/AAAAAAAAAuY/06PHIc6AojE/s1600/IMG_0403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8vrT2yPJy14/T3C8bJuxXwI/AAAAAAAAAuY/06PHIc6AojE/s640/IMG_0403.jpg" width="354" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<center style="text-align: left;">Sewing:</center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CEgoYmShtOk/T3C5oSpn0rI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/aF1tJGd8xPo/s1600/IMG_0410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="634" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CEgoYmShtOk/T3C5oSpn0rI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/aF1tJGd8xPo/s640/IMG_0410.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is where Leo abandoned me and left me to shed blood, sweat and tears to get the skirt finished. Okay fine, she went out on a date with her dad for her birthday, but it doesn't make me feel any less abandoned! As she's leaving, she casually says to me.."you can keep working on the skirt if you want.." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My bonus son was laughing at me, as I once again had to rip out a seam I had made and grumbling under my breath..."I wanted to try a simple skirt, but oh no, it had to be complicated!" LOL!! But I was just joking around...(kind of).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is the finished product:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EmpOv_cYDfk/T3C8ujwtsZI/AAAAAAAAAug/P89TAwmMr2w/s1600/IMG_0478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EmpOv_cYDfk/T3C8ujwtsZI/AAAAAAAAAug/P89TAwmMr2w/s640/IMG_0478.jpg" width="552" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> My cute little model:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQI1afZofE0/T3C8ve2chtI/AAAAAAAAAuo/UniJTDLVFC0/s1600/IMG_0481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQI1afZofE0/T3C8ve2chtI/AAAAAAAAAuo/UniJTDLVFC0/s1600/IMG_0481.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n1K3Ck4Z-M4/T3C8v-8WdYI/AAAAAAAAAuw/jz--in-gSv0/s1600/IMG_0482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n1K3Ck4Z-M4/T3C8v-8WdYI/AAAAAAAAAuw/jz--in-gSv0/s1600/IMG_0482.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BbQKry7hcPY/T3C8xUY0xdI/AAAAAAAAAvI/KEvgRBaHUVc/s1600/IMG_0485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BbQKry7hcPY/T3C8xUY0xdI/AAAAAAAAAvI/KEvgRBaHUVc/s640/IMG_0485.jpg" width="534" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nho2Pl9VF3w/T3C8yUx2YdI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/Olt9OiCcfDI/s1600/IMG_0489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nho2Pl9VF3w/T3C8yUx2YdI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/Olt9OiCcfDI/s1600/IMG_0489.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<center style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Kind of impressed with Leo and myself right now. Yup.</span></span></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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I am linking up with these fabulous blogs:<br />
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src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad357/NoMinimalist/houseart-2.jpg" width="100" /></a><a _blank"="" href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/target="><img alt="shabby creek cottage" border="0" height="100" src="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb119/tightwadtips/SCCTTBadge.png" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The 36th Avenue" height="100" src="http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae80/desireecampbell05/36thWPButton-1-1-1.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://adventuresofthemichelenafamily.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Catch a Glimpse Button" border="0" src="http://i993.photobucket.com/albums/af54/allimarie17/Blog%20Design/catch_glimpse.png" width="100" /></a>cathhasablog@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10498514900596476016noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723897648120100265.post-90358029747140746642012-03-13T18:44:00.001-07:002012-03-13T19:17:24.742-07:00Spring Cleaning - The Gas FireplaceWell spring is just around the corner and I have made my first step towards spring cleaning. For some reason, and I seriously don't know why, I started with the gas fireplaces. We have 2 in our home. I wasn't planning on it, I was reading a book and I looked over at the fireplace and the sun was shining on it showing all the dust and grime...I was shocked at how dirty it was! How had I never noticed this? I looked at my hubby and asked him if he could take it apart for me, which he did (and turned off the gas...very important!).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cmqxmP6tAhc/T1__lyVPHkI/AAAAAAAAAto/pft39sgP5Qs/s1600/Fireplace+before+and+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cmqxmP6tAhc/T1__lyVPHkI/AAAAAAAAAto/pft39sgP5Qs/s640/Fireplace+before+and+after.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Here are the before shots (eww and double eww):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g7_zESZ2BDk/T1_t4eavM3I/AAAAAAAAAsg/-Zdntj2zS2E/s1600/SDC17084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g7_zESZ2BDk/T1_t4eavM3I/AAAAAAAAAsg/-Zdntj2zS2E/s640/SDC17084.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NIVzSsV7-Uw/T1_t6Eoox-I/AAAAAAAAAso/aW7gtMY2W-c/s1600/SDC17088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NIVzSsV7-Uw/T1_t6Eoox-I/AAAAAAAAAso/aW7gtMY2W-c/s640/SDC17088.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qNHFIgIL3Sw/T1_t9gGNSQI/AAAAAAAAAsw/JhFL0lpKvQM/s1600/SDC17091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qNHFIgIL3Sw/T1_t9gGNSQI/AAAAAAAAAsw/JhFL0lpKvQM/s640/SDC17091.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I've never had a gas fireplace before moving into this home, so it never even crossed my mind to clean it! Hello! And did you know that those logs aren't glued in place? You can move them around and it changes the way the flames look! (Most of you are thinking...uh duh...but I truly didn't know!) LOL!!<br />
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Here it is with the cover removed:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vg8SWPrutqA/T1_u6FeIHlI/AAAAAAAAAtA/T0jg5nmMU8g/s1600/SDC17076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vg8SWPrutqA/T1_u6FeIHlI/AAAAAAAAAtA/T0jg5nmMU8g/s640/SDC17076.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I vacuumed out as much of the dust as I could and to get into all the nooks and cranny's I used a dry rag to wipe it down. As for the glass part we (he) removed I just used Method Window Wash and paper towel. It worked awesome!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://temp.eastaigacom.officelive.com/images/00817939005538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://temp.eastaigacom.officelive.com/images/00817939005538.jpg" /></a></div>Here are the after photos, I couldn't believe the difference (and it made me SO happy!), the pictures really don't do it justice:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ntasQg8LbfQ/T1_wGD6IGHI/AAAAAAAAAtY/fD5VzYlLcwU/s1600/SDC17096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ntasQg8LbfQ/T1_wGD6IGHI/AAAAAAAAAtY/fD5VzYlLcwU/s640/SDC17096.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Tujn1EB-M0/T1_wC49NoHI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/fshn_J7q_Hk/s1600/SDC17094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Tujn1EB-M0/T1_wC49NoHI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/fshn_J7q_Hk/s640/SDC17094.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
So that's one to check off my list! I'm already done cleaning and organizing my <a href="http://cathhasablog.blogspot.com/2012/02/more-kitchen-cupboard-organizing.html" target="_blank">kitchen cabinets</a> and I'd like to tackle more projects, but right now I'm taking it slow. My most important project right now is to look after myself and to make sure the master bedroom and bath is clean and tidy for my recovery period after my surgery which is coming up in 10 days. I say bring it! Cut the bad stuff out and let me move on with my life (and my spring cleaning!).<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading! :) Cath<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center>cathhasablog@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10498514900596476016noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723897648120100265.post-17871448215556907832012-03-07T21:47:00.010-08:002012-03-13T18:56:42.806-07:00Spring Pillows!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o44wj67xfKQ/T1g--z5ZtmI/AAAAAAAAAsA/8TVU-pAw6qc/s640/SDC17019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o44wj67xfKQ/T1g--z5ZtmI/AAAAAAAAAsA/8TVU-pAw6qc/s640/SDC17019.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>A couple of days ago, for the first time, I broke out my mom's sewing machine. As I set it up on my kitchen table and started to remove the black thread she had on it, I couldn't help but wonder what it was that she last sewed using black thread. Maybe hemming my dads pants, or sewing one of the many dolls she made our kids? I'll never know, but it was lovely to use something of hers, it made me feel close to her.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1jDWGTB-iig/T1hCQd6jpbI/AAAAAAAAAsY/C3733pQQzd4/s1600/SDC16126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1jDWGTB-iig/T1hCQd6jpbI/AAAAAAAAAsY/C3733pQQzd4/s640/SDC16126.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
But I digress... <br />
<br />
If you read my <b><a href="http://cathhasablog.blogspot.com/2012/01/art-closet-reveal-before-and-after.html" target="_blank">Art Closet Reveal</a> </b>post awhile back, you'll remember that I showed you the sewing machine that I was given after my mom passed away last year. Years and years ago I had learned the basics of sewing but it had been so long that really, technically I didn't know how to sew. But since getting her sewing machine I've felt determined to learn, and to my surprise, little things that my mom had taught me started coming back to me.<br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;">So now, I am so excited to show you the pillow covers I made! I have been wanting to sew pillows for awhile now, especially after reading </span><b style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.maillardvillemanor.com/2011/01/how-to-sew-envelope-pillow-cover.html" target="_blank">Ashli's envelope pillow tutorial</a>.</b><span style="text-align: left;"> She states that it is easy and she's right (I mean once I learned how to actually </span><u style="text-align: left;">use</u><span style="text-align: left;"> the machine it </span><u style="text-align: left;">was</u><span style="text-align: left;"> easy!).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: left;">So now I will share with you my sewing adventure (which yes, includes several FAILS before getting it right!):</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">Starting with the square pillow forms. The size of my pillows were 18" (they were only $5.99 each at Ikea). This tutorial is for making 18" envelope pillows but for other sizes go to <a href="http://www.maillardvillemanor.com/2011/01/how-to-sew-envelope-pillow-cover.html" target="_blank"><b>Ashli's blog</b></a> and she has listed the measurements for several different sizes.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">First, measure and mark your fabric at 40" in length and 18" in width (this is for one pillow). I had enough to make 3 pillows with a yard and a half of fabric (but I only made 2). </center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y3BPrgSjStw/T1gq3zph-zI/AAAAAAAAAqI/e9S_gS61OGM/s1600/pillows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y3BPrgSjStw/T1gq3zph-zI/AAAAAAAAAqI/e9S_gS61OGM/s640/pillows.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Cut your fabric to size.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y0yAyhvJGII/T1gsq-TLDMI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/oKX3BPgpq3M/s1600/SDC16982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y0yAyhvJGII/T1gsq-TLDMI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/oKX3BPgpq3M/s640/SDC16982.JPG" width="640" /></a>On the end of each long side, fold over the edges 1/4", pin in place and iron down to keep the fold.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nedy9dRjRpI/T1gul9kh_kI/AAAAAAAAAqY/5bGgMTC0_ws/s1600/SDC16985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nedy9dRjRpI/T1gul9kh_kI/AAAAAAAAAqY/5bGgMTC0_ws/s640/SDC16985.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f4Vqu66USsQ/T1guooN3O8I/AAAAAAAAAqg/DuxnHSHBKB4/s1600/SDC16987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f4Vqu66USsQ/T1guooN3O8I/AAAAAAAAAqg/DuxnHSHBKB4/s640/SDC16987.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Then sew a straight, simple hem. Sure! No Problem!<br />
First attempt...FAIL!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fm5fH_uU8hM/T1g4e_DjXTI/AAAAAAAAAqo/1hw9LvvPKhA/s1600/SDC16993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fm5fH_uU8hM/T1g4e_DjXTI/AAAAAAAAAqo/1hw9LvvPKhA/s640/SDC16993.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> So I un-stitched it and tried again...FAIL!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y8TKmJb5Ync/T1g4hUWh8wI/AAAAAAAAAqw/AEOWr9uD34Y/s1600/SDC16994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y8TKmJb5Ync/T1g4hUWh8wI/AAAAAAAAAqw/AEOWr9uD34Y/s640/SDC16994.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I could not figure out why I couldn't keep it in a straight line...it felt like I had no control over it when it was moving through the machine. So I sat and stared at the machine for awhile (queue in "Jeapardy" music). Then it came to me...AHA!!<br />
I had been sewing like this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r_i7kgUwmEs/T1g54C3qo0I/AAAAAAAAArA/Diyn4UoVdcQ/s1600/SDC16999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r_i7kgUwmEs/T1g54C3qo0I/AAAAAAAAArA/Diyn4UoVdcQ/s640/SDC16999.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>And I should have been sewing like this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TM7qitCdkMg/T1g6Ew_382I/AAAAAAAAArI/H2TnWPVmk-w/s1600/SDC16998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TM7qitCdkMg/T1g6Ew_382I/AAAAAAAAArI/H2TnWPVmk-w/s640/SDC16998.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Go ahead and take a moment to laugh at me...I know I did (and I'm sure my mom did too!).<br />
After I found the lever to place the presser foot down (I just 'googled' the name..hehe) I did so much better, if I do say so myself! Finally...a straight line! Yay!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HhZJ-94oAwQ/T1g7XsctndI/AAAAAAAAArY/a8M5eI9L--Q/s1600/SDC17003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HhZJ-94oAwQ/T1g7XsctndI/AAAAAAAAArY/a8M5eI9L--Q/s640/SDC17003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Okay, now that you've hemmed both ends, you need to measure 11" in from each end and then fold at the mark each end towards the centre, there should be an overlapping of about 3 1/2". Sew the sides together and iron. Then turn it right side out and it will look like this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WvQOlZ8K8YM/T1g93o_LzjI/AAAAAAAAArw/yb58akrUOLk/s1600/SDC17014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WvQOlZ8K8YM/T1g93o_LzjI/AAAAAAAAArw/yb58akrUOLk/s640/SDC17014.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ia6_O2m5Hx0/T1g-8oZiAuI/AAAAAAAAAr4/HUWsks3q4Hs/s1600/SDC17015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ia6_O2m5Hx0/T1g-8oZiAuI/AAAAAAAAAr4/HUWsks3q4Hs/s640/SDC17015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> Stuff your pillow inside and voila! You have some pretty awesome pillow cases. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o44wj67xfKQ/T1g--z5ZtmI/AAAAAAAAAsA/8TVU-pAw6qc/s1600/SDC17019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o44wj67xfKQ/T1g--z5ZtmI/AAAAAAAAAsA/8TVU-pAw6qc/s640/SDC17019.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>They have certainly brightened up our very brown living room! With some of the extra material I'm planning on making a runner for my coffee table. In the photo below I was just trying it out to see how it would look, but it still needs to be hemmed...with lovely straight lines!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-otAuNmygELI/T1g_flE2YcI/AAAAAAAAAsI/dYq6yfQDJ2Y/s1600/SDC17024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-otAuNmygELI/T1g_flE2YcI/AAAAAAAAAsI/dYq6yfQDJ2Y/s640/SDC17024.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><i>The name of the fabric I used is Waverly Parterre Grass and it is an indoor or outdoor fabric.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
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paint!Paint! It's amazing how with just some paint you can turn an ugly duckling into something beautiful!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4cTeP73Rbi8/T1URRshSR1I/AAAAAAAAAqA/Mh6uuaClG1k/s1600/free-paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4cTeP73Rbi8/T1URRshSR1I/AAAAAAAAAqA/Mh6uuaClG1k/s320/free-paint.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I have a few pieces of furniture that I am planning on painting and have been looking around at all my favourite blogs to find some inspiration and ideas. I thought I would share them with you too!<br />
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<center style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Here are just a few of my favourites:</b></span></center><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BaV0_KuyPYU/TTCMfoXxdyI/AAAAAAAABiM/274jg5a19Jw/s640/IMG_6825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BaV0_KuyPYU/TTCMfoXxdyI/AAAAAAAABiM/274jg5a19Jw/s640/IMG_6825.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Barb over at <a href="http://hodgepodge-babselou.blogspot.com/2010/12/how-to-make-silver-leaf-dresser-ikea.html" target="_blank"><b>Hodge:Podge</b></a> re-invented the Ikea rast dresser using silver leaf and paint. Amazing!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L2778U2Wlnc/Tv5WqdTB8vI/AAAAAAAARLc/5yKOtQvRbRE/s640/new+year+2+095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L2778U2Wlnc/Tv5WqdTB8vI/AAAAAAAARLc/5yKOtQvRbRE/s640/new+year+2+095.JPG" width="458" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Laura from <a href="http://topthistopthat.blogspot.com/2012/01/from-drab-to-fab.html?showComment=1330708900081#c5211859397361997955" target="_blank"><b>Top This Top That</b></a> turned an old pedestal table from "Drab to Fab" using chalk paint.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.goodgirlgoneglad.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_1891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.goodgirlgoneglad.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_1891.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Jesse from <a href="http://www.goodgirlgoneglad.com/diy-an-armoire-makeover/" target="_blank"><b>Good Girl Gone Glad</b></a> transformed a cabinet she's had for 7 years by painting it and using a stencil pattern she downloaded online for free!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ClSU4iSXUgU/TPe03uJWNDI/AAAAAAAAH3M/d5IBSi2LJAQ/s640/LivingRoomDesk1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ClSU4iSXUgU/TPe03uJWNDI/AAAAAAAAH3M/d5IBSi2LJAQ/s640/LivingRoomDesk1.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Jen from<b> <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2010/12/new-happy-place.html" target="_blank">iheart organizing</a> </b>kept to her budget to create herself a workstation. She took her living room console table, added glamour with white paint and glass knobs and it became her desk.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PJoqg8lH33U/TdXvAN6zk1I/AAAAAAAAC_M/AtP1Dda5wrw/s1600/whitedresserAFTER1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="482" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PJoqg8lH33U/TdXvAN6zk1I/AAAAAAAAC_M/AtP1Dda5wrw/s640/whitedresserAFTER1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mallory and Savannah over at <b><a href="http://www.classyclutter.blogspot.com/2011/05/oriental-silk-at-its-best-dresser.html" target="_blank">Classy Clutter</a> </b>painted this freebie dresser into something elegant and beautiful...you won't believe what it looked like before!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bPcjCY0S1dY/TyeHyoUTYfI/AAAAAAAADOU/3N5Tiav9dKw/s640/Desk+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bPcjCY0S1dY/TyeHyoUTYfI/AAAAAAAADOU/3N5Tiav9dKw/s640/Desk+7.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ashli over at <a href="http://www.maillardvillemanor.com/2012/01/its-easy-being-green-new-desk.html" target="_blank"><b>Mini Manor</b></a> not only used paint to create a white desk, she actually used an old laundry cabinet that she had kicking around, added a table top to it and voila she made herself a desk!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q8m_2zwo-N8/TeQRPUACCxI/AAAAAAAACK8/h0dXKl03tLs/s400/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q8m_2zwo-N8/TeQRPUACCxI/AAAAAAAACK8/h0dXKl03tLs/s640/7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">DaNita over at <a href="http://delightfulorder.blogspot.com/2011/06/bedside-table-re-do.html" target="_blank"><b>Delightful Order</b></a> transformed this cute little side table with 3 cans of spray paint!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cGIdCaSZtV8/TIW_JpbObzI/AAAAAAAACtY/7dOMJYuCSnE/s400/Handouts-p0028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cGIdCaSZtV8/TIW_JpbObzI/AAAAAAAACtY/7dOMJYuCSnE/s640/Handouts-p0028.jpg" width="494" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Jeralyn over at <a href="http://timmonsfamilylemonade.blogspot.com/2010/09/cupboard-makeover-phase-1.html" target="_blank"><b>Lemonade</b></a> completely changed the look of her wooden kitchen cabinets.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EjvzvaytWrM/TZ9aFUlo5FI/AAAAAAAATTY/ccB1PUj26xc/s320/Dresser--2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EjvzvaytWrM/TZ9aFUlo5FI/AAAAAAAATTY/ccB1PUj26xc/s640/Dresser--2.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lindsay over at <b><a href="http://southernlovely.blogspot.com/2011/04/furniture-re-do.html" target="_blank">Southern Lovely</a> </b>took a $20 thrift store find and painted it a bright, lovely yellow for her daughter's room. She has vision...when I saw the before picture I was shocked!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0Bd3MsNUgk/Teb9xWmAIlI/AAAAAAAAA5U/4c9cXGrLaAY/s640/dtable2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="454" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0Bd3MsNUgk/Teb9xWmAIlI/AAAAAAAAA5U/4c9cXGrLaAY/s640/dtable2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Jaime Lyn over at <a href="http://jaimelyn11.blogspot.com/2011/06/my-up-cycled-dining-room-table.html" target="_blank"><b>Crafty Scrappy Happy</b></a> did an amazing job refinishing this old dining room table (that had been sitting outside at her mother in-laws!) and painted the 4 chairs. Just love this.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tSuqm7EsX6k/Tnfi-srXDgI/AAAAAAAAATs/8iQaom2x5TU/s400/after+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tSuqm7EsX6k/Tnfi-srXDgI/AAAAAAAAATs/8iQaom2x5TU/s640/after+3.jpg" width="528" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Carrie over at<b> <a href="http://www.lovelyetc.com/2011/09/my-favorite-little-aqua-redo.html" target="_blank">Lovely etc.</a></b> picked up this little cabinet at a yard sale and completely made it her own.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://c497280.r80.cf2.rackcdn.com/2011/04/dresser-after-left-side-font_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://c497280.r80.cf2.rackcdn.com/2011/04/dresser-after-left-side-font_thumb.jpg" width="618" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Kate over at <b><a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2011/04/how-to-paint-furniture/" target="_blank">Centsational Girl</a> </b>gives a great tutorial on how to paint using two tones.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oPdL_fX5Z3U/TaIffVawR3I/AAAAAAAAMIY/ApEqHKJKvqM/s640/IMG_6595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oPdL_fX5Z3U/TaIffVawR3I/AAAAAAAAMIY/ApEqHKJKvqM/s640/IMG_6595.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Marina over at <a href="http://www.yummymummykitchen.com/2011/04/bench-transformation.html" target="_blank"><b>Yummy Mummy Kitchen</b></a> completely changed a basic wooden coffee table she found on Craigslist into a stylish and modern bench. All she used was paint and fabric.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xx82xM8owvo/S9Wh8EKQuCI/AAAAAAAAFiU/45JfLUXrKPw/s640/WITH+FERN+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xx82xM8owvo/S9Wh8EKQuCI/AAAAAAAAFiU/45JfLUXrKPw/s640/WITH+FERN+collage.jpg" width="410" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lynda at <a href="http://nyclq-focalpoint.blogspot.com/2010/04/mixing-old-new-patio-redesign-for-under.html" target="_blank"><b>Focal Point Styling</b></a> refinished a 10 year old rattan patio set in espresso.</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>I can also be found at these awesome blogs:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="100" src="http://tatertotsandjello.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/978446890_7b2ZN-O2.png" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The Shabby Nest" height="100" src="http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j480/theshabbynest/Shabby%20Nest%20Blog%205-2011/ShabbyNest-GrabButton.png" width="100" /></a><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" title="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating"><img 100"="" a="" alt=" height=" chic="" decorating"="" on="" shoestring="" src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/flaunt_it_friday_button.jpg" style="border: none;" width="100" /></a><a href="http://happy-go-lucky-harvey.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Happy Go Lucky" border="0" height="100" src="http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m13/harveyusn/shine3.png" width="100" /></a><a href="http://sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh517/CamilleBeckstrand/sistersatbutton.png" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://i42.tinypic.com/axcmqg.png" width="125" /></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttp://whipperberry.com%E2%80%9D" target="”_blank”"><img ;="" alt="Whipperberry" border="0" height="100" src="http://whipperberry.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/whipperberry-button.jpg" title="Whipperberry" width="100" /></a><a border="0" href="http://www.mysimplehomelife.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/jacquelineb84/DSCN2681-3.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/search/label/show%20and%20tell"><img border="0" src="http://www.rememberthemoments.com/images/blog/satbutton.gif" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.classyclutter.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af166/mallorynikolaus/SpotlightSaturdaybutton.jpg" width="100" ="" /></a>cathhasablog@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10498514900596476016noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723897648120100265.post-54208719511732898502012-02-29T16:39:00.009-08:002012-03-12T11:39:08.143-07:00More Kitchen Cupboard Organizing!I'm continuing on with organizing my kitchen cupboards. I started with the pantry which you can read about <a href="http://cathhasablog.blogspot.com/2012/02/organizing-cupboards-pantry.html" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>. Now I've moved on to the rest of the cabinets. I am about three quarters of the way to having a fully organized, functional kitchen! Yay!<br />
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Just a reminder, this is what my kitchen looks like:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-tdl19LCa0/T053UezIQeI/AAAAAAAAAm8/h0Cbf5BaKuo/s1600/SDC16708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-tdl19LCa0/T053UezIQeI/AAAAAAAAAm8/h0Cbf5BaKuo/s640/SDC16708.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYkPUg8W52E/T053WBwhQRI/AAAAAAAAAnE/HvzfHmohwrg/s1600/SDC16710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="554" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYkPUg8W52E/T053WBwhQRI/AAAAAAAAAnE/HvzfHmohwrg/s640/SDC16710.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>As you can see I am blessed with lots of cupboard space! I guess I wasn't use to it because I sure wasted a lot of it...but not anymore!<br />
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<b>Here are a few before and after photos:</b><br />
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1. The cabinet that use to hold large bowls and an asparagus cooker (it was a gift) is now my baking cupboard.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PUI5JkIQIR0/T06XI8kHWUI/AAAAAAAAAok/Xj5mNKFwXo4/s1600/Baking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PUI5JkIQIR0/T06XI8kHWUI/AAAAAAAAAok/Xj5mNKFwXo4/s640/Baking.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>2. All the large bowls and serving dishes have been moved down to the awkward corner cabinet. Before, this cabinet was filled with random things, ie: bread maker, roasting pan, serving dishes etc...it didn't make any sense, basically if I didn't know where to put it, into the corner cabinet it went! Eventually I'd like to put in some kind of a tiered lazy susan here.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv8ObLdZZoM/T06XcvUep5I/AAAAAAAAAos/H4IkblxP35U/s1600/Corner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv8ObLdZZoM/T06XcvUep5I/AAAAAAAAAos/H4IkblxP35U/s640/Corner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>3. Things that don't get used as often have now been stored in the cabinet above the fridge (such as the wok, juicer, food processor etc..<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1Ywq_3Vb6g/T06Xk0KkIKI/AAAAAAAAAo0/hW7e_bKao9Y/s1600/Above+Fridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1Ywq_3Vb6g/T06Xk0KkIKI/AAAAAAAAAo0/hW7e_bKao9Y/s640/Above+Fridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>4. Which created less clutter in this cabinet:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6vyHY3uACmc/T06XsnCdj2I/AAAAAAAAAo8/69R1z2sK5jI/s1600/Crock+Pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6vyHY3uACmc/T06XsnCdj2I/AAAAAAAAAo8/69R1z2sK5jI/s640/Crock+Pot.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>5. All the vases have been moved to above the microwave:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d0v3r4GkKwU/T06YD15zDEI/AAAAAAAAApE/SZNzl9PS0H4/s1600/Above+Micro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d0v3r4GkKwU/T06YD15zDEI/AAAAAAAAApE/SZNzl9PS0H4/s640/Above+Micro.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>6. My cookbooks have been moved down to a shelf that I can easily reach:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XJ4n63ejGc4/T06YUWmmudI/AAAAAAAAApM/3c-67rOWdY0/s1600/Cook+Books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="459" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XJ4n63ejGc4/T06YUWmmudI/AAAAAAAAApM/3c-67rOWdY0/s640/Cook+Books.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>7. The cabinet next to the stove with easy access to cooking oils and spices is now de-cluttered:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OAuc12-O8BQ/T06YqPUbuoI/AAAAAAAAApU/D_xNBHXSWpM/s1600/Spices.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="457" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OAuc12-O8BQ/T06YqPUbuoI/AAAAAAAAApU/D_xNBHXSWpM/s640/Spices.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>8.The crazy messy cabinet with teas and hot chocolates now have water bottles and jugs:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9b9EJa7HvMo/T06ZRVUj8dI/AAAAAAAAApc/xUto9X2KjsI/s1600/Water+Bottles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9b9EJa7HvMo/T06ZRVUj8dI/AAAAAAAAApc/xUto9X2KjsI/s640/Water+Bottles.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>And just a reminder of what my newly organized <a href="http://cathhasablog.blogspot.com/2012/02/organizing-cupboards-pantry.html" target="_blank"><b>pantry</b></a> looks like:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mGVumcDBTHs/T07Da8oY_mI/AAAAAAAAAps/9qspA94gcWU/s1600/Pantry+before+and+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mGVumcDBTHs/T07Da8oY_mI/AAAAAAAAAps/9qspA94gcWU/s640/Pantry+before+and+after.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Side Note: Did anyone notice my little pug in photos 5 and 7? He was a gift that my parents gave me for Christmas one year because I love pugs. Let me introduce you to Horatio:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UY9XF5p49D8/T07C4u1xlII/AAAAAAAAApk/bAxVWpeYVgc/s1600/SDC16956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UY9XF5p49D8/T07C4u1xlII/AAAAAAAAApk/bAxVWpeYVgc/s640/SDC16956.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>Unfortunately, my hubby hates pugs! So alas Horatio is confined to the cupboard. But he likes to sneak out every once in a while and surprise Michael in different places, like the fridge or his pillow!<br />
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src="http://tatertotsandjello.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/978446890_7b2ZN-O2.png" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The Shabby Nest" height="100" src="http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j480/theshabbynest/Shabby%20Nest%20Blog%205-2011/ShabbyNest-GrabButton.png" width="100" /></a><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" title="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating"><img 100"="" a="" alt=" height=" chic="" decorating"="" on="" shoestring="" src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/flaunt_it_friday_button.jpg" style="border: none;" width="100" /></a><a href="http://happy-go-lucky-harvey.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Happy Go Lucky" border="0" height="100" src="http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m13/harveyusn/shine3.png" width="100" /></a><a href="http://sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="100" 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(Tomboy in a Skirt Alert!)<div>My daughter's grade 5 class have been learning some swing and jive dances in their gym class. For Valentine's Day, their teacher threw them a 50's sock hop. Everyone got dressed up in their 50's dance outfits, all the parents were invited and they topped it off with an ice cream root beer float. The kids loved it!<br />
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I didn't want to spend money on a costume because knowing my daughter, she will never ever wear this for a costume again. She is a tomboy through and through. Last year for Halloween she went as a dead chef, the year before a dead bride (you get the picture...she's just not into girly costumes).<br />
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So I used what we had. She has ONE skirt, so I dug that out and wiped the dust off of it...LOL!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ETDE0amz3mM/T00hOSNbsVI/AAAAAAAAAjU/rlPKNs8iMuo/s1600/SDC16878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ETDE0amz3mM/T00hOSNbsVI/AAAAAAAAAjU/rlPKNs8iMuo/s400/SDC16878.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Then I printed off a <a href="http://www.freeapplique.com/dogshapes.html" target="_blank">picture of a poodle</a>, cut it out and traced it onto red felt.<br />
<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/-NvPcLWb6lk8/T00io5n7nYI/AAAAAAAAAjc/-7tMYBuCAMQ/s1600/SDC16881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NvPcLWb6lk8/T00io5n7nYI/AAAAAAAAAjc/-7tMYBuCAMQ/s400/SDC16881.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Once I had the felt cut out, I pinned it to the skirt and then hand-sewed it on.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fLvJ-IQ8kb0/T00jW5xIzlI/AAAAAAAAAjk/yXtJ6Zwypso/s1600/SDC16884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fLvJ-IQ8kb0/T00jW5xIzlI/AAAAAAAAAjk/yXtJ6Zwypso/s400/SDC16884.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Then to wrap up the look she wore a red cardigan sweater, a scarf around her neck and canvas style runners. I couldn't get her to wear a pony tail or the frilly socks I made..but hey, I got her into a skirt!<br />
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<center style="text-align: left;">For a non-sewing person I think it turned out pretty good!</center><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kgzkOK3ELfM/T00kFg9AlDI/AAAAAAAAAj0/AxN1bPkWWAc/s1600/SDC16896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kgzkOK3ELfM/T00kFg9AlDI/AAAAAAAAAj0/AxN1bPkWWAc/s640/SDC16896.JPG" width="414" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And she looked SO cute even if she says she felt very awkward!<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kgQsz6jsZaY/T00kD9SvHDI/AAAAAAAAAjs/eWVDVaiFI6Y/s1600/SDC16895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kgQsz6jsZaY/T00kD9SvHDI/AAAAAAAAAjs/eWVDVaiFI6Y/s640/SDC16895.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img height="100" src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t99/tonihammersley/BFOLprojectbutton.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/" title="It's Overflowing"><img 100"="" alt="height=" it's="" overflowing"="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-exkXv5mh-pI/Tv5CEGloa3I/AAAAAAAAAFo/8QZy-sOe3kw/s1600/Untitled-5.jpg" style="border: none;" width="100" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://thekurtzcorner.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa386/asmith0341/blogbutton.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Tuesday To Do Party" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5171/5510086154_5717620675_m.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/" title="Today's Creative Blog"><img alt="Today's Creative Blog" src="http://todayscreativeblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/button.jpg" style="border: none;" title="Today's Creative Blog" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://tipjunkie.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Tip Junkie handmade projects" border="0" height="100" src="http://www.tipjunkie.com/images/TipMeTuesdayButton1.png" /></a><a border="0" href="http://reasonstoskipthehousework.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/ad308/azparis3/link-party.jpg" width="100" /></a><a _blank"="" href="http://www.hopestudios.blogspot.com/" style="clear: target=;"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss202/hopestudios/2-2.jpg" width="100" /></a><a border="0" href="http://mylilpinkpocket.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img height="100" src="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m590/lilpinkpocket/button.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://southernlovely.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q37/schoenfelds/showandshare.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.crystalandcomp.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://crystalandcomp.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_18/custom/images/button3.png" title="Crystal & Co" width="100" /></a><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><img height="100" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vk7b0eb36c8/S-Dt8w4FjkI/AAAAAAAAAKE/A5wquzXhr4g/s320/wgw+button.jpg" /></a><a _blank"="" border="0" href="http://www.sugaranddots.com/%20target="><img height="100" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/g00dy2sh0es/button200.jpg" width="100" /></a>cathhasablog@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10498514900596476016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723897648120100265.post-37230101512256318182012-02-22T21:38:00.019-08:002012-02-26T12:37:24.574-08:00Organizing the Cupboards - The "Pantry"No More Wasted Space!<br />
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I have been slowly organizing my cupboards while repeating the mantra "A place for everything, everything in it's place". My kids are older now, so teaching them where things go and putting things away should be easier, right? Right?! Well I'm tired of the wasted space in my cupboards and wasting time looking for things. The first room under attack.... The Kitchen! <br />
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Today, I'm going to share my newly organized pantry! Well I say "pantry" but it's really just a large cupboard that I call my pantry. :)<br />
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Okay so here's my kitchen to give you an idea of the layout:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wf2f_coJjuM/T0W3nFZ9wNI/AAAAAAAAAg0/ul3hpmVbR-I/s1600/SDC16712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wf2f_coJjuM/T0W3nFZ9wNI/AAAAAAAAAg0/ul3hpmVbR-I/s640/SDC16712.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The tall set of cupboards to the right of the fridge is my pantry, and it was a disorganized mess! See...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GMEJrbCI0aI/T0W6ea7nLoI/AAAAAAAAAg8/yjmxNccoDDc/s1600/The+Pantry+Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GMEJrbCI0aI/T0W6ea7nLoI/AAAAAAAAAg8/yjmxNccoDDc/s640/The+Pantry+Before.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b>Left Photo is a close-up of the top - Middle Photo is a close-up of the bottom - and the last photo is the whole thing.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<center style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhkCMPDjPBg/T0W__B6lJ4I/AAAAAAAAAhM/3H-vA6GK394/s1600/SDC16817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rU5sXoRWdoA/T0W_8_8sWJI/AAAAAAAAAhE/yWCN8ddhvxI/s1600/SDC16784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rU5sXoRWdoA/T0W_8_8sWJI/AAAAAAAAAhE/yWCN8ddhvxI/s400/SDC16784.JPG" width="400" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhkCMPDjPBg/T0W__B6lJ4I/AAAAAAAAAhM/3H-vA6GK394/s320/SDC16817.JPG" width="240" /><center style="text-align: left;">So the first thing I did was completely empty the whole cupboard and put everything on my island counter. </center></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">Then I vacuumed and wash each shelf. (Organizing cupboards is the perfect time to also clean the cupboards!).</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">Factors that were important to me were: </center><br />
<ul><li>That all items were easily accessible.</li>
<li>That things didn't get lost in the back where I forgot about them (and they expired).</li>
<li>That it was functional...ie: things I used less often could go at the top, things were grouped together in categories etc.</li>
<li>That it looked pleasing to the eye</li>
</ul>My next step was to gather all the spare baskets and containers in the house to see what I had before spending money on buying new containers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CG8kfpHYfcY/T0XB5ExyH-I/AAAAAAAAAhU/Qqtfg3z5q28/s1600/SDC16797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CG8kfpHYfcY/T0XB5ExyH-I/AAAAAAAAAhU/Qqtfg3z5q28/s640/SDC16797.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The above photo may be a bit familiar to you, that's because this project lead to me organizing my medicine cabinet (because I wanted the baskets the meds were in for my pantry!). If you missed that post, you can read it <a href="http://cathhasablog.blogspot.com/2012/02/organizing-your-medicine-cabinet.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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<center style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--dEIbML-2xY/T0XDYE8YtzI/AAAAAAAAAhc/P6EgYAsWZQQ/s1600/SDC16816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--dEIbML-2xY/T0XDYE8YtzI/AAAAAAAAAhc/P6EgYAsWZQQ/s400/SDC16816.JPG" width="400" /></a><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">I washed and sterilized all the baskets and containers that I wanted to use for food items. (yes, I used a t-shirt for my drying rack...we were out of towels...this is reality blogging people!) LOL!</center></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
<b>Here is my pantry "after"!</b></center><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pho2FPuPUbY/T0XFE6VUpDI/AAAAAAAAAhs/VoExOPXsG4Q/s1600/SDC16820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pho2FPuPUbY/T0XFE6VUpDI/AAAAAAAAAhs/VoExOPXsG4Q/s640/SDC16820.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE BOTTOM HALF</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jQfWKoXo9nc/T0XFPThVLfI/AAAAAAAAAiM/xz4Yv4HcCiE/s1600/SDC16825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jQfWKoXo9nc/T0XFPThVLfI/AAAAAAAAAiM/xz4Yv4HcCiE/s640/SDC16825.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE TOP HALF</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6rjx00aPPH8/T0XFR9e0A4I/AAAAAAAAAiU/lt1Joa_4iEI/s1600/SDC16826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6rjx00aPPH8/T0XFR9e0A4I/AAAAAAAAAiU/lt1Joa_4iEI/s640/SDC16826.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FULL VIEW</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zh3knSRie6w/T0XFHnMvN4I/AAAAAAAAAh0/906jiPBRSb4/s1600/SDC16821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zh3knSRie6w/T0XFHnMvN4I/AAAAAAAAAh0/906jiPBRSb4/s400/SDC16821.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I didn't want to put money into getting the pull-out shelves right now, so I just made my own...the large basket is super easy to slide in and out making everything easily accessible.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oa-4GcZuHTc/T0XFNPud_ZI/AAAAAAAAAiE/CTEc9iaERYA/s1600/SDC16823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oa-4GcZuHTc/T0XFNPud_ZI/AAAAAAAAAiE/CTEc9iaERYA/s400/SDC16823.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The only additional costs were for the containers for the cereal and the stackable white baskets for the potatoes and onions.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CX2T6SJ7Pb4/T0XFUK7NjOI/AAAAAAAAAic/a2ZzgMaaIRs/s1600/SDC16832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CX2T6SJ7Pb4/T0XFUK7NjOI/AAAAAAAAAic/a2ZzgMaaIRs/s640/SDC16832.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Behind the onions and potatoes I have large items (usually from Costco) that will be used for re-plenishing any containers that empty.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJcFBQu5ZA4/T0XFV0w17sI/AAAAAAAAAik/eHrI22380kY/s1600/SDC16835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJcFBQu5ZA4/T0XFV0w17sI/AAAAAAAAAik/eHrI22380kY/s640/SDC16835.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have the clear container with individual sized snacks (if not pre-packaged then I just make our own little bags of snacks using zip-loc bags. The kids love this and they know they're allowed 1 per day (any other snacks consist of fruit, veggies and yogurt for the most part).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_JlBwffMQOM/T0frqtsHQUI/AAAAAAAAAjM/e5wH6Vqv1hU/s1600/Pantry+before+and+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_JlBwffMQOM/T0frqtsHQUI/AAAAAAAAAjM/e5wH6Vqv1hU/s640/Pantry+before+and+after.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">It feels so good to be organized and to know what I have, it makes menu planning that much easier!</div><br />
<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>You can find me linking up at these AWESOME blogs:</b></div><br />
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height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5171/5510086154_5717620675_m.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/" title="Today's Creative Blog"><img alt="Today's Creative Blog" src="http://todayscreativeblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/button.jpg" style="border: none;" title="Today's Creative Blog" width="100" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://reasonstoskipthehousework.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/ad308/azparis3/link-party.jpg" width="100" /></a><a _blank"="" href="http://www.hopestudios.blogspot.com/" style="clear: target=;"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss202/hopestudios/2-2.jpg" width="100" /></a><a border="0" height="100" href="http://www.thesasselife.com/" target="_blank"><img height="100" src="http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l611/thesasselife/button2-001.jpg" /> </a><a border="0" href="http://mylilpinkpocket.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img height="100" 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alt="Happy Go Lucky" border="0" height="100" src="http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m13/harveyusn/shine3.png" width="100" /></a><a href="http://sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh517/CamilleBeckstrand/sistersatbutton.png" width="100" /></a><a href="http://adventuresofthemichelenafamily.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Catch a Glimpse Button" border="0" src="http://i993.photobucket.com/albums/af54/allimarie17/Blog%20Design/catch_glimpse.png" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/search/label/show%20and%20tell"><img border="0" src="http://www.rememberthemoments.com/images/blog/satbutton.gif" width="100" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://nv-craftenvy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img height="100" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4812186467_7c4547652c_o.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.classyclutter.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af166/mallorynikolaus/SpotlightSaturdaybutton.jpg" width="100" ="" /></a><a href="http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://i42.tinypic.com/axcmqg.png" width="125" /></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttp://whipperberry.com%E2%80%9D" target="”_blank”"><img ;="" alt="Whipperberry" border="0" height="100" src="http://whipperberry.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/whipperberry-button.jpg" title="Whipperberry" width="100" /></a><a border="0" href="http://www.mysimplehomelife.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/jacquelineb84/DSCN2681-3.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/" target="_blank" title="I Heart Nap Time"><img alt="I Heart Nap Time" src="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/logo_Sundae2.png" style="border: none;" width="100" /></a>cathhasablog@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10498514900596476016noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723897648120100265.post-79719421842025085082012-02-14T22:37:00.000-08:002012-02-14T23:21:09.473-08:00Road Trip! Errrr...with a side trip...<div>This past weekend my 11 year old daughter, Maya, was in a Ringette Tournament in the city of Kelowna, which is about a 4 hour drive from our house. <br />
<br />
Her team name is "The Warriors":<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GoOybqugEqM/TztJ6yFSuuI/AAAAAAAAAeg/Bt3bK0cURyI/s1600/SDC16846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GoOybqugEqM/TztJ6yFSuuI/AAAAAAAAAeg/Bt3bK0cURyI/s400/SDC16846.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With "Warrior" paint on her face before a game.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ygx_xt359E/TztJ_n-jNCI/AAAAAAAAAew/TXM9iV4-dSo/s1600/SDC16848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ygx_xt359E/TztJ_n-jNCI/AAAAAAAAAew/TXM9iV4-dSo/s400/SDC16848.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to look like a tough "Warrior"!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Our tradition with this tournament every year is to make it a "girls weekend away" but this year we had to do it a little different. I am just feeling way too sick right now to manage the drive and everything else by myself. I actually need so much more rest than I've ever needed. These chemo pills are giving me "foggy brain", major fatigue, nausea and weakness...it's just yucky. But never fear...my hubby is here! My wonderful guy drove and when I needed rest he took me back to our hotel room to sleep, made sure I was in bed early every night and got me a coffee every morning. Love him!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QR2k-DmhyTU/TztRTxJbm9I/AAAAAAAAAf4/h4RJ1y_yM-I/s1600/ringette+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QR2k-DmhyTU/TztRTxJbm9I/AAAAAAAAAf4/h4RJ1y_yM-I/s640/ringette+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
And good thing he came, because guess where I spent the better part of Friday? At the Kelowna Cancer Agency! Good times! You know, I've told you how great my hubby is and how much I love him so I feel it's okay to tell you this little story...<br />
<br />
In our home, Michael does the packing. I get everyones stuff washed and together in piles on the bed, but he's the one who packs it into our luggage...he packs like a tetris game...it's a skill! I don't even bother anymore to try and pack as he just unpacks and re-packs it again. ANYWAYS, I had the piles on the bed ready to pack....and he packed it all up, so. I. thought. So on the Thursday night, I realize that "the pills" were not packed. Hubby says, "Well I saw them on the bed but they weren't on a pile so I didn't pack them." Deep breath..."ommm...ommm". I'm on a pretty heavy duty dose so when I miss a pill (I take 2 per day) the side effects are not pleasant....just sayin'.<br />
<br />
The next morning we called the pharmacy who said it is very important to take these pills or I may start to hemorrhage again...no thanks! Unfortunately, no pharmacy in Kelowna carries them except for the Cancer Clinic which, thank goodness, was open. Several hours later, I was able to get an emergency 3 day supply. Phew!<br />
<br />
The rest of the weekend was great!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GsP0gvmExIk/TztadUts0wI/AAAAAAAAAgA/eilhozVmw_w/s1600/_50V0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GsP0gvmExIk/TztadUts0wI/AAAAAAAAAgA/eilhozVmw_w/s640/_50V0036.JPG" width="440" /></a></div>We watched Maya's games...they won 2 and lost 2 (but only just!). Maya bonded with the team and we bonded with the parents, they went swimming and played games and I didn't have to do any cooking or dishes for 3 days...yippee! I couldn't do as much as I normally would have but all in all it was great weekend and I'm so glad that the 3 of us went.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OpYsjGKF8Is/Tztajqn4QhI/AAAAAAAAAgI/nzqeofY9U6g/s1600/_50V0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OpYsjGKF8Is/Tztajqn4QhI/AAAAAAAAAgI/nzqeofY9U6g/s640/_50V0037.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><center style="text-align: center;"><b>And hey, isn't my little athlete so AWESOME!?!</b></center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EksNvD97fMo/TztMG_1OWSI/AAAAAAAAAfY/sxjf9ROCkMU/s1600/SDC16080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EksNvD97fMo/TztMG_1OWSI/AAAAAAAAAfY/sxjf9ROCkMU/s640/SDC16080.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><b>Here's where I'm linking up!</b></div><br />
<a href="http://scrapbookingez.blogspot.com/search/label/Anything%20Goes%20Linky%20Party"><img height="100" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9D2FyPbEx4I/TqGWsHegOvI/AAAAAAAABmk/QQ5Q0Pf-_Do/s1600/Anything+Goes.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img height="100" src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t99/tonihammersley/BFOLprojectbutton.jpg" width="100" /></a><a border="0" href="http://reasonstoskipthehousework.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/ad308/azparis3/link-party.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/rebeccaanncooper/simple_button1_150px-1.jpg" width="100" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<center><br />
</center><center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center></div>cathhasablog@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10498514900596476016noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723897648120100265.post-45234401209193539802012-02-08T22:15:00.000-08:002012-02-08T23:21:18.343-08:00My 2 little Valentine's<div>Today I'm going to share with you the 'Valentine's' that I have made for my 2 youngest kids, ages 7 and 11. I wanted it to be something they could use, something that wouldn't just end up in the trash within a week and something that would show them how much we love them. I think this idea has incorporated all of the above!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Insulated Water Cups filled with chocolate, gummies and a love note! The reason this fits so well, is that my kids love drinking water and this way they have their very own cups (dark blue for Matthew and light blue for Maya) with lids (less spillage) so they can always have water with them. For kids who aren't water fans, this will encourage them to drink it more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Materials Used: </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Insulated cup (I got mine for $5 each at The Canadian Superstore)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Valentine paper (1 piece cost .99 cents)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Candy & Chocolate (bought in bulk for $3.00)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Love note (I have included a FREE printable for this)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Total Cost: $8.99 total ($4.50 per kid)....not bad!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's what I did:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Bought 2 cups (insulated with lids and straws) and 'heart' paper.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tLnFhhlaqpI/TyivQpg65xI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/pM2QjV07MXk/s1600/SDC16657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="576" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tLnFhhlaqpI/TyivQpg65xI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/pM2QjV07MXk/s640/SDC16657.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FOCxxA1GjU4/TyivUYzRuXI/AAAAAAAAARM/VmVyjxBTbQE/s1600/SDC16661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FOCxxA1GjU4/TyivUYzRuXI/AAAAAAAAARM/VmVyjxBTbQE/s400/SDC16661.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Cut the paper to fit inside the cup.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dyB-bg-g7nk/TyivSc4C_bI/AAAAAAAAARE/SdLhxbsuRaw/s1600/SDC16660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dyB-bg-g7nk/TyivSc4C_bI/AAAAAAAAARE/SdLhxbsuRaw/s320/SDC16660.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I created a printable (free for you...just right click and save or <a href="mailto:cathhasablog@gmail.com" target="_blank">email me</a> and I can forward you a copy:)</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBwtos4WRUc/Tyi3vcbpsjI/AAAAAAAAASU/_EKNgwJryJ4/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBwtos4WRUc/Tyi3vcbpsjI/AAAAAAAAASU/_EKNgwJryJ4/s1600/Slide1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My husband and I each filled in our 5 reasons (so really they got 10 reasons...moms and dads are different and each appreciate different things so I thought it would be cool if they heard 5 things from each of us.)</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ingy82lky2o/TyivYczVfGI/AAAAAAAAARc/1rmz5AJqrIk/s1600/SDC16674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ingy82lky2o/TyivYczVfGI/AAAAAAAAARc/1rmz5AJqrIk/s640/SDC16674.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>After we filled out our lists, we popped it inside the cup along with some heart shaped chocolates and gummies.</b></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GJ7Bj8Z2-7c/Tyiva8Fg--I/AAAAAAAAARk/bA37OjlOR2E/s1600/SDC16681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GJ7Bj8Z2-7c/Tyiva8Fg--I/AAAAAAAAARk/bA37OjlOR2E/s640/SDC16681.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Here's what it looks like...pretty and simple and not expensive. Win - Win - Win!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fcTbSptfrrY/TyiveZL_8tI/AAAAAAAAAR0/aTfOsy96L8A/s1600/SDC16699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fcTbSptfrrY/TyiveZL_8tI/AAAAAAAAAR0/aTfOsy96L8A/s640/SDC16699.JPG" width="596" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think they're going to really like them!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center><center><br />
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<a href="http://delightfulorder.blogspot.com/"><img height="100" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-D5fANCcEMK8/TWkrcVOXL-I/AAAAAAAABJk/v66BBtOIEaI/s1600/Inspiring+Thursday.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="HookingupwithHoH" height="100" src="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/HookinupwithHoHnew2.png" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/" target="_blank" title="Somewhat Simple"><img alt="Somewhat Simple" height="100" src="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a342/stephd757/linkpartythursday.png" width="100" /></a><a href="http://madeinaday.com/" title="made in a day"><img alt="made in a day" height="100" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j403/madeinaday/jute12223.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a><a href="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad357/NoMinimalist/houseart-2.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.cherishedbliss.com/search/label/14%20Days%20of%20Love/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Cherished Bliss" border="0" height="100" src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m504/cherishedbliss/valentinebutton-1.jpg" width="100" /></a><br />
</center></div>cathhasablog@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10498514900596476016noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723897648120100265.post-54142100339220044192012-02-06T10:13:00.000-08:002012-02-08T23:19:36.833-08:00Organizing your "Medicine Cabinet"<div>I recently read that the worst place to store your medicine is in the bathroom because the temperature and humidity levels can cause the medications to become ineffective or even harmful over a period of time (Same goes for the kitchen). Why we have "medicine" cabinets in the bathroom is beyond me! But I digress...<br />
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You know how when you start a project it often snowballs into another project and then another...and another? Well that is how this little organizing project came about. I'm in the midst of organizing my pantry and kitchen cabinets and I needed the baskets that I was storing the medication in, PLUS all my medications were being stored in the kitchen AND the bathroom so it was a project that needed to be dealt with anyways! Win Win!<br />
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So I grabbed the 2 baskets of medications that needed new homes:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-twGpTs_4gGg/TzAVQpnR0HI/AAAAAAAAAdc/lluPtOyAT8I/s1600/SDC16798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-twGpTs_4gGg/TzAVQpnR0HI/AAAAAAAAAdc/lluPtOyAT8I/s640/SDC16798.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> Then I grabbed 2 shoebox containers and a small container with drawers:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KtTKij0j1Cs/TzAVWQrxpnI/AAAAAAAAAds/vY7U-iC_FfE/s1600/SDC16800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KtTKij0j1Cs/TzAVWQrxpnI/AAAAAAAAAds/vY7U-iC_FfE/s640/SDC16800.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Sorted through all the medications and threw away all the expired ones. We had A LOT of expired medications, obviously this is something I need to do a little more often! For instance, this one from when my kids had the chicken pox, oh expired 6 years ago...yikes!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dTD5nqx49wc/TzAVY-wCKlI/AAAAAAAAAd0/WhlIivb_sGQ/s1600/SDC16804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dTD5nqx49wc/TzAVY-wCKlI/AAAAAAAAAd0/WhlIivb_sGQ/s640/SDC16804.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I put all the medication in one container and all the skin care (sunscreen, kids bug spray etc.) in the other. In the container with drawers I put in all the tubes of medicated creams, bandages and the thermometer.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EDd-9GzGGWk/TzAVbE4YfNI/AAAAAAAAAd8/oU2nkKerpf8/s1600/SDC16807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EDd-9GzGGWk/TzAVbE4YfNI/AAAAAAAAAd8/oU2nkKerpf8/s640/SDC16807.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The top lid easily lifts up, so that is where I placed all the band-aids (which is what gets used the most in this house). And, of course, I dug out my handy dandy label maker and labelled everything (it's become a bit of an obsession!).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-heyoz2ZGdOk/TzAVdI-QzZI/AAAAAAAAAeE/BYDQGRl6774/s1600/SDC16808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-heyoz2ZGdOk/TzAVdI-QzZI/AAAAAAAAAeE/BYDQGRl6774/s640/SDC16808.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>It is now safely tucked away in a cupboard in our downstairs powder room that was not being used to its potential. I figured this room was perfect as it doesn't have a shower so I don't have to worry about the moisture etc. I have a lot of wasted space in my cupboards hence the re-organizing stint I'm on right now!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-56AXcrH-AMA/TzAVfRVeILI/AAAAAAAAAeM/AdOeOrjg_8w/s1600/SDC16811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-56AXcrH-AMA/TzAVfRVeILI/AAAAAAAAAeM/AdOeOrjg_8w/s640/SDC16811.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
Now back to my kitchen cabinets! Enjoy your day! :)<br />
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</span></center></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I'm linking up at these great blogs:</b></div><br />
<a href="http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img height="100" src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t99/tonihammersley/BFOLprojectbutton.jpg" width="100" /></a><a border="0" href="http://thekurtzcorner.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa386/asmith0341/blogbutton.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Tuesday To Do Party" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5171/5510086154_5717620675_m.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/" title="Today's Creative Blog"><img alt="Today's Creative Blog" src="http://todayscreativeblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/button.jpg" style="border: none;" title="Today's Creative Blog" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.thesoutherninstitute.com/search/label/CreativeMeMonday" target="_blank"><img alt="The Southern Institute" height="100" src="http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i457/thesoutherninstitute/CreativeMebutton.gif" /></a> <a href="http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/" title="Sumo's Sweet stuff"><img alt="Sumo's Sweet Stuff" height="100" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ijWO7vu6KLI/TesHijlv-RI/AAAAAAAABE4/QHpxKZ2cdng/Button.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://embellishinglifeeveryday.blogspot.com/search/label/craft%20catwalk" target="_blank"><img height="100" src="http://i901.photobucket.com/albums/ac214/sbs10/embellishinglife/Embellishing-Life---Etsy-Button1.png" /></a><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><img height="100" src="http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/blog-buttons.jpg" /></a><a href="http://diyshowoff.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The DIY Show Off" border="0" height="100" src="http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac195/Roeshel/DIYShowOffbuttonsmall.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="mop it up mondays" src="http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd281/mrsdaviddominguez/button2.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.brassyapple.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v714/mycreations/Blog/makeitmondaylogo.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://scrapbookingez.blogspot.com/search/label/Anything%20Goes%20Linky%20Party"><img height="100" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9D2FyPbEx4I/TqGWsHegOvI/AAAAAAAABmk/QQ5Q0Pf-_Do/s1600/Anything+Goes.jpg" width="100" /></a><a border="0" height="100" href="http://www.thesasselife.com/" target="_blank"><img height="100" src="http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l611/thesasselife/button2-001.jpg" /></a><a href="http://tipjunkie.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Tip Junkie handmade projects" border="0" height="100" src="http://www.tipjunkie.com/images/TipMeTuesdayButton1.png" /></a><a border="0" href="http://reasonstoskipthehousework.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/ad308/azparis3/link-party.jpg" width="100" /></a><a border="0" href="http://mylilpinkpocket.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img height="100" src="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m590/lilpinkpocket/button.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://southernlovely.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q37/schoenfelds/showandshare.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.crystalandcomp.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://crystalandcomp.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_18/custom/images/button3.png" title="Crystal & Co" width="100" /></a><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><img height="100" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vk7b0eb36c8/S-Dt8w4FjkI/AAAAAAAAAKE/A5wquzXhr4g/s320/wgw+button.jpg" /></a><a href="http://delightfulorder.blogspot.com/"><img height="100" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-D5fANCcEMK8/TWkrcVOXL-I/AAAAAAAABJk/v66BBtOIEaI/s1600/Inspiring+Thursday.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="HookingupwithHoH" height="100" src="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/HookinupwithHoHnew2.png" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/" target="_blank" title="Somewhat Simple"><img alt="Somewhat Simple" height="100" src="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a342/stephd757/linkpartythursday.png" width="100" /></a><a href="http://madeinaday.com/" title="made in a day"><img alt="made in a day" height="100" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j403/madeinaday/jute12223.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a><a href="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad357/NoMinimalist/houseart-2.jpg" width="100" /></a>cathhasablog@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10498514900596476016noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723897648120100265.post-59428690352701926842012-02-05T01:03:00.000-08:002012-02-06T10:25:08.997-08:00The Birthday PartyMy daughter had her Birthday party last weekend. Her birthday was actually at the beginning of January, but because I haven't been well, it was delayed. We did a sleepover with 6 of her friends..call me crazy (I am). It was actually good because I was able to meet all her friends and decide who I wanted her to hang out with and who I definitely didn't! <br />
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The birthday cards we sent out was a free printable that I found at The TomKat Studio, to get your own please click on this link: <a href="http://www.thetomkatstudio.com/freebies/" target="_blank">The TomKat Studio</a>. They come in multiple colours and the chevron stripes are super trendy right now.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X8UanNz24xc/Ty40HUTafXI/AAAAAAAAAWk/IUtn85-9Mww/s1600/Birthday+Invite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X8UanNz24xc/Ty40HUTafXI/AAAAAAAAAWk/IUtn85-9Mww/s640/Birthday+Invite.jpg" width="640" /></a>Here's how I decorated:</div><br />
Instead of a tablecloth, I put paper on the table where they would be eating, so they could colour and draw...it was a huge hit! I just used a roll of paper that you buy for kids art easels, I bought it at Michael's with my 40% off coupon, the price ended up being $8.99 but it is a BIG roll that we will definitely be using for tons of other art projects.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h4StL0kISb0/Ty4tioCTJwI/AAAAAAAAAU0/HhEWyidyang/s1600/SDC16526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h4StL0kISb0/Ty4tioCTJwI/AAAAAAAAAU0/HhEWyidyang/s640/SDC16526.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Then I took 2 mason jars and covered them in some pretty paper and filled them with pencil crayons and crayons.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TXxaxkJrMPU/Ty4u2EoJSBI/AAAAAAAAAVM/czlSq8_z2yY/s1600/SDC16529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TXxaxkJrMPU/Ty4u2EoJSBI/AAAAAAAAAVM/czlSq8_z2yY/s640/SDC16529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>I finally joined the bunting bandwagon! I wasn't a huge fan for a while but they have definitely grown on me. I made this pretty one and it looked super cute...I didn't want to take it down!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hgkaUTG7iqA/Ty4vngulg0I/AAAAAAAAAVs/z8jxWO_EQpo/s1600/SDC16533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hgkaUTG7iqA/Ty4vngulg0I/AAAAAAAAAVs/z8jxWO_EQpo/s640/SDC16533.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g0eHtvG5S9M/Ty4vs3ZNnEI/AAAAAAAAAWE/H8ho81MrDkY/s1600/SDC16556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g0eHtvG5S9M/Ty4vs3ZNnEI/AAAAAAAAAWE/H8ho81MrDkY/s640/SDC16556.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>It was super easy to make, I printed the designs, cut the paper, folded and glued over some string. You can download the FREE printables to make your own by clicking <a href="http://www.hippekippe.nl/hippekippeslinger" target="_blank">HERE</a> or you can right click on the images below.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e484pS9DjRs/Ty4xzMMrxzI/AAAAAAAAAWc/ALIDUU7XxvQ/s1600/Slide2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e484pS9DjRs/Ty4xzMMrxzI/AAAAAAAAAWc/ALIDUU7XxvQ/s640/Slide2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1H0FAbnMU6A/Ty4xy9aUGcI/AAAAAAAAAWU/md6Rwg83COM/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1H0FAbnMU6A/Ty4xy9aUGcI/AAAAAAAAAWU/md6Rwg83COM/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="640" /></a>For the food we went simple. Hot Dogs, Pop and Junk Food. I feed my kids healthy all year round, but for their birthdays they're allowed to have anything they want on the menu (within reason!).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YMzLYNC28Kc/Ty41HJWbRjI/AAAAAAAAAWs/V7vcpoAi2xs/s1600/SDC16543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YMzLYNC28Kc/Ty41HJWbRjI/AAAAAAAAAWs/V7vcpoAi2xs/s640/SDC16543.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Here's what the eating area looked like when I was done:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T_631dpZJfA/Ty42PpWXmCI/AAAAAAAAAYM/w4ZTK8FDMeU/s1600/SDC16553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T_631dpZJfA/Ty42PpWXmCI/AAAAAAAAAYM/w4ZTK8FDMeU/s640/SDC16553.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I also made the polka dot bunting banner you see on the back wall, you can find the free printable for it <a href="http://www.fun-stuff-to-do.com/polka-dot-party-decorations.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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The Cake:<br />
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Instead of a birthday cake, Maya decided she wanted a trifle. Trifle is a British dessert that I grew up with, my mom would always make it for special occasions. Since my mom passed away last year, I have taken over the trifle tradition (minus the Sherry!). It is SO EASY and very yummy. It's best to make it in a glass bowl so you can see all the layers.<br />
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First layer....white cake. I made a small round cake then plopped it in the bottom of the bowl. (Hey, I never claimed to be Martha! :) This is where my mom would cover the cake in sherry and let it soak overnight, but I like it better without the alcohol and of course, not for a kids party!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PPGlLtjmB0o/Ty44KnZhNoI/AAAAAAAAAYs/FuvE2lm4e14/s1600/SDC16560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PPGlLtjmB0o/Ty44KnZhNoI/AAAAAAAAAYs/FuvE2lm4e14/s640/SDC16560.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>On top of the cake you spread a layer of jello (I like strawberry), then a layer of fruit (we went with peaches and mandarins), and then a layer of vanilla pudding (or custard).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4QYHNuapHc/Ty44qVEq41I/AAAAAAAAAY0/apwEziQ7ghE/s1600/SDC16561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4QYHNuapHc/Ty44qVEq41I/AAAAAAAAAY0/apwEziQ7ghE/s640/SDC16561.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Then you smother the top with fresh whipping cream and decorate with fruit. Make sure you get a bit of each layer when you serve it, that's the best!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wAwvfMfNem8/Ty46A_WLrxI/AAAAAAAAAaU/km1BPIKtgvs/s1600/SDC16582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wAwvfMfNem8/Ty46A_WLrxI/AAAAAAAAAaU/km1BPIKtgvs/s640/SDC16582.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I make these little signs from another free printable that I downloaded at The TomKat Studio Blog. To download your own, click on this link: <a href="http://www.thetomkatstudio.com/freebies/" target="_blank">The TomKat Studio</a>. Kim has some amazing freebies on her blog.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kD2OAF69Cz0/Ty47tTu-y8I/AAAAAAAAAac/6XBt-tj5Gp8/s1600/Chevron+Party+Circles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kD2OAF69Cz0/Ty47tTu-y8I/AAAAAAAAAac/6XBt-tj5Gp8/s640/Chevron+Party+Circles.jpg" width="640" /></a>We played a fun game, where you make a mound of flour on a cutting board with a chocolate on the top. You go around the table and each person has to slice away part of the flour without making it crumble. The person who make it crumble has to put their arms behind their back and pick out the chocolate with their mouth. It's always a favourite. (Sorry about the blurred out faces...I haven't received permission from the parents to publish their faces here).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I7AMKR12ccA/Ty4-d3HFCJI/AAAAAAAAAa0/LGv-IWueMJI/s1600/SDC16585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I7AMKR12ccA/Ty4-d3HFCJI/AAAAAAAAAa0/LGv-IWueMJI/s640/SDC16585.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>After all the food, games, "cake" and presents they got into their pj's and watched movies.<br />
<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/-rcB_5fNImEA/Ty5Cr_Tp1WI/AAAAAAAAAbc/f3_IHgG7oYo/s1600/Maya's+bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcB_5fNImEA/Ty5Cr_Tp1WI/AAAAAAAAAbc/f3_IHgG7oYo/s640/Maya's+bday.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I had bought some cute popcorn bags from the dollar store and they each had a bag of popcorn for the movie. This thrilled my daughter (sometimes it really is the little things!).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wpq6-lZ5tkA/Ty4-_xXEbRI/AAAAAAAAAa8/fTugaj3VVaI/s1600/SDC16644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wpq6-lZ5tkA/Ty4-_xXEbRI/AAAAAAAAAa8/fTugaj3VVaI/s640/SDC16644.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>The next morning, we made pancakes and everyone left with a thank-you bag. As you can see, the tag I used is from the printable above.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EhxYJ1uz938/Ty5DlQgXK-I/AAAAAAAAAcM/cjHfkGhGGr0/s1600/SDC16642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EhxYJ1uz938/Ty5DlQgXK-I/AAAAAAAAAcM/cjHfkGhGGr0/s640/SDC16642.JPG" width="480" /></a></div> I must admit it took me a few days to recover! But is was totally worth it to see my daughter so happy!<br />
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<center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I have linked up at these great blogs:</b></div><br />
<a href="http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img height="100" src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t99/tonihammersley/BFOLprojectbutton.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/search/label/show%20and%20tell"><img border="0" src="http://www.rememberthemoments.com/images/blog/satbutton.gif" width="100" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://nv-craftenvy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img height="100" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4812186467_7c4547652c_o.jpg" /></a><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="100" src="http://tatertotsandjello.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/978446890_7b2ZN-O2.png" width="100" /></a><a href="http://sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh517/CamilleBeckstrand/sistersatbutton.png" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=3723897648120100265&postID=5942869035270192684&from=pencil" title="Link Party"><img alt="Link Party" height="100" src="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/sundae-scoop.jpg" title="Link Party" /></a><a border="0" href="http://petitehermine.blogspot.com/search/label/sunday%20linky%20party" target="_blank"><img height="100" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_ZMIJiSZYVNM/TUXeyWZW4wI/AAAAAAAAAHM/QzwFegZBYZg/PH_linky.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/rebeccaanncooper/simple_button1_150px-1.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The Shabby Nest" height="100" src="http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j480/theshabbynest/Shabby%20Nest%20Blog%205-2011/ShabbyNest-GrabButton.png" width="100" /></a><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" title="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating"><img 100"="" a="" alt=" height=" chic="" decorating"="" on="" shoestring="" src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/flaunt_it_friday_button.jpg" style="border: none;" width="100" /></a><a href="http://happy-go-lucky-harvey.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Happy Go Lucky" border="0" height="100" src="http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m13/harveyusn/shine3.png" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.thesoutherninstitute.com/search/label/CreativeMeMonday" target="_blank"><img alt="The Southern Institute" height="100" src="http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i457/thesoutherninstitute/CreativeMebutton.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="mop it up mondays" src="http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd281/mrsdaviddominguez/button2.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/" title="Sumo's Sweet stuff"><img alt="Sumo's Sweet Stuff" height="100" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ijWO7vu6KLI/TesHijlv-RI/AAAAAAAABE4/QHpxKZ2cdng/Button.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://embellishinglifeeveryday.blogspot.com/search/label/craft%20catwalk" target="_blank"><img height="100" src="http://i901.photobucket.com/albums/ac214/sbs10/embellishinglife/Embellishing-Life---Etsy-Button1.png" /></a> <a href="http://www.craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> <img alt="Keeping It Simple" border="0" height="100" src="http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad206/kaysinerwt/th_DSCF63832.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><img height="100" src="http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/blog-buttons.jpg" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://www.askannamoseley.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff398/askannamoseley/th_Weekendwarriorbuttonsmall.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://diyshowoff.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The DIY Show Off" border="0" height="100" src="http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac195/Roeshel/DIYShowOffbuttonsmall.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo161/CalamityAnne/debbiedoosnewbieparty1.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.brassyapple.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v714/mycreations/Blog/makeitmondaylogo.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://scrapbookingez.blogspot.com/search/label/Anything%20Goes%20Linky%20Party"><img height="100" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9D2FyPbEx4I/TqGWsHegOvI/AAAAAAAABmk/QQ5Q0Pf-_Do/s1600/Anything+Goes.jpg" width="100" /></a>cathhasablog@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10498514900596476016noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723897648120100265.post-80041152874247006602012-02-02T08:48:00.000-08:002012-02-02T10:03:16.570-08:00Cute Valentine's GiftHello my friends!<br />
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A huge thank you to Kara from <a href="http://happy-go-lucky-harvey.blogspot.com/2012/02/meet-cath-from-home-is-where-heart-is.html#more" target="_blank">Happy Go Lucky</a> for allowing me to do my first ever Guest Blog at her Valentine Countdown Party! I have shared an easy tutorial on the Valentine's Day Gift that I have made for my kids (it could be made for adults too!). I've also included a <b>FREE PRINTABLE! </b>If you have time today, I would LOVE it if you would swing by <a href="http://happy-go-lucky-harvey.blogspot.com/2012/02/meet-cath-from-home-is-where-heart-is.html#more" target="_blank">Happy Go Lucky</a> to check out my post (leave me a comment and tell me what you think!:) AND check out Kara's blog...you won't be disappointed!! :)<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Kara is an amazing, creative and crafty mom! On her blog she shares loads of fun and inexpensive DIY projects, games and activities the entire family can enjoy.</span></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://happy-go-lucky-harvey.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Happy Go Lucky" border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8iyVK_jzWW8/TtgxT2tNy2I/AAAAAAAABOY/2d4V3YtKW0M/s200/happygolucky-feature.png" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center><center><br />
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</center><center><b>You can also find me at <a href="http://cathhasablog.blogspot.com/p/linking-parties.html" target="_blank">these</a> great linky parties!!</b></center>cathhasablog@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10498514900596476016noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723897648120100265.post-88079026565654716482012-02-01T15:24:00.000-08:002012-02-02T10:25:45.177-08:00Homemade Play-Doh with Kool AidMy son Matthew and I had some fun one on one time making play-doh together. Who knew that play-doh would occupy him so much that he hardly watches tv or goes on the computer anymore? He likes to play restaurant, where we order the food and he makes it (out of play-doh!). So cute.<br />
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Here are the simple instructions:<br />
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<b>Recipe</b><br />
1 cup of flour<br />
1/2 cup of salt<br />
3 tbsp oil<br />
1 kool aid packet (1 per colour you want to make)<br />
1 cup of boiling water<br />
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<b>In a bowl, mix together the flour, salt, oil and kool aid packet. Add the boiling water and stir. Once cooled down, kneed with hands. Put in a container into the fridge and you're done...on to the next colour!</b><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ES2EcIX2qzQ/TynBaEvtT3I/AAAAAAAAASc/P2qIL8wBtQE/s1600/SDC16444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ES2EcIX2qzQ/TynBaEvtT3I/AAAAAAAAASc/P2qIL8wBtQE/s640/SDC16444.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Letting Matthew do all the measuring and mixing was part of the fun!</b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DlqP8igp3_E/TynBuWxWPmI/AAAAAAAAATk/RZCA65UStB0/s1600/SDC16459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DlqP8igp3_E/TynBuWxWPmI/AAAAAAAAATk/RZCA65UStB0/s640/SDC16459.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>As we progressed through the colours it got a bit messier...nothing that the vacuum can't handle! </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Miy-IdvPrGM/TynBfQKCFPI/AAAAAAAAASs/fIdlTDWmNWQ/s1600/SDC16448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Miy-IdvPrGM/TynBfQKCFPI/AAAAAAAAASs/fIdlTDWmNWQ/s640/SDC16448.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Look at him with flour all over his face! He loved getting right in there and I loved watching him!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f1sYYnR1U7U/TynB0Ab7jFI/AAAAAAAAAT8/3NWIIbZdBNE/s1600/SDC16464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f1sYYnR1U7U/TynB0Ab7jFI/AAAAAAAAAT8/3NWIIbZdBNE/s640/SDC16464.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<center style="text-align: center;"><b>I think his favourite part was kneading the dough with his hands. </b></center><br />
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<center style="text-align: center;"><b>We made 4 colours in total and put them into a container which Matthew labeled.</b></center><br />
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<b>HAPPINESS! Seeing your kid proud of themselves is such a rewarding feeling!</b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iCEKCGXszKo/TynB-NEzMbI/AAAAAAAAAUk/OvC6MlHWgTU/s1600/SDC16475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iCEKCGXszKo/TynB-NEzMbI/AAAAAAAAAUk/OvC6MlHWgTU/s640/SDC16475.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I've linked up at these great parties:</span></b></div><br />
<a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The Girl Creative" height="100" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/thegirlcreative/tgc_button_grab_jan2012.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/rebeccaanncooper/simple_button1_150px-1.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=3723897648120100265&postID=769691732740058009&from=pencil" title="Link Party"><img alt="Link Party" height="100" src="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/sundae-scoop.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial;" title="Link Party" /></a> <a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/search/label/Link%20Parties" target="_blank"><img alt="UndertheTableandDreaming" border="0" height="100" src="http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv298/theliebertfamily/party.png" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://petitehermine.blogspot.com/search/label/sunday%20linky%20party" target="_blank"><img height="100" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_ZMIJiSZYVNM/TUXeyWZW4wI/AAAAAAAAAHM/QzwFegZBYZg/PH_linky.jpg" width="100" /></a><a border="0" href="http://nv-craftenvy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img height="100" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4812186467_7c4547652c_o.jpg" /></a><a border="0" href="http://mylilpinkpocket.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img height="100" src="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m590/lilpinkpocket/button.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://southernlovely.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q37/schoenfelds/showandshare.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.thesoutherninstitute.com/search/label/CreativeMeMonday" target="_blank"><img alt="The Southern Institute" height="100" src="http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i457/thesoutherninstitute/CreativeMebutton.gif" /></a> <a href="http://www.cherishedbliss.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Craft & Tell" border="0" height="100" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oxmCrXYQuTE/Ttgq1fR7FQI/AAAAAAAABHM/sebjlQ4mXEM/s1600/craft_tell.png" /></a><a href="http://www.thesoutherninstitute.com/search/label/CreativeMeMonday" target="_blank"><img alt="The Southern Institute" height="100" src="http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i457/thesoutherninstitute/CreativeMebutton.gif" /></a> <a href="http://www.cherishedbliss.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Craft & Tell" border="0" height="100" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oxmCrXYQuTE/Ttgq1fR7FQI/AAAAAAAABHM/sebjlQ4mXEM/s1600/craft_tell.png" /></a> <a href="http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/" title="Sumo's Sweet stuff"><img alt="Sumo's Sweet Stuff" height="100" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ijWO7vu6KLI/TesHijlv-RI/AAAAAAAABE4/QHpxKZ2cdng/Button.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://embellishinglifeeveryday.blogspot.com/search/label/craft%20catwalk" target="_blank"><img height="100" src="http://i901.photobucket.com/albums/ac214/sbs10/embellishinglife/Embellishing-Life---Etsy-Button1.png" /></a><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><img height="100" src="http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/blog-buttons.jpg" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://www.askannamoseley.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff398/askannamoseley/th_Weekendwarriorbuttonsmall.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://diyshowoff.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The DIY Show Off" border="0" height="100" src="http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac195/Roeshel/DIYShowOffbuttonsmall.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://organizeyourstuffnow.com/"><img alt="Organize and Decorate Everything" border="0" height="100" mce_src="http://organizeyourstuffnow.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/SS852700.jpg" src="http://organizeyourstuffnow.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/SS852700.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img height="100" src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t99/tonihammersley/BFOLprojectbutton.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.crystalandcomp.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://crystalandcomp.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_18/custom/images/button3.png" title="Crystal & Co" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="mop it up mondays" src="http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd281/mrsdaviddominguez/button2.jpg" width="100" /></a>cathhasablog@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10498514900596476016noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723897648120100265.post-6406551536536626442012-01-30T10:07:00.000-08:002012-02-01T22:12:35.531-08:00My Easy Go-To Dinner<div><span style="text-align: left;">I love my crock-pot. I love that I can put the ingredients in, turn it on and walk away. My families favourite crock-pot recipe is Pulled Pork and the way I make it is SO EASY and SO YUMMY! Here's the recipe:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GelxCCx6PI8/TyHNRIQmf6I/AAAAAAAAAN8/vI0uVqH5gXk/s1600/SDC16268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GelxCCx6PI8/TyHNRIQmf6I/AAAAAAAAAN8/vI0uVqH5gXk/s640/SDC16268.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><b style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;">Step 1. Throw about 2.5lbs of pork into the crock-pot.</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T7vI8A-fcjI/TyHNic8O7TI/AAAAAAAAAPM/b6A9C1d1_wE/s1600/SDC16419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T7vI8A-fcjI/TyHNic8O7TI/AAAAAAAAAPM/b6A9C1d1_wE/s640/SDC16419.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><b style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;">Step 2. Chop up onion and put it on top of pork.</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wJt7TKwJLwk/TyHNVKP_enI/AAAAAAAAAOM/nz9isCpbQc0/s1600/SDC16290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wJt7TKwJLwk/TyHNVKP_enI/AAAAAAAAAOM/nz9isCpbQc0/s640/SDC16290.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><b style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;">Step 3. Grab your bbq sauce of choice and pour over pork.</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K8ReKd7I4aY/TyHNlwVtE3I/AAAAAAAAAPc/h42DJYoxtEA/s1600/SDC16424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K8ReKd7I4aY/TyHNlwVtE3I/AAAAAAAAAPc/h42DJYoxtEA/s640/SDC16424.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b><br />
</b></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/-Ix4UOhJ36u4/TyHNniMUqVI/AAAAAAAAAPk/ycy-jEvCWvs/s1600/SDC16425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ix4UOhJ36u4/TyHNniMUqVI/AAAAAAAAAPk/ycy-jEvCWvs/s640/SDC16425.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;">Step 4. Put the lid back on and put on Low. Here's the best part...Walk Away!</span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3h1gEWBvvA/TyHNTocia_I/AAAAAAAAAOE/apzDJhsbYbM/s1600/SDC16280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3h1gEWBvvA/TyHNTocia_I/AAAAAAAAAOE/apzDJhsbYbM/s640/SDC16280.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><b><br />
</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b>I usually let mine cook for 7 - 9 hours. When it's done I drain out any excess juice, add more bbq sauce and use a knife and fork to shred into little pieces. </b></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div></div><b>Serve on fresh buns with a salad on the side and you have a yummy dinner, with very little effort.</b><br />
<center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center><b>SEE? EASY!</b></center><center><br />
</center><center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I've Linked up here:</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img height="200" src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t99/tonihammersley/BFOLprojectbutton.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>cathhasablog@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10498514900596476016noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723897648120100265.post-66469721047930527182012-01-27T16:48:00.000-08:002012-02-17T09:07:53.165-08:00Monthly Budget - Easy Worksheet<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Happy Friday Everybody!<br />
<br />
This morning I was paying bills online and updating my monthly budget spreadsheet when it occurred to me that this may be something that others find helpful. It's a super easy system that I use and is really helpful in knowing where you're at financially on a monthly basis.<br />
<br />
I've done the hard part and created the spreadsheet in excel for you. I have filled it with examples, all you have to do is change the numbers to reflect your own finances. I am more than happy to email you the excel spreadsheet, just email your request to me at <a href="mailto:cathhasablog@gmail.com" target="_blank"><b>cathhasablog@gmail.com</b></a>.<br />
<br />
You don't have to do any adding or subtracting, just type in your own income & expenses...<b>all the calculating is done automatically for you. </b> See! Easy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-06_OKcQqrdo/TzK556OG1AI/AAAAAAAAAeU/4kh6m39BcVs/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-06_OKcQqrdo/TzK556OG1AI/AAAAAAAAAeU/4kh6m39BcVs/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I look at this spreadsheet all the time and update it regularly. I also use a more in depth one based on each paycheque and what we'll be paying with each one but I will share that with you at a later time.<br />
<br />
<b><u>FIXED EXPENSES:</u></b><br />
The fixed expenses are in the order of the monthly due date. That way it's easy for me to keep track of what is due when. Fixed expenses are items that will not change from month to month. We've all heard the saying 'pay yourself first'...ideally you should be putting away at least 10% of your monthly income into some form of savings each month. Most of my fixed expenses are set up with an automatic payment online through my bank account, a couple I have sent post dated cheques for and a few I pay manually online.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><u>VARIABLE EXPENSES:</u></b></center><center style="text-align: left;">Variable expenses change every month. It's good to project what you expect to spend each month so that you can have an idea of how much money you actually have. A recommended system to spend your variable expenses is to pay for them with cash only, you can even make envelopes for each category. This will give you some perspective on how much you actually spend each month. Then you can come back to this spreadsheet and adjust accordingly. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">Toni, over at 'A Bowl Full of Lemons' has a great <a href="http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/2012/01/cash-envelope-systems-and-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Cash Envelope System</a> on her blog if you're interested, and of course, it's done in a very fashionable way (think pretty envelope wallets!).</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">So are you wondering what i do with all the paper? Those dreaded bills that come in the mail! I have a household bills binder with dividers for each bill that I keep them all in. The binder idea was inspired by a post I read over at the blog <a href="http://applevalleygirl.blogspot.com/2011/02/absolute-easiest-way-to-track-pay.html" target="_blank">Echoes of Laughter</a>. Hint: No filing involved! (just hole punching!) Check it out! </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">I hope you find this helpful. I would love to hear your feedback on it!</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center><center style="text-align: left;">Big Hug! Cath</center><center><br />
</center><center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center><center><br />
<br />
<b> I Have Been Featured!</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="UndertheTableandDreaming" border="0" src="http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv298/theliebertfamily/featured.png" /></a><br />
</center><center><br />
</center><center><b><br />
</b></center><center><b>I am linking with these great parties:</b></center><center><br />
</center><center><br />
</center></div><a href="http://organizeyourstuffnow.com/"><img alt="Organize and Decorate Everything" border="0" height="100" mce_src="http://organizeyourstuffnow.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/SS852700.jpg" src="http://organizeyourstuffnow.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/SS852700.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img height="100" src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t99/tonihammersley/BFOLprojectbutton.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://delightfulorder.blogspot.com/"><img height="100" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-D5fANCcEMK8/TWkrcVOXL-I/AAAAAAAABJk/v66BBtOIEaI/s1600/Inspiring+Thursday.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="HookingupwithHoH" height="100" src="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/HookinupwithHoHnew2.png" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/" target="_blank" title="Somewhat Simple"><img alt="Somewhat Simple" height="100" src="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a342/stephd757/linkpartythursday.png" width="100" /></a><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="100" src="http://tatertotsandjello.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/978446890_7b2ZN-O2.png" width="100" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The Shabby Nest" height="100" src="http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j480/theshabbynest/Shabby%20Nest%20Blog%205-2011/ShabbyNest-GrabButton.png" width="100" /></a><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" title="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating"><img 100"="" a="" alt=" height=" chic="" decorating"="" on="" shoestring="" src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/flaunt_it_friday_button.jpg" style="border: none;" width="100" /></a><a href="http://happy-go-lucky-harvey.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Happy Go Lucky" border="0" height="100" src="http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m13/harveyusn/shine3.png" width="100" /></a><a href="http://sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh517/CamilleBeckstrand/sistersatbutton.png" width="103" /></a><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/" title="It's Overflowing"><img 100"="" alt="height=" it's="" overflowing"="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-exkXv5mh-pI/Tv5CEGloa3I/AAAAAAAAAFo/8QZy-sOe3kw/s1600/Untitled-5.jpg" style="border: none;" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=3723897648120100265&postID=769691732740058009&from=pencil" title="Link Party"><img alt="Link Party" height="100" src="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/sundae-scoop.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial;" title="Link Party" /></a><a href="http://www.thesoutherninstitute.com/search/label/CreativeMeMonday" target="_blank"><img alt="The Southern Institute" height="100" src="http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i457/thesoutherninstitute/CreativeMebutton.gif" /></a><a border="0" href="http://embellishinglifeeveryday.blogspot.com/search/label/craft%20catwalk" target="_blank"><img height="100" src="http://i901.photobucket.com/albums/ac214/sbs10/embellishinglife/Embellishing-Life---Etsy-Button1.png" /></a><a href="http://www.craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> <img alt="Keeping It Simple" border="0" height="100" src="http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad206/kaysinerwt/th_DSCF63832.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/search/label/Link%20Parties" target="_blank"><img alt="UndertheTableandDreaming" border="0" height="100" src="http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv298/theliebertfamily/party.png" /></a><a border="0" href="http://petitehermine.blogspot.com/search/label/sunday%20linky%20party" target="_blank"><img height="100" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_ZMIJiSZYVNM/TUXeyWZW4wI/AAAAAAAAAHM/QzwFegZBYZg/PH_linky.jpg" width="100" /></a><a border="0" href="http://nv-craftenvy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img height="100" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4812186467_7c4547652c_o.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.brassyapple.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v714/mycreations/Blog/makeitmondaylogo.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The Girl Creative" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/thegirlcreative/tgc_button_grab_jan2012.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://diyshowoff.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The DIY Show Off" border="0" height="100" src="http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac195/Roeshel/DIYShowOffbuttonsmall.jpg" /></a><a href="http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo161/CalamityAnne/debbiedoosnewbieparty1.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.cherishedbliss.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Craft & Tell" border="0" height="100" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oxmCrXYQuTE/Ttgq1fR7FQI/AAAAAAAABHM/sebjlQ4mXEM/s1600/craft_tell.png" /></a> <a href="http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/" title="Sumo's Sweet stuff"><img alt="Sumo's Sweet Stuff" height="100" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ijWO7vu6KLI/TesHijlv-RI/AAAAAAAABE4/QHpxKZ2cdng/Button.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><img height="100" src="http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/blog-buttons.jpg" /></a><a border="0" href="http://thekurtzcorner.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa386/asmith0341/blogbutton.jpg" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Tuesday To Do Party" height="100" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5171/5510086154_5717620675_m.jpg" width="100" /></a><a border="0" height="100" href="http://www.thesasselife.com/" target="_blank"><img height="100" src="http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l611/thesasselife/button2-001.jpg" /> </a><a href="http://madeinaday.com/" title="made in a day"><img alt="made in a day" height="100" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j403/madeinaday/jute12223.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a>cathhasablog@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10498514900596476016noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723897648120100265.post-78284681689268353512012-01-26T20:21:00.000-08:002012-01-30T10:11:37.535-08:00Sick Day...Ugh<div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"></div><br />
First you may want to read a little background of why I started this blog, it will help you understand why even on a good day, I'm feeling pretty lousy right now and why having this cold on top of it sucks big time!...You can read it <a href="http://cathhasablog.blogspot.com/p/background-info.html" target="_blank">Here</a>.<br />
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Yesterday and Today I have been sick with a really bad cold and sinus infection (just what I needed!). But as many of you know, mom's don't get a day off (well not really). Here's a day in the life of a sicky mom:<br />
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<b>6:50am - Force myself out of bed and head downstairs to make the kids school lunches. Gag on oil of oregano.</b><br />
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</center><center style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2sriSYsEuhU/TyHNgpJyI8I/AAAAAAAAAPE/FzbwOgsONBk/s1600/SDC16391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2sriSYsEuhU/TyHNgpJyI8I/AAAAAAAAAPE/FzbwOgsONBk/s640/SDC16391.JPG" width="640" /></a><b>7:15am -</b> <b>Grab my favourite mug and pour myself a coffee. (Yes I really do feel as bad as I look!)</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>7:30am - Feed kids breakfast...make sure they have on clean underwear and brush their teeth! (they try to be sneaky...but don't they know that I know all the tricks...in fact I may have invented some of them!)</b></center><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b>8:00am - Grab crock-pot for Go-To Easiest Dinner ever....my pulled pork. For the easy recipe go <a href="http://cathhasablog.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-easy-go-to-dinner.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</b></span></b><br />
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<b style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">8:15am - Boot kids out the door for school. Breathe. sigh. of. relief.</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4h2VYPZa0WU/TybW3UHvRzI/AAAAAAAAAQs/8-Qp6PxE92g/s1600/Maya+waiving+goodbye.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4h2VYPZa0WU/TybW3UHvRzI/AAAAAAAAAQs/8-Qp6PxE92g/s640/Maya+waiving+goodbye.JPG" width="480" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LKzsRQGCvuI/TyIvPmrDuRI/AAAAAAAAAQM/GQvhDQnFAF8/s1600/SDC16353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LKzsRQGCvuI/TyIvPmrDuRI/AAAAAAAAAQM/GQvhDQnFAF8/s640/SDC16353.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He's not really crying, he's being "funny" for the photo op!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>8:30am - Eat some breakfast....take vitamin C, multi-V, iron and bcomplex....drink lots of water.</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>9:00am - Crawl back to bed. Work on blog on laptop...try to snooze but with no success (kind of hard when I can't breath).</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jodipicoult.com/images/covers/hwc-400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.jodipicoult.com/images/covers/hwc-400.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br />
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</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>11:00am - Give up trying to sleep...do next best thing...read book that I'm loving <a href="http://www.jodipicoult.com/handle-with-care.html" target="_blank">(Jodi Picoult's "Handle with Care)</a>.</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>11:45am - Steam myself in bathroom to try and relieve some pressure in my sinuses...no luck. Pop more tylenol.</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>12:15pm - Throw in a load of laundry. Fold and put away the clean stuff.</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K8ReKd7I4aY/TyHNlwVtE3I/AAAAAAAAAPc/h42DJYoxtEA/s1600/SDC16424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b>12:45pm - Heat up some yummy, homemade, yellow pea soup and make some toast for lunch. (I will post the recipe in a future post..it's REALLY good!)</b><br />
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<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/-QTKLaBxjLrY/TyHNuCs5EII/AAAAAAAAAP8/RRsvfJtVDcg/s1600/SDC16429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QTKLaBxjLrY/TyHNuCs5EII/AAAAAAAAAP8/RRsvfJtVDcg/s400/SDC16429.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;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While the soup is heating, stare blankly at the hole above the fireplace and wonder for the thousandth time...why did the builders put that square hole there? Why didn't I insist they fill it in with drywall? How should I decorate it? OH! Microwave is beeping!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3HqTRGs8m1s/TyHNpnIMAQI/AAAAAAAAAPs/J-lbN9Sjggk/s1600/SDC16427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3HqTRGs8m1s/TyHNpnIMAQI/AAAAAAAAAPs/J-lbN9Sjggk/s640/SDC16427.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0y1Pje9XAi8/TyHNr6E4KkI/AAAAAAAAAP0/74kalh1A_rg/s1600/SDC16428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0y1Pje9XAi8/TyHNr6E4KkI/AAAAAAAAAP0/74kalh1A_rg/s640/SDC16428.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><b><br />
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<b>1:00pm - Feel totally ripped off because I can't taste my yummy soup. This would be a good time to eat brussell sprouts (yuck!).</b><br />
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<b>1:30pm - Work on blog.</b><br />
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</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2:00pm - Shower and get dressed (yes I was in my pj's this whole time!)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2:30pm - Leave to go pick up kids from school.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2:45pm - Hit the grocery store to pick up fresh buns and salad to go with dinner (bribe kids with gum)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>3:30pm - Get home and unload groceries. Remember that I promised Matthew we would make homemade playdough together. (I had already bailed on him yesterday cause I was feeling so sick).</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>4:00pm - Make <strike>a big mess</strike> playdough with Matthew (this is for a whole other post) but here's a sneak peak:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--6lu6ygaUlQ/TyH_pUmCK_I/AAAAAAAAAQE/0NAKenocWlE/s1600/SDC16463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--6lu6ygaUlQ/TyH_pUmCK_I/AAAAAAAAAQE/0NAKenocWlE/s640/SDC16463.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't he cute?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><b>4:45pm - Clean up big mess. Start vacuuming everywhere, cause, hey, it's in my hand anyway! Stop vacuuming when hit with a cold sweat.</b></div><b><br />
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<b>5:00pm - Laundry into dryer. </b><br />
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<b style="text-align: left;">5:30pm - Shred up the pork for dinner, prepare salad and buns.</b><br />
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</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>5:45pm - Hubby home...not looking too good, seems to be sick too :(</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>6:00pm - Eat dinner with family.</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>6:30pm - Hubby heads to bed (2 parents down!)</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>6:45pm - Clean up dinner dishes with kids (not too many with this meal...yay!)</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>7:00pm - Homework help....my brain is fuzzy, I'm starting to hit a wall. Oh Dear.</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>8:00pm - Michael usually gets the kids ready for bed...but not tonight. I would so like to head back to bed...and try to sleep! Soon...soon. Oh please let me sleep and wake up without this headache!</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>8:10pm - Watch clock and wait for 8:30pm so I can tuck Matthew in. </b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>8:20pm - Almost cry because HTML is giving me grief. Oh well....Publish this blog post anyways.</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
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</b></center><center style="text-align: center;"><b>Any miracle cures out there for sinus colds? Please share!</b></center><center><br />
</center><center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center></div>cathhasablog@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10498514900596476016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723897648120100265.post-21139570021698783402012-01-24T17:03:00.000-08:002012-01-24T17:17:13.156-08:00My Very First Blog Award!!<div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">Well this has totally made my day! Hilary over at <a href="http://richardsfam4.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Richards Family Est. 2011</a> blog has</span><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"> presented me with my first blog award! Please swing by and visit her blog (and say hi from me!), she has some DIY tutorials that you will LOVE.</span></span><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3KkKMWquIV8/TxuwUQsEosI/AAAAAAAAAT4/vHK_P1vx-vU/s1600/Liebsterblog-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #bf0000; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="109" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3KkKMWquIV8/TxuwUQsEosI/AAAAAAAAAT4/vHK_P1vx-vU/s320/Liebsterblog-1.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">The word "Liebster" is German and means "dearest" or "beloved" but it can also mean "favourite". The idea of the Liebster award is to bring attention to blogs with less than 200 followers. So, in the spirit of good fun I am passing this award on to five other bloggers. Please stop by and visit them.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;">The Rules are:<br />
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1. Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.<br />
2. Reveal your five picks for the award and let them know.<br />
3. Post the award on your blog.<br />
4. Bask in the love from the most supportive people on the blogshare-other bloggers.<br />
5. Finally and the best rule of all..........have fun and spread the love!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"></span></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>My five picks for the Liebster award are:</b></span><br />
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<div style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span">1. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Amy @ </span><a href="http://eatsleepdecorate.blogspot.com/2012/01/for-love-of_20.html" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Eat Sleep Decorate</a></span></div><div style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Chessa @ <a href="http://antsi-pants.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Antsi-Pants</a></span></span></div><div style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Heidi @ <a href="http://allthatbringsjoy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">All That Brings Joy</a></span></div><div style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Mikalah @ <a href="http://posytheporcelainpig.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Posy The Porcelain Pig</a></span></div><div style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">5. Liz @ </span><a href="http://alittlepeaceofhome.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">A Little Peace of Home</a></span><br />
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These blogs are amazing, with lots of design and DIY tips, so head on over and check them out!!</div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div></div>,<br />
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<center><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></center></div>cathhasablog@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10498514900596476016noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723897648120100265.post-9305612259517247422012-01-23T12:31:00.000-08:002012-02-01T20:39:35.249-08:00Free Valentine's Day PrintablesLet me first declare..."I love free printables!" I only discovered them in December (mock as you will..:), and I had such a good time using them to decorate for Christmas. They are an extremely easy and inexpensive way to decorate for any holiday or celebration. The best part? They're FREE! You don't have to buy new frames for them, just use the ones you have already have. You can also get free printables for cards, invitations, labels, banners etc.... <br />
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I have tons of free printables collected for all occasions on my Pinterest board which you will be directed to if you click<a href="http://pinterest.com/mcvandas/" target="_blank"> HERE</a>. Please swing by and become a follower!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here are 20 Free Valentine's Day Printables </span><i>(plus a bonus!)</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">:</span></b> </div><div style="text-align: center;">(Please be so kind to thank the creator when you go to download them...and say "hi!" from me! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"> Number 1. </span></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd257/libbon/valentineprinnnnt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd257/libbon/valentineprinnnnt.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(via <a href="http://libby-bonjour.blogspot.com/2011/01/photobucket_26.html" target="_blank">Bonjour Blog</a>)</div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"> Number 2. </span></b><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NPDmhH3KNYE/Txl9s-B_WbI/AAAAAAAAMxE/qrEC-TcT440/s1600/love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NPDmhH3KNYE/Txl9s-B_WbI/AAAAAAAAMxE/qrEC-TcT440/s640/love.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(via <a href="http://www.52mantels.com/2012/01/free-love-inspired-printable.html" target="_blank">52 Mantels</a>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"> Number 3. </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jJbCwnW-fls/TT5bRrNn15I/AAAAAAAAFYs/pTlBBCpNxsM/s1600/loveisred.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jJbCwnW-fls/TT5bRrNn15I/AAAAAAAAFYs/pTlBBCpNxsM/s640/loveisred.jpg" width="618" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(via <a href="http://www.honeybearlane.com/2011/01/love-is-valentines-printable.html" target="_blank">Honey Bear Lane</a>)</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"> Number 4. </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PU-h8EpSOpI/Tx2mwOb4uGI/AAAAAAAAAMs/SbVGw9bCV8c/s1600/Printable+All+you+need+is+LOVE+-+Sprik+Space.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PU-h8EpSOpI/Tx2mwOb4uGI/AAAAAAAAAMs/SbVGw9bCV8c/s640/Printable+All+you+need+is+LOVE+-+Sprik+Space.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(via <a href="http://sprik.blogspot.com/2011/01/just-because-16.html" target="_blank">Sprik Space</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"> Number 5. </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iexl_ZWSnzk/Tx2uzxexP5I/AAAAAAAAANM/kUJJdWT2GbU/s1600/Printable+-+I+love+you+more+Krysta+5x7+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iexl_ZWSnzk/Tx2uzxexP5I/AAAAAAAAANM/kUJJdWT2GbU/s640/Printable+-+I+love+you+more+Krysta+5x7+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">(via <a href="http://jandaandco.blogspot.com/2011/11/bathroom-printables-download-working.html" target="_blank">J & A and Company</a>)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"> Number 6. </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aw8UWGz6TVE/Tx2oAArUGtI/AAAAAAAAAM0/WDyMUqNC6aA/s1600/Printable+-+Love+Is+Spoken+Here+-+8x10+-+Petal+Pink+-+Sprik+Space.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aw8UWGz6TVE/Tx2oAArUGtI/AAAAAAAAAM0/WDyMUqNC6aA/s640/Printable+-+Love+Is+Spoken+Here+-+8x10+-+Petal+Pink+-+Sprik+Space.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(via <a href="http://sprik.blogspot.com/2011/01/just-because-16.html" target="_blank">Sprik Space</a>)</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"> Number 7. </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vBmabj8SjkE/Tx2oxJ38fRI/AAAAAAAAAM8/SYQyWV_o35U/s1600/Printable+-+be+mine.+-+blue+-+Sprik+Space.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vBmabj8SjkE/Tx2oxJ38fRI/AAAAAAAAAM8/SYQyWV_o35U/s640/Printable+-+be+mine.+-+blue+-+Sprik+Space.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(via <a href="http://sprik.blogspot.com/2011/02/just-because-23.html" target="_blank">Sprik Space</a>)</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"> Number 8. </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SpisePTLC9I/Txe3zB3is3I/AAAAAAAADnI/WnPkAfxNk10/s1600/vday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SpisePTLC9I/Txe3zB3is3I/AAAAAAAADnI/WnPkAfxNk10/s640/vday.jpg" width="518" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(via <a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/2012/01/free-valentines-printable-and-visiting-tatertots-jello.html" target="_blank">The 36th Avenue</a>)</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"> Number 9. </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DLKlrz1WM8o/Tx2rGMqBMQI/AAAAAAAAANE/GgZcfTrTLSo/s1600/Printable+-+love+and+stuff-+black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DLKlrz1WM8o/Tx2rGMqBMQI/AAAAAAAAANE/GgZcfTrTLSo/s640/Printable+-+love+and+stuff-+black.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(via <a href="http://tatteredandinked.blogspot.com/2012/01/just-wanted-to-tell-you-i-love-youand.html" target="_blank">Tattered and Inked</a>)</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"> Number 10. </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mEQ5H8-uS58/TxbxaGYwitI/AAAAAAAABIo/DGDoyicpPqI/s1600/valentinesprint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mEQ5H8-uS58/TxbxaGYwitI/AAAAAAAABIo/DGDoyicpPqI/s640/valentinesprint.jpg" width="432" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(via <a href="http://www.evelynkatedesigns.com/2012/01/valentines-day-art-free-printable.html" target="_blank">Evelyn Kate Designs</a>)</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"> Number 11.</span></b></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/-8FDv2H6bseE/Tx2vHbULDVI/AAAAAAAAANU/txL3zu2aBrI/s1600/Printable+Love+is+Spoken+Here+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8FDv2H6bseE/Tx2vHbULDVI/AAAAAAAAANU/txL3zu2aBrI/s640/Printable+Love+is+Spoken+Here+copy.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(via <a href="http://jandaandco.blogspot.com/2011/11/bathroom-printables-download-working.html" target="_blank">J & A and Company</a>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"> Number 12.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd515/Megan_Bray/Valentines_Giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd515/Megan_Bray/Valentines_Giveaway.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(via <a href="http://www.balancinghome.com/2012/01/free-printable-giveaway-winner.html" target="_blank">Balancing Home</a>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"> Number 13.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4WFsYtTh3Tk/TxXMM8_vCLI/AAAAAAAABck/NEJ7CG0uUIw/s1600/love+birds+printable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4WFsYtTh3Tk/TxXMM8_vCLI/AAAAAAAABck/NEJ7CG0uUIw/s640/love+birds+printable.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(via <a href="http://thecraftedsparrow.blogspot.com/2012/01/valentines-day-is-just-around-corner-so.html" target="_blank">The Crafted Sparrow</a>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"> Number 14.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sUkwuZCOe8k/TxW7OaP5tYI/AAAAAAAABcM/5pymWi_gZfA/s1600/valentines+day+subway+art+pink+and+gray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sUkwuZCOe8k/TxW7OaP5tYI/AAAAAAAABcM/5pymWi_gZfA/s640/valentines+day+subway+art+pink+and+gray.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(via <a href="http://thecraftedsparrow.blogspot.com/2012/01/valentines-day-is-just-around-corner-so.html" target="_blank">The Crafted Sparrow</a>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"> Number 15.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LXN9_Ww0hjw/Tx25hHsCBvI/AAAAAAAAANc/9OQkT0MaBjM/s1600/Printable-+ABC+I+Love+You+-+8x10+-+Sprik+Space.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LXN9_Ww0hjw/Tx25hHsCBvI/AAAAAAAAANc/9OQkT0MaBjM/s640/Printable-+ABC+I+Love+You+-+8x10+-+Sprik+Space.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(via <a href="http://sprik.blogspot.com/search/label/just%20because%20series" target="_blank">Sprik Space</a>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"> Number 16.</span></b></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/-3IEV34Ye6TM/Tx25lngBEsI/AAAAAAAAANk/kTSD60Xub6g/s1600/Printable+-+you%2527ve+got+my+heart+on+a+string+-+Sprik+Space_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3IEV34Ye6TM/Tx25lngBEsI/AAAAAAAAANk/kTSD60Xub6g/s640/Printable+-+you%2527ve+got+my+heart+on+a+string+-+Sprik+Space_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(via <a href="http://sprik.blogspot.com/search/label/just%20because%20series" target="_blank">Sprik Space</a>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"> Number 17.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_75w4rBnSrWg/TT3k72mxUGI/AAAAAAAAD5g/GVhjfv08Ge0/s1600/Love+Heart+Print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_75w4rBnSrWg/TT3k72mxUGI/AAAAAAAAD5g/GVhjfv08Ge0/s640/Love+Heart+Print.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(via <a href="http://befickle.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-01-25T13%3A15%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=10" target="_blank">The Fickle Pickle</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"> Number 18.</span></b></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/_75w4rBnSrWg/TTYYz0K1wwI/AAAAAAAAD5Y/Dsc9XWRuRLI/s1600/ReaL+LoVe+StOries+Print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_75w4rBnSrWg/TTYYz0K1wwI/AAAAAAAAD5Y/Dsc9XWRuRLI/s640/ReaL+LoVe+StOries+Print.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">(via <a href="http://befickle.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-01-25T13%3A15%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=10" target="_blank">The Fickle Pickle</a>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"> Number 19.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fffGW9rpvcA/TSS-6hKjrQI/AAAAAAAAEFM/E1oAVudAMuk/s1600/keep+calm-valentine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fffGW9rpvcA/TSS-6hKjrQI/AAAAAAAAEFM/E1oAVudAMuk/s640/keep+calm-valentine.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">(via <a href="http://handsonhousewife.blogspot.com/2011/01/is-it-valentines-day-yet.html" target="_blank">The Hands-On Housewife</a>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"> Number 20.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iMWvsYf-ETw/Tx28iBnJ1jI/AAAAAAAAANs/D2Izx7wxtPI/s1600/Printable+-+Love+one+another.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iMWvsYf-ETw/Tx28iBnJ1jI/AAAAAAAAANs/D2Izx7wxtPI/s640/Printable+-+Love+one+another.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(via <a href="http://www.beckyhiggins.com/blog/2011/01/hello-valentine/" target="_blank">Becky Higgins</a>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><i>And now for all you Pride and Prejudice Lovers </i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><i>out there (like me!), a love note from Mr. Darcy:</i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red; color: white;"> BONUS!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rL-stLU5tak/Tx3BY3LUWRI/AAAAAAAAAN0/Xrg0WcE4S44/s1600/Printable+-+Mr.-Darcy-Quote-printable_thumb2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rL-stLU5tak/Tx3BY3LUWRI/AAAAAAAAAN0/Xrg0WcE4S44/s640/Printable+-+Mr.-Darcy-Quote-printable_thumb2.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>(via <a href="http://alemonsqueezyhome.blogspot.com/2011/01/you-must-allow-me-to-tell-you-how.html" target="_blank">A Lemon Squeezy Home</a>)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Enjoy! Happy Printing!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>I will be linking up with these GREAT parties:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="HookingupwithHoH" height="110" src="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/HookinupwithHoHnew2.png" width="110" /></a><a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank" title="Somewhat Simple"><img alt="Somewhat Simple" height="110" src="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a342/stephd757/linkpartythursday.png" width="110" /></a><a href="http://delightfulorder.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img height="110" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-D5fANCcEMK8/TWkrcVOXL-I/AAAAAAAABJk/v66BBtOIEaI/s200/Inspiring+Thursday.jpg" width="110" /></a><a border="0" href="http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img height="110" src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t99/tonihammersley/BFOLprojectbutton.jpg" width="110" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank" title="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating"><img alt="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating" height="110" src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/flaunt_it_friday_button.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial;" width="110" /></a><a border="0" href="http://thesasselife.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img height="110" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/1z4kgmb.jpg" width="110" /></a><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="110" src="http://tatertotsandjello.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/978446890_7b2ZN-O2.png" width="110" /></a><a href="http://sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="110" src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh517/CamilleBeckstrand/sistersatbutton.png" style="cursor: move;" width="110" /></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="shabby creek cottage" border="0" height="110" src="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb119/tightwadtips/SCCTTBadge.png" width="110" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<a href="http://www.hopestudios.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="110" src="http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss202/hopestudios/2-2.jpg" width="110" /></a><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.%20com/" target="_blank" title="It's Overflowing"><imgsrc="http: -exkxv5mh-pi="" 1.bp.blogspot.com="" 8qzy-soe3kw="" aaaaaaaaafo="" alt="It's Overflowing" s1600="" style="border: none;" tv5cegloa3i="" untitled-5.jpg"=""></imgsrc="http:></a><a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The 36th Avenue" height="110" src="http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae80/desireecampbell05/36thWPButton-1-1-1.jpg" width="110" /></a> <a href="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="110" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad357/NoMinimalist/houseart-2.jpg" width="110" /></a><a href="http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="The Shabby Nest" height="110" src="http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j480/theshabbynest/Shabby%20Nest%20Blog%205-2011/ShabbyNest-GrabButton.png" width="110" /></a><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><img height="110" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vk7b0eb36c8/S-Dt8w4FjkI/AAAAAAAAAKE/A5wquzXhr4g/s320/wgw+button.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://southernlovely.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q37/schoenfelds/showandshare.jpg" width="100" /></a><a border="0" href="http://www.sugaranddots.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img height="110" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/g00dy2sh0es/button200.jpg" width="110" /></a> <a href="http://diyshowoff.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The DIY Show Off" border="0" height="110" src="http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac195/Roeshel/DIYShowOffbuttonsmall.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=3723897648120100265&postID=769691732740058009&from=pencil" title="Link Party"><img alt="Link Party" height="110" src="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/sundae-scoop.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial;" title="Link Party" /></a><a href="http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Sumo's Sweet stuff"><img alt="Sumo's Sweet Stuff" height="110" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ijWO7vu6KLI/TesHijlv-RI/AAAAAAAABE4/QHpxKZ2cdng/Button.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial;" /></a><a href="http://www.thesoutherninstitute.com/search/label/CreativeMeMonday" target="_blank"><img alt="The Southern Institute" height="110" src="http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i457/thesoutherninstitute/CreativeMebutton.gif" /> </a><a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The Girl Creative" height="110" src="http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l639/thegirlcreative/tgc_button_grab_jan2012.jpg" width="110" /></a> <a href="http://happy-go-lucky-harvey.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Happy Go Lucky" border="0" height="110" src="http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m13/harveyusn/shine3.png" /></a> <a border="0" height="110" href="http://reasonstoskipthehousework.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img height="110" src="http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/ad308/azparis3/link-party.jpg" /></a><a border="0" href="http://www.askannamoseley.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff398/askannamoseley/th_Weekendwarriorbuttonsmall.jpg" width="110" /></a>cathhasablog@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10498514900596476016noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723897648120100265.post-24786251600224399492012-01-21T15:51:00.000-08:002012-01-24T16:02:06.072-08:00Homework - Sometimes it's the little things...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The homework hour in our house has always been...let's see, how do I say this......um...Challenging! My daughter, Maya, really struggles with it, she hates homework, I know most kids say they hate homework, but she REALLY does...with a capital "H"! I dread that time of day and it often ends in fights or tears. So I was thinking this week, what can I do to make it not as sucky, and I decided to make her a homework caddy...just for her. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The inspiration for this idea came from Angie over at <a href="http://applevalleygirl.blogspot.com/search/label/organizational%20projects" target="_blank">Echoes of Laughter</a>. If you've never been to her blog...it is one of my faves...make sure you drop by! (And say hi from me!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</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/-uYpaENNXRAE/Txs597aJmqI/AAAAAAAAAMk/vwDVZQ1OqCU/s1600/Homework+Caddy+Edit+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uYpaENNXRAE/Txs597aJmqI/AAAAAAAAAMk/vwDVZQ1OqCU/s640/Homework+Caddy+Edit+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">One of the frustrations during the homework hour, is not being able to find things or forgetting to bring things home from school. So the homework caddy is somewhere that houses all the supplies she needs including the "fine liner" (which always seemed to go missing!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">It is kept in our newly organized <a href="http://cathhasablog.blogspot.com/2012/01/art-closet-reveal-before-and-after.html" target="_blank">art closet</a>, she grabs it to do her homework and puts it back when she's done. Nothing in the homework caddy is ever used for anything other than homework.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>To my surprise, this homework caddy has actually made a big difference. I think she likes that it is just hers and who doesn't like school supplies!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N_T90tm7i5U/Txs58z0CcxI/AAAAAAAAAMU/-kL6XwpNmJc/s1600/Homework+Caddy+Edit+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N_T90tm7i5U/Txs58z0CcxI/AAAAAAAAAMU/-kL6XwpNmJc/s640/Homework+Caddy+Edit+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Other than buying dollar store basket and the supplies (a lot of it I already had around the house), the only work it entailed was making a cute label. Which let's be honest....not my most creative work, but it works! Can I just say that I love my label maker. I wish I could just label everything in the house....<br />
MICROWAVE!! TOASTER!! DOOR!! ya....maybe not. :) hehe<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JYpPxiOCtUE/Txs59TucSAI/AAAAAAAAAMc/ORaoIeg40Vs/s1600/Homework+Caddy+Edit+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JYpPxiOCtUE/Txs59TucSAI/AAAAAAAAAMc/ORaoIeg40Vs/s1600/Homework+Caddy+Edit+2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">What do you do to make homework easier in your house? Tell me <i>everything</i>!!<br />
<br />
I've linked up here:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img height="200" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/rebeccaanncooper/simple_button1_150px-1.jpg" width="200" /></a><img height="200" src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t99/tonihammersley/BFOLprojectbutton.jpg" width="200" /></div><br />
<div align=""><a href="http://www.crystalandcomp.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://crystalandcomp.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_18/custom/images/button3.png" title="Crystal & Co" width="200" /></a></div>cathhasablog@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10498514900596476016noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3723897648120100265.post-7696917327400580092012-01-19T12:08:00.002-08:002012-03-16T11:09:23.251-07:00Feature Wall - Painted Stripes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My favourite feature wall in our home is in our girls bedroom. Whenever people see the striped wall they <u>always</u> think it's wallpaper...but it's not!! My beautiful sister-in-law, <a href="http://annavandas.com/home2/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1" target="_blank">Anna</a>, and I painted it together. Now I must give credit where credit is due...<a href="http://annavandas.com/home2/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1" target="_blank">Anna</a> is a professional artist and without her this wall would have been a huge FAIL! :) She is an incredibly talented artist and singer, you must go and check out her <a href="http://annavandas.com/home2/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1" target="_blank">blog </a>to see her paintings and listen to her music....her work is incredibly inspiring!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</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/-a3ccDrBEdok/TxhokZtpOAI/AAAAAAAAAKc/7RYBuK-frG8/s1600/Striped+Wall+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a3ccDrBEdok/TxhokZtpOAI/AAAAAAAAAKc/7RYBuK-frG8/s640/Striped+Wall+2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><b>The Colours: </b> Anna and I brought all of our cans of leftover house paints together and played around until we found a combo we loved. At first we were going to stay with the neutrals but then last minute we decided to throw in just a few stripes of bright purple to really give it a POP! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><b>Our final colours were:</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/tranquility" target="_blank">Benjamin Moore - Tranquility</a> (the entire room was painted this colour first)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/whitallbrown" target="_blank">Benjamin Moore - Whitall Brown</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/philadelphiacream" target="_blank">Benjamin Moore - Philadelphia Cream</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-ca/for-your-home/colour-gallery?cd=CC-638&col=DC" target="_blank">Benjamin Moore - Sesame</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/passionplum" target="_blank">Benjamin Moore - Passion Plum</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.colorcharts.org/ccorg/resources/colors.aspx?companyid=124478&lineid=877&cbn=5XM8-XFQ8-DGMW" target="_blank">General Paint - Chocolate Brown</a></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/-rH8wld85EYY/Txhokw-Ej0I/AAAAAAAAAKk/TyOg7qGCCQg/s1600/Striped+Wall+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rH8wld85EYY/Txhokw-Ej0I/AAAAAAAAAKk/TyOg7qGCCQg/s640/Striped+Wall+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The hardest part was keeping the lines straight...definitely a 2 person job!<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The secret weapon of perfect stripes?....<a href="http://www.frogtape.com/" target="_blank">Frog Tape</a>! Not just ordinary painters tape (which sometimes bleed)..nope don't do it! Frog Tape is a little more expensive, but is is SO worth it. (no...I'm not getting paid to say this!:). Seriously, I will never go back to the basic tape again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-CNlXL96RQ/TxhzwraZV4I/AAAAAAAAALE/5dXQdVyzrZc/s1600/multi-purpose.ashx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-CNlXL96RQ/TxhzwraZV4I/AAAAAAAAALE/5dXQdVyzrZc/s1600/multi-purpose.ashx.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And the view from the top of the stairs....sigh..so pretty. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDmsdBk7i30/TxhonAM1U9I/AAAAAAAAAK0/G90qn_uItrQ/s1600/Striped+Wall+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDmsdBk7i30/TxhonAM1U9I/AAAAAAAAAK0/G90qn_uItrQ/s640/Striped+Wall+5.JPG" width="416" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><b>Now if I could only get the girls to keep their room clean!</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> (P.S. The chandelier was a $10 garage sale find! LOVE finding sweet deals!)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>I have linked up with these GREAT parties:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="HookingupwithHoH" height="110" src="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/HookinupwithHoHnew2.png" width="110" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank" title="Somewhat Simple"><img alt="Somewhat Simple" height="110" src="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a342/stephd757/linkpartythursday.png" width="110" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://delightfulorder.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img height="110" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-D5fANCcEMK8/TWkrcVOXL-I/AAAAAAAABJk/v66BBtOIEaI/s200/Inspiring+Thursday.jpg" width="110" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a border="0" href="http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img height="110" src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t99/tonihammersley/BFOLprojectbutton.jpg" width="110" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank" title="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating"><img alt="Chic on a Shoestring Decorating" height="110" src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae163/kstrieg/flaunt_it_friday_button.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial;" width="110" /></a><a border="0" href="http://thesasselife.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img height="110" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/1z4kgmb.jpg" width="110" /></a><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="110" src="http://tatertotsandjello.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/978446890_7b2ZN-O2.png" width="110" /></a><a href="http://sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="110" src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh517/CamilleBeckstrand/sistersatbutton.png" width="110" /></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="shabby creek cottage" border="0" height="110" src="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb119/tightwadtips/SCCTTBadge.png" width="110" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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