tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82160662867445798472024-03-05T19:01:03.362-06:00a mess of thingsaltered art created by francie skoflanca mess of thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641925198112840355noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8216066286744579847.post-19796560035158082992016-03-07T09:17:00.000-06:002016-03-07T09:17:14.922-06:00Spring PlanterWe've been having some wonderful, crazy weather in Illinois this year. Yesterday starts 15 days of temps in the upper 50's to upper 60's and I am loving it! Imagine 60's in March.<br />
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Sunday I just could not resist taking the old Christmas greens out of my front urns and start decorating for spring. They look gorgeous and I'm going to show you step by step how I did it. Can't take all the credit for the idea...It was a Pinterest post. You can view it on the original website post <a href="http://www.settingforfour.com/4-tips-to-enhance-your-front-entry-outdoor-seating-and-decor/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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So here is what my beautiful bare urns look like after I cleansed them out. I left the dirt in so I could use as a base to shove my stems in.<br />
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Next I took some very tall pussy willow stems that I ordered from <a href="http://www.joann.com/homepage?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=joanns&utm_campaign=Brand&002=2365735&004=2206806123&005=89902220&006=55956813483&007=Search&008=&025=c&026=&gclid=CNKTzqPrrssCFQKTaQodRwkMEQ" target="_blank">JoAnns</a> and poked them in the middle for height. At first I thought they may be too tall but they worked out perfect in the end. All of my supplies were from JoAnns website.</div>
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Then I created the second "layer" using forsythia picks. I used three picks in each urn. I eventually found some real pussy willow stems that I had used last year. They were hiding in my storage shed so I added them to what I already had. Corkscrew willow stems or other delicate wood stems would work well with or without the pussy willows.</div>
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I added some Spanish moss to fill the pot. It's starting to look fabulous!</div>
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I used a long viney garland and wrapped around the entire base of the urn twice. The vine hangs over the urn slightly. That's it! I was done with both urns in about 15 minutes and they really look nice. Total cost for each urn was around $50 but I will use for a few years. You could change it up by adding some bird and nest picks, fairy picks, even Easter eggs. The possibilities are endless. </div>
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a mess of thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641925198112840355noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8216066286744579847.post-88535514728619235592015-05-05T15:11:00.005-05:002015-05-06T11:41:19.068-05:00Cera's Shower<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cozy seating areas just right for some sips and snacks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPPATTTn928rY23sP6shCaiS7d_8Nqd_9KKUqZc-S09YTIjKWB0E0zOPDk6AAuWHEzHtUca43XE0F-YPYoDTO52NlxAef3iRuImM62q2-a_r9BF8QIfZwYkoKLbhV4JzcKNnM-mADCSQV/s1600/image2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPPATTTn928rY23sP6shCaiS7d_8Nqd_9KKUqZc-S09YTIjKWB0E0zOPDk6AAuWHEzHtUca43XE0F-YPYoDTO52NlxAef3iRuImM62q2-a_r9BF8QIfZwYkoKLbhV4JzcKNnM-mADCSQV/s1600/image2.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handkerchief valance gives the perfect vintage flair to the long windows that surround the tea room.</td></tr>
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Just went to the most fabulous shower on Saturday at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LettyMaesTeaRoom/timeline?ref=page_internal" target="_blank">Letty Mae's Tea Room</a> in Morris, Il. If you haven't been there it is a must stop! It is like stepping back into your auntie's kitchen! This is their new location tucked right in the middle of the block in the downtown area. Great food and cozy atmosphere.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4A2ntE3F_GBZ7HysLRZTihe9Y61ro8Cz1V85KdpC08-8qE-mwUVmDJtFIgfiTcLFlqVqreuDar4ibgdUbV1Sb12EXdn65QU9EBpmGj17fCQgITDrEJduz6YUneyBWjkUA1G4sSwa4Fll/s1600/image3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4A2ntE3F_GBZ7HysLRZTihe9Y61ro8Cz1V85KdpC08-8qE-mwUVmDJtFIgfiTcLFlqVqreuDar4ibgdUbV1Sb12EXdn65QU9EBpmGj17fCQgITDrEJduz6YUneyBWjkUA1G4sSwa4Fll/s1600/image3.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cera and some of her bridesmaids.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SRalSP3Mg3RFX9RzFnjm4o1VrQcdRGDYa_cPKnKHxw4bVZ22tVUXSqpF_p4bIjdZg-R-oPEstZKgWu5hIz1GYeFDWdZKoPOHh29hiLptv5vQynkqt_NUhS-n8_YdzfQ3CcUvi6eLXnPa/s1600/image5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SRalSP3Mg3RFX9RzFnjm4o1VrQcdRGDYa_cPKnKHxw4bVZ22tVUXSqpF_p4bIjdZg-R-oPEstZKgWu5hIz1GYeFDWdZKoPOHh29hiLptv5vQynkqt_NUhS-n8_YdzfQ3CcUvi6eLXnPa/s1600/image5.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love, love, LOVE her turquoise shoes!</td></tr>
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Cera is getting married in June and is the daughter of a dear friend of mine. We three have been on many vintage adventures and so it was only fitting that her shower be at Letty Mae's.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xbR-lDUf7PpMGlze89qiH4GWpcYnAh_p8x4OlU5gWEnOSJcrwmbERkN3lpIWJ_MmMeoKyrK_da_6LCvYuCI0ZbUdIyRlPiqn0843f7wAURv3XDRXJCfLK8KvpzUoFMh7EhBxyOD1FuVC/s1600/image1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xbR-lDUf7PpMGlze89qiH4GWpcYnAh_p8x4OlU5gWEnOSJcrwmbERkN3lpIWJ_MmMeoKyrK_da_6LCvYuCI0ZbUdIyRlPiqn0843f7wAURv3XDRXJCfLK8KvpzUoFMh7EhBxyOD1FuVC/s1600/image1.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage apron that I got to take home.</td></tr>
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Each guest got to wear a vintage apron that was on the back of their chair. Great touch to get us all in the mood. The tables had sweet little centerpieces, mismatched china and napkins and we were served with the yummiest meal. Our soft drinks came in real glass bottles with a paper straw and if you were lucky you also got a chance to taste their strawberry lemonade served in a mason jar. I might add that the homemade lemon cake was delicious too and we all were served a giant piece.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Centerpieces</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Jy5XTq6cwNfYS0_bJ0nHstpMQvf9IDa77vr5rGC2e6uyogQ7yGuUiMm5UH-Yow-yqCuZPwzptP-lwhLHb9qkIa6I28v3qaEvvifh1ShpogmzCWmurARmvGY9zjDZTYx33QR8Bq73Tsfa/s1600/image5-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Jy5XTq6cwNfYS0_bJ0nHstpMQvf9IDa77vr5rGC2e6uyogQ7yGuUiMm5UH-Yow-yqCuZPwzptP-lwhLHb9qkIa6I28v3qaEvvifh1ShpogmzCWmurARmvGY9zjDZTYx33QR8Bq73Tsfa/s1600/image5-2.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love anything served in a glass bottle and the paper straws were a nice touch.</td></tr>
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Cera and her bridesmaids looked adorable and her turquoise high heels were to die for. Her face lit up with each gift in genuine joy. It is so refreshing to go to an event like this and truly enjoy the gratitude of this bride to be.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurdcE8vUBrOUXZ0DUm6AkwoTQuZFM1R1F17yN6QpdJZJQHzcwxueQxeTSnXGQRBxtd1YYuusGKyAL4SGaVIN9ElG5NmWUjKHGTefJJRYf-eb0G3eqDRFAcNrr02cPdwX6I0xZ2RPNaeSK/s1600/11188165_875215315869581_8289976832220831096_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurdcE8vUBrOUXZ0DUm6AkwoTQuZFM1R1F17yN6QpdJZJQHzcwxueQxeTSnXGQRBxtd1YYuusGKyAL4SGaVIN9ElG5NmWUjKHGTefJJRYf-eb0G3eqDRFAcNrr02cPdwX6I0xZ2RPNaeSK/s1600/11188165_875215315869581_8289976832220831096_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our yummy lemon cake. Photo courtesy of Letty Mae's.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relaxed and fun...just what a shower should be.</td></tr>
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I can't wait till the wedding and will be sure to share photos. Cera's big day will be grand. She has worked hard to make a lot of the details that will make her wedding a gorgeous vintage venue.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh desserts made from old family recipes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A delightful step back in time.</td></tr>
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<br />a mess of thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641925198112840355noreply@blogger.com0Morris, IL 60450, USA41.357254 -88.421178541.261937499999995 -88.58254 41.4525705 -88.259817tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8216066286744579847.post-71544113032192945662015-01-15T09:33:00.001-06:002015-01-15T09:33:54.339-06:00Winter Wedding<br />
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There is magic in a winter wedding especially if it is held at the beautiful <a href="http://www.starvedrocklodge.com/meetings-weddings/" target="_blank">Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center</a> in <a href="http://www.utica-il.com/">Utica, Illinois</a>. This state park boasts over 2 million visitors a year and it is the #1 attraction in Illinois. I had the honor of staging a wedding at this venue the day after Christmas.</div>
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Devyn and Brad's wedding took place in the Great Hall and it was spectacular. The rustic lodge and interior is constructed of rough hewn Indiana white pine and the massive fireplaces are built with Joliet limestone...THE perfect backdrop to share their wedding vows.</div>
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The isle was wrapped in a garland of long winter greens accented by crystal ice flakes and tied with wine tulle. Rustic tree trunks and branches lined the fireplace. I placed two champagne colored vintage frames and an ice skate above the mantle. The groom proposed to the bride when they were skating. What a great personal touch!</div>
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Devyn's colors were wine and champaign. Table centerpieces consisted of tall pine trees wrapped in burlap and tied with sparkling champaign ribbon. I alternated the tables with custom made pine boxes that held white pillar candles and more champaign glitter and globes.</div>
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An aged white vintage trunk filled with great old plaid blankets awaited the guests if they decided to sit outside on the lodges back veranda with it's spectacular view. Believe it or not it was the perfect winter evening with unseasonably warm weather for this time of year in Illinois. Wrapping up in a blanket was all that was needed to stay warm and cozy after some time on the dance floor.</div>
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Devyn was a delight to work with and made a stunning bride don't you think? Congratulations.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Devyn and her mom on the veranda...lovely ladies</td></tr>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">"Francie Skoflanc from <i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/messofthings">A Mess of Things</a></i>, the decorations were better than I could have dreamed!"</span></blockquote>
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a mess of thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641925198112840355noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8216066286744579847.post-14424364206443310072014-12-20T19:53:00.001-06:002014-12-21T07:22:13.613-06:00All around the house...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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A peek at the house this Christmas. Keeping it simple. Organizing the boxes and boxes of ornaments and garland since our move. Finding old treasures and adding some new ones. </div>
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Made a little birdie tree for the cats in one of the guest bedrooms. Just love these little glitter "chirpies" with their crooked little beaks and broken wings. A colorful granny square afghan makes a good tree skirt and soft blanket for the kitties to nap. </div>
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This year our tree is an explosion of icicles, feathers and glitter. Managed to cut and fit a 9 1/2 foot Douglas fir in the living room. It shimmers and glistens. Don't you just love to sit in a dark room with just the Christmas tree on. So peaceful.<br />
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Hope to have the fireplace working next year but for now the candles will do just fine...</div>
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Welcome wreaths with antlers that I bought at Roundtop, Texas last April. </div>
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Great little collection of Tiny Santa cups on Mike's vinyl album cabinet. One might even wink at you!</div>
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A stocking made from linen and lace, a bottle brush tree, and a paper mâché snowman that I made finish off the dining room. Little touches here and there.<br />
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<br />a mess of thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641925198112840355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8216066286744579847.post-72507752535611700492014-10-28T13:44:00.000-05:002014-10-28T13:44:14.408-05:00Honey Yogurt Parfait<br />
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Found this wonderful recipe for a fast, nutritious and low calorie treat and wanted to share with you. I usually make this for breakfast but it's also good when you have those cravings at night for something a bit sweet. It's like eating an ice cream sundae! Really it is. You'll end up licking your spoon and not feeling guilty. Here's what you will need:<br />
<ul>
<li>Greek or Icelandic yogurt (I like the Vanilla flavored SIGGI Icelandic yogurt. It has a nicer texture then greek yogurt...creamier and it just tastes better)</li>
<li>Blueberries, strawberries, bananas or your favorite fruit ( I freeze a BIG bag of fruit and have it handy)</li>
<li>Slivered almonds and walnut pieces (from the health food section)</li>
<li>Honey</li>
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We sell some of the best honey around at our store from <a href="http://ccsspecialtyfoods.com/" target="_blank">CC Speciality Foods</a> in Plainfield, Illinois. Honey is all about the "floral source" or the flowers that produce the nectar that attracts the bees. The flowers that produce the honey is nearly endless and varied in taste as grapes are to wine. The "Honey Man's" honey is pure/raw, non-pasteurized honey. </div>
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<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6244CJAFUJO-mJHjJ6ZnBuUqF5jdgrVjnNnG9trz1nco-vrhIgGhlUNKB3jUO8c4PJe71u8IzfF69YvDejuRT9TeYVzBmealsTOkPJ9qYJWDPD8VwVYlN3tA1wMjN2UbQsfYklbrX4wtu/s1600/Honey-1-IL-Wildflower-133x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6244CJAFUJO-mJHjJ6ZnBuUqF5jdgrVjnNnG9trz1nco-vrhIgGhlUNKB3jUO8c4PJe71u8IzfF69YvDejuRT9TeYVzBmealsTOkPJ9qYJWDPD8VwVYlN3tA1wMjN2UbQsfYklbrX4wtu/s1600/Honey-1-IL-Wildflower-133x300.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like <b>Wildflowers of Illinois</b> honey, It produces a rich, sweet taste in the summer and a robust, almost smoky flavor in autumn with the addition of Goldenrod. This is REAL local honey to help with seasonal allergies!</td></tr>
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AND for a real kick to your parfait instead of using honey from the jar, try a FLAVORED honey stick. These are great little treats and I also put mine in tea. Lots of our customers buy the sticks for their kids. Just snip the top and enjoy. They come in lots of different flavors like apple, peach, strawberry and peach just to name a few. You can find the sticks <a href="http://ccsspecialtyfoods.com/product-category/honey/honey-stix/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best for tea or a healthy snack.</td></tr>
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Now on to making the parfait. I like to use a clear plastic drink cup or pretty glass. It's all in the presentation, right? I put in my fruit, spoon some yogurt on top of that, add nuts and drizzle with honey. A little honey goes a long way. You want to just sweeten that yogurt up a bit. Then, do it again with another layer of fruit, yogurt, nuts and honey! I like to top it off with a big strawberry.</div>
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There you have it. A delicious treat that's actually good for you! You can order The Honey Man's honey and honey sticks <a href="http://ccsspecialtyfoods.com/" target="_blank">here</a> They are also on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ccsspecialtyfoods" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. Or stop by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/avant.gardenmarket?fref=ts" target="_blank">Avant Garden</a> in Ottawa, Illinois. ENJOY!</div>
a mess of thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641925198112840355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8216066286744579847.post-17408921841230600102014-08-19T14:55:00.000-05:002014-08-19T14:55:19.571-05:00#RoixPartyOfTwoI had the opportunity to stage a vintage wedding for one of the sweetest couples ever. Sometimes you only need an instant to watch two people interact to understand that their connection is incredible. This was the case with Taylor and Logan.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKy-RtkhmF7PE7P2AIuZTYrSWHYUbZX2PJkKluzSdV9ypKhRcydMXaCkgbLbteT9_nlXdDt2-ShRXChXI6AxhXHK7IoHzttRu22GeAa2fKTRGSqOxBUntvmEEJMrKNQYppJIULiRfgS6yQ/s1600/10577179_10152330211204423_8704362875865698531_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKy-RtkhmF7PE7P2AIuZTYrSWHYUbZX2PJkKluzSdV9ypKhRcydMXaCkgbLbteT9_nlXdDt2-ShRXChXI6AxhXHK7IoHzttRu22GeAa2fKTRGSqOxBUntvmEEJMrKNQYppJIULiRfgS6yQ/s1600/10577179_10152330211204423_8704362875865698531_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper level of the boat club. Hard wood floors. Fireplace. Stunning.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5PNh76nsHkNiEVk7fPUaACj5hoO3kOTpiDvG-bUBQVdLY3nLi63zowqpeJDcDeDll5BY8MTqyAqRdxeWv-AKLrBT-_GPX7WZeIK1PwdkHePl-aCXdncLHpJ64KkEKBeXAxoAcVn1VVeXz/s1600/2014-08-09-20-34-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5PNh76nsHkNiEVk7fPUaACj5hoO3kOTpiDvG-bUBQVdLY3nLi63zowqpeJDcDeDll5BY8MTqyAqRdxeWv-AKLrBT-_GPX7WZeIK1PwdkHePl-aCXdncLHpJ64KkEKBeXAxoAcVn1VVeXz/s1600/2014-08-09-20-34-15.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The corner of the fireplace</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WsyVgut0uL9I8rqEQ7Aj1Z2E91I9ztOSWOclooLsl70ZfHF7bsVES325TTp1xXaun_h4-AZVMiEC-ZAtOmadfsy0ZA3TskQE_SmpEUnZP7t9RskGGjmJFSrY_Fgd7dLDIeVppnpzJz1j/s1600/2014-08-09-20-50-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WsyVgut0uL9I8rqEQ7Aj1Z2E91I9ztOSWOclooLsl70ZfHF7bsVES325TTp1xXaun_h4-AZVMiEC-ZAtOmadfsy0ZA3TskQE_SmpEUnZP7t9RskGGjmJFSrY_Fgd7dLDIeVppnpzJz1j/s1600/2014-08-09-20-50-26.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My gift to the bride and groom. Personalized forks to eat their wedding cake! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibiMnxkYD6qANIXo3OubT0rVg6hxzZFupZeg9w86VjsbkBHb8XF2x4lgwv0gAhBb_sOWmL8GF1PWt8LJr3duhUr5P1ih9ZjUARE6eMoDKx-qO_BZcmYAAbEOM-lE6T4EdT9Yt57YYC8CJa/s1600/2014-08-09-20-53-08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibiMnxkYD6qANIXo3OubT0rVg6hxzZFupZeg9w86VjsbkBHb8XF2x4lgwv0gAhBb_sOWmL8GF1PWt8LJr3duhUr5P1ih9ZjUARE6eMoDKx-qO_BZcmYAAbEOM-lE6T4EdT9Yt57YYC8CJa/s1600/2014-08-09-20-53-08.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely fireplace. </td></tr>
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Taylor wanted a vintage atmosphere set at their venue which was the historical Ottawa Boat Club in downtown Ottawa, Illinois. This remarkable building was built around the 1930's and is close to my heart. It was where my older son and his wife held their reception.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBS4FMGEiyLfPptau_e5-CuATledT6z0wF0VLTgPbU9FU6ppAnmWn45xf5vs5Enstoq8yE1M9je2nfpD8_A33QFpOaKHmJUm53Zc_-FhU5Arx4dKPea5_UneNWwDLQh7-gPISIlmL_xic9/s1600/10580256_10152330194244423_1151806349507485592_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBS4FMGEiyLfPptau_e5-CuATledT6z0wF0VLTgPbU9FU6ppAnmWn45xf5vs5Enstoq8yE1M9je2nfpD8_A33QFpOaKHmJUm53Zc_-FhU5Arx4dKPea5_UneNWwDLQh7-gPISIlmL_xic9/s1600/10580256_10152330194244423_1151806349507485592_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taylor decided she wanted to rent our lovely dining chairs for the head table. Vintage china place settings for the bridal party. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZOAODA7tvWyYB0PAU7589D_ijA3uIneMIMkXckzIGvhpQI_Sw4lvR807won9LiR1AG6j7JZ9LRw0tk-kcFx3sJBgNhLy6Wu8CtnyNsHk5LXfT2aqfSILvbuDuvajLbjEwVhO_ZbWvCGu/s1600/2014-08-09-20-30-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZOAODA7tvWyYB0PAU7589D_ijA3uIneMIMkXckzIGvhpQI_Sw4lvR807won9LiR1AG6j7JZ9LRw0tk-kcFx3sJBgNhLy6Wu8CtnyNsHk5LXfT2aqfSILvbuDuvajLbjEwVhO_ZbWvCGu/s1600/2014-08-09-20-30-24.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the table centerpieces </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3y_Les2Wzlx_YpLiQiGVjauSrxD5nsXy_mm2aYzK4LUu0O0J16r7patKH2NQOplfEqnn1wo6kRDN_f8_dW8XMqrhHyKMXfPrfHr56DnBpkeYxWGar20Ef_xqkh3LywbKTdk_aE0lTAB4W/s1600/2014-08-09-20-32-42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3y_Les2Wzlx_YpLiQiGVjauSrxD5nsXy_mm2aYzK4LUu0O0J16r7patKH2NQOplfEqnn1wo6kRDN_f8_dW8XMqrhHyKMXfPrfHr56DnBpkeYxWGar20Ef_xqkh3LywbKTdk_aE0lTAB4W/s1600/2014-08-09-20-32-42.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These old chairs really made a statement at the head table. Fit for a king and his queen!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfjGIidfpvbh873Ge7qVHL7HIQSiblDb9peQwJeLXK7o-y0S6y48wctHaLTWYllmQajAopv8gqifw1hlJFKFajbibxwrVA5EPlX7ZC-3Opm2kvkEqum28CAPM_N9NgCLpf4xm-1ktxklP/s1600/2014-08-09-20-48-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfjGIidfpvbh873Ge7qVHL7HIQSiblDb9peQwJeLXK7o-y0S6y48wctHaLTWYllmQajAopv8gqifw1hlJFKFajbibxwrVA5EPlX7ZC-3Opm2kvkEqum28CAPM_N9NgCLpf4xm-1ktxklP/s1600/2014-08-09-20-48-00.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More centerpieces</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhERqVWlXoi0Dlh1fBxu8PTvxHeYjs-bIPJqNjuh_csaiN83AlS5qkW-a75zfs1ZWLUI_OBPD1YfhvGvegfF1Ra5u8qyTtZSWkWvuyXAi6VBttcTXheKtdJAcuteIzA3ne5Rev2Zcenf96/s1600/2014-08-19-08-40-59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhERqVWlXoi0Dlh1fBxu8PTvxHeYjs-bIPJqNjuh_csaiN83AlS5qkW-a75zfs1ZWLUI_OBPD1YfhvGvegfF1Ra5u8qyTtZSWkWvuyXAi6VBttcTXheKtdJAcuteIzA3ne5Rev2Zcenf96/s1600/2014-08-19-08-40-59.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taylor wanted lace and pearls for her card box. We used an old wicker basket as the base and created this lovely display</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4fTYU0kgRXeQMokzrqhNqHpBxLcSr_U7CFWngJV5ci0Ol6eXMXwCjfqXPgCzI_Ieuey38wJhPrMvh15Xe3OhndznD-APs3kWg1gksThGJ5BBcnANeah9WlI1J0mZXSG0Wn97ZLiYADmM/s1600/2014-08-09-18-12-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4fTYU0kgRXeQMokzrqhNqHpBxLcSr_U7CFWngJV5ci0Ol6eXMXwCjfqXPgCzI_Ieuey38wJhPrMvh15Xe3OhndznD-APs3kWg1gksThGJ5BBcnANeah9WlI1J0mZXSG0Wn97ZLiYADmM/s1600/2014-08-09-18-12-21.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let them eat cake! And that they did. This gluten free strawberry and coconut cake was delicious. Made by friend Joy Ortiz.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96yk7PKUi_UqBHrgheNSbxDKJgyspildSfEmpXnKRUorLQaeqbFqPJizySOBkHijshryIedXVeAG22EX3sDK8fQK2V736Q9vouu_qLRmVB0PJV400DXxBu9R_F2ydilRZb2yKyvwDOWuY/s1600/2014-08-19-08-39-38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96yk7PKUi_UqBHrgheNSbxDKJgyspildSfEmpXnKRUorLQaeqbFqPJizySOBkHijshryIedXVeAG22EX3sDK8fQK2V736Q9vouu_qLRmVB0PJV400DXxBu9R_F2ydilRZb2yKyvwDOWuY/s1600/2014-08-19-08-39-38.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guests were greeted by a cream bicycle tied with white tulle. Of course we added a bicycle basket with more hydrangea's.</td></tr>
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I can't tell you how exciting it was to add all the special touches for that day…old hat boxes, dried hydrangea and fresh baby's breath. An old bike tied with tulle at the entrance way. Tons of candles, tarnished silver and old books wrapped with lace.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNi7ufwCqzAQ9uhdwYSQa8A45R0QXzh6PBoDXqaz_hRatpB9FBJQmZxw6qjK89QcIFwFDY_llAokCE9QcoafJ4fYERdxCg34uN3VFZhb7MN14Oi8YdCRNSkWqywel_8MIZV4uk9Tggfpv/s1600/10255201_10152325646224423_332183453518305717_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNi7ufwCqzAQ9uhdwYSQa8A45R0QXzh6PBoDXqaz_hRatpB9FBJQmZxw6qjK89QcIFwFDY_llAokCE9QcoafJ4fYERdxCg34uN3VFZhb7MN14Oi8YdCRNSkWqywel_8MIZV4uk9Tggfpv/s1600/10255201_10152325646224423_332183453518305717_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the fireplace mantel. Old lace, vintage curtains, candles and white milk glass.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2roImAHaD43XhW0QFVZreBj5TU_9Avusi5rKeLG6F0I7gbwdJbFRZZY97FKyRUGRWVnDT35m6y3jo_2bIjoGmaGBOZ1mER08cZDuIQw1FkNfdY5bBkJRJOT2UQ_cIgyBnwxVlaucLn85/s1600/10471165_10152330211289423_8257417372140003751_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2roImAHaD43XhW0QFVZreBj5TU_9Avusi5rKeLG6F0I7gbwdJbFRZZY97FKyRUGRWVnDT35m6y3jo_2bIjoGmaGBOZ1mER08cZDuIQw1FkNfdY5bBkJRJOT2UQ_cIgyBnwxVlaucLn85/s1600/10471165_10152330211289423_8257417372140003751_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful, inside and out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4pAHtIui2q3rnRSvckPrBZXlqGOkZrDJsubQ8sO9UAsjqDVkVw7Bq14njq76HFFxZEjd3W8U2cyVGcdB1hvuJSk0fqQWqNkPp9C-Dm2leVx-yUXZ-IUF2RivrL58lMSPaSUGhqpDxymb/s1600/10557382_10152330211079423_6548539654573546209_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4pAHtIui2q3rnRSvckPrBZXlqGOkZrDJsubQ8sO9UAsjqDVkVw7Bq14njq76HFFxZEjd3W8U2cyVGcdB1hvuJSk0fqQWqNkPp9C-Dm2leVx-yUXZ-IUF2RivrL58lMSPaSUGhqpDxymb/s1600/10557382_10152330211079423_6548539654573546209_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who doesn't love a guy with suspenders?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTziE1jFPjFYl9mU0-faIrBxf4BlPiBQcnQgjuzXEDmC7Q-4FZHHG5XXLgXAYID4jPRYOM4UWks1YQRuRrPZi4tsIXE18tA80Q8pTRZ4g8tWhyphenhyphen1d2UO1Qrd6UU7eK7nZDWfpCaWnQx497I/s1600/10565010_10152325646114423_4275490747722344908_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTziE1jFPjFYl9mU0-faIrBxf4BlPiBQcnQgjuzXEDmC7Q-4FZHHG5XXLgXAYID4jPRYOM4UWks1YQRuRrPZi4tsIXE18tA80Q8pTRZ4g8tWhyphenhyphen1d2UO1Qrd6UU7eK7nZDWfpCaWnQx497I/s1600/10565010_10152325646114423_4275490747722344908_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old chest painted with Annie Sloan paint. Vintage lace table cloths and a chalkboard banner for gifts! </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnPmlajNguWII70o1OM-PW-ABjNPOB-KsSpFwN65FosDSVTAQTGB5DTLJg1GLURRTqBwvxJdUtB20D4nUgYi3-uo-aPCKedkAZbRXzHW-f7TJuHBhVFGyXTsfIQ0PQ29K5ysgV_FLs7q9/s1600/2014-08-19-08-39-44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnPmlajNguWII70o1OM-PW-ABjNPOB-KsSpFwN65FosDSVTAQTGB5DTLJg1GLURRTqBwvxJdUtB20D4nUgYi3-uo-aPCKedkAZbRXzHW-f7TJuHBhVFGyXTsfIQ0PQ29K5ysgV_FLs7q9/s1600/2014-08-19-08-39-44.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Taylor was positively radiant. Her gown was a redo of an older wedding dress. Logan was mighty handsome. Loved the suspenders and bow ties. And, there was a great group of family and friends that had a lot of love for this bride and groom. So touching.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8J66UL3sLOyI0cqUh-rJ5-QSiMyJSK05pEOj9OUk7N7Gw9h2oRqMhgIQEqlGoEeP1Oux0Y12nLsqmyfH-uC4f5LgvZSCIBjw3HbNSQSIzo4D8WY6gJqvVlLUZyzSCYRoqA2i_hjsmBLRS/s1600/2014-08-09-20-28-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8J66UL3sLOyI0cqUh-rJ5-QSiMyJSK05pEOj9OUk7N7Gw9h2oRqMhgIQEqlGoEeP1Oux0Y12nLsqmyfH-uC4f5LgvZSCIBjw3HbNSQSIzo4D8WY6gJqvVlLUZyzSCYRoqA2i_hjsmBLRS/s1600/2014-08-09-20-28-03.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Best wishes to the Roixs.</div>
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And from the bride...<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: #222222; font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">"We LOVED your absolutely stunning decor. You transformed our reception into exactly what I dreamt of & more! Thank you for all your time and hard work, you made our day incredibly special!" </span></blockquote>
a mess of thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641925198112840355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8216066286744579847.post-11279620405958535872014-05-21T15:24:00.000-05:002014-05-21T15:24:40.609-05:00Alluring Vintage Slips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCMmcCzXyQy7TR5pg7oHjQFV4BF4KadI7nADI2xFqBTm2KDW900651FbNhXBuzxGYzPe83tMB0j2-lnXODfeBiEn8fL1dxeR-Tdy9ArG_GACRZU4Z6-tiwMifV7cB7c8xD8C4FbCB2-bJ/s1600/image-36.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCMmcCzXyQy7TR5pg7oHjQFV4BF4KadI7nADI2xFqBTm2KDW900651FbNhXBuzxGYzPe83tMB0j2-lnXODfeBiEn8fL1dxeR-Tdy9ArG_GACRZU4Z6-tiwMifV7cB7c8xD8C4FbCB2-bJ/s1600/image-36.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-MkCD1Qce81YUUN6dSsgGr-2reGw3LnTu2UZ2GAeeK91FbrylWGX28y-T5pPVavLMpi67j4mEKx6caaMju9u5iGnFrPmXm5xj1Zgjh8Jym03jQjDxQaQJJlZclAntbUu9wk08K8DgoaX/s1600/image-35.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-MkCD1Qce81YUUN6dSsgGr-2reGw3LnTu2UZ2GAeeK91FbrylWGX28y-T5pPVavLMpi67j4mEKx6caaMju9u5iGnFrPmXm5xj1Zgjh8Jym03jQjDxQaQJJlZclAntbUu9wk08K8DgoaX/s1600/image-35.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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There's nothing that can make a girl feel so good as a vintage slip. Add some tie dye to it and you have a modern twist on this alluring piece of lingerie. Add the right accessories and it becomes the perfect dress. Cute with a jean vest, jacket, sweater and cowboy boots or flip flops. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMNnCL9R5AieS1ad_Kmi6VQnHnwBbBkp-hCG8zwmkgGeXbEZfAnzDQQvavJJKbUXoALMN44Et5-Zvj6A5IsZhxGclfpSm0uTMFvZE_EtPIEbfmRtPdLcIHIEl-NOpdlulhPPEeSYC3c4Y/s1600/image-37.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMNnCL9R5AieS1ad_Kmi6VQnHnwBbBkp-hCG8zwmkgGeXbEZfAnzDQQvavJJKbUXoALMN44Et5-Zvj6A5IsZhxGclfpSm0uTMFvZE_EtPIEbfmRtPdLcIHIEl-NOpdlulhPPEeSYC3c4Y/s1600/image-37.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've also sewn some sweet silk vintage flowers on some that I scooped up at a tag sale a few weeks ago. Makes the slips even sweeter.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBz56z6eIpFuIb2C2Gu36_VevOMO8e6_pKz2uz-FkfUUJgg4rZC5VUFwbao2IHb_KsZ5UQzHC2-jxWbefeE_p7659KFVqH2GkORfKnzgiuUQ6-JaEdcpxtYVtYF38KYx4DO6G2bRizyKe/s1600/image-29.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBz56z6eIpFuIb2C2Gu36_VevOMO8e6_pKz2uz-FkfUUJgg4rZC5VUFwbao2IHb_KsZ5UQzHC2-jxWbefeE_p7659KFVqH2GkORfKnzgiuUQ6-JaEdcpxtYVtYF38KYx4DO6G2bRizyKe/s1600/image-29.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Slip into one of these on a warm summer evening. They are perfect for sleeping and much better then sweat pants and a tee! You can feel good and they're comfortable.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrGkw5LGFThvSBl0Z3zaQ1LIWzYTods4kXjYtD3OS8Ebi6gAQIGfX6m29sHL9RMV6gkS9Te-B6TFVpsGC9UUfI3YFTxZBX7wZ1jCYyJDAZuMsqLEPdUlc3eX7T4pMZv9VAa6oc4hu4WVP/s1600/image-30.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrGkw5LGFThvSBl0Z3zaQ1LIWzYTods4kXjYtD3OS8Ebi6gAQIGfX6m29sHL9RMV6gkS9Te-B6TFVpsGC9UUfI3YFTxZBX7wZ1jCYyJDAZuMsqLEPdUlc3eX7T4pMZv9VAa6oc4hu4WVP/s1600/image-30.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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These beauties are meant to be seen. Shear in some places and pleated or trimmed with beautiful lace in other places. The dye takes to the lace differently then it does on the cotton, nylon, silk or whatever the slip is made of. It's fun to see what beautiful shades happen when they are taken out of the dye bath.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTNz9O_Tf_QT5K_1MxvBSYxhlmIadK4WzBI3hXXVY0qcIjelFt0nKVO1h1rkKbhVnUY0Wi7Q0QeIte8ZDQVowigg0z8LM_7ACX90bBNGORZGb7KItfMz1nJFbMZsvov5rfSeMutaBDCAM/s1600/image-33.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTNz9O_Tf_QT5K_1MxvBSYxhlmIadK4WzBI3hXXVY0qcIjelFt0nKVO1h1rkKbhVnUY0Wi7Q0QeIte8ZDQVowigg0z8LM_7ACX90bBNGORZGb7KItfMz1nJFbMZsvov5rfSeMutaBDCAM/s1600/image-33.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
According to a <a href="http://aslipofagirl.net/" target="_blank">Slip of a Girl</a>, "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;">There’s also the romance of the past, where we always think the past was dreamier and sweeter than the time we’re living in now. For some people, vintage slips are purely a romantic thing, and they know that men are responding to it. A lot of men prefer the tease of seeing what they think they’re not supposed to see, like a slip hem. It’s much more come hither and sweet than in-your-face." So totally agree. Don't you?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;">So come down to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/messofthings?ref=br_tf" target="_blank">"a mess of things"</a> in downtown Ottawa and browse through our rack of lovely slips and lingerie. Be as campy as Madonna or Cyndi Lauper, and wear your slip as a dress. Or sink into bed this summer in a fanciful slip. Feel sexy. Dreamy. Alluring. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;">By the way, these fabulous were taken upstairs on our second floor of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/avant.gardenmarket?fref=ts" target="_blank">Avant Garden</a> building in downtown Ottawa, Illinois where you can find my store and other shops run by artists, craftsmen and emerging retailers. Don't forget to say hi.</span></span>a mess of thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641925198112840355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8216066286744579847.post-13715348359984278602014-05-09T10:28:00.002-05:002014-05-09T10:28:56.652-05:00Design on a Dime - Drop Cloth Curtains<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our new home is coming along nicely and in a few weeks we hope to be moving in. Some things just needed to be done to the house to make it spectacular. A few of these projects cost money. Just couldn't scrimp in certain areas. Like the leopard carpeting on the stairway or the refinishing of the hardwood floors.<br />
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However, in order to ease my conscience I decided to save money in certain areas by repurposing, recycling and reinventing! Case in point...my living room curtains. I have 5 windows in that room surrounded by gorgeous wood. I wanted something spectacular but did not want to pay a fortune for window treatments. So, here is what I did:<br />
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I found a <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/71846556529855468/" target="_blank">pin</a> on Pinterest for drop cloth curtains and fell in love with them. So easy to make and each curtain will fit a window width of 30" by well over 109"and only cost me $10! Love, love love. There are instructions all over the internet on how to make these, or you can go directly to my pin. Any brand drop cloth will do. My <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/71846556529855468/" target="_blank">pin</a> suggests Lowe's but I got mine at Home Depot.<br />
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I'm so pleased with the results. Love how they puddle. Love the slightly wrinkled look. Five windows for $50. Lot's of sewing but well worth it.<br />
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Decided on the larger size of drop cloth because of the length that I needed. For shorter windows you can pick up the 6'x9' size and it's only $10! Make sure you wash before you sew. I cut this cloth in half (it had a seam down the middle which I also cut out) It worked perfect for my window and I got two curtains from each package. Still only costing me $10 per window.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here are four of the windows in the parlor. I want to be able to see out to the street but also would like privacy at night. The sun is amazing in this room and I can't wait to put my leopard chaise in this area.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the 5th window with my curtain. Still need to add the ruffles but you could leave like this if you prefer. There are many options. I only had to sew up one side seam and put a curtain rod pocket at the top. I love how it puddles to the floor and most of my friends favor the puddle over just hemming right to the floor. I will sweep each curtain to the side when I want to have more light or view in the room. The Victorians loved to puddle their curtains and as one person has told me every inch of puddle signified a million dollars! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adore the ruffles. I cut 10 inch strips from another drop cloth until I had enough (about 1.5 to 2 times the actual width of the curtain) It really adds to the look that I am going for.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One window complete. I can't tell you how happy I am with the final result. They look great pulled to the side and I will post a photo when the room is complete. I know they are a bit wrinkled from traveling back and forth from the house to my sewing machine. I will iron but I really like the look of the wrinkles. What do you think?</td></tr>
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a mess of thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641925198112840355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8216066286744579847.post-76071700037780669232014-03-24T09:49:00.002-05:002014-03-24T09:49:42.445-05:00Meet Juliejayne<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sweet "tweet tweet" creation from juliejayne</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">Meet one of my vendor friends...Juliejayne. She loves to take thrift store, junk, and auction goods and transform them in their own unique way for your home. No two pieces are alike. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sbvulTuaEznJrC33SzKnXVnLCYDyxE7eYXc061WTHo5toTjDgTLxzsHhH98W8To_IstLC_83vMqzC_Ty9t3eyB0tK6xB8GazI2W1_lSTU7LCOaqn86Zas3vdBI2i2U9c8vP6F4qU19CU/s1600/photo-65.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sbvulTuaEznJrC33SzKnXVnLCYDyxE7eYXc061WTHo5toTjDgTLxzsHhH98W8To_IstLC_83vMqzC_Ty9t3eyB0tK6xB8GazI2W1_lSTU7LCOaqn86Zas3vdBI2i2U9c8vP6F4qU19CU/s1600/photo-65.JPG" height="258" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">burlap coffee bag creation</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">Specialties of the family business are small furniture, custom lampshades, altered bottles, time out chairs, and vintage decor. She loves to take special requests and to hear your feedback. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UWUC_Sq2qEq6gsYFEIMyEXgUStRN2y-ymrnyCJCuwjlqXnrUKTtlR2D60bF0istWaH0mpyNNR5CpQqy_K5VFZmMa2i26cx1ywxmqsMQQk-iMTd3mBStGQNOlYIGNpZraakkyhffVCYQv/s1600/photo-67.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UWUC_Sq2qEq6gsYFEIMyEXgUStRN2y-ymrnyCJCuwjlqXnrUKTtlR2D60bF0istWaH0mpyNNR5CpQqy_K5VFZmMa2i26cx1ywxmqsMQQk-iMTd3mBStGQNOlYIGNpZraakkyhffVCYQv/s1600/photo-67.JPG" height="320" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">another coffee bean bag redo</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">I met Julie a few years back at a market we were both doing and loved, loved, LOVED her things. She is a fellow vendor at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/avant.gardenmarket?fref=ts" target="_blank">Advant Garden</a> and a few of my favorite treasures that I purchased from here were a child's bed spring that I use for display and some lovely clear stained glass windows that will hang in my new home. AND you don't have to break the bank to own ANY of her wonderful items.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSorFSXjpgk4SGtPjvEKFndHbqi2grGm6c6QR4g5PyijPtDCe-ojR05osMiwIMhe08NspubNYtMyQA6yNFynE8hxpj4FVAgyIy9sVYWgjUVzZ1-ErWtstakYVFdHgHeBf-X9o8YqiEJzR8/s1600/photo-69.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSorFSXjpgk4SGtPjvEKFndHbqi2grGm6c6QR4g5PyijPtDCe-ojR05osMiwIMhe08NspubNYtMyQA6yNFynE8hxpj4FVAgyIy9sVYWgjUVzZ1-ErWtstakYVFdHgHeBf-X9o8YqiEJzR8/s1600/photo-69.JPG" height="320" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fabulous lampshade</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">Because we love her and her JuNK so much we invited her to join our NEW market in downtown Ottawa, the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RiverJUNKtion" target="_blank">RiverJUnKtion Market</a>! It's going to be one of the best markets around and our first one is Saturday, June 7 from 8am to 5pm. Juliejayne and all of our other fabulous vendors will make sure you don't come home empty handed! I guarantee this ain't yo mama's JuNK.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_KB2A26uvRPRbxMcxYfdM668tK9Od-5EdfIvNWbCAJIbh82YvGYuq9lmOm6IykT4unRUmsifB0eIYeIiHoT5utprxUeAQdY8RXpeOj2SW_W5D37U3Y3FzEly4A3pWAY-GVjuXGs_ey5n/s1600/photo-68.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_KB2A26uvRPRbxMcxYfdM668tK9Od-5EdfIvNWbCAJIbh82YvGYuq9lmOm6IykT4unRUmsifB0eIYeIiHoT5utprxUeAQdY8RXpeOj2SW_W5D37U3Y3FzEly4A3pWAY-GVjuXGs_ey5n/s1600/photo-68.JPG" height="281" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">retro redo</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">Look for her at Avant Garden in Ottawa, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SoaringHeartVintage" target="_blank">Soaring Heart Vintage</a> in Elburn, and The <a href="http://Salvaged Heart Vintage Wares" target="_blank">Salvaged Heart Vintage Wares</a> in Batavia. You can also find us under the name <a href="https://www.facebook.com/juliejaynehome" target="_blank">Juliejaynehome</a> on Facebook and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/juliejayne/my-repurposed-junk/" target="_blank">Julie Jones</a> on Pinterest.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">throw away lamp gets a marvelous makeover</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>a mess of thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641925198112840355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8216066286744579847.post-45598139537370500162014-03-16T19:08:00.001-05:002014-03-16T19:08:45.663-05:00Some like the predictable...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWoGEpJ68YaSPr2nCZ3vSG8bOlYtpUj02it6e6bUCJGwYsNpKKRSswoIRPnQbQhBJTVQq47XrK1t-1XH5GWu5z4Pz3ODFj4axVtEzlM1BI0_LimHTmT02SD3TSxyE4Rpq4nhjQHXXgI-6/s1600/image-26.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWoGEpJ68YaSPr2nCZ3vSG8bOlYtpUj02it6e6bUCJGwYsNpKKRSswoIRPnQbQhBJTVQq47XrK1t-1XH5GWu5z4Pz3ODFj4axVtEzlM1BI0_LimHTmT02SD3TSxyE4Rpq4nhjQHXXgI-6/s1600/image-26.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love to find things in unexpected places...the feather from a blue bird in my yard, the penny on the ground, the baby kitten (s) under my porch. HA! For those who know me I'm full of surprises. Makes life interesting. Keeps everyone around me on their toes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGEwFkHIE_QkLiGNtBUjdGs9D-SD0SlDdLY3VXu_GxlF1pKvjXnxIs8PwHIydHHGLZX13zk3gYBliFfqwt6k9ilxMv1iCmJiJa90zebvBgvC3pgcZLhG42Rrturfue5LuSLwQGLS302eV/s1600/IMG_1467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGEwFkHIE_QkLiGNtBUjdGs9D-SD0SlDdLY3VXu_GxlF1pKvjXnxIs8PwHIydHHGLZX13zk3gYBliFfqwt6k9ilxMv1iCmJiJa90zebvBgvC3pgcZLhG42Rrturfue5LuSLwQGLS302eV/s1600/IMG_1467.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Babies and mama kitties under my porch. What a surprise that was. Read more about the kitties <a href="http://fskoflanc.blogspot.com/2011/08/meet-porch-kitties.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQl2AQl_3tI-hWN1WjApOdQ4RRiOWdoCrEnzyXwZ30NDqJKzzvgSEECpGlFt9kIkL6ByF48HO2Hgt1BLF2GytYwjG_GXQkOk7lKO8TOJsVUxT0rdpL7E6ss6B0ZRjKu_ROXzZHGnx5nJ0t/s1600/cat3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQl2AQl_3tI-hWN1WjApOdQ4RRiOWdoCrEnzyXwZ30NDqJKzzvgSEECpGlFt9kIkL6ByF48HO2Hgt1BLF2GytYwjG_GXQkOk7lKO8TOJsVUxT0rdpL7E6ss6B0ZRjKu_ROXzZHGnx5nJ0t/s1600/cat3.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please let me in...Dont worry, this sweet little fella has been adopted by us along with his brother and join LOUIE our first house cat as inside kitties.</td></tr>
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I like a twist on familiar things. My funny phrases on blocks of old wood are my newest project. Some make me giggle out loud. My collection of letters meets the pile of old wood pieces that I found in the home we just bought. Can't wait to stack the finished boards in an old wire basket and put in the store.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsxD-GSjh7kEEnJd-S8VrXyYRJxq2h5rUfrATa4xRa910xh1kRrangmXRSjkIuAWP5Wjt8srbDT4NQLG179D_gGh-lSy4nIUuBsEvkHwjQET9TZM019m8eDSh871OmZLMNyS2a62NJDTz/s1600/image-27.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsxD-GSjh7kEEnJd-S8VrXyYRJxq2h5rUfrATa4xRa910xh1kRrangmXRSjkIuAWP5Wjt8srbDT4NQLG179D_gGh-lSy4nIUuBsEvkHwjQET9TZM019m8eDSh871OmZLMNyS2a62NJDTz/s1600/image-27.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOVE this saying!</td></tr>
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Same with my new house. A surprise around every corner. Leopard print on the stairs. A black and white polka dot chaise lounge in the living room. A very large, rusty metal arrow pointing up the stairs. Don't forget the "Revival Held Here" sign on an old piece of barn wood above the pocket doors. Maybe I'll paint my kitchen bright tourquoise because I've always wanted a room that color. Ohhh, and that shower curtain in the downstairs bathroom. Graffetti and guitars meet the tub! Can't wait to show you pictures of that!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found this sweet birds nest at a tag sale a few weeks ago. Quite unexpected but oh so nice to see as a reminder of long awaited spring. Perhaps the eggs are what inspired my desire for a turquoise kitchen.</td></tr>
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Just a few of my thoughts and ideas. I know some of my friends are shaking their heads. That's OK. Some like the predictable. Yawn. Not for me however. As Caroline Kennedy said, "I think my mother made it clear that you have to live life by your own terms and you have to not worry about what other people think and you have to have the courage to do the unexpected."<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"></span>a mess of thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641925198112840355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8216066286744579847.post-76228695038853495582014-02-26T11:09:00.002-06:002014-03-01T07:42:44.583-06:00Wash, Dry, Fold, RepeatOne of the great things about the house we just bought is that several of the rooms were remodeled within the last few years. My first floor laundry room, bathroom and kitchen have all been updated. Lucky us. You know how expensive a kitchen and bathroom remodel can be!<br />
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However, I do need to leave my mark on these spaces. Let's start with the laundry room. Very basic. A surprise that the washer and dryer were left. I would have had to have gotten new ones so grateful they stayed. I need to find a spot in this room for one litter box (we have THREE cats and the other boxes will discretely go elsewhere!). Don't want it cluttered like our old laundry room but looking for ideas to really jazz this room up. Bright new rug, shelving over the washer and dryer, a classy laundry basket? What do you think?<br />
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I'd love to hear your ideas and comments. Will share what I do so stayed tuned for my laundry room update!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibx9aq6D9N4l4USnGrSC69b-UKC7s9KpBF4nZo-97QSxkztO8cE6VeTEL-QXjNAPBAn2Ly1bJbIiv03gVE8fxgcxE5o-Bi3Z_l8sZ8d4mGk8eiJ50FFo1ux_F7Z64BgoSe5rwqrwiCAuu9/s1600/photo-53.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibx9aq6D9N4l4USnGrSC69b-UKC7s9KpBF4nZo-97QSxkztO8cE6VeTEL-QXjNAPBAn2Ly1bJbIiv03gVE8fxgcxE5o-Bi3Z_l8sZ8d4mGk8eiJ50FFo1ux_F7Z64BgoSe5rwqrwiCAuu9/s1600/photo-53.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So here is the room as it looks now. Nice tile floor and painted walls. The room is SMALL and only as wide as the washer and dryer so space is an issue.<br />
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Soooooooo...here are my ideas:</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihdJkgo_VmKoEz_DVQmdcw8TWK9M7VYP8sm3spv1adAMudF1PFkgCrHfbWN5Ke3XpihpSqXv28_LC_5biGg1n_1pno3V_qCrkafwxSGbjs2W6qukBStjuMLQbm88-Eotp71VuOaVs0mfi/s1600/0f3c61cd6e57281d20ef24aace297361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihdJkgo_VmKoEz_DVQmdcw8TWK9M7VYP8sm3spv1adAMudF1PFkgCrHfbWN5Ke3XpihpSqXv28_LC_5biGg1n_1pno3V_qCrkafwxSGbjs2W6qukBStjuMLQbm88-Eotp71VuOaVs0mfi/s1600/0f3c61cd6e57281d20ef24aace297361.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the wall piece. Instead of an old door, I could do on an old window. Have a few at the store that would be perfect!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFisjeloH8f3_YZmXiTBwpZ68EJqMKlgnrV5YnX-PExmpCn2IooJ8lDV5mm4ndRtfSmrUtOjPwujxtPu0t3XmGQvV1Pw58s9250tKUBJiocyoOlVru8Ev9njAysvnDoTQEXvmq0WSfGFnq/s1600/0ff972d93577a405684758ad0e3c0851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFisjeloH8f3_YZmXiTBwpZ68EJqMKlgnrV5YnX-PExmpCn2IooJ8lDV5mm4ndRtfSmrUtOjPwujxtPu0t3XmGQvV1Pw58s9250tKUBJiocyoOlVru8Ev9njAysvnDoTQEXvmq0WSfGFnq/s1600/0ff972d93577a405684758ad0e3c0851.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the shelving and the clean look of white. Could work above my washer and dryer.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMvpJfNLLp41L9xxK35kRkaoRDxp84fasa5PMaQ14JFdsuZThFsdQNijPXY_arz6xXNBq6bda9ril24Du176jPdH7AdIYvl0bNeGH_za1HQU0XVz52QUO-Aw_bkHZ-auoYNCTkSl2UPI8/s1600/2f47ecd844a70cbbadf827aaa8ddef42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMvpJfNLLp41L9xxK35kRkaoRDxp84fasa5PMaQ14JFdsuZThFsdQNijPXY_arz6xXNBq6bda9ril24Du176jPdH7AdIYvl0bNeGH_za1HQU0XVz52QUO-Aw_bkHZ-auoYNCTkSl2UPI8/s1600/2f47ecd844a70cbbadf827aaa8ddef42.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ironing board has always been a bone of contention with my husband and I. Never a place for it. Always out and ready to use in a spare bedroom at our old home. It has becomes a "spot" to throw clothes and other things. The cats find it a good spot to sun. This is a great idea for storing it in our laundry room and it's only out when needed!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6x_3tjPD1qd7Vd8HeP9F7t5vGSEWxDf5CqtY8gE5jO-LWXFSKA8JZozFcqkbYIGQDPCHCy8inV9PqvmavntOmCCn2cu13UjK56VkSoykdDOHUe2J4v3E89HG1pmMtVSbnXKdhSzdDOqnC/s1600/ccccc18d94986cf8517fe545890bd041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6x_3tjPD1qd7Vd8HeP9F7t5vGSEWxDf5CqtY8gE5jO-LWXFSKA8JZozFcqkbYIGQDPCHCy8inV9PqvmavntOmCCn2cu13UjK56VkSoykdDOHUe2J4v3E89HG1pmMtVSbnXKdhSzdDOqnC/s1600/ccccc18d94986cf8517fe545890bd041.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have to have this great, vintage-looking drying rack. The internet is a great source to find hard-to-get items like this. Saves time running from store to store. Found one on Amazon with FREE shipping. It looks like they are all made with natural wood and can be painted the color of your choice or left au naturale! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpiTho2S97qfiVOErGP-gc2L7D95YVtCypIvz7faYbrutJGoms6v5Jv2hbuGAVQOeT3xgwyrdg5Ybdbi-y7LaYf1mTjRhBK4rx0oiAqUa1_RRqQZVxMfriNk21dqejICgsSKtx0L08kZdd/s1600/3c8a354a768259e8f8f5c101a8a6cc26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpiTho2S97qfiVOErGP-gc2L7D95YVtCypIvz7faYbrutJGoms6v5Jv2hbuGAVQOeT3xgwyrdg5Ybdbi-y7LaYf1mTjRhBK4rx0oiAqUa1_RRqQZVxMfriNk21dqejICgsSKtx0L08kZdd/s1600/3c8a354a768259e8f8f5c101a8a6cc26.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the table for a folding/work/storage area. Don't know if there is room opposite the washer and dryer. Will have to take measurements.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0D9e6DDTgUXQ6uXViyyrx2Sp8JPumskS1sL5m6vDnp7ZmNLaX8ywXHOnjs3Lu4GLqNcNSivkPkPdFv_JAjSe4F5A0Db_SYAFPzjAy4BPZOL0lzrjHLHtFq-ON00ONa1RcrIkhx7sqRCH/s1600/ae8ac756c32ca7a9dbeb4ac57c1c99ab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0D9e6DDTgUXQ6uXViyyrx2Sp8JPumskS1sL5m6vDnp7ZmNLaX8ywXHOnjs3Lu4GLqNcNSivkPkPdFv_JAjSe4F5A0Db_SYAFPzjAy4BPZOL0lzrjHLHtFq-ON00ONa1RcrIkhx7sqRCH/s1600/ae8ac756c32ca7a9dbeb4ac57c1c99ab.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love, love, LOVE this rug and the pop of color and elegance it brings into this room. I'm on a mission to find one. Every room needs a starting point piece and this is it for the laundry!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsRJSE_Q5v9eypyOHc3KppaiCoRlJAWEnJzfDeg_uD9gB8uyJOyDtAg66c92_UKwzxw0d7rGRxbX5qXzfghh6R3ZyaIYsP8eQwAns0cvOJawIlL_XCfcmUQrTE8lZQlXU2wMDwblbsQwz/s1600/77cc4fc7295b587a064a6749ccbaf478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsRJSE_Q5v9eypyOHc3KppaiCoRlJAWEnJzfDeg_uD9gB8uyJOyDtAg66c92_UKwzxw0d7rGRxbX5qXzfghh6R3ZyaIYsP8eQwAns0cvOJawIlL_XCfcmUQrTE8lZQlXU2wMDwblbsQwz/s1600/77cc4fc7295b587a064a6749ccbaf478.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great solution.. open shelving in this small space. Does anyone keep their laundry room this neat?<br />
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All of these photos came from my Pinterest page and you can follow me <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tater_1002/" target="_blank">here</a>. This should be enough inspiration to start. Let's see how close I stay to all my pins and inspiration...stay tuned!<br /><br />
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a mess of thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641925198112840355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8216066286744579847.post-47946757342370634702014-02-23T19:12:00.001-06:002014-02-23T19:12:04.695-06:00Black and White Ball<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The ladies (and a few gentlemen) from the <a href="http://avant%20garden%20market/" target="_blank">Avant Garden Market</a> decided to attend the Black and White Ball put on by the Easter Seals. Not only was it a wonderful to support this much needed group but we also got a chance to "gussy it up" and pull out all the stops.<br />
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Annette from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AnnetteBarrPhoto" target="_blank">Annette Barr Photography</a> was also there taking photos and gathered the garden girls for a group shot. Can't wait and will post soon.<br />
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Here's what Annette had to say about the evening... <span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">"Another
great Easter Seals Black and White Ball completed. Past ambassadors
attended to celebrate the fifth anniversary. Each one came out on the
dance floor as his name was announced. I loved seeing their smiling
faces. Race, last years co-ambassador, walked right up to my camera.
When I put it down he gave me a high five. All of the sudden I was
choked up. Last year when I photographed Race he could not walk. To see
how much he has changed, how they all have, was amazing. I'm lucky to do
what I do." </span><br />
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Wearing our finest from our store the garden girls had a fab night out! Enjoy the photos...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TwZr5SrudMYPwd1Us_ISiGpdO92yw0Ni0aG-Og3n3BMpT8w-DgDuvMex-VrK_jvROS_Jk-rKIUkXcHINylxG3Q_Z6PTlF4mH5TgDR9t7lLGMeoPddC7r-tUAigbwH3UJZrGLIBQGk4nL/s1600/image%25287%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TwZr5SrudMYPwd1Us_ISiGpdO92yw0Ni0aG-Og3n3BMpT8w-DgDuvMex-VrK_jvROS_Jk-rKIUkXcHINylxG3Q_Z6PTlF4mH5TgDR9t7lLGMeoPddC7r-tUAigbwH3UJZrGLIBQGk4nL/s1600/image%25287%2529.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone decided to have their hair done for the event. The stylist added a beaded flower that she had made. So cute.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6do0i49SXImKrGatCRTExLg_P7eTmWD0gZbkS15oLAPNnSiA0Rpg0SiEnmTbtYtETgm4K78G588rKsTdLA1a8kB403RaCaSgskN87knE8eB4AfR6ZKfI_PlpNeRC8boCTMqNvry-zdQM/s1600/image%25286%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6do0i49SXImKrGatCRTExLg_P7eTmWD0gZbkS15oLAPNnSiA0Rpg0SiEnmTbtYtETgm4K78G588rKsTdLA1a8kB403RaCaSgskN87knE8eB4AfR6ZKfI_PlpNeRC8boCTMqNvry-zdQM/s1600/image%25286%2529.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avant Garden girl Kaitlyn helps put the finishing touches on my hair with some feathers added to the back. Perfect</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was plenty of bling at the store to pick from. Pretty little bracelets that sparkle and shine.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_RtB7RZArFz3ax_pq_igOhFNiKrwBLZdMFHlg_v5ilTFM0qAtJhjzFDFd240VmgRPC39373UoqcGQAWszg1GgxTh0SseEpTNVYuUBQd1GohO75M6QTYvJXavXmPpft9Eo3kBqbOagAfU/s1600/image-23.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_RtB7RZArFz3ax_pq_igOhFNiKrwBLZdMFHlg_v5ilTFM0qAtJhjzFDFd240VmgRPC39373UoqcGQAWszg1GgxTh0SseEpTNVYuUBQd1GohO75M6QTYvJXavXmPpft9Eo3kBqbOagAfU/s1600/image-23.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6t64CJxup2bhEPqzYOeAyGHpt30yaIlRf2X2yZLUhVFNLrwBBSxjVtslFXgfPO5LJLzQagaE_yYn6W-hKakj_RHC1bokyjTVVqtMmD5dTj3kzvWTDH6cwlndUXZalY33foYwgy7LX2l6/s1600/image%25285%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6t64CJxup2bhEPqzYOeAyGHpt30yaIlRf2X2yZLUhVFNLrwBBSxjVtslFXgfPO5LJLzQagaE_yYn6W-hKakj_RHC1bokyjTVVqtMmD5dTj3kzvWTDH6cwlndUXZalY33foYwgy7LX2l6/s1600/image%25285%2529.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even my husband put on his diamond cufflinks. All the guys looked great in their black and white attire.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16nm__Y4EqR2vN78P-CzHBf62cqX7I8sMWYw1kW9JsTEcQXCDjA4edosEldgNGEvXZxKYzJ-BcznRakxTmsfpsc3x2Rmy0lYNTtdf5KtERk2qWbOlPXwPxfsnXklR4VfCVhxNxEh-RQ7G/s1600/image%25284%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16nm__Y4EqR2vN78P-CzHBf62cqX7I8sMWYw1kW9JsTEcQXCDjA4edosEldgNGEvXZxKYzJ-BcznRakxTmsfpsc3x2Rmy0lYNTtdf5KtERk2qWbOlPXwPxfsnXklR4VfCVhxNxEh-RQ7G/s1600/image%25284%2529.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And, the garden girls. Well...what can I say. We each wore things from our stores that reflected our personalities. That necklace and vintage cape looked amazing. Can't tell you how much I loved it.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our fearless leader, Jeriann knows how to pull a fabulous look together. Her hair was amazing. Marie Antoinette meets <a href="http://www.magnoliapearl.com/" target="_blank">Magnolia Pearl</a>. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Janine from <a href="http://janine%20irene%20jewelry/" target="_blank">Janine Irene Jewelry</a> rocked her biker babe look with a great outfit from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/geticonic" target="_blank">Iconic by Brooke</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I arrived in an
Areve, black tutu dress over a black lace long sleeve t shirt. Black
cowboy boots and a jean jacket completed the outfit. You can find this
look and many others at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/messofthings" target="_blank">A Mess of Things</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/avant.gardenmarket" target="_blank">Avant Garden</a> in downtown Ottawa.</td></tr>
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Great time. Good friends. The Easter Seals Black and White Ball! </td></tr>
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a mess of thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641925198112840355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8216066286744579847.post-19959620094279645222014-02-18T11:43:00.001-06:002014-02-18T11:44:48.314-06:00This Old Home...We just bought a home! Time for a change. Thought I could never leave the home we live in now. Over 30 years of love and laughter, good times and challenging moments. Our children were raised in this home. A lifetime of memories. But change is good. It's time. New challenges and exciting things in store for us.<br />
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Our "new" house was built in 1896 by a grocer who had a store in the 700 block of LaSalle Street in Ottawa. Just a stones throw from my store, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/messofthings" target="_blank">A Mess of Things</a>. His name was James McMullen and according to my husband who has become quite the expert on Victorian homes, it is in the <a href="http://architecture.about.com/od/periodsstyles/ig/House-Styles/Folk-Victorian.htm" target="_blank">folk Victorian style</a>. It is considered the poor man's option or for someone who didn't care for the more ornate Queen's Anne style home. I'm sure some of my reader's are experts in this area and I'd love to hear more info on it from you.<br />
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I'll be taking you all on my journey as we make this home our own. The former owners took very good care of the house and lived there over 40 years. They too were ready for a change and lovingly handed it over to us along with a large envelope of newspaper clippings and actual photos of the home from over the years. What a treasure to have!<br />
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Now it's time to make it ours. Our ideas are running wild as you can imagine and I have the luxury of having a very creative minded (and somewhat handy) husband. I also have a store that is a treasure trove of repurposed furniture, shabby chic items, and vintage finds. It will be fun picking the brains of my ever so talented friends who also share a love of the unique and unexpected.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd4h597OjDkGH3aQM3gJQfqfaLit-oLwzn2Ys2IKOpP2EYLx4hAajor3JBch8yO98FJH4ILNbR4sFqXA5jqcTOHHDRPT6jHrKN8UNiNPq0OFcwjS_SMLLIBfKyEAUxdgKhrta45-MakAYi/s1600/1898120_10201791622769460_72818841_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd4h597OjDkGH3aQM3gJQfqfaLit-oLwzn2Ys2IKOpP2EYLx4hAajor3JBch8yO98FJH4ILNbR4sFqXA5jqcTOHHDRPT6jHrKN8UNiNPq0OFcwjS_SMLLIBfKyEAUxdgKhrta45-MakAYi/s1600/1898120_10201791622769460_72818841_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've allowed myself to put carpet just on the stairs and have something already in mind!</td></tr>
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So, after a week of ownership we have stripped the home of all the carpets and floor coverings and discovered great hardwood floor bones...some rooms in need of a little more TLC then others. That will be our first task - restoring every inch these wood floors. Clean, environmentally friendly, free of dust mites and critters that may be hiding out in that lovely orange shag and drab grey carpet. With two dogs and three cats it's the only way to go. And oh, how it has opened up the rooms and let this old house breathe to pull up that carpet and brittle foam backing. The upstairs has wide pine planking and those rooms plus the hallway will have painted wood floors. Don't worry. I'll put a twist on those floors as well some with stenciling.<br />
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Follow our progress and see what I use to make this a show stopper. I'd love to hear some of your suggestions and comments as well. I'll be doing some things very economically. And on other things we will just have to bite the bullet and spend some cash. I'll be using recycled objects along with new. The expected with the unexpected. Many items will come from my store or from our many road trips to flea markets, estate and barn sales. Share the journey with me to make this old house my new home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPqBY8a2vylFrE4p4N9J2yBkJ3gM__toIlSleijytDo9fu8rhvZ_ARta-MrTtWbCqv4uf_JuqIh2o0SAonYemvzUodaWVmiPglUWc4GTfGz-os7qUemztHhDr7gAyylBhhyotD63nQrE3/s1600/1653398_10151985584249423_1458177826_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPqBY8a2vylFrE4p4N9J2yBkJ3gM__toIlSleijytDo9fu8rhvZ_ARta-MrTtWbCqv4uf_JuqIh2o0SAonYemvzUodaWVmiPglUWc4GTfGz-os7qUemztHhDr7gAyylBhhyotD63nQrE3/s1600/1653398_10151985584249423_1458177826_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the old owners of the house to us. It was on the kitchen counter when we walked in the day we bought the house. How sweet.</td></tr>
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<br />a mess of thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641925198112840355noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8216066286744579847.post-68789620724775878902013-08-02T08:34:00.001-05:002013-08-02T09:05:28.314-05:00Brick and mortar...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_guG1_Ubk5nRCWsbk11n6pd3Cxtb7_HxRtBHTBCw6uN10u5iDoZRciSMZAD2VKqPxHD7lQPhK7wNMTpf845lRXh243ubwZ14AsxNiASerkSkxJWsWHfKvuz_lvJEuPftysRQAdwpzyKDy/s1600/photo(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_guG1_Ubk5nRCWsbk11n6pd3Cxtb7_HxRtBHTBCw6uN10u5iDoZRciSMZAD2VKqPxHD7lQPhK7wNMTpf845lRXh243ubwZ14AsxNiASerkSkxJWsWHfKvuz_lvJEuPftysRQAdwpzyKDy/s320/photo(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I absolutely love my new sign. Now it's real.</td></tr>
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I've did it...I opened a store. A real brick and mortar store. After years of hearing people say, "you should have a place!" - I finally have one. Thanks to my friend Judy for telling me to do it NOW and to my partner and husband, Mike for telling me do it NOW. And thanks to Jeriann who offered me a home in her lovely building. It was move in ready to a 1930's beauty - tin ceilings, murals by Ottawa's own <a href="http://laurieraganfineart.blogspot.com/2011/01/laurie-ragan-artist.html" target="_blank">Lauri Ragan</a>, crystal chandeliers...gasp, please pinch me because I think I'm dreaming!<br />
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Now don't get me wrong - space is important. But Jeriann offered something more. This lovely lady offered a friendship and her creative zest and vision. Putting her and I together in the same room is quite dangerous. You can almost feel the electricity bouncing off of us - ideas galore...focus girls, FOCUS. She is quite amazing and we all need to surround ourselves with others who can make us feel great and believe in our dreams.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONu4HUbqi4ewHxDPo-JYfFVJVZGcwNlaKSKjM9rNAWhYSJqIjUqBvO6a5PLKzvs7ZzQSBaNgBHGLqD_cNe1wCTbisaZ-jAWY_cub2r8-pVnJAjxSbWJcdLVjt3a0Q82euAnw2dHv_auXv/s1600/image(2).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONu4HUbqi4ewHxDPo-JYfFVJVZGcwNlaKSKjM9rNAWhYSJqIjUqBvO6a5PLKzvs7ZzQSBaNgBHGLqD_cNe1wCTbisaZ-jAWY_cub2r8-pVnJAjxSbWJcdLVjt3a0Q82euAnw2dHv_auXv/s320/image(2).jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love my black bird in a tree dresser. The ballerina is part of a set of vintage wall art found at an estate sale in Chicago.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5UM8KlxQ2qBj8JpsYu46moHyqqtJbvcWNgHk1UfNMrVX1RsBXY8BWyIohDJxjpYEPK5ssRhDIG84EFShKq7aWemNqkSShQzL9WV13SqC8FQfFWpHAhRb_OvQ2qCKwTGwktVYrNeMRtSj/s1600/image(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5UM8KlxQ2qBj8JpsYu46moHyqqtJbvcWNgHk1UfNMrVX1RsBXY8BWyIohDJxjpYEPK5ssRhDIG84EFShKq7aWemNqkSShQzL9WV13SqC8FQfFWpHAhRb_OvQ2qCKwTGwktVYrNeMRtSj/s320/image(1).jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of pretties that are old and new. Sweet line of vintage inspired clothing is a new addition to the store. Always on the lookout for the unusual and hard to find.</td></tr>
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What started as a little idea has grown to not only myself finding a home, but to over 30 emerging artists, crafts women and eclectic retailers merging into the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/avant.gardenmarket?fref=ts" target="_blank">AVANT GARDEN Market</a>. Our fearless leader, Jeriann has been an inspiration to us. Her retail experience is awesome and she does everything she can to help with our success from lending out displays, offering merchandising advice and keeping this ship running in tip top shape! I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to be in the company of so many women who help, guide and mentor each other. We are a powerful lot....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlOcFXH6-eehs9B4aKbobrkADLA4E-vLZgq_SmeGLxljv2YX_8LUnCC2o_PVUwjXUNuKbR1aiFPPyKUb9f69ahR319hyphenhyphenPmw-XXZigi9fdCdx9aYup-yF0-YCEpaiR3diZQl4-9YQxN8YD/s1600/image(3).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlOcFXH6-eehs9B4aKbobrkADLA4E-vLZgq_SmeGLxljv2YX_8LUnCC2o_PVUwjXUNuKbR1aiFPPyKUb9f69ahR319hyphenhyphenPmw-XXZigi9fdCdx9aYup-yF0-YCEpaiR3diZQl4-9YQxN8YD/s320/image(3).jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big smiles. I did it!</td></tr>
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Please stop by and see all the wonderful things that I have at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/messofthings" target="_blank">"a mess of things"</a>. From handmade items, art, and jewelry to home decor, clothing, hand painted furniture, antiques and collectables. Whew! Have I mentioned I do<span id="goog_166758713"></span> wedding and party staging? A lovely mess of things. Enjoy the photos and follow my adventures <span id="goog_166758714"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_166758718"></span>here<span id="goog_166758719"></span></a> or on this blog.<br />
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And our vendors, well what can I say. They offer some incredibly unique treasures...<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Someday-Violet/433053873400305" target="_blank">Someday Violet</a>, Petal Pushers, Wine Diva, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mondays-Child/117592691745626" target="_blank">Monday's Child</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/juliejaynehome" target="_blank">Julie Jane</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/janineirenejewelry" target="_blank">Janine Irene Jewelry</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/AmmaKristine/521216664597086" target="_blank">Fair Trade</a>, <a href="http://www.fullmoonmichaela.com/" target="_blank"> Full Moon</a>, Ausseum Gifts, Alissa Duffy Designs and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LonesomeRoadStudio" target="_blank">Lonesome Road Studio</a>, just to name a few. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj89wvIb_R6oQwqQSH7CyTeMP4QDdBUbNnfXUREKTNGVMM_CA0s5ihFg4gW_3RokG04YFT_cyJ38HqEm-94BGzEoLkK1yE38AtHPw5qX8VxOr2p96bCsr0RX1YqGj1tLUTvF960hCKw1gX-/s1600/image-11.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj89wvIb_R6oQwqQSH7CyTeMP4QDdBUbNnfXUREKTNGVMM_CA0s5ihFg4gW_3RokG04YFT_cyJ38HqEm-94BGzEoLkK1yE38AtHPw5qX8VxOr2p96bCsr0RX1YqGj1tLUTvF960hCKw1gX-/s320/image-11.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many ideas to make your wedding perfect. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Iv0ddBOCLu9oUmUtvtu_fYRL-r43U18I-XUiOzqNnKbFPhIMc31ncbceL2NSiGLB_f8CT4-K8So1lGtpGMToqLLdbCeFCY8IRQx6FtZq1gH9ucbFjfT3kbjvu1XX20HlJhyFd8NbaoTK/s1600/image-12.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Iv0ddBOCLu9oUmUtvtu_fYRL-r43U18I-XUiOzqNnKbFPhIMc31ncbceL2NSiGLB_f8CT4-K8So1lGtpGMToqLLdbCeFCY8IRQx6FtZq1gH9ucbFjfT3kbjvu1XX20HlJhyFd8NbaoTK/s320/image-12.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOVE, love love my space. Stop by, say Hi.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwv4YbAypBu4tQj_GsKNiisYfIWAgsXM9tt6RwUBH1xFg3ro6ivRnXvikhYUqbGTw16zxhuRdu0uy9EiRD_OAFegxYGz7fI7cxAINGYzfVk7z0EHXMM8Sem7xENbXFAc5Ch4CcD_7bSkZ/s1600/image-13.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwv4YbAypBu4tQj_GsKNiisYfIWAgsXM9tt6RwUBH1xFg3ro6ivRnXvikhYUqbGTw16zxhuRdu0uy9EiRD_OAFegxYGz7fI7cxAINGYzfVk7z0EHXMM8Sem7xENbXFAc5Ch4CcD_7bSkZ/s320/image-13.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We not only stage for weddings but also for showers and parties. You can rent just about anything from us and what we don't have we can find!</td></tr>
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My new home is located in a beautiful historical building at 800 LaSalle Street in downtown Ottawa, Illinois...the Avant Garden building. We boast a fabulous indoor market and home to an eclectic group of creative business women. (and a few men of course) One customer commented if Etsy had a real store, this would be it. Unique finds by local small business women. You can visit all of us <a href="https://www.facebook.com/avant.gardenmarket?fref=ts" target="_blank">here</a>. Please friend us and follow our adventures!a mess of thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641925198112840355noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8216066286744579847.post-24290120313063555042013-07-19T08:17:00.002-05:002013-07-19T08:17:40.244-05:00FinneganSorry I have been away from my blog. I will fill you in soon on what has taken up so much of my time. It's exciting news but that's for another post!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77k2JphtuEVwopXxf3cALdoAnpVqKy1HfcA2qMBTi8Y7LDar97cNczd4IBcUhEggx5_m179gOQd-2VCzLaYu_U9cuYuRMaqwZY6lagBW3qc9ePRiY6gLfkiNevix4NL5QKdXqwo8nmepu/s1600/image-7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77k2JphtuEVwopXxf3cALdoAnpVqKy1HfcA2qMBTi8Y7LDar97cNczd4IBcUhEggx5_m179gOQd-2VCzLaYu_U9cuYuRMaqwZY6lagBW3qc9ePRiY6gLfkiNevix4NL5QKdXqwo8nmepu/s320/image-7.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleaning this frame before painting revealed some beautiful detail that had been hidden under layers of dirt and grime.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTf5XbJez-YYkyMTdSEGIl4T7cXfW3B2a9rLrxbppgcSj6UXmoRlzNOvHPEsKO094XDW3QYqsyttiTdsqGEuiV5zjulUrPvSG01H0PL1_rfA_DWSqAsAuTPKfx6-utZZ8gtNtnOgTCiLXX/s1600/image-9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTf5XbJez-YYkyMTdSEGIl4T7cXfW3B2a9rLrxbppgcSj6UXmoRlzNOvHPEsKO094XDW3QYqsyttiTdsqGEuiV5zjulUrPvSG01H0PL1_rfA_DWSqAsAuTPKfx6-utZZ8gtNtnOgTCiLXX/s320/image-9.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the tiny bows and lattice work detail.</td></tr>
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This post deals with my love of old picture frames and a dog named Finnegan. A few months ago I acquired a lot of vintage frames from a dear friend of mine. Her father in law had passed away and they were cleaning his house in order to sell it. She had some treasured things that she wanted to go to a good home so she contacted me. I was honored to be the new caretaker of the frames, some lovely pieces of furniture and bags and bags of linens.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqfP7fNBkOPCXsdlR_JPxyjhbkR_hey0hLtPP2Rkv0cSZdpEXRXBFpYF5Xq3cG5Sjxj53gPg6AkR9Z14SVLtnFRxib_U_LHLWoIYMzrk6BiVRhyphenhyphenmKiUOn6T02bVEVrTbGioaJJbbNkLxu/s1600/image-8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqfP7fNBkOPCXsdlR_JPxyjhbkR_hey0hLtPP2Rkv0cSZdpEXRXBFpYF5Xq3cG5Sjxj53gPg6AkR9Z14SVLtnFRxib_U_LHLWoIYMzrk6BiVRhyphenhyphenmKiUOn6T02bVEVrTbGioaJJbbNkLxu/s320/image-8.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I use Annie Sloan chalk paint. The color is duck egg blue.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5oSsBHkyi1ywP43z-htGmgkdKEUcaeMHoUTg8VCZ1PLHpVhLOV4LwK8rXU_7dY6tfhVoxJZGeTo7-kcdkCkxqy5YCu5TwaZ7z897C6mUiVC0mTm6FA0jko0TtYHMV20vsl7KZmWLR5WMB/s1600/image-10.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5oSsBHkyi1ywP43z-htGmgkdKEUcaeMHoUTg8VCZ1PLHpVhLOV4LwK8rXU_7dY6tfhVoxJZGeTo7-kcdkCkxqy5YCu5TwaZ7z897C6mUiVC0mTm6FA0jko0TtYHMV20vsl7KZmWLR5WMB/s320/image-10.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting part is complete. Now for the black wax.</td></tr>
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This is one of the smaller more ornate frames that was wiped clean and painted with <a href="http://www.anniesloan.com/index.html" target="_blank">Annie Sloan</a> chalk paint. You won't find it in any of the big box home improvement stores. I purchase my paint from a great little shop in Dekalb...<a href="http://www.carterscottageinteriors.com/" target="_blank">Carter's Cottage</a>. A coat of "black" wax from Annie brought out the detail of this lovely piece. Only a very special photo could go in this frame.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7g3uuYPQTzmoDkUd7xbNQFvKvLL6pLPRGTlcmJ44daCoHbt2aT9_nRXSD3pH70rDbFY5Vga1yZRAtB46vQR-e2cZXltW3JxmYXiFeRpCqSUgR50e-aeR_tyvXOXU6PlvKiiIxU9UY84QB/s1600/image-5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7g3uuYPQTzmoDkUd7xbNQFvKvLL6pLPRGTlcmJ44daCoHbt2aT9_nRXSD3pH70rDbFY5Vga1yZRAtB46vQR-e2cZXltW3JxmYXiFeRpCqSUgR50e-aeR_tyvXOXU6PlvKiiIxU9UY84QB/s320/image-5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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One of our customers named Krystal came into the store recently and was looking for a frame for a photo of her dog Finnegan who was one of the winners in the "Cutest Pet Contest". This event is held in Ottawa, Il. and the surrounding communities. People vote on the photo of their favorite dog (or cat) and the funds collected go into the making of a calendar. Each month has a photo of the animal that generated the most money. The photos are taken by none other then the fabulous <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AnnetteBarrPhoto" target="_blank">Annette Barr</a>. You can see more of her photography <a href="http://www.annettebarrphoto.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. The proceeds go to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PetProjectInc" target="_blank">Pet Project</a> and you can visit this wonderful place <a href="http://petprojectinc.org/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Finnegan is a 7 month Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Annette did a fabulous job of capturing this young pup. What a handsome guy. He's already participating and winning in dog shows and Krystal couldn't be prouder. I love how this wonderful duck egg blue frame looks with Finnegan's photo. I'm sure it will be displayed for all to see.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZ7QJbYhG2GXoDZR_8VaaRHGeeLNKV8Xo1kqFe8T_AIYMX35hCJIKXoyWeYND8GIrGp1nFir3C15VFLS7gHW-DGAAR6g4AmpqXqEbyG4xRsfAeEt1FGf4uyTX8wLdVEwxksimyIp0bMKP/s1600/image-4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZ7QJbYhG2GXoDZR_8VaaRHGeeLNKV8Xo1kqFe8T_AIYMX35hCJIKXoyWeYND8GIrGp1nFir3C15VFLS7gHW-DGAAR6g4AmpqXqEbyG4xRsfAeEt1FGf4uyTX8wLdVEwxksimyIp0bMKP/s320/image-4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Krystal is grinning ear to ear. Finnegan is quite the looker! </td></tr>
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I have many wonderful frames like this at my new store in Ottawa! Yes, you heard me right - I have a store...a brick and mortar shop. A Mess of Things is now located in Ottawa, Illinois at 800 LaSalle St. in the Avant Garden building. But, more on my new adventure in the next post!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCrOzPSDIxp-jaJ6Pbi7aiU9tMzjeXUseQaYcCpQ6_7QqXqHrH5bUP05MOgdzCsY56r8yyTCuu9kglEeIXKnJQP2sYcpIfQCPfAgWy2ynP0v2OGAW6a5VicYCtuMdz0fcwEVWDhz3IVs_n/s1600/image-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCrOzPSDIxp-jaJ6Pbi7aiU9tMzjeXUseQaYcCpQ6_7QqXqHrH5bUP05MOgdzCsY56r8yyTCuu9kglEeIXKnJQP2sYcpIfQCPfAgWy2ynP0v2OGAW6a5VicYCtuMdz0fcwEVWDhz3IVs_n/s320/image-2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the frames at my store.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKve8SFsU_JmXBd27cHNgU68OMm3tcgR7STwXXWjEXDDZGMkaMoe9cEtUH9lF9GHKFu6Ssv4hKFR_HUjbsioCfyQimNqWIPAr4Bgb6jSuXd54M11hL-r8QnQhdcy-lMQybeiFAYIptgsv7/s1600/image-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKve8SFsU_JmXBd27cHNgU68OMm3tcgR7STwXXWjEXDDZGMkaMoe9cEtUH9lF9GHKFu6Ssv4hKFR_HUjbsioCfyQimNqWIPAr4Bgb6jSuXd54M11hL-r8QnQhdcy-lMQybeiFAYIptgsv7/s320/image-1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This large duck egg blue frame is one of my favorites. Just look at all that detail. The black wax does an excellent of bringing this kind of detail out!</td></tr>
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a mess of thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641925198112840355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8216066286744579847.post-49780802562961607932013-04-29T11:22:00.004-05:002013-04-29T11:22:41.780-05:00Pretty in Pink<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm BACK! After a roller coaster ride these past few months, I'm back and ready to roll. This post is about another baby shower that I decorated for a few months ago.<br />
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Remember the <a href="http://fskoflanc.blogspot.com/2011/03/baby-bee-shower.html" target="_blank">Baby "B" shower</a>? It's one of my most popular posts and had a bumble bee theme. I hope this one becomes another favorite. Both showers were for sisters and were held in the Vintage Room at <a href="http://www.lasallecanalboat.org/event-space/" target="_blank">IM Canal Visitor's Center</a>. It's a lovely place for a shower...exposed brick, hardwood floors, private room and delicious food.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Mommy to be" and some of her guests.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I had the pleasure of putting my party planner ideas in action for my cousin's daughter, Kayli. She was expecting a girl and of course the color PINK was used. Old fashioned </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nehi" target="_blank">Nehi</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> pink soda was one of the favors for the guests. The soda was provide by </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.sparklingottawabeverages.com/" target="_blank">Ottawa Sparking Beverages</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> and they have so many favorites to choose from. It's made with 100% pure cane sugar and is the BEST! Pink roses served as our center piece. Yards and yards of pink tulle covered the tables and pink and white cupcakes were served. I can't forget the pink chocolate heart suckers that I made for each guest. So pretty.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Ready to POP" tags on the soda bottles. And yes, this is the really good old fashioned bottled soda!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy cupcakes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink chocolate suckers</td></tr>
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But my favorite part of the shower was the pink tutu diaper cake that I made. The diapers...three layers tall were wrapped in chocolate brown and pink polka dot ribbon. A lovely little tutu that just fit was placed on the bottom layer. The tutu was made by my friend Melody. You can purchase her amazing creations at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/avant.gardenmarket" target="_blank">Avant Garden Market</a> in Ottawa, IL. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVE, LOVE this diaper cake!</td></tr>
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The diaper cake was adorned with cute bows and headbands that were decorated with feathers, ribbons and oh so big flowers for baby.They were tucked here and there around the cake.<br />
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It was so much fun to share in her day and baby Kinsley is now a little over one month old. Beautiful mommy, sweet, sweet baby.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">These lovely photos of Kinsley Rae were taken by another fabulous friend, Heather Kaszynski. If you would like to see more of Heather's work you can see it </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PhotographyByHK" target="_blank">here</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.photographybyhk.com/index2.php" target="_blank">here</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></div>
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a mess of thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641925198112840355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8216066286744579847.post-88464608260759379262013-03-07T13:25:00.000-06:002013-03-07T20:51:13.059-06:00WHO knew...The owl theme is big this year, so when I saw this beauty at an estate sale I had to grab. AND it was 50% off the original price. Such a deal.<br />
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At one time it was a status symbol to own an owl necklace. It is a big trend lately and has found it's place in fashion again. The owl is a creature with profound wisdom and intelligence. It has a sense of awareness of self and all around it. This bird is brave, courageous, and has intuition and instinct.<br />
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Being a nocturnal bird it's eyes glow at night. You can see how my birdies baby blues just glisten. And I love how this owl is made with three hinged pieces in a combination of silver and gold. I had to put it with this nice chunky chain and wore it yesterday with a black top and leggings, boots and a jean jacket. So cute. I don't see how I can sell it! I may have to just find some more of my feathered friends to sell at the next market.<br />
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And speaking of markets...I will be at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/avant.gardenmarket?fref=ts" target="_blank">AVANT GARDEN MARKET</a> in downtown Ottawa, Il. the third weekend of March. More about this great market soon! Stop by on either Friday (4pm to 8pm) or Saturday (9am to 4pm) I may have to bring my owl necklace and wear. Stop by and let me know if I should hang on to this beauty or sell.<br />
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a mess of thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641925198112840355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8216066286744579847.post-5518798992420112732013-01-22T13:47:00.000-06:002013-01-22T13:47:57.368-06:00Vintage Wedding Market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few weeks ago I was asked to join the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PrairieTravelingVintageShow?fref=ts" target="_blank">Prairie Traveling Vintage Show</a> girls. This sisterhood rocks and I'm delighted to be a part of it! My first formal appearance with them is at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/119800318193948/" target="_blank">Bridal Bash</a> in East Peoria. More and more brides are going vintage, rustic, eco-friendly, and shabby chic. Here is what I've been working on for the lucky brides to be.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old ring bearer pillows embellished with netting and vintage millinery flowers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love these. So pretty.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6wwWlWb5mhoeEMooruXXmhXp0o_Z6Yk5SdOe3EYrd2w9yVDrU-OccXmtQRtR0nScUY9wR3iT-8KTzJgFEucHdjXjVAAnkkdY477RJt2TYt1IMFQKtS5d62p1rZ3Sw7ZOp6QZxCMuaiSS/s1600/2013-01-09_1357764150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6wwWlWb5mhoeEMooruXXmhXp0o_Z6Yk5SdOe3EYrd2w9yVDrU-OccXmtQRtR0nScUY9wR3iT-8KTzJgFEucHdjXjVAAnkkdY477RJt2TYt1IMFQKtS5d62p1rZ3Sw7ZOp6QZxCMuaiSS/s320/2013-01-09_1357764150.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Something old...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCrlDTFzADKo5FrIzlrAHBeVe_1W5nTar6oCMvV03l7nV_REG9-cfrmPH1l20r-MLR6tQVkqmpCAKNFCxPhJZGSeyy9g0JN5cRCzBnzbURuQd6qrvT7L59Lo6UpzeQgxM2iym0Jef3tpW/s1600/2013-01-10_1357827575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCrlDTFzADKo5FrIzlrAHBeVe_1W5nTar6oCMvV03l7nV_REG9-cfrmPH1l20r-MLR6tQVkqmpCAKNFCxPhJZGSeyy9g0JN5cRCzBnzbURuQd6qrvT7L59Lo6UpzeQgxM2iym0Jef3tpW/s320/2013-01-10_1357827575.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Something blue...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2cXbxZV29GdAemlrS6q1NbxY0shge_TZLPZb-gZbmnfZU_NnANPNgL5hbZ9d1dSgCIE906norEZAeuI-Dx1gbqi4XHa0oeLk67Z0MWrppCLLXx2vPXv66uw_tNze9cVuoWMUrkJfYY69/s1600/2013-01-10_1357827669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2cXbxZV29GdAemlrS6q1NbxY0shge_TZLPZb-gZbmnfZU_NnANPNgL5hbZ9d1dSgCIE906norEZAeuI-Dx1gbqi4XHa0oeLk67Z0MWrppCLLXx2vPXv66uw_tNze9cVuoWMUrkJfYY69/s320/2013-01-10_1357827669.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Vintage heart pin cushions as pretty as can be.</td></tr>
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I have a lot more to bring...beautiful old tablecloths, creamy picture frames, rhinestone jewelry, and milk glass cake stands. Come see how lovely your wedding can be with these items.<br />
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<span itemprop="description"><span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show">The VINTAGE
WEDDING MARKET is for brides looking for anything and everything vintage!
From fashion and jewelry, to tablescape items like tablecloths,
candelabras, and vases, to small furniture and props for photos and
decorative vignettes. </span></span></span><br />
<span itemprop="description"><span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> So join us! There will be lots to be
seen by all, and more than just brides will enjoy perusing the retro,
vintage, and upcycled items for sale. Here are some links to the Bridal Show and to some of the ladies that will be there!</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span itemprop="description"><span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/behindeverybride" target="_blank">Behind Every Bride </a></span></span></span><br />
<span itemprop="description"><span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/RusticJunktion?fref=ts" target="_blank">Rustic Junktion</a></span></span></span><br />
<span itemprop="description"><span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/RetrofitCulture" target="_blank">Retrofit Culture</a></span></span></span><br />
<span itemprop="description"><span class="fsl"><span class="text_exposed_show"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/PrairieTravelingVintageShow" target="_blank">Prairie Traveling Vintage Show</a></span></span></span>a mess of thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641925198112840355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8216066286744579847.post-52988278189719856082012-12-31T16:12:00.000-06:002012-12-31T19:08:44.981-06:00New Beginnings...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvCkccWudsab1RpDtEOAXUgaaUnjBY_RAhHMBUqX5sxpjqIwrMAm5M0C-NAKql2X3lyEuop0vLaTbCh65aHWen2U_Gy6Pd37h9lfIGkYIs3wdo243oSrpnOuOqTmnkEgJPXmeOBnbXW-F/s1600/IMG_4098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvCkccWudsab1RpDtEOAXUgaaUnjBY_RAhHMBUqX5sxpjqIwrMAm5M0C-NAKql2X3lyEuop0vLaTbCh65aHWen2U_Gy6Pd37h9lfIGkYIs3wdo243oSrpnOuOqTmnkEgJPXmeOBnbXW-F/s400/IMG_4098.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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On the last day of the year I would like to share a bouquet that I created for a bride that will be getting married this evening. Megan contacted me this summer after seeing my bouquets in a local publication. After several meetings and some thoughtful planning we came up with a plan. </div>
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She also asked if I could do a boutineere for her groom and requested black feathers in her bouquet. Now I have to admit, I am not a big fan of feathers but Megan's bouquet looks stunning with them! Feathers are now one of my favorite additions to these bouquets and gives an extra unexpected twist. Very Victorian. Very vintage, don't you think?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtYVA41CNvwiC9pPYuKHHn1mR9W4v0Uz-NCqI0wUPWABVRBjYxbBObvUZo-yGPfgasg7eFIlgup-jXAVZ_soGE8iI9byYHSBSFJqQqq6mRPqAoVJBbFzYF-x1hSShSSCFnoDLB3KcSE1f/s1600/IMG_4081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtYVA41CNvwiC9pPYuKHHn1mR9W4v0Uz-NCqI0wUPWABVRBjYxbBObvUZo-yGPfgasg7eFIlgup-jXAVZ_soGE8iI9byYHSBSFJqQqq6mRPqAoVJBbFzYF-x1hSShSSCFnoDLB3KcSE1f/s400/IMG_4081.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
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I made two varieties of fabric flowers that were tucked in the bouquet...roses with a rhinestone in the center and some shimmery carnations along with jewels and pins in her colors of black, silver and off white. The handle is black satin with rhinestone bands and a beautiful pearl and rhinestone "dangle" that accents the bottom. </div>
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Her words, when I gave it to her in a vintage hat box were, "This is more beautiful then I ever expected!" You will make a gorgeous bride this evening, Megan and will have the best party of the year. And yes, that is how your day and the rest of your life should be...more beautiful then you ever expected.</div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: left;">I'm reminded of this quote from,</span><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: left;"> "When Harry Met Sally"...</b></div>
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"And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it's not because I'm lonely, and it's not because it's New Year's Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.</blockquote>
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Happy New Year to all. Let the rest of you life start as soon as possible with new dreams and hopes and a lot of love. It is never too late to live happily ever after...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXkTAg_SdC9aHBPWXPobqHHbn17sgnZWw2vvmcF5AejEEnDdLKuNfWd6H90xWwuNFwthzQjdYjEoeKwzTNREJFwVAeLTFPpb4LbquxVcob1PLo0ui5q6OHab53OjLdttiKbCWkwk_CfFA/s1600/IMG_3938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXkTAg_SdC9aHBPWXPobqHHbn17sgnZWw2vvmcF5AejEEnDdLKuNfWd6H90xWwuNFwthzQjdYjEoeKwzTNREJFwVAeLTFPpb4LbquxVcob1PLo0ui5q6OHab53OjLdttiKbCWkwk_CfFA/s640/IMG_3938.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />a mess of thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641925198112840355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8216066286744579847.post-63992139481144621002012-12-26T09:43:00.001-06:002012-12-26T09:43:28.642-06:00Around the house at Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionLh2SWWMXKB6WTHg0hpkr8SwEcDrDPOfwiMGrm_kw_OGy7YNyatlUVAIVXt5fDjLBVGKEznHNzEnMm2Z3RuHV3THGpejP5vJcMwbFfjw7L2jkskGCrkzSP5-X5YV75vm1aGyR7OLQpjP/s1600/2012-12-19_1355882007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionLh2SWWMXKB6WTHg0hpkr8SwEcDrDPOfwiMGrm_kw_OGy7YNyatlUVAIVXt5fDjLBVGKEznHNzEnMm2Z3RuHV3THGpejP5vJcMwbFfjw7L2jkskGCrkzSP5-X5YV75vm1aGyR7OLQpjP/s400/2012-12-19_1355882007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Merry Christmas to all. It's almost the end of one year and the beginning of a new. Time to reflect, rest and rejoice. Good things happened this year and I expect more in 2013. Not so good things happened but we'll get through like we always do with faith, hope and determination. Life goes on with or without us and I'd rather be a very active participant! :)<br />
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Here are some scenes from our home. Boxes and boxes of Christmas "stuff" came down from the attic. Only had time to put just a few things up but it always manages to look just fine. No worries. No fussing. I just enjoy the process of putting things up and seeing what I get...Hope you enjoy.<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgws3rdBlUIywR70-2vGfPvAbVdx1wyFxPrgu3M8_KF6APQIwPnBdz19y_wIB_UdLHZXCx2IsH_5-Y9xG1c-Tp-XBs0efLX2qFr9RQexPEwQe0Rn_UvPFfeIeKKlJRtsLhUQd-FmdJzET_E/s1600/2012-12-19_1355881658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgws3rdBlUIywR70-2vGfPvAbVdx1wyFxPrgu3M8_KF6APQIwPnBdz19y_wIB_UdLHZXCx2IsH_5-Y9xG1c-Tp-XBs0efLX2qFr9RQexPEwQe0Rn_UvPFfeIeKKlJRtsLhUQd-FmdJzET_E/s400/2012-12-19_1355881658.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love my Shiny Brights. I have boxes and boxes of them collected over the years at sales and flea markets. So delicate.<br />
The garland just drips off my Christmas tree.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhAjABiyS2YnNWXfY0VpmNAVaaELaWEj0d8FxTQINAqjAcJGaewf1hf7dTxxTzWwiMQuT-1VkXf-OAoJQi_MfTAs39aES6AvsMNd2rD3s5IPxtVWhUCb45atooQX87P9OHqKJUNF5yURf/s1600/2012-12-19_1355880902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhAjABiyS2YnNWXfY0VpmNAVaaELaWEj0d8FxTQINAqjAcJGaewf1hf7dTxxTzWwiMQuT-1VkXf-OAoJQi_MfTAs39aES6AvsMNd2rD3s5IPxtVWhUCb45atooQX87P9OHqKJUNF5yURf/s400/2012-12-19_1355880902.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We always cut a real tree. A tradition at our house that cannot be broken.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgYJjb86J58KsWJckW9Nxj1Qqj7b369DgXqijoH1BSe0rBNb6MbB8KK9xxoRExW31xqvK-9ZwdwrpyQpyYTw61GH9FW-d5xJtSFY1SHLf0a7RU0U7Eo2yRTnxC5Vx7wAkoSC5EpHe0i9R/s1600/2012-12-19_1355880526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgYJjb86J58KsWJckW9Nxj1Qqj7b369DgXqijoH1BSe0rBNb6MbB8KK9xxoRExW31xqvK-9ZwdwrpyQpyYTw61GH9FW-d5xJtSFY1SHLf0a7RU0U7Eo2yRTnxC5Vx7wAkoSC5EpHe0i9R/s400/2012-12-19_1355880526.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my cats, Louie guards "his" tree.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBLS1tRwZLj6ltJL_11hjXzLAJplIjt5k24JWNkoMdAXfGXXTjnvTSehqnOnWF2MOAR1nO3syPtAqR0pkMVf6Mj49bu5evxpSkrdLh_gcoKzijY4-pnMtmOclIfW9kZ67TLK5lRXHpOJV/s1600/2012-12-19_1355881488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBLS1tRwZLj6ltJL_11hjXzLAJplIjt5k24JWNkoMdAXfGXXTjnvTSehqnOnWF2MOAR1nO3syPtAqR0pkMVf6Mj49bu5evxpSkrdLh_gcoKzijY4-pnMtmOclIfW9kZ67TLK5lRXHpOJV/s400/2012-12-19_1355881488.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had this bird and a flock of his friends in a box that I had tucked away and almost forgot about. Love his cheerful little beak.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpvOJh9HQ-x6JkCgtRv8Q1XTwko34pMByMgK4YDRx7KU0-_n9eGUinrOYOWfytgyKm-H3Z32wGkN1gqmxYXeAWwVGnliU8NQNm6qXNDowhYYKU0uHETBf8CMtJ8aSBMj9xv9cjMFfG5BoT/s1600/2012-12-19_1355881289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpvOJh9HQ-x6JkCgtRv8Q1XTwko34pMByMgK4YDRx7KU0-_n9eGUinrOYOWfytgyKm-H3Z32wGkN1gqmxYXeAWwVGnliU8NQNm6qXNDowhYYKU0uHETBf8CMtJ8aSBMj9xv9cjMFfG5BoT/s400/2012-12-19_1355881289.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This little fellow has tiny claws that hold on to any branch.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4WlDjTwD85ek8j4cdfEYxCX9ygTKclUv4NOdP_VNMWHkkWFaMnv8aA_Ajw5Y-n8JtjKjsdeSYgdAcG2e0UQDIagZAzpvBB_t2TgjVF_37tM6ZqitkjGP6bVH0BxfmyNENqpRsOaTXW2H/s1600/2012-12-19_1355881602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4WlDjTwD85ek8j4cdfEYxCX9ygTKclUv4NOdP_VNMWHkkWFaMnv8aA_Ajw5Y-n8JtjKjsdeSYgdAcG2e0UQDIagZAzpvBB_t2TgjVF_37tM6ZqitkjGP6bVH0BxfmyNENqpRsOaTXW2H/s400/2012-12-19_1355881602.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This elf has mischief on his mind. Never noticed that he was holding on to a doll and had a kitty under his arm.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU05V5lc4Nlpdv4eZO1L4TYvfhWC-vvLFUE9rlO0by0Dv6D0I9T2HvwUMifsMxLFdllAgt6kM_Jjcx4znIWEKhy3QfuM0oQK4jHsAcGxg-KllHX-Fypw0sLkMUtvfAr5bsAFiWwErstx28/s1600/2012-12-19_1355881712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU05V5lc4Nlpdv4eZO1L4TYvfhWC-vvLFUE9rlO0by0Dv6D0I9T2HvwUMifsMxLFdllAgt6kM_Jjcx4znIWEKhy3QfuM0oQK4jHsAcGxg-KllHX-Fypw0sLkMUtvfAr5bsAFiWwErstx28/s400/2012-12-19_1355881712.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this photo of my living room shelf, knick-knacks and gold star</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVS9u-mBIoHCBusmrqipeu-pVTaYzm81Fhh1fV8tfZ8ujodliXGiLqH7PuPQoGcqXTX7mc1lXcewQMxqOgqBlUG8FCudNj6h0oUhMUpY-70uOqOOXSK7KUbXx3BlsgKlOsrZ9Et25l5YF/s1600/2012-12-19_1355881851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVS9u-mBIoHCBusmrqipeu-pVTaYzm81Fhh1fV8tfZ8ujodliXGiLqH7PuPQoGcqXTX7mc1lXcewQMxqOgqBlUG8FCudNj6h0oUhMUpY-70uOqOOXSK7KUbXx3BlsgKlOsrZ9Et25l5YF/s400/2012-12-19_1355881851.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lula watches from her perch on the back of the living room couch. Comfy on her soft, leopard blanket. Hard to believe she was my Christmas gift (to myself) two years ago.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIGUquUnEEHA8iCxEI60nVHvCWlAr0mY4kmkB5an8a5xjJX3KM7fBpsdyuxMwN0fxzXbAMgeylGRmekf3MUg1zKaf8Wuo_13MunWw__jQZ9GMpmHOB43kYKEXhbfRad7aFwAKT-KLWHXd/s1600/2012-12-19_1355881929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIGUquUnEEHA8iCxEI60nVHvCWlAr0mY4kmkB5an8a5xjJX3KM7fBpsdyuxMwN0fxzXbAMgeylGRmekf3MUg1zKaf8Wuo_13MunWw__jQZ9GMpmHOB43kYKEXhbfRad7aFwAKT-KLWHXd/s400/2012-12-19_1355881929.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tick-tock, tick-tock, my collection of Westclox Big Ben clocks count down to the new year. And, it will be one year on that day that this historic factory in the nearby town of Peru, Illinois was set on fire. Heard the sirens as a lay in bed that night.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpLibq4-fTdavx0om5yINqeYqRUG-8Ala50JxdoIsZzv7TinCOrTYSwq1H92_oFl4NGURCS1ObfL7Km_-kCbSEyrle9TAffHo_A2lbioioG44gsM-wfFPTfh_tV7mccFrBVyVXHEBQHtt/s1600/2012-12-19_1355882154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpLibq4-fTdavx0om5yINqeYqRUG-8Ala50JxdoIsZzv7TinCOrTYSwq1H92_oFl4NGURCS1ObfL7Km_-kCbSEyrle9TAffHo_A2lbioioG44gsM-wfFPTfh_tV7mccFrBVyVXHEBQHtt/s400/2012-12-19_1355882154.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dining room dazzles!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdJOitLUxzF9e_jBSoAHVvGqRsXEkP17r4F1TcXEPxoWAu25Fujo-24Yh9GYuMCxDf3EDD37nz_mb9s20C-R-b9JBbaY8aQ1yNNhb1eIv3uaSNnLtvHOkgYBRVB7nLzfiwNqbviuOtO6t/s1600/2012-12-19_1355882291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdJOitLUxzF9e_jBSoAHVvGqRsXEkP17r4F1TcXEPxoWAu25Fujo-24Yh9GYuMCxDf3EDD37nz_mb9s20C-R-b9JBbaY8aQ1yNNhb1eIv3uaSNnLtvHOkgYBRVB7nLzfiwNqbviuOtO6t/s400/2012-12-19_1355882291.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas aprons double as curtains with pot holders for a valance. A bottle brush candy cane hangs in the window.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBqmbBINnfKdU2yirZ69JwLMeTP-Cmctod3hQZuAlQ6AVJuI4vH7Js4PuWU3fBFHOpjACNZ8oM7Y644xODhLtAAVZb0Amn_o6j_QqOhgydr5LUvptZpaSwFYatBCNoYTBP4k8JsFp0J-u/s1600/2012-12-19_1355882352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBqmbBINnfKdU2yirZ69JwLMeTP-Cmctod3hQZuAlQ6AVJuI4vH7Js4PuWU3fBFHOpjACNZ8oM7Y644xODhLtAAVZb0Amn_o6j_QqOhgydr5LUvptZpaSwFYatBCNoYTBP4k8JsFp0J-u/s400/2012-12-19_1355882352.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old skates wait by the door.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7j3NdWDzSrD-sJZU_KsPTfq0M2fSvY9ojZezAavtc9q3j-Ch3lfuusJvADimB-ea2DyoBLkKbhRa2noH7hqS_m3rCXOCCVkf_b8Oz-_DlD7kCBFA4yBJesyBYfQ-xFXPul8O19mD_STi/s1600/2012-12-19_1355882461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7j3NdWDzSrD-sJZU_KsPTfq0M2fSvY9ojZezAavtc9q3j-Ch3lfuusJvADimB-ea2DyoBLkKbhRa2noH7hqS_m3rCXOCCVkf_b8Oz-_DlD7kCBFA4yBJesyBYfQ-xFXPul8O19mD_STi/s400/2012-12-19_1355882461.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is in all of us to believe!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7qdqXJp01TRx_u7ezjYSd5D3O6U71Czc2rYuL4JGkEZF8w90xnuwAC1Ia-tdqrg951c8PgB12tRWFjxUUxuxDktbaTbE8xCuF3XLn2lBAhV9lZAlDp2rMDV2EOD71G8HW6AChf6c2Mbs/s1600/2012-12-19_1355882723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7qdqXJp01TRx_u7ezjYSd5D3O6U71Czc2rYuL4JGkEZF8w90xnuwAC1Ia-tdqrg951c8PgB12tRWFjxUUxuxDktbaTbE8xCuF3XLn2lBAhV9lZAlDp2rMDV2EOD71G8HW6AChf6c2Mbs/s400/2012-12-19_1355882723.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A touch of Christmas on my bed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKf2PUKl0qYJ9NKIkFLY_vpecymKcGQL_UXdKD6XjsmiovR3dgiwZN34DJVPqhKHPESNE7YgcgaL6EE5J23WL1jPMWhHri37diLbEZBTr1JGOVA9bPoBuJJDciPBYLA355ezEJ0kFOdxz7/s1600/2012-12-16_1355622524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKf2PUKl0qYJ9NKIkFLY_vpecymKcGQL_UXdKD6XjsmiovR3dgiwZN34DJVPqhKHPESNE7YgcgaL6EE5J23WL1jPMWhHri37diLbEZBTr1JGOVA9bPoBuJJDciPBYLA355ezEJ0kFOdxz7/s400/2012-12-16_1355622524.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside welcome.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQYbVTOBuT97HgeVr1hO7894VigbXUJzRgaGs1lzyz_FHc6xP_F1JoN036d-LFLEwbXRL92oAybmxhoVg40O3cgb2udiOu_q3RneDpb5TXRlo0t3zIIHOeuISWbVe8sD3VrT_gieFxELE/s1600/2012-12-16_1355622459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQYbVTOBuT97HgeVr1hO7894VigbXUJzRgaGs1lzyz_FHc6xP_F1JoN036d-LFLEwbXRL92oAybmxhoVg40O3cgb2udiOu_q3RneDpb5TXRlo0t3zIIHOeuISWbVe8sD3VrT_gieFxELE/s400/2012-12-16_1355622459.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My bike stays out all year and so do the lights on it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBtmFVhpG07gZf178RwY6vIrkJkZbeo4nx-VngmdI6Kl-eRQDrME-Y11dLxkQl1W2VwuFv0i4vzvSAT8uw5ApQsXPF6F8TTlJa_GDGx3TaSsSdBwcyg6jxsEQucRPd8GYGUaiSA6XaPDD/s1600/2012-12-16_1355622792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBtmFVhpG07gZf178RwY6vIrkJkZbeo4nx-VngmdI6Kl-eRQDrME-Y11dLxkQl1W2VwuFv0i4vzvSAT8uw5ApQsXPF6F8TTlJa_GDGx3TaSsSdBwcyg6jxsEQucRPd8GYGUaiSA6XaPDD/s400/2012-12-16_1355622792.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chance, one of the porch kitties looks out of the window and waits for Santa Claws.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizKr6SZ4SKKUngH0bK6gaQfPbLigE0zwaZnBThvgkBzOdcfCe5gHrfEZdyMbO9j0no3Ebc-PcWVdyLCvfzHaMEeUHuG_y0-0mJzv_ohTwWBcMZLhnr0QVK2s-2gC1tnbGpZ5mjEHQAAlv/s1600/2012-10-26_1351211972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizKr6SZ4SKKUngH0bK6gaQfPbLigE0zwaZnBThvgkBzOdcfCe5gHrfEZdyMbO9j0no3Ebc-PcWVdyLCvfzHaMEeUHuG_y0-0mJzv_ohTwWBcMZLhnr0QVK2s-2gC1tnbGpZ5mjEHQAAlv/s400/2012-10-26_1351211972.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Sadie. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfznIciWxKIuVv5wnpiGHP6YPb3TVDN2aIKRYn6xtvErLK59AsnkYdWopnCNIC9NwhDKay-S_TO0uKq0sEbFqRCIv-1GMNw4QEUaGYBq_irhIgFVw9r4qNJvRzGX5ZZC5DjdzjLT52ieg/s1600/2012-12-21_1356128586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfznIciWxKIuVv5wnpiGHP6YPb3TVDN2aIKRYn6xtvErLK59AsnkYdWopnCNIC9NwhDKay-S_TO0uKq0sEbFqRCIv-1GMNw4QEUaGYBq_irhIgFVw9r4qNJvRzGX5ZZC5DjdzjLT52ieg/s400/2012-12-21_1356128586.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a good bet that I will be spending a lot of my Christmas break in this room, reading, Pinterest -ing, and making plans for 2013!</td></tr>
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As I look around the living room there are boxes and papers on the floor and gifts scattered all around waiting to be worn, used or put away. In a flash, it is all over with. The plate of Christmas cookies holds broken candy canes and a few crumbs. Time to settle in and let another holiday go.<br />
<br />a mess of thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641925198112840355noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8216066286744579847.post-71614560778034816492012-12-10T18:00:00.000-06:002012-12-10T18:00:17.457-06:00Here comes the bride...Sorry you haven't heard from me for a while. Busy with my final shows of the season...I just have to paint or make one more thing and take it with me kinda thing. I've also been working like crazy to make sure that my brides for the months of November and December get their vintage brooch bouquets in time for their wedding day. Still have one more to make for a New Years eve wedding and will post pictures in 2013 but here is the set of bouquets that I made for a late November wedding.<br />
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Kara first introduced herself to me at one of the farmer's markets I did this summer. I had some sample bouquets on display and she was excited to find out that I made these beautiful keepsake treasures. She asked if I would make hers and of course I said YES! Most of the time my brides pick their brooches from a healthy stock that I have collected in my travels to flea markets, estate sales and second hand stores. But sometimes I will get a bride that has her own collection that she wants me to use. It's a nice option and the price is reduced somewhat because I am not using my own pins.<br />
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And what a collection she had! Oddles and oddles of sparkly bling in a box. Three boxes for that matter. One for her, one for her matron of honor and one for the junior bridesmaid. It was like being a kid in a candy story - her pins were amazing. We couldn't use all of them so I had her choose her favorites. Now some brides think that everything has to be color coordinated...a matchy, matchy kind of a thing. But, they don't. In the big scheme of things they all just seem to work together and make one beautiful bouquet. Kara's were all different colors and I'm sure you will agree when you see the photos that it worked wonderfully.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtoWauSC-NfC1bnoEWomhc89zs66_iUz1ktFk4zRl7U5C1Y7Z8gE7kHbIw_O3mKWdoUJ1UQ5iPomTmzdja9bYJtTuxxPytyZ6JUxL3xEjrCBp6PwVtC30Jv4e4r7y5zXAugupZWbJyUi2/s1600/703529_10151347532394414_6606333_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtoWauSC-NfC1bnoEWomhc89zs66_iUz1ktFk4zRl7U5C1Y7Z8gE7kHbIw_O3mKWdoUJ1UQ5iPomTmzdja9bYJtTuxxPytyZ6JUxL3xEjrCBp6PwVtC30Jv4e4r7y5zXAugupZWbJyUi2/s400/703529_10151347532394414_6606333_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So sweet.</td></tr>
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Kara also had some pins that represented some special things in her life. A brooch from her mom and aunt, a knife and fork pin (she's a chef!) and a medal from her fiance's service pins that was put on her bouquet handle and helped her hold on to and keep him in her heart all day.<br />
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We met and talked and I took notes, making sure that I got all of her requests just right. Each bouquet was prettier then the next starting with the junior bridesmaids. In fact although they were all gorgeous, her bouquet was my favorite. The collar and handle were platinum and it was made a bit smaller then the others because of her age - she was only 12. The maid of honors was done in navy and the brides in one of my favorite colors - blush or ballerina pink as the fabric lady called it when I went to match ribbon to it. Kara's dress was also this color. She looked simply stunning in it. A bit of the fabric was left over and the seamstress sent some so I could wrap the handle in it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkB7nBjvw9Cjy8pYJzbKEpAS_VCP1Z3LR29e1lzxwia80KKOSIbb6xjfCtVMXvMqMSbCUGxK1krft6TTReSWEzF6_5NLeVueM3nAw8yVRLdV_vv9KLLd3ham4PB-hJmMGgGyQyv7aHpSB/s1600/530992_10151347610404414_1002699149_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkB7nBjvw9Cjy8pYJzbKEpAS_VCP1Z3LR29e1lzxwia80KKOSIbb6xjfCtVMXvMqMSbCUGxK1krft6TTReSWEzF6_5NLeVueM3nAw8yVRLdV_vv9KLLd3ham4PB-hJmMGgGyQyv7aHpSB/s400/530992_10151347610404414_1002699149_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
So, here they are. Each bouquet comes to the bride in a vintage hatbox nestled in shredded book paper and wrapped in netting. The very talented photographer, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/AnnetteBarrPhoto?fref=ts" target="_blank">Annette Barr</a> stayed up way past midnight the day of the wedding to get this to me. Can't wait to see more of the bouquets in her other photos of the wedding day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqh7UFd8qS7fKL18C5qUUL450d2IeAMSzeVoAvLr-LTthyphenhypheniZ0GgSvtYhU2mK0MbacIgPqcWOHpJ5Pwwi5_hHNP5VUCT13osURLKvwxlFZkkC_BZlVrhdzwUTU_Wug6dKDjRKrKRK5369Q/s1600/154427_10151347629794414_2068713656_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqh7UFd8qS7fKL18C5qUUL450d2IeAMSzeVoAvLr-LTthyphenhypheniZ0GgSvtYhU2mK0MbacIgPqcWOHpJ5Pwwi5_hHNP5VUCT13osURLKvwxlFZkkC_BZlVrhdzwUTU_Wug6dKDjRKrKRK5369Q/s400/154427_10151347629794414_2068713656_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her expression is just priceless!</td></tr>
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Thanks Kara for letting me be a part of your special day. I hope the memories last a lifetime and that you live happily every after.<br />
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Let me know if you would like one for your wedding. Visit my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/amessofthings?ref=seller_info" target="_blank">ETSY</a> shop or find them on my<a href="http://www.facebook.com/messofthings" target="_blank"> "mess of things"</a> facebook page. You can purchase the ones that are listed or contact me for a custom made bouquet. I'm adding a shell bouquet for beach weddings and have just found some wonderful preserved roses and other flowers to incorporate into your bouquet. Let me know how I can help make your day special...a mess of thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641925198112840355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8216066286744579847.post-40729674741643115122012-11-08T11:23:00.000-06:002012-11-08T11:23:47.640-06:00Late bloomer...Today I have a guest post from my friend and co-worker, Jill Hejl. She is an amazing artist that is headed for great success. Jill bursts into a room like an uncorked bottle of champaign! She's fun, intelligent, and exploding with thoughts and ideas that she incorporates in her art. Read here story about discovering herself and her art.<br />
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My grandma and uncle were artists and my mom had artistic leanings. I used to spend my childhood painting and drawing and baking, but most of all, I was a voracious reader. Ironically, doing well in school actually pulled me away from the land of art. I was on the college-prep path without any spare time to think about creative endeavors. However, I remember peering into the high school art room as I walked to my classes, wishing I had time to take a class--it seemed like magic was happening inside there.</div>
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I started college at the University of Illinois as a Russian major and finished as an English major (with a brief sojourn to San Francisco during my sophomore year in hopes of becoming a chef.) After graduating, I worked as a technical editor at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) writing computer manuals and interviewing scientists for articles. I had a great job that allowed me to travel, but I just “didn’t fit.” I was unhappy, and didn’t know how to find what would make me happy. My roommate was an engineering major and another friend was a speech pathologist. I used to “interview” them, trying to figure out how they KNEW what it was they wanted to be without ever waivering from that path. I always felt something was wrong with me that I didn’t have this knowledge—that I still felt like I was floundering. I knew I was smart, but I couldn’t find my “place.”</div>
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Many of my best friends were artists, and I remember thinking, I wished that I could start over and be an artist. Once, I sent a bunch of pages I had copied from a novel about artists in the 1920’s to a graphic designer friend, and she said, “you sent me all these pages, and you would have one word highlighted on a page—artist.” I would buy tons of magazines and books, but later would realize it was because I loved the illustrations and wanted to just study them. You see, my heart was trying to send me a message, but I still couldn’t—or wouldn’t hear it. I wrote constantly, so I thought perhaps that was the pathway I was supposed to take to the land of creativity. I had come across Natalie Goldberg in the 1980’s with her book, “Writing Down the Bones.” Later, when I found out that she also was a painter, and created crazy, off-kilter paintings, I thought to myself, that’s how I draw--I can do that! I always appreciated “fine art,” but nothing pulled at me like Outsider art or children’s art.</div>
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Still, I plodded in a different direction--graduate school in Library and Information Science at University of Texas in Austin and Indiana University. Marriage happened and another corporate job in an accounting dept. I felt like my soul was being sucked out of me. I had that “empty” feeling inside again. I never could figure out why other people seemed fulfilled with their jobs, but I didn’t. I was always searching for the answer. I read all of SARK’s books and Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way,” and I started going to more and more art fairs. I wanted to be one of those artists! That overwhelming feeling led me to finally, at 32, begin to draw and paint again. I painted murals on our patio, on our living room wall and our kitchen cabinets (for which I appeared in the paper). After people saw that, they started seeing me as an artist. I was asked to paint chairs for an annual charity auction. </div>
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Things moved on at this pace for years. I continued to paint. I joined an art group; I was part of some gallery shows; I even painted some large “Abraham Lincoln” hats in 2008 for a public celebration (similar to Chicago’s “Cows on Parade” in 1999). Again I was in the paper, and two of the hats were on display for 3 years. However, several times, I would be in shows, and my art would be passed over. I would be crushed. I felt that no one saw me as a “true” artist, because I didn’t have the degree or didn’t paint landscapes or a stereotypical portrait.<strong> Little did I know that those times or rejection would actually help me later.</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireoSSKwdgClqZsXTRXDZyOeeblxq8e388BIpxqGreCf0neYYeNk6oYdlfSADkrQ5uVOxQ7YCrb6m7yZ_HKTda8uFwBCsV_9BLBlTutf7fRpUgyZIM1vs6UMlkwzkvS7EfWupoceTRG8gD/s1600/Untitled-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #d52a33; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="141" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireoSSKwdgClqZsXTRXDZyOeeblxq8e388BIpxqGreCf0neYYeNk6oYdlfSADkrQ5uVOxQ7YCrb6m7yZ_HKTda8uFwBCsV_9BLBlTutf7fRpUgyZIM1vs6UMlkwzkvS7EfWupoceTRG8gD/s400/Untitled-1.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 20px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-left-radius: 5px 5px; border-bottom-right-radius: 5px 5px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-left-radius: 5px 5px; border-top-right-radius: 5px 5px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 20px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></div>
Over the years, but especially beginning in 2010, I started finding evidence that my “style” of art was indeed art! I came across a famous children’s book author and illustrator known for her wacky style. I saw someone who had published a book of drawings on post-it notes. I had been doing that for that last 9 years at work! I stumbled upon graphic novels and illustrators’ websites. Here were people that drew like me who were making a living at it!!! Perhaps more than anything else, these discoveries finally helped ME to see that I was an artist. I finally understood that perhaps I just lived in an area that didn’t appreciate my style—it didn’t mean that I wasn’t an artist, because here was tons of evidence of people being successful in the same wacky manner of art! Also at this time, my journals were filled with pages of me writing “all I want to do is draw, paint, and write.” <strong>It was as if God finally said, “Stop messing around. I’ve given you your answer. You’re an artist.”</strong><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStk862-3yd47G6wDjU3zzXJmRgXcNuIMgQGwxXBpMr-_olLMVbUQNPzGaXqa8RlgKNunYrFa406X54X8wqrNZimjB1GRNrprimOChnqv1g20IQBPg4gaqcoGMItxmSIItUAR2ycc1NKa3/s1600/group+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #d52a33; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="330" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStk862-3yd47G6wDjU3zzXJmRgXcNuIMgQGwxXBpMr-_olLMVbUQNPzGaXqa8RlgKNunYrFa406X54X8wqrNZimjB1GRNrprimOChnqv1g20IQBPg4gaqcoGMItxmSIItUAR2ycc1NKa3/s400/group+copy.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 20px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-left-radius: 5px 5px; border-bottom-right-radius: 5px 5px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-left-radius: 5px 5px; border-top-right-radius: 5px 5px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 20px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Remember when I said, the art rejections by others actually were a blessing in disguise? Well, I was so used to people not liking my stuff that I didn’t care anymore (well, at least not as much) if they didn’t like it—it no longer mattered. I knew my style of drawing and mixed-media paintings had its place in the world so I just made it. I didn’t worry if people liked it or not. I just put it out there more and more. In a sense, my life was changing as well--some friends were heading in a different direction than me and health issues forced me to scale back on tutoring Spanish and French. As a result, I found myself with more time to make art. I committed myself to buying a tent, being in shows, and painting and drawing as much as possible. I still remember one day when I was walking my dog, I stepped over a mud puddle, and the thought came to me: I never was successful or happy at all those other jobs, because that wasn’t who I was or the path I was meant to be on. <strong>I am an artist. I finally know my place in the world.</strong></div>
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<strong>This post originally appeared on:<a href="http://www.imalatebloomer.com/" target="_blank"> I'm a Creative Late Bloomer</a> Great stories on creative people!</strong></div>
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<strong>You can visit Jill <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jujubeanart" target="_blank">here</a> or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jill.hejl" target="_blank">here</a>. She'd love you to say HI! </strong></div>
a mess of thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641925198112840355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8216066286744579847.post-45065916760299589162012-10-30T14:47:00.000-05:002012-10-30T14:47:01.940-05:00Listen...
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Listen to the Universe…</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFzvyBodig4Y691Ghf4LwJCOxR3WIqrk_Z7P3-nUcdNbcrXK96YAWMiXnGbKmyMVR4AMbmylRZz1WGtjqxsi5BKyROM36k4zVsoYK4hPMDNJGQsCrdjoIuxFpMb-RlnOnPITm9iyLezJq/s1600/IMG_3230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFzvyBodig4Y691Ghf4LwJCOxR3WIqrk_Z7P3-nUcdNbcrXK96YAWMiXnGbKmyMVR4AMbmylRZz1WGtjqxsi5BKyROM36k4zVsoYK4hPMDNJGQsCrdjoIuxFpMb-RlnOnPITm9iyLezJq/s320/IMG_3230.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barn near our college campus</td></tr>
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Does the universe ever speak to you? Are you listening so
you can hear what it has to say?</div>
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A penny on the sidewalk, a déjà vu moment, an odd
coincidence, a twist of fate…did you miss the message?</div>
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Call it a higher being, angels or karma, it is there for you
to hear and feel. Sometimes it shouts. Sometimes it is a soft whisper in our ear. We can choose to embrace it or ignore it. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjki1-92VwQ3nAprgISXTQY9cNsVwrp7Y9woyClGsGa1qc0rpBPxR03Iq3NCcy_jyhR0gwMuzU3tULx-wlfXxUyZYbgy3VjEbJaCXNXPWJbomNGyUvTAPuHHOnbiYxHINYwlAn9zuFDDOk_/s1600/IMG_3706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjki1-92VwQ3nAprgISXTQY9cNsVwrp7Y9woyClGsGa1qc0rpBPxR03Iq3NCcy_jyhR0gwMuzU3tULx-wlfXxUyZYbgy3VjEbJaCXNXPWJbomNGyUvTAPuHHOnbiYxHINYwlAn9zuFDDOk_/s400/IMG_3706.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This eagle awaits me in the afternoon as I come home from school. It is so beautiful and still.</td></tr>
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I am surrounded by the messages of the universe everyday.</div>
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<!--EndFragment-->a mess of thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641925198112840355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8216066286744579847.post-70313855366407156372012-10-26T08:57:00.001-05:002012-10-26T08:57:12.639-05:00A Weekend on the Farm...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">A rescue horse resides on the lovely NaDa Farm. One of Anne Marie's daughters and friend were climbing in the tree nearby and picking only the sweetest leaves to feed this lucky creature.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzVWK9wMPCaalhtFJTMA1UiW_Vjb_Gr2iTtH9oMQ5zUK8O2wJndliwaShgugDLmf9K05ysccrnOhhTqBKt5HZkQxRsHMusEgkvWbw3cXZQyBvItZmeNTS3yPCiuiH_WavY6CjxeZokF1Y/s1600/3742_433046950078536_1724415204_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzVWK9wMPCaalhtFJTMA1UiW_Vjb_Gr2iTtH9oMQ5zUK8O2wJndliwaShgugDLmf9K05ysccrnOhhTqBKt5HZkQxRsHMusEgkvWbw3cXZQyBvItZmeNTS3yPCiuiH_WavY6CjxeZokF1Y/s320/3742_433046950078536_1724415204_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready for Friday evenings sale. Love my new "Bo Peep" leggings!</td></tr>
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What a wonderful experience I had this weekend. So lucky to be picked as one of the vendors who were invited to participate at the NaDa Farm Sale. Anne Marie and Jason are the perfect hosts. Kind and caring...attentive to all of our needs.<br />
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It was exciting to set up on Friday. The weather was not the best but the crowd that evening was! Music, champaign, Anne Marie's baked items and the best taffy apple I have ever had. Lovely vignettes throughout the barn.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShWHqhLTKDNcGK-CXwtsEPpGI6tAuHGdpMLO9SVV2S0aleuPFm644OPIQmhVejG6AG2Z5uxFgiUo5y8IroenQ-bX5LaxsCvG4i48hRDJ5H_y81gUklQXz1TqyDx2WbWRyR-QQKdAhtkbf/s1600/254330_433431126706785_1414822005_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShWHqhLTKDNcGK-CXwtsEPpGI6tAuHGdpMLO9SVV2S0aleuPFm644OPIQmhVejG6AG2Z5uxFgiUo5y8IroenQ-bX5LaxsCvG4i48hRDJ5H_y81gUklQXz1TqyDx2WbWRyR-QQKdAhtkbf/s320/254330_433431126706785_1414822005_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this fabulous table setting. Large urns filled with dried branches. I'm going out tomorrow to find an urn for my dining room!</td></tr>
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I also met some of the nicest vendors. Other men and women, like myself, who create and inspire with their work. Beautiful vintage pieces, jewelry, this and that. Ohhhh, I can't forget the barn cats that popped in every once and a while to say "hello".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDtpVJ94bTPo3KFm3yMuvIdqKD3ZZq5kU4xRxtlhuh0wVAbYECj6hOCm-o9fM8r1q2WmIKdKS5RwPb7eFXx3-lUvUyh1Zhpc93bZEMMVbt9CSeJO9TebFCUUSpP0LySzlLjLSWmWQHczT/s1600/281591_433422650040966_500610316_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDtpVJ94bTPo3KFm3yMuvIdqKD3ZZq5kU4xRxtlhuh0wVAbYECj6hOCm-o9fM8r1q2WmIKdKS5RwPb7eFXx3-lUvUyh1Zhpc93bZEMMVbt9CSeJO9TebFCUUSpP0LySzlLjLSWmWQHczT/s320/281591_433422650040966_500610316_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MEEEEEEEEOOOWW! The barn cats were as cute as can be and kept us company during the two day sale.</td></tr>
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On Saturday the rain stopped and the sun came out! I was able to sneak away several times to pick up an old vintage hatbox and a lovely lace top in a muted blush color. It's from one of my favorite stores in DeKalb...<a href="http://crackerjax.webnode.com/" target="_blank">Cracker Jax</a>. Could have bought much more and like to support the other vendors.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVIZE2pHuxf4c6uRqL2BLqTqh9dZdYZ2GvB0UdI_ENkoZ-6o3i-Qf-yyl1jPd-cN-WgusvTVlVjvrWdNh0gG_zEk7_y1LwBM7WBs9aLTVXby-k3fn5H0lNn-ILwkZPUPs61G4DY35o__g/s1600/156410_433377686712129_1850163428_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVIZE2pHuxf4c6uRqL2BLqTqh9dZdYZ2GvB0UdI_ENkoZ-6o3i-Qf-yyl1jPd-cN-WgusvTVlVjvrWdNh0gG_zEk7_y1LwBM7WBs9aLTVXby-k3fn5H0lNn-ILwkZPUPs61G4DY35o__g/s320/156410_433377686712129_1850163428_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My space was filled to the brim with fun things. So many people enjoyed looking (and buying) my things.</td></tr>
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Here we all are! Please visit the blogs, websites and etsy stores of these talented folks. Hope to see them again in May at the spring sale.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIN0SXxgsHPx2LirEPl5TzAg04cedW2oaoOiMWSR5JDS2EN3zXsB3I6UkeZY78eS6Zv40G3meK_dmH0O0kPBO3WPUoMAFfieYt85YuW0pDl_Fs9wmE68cFjR3s-nw99NT19UM3iF9wt0hW/s1600/2012-10-20_1350748207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIN0SXxgsHPx2LirEPl5TzAg04cedW2oaoOiMWSR5JDS2EN3zXsB3I6UkeZY78eS6Zv40G3meK_dmH0O0kPBO3WPUoMAFfieYt85YuW0pDl_Fs9wmE68cFjR3s-nw99NT19UM3iF9wt0hW/s320/2012-10-20_1350748207.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Peg Feltes. She is a lover of vintage pins and earrings and repurposes them into some stunning jewelry. Visit her etsy shop<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/penellibelle" target="_blank"> here</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZZWMIPvd4uHLN64rZON_tA3DtydlMK6ntTuBYYNe93-GMRUC-83fKSfu1p9D6K7Fp6h_4GTrEIHcONdmWWQPuBRsnhuGxWTroD7qr6VmiwSaA-LC9zfrxZ1B5N6jRLEobRXowwv8batv/s1600/2012-10-20_1350749254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZZWMIPvd4uHLN64rZON_tA3DtydlMK6ntTuBYYNe93-GMRUC-83fKSfu1p9D6K7Fp6h_4GTrEIHcONdmWWQPuBRsnhuGxWTroD7qr6VmiwSaA-LC9zfrxZ1B5N6jRLEobRXowwv8batv/s320/2012-10-20_1350749254.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fine Line Antiques had a great setting of fabulous finds. You can say "Hi" and read their blog <a href="http://www.fineline-antiques.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfePe2u8ov16AIDf7YOwGChBJjXXPXxI2d9hP8VF65TX_k40s8Zv9UzNZmD4RZKqMRW5rm2YLKajnnicCHv2b86j60EgmEVSgWieCjFDtiEd3jY0WtBf_juf4pe7U3rT9FLBHzxREpvAa6/s1600/2012-10-20_1350749291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfePe2u8ov16AIDf7YOwGChBJjXXPXxI2d9hP8VF65TX_k40s8Zv9UzNZmD4RZKqMRW5rm2YLKajnnicCHv2b86j60EgmEVSgWieCjFDtiEd3jY0WtBf_juf4pe7U3rT9FLBHzxREpvAa6/s320/2012-10-20_1350749291.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing things from Laughing Frog Studio. They up-cycle antique silverware and other antiques into handmade jewelry, accessories and home decor. Visit them at their etsy store<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/laughingfrogstudio" target="_blank"> here</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2w0mQlKKe2y4X7yMcwYW78OBkwY0Hjtcyjz7sEFb86WUIxT7tWfPm5mVs_MXN7D8lUlN9QTrg_b4piTZNTKL6f6JUSvCvNmbYSAJq1cVvgEvx4lo6Qq9o8HDfykaytJO_i_-sqlxC5OIb/s1600/2012-10-20_1350750516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2w0mQlKKe2y4X7yMcwYW78OBkwY0Hjtcyjz7sEFb86WUIxT7tWfPm5mVs_MXN7D8lUlN9QTrg_b4piTZNTKL6f6JUSvCvNmbYSAJq1cVvgEvx4lo6Qq9o8HDfykaytJO_i_-sqlxC5OIb/s320/2012-10-20_1350750516.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Vintage Sister" Nancy and Nikki with Once Upon A Pedestal had custom made pedestal cake stands, cupcake stands and vintage treasures. Visit them on<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Once-Upon-A-Pedestal/413777925320379" target="_blank"> Facebook</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfhkR-2XjKb9Khc-vmvaoNXozMPyfIg6IFe5QJ6PjLMAh0NwnREwqsaHO_3rtxQzkgDN5vYvKvWypgnmLBoc3pVR5n0_rk8GAHAyCuigp2y789OgY8f8WXnShjnAe8LeHC5qAGyzEOE3l/s1600/2012-10-20_1350750772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfhkR-2XjKb9Khc-vmvaoNXozMPyfIg6IFe5QJ6PjLMAh0NwnREwqsaHO_3rtxQzkgDN5vYvKvWypgnmLBoc3pVR5n0_rk8GAHAyCuigp2y789OgY8f8WXnShjnAe8LeHC5qAGyzEOE3l/s320/2012-10-20_1350750772.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many choices at Gray Graniteware Farmhouse. You can shop<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GranitewareFarmhouse" target="_blank"> here</a> on their etsy page.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnDabGfZXhW8ZbSSuPmC51Zi6-EsIuRJCzRLoB4O2yDc7h__RZ9RuVi831j-RzD0WBvzQI6BoOSB3T0Lr-DmhK-bQuHzQwtP0hhmibQLNmUPV3pi96Ay6j13pKbSwGobgPCFBH46o4KD7/s1600/2012-10-20_1350743227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnDabGfZXhW8ZbSSuPmC51Zi6-EsIuRJCzRLoB4O2yDc7h__RZ9RuVi831j-RzD0WBvzQI6BoOSB3T0Lr-DmhK-bQuHzQwtP0hhmibQLNmUPV3pi96Ay6j13pKbSwGobgPCFBH46o4KD7/s320/2012-10-20_1350743227.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lis Dunn Designs was my closest neighbor. She and her beautiful daughter were a joy to be around and her creations were simply stunning. You can view more on her facebook page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/LisDunnDesigns" target="_blank">here</a>.</td></tr>
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<br />a mess of thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641925198112840355noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8216066286744579847.post-74041971040458161042012-10-15T10:52:00.000-05:002012-10-15T10:52:06.493-05:00A letter to Sarah...<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qmfIwE1QVLJO-qhNHxtygIb9qpGqrjxEHzJoGGcOjz8_ZcSGA438N9yls7dFm-4oV3zpgNy_O2MZztYdZ5ZHep6jEYvhjgk13QKDRPMokgVpr9EOV1alu_CB2ZuNrJ4GgcJ8WKFfbZ5t/s1600/side+by+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qmfIwE1QVLJO-qhNHxtygIb9qpGqrjxEHzJoGGcOjz8_ZcSGA438N9yls7dFm-4oV3zpgNy_O2MZztYdZ5ZHep6jEYvhjgk13QKDRPMokgVpr9EOV1alu_CB2ZuNrJ4GgcJ8WKFfbZ5t/s400/side+by+side.jpg" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Side by Side"<br />Collage/mixed media painting</td></tr>
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This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending my nieces wedding in Chicago. Although it rained for most of the day (a sign of good luck I have been told!) it did not put a damper on the day. We actually came into town early on Thursday and spent some of the extra time shopping, eating and taking in the city. I wanted to share with you a painting that I had completed several years ago of the bride to be and my letter to her on this special day. I put the letter in one of my handmade paper envelopes and included a copy of the painting to hang in their apartment. I love happy occasions, don't you?<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">Dear Sarah –</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">I can’t believe that the little girl called Sarah, my niece is getting married. Uncle Mike and I are so thrilled that we get to spend some time with you before your wedding to celebrate this event.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">By now you have opened my present. I did this painting several years ago. The words on the print are "growing in beauty, side by side." You have grown to be a beautiful woman, Sarah, inside and out. And, side by side you will continue to grow with Steve. I knew wonderful things were going to happen to you even then !</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">So, dear niece, here are my words of wisdom for you…</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">This is the beginning of the next part of your life. Live. Grow. Find in each other the reason to be better at being yourself. There is no better way to live then with someone you love, who loves you, by your side. I couldn’t be happier for you then I am at this moment. I hope you take chances together, grow together, learn, laugh, cry and dream together.</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">This life passes by too fast, so make every breath worth it. Your days are with Steve now. Create a safe place with him for all your dreams to come true. And although you will have your moments and you may not like him on some days, always love him through anything that life gives you. You're in this together, a team.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;"> </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">Savor every moment of this weekend Sarah and the rest of your lives together.</span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJj2WiTKZtT8JSlujz5QPchvevBeFzLsTIYMxZg3sDLNO4YD5ehVLkkk_pPvofkIQh-LvoluSJkGBxeha-btOVsAu4x8Pqub6LUbezcq5QK7B1ikJ7pgkDrbaFyytKFyv-A2S5CCm6Uhay/s1600/643960_10101956711156970_1403859093_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJj2WiTKZtT8JSlujz5QPchvevBeFzLsTIYMxZg3sDLNO4YD5ehVLkkk_pPvofkIQh-LvoluSJkGBxeha-btOVsAu4x8Pqub6LUbezcq5QK7B1ikJ7pgkDrbaFyytKFyv-A2S5CCm6Uhay/s400/643960_10101956711156970_1403859093_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful, Sarah on her wedding day. Side by side with her lovely bridesmaids.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>a mess of thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01641925198112840355noreply@blogger.com0