tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28336542909297157112024-02-21T11:14:55.205-06:00Mission DecorateNew Town,
New House,
New Mission to DecorateJill Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567164893547322153noreply@blogger.comBlogger302125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2833654290929715711.post-89777622394731585042013-02-12T08:09:00.000-06:002013-02-12T08:09:32.484-06:00Put Your Mouth Where Your Pin IsYou are all <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> junkies like me, right? One of the many things I love it for is recipes. I pin myself a boat load of recipes. Now I will say they are not always a success, but I think that is true with many recipes sites and cookbooks so no fault to Pinterest. But the thing is you never know until you try. So I am trying to actually <i>make </i>some of those millions of recipes I have pinned. What a concept...I know. <br />
<br />
So this week I am trying out three recipes. I have not yet tried them and they may be a hot mess but they all look so yummy that I think any fails may be the fault of the chef not the authors. <br />
<br />
The first I am trying is in honor of my husband, the no-bean eater. Beanless Beef Chili was a pin from a while back but actually comes from <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sandra-lee/beanless-beef-chili-recipe/index.html">The Food Network</a>. And since I seem to be living in the Arctic I thought chili sounded perfect. So here is the recipe copied straight from <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sandra-lee/beanless-beef-chili-recipe/index.html">here</a>. <br />
<br />
<img alt="Picture of Beanless Beef Chili Recipe" height="300" src="http://img.foodnetwork.com/FOOD/2012/01/26/SLC_No-Bean-Chili_s4x3_lg.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Ingredients</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">2 tbsp. canola oil</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">1 (2 1/2-pound) beef chuck roast, cut into 1/2-inch cubes</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">2 medium chopped yellow onions</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">1 tbsp. chili powder</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">1/2 tsp. cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">1 small chopped jalapeno pepper</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">1 tbsp. chopped garlic</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">1 (28-ounce) can chopped tomatoes</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">1 cup beef broth</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Kosher salt, to taste</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Black pepper, to taste</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">SPICED SOUR CREAM:</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">1/2 cup sour cream</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">1 tsp. chili powder</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">1 tsp. lime juice</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">1 tsp. hot sauce</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">2 scallions</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Directions</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Put a deep heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and add the oil. Put in the beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until it is well browned, about 10-15 minutes. Remove the meat to a bowl with a slotted spoon and discard the fat from the pan. Pour half the broth into the pan and scrape up any browned bits.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Pour this into the bowl of a slow cooker. Add the onions and put the meat on top. Add the chili seasoning, red pepper flakes, cinnamon, jalapeno, and garlic.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Add the tomatoes with their juice and the remaining broth. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Taste, and adjust the seasoning. Serve garnished with spiced sour cream.</span><br />
<br />
The next recipe I am going to try out are Chicken Gyros.<br />
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<img alt="Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki sauce" src="http://media-cache-ec7.pinterest.com/550/43/d7/12/43d7126b3422153e55ce3c0b75711ba1.jpg" /><br />
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Don't they look awesome! This recipe is from a blog called <a href="http://basil-albi.blogspot.com/">Basil</a>. (Love that name!) And you can find the recipe <a href="http://basil-albi.blogspot.com/2011/11/chicken-gyros-with-tzatziki-sauce.html">here</a>. Or right here...<br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: inherit; font-size: small; line-height: 19px;">Chicken Gyros</b><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">2 chicken breasts, cut into strips</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1/4 cup olive oil</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">2 tablespoons lemon juice</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">2 tablespoons garlic, chopped</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1 teaspoon oregano {dried}</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2 teaspoon cumin</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2 teaspoon onion {powder}</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1 teaspoon salt</span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">In a bowl or bag, place all of the ingredients together and mix well. Marinate for up to 2 hours.</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Once ready, place the chicken on a grill {I use a George Foreman} or in a pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Nobile; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Tzatziki Sauce</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1 cup cucumber, finely chopped</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2 cup greek yogurt</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1/4 cup sour cream</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1 teaspoon mint</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1 teaspoon cilantro</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1 tablespoon lemon juice</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1 garlic clove, minced</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1/4 teaspoon salt</span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Nobile;">
<br />
<ul style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mix all of the ingredients together and let sit for at least 1 hour before using.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Condiments:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">pita bread</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">lettuce</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">tomatoes, sliced</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">red onion, thinly sliced</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">tzatziki sauce {recipe above}</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<ul style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Take a piece of pita bread and layer with the lettuce, chicken, tomato, red onion and tzatziki sauce.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: transparent;">And last but not yummy least is <a href="http://nosugarsweetlife.com/content/greek-yogurt-blueberry-banana-bread">Greek Yogurt Blueberry Banana Bread</a> from <a href="http://nosugarsweetlife.com/">No Sugar Sweet Life</a>.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<img alt="Greek Yogurt Blueberry Banana Bread." height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/550/a7/ac/4e/a7ac4e3d75a45bc0774ee7e781116c73.jpg" width="265" /></div>
</div>
</div>
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<br />
<div class="recipe-ingredients recipe-section" style="background-color: #eef2f2; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; padding-left: 0px;">
<h2 class="title" style="font-family: 'Shadows Into Light'; font-size: 30px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px;">
Ingredients</h2>
<div class="section" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 15px 1.5em;">
<div rel="schema:ingredient">
<div typeof="schema:Ingredient">
<div class="quantity-unit" property="schema:amount" style="display: inline; float: none; width: 7em;">
1 1⁄2 cup</div>
<span class="ingredient-name" property="schema:name">Whole Wheat Pastry Flour</span></div>
</div>
<div rel="schema:ingredient">
<div typeof="schema:Ingredient">
<div class="quantity-unit" property="schema:amount" style="display: inline; float: none; width: 7em;">
3 tablespoons</div>
<span class="ingredient-name" property="schema:name">Whole Wheat Pastry Flour</span></div>
</div>
<div rel="schema:ingredient">
<div typeof="schema:Ingredient">
<div class="quantity-unit" property="schema:amount" style="display: inline; float: none; width: 7em;">
1 1⁄2 teaspoon</div>
<span class="ingredient-name" property="schema:name">Baking Powder</span></div>
</div>
<div rel="schema:ingredient">
<div typeof="schema:Ingredient">
<div class="quantity-unit" property="schema:amount" style="display: inline; float: none; width: 7em;">
1⁄2 teaspoon</div>
<span class="ingredient-name" property="schema:name">kosher salt ((optional))</span></div>
</div>
<div rel="schema:ingredient">
<div typeof="schema:Ingredient">
<div class="quantity-unit" property="schema:amount" style="display: inline; float: none; width: 7em;">
1⁄2 cup</div>
<span class="ingredient-name" property="schema:name">Brown Sugar (or 1/4 cup agave nectar)</span></div>
</div>
<div rel="schema:ingredient">
<div typeof="schema:Ingredient">
<div class="quantity-unit" property="schema:amount" style="display: inline; float: none; width: 7em;">
1 teaspoon</div>
<span class="ingredient-name" property="schema:name">Vanilla Extract</span></div>
</div>
<div rel="schema:ingredient">
<div typeof="schema:Ingredient">
<div class="quantity-unit" property="schema:amount" style="display: inline; float: none; width: 7em;">
3 <abbr title="units"> </abbr> <span class="ingredient-name" property="schema:name">Large ripe bananas</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div rel="schema:ingredient">
<div typeof="schema:Ingredient">
<div class="quantity-unit" property="schema:amount" style="display: inline; float: none; width: 7em;">
2 <abbr title="units"> </abbr> <span class="ingredient-name" property="schema:name">Eggs</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div rel="schema:ingredient">
<div typeof="schema:Ingredient">
<div class="quantity-unit" property="schema:amount" style="display: inline; float: none; width: 7em;">
6 ounces</div>
<span class="ingredient-name" property="schema:name">Chobani Vanilla Greek Yogurt (or Blueberry)</span></div>
</div>
<div rel="schema:ingredient">
<div typeof="schema:Ingredient">
<div class="quantity-unit" property="schema:amount" style="display: inline; float: none; width: 7em;">
1 cup</div>
<span class="ingredient-name" property="schema:name">Blueberries (fresh or frozen)</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="recipe-instructions recipe-section" style="background-color: #eef2f2; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">
<h2 class="title" style="font-family: 'Shadows Into Light'; font-size: 30px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px;">
Instructions</h2>
<div class="section" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 15px 1.5em;">
<div class="recipe-section" property="schema:instructions">
<ol style="margin: 0px; padding-left: 20px;">
<li>Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Start by combining flour, baking powder, salt in a large mixing bowl.</li>
<li>In a separate bowl, mash bananas with a fork until they are gooey and liquid-like.</li>
<li>Add eggs, vanilla and brown sugar… mix thoroughly.</li>
<li>Add greek yogurt</li>
<li>Whisk until everything is well combined and there are no lumps.</li>
<li>Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and mix until just combined. At this point, fold in the blueberries.</li>
<li>Pour batter into a greased loaf pan and distribute evenly.</li>
<li>Put into the oven and bake for one hour, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.</li>
<li>Transfer to a cooling rack and (try to) let the bread cool for at least ten minutes before slicing.</li>
</ol>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: #eef2f2; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;">
<strong>Yeilds 12 Slices</strong></div>
Jill Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567164893547322153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2833654290929715711.post-56965806211042474952013-02-10T13:21:00.000-06:002013-02-10T13:21:53.718-06:00Goodbye Blogger, Hello WordpressSo I have made a big blogging decision and I am kinda scared. This may mean absolutely nothing to non-bloggers, so I apologize if this doesn't compute but I am making the big switch. Bye bye Blogger...hello Wordpress! <br />
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Let me start at the beginning. When I first started Mission Decorate I knew nothing about writing, designing, maintaining, all that stuff about a blog. And for me Blogger was the perfect home. First of all it is free. And how was I to know that 306 posts later I would still be doing this. (Let me say I did purchase my domain name right away, which is why I don't have "blogspot" in my URL. Which I HIGHLY recommend doing if you are starting a blog and the name is available. It is maybe $10 a year.) Blogger was also a good decision because it is very straight forward and easy to figure out on your own. It has served me <i>very </i>well. <br />
<br />
But what began as a side project has grown into something I love, dedicate a lot of time to and truly wish to grow. And that is why it is time to say goodbye to Blogger and take the Wordpress leap. There are endless reasons why people prefer Wordpress to Blogger or vice-versa and I am not about to claim to be an expert, but I will say my main driver is design capabilities and plug-in options. But if you want to read more I thought this post from <a href="http://thepaintedhive.net/2012/09/blogger-vs-wordpress/">The Painted Hive</a> is very well written. I also like this list of pros and cons from <a href="http://lovintheoven.com/2013/01/blogger-vs-wordpress-and-how-to-make-the-switch.html">Lovin' From The Oven</a>.<br />
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So once my decision was made to make the change I then had to decide how I was going to do it. It is very possible to do this conversion yourself. There are actually great e-books out there that walk you through it, like this one from <a href="http://www.linauerdesigns.com/services-pricing/#ebook">Addicted to Blogging</a>. But in addition to the conversion I was also hoping to get some design help to change the look of MD. And that is why I decided to seek out help. I researched high and low, in every price range, offering every service and made the decision to work with Stephanie at <a href="http://dirtandlacedesignstudio.com/">Dirt and Lace Designs</a>. <br />
<br />
It may sound silly but just committing to someone has been stressful. Mission Decorate is my baby that I have built from the ground up and it is hard to hand it over to someone even if it is just for a day or two. <i>And </i>one of the most redeeming qualities about Blogger is that I know how to use it! I have no idea how to use Wordpress. I have watched videos and it looks pretty straight forward but eek. I am pretty computer savvy and I know I will figure it out but it is still scary.<br />
<br />
Now I still have some things to do before the big conversion can get started including selecting a host (which is why Wordpress is not free). But I wanted to keep you all in the loop because although this wont make a big impact on your Mission Decorate reading (hopefully the site wont be down at all during the switch), it <i>will </i>make a big impact on my Mission Decorate writing. So wish me luck and I will keep you posted on the progress.Jill Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567164893547322153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2833654290929715711.post-31955183591372689512013-02-08T09:47:00.000-06:002013-02-08T10:07:39.794-06:00Art Activity Of The Month ClubBack in October I introduced you to my friend Kerrie in <a href="http://www.missiondecorate.com/2012/10/decorating-your-childs-room-with-their.html">this</a> post. Well in January I received this email from her...<br />
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
Hi Mamas,</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
Happy New Year! As the weather keeps getting colder, I am realizing there will be quite a few days where we will be inside and searching for something new and exciting to do. A while back I saw an ad for an art activity of the month club where you subscribe and each month they send an art project in the mail. It was pretty expensive though and another friend had the idea of getting some moms together and doing it on our own. I thought of each of you because of your child's age and the possible interest in something like this. There is absolutely no pressure to do it.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
What it entails:</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
Sending an art activity to each person on the list on your designated month (probably 2 times per year).</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
You can be as creative as you want. You can come up with your own project - you just need to send everything the person would need from the glue to the tape so that once they get it in the mail they can get started. Or you can buy an art project kit from the store and send it. It will be some work on your month, but the other months you can just sit back and wait for a fun project to arrive in the mail.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
Depending on who is interested the projects will need to be geared towards 2-6 year olds.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">Again, no pressure, but if you are interested send me an email with your address.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">I will organize the lists, send out reminders and will be in charge of the January project (coming soon!).</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">Kerrie </span><br />
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Um, hello, brilliant! So you know I jumped right on this! Kerrie assigned months and put together the address list as well as sent out the first craft.<br />
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We got our craft in the mail and I set it aside. But then a couple of weeks ago we were trapped inside in a huge snow storm (kinda like today, actually) and pretty much driving each other nuts. And I cannot tell you how happy I was to have that craft all put together and ready to go. My daughter and I spent the afternoon making popsicle stick frames and snowflakes and it was so much fun! <br />
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So I wanted to share this idea with you as I thought you might just want to put together an Activity of the Month Club yourself. And I also wanted to give a big shout out to Kerrie cause this is just brill. Jill Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567164893547322153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2833654290929715711.post-1340114794555556992013-02-07T09:05:00.002-06:002013-02-07T15:14:01.682-06:00Grown-Up Valentine<i>Dear Husband, if you have opened this post STOP NOW, shut your eyes and back away from the computer! </i><br />
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OK, now that that is taken care of...I wanted to share the really fun grown-up Valentine I have made for my husband. And as I have shared in the past, Valentine's Day is not only love day for everyone but it is also my husband and mine dating anniversary. Yup, this February 14th my man and I have been in love for 12 years. WOW! So I wanted to come up with a Valentine / Anniversary Gift that wrapped all that up in one. And I think I did it with this card / art I made at <a href="http://www.picmonkey.com/">PicMonkey</a>.<br />
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As you can see the background is a map of Colorado featuring Boulder,which is where my husband and I met.</div>
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I printed it on glossy card stock and plan to frame it. From there I'm thinking it would look great in our upstairs family gallery wall. But of course it is his gift so he can put it were he wants. (Stop laughing, that is kinda true!)</div>
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This is also an easy idea for just a card (doesn't have to be framed). So if you want to make one yourself follow this link to my <a href="http://www.missiondecorate.com/2012/12/picmonkey-cards.html">PicMonkey Card How To</a>. And where did I get the map? <a href="http://images.google.com/">Google Images</a>!</div>
<br />Jill Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567164893547322153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2833654290929715711.post-45235416383471739942013-02-06T12:58:00.003-06:002013-02-06T12:58:38.434-06:00Two Steps Forward, One Step Back Or Something Like ThatRemodeling projects, no matter how simple they seem, are ever well...simple. In addition to the light fiasco, we also purchased a new faucet, knobs and mirror for the main floor bathroom. The fixture arrived and we tried to install it this morning but of course it did not fit. So we boxed it back up to ship it back and went to Manards (the Mid-West's version of Home Depot. We have Home Depot too. I mean we aren't barbarians.) And actually found something that looked good and actually fit. I guess the "fitting" part is crucial. So that was one step back and then one step forward. <br />
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Hubs working hard to install the new faucet...<br />
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Sorry ladies, he is all mine!<br />
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We also bought new knobs for the bathroom cabinets. And those were a slam dunk the first time out the gates. <br />
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So we will call that one step forward. (Or do two knobs count as two steps?!?)<br />
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Next we splurged and ordered <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/kensington-mirror/?pkey=cbath-mirrors-wall-cabinets&cm_src=bath-mirrors-wall-cabinets||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-">this</a> awesome mirror from Pottery Barn. <br />
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<img alt="Kensington Pivot Mirror, Regular, Antique Bronze finish" height="356" src="http://ab.pbimgs.com/pbimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201236/0158/img13u.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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It also arrived this past week but when we went to install it this morning it had a crack. Booooooo! So one more step back. We called Pottery Barn right away and they will have another one in the mail tomorrow. I was hoping to get some kind of credit or discount on my next purchase since the crack sets us back at least a week. But after consulting with her supervisor the woman on the phone said "Let's get the mirror shipped out to you. Make sure you are happy with it and then we can address your request." Translation - we are expecting that you wont take the time to call us back in a week when you get the new mirror so hopefully we will get out of this without giving you anything. Lame-o! <br />
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So the status is we have a new faucet and knobs and we are waiting on the new light and mirror to arrive. And that officially takes the tally to one step back...one step forward...another step forward...and a giant mirror step back. As I said, never simple!Jill Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567164893547322153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2833654290929715711.post-67146014614152129802013-02-05T07:58:00.003-06:002013-02-05T07:58:34.926-06:00Easy Valentines"Love Day" as my daughter calls it, is right around the corner. And for us this is our first year of having a class to give Valentine's to! Now my daughter only has 8 kids in her class so the idea of making our own Valentines isn't that overwhelming. I understand it may be a bit different if your kiddos have 25 kids in their class. But this is a really simple project that you can get the kids working on and you probably have most of what you need already at home. <br />
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All you need is paper or cardstock, yarn, a hole punch and pens or crayons or stickers to decorate with. <br />
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Start out by making a heart template out of paper. Fold a piece of paper in half, cut half a heart and open it up to have a full heart...you know how to do that.<br />
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Next use the template to cut out hearts. You will need twice as many hearts as Valentines you want to make. I cut 16 hearts to make 8 Valentines. <br />
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I used paper I already had in my craft supplies and decided to do solid paper on one side and a print on the other side, but this isn't necessary - just use what you've got. You could even use paper bags or wrapping paper or gift bags. This is a great project to recycle stuff around the house!<br />
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So now that you have cut all your hearts, put two together and start punching holes. Do not punch holes in part of the top of the hearts because this is where you want to leave it open to create your pocket for candy or other little goodies. <br />
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Cut a long piece of yarn and lace it through the first hole and make a knot so it wont go anywhere.<br />
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From here let your kids take over. My daughter loves her lacing game and that is all this is! </div>
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Actually, her version looks more like this...</div>
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Tie off the yarn at the end and start decorating. </div>
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You can write the kids name's on the Valentines, decorate with stickers or glitter or anything you would like. Fill the Valentines with goodies and you are ready for Love Day!</div>
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Jill Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567164893547322153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2833654290929715711.post-796440452817318912013-02-04T12:10:00.002-06:002013-02-04T12:10:34.348-06:00Failure With Enthusiam<i>Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm - Winston Churchill</i><br />
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Well, it is true - I failed. But as Mr. Churchill suggests I have not lost enthusiasm, instead I gained some knowledge and even some confidence. So what did I fail at? The light. The bathroom light I recently told you about. No, I did not burn down the house. As a matter of fact the confidence I gained comes from the really good job I did installing the light. It turns out it was just a bad design choice.<br />
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You see, I am not thrilled by the basic 2 or 3 bulb vanity lights. The design just doesn't appeal to me. So I reached outside the box by ordering <a href="http://www.lampsplus.com/products/barn-wall-urban-galvanized-outdoor-wall-sconce__w4595.html">this</a> galvanized outdoor light from <a href="http://www.lampsplus.com/">Lamps Plus</a>. <br />
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<img alt="Barn Wall Urban Galvanized Outdoor Wall Sconce" height="400" src="http://image.lampsplus.com/is/image/W4595.fpx?qlt=75&wid=460&hei=460&fmt=jpeg" width="400" /><br />
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And I still <i>love </i>this light. But see here is the problem.<br />
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No, I didn't lower the ceiling and cut off the top half of the room...that is the lights doing. I mean it is obvious now. A light bulb with a non-translucent shade aiming straight down well gives you light shining straight down. Darn it. And no, there is no other light in the room so it just doesn't work.<br />
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So it may go back in the box to be shipped back to Lamps Plus or we might just keep it because we really do like the light. We shall see. But in the mean time I made a new purchase and although it is exactly what I didn't want I have come to the conclusion that function sometimes needs to out way form. And it doesn't hurt that I found something I actually really like.<br />
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<img src="http://media.restorationhardware.com/is/image/rhis/prod1193015_F11?$l-pg-3x$" /><br />
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It is almost 3 times more expensive then the first light (uggg) but it will look fabulous, especially with the other fixtures we ordered (that just came in yesterday!). So the <i><a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1193015&categoryId=cat160147">Campaign Triple Sconce</a> </i>from Restoration Hardware won out in the end. And at the very least now I know how to install it when it arrives! Jill Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567164893547322153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2833654290929715711.post-28369112129286542572013-02-01T07:57:00.005-06:002013-02-01T07:57:58.322-06:00Pretty BoxIsn't it funny where our inspiration comes from sometimes? I was shopping with a friend (Hi Anna!) a few weeks back, actually getting everything she needed for her daughter's birthday party and we were snooping around the dollar bins at <a href="http://www.target.com/">Target</a> for goodie bags. (Don't you love those dollar bins that they sneakily put right at the front of the store so you can't help but stop and look.) And we found what we needed but I also spotted this...<br />
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It is wrapping paper, but don't you just love the pattern. And it was one dollar. Now I had no idea what I was going to do with it but I loved it so I bought it. Correction...Anna bought it. I had no cash and was to embarrassed to pull out my credit card for a $1 purchase. Now don't get me wrong, I would have done it but she was already buying a bunch of stuff so I suckered her into buying it for me. (Don't worry, she earned good karma for it which you will see if you keep reading.) <br />
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A few days later while on a shopping trip to<a href="http://www.joann.com/"> JoAnn's</a> I picked up this box for about $4 I think <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5IOxyQWfn1GF3eyDQVjRHrWuHeq0d_FKvdUs7kzR9CfzmgBlr-bw9uwWtiKv4zC8WoqldJL5cWD525VGVP5izAtLdG2YP71nWOqBfo1ifyC5jWiEy8gXhwBYlzdxUyW1Tj7neUVY42FN0/s1600/IMG_1092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5IOxyQWfn1GF3eyDQVjRHrWuHeq0d_FKvdUs7kzR9CfzmgBlr-bw9uwWtiKv4zC8WoqldJL5cWD525VGVP5izAtLdG2YP71nWOqBfo1ifyC5jWiEy8gXhwBYlzdxUyW1Tj7neUVY42FN0/s400/IMG_1092.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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and a bottle of matte Mod Podge. Which, by the way, I thought was <i>Modge</i> Podge until I did <a href="http://www.missiondecorate.com/2012/02/i-seriously-thought-it-was-modge-podge.html">this</a> project a while back. I followed the tried and true rules that I found on <a href="http://modpodgerocksblog.com/">this</a> website when attempting my first Mod Podge project and I think it came out looking pretty snazzy. Oh yeah, I said snazzy!<br />
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And I added some robin's egg blue to the inside with paper I found at Michael's.<br />
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So now you are wondering about this karma thing. Well, as I type the finished box is in a gift bag sitting on Anna's front porch. There is nothing better then giving pretty things to wonderful friends. (A wonderful friend who buys you dollar bin goodies!)Jill Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567164893547322153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2833654290929715711.post-42078049964906820102013-01-31T14:43:00.001-06:002013-01-31T14:43:48.182-06:00The Dark Side Of The Bathroom The light that I ordered for the bathroom just came in and I am SO excited! But before I can get that baby up (and show it to you) there were a few things that needed to be taken care of. The first of which was saying goodbye to this 80's beaut...<br />
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<i>Goodbye little buddy! </i>But here was the thing, it is the only light in the room. Do you see the problem? To take it down I had to turn off the power but with no power I had no light to take it down. Ahhh things are never simple. </div>
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And speaking of never simple, I was home alone doing this project. The hubs is in 80 degree Miami and I am stuck in feet of new snow schools closed lovely Madison. I ran downstairs into the very depths of our basement to shut off the power but of course the circuits where not labeled correctly and the one named "hall bath" did not turn off the power to the hall bath. Usually no prob...one person stands in the bathroom, one goes downstairs and turns things on and off until the other yells "that one"! But nope, I had to switch off one circuit, run upstairs and around the corner to see if the light was still on, run back downstairs and try another one. I ran up and down the stairs 11 times (yes, I counted) before finding the right circuit. U-G-H! </div>
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OK, but back on track. So finally I turned off the power and then I had to search around the house for light. After a few laps I headed into the garage and grabbed these babies.</div>
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Wondering what's up with the dark pictures? Well, see the thing is when a room is dark, the pictures are dark. Sorry!</div>
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So in the romantic light of the camping lantern I took down the gold monster. Goodbye. Goodbye. Luckily no huge problems taking it down. The screws came off. I did remember to remove the light bulbs first, just in case it came crashing to the ground. And I even saved all the pieces so I can pass this baby on to the Habitat ReStore (which is also where the mirror is going). </div>
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But of course a boomerang project developed. You know, a project that happens when you start one project and then another project comes up that has to be done to complete the first project...a<i> boomerang project</i>. In this case the boomerang project came because of these</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QD70sSMo2ELW9NmwdqVEf6ORx0y7dX4lhZpBlxn8eaV_XenFSIZb_SOx5pqsynIgrdXJx7jOyqEV4kktKM2aGBtSN8v4rOnHdVgzVD86i4t6Ft0jgS5GNj0nFmnN9rhD8kl_Dg4hLufL/s1600/IMG_1105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QD70sSMo2ELW9NmwdqVEf6ORx0y7dX4lhZpBlxn8eaV_XenFSIZb_SOx5pqsynIgrdXJx7jOyqEV4kktKM2aGBtSN8v4rOnHdVgzVD86i4t6Ft0jgS5GNj0nFmnN9rhD8kl_Dg4hLufL/s400/IMG_1105.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Huge screws where holding the fixture to the wall and huge holes where for some reason needed for those screws. No idea why. I had never fixed a hole in the wall before. But hey, no time like the present to learn so I went to eHow and found <a href="http://www.ehow.com/video_4150_patch-hole-drywall.html">this tutorial</a> on how to patch a hole in drywall. And happily I already had all the supplies I needed except the self-adhesive mesh tape. But all that took was a quick trip to my local ACE.</div>
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As instructed, I cut a piece of mesh tape and adhered it to the wall. I put the spackle over it and let it dry. The next morning I lightly sanded it and used spray texture to match the rest of the room. Damn, I am good!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPXkefnQOqmLR4IUirYqVhemU2IhpAhkgJEk_zVGGaBsg08brbVG_0vdNdlwTZn2HC72McwzMbqcCnWXX5SWUD9nq8DTrO5fJQeSoxC2MPf3RsuarnCBXsuJXRZCFi7nmUSaN1NhL84_X/s1600/IMG_1116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPXkefnQOqmLR4IUirYqVhemU2IhpAhkgJEk_zVGGaBsg08brbVG_0vdNdlwTZn2HC72McwzMbqcCnWXX5SWUD9nq8DTrO5fJQeSoxC2MPf3RsuarnCBXsuJXRZCFi7nmUSaN1NhL84_X/s400/IMG_1116.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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I know, great picture huh?!?! But you don't see two holes on either side of the wires anymore, do you?</div>
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So the wall is ready for the new light. And I will let you in on a little secret...I just put the light up and <i>I love it! </i>But I'm not quiet ready to show it to you yet. However, I will say I still have all 10 fingers and my hair is not standing up on end. An electrical success (and my first electrical project, may I add). So go ahead, pat me on the back and say good job :) </div>
Jill Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567164893547322153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2833654290929715711.post-29737904739132354112013-01-30T08:13:00.000-06:002013-01-30T08:13:05.921-06:00Displaying Kid Art!Way back when, I created this photo wall in my daughter's room...<br />
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<img height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQCwb1kHfFXS__i0moHlvu2wZyu-pJagn0fTY8rNXx-wmKlgAClZ9bIAXzbp90nhkI-rHrUmJrq2U7842BkSRiyIs6DB5Er6QSXq3lOU-7togwzr4wYFHeBuN_qI9pyREKqv_U2pIE9Q/s400/Mission+Decorate+828.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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It was a <i>really </i>simple project. I went to the ribbon isle at JoAnn's and bought that thicker cording that is kinda like the good old boy scout belts. Do they still wear those horrible things? I also bought a little fun frilly ribbon to coordinate. I cut slits at both ends of the cording, strung the frilly ribbon through and tied the frilly ribbon to create a loop. I put two copper nails in the wall and strung the cording between them. I attached pictures with some painted and some plain clothes pins and it was a great way to display cute pics in my daughter's room. <br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3esgdipqMaC_d7scNYDmc4DV6o7u7vusxCcOexNOFGI7NyyUCjWsG_k2zVKuntZ4vwevhPhZlGgUxKu6_VYXDbXy143jg1lKiaD49Kvc_26zu3V9bfH5GA7CqGfj_qbYZYEMFG6KvHc/s320/Mission+Decorate+824.jpg" /><br />
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But I was recently sitting in her bed reading her a book and started thinking that maybe it is strange for a 3 year old to have a entire wall of pictures of herself in her room. Hmmmm? Is that odd or am I just odd? Well, that's a whole other topic. But maybe it is time to change it up. <br />
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Ever since she started school my daughter comes home with piles of papers. Many of them "art" that I have no idea what to do with or honestly what they are. I put them on the fridge for a day and then when she isn't looking I sneak them to the trash. (Horrible mother, I know.) But as she has become a big 3 year old in recent weeks I am trying to get her more involved in decision making so I thought maybe I could turn her <i>picture of me wall </i>into <i>my art wall</i>. And when she brings home a new masterpiece that she wants to add to the wall she can decide what comes down and what stays. What do you think?<br />
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So I snatched down all the pics and put them in a keepsake pile, which btw I need a true home for at some point - add to the project list. And I have started putting up her art. The very first to go up is my very favorite because it is her first ever scribble...<br />
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...and I was smart enough at the time to put a date on it so it is a great keepsake. But as the art comes in it will go up and eventually rotate out. <br />
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And as I think about it, this idea was inspired by <a href="http://www.happiness-project.com/">The Happiness Project</a> idea of <i>"be a treasure house of happy memories"</i>. For a DIYer there is nothing better then the bargain of home made art and for our happiness there is nothing better then displaying things that fill your heart with wonderful thoughts. So this project is a two for one deal, how about that!?!?!<br />
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<br />Jill Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567164893547322153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2833654290929715711.post-82331292188885395902013-01-29T07:46:00.001-06:002013-01-29T20:13:56.498-06:00The Happiness Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have you read this book? <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Happiness-Project-Aristotle-Generally/dp/006158326X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359400815&sr=8-1&keywords=the+happiness+project">The Happiness Project</a></i> by Gretchen Rubin. It is not a new book. It came out in March of 2011, but it seems to be popping up in places again so I thought I would check it out.<br />
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<img alt="The Happiness Project" height="48" src="http://www.happiness-project.com/wp-content/themes/happiness/images/logo.png" title="" width="640" /><br />
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As the full title explains <i>The Happiness Project </i>is a book about why Gretchen spent a year "trying to sing in the morning, clean (her) closets, fight right, read Aristotle, and generally have more fun." It is <i>not </i>the story of a woman who leads a miserable life, who is unhappy and needing a huge change. Instead it is about a woman who is a lot like many of us. She loves her job, has a great marriage and two pretty awesome kids, but even so she often asks herself if she could do better, live better and treat others better. <br />
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Have you ever asked yourself these questions? Are you sitting around waiting for "when this happens" or "when that happens" you will be really happy? Don't we all do that? I know I do. And along the way I take out my grouchy moods and unnecessary stress on the people who matter most to me (read - my husband). Oh and one of my biggest faults - everything becomes about the to-do list and the good stuff just slips on by. <br />
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Well, I am not her publicist and I have no monetary connection to Mrs. Gretchen Rubin but reading this book is really making me think and act in a happier way. And that right there is worth selling!<br />
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<img alt="the happiness project" height="320" src="http://www.happiness-project.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/HappinessProject_RightColumn.png" width="196" /><br />
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She also writes a blog and you know I like me some good blog. You can check it out on her website <a href="http://www.happiness-project.com/">here</a>. She seems to be half way through a 21-Day Challenge right now, which I know nothing about but I'm sure it is great.<br />
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So let me know if you have read this book and / or read her blog. I would <i>love </i>to hear others' experiences with their own happiness project. Jill Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567164893547322153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2833654290929715711.post-51133288765573263472013-01-28T12:24:00.001-06:002013-01-29T20:13:07.540-06:00Mirror Mirror Off The WallBirthday week is over and now it is time to get back to business; Bathroom Business. I last left you hanging a little with <a href="http://www.missiondecorate.com/2013/01/what-to-do-what-to-do.html">this post</a>. What to do? What to do? Do we work with what we've got (wainscoting, new fixtures, paint) or do we go all the way (tile, tile, tile)? Well the final decision is somewhere in the middle. <br />
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No, we are not going to tile. A decision that is not only more budget friendly but also more hectic life friendly. Sometimes you just gotta say no, even to yourself. But we did decide to take one more giant leap. It was a leap because the move left us with some uncertainty. It seemed simple enough but who knew what lied beneath.<br />
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Yup, you guessed it - I'm talking about the mirror. The big builders mirror with gold brackets. Now there are many options for updating a mirror. One used a ton in DIY world is framing out a builders mirror like Sherry and John did at <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2012/12/who-framed-roger-rabbit/">YHL</a>. Or you could order a custom frame from <a href="http://www.mirrormate.com/">Mirror Mate</a>. (I've never used them but I hear great things!) But even though we have been warned against it we decided to go all the way and pull that sucker down. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZy_212U-3SsdWolCYoe8OVCnwih9hnBpwoLopR-i33xqTD0JKNhNKXMLWjJavLiEVqyW-u6iJIKAqyVkoeQRjwWvD84tz7jlTMT8zJBNP2yStlZVcTdgs2aKdaSgRDvhQMSmvzATMSFZ2/s1600/IMG_1083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZy_212U-3SsdWolCYoe8OVCnwih9hnBpwoLopR-i33xqTD0JKNhNKXMLWjJavLiEVqyW-u6iJIKAqyVkoeQRjwWvD84tz7jlTMT8zJBNP2yStlZVcTdgs2aKdaSgRDvhQMSmvzATMSFZ2/s400/IMG_1083.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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(Yuck, bad pic...sorry!)<br />
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Well hold on. I need to be honest with you. When I say "we" it isn't really "we". We got help. We asked a friend who is very handy to help us pull the mirror down and tackle the mess that lay beneath. My thought was we would do it together so next time I would know what to do. But schedules got crazy and timing wasn't working so he snuck in when we were gone and pulled that baby down. So that picture you see above is what my husband and I came home to Saturday afternoon. Pretty awesome, right?!?!<br />
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Now I have read and been told that pulling down a builders mirror can be a nightmare because of one word...<i>glue</i>. There is really no good way to figure out how much glue was used and what damage it will leave behind until you pull that baby down. We got pretty lucky. No <i>huge </i>chunks of wall came off and no <i>huge </i>holes were left behind. It will take three coats of mud (allowing 8 hours to dry in between coats) and a coat of texture to match the rest of the wall but that is minor compared to what could have been left behind. So win for us! <br />
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So what is going in its place? No final decisions have been made but I have been pinning away and I like these 3 from <a href="http://www.homedecorators.com/">Home Decorators Collection</a> who just so happens to be having a bed & bath sale right now! <br />
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<img alt="Reflections Mirror I" height="395" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/233765036880187289_OvWEGml7_c.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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<img alt="Keys Bath Mirror - to country?" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/233765036880187279_eLyyJ3vu_c.jpg" width="366" /><br />
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<img alt="Artisan Mirror" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/233765036880187276_ayK6YddQ_c.jpg" width="343" /><br />
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Is it funny that I haven't even showed these options to my husband yet but you all now know what I am planning?!?! I guess he will just have to read my blog ;) So tell me which you like best, I just can't decide!Jill Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567164893547322153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2833654290929715711.post-77638522807982564592013-01-25T12:45:00.002-06:002013-01-29T20:35:47.524-06:00Dora Backpack, Map & MoreWhen hosting fifteen 3 & 4 year olds at your house I think the only way to survive is to plan an activity. So that is exactly what I did for my daughter's third birthday party. And as you all know by now the party was Dora themed. <br />
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I apologize that I am about to be wordy but I gotta explain a little. Once all the children arrived and had a chance to play for a few minutes we gathered them around. I told them how excited Kylie was to have them at her party and that she had made them Backpack treats! But there was one problem...Swiper had come and taken all the treats out of the backpacks. So if they wanted their treats they were going to have to follow the Map.<br />
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OK, so break time here for your "how to make a backpack treat bag tutorial"...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkK4gPBDTKRKJcJ1QBVqc-FHETm2y_6DhLORPEa8mLuHkiOupKOqVAWgEbH7WwzYAyZIRzLysmzSBOmzlRLm_WaknK08KtBD1uCEcQhE9KjJxh_HESAEOeqz6lPHCvaQ1GGpRX4valT4Ap/s1600/IMG_0901+edit+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkK4gPBDTKRKJcJ1QBVqc-FHETm2y_6DhLORPEa8mLuHkiOupKOqVAWgEbH7WwzYAyZIRzLysmzSBOmzlRLm_WaknK08KtBD1uCEcQhE9KjJxh_HESAEOeqz6lPHCvaQ1GGpRX4valT4Ap/s400/IMG_0901+edit+1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Here is what you will need:</div>
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Purple Bags - paper or cloth <i>I scored cloth bags at the dollar store - 2 for a $1</i></div>
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School Glue - the old school stuff</div>
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Red Paper</div>
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Yellow Paper</div>
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White Paper</div>
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Cream Paper</div>
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Ribbon</div>
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On the red paper you will print out the mouth</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXk1oxqZGFMC_j1M6Fl1S3B6tzWPOnCPa6SL1bVds4VOokKQfpwfGMqOcgXeO1p8oTHHDi4TW9THzecHy0YAo8xXqK0GYyd2qV-gtUTB5zgoM8BTeOIPePDBmOfFpd7Lddxfq7wijfA2xU/s1600/mouth+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXk1oxqZGFMC_j1M6Fl1S3B6tzWPOnCPa6SL1bVds4VOokKQfpwfGMqOcgXeO1p8oTHHDi4TW9THzecHy0YAo8xXqK0GYyd2qV-gtUTB5zgoM8BTeOIPePDBmOfFpd7Lddxfq7wijfA2xU/s400/mouth+1.png" width="308" /></a></div>
<i>Those lines above the mouth are just left over from cutting & pasting and can be ignored. </i><br />
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On the white paper you will print out the eyes<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCclOC9D7vHMFKRDXp3AM5upDnglGJFkn03LUZJ9b6l1VTarEvRcCnxOXpsWHVgI7hWyKrhSsAmx8qJdJuEunwrFFhF04lYAF2iZBZnOksq4Roy_XLuCV3XbwzQZ66wR0jPBFZs-5PN9Q4/s1600/eyes+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCclOC9D7vHMFKRDXp3AM5upDnglGJFkn03LUZJ9b6l1VTarEvRcCnxOXpsWHVgI7hWyKrhSsAmx8qJdJuEunwrFFhF04lYAF2iZBZnOksq4Roy_XLuCV3XbwzQZ66wR0jPBFZs-5PN9Q4/s400/eyes+1.png" width="308" /></a></div>
<i>Same deal on the dots below the eyes.</i><br />
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On the yellow paper you will print out the eyebrows</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRoFfVsLWa5PMgHxPOpOEnc1NjEST4dPBPtOmWrvfERcvE5gAVqYLyQXqsRDN9oKl-l8h-BKI0iXcEjNBBfnyZuKibsG5wtKJxh4tzbg8l0fsw9octHiXZfSa8OVMyJYn1SfG-P8DgVWRY/s1600/eyebrows+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRoFfVsLWa5PMgHxPOpOEnc1NjEST4dPBPtOmWrvfERcvE5gAVqYLyQXqsRDN9oKl-l8h-BKI0iXcEjNBBfnyZuKibsG5wtKJxh4tzbg8l0fsw9octHiXZfSa8OVMyJYn1SfG-P8DgVWRY/s400/eyebrows+1.png" width="308" /></a></div>
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Now, I am still trying to figure out how you can download and print the above sheets straight from here but in the mean time just email me at missiondecorate at gmail dot com if you would like me to email them to you (or if you know how to create the link I need, <i>please</i>). I will send you the template and it will make your life much easier. </div>
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The next step is to cut out each face piece outside of the black print lines. You <i>want </i>the black lines. This takes a little time. When you are done just glue everything onto your bag! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jVDW2ldoiC2c0kIJsF_sIW11oOPh-ochLWzjZmBHmjAlPZ28_XDCPCaX44Gg6ShExw53bvor0iImYjgwSw81kU3JjMLgRft7FfOPC3P9wxSu2qGPluclXKZSv84VrWGKzNv7cLQOZ9Ki/s1600/IMG_0897+edit+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jVDW2ldoiC2c0kIJsF_sIW11oOPh-ochLWzjZmBHmjAlPZ28_XDCPCaX44Gg6ShExw53bvor0iImYjgwSw81kU3JjMLgRft7FfOPC3P9wxSu2qGPluclXKZSv84VrWGKzNv7cLQOZ9Ki/s400/IMG_0897+edit+1.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
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And remember, School Glue dries clear so don't worry if a little squishes out on the sides. </div>
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Now for the map. First thing, you will want to print the map face so it falls in the upper left corner of the page. Haha! I can't get the pic below to rotate so you are just going to have to look at him sideways. But I am happy to email this to you and it is easy to rotate for printing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79nBaHftDm8mYZbgKVfcYJI_SNRE1usxvvSwGFQjGS9jvrc7aUfjBvg3kv5eYtTzKmvBlOP5n2gr4TcId8HDy-S25XftMimRiThr6tWHNKJeqgGanX_l9NpwdEwF52dB8A_Mw44FJarAq/s1600/map+face+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79nBaHftDm8mYZbgKVfcYJI_SNRE1usxvvSwGFQjGS9jvrc7aUfjBvg3kv5eYtTzKmvBlOP5n2gr4TcId8HDy-S25XftMimRiThr6tWHNKJeqgGanX_l9NpwdEwF52dB8A_Mw44FJarAq/s640/map+face+1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then take out a Sharpie and hand draw your map on a piece of paper. Keep it simple, they are 3 year olds after all! Mine looked like this...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC53y6s49hpYQix8GUo0r0StOJ1BoIPTyXYhnJyHZ3JmiO7hkPyYz-7F42xpUzcGr1CxQhVKAlIThTG513vM8MOfh7bUtme5oRW0BeQtc0LdQqWS55sus2hQe4QKraBabDXJPH4FUhPrlc/s1600/IMG_0913+edit+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC53y6s49hpYQix8GUo0r0StOJ1BoIPTyXYhnJyHZ3JmiO7hkPyYz-7F42xpUzcGr1CxQhVKAlIThTG513vM8MOfh7bUtme5oRW0BeQtc0LdQqWS55sus2hQe4QKraBabDXJPH4FUhPrlc/s400/IMG_0913+edit+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Scan your drawing to your computer and print the map on the opposite side of the cream paper from the map face. Now all you have to do is roll up the map so the face is what you see and tie a ribbon around it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJx5-EuCy0-0sT4QJlAWHzvIzx0snufnJxk2fajLQB9-kx8SwfJNbkD4F-zhvQfof0M_WelHPT2RlAuXY0_maelAbxOXx1qGwtBTcvNOf5WKnK5xa0CU0U5dbPzI1r6xmXbntnuIJHFFy5/s1600/IMG_0904+edit+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJx5-EuCy0-0sT4QJlAWHzvIzx0snufnJxk2fajLQB9-kx8SwfJNbkD4F-zhvQfof0M_WelHPT2RlAuXY0_maelAbxOXx1qGwtBTcvNOf5WKnK5xa0CU0U5dbPzI1r6xmXbntnuIJHFFy5/s400/IMG_0904+edit+1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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One quick note - I decided to let the kiddos go to any of the three spots when they wanted, rather then go in a specific order. I found this spread everyone out a little bit. </div>
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Now you are wondering what my three stops were? But before I explain that I also want to add that we dressed the birthday girl up as Dora for a little extra fun. (It doesn't hurt that she already has the Dora haircut!) </div>
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Pink Shirt <i>found at <a href="http://www.joann.com/jerzees-youth-t-shirts-medium-many-colors/prd57257/">JoAnns</a> </i></div>
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Orange Shorts <i>which started out as leggings from <a href="http://www.carters.com/null/2-Pack-Stretch-Jersey-Leggings/886149006437,default,pd.html?cgid=carters-toddler-girl-bottoms-leggings&start=">Carters</a> and my fab sister-in-law sewed into shorts</i></div>
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Yellow Socks <i>oddly hard to find but eventually I found them at <a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/05677?article=05677-A">H&M</a></i></div>
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And Backpack <i>found <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dora-Explorer-Plush-Backpack-PURPLE/dp/B004IWKIUS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1359139210&sr=8-2&keywords=Dora+Backpack">here</a></i></div>
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<i>all these links take you right to the items I bought - told you I would make it easy :)</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2LqbGIYUlLUfdbplfXUIo4xU45_ONrATVgjWKxVEOAJj5yGzpIN11UwrYidEYu0_a4SYQZBI4d7KXKyMZ-Wq4o0mwpDCGba0AsGQauS1Cbawac0dYrEsG1HsnpyhpFzkGxWiJJ7Pl0Ij3/s1600/IMG_0962+edit+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2LqbGIYUlLUfdbplfXUIo4xU45_ONrATVgjWKxVEOAJj5yGzpIN11UwrYidEYu0_a4SYQZBI4d7KXKyMZ-Wq4o0mwpDCGba0AsGQauS1Cbawac0dYrEsG1HsnpyhpFzkGxWiJJ7Pl0Ij3/s400/IMG_0962+edit+1.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>
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But back to the stops on the map...</div>
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First there was the <i>Rainbow Cave</i> - a room filled with all different color balloons. Each balloon had a treat hiding inside and the Explorers had to pop the balloon to get their surprise. (So sad, but I didn't get a pic of this.)</div>
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Next was <i>Sparkle Lake</i> - a kiddie pool filled with treats (with paperclips attached) and home made magnetic fishing polls ready to reel in the goods.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsoxFboNDa9GW3PDehs4KV3Pg2wzLRRFoUngRZjTTbq6R81KY8TFYczKudvj3BcGT74xwuOJ8-QnA7rob4loefp53W6S_txA75Wr3x7xhWZzs5ZSpphufgsylZRkRvax73YB3JzvtXack9/s1600/IMG_0923+edit+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsoxFboNDa9GW3PDehs4KV3Pg2wzLRRFoUngRZjTTbq6R81KY8TFYczKudvj3BcGT74xwuOJ8-QnA7rob4loefp53W6S_txA75Wr3x7xhWZzs5ZSpphufgsylZRkRvax73YB3JzvtXack9/s400/IMG_0923+edit+1.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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And third stop was <i>Star Island</i> - my home made paper cut out "island" with a cardboard palm tree to boot. The kids got to make Dora Stars at this spot using foam stars, stickers, puff balls, markers and glue.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyEwWSLZFiu0KsNfGnRdtMucZyCFLIHg9k36r6OhE678IU4rTVyOL7OpcPDtekVo6lb1KLGhmTk5-uADTZwdXT1uwpAe3ySvWTovLOemTSvbhZ2pyGXL2hloeWoQGI3azOY7U7Lbdrt7-0/s1600/IMG_0971+edit+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyEwWSLZFiu0KsNfGnRdtMucZyCFLIHg9k36r6OhE678IU4rTVyOL7OpcPDtekVo6lb1KLGhmTk5-uADTZwdXT1uwpAe3ySvWTovLOemTSvbhZ2pyGXL2hloeWoQGI3azOY7U7Lbdrt7-0/s400/IMG_0971+edit+1.jpg" width="373" /></a></div>
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Once all the treasures where found lunch was served followed up by a <i>yummy </i>chocolate birthday cake from <a href="http://www.costco.com/">Costco</a>. Have you had their cake? I don't normally like cake but this stuff is <i>gooooood</i>! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Q_TJYzwADrllAhF8GQzVrgg2wb4kA0vExx0MWRQIKZ7yA6y0Lx94MaCyocgULZN6qWuwcuhF5CTtOFRs_XI8ifeGqLBo6Pw5NNMfFUTcv63-UosGXpUbqD_Y6Yd_ScEF_ao7VLouxN32/s1600/IMG_1051+edit+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Q_TJYzwADrllAhF8GQzVrgg2wb4kA0vExx0MWRQIKZ7yA6y0Lx94MaCyocgULZN6qWuwcuhF5CTtOFRs_XI8ifeGqLBo6Pw5NNMfFUTcv63-UosGXpUbqD_Y6Yd_ScEF_ao7VLouxN32/s400/IMG_1051+edit+1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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My daughter agrees.</div>
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My other tips for hosting a successful toddler party at your house are...</div>
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1. Keep things moving. Start activities soon after guests arrive. Follow that right up with food and cake. Then if the kiddos want to stick around and play they can do that for as long as they want. But attention spans are short and nap / bedtimes creep in so don't take your time, get right to it.</div>
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2. If guests bring presents hold off on opening them until after the party. It is <i>really </i>hard for kids to sit still and watch someone else open toys. They run around. They grab the presents. They just don't really get it. So open the gifts once everyone has gone home. Take pictures if you want and send them with thank you cards. And then just be specific in your thank you notes so everyone knows their specific present was opened and appreciated. </div>
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3. Can your decorations also be party gifts? This happened by accident but it is something I will definitely remember in the future. We decorated the play room with milar (sp?) balloons from the dollar store. And as they left a number of little ones asked if they could take one home. Heck yeah! An extra gift for them and one less thing to clean up for me. I take full credit for that brilliance. </div>
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4. My last tip is to give people jobs. If you can ask friends or family to help with a few things during the party then their is a much better chance of you actually enjoying it. Assign picture taking. Ask someone to get the cake out of the fridge at a certain time. I even assigned my mom to lead my daughter through the activities so I could watch all the kids having fun.</div>
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Happy Partying! </div>
Jill Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567164893547322153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2833654290929715711.post-74881928015527086712013-01-23T07:53:00.000-06:002013-01-23T07:53:43.172-06:00Dora Party InvitationsTime to get down to the nitty gritty and share all the deets on the Dora Bash. So let's start at the beginning...the invitations! <br />
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I love including a picture of the birthday girl on party invitations. It is a cute visual and pop of color but even better it is <i>so fun</i> to use them as art later on. And not to mention a good way for a sappy mom to tear up will thinking about how big her little girl has gotten.</div>
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<img height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4jFBP_AVdE2Tu4M0k_t1oDFbbZ0nQ7SdKWhDplM9xoFf0mjvRrH1NIF-u3Rr9bwXLYEwr3lQAm9srfrHV027YiyZh3aX6Ya38Sklm-LziQPF-saQFJzcircdeVkYEmwf1gAprFRNLP8/s400/Mission+Decorate+452.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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Sniffle, sniffle. </div>
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For her first and second birthday I created and ordered her invitations at <a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/">TinyPrints</a>, which I love. But this time around I decided to make them myself. With a little help from my friend <a href="http://www.picmonkey.com/">PicMonkey</a> it was super easy! </div>
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Just follow <a href="http://www.missiondecorate.com/2012/12/picmonkey-cards.html">this link</a> for my full tutorial on how to make a PicMonkey card. </div>
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Once I had created the cards I took them to <a href="http://www.fedex.com/us/office/?s_kwcid=TC|16501|fedex%20kinkos||S|e|10334810835&cmp=KNC-1001028-2-1-950-0010000-US-US-EN-FXOBRANDTERM000">FedEx Office</a> to print. Now you could print them at home if you have a great color printer that does well with cardstock. But sigh, our printer is only so-so which made me think this was a better job for a professional. I was able to fit two invitations to a page and I trimmed them myself so in total I spent about $13 for 20 invitations. </div>
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And if you are looking for some more ideas for wording your Dora invitations here are some that I love...</div>
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<i>Calling All Explorers</i></div>
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<i>It's a fiesta!</i></div>
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<i>Come on vamanos, everybody let's go</i></div>
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Child's Name <i>the Explorer is turning 5!</i></div>
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<i>She did it!</i></div>
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<i>Follow the map and you will see </i>child's name <i>is turning 3</i></div>
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<i>Let's Explore! </i>Child's name <i>is turning 4.</i></div>
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<i>Join us for an Ah-Dora-ble birthday fiesta! </i></div>
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OK, that last one is my favorite so I will stop there. Stay tuned for more on the how to make your Dora party happen.</div>
Jill Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567164893547322153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2833654290929715711.post-13154816724052887672013-01-21T06:59:00.000-06:002013-01-21T06:59:14.632-06:00Dora Birthday Party!What a fun weekend! The birthday party was a <i>huge </i>hit! And I am so excited to share it all with you! How about we start out with lots of fun pics and later on in the week I will break down some of the details. Don't worry, I wont leave anything out. If you have a little one who is begging for a Dora party I will give you everything you need! <br />
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So come on along with me cause Kylie is turning 3!<br />
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Dora will lead the way...<br />
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But don't forget Backpack!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNt1D_82De9EU9Z6OIFIj7sJLDtU6GTmKpIHeeOI_uIDzQoioWSKZLS2eZu43N7zurw-7U_lRqrBKIVn0kwomPSfIFTZSiWZN6eHJNxmUTTVTzHnElAxanbhbcWI6dqO6ZKZ2cinfqvu4l/s1600/IMG_0901+edit+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNt1D_82De9EU9Z6OIFIj7sJLDtU6GTmKpIHeeOI_uIDzQoioWSKZLS2eZu43N7zurw-7U_lRqrBKIVn0kwomPSfIFTZSiWZN6eHJNxmUTTVTzHnElAxanbhbcWI6dqO6ZKZ2cinfqvu4l/s400/IMG_0901+edit+1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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and "if there's a place you gotta go I'm the one you need to know, I'm the map!"</div>
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Now a few explorers and you have everything you need.</div>
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Oh and don't forget the cake!</div>
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Jill Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567164893547322153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2833654290929715711.post-74486579720220161392013-01-18T13:28:00.001-06:002013-01-18T13:28:28.770-06:00My Amazing Little GirlMy amazing little girl turned 3 on Wednesday! And as my husband so brilliantly proclaimed on Facebook "So whoever had the under on three years, I kept my child alive and didn't forget her at the grocery store, so HA to you!!" Kinda sums it up. <br />
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But this weekend is the <i>Big Birthday Party! </i>And I know a lot of parents like to keep it simple, especially for the first few birthdays, but um I am not one of those parents. The truth is I <i>love </i>planning this kind of stuff!<br />
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Ky's first birthday party was a storytime themed bash. (<a href="http://www.missiondecorate.com/2011/01/1st-birthday-party-to-remember.html">Here</a> are all the details.) Her 2nd birthday party was a sledding party. (<a href="http://www.missiondecorate.com/2012/01/birthday-party-decorations.html">Details</a> for that one too.) And this year what will it be? I will give you three guesses. <i>Princess</i>...no. <i>Zoo Animals</i>...no. Yup, you got it...<i>DORA</i>! Probably the most popular little girl birthday theme around. But don't think this is just Dora plates and hats. Nope, we are going on an adventure. A true Dora exploration! <br />
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But sorry you will have to wait till next week to see all the details but before then I have a quick problem to solve. As I was just putting the food together I noticed a not-on-purpose theme.<br />
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Anyone else see it?!?!? Everything is ORANGE! Kinda odd, right? Well, looks like I am running to the store for snap peas or green apples or anything not orange! <br />
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Have a great weekend everyone and wish me luck!Jill Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567164893547322153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2833654290929715711.post-41237936541114962092013-01-17T08:22:00.003-06:002013-01-29T20:36:11.822-06:00Wainscoting: The Real DealHa! Does my title sound like a 20/20 investigation? Well this might be just as ground breaking...if you like wainscoting! Because I have a product to share with you. I am not getting paid big bucks - or any bucks for that matter - to plug this product. I am simply doing it out of the kindness of my heart. Kindness to you, that is. I really don't care about the company that makes it :)<br />
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We have used this product in our upstairs bath and now our main floor bath and it is <i>so easy </i>and looks great to boot. We found it at <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/">Home Depot</a> in the lumbar section and it looks like this...<br />
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Now I am not sure why it has two names. At the top it says Veranda and at the bottom it says Plastpro. But either way it is called Prefinished Reversible Vinyl Wainscot. It is a vinyl product (duh) that stands up great in a bathroom. It does not have to be painted or patched or anything at all. </div>
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When you buy this you will also need to buy the Trim Kit. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJWHWgM8YkXWicWtFqGG_aRGjyCPeeOeiMtZpHLMx8wdanUonsrtoEsylp7jVQWAKlQfz9ZqWxcAlaOgCx5lCyyBxwcYCb-rn6OMVSy6ozsMpfFC6YWUmTm-ap3M2k0-c6Ds3J8zzSOKq/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJWHWgM8YkXWicWtFqGG_aRGjyCPeeOeiMtZpHLMx8wdanUonsrtoEsylp7jVQWAKlQfz9ZqWxcAlaOgCx5lCyyBxwcYCb-rn6OMVSy6ozsMpfFC6YWUmTm-ap3M2k0-c6Ds3J8zzSOKq/s400/1.JPG" width="270" /></a></div>
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It is pricier than the wood sheets but it saves <i>so </i>much time that I think it is worth every penny. To adhere it to the wall you will need adhesive and I like this stuff...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07VblxYbIJzC2uoZNimVMqZwoHxY0CHIidUw7_6UOvo2grLf81AC3CBVDNxDnN-Sc8nCP6VAvYRx5Cz9_JIJTlWce2e-m-kyqB1rJ0d204OzSlC-PAONju6F8GLpcr1Rr6R6hY_FRy66Y/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07VblxYbIJzC2uoZNimVMqZwoHxY0CHIidUw7_6UOvo2grLf81AC3CBVDNxDnN-Sc8nCP6VAvYRx5Cz9_JIJTlWce2e-m-kyqB1rJ0d204OzSlC-PAONju6F8GLpcr1Rr6R6hY_FRy66Y/s400/3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Loctite makes a great adhesive. They have several different types and I stick with the All Purpose. And don't forget you need the gun thingy too. (Yes, that is the official name.)</div>
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From there just follow the directions right there on the packaging. With a few cuts and a couple of hours the job is done. So get to work...what are you waiting for?!?!?! </div>
Jill Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567164893547322153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2833654290929715711.post-57517678903918550992013-01-14T07:31:00.000-06:002013-01-14T07:31:01.779-06:00What To Do, What To Do?The painting in the bathroom is done. (Well as done as it is going to be for now.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1UjAXO-ojcfhhSeJQX3Ou3zkYkvawrgR-5kAaS1W0Vvx_6KQd0qrqowRBTLhu5GO4kbgATTibQbzYg9BvWnT2GJYzo_d466HY6FAOrRH7zkrQHyIMuBvyvVkolYx9h9f09Kgc7YaNjNu/s1600/photo+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1UjAXO-ojcfhhSeJQX3Ou3zkYkvawrgR-5kAaS1W0Vvx_6KQd0qrqowRBTLhu5GO4kbgATTibQbzYg9BvWnT2GJYzo_d466HY6FAOrRH7zkrQHyIMuBvyvVkolYx9h9f09Kgc7YaNjNu/s400/photo+(6).JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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And now it is time for some decisions to be made. Here is the deal...the room already looks totally different with the paint change. We have already purchased and will soon start installing wainscoting. But then where do we go from there? <br />
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Option One leaves us with a good looking bathroom. New color, wainscoting and new fixtures. And all with a pretty reasonable investment. My fun and very rough rendition looks something like this...<br />
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If you squint and ignore the clutter you kinda get the idea. Decent change, right? It will make an impact and with the right accessories look pretty darn good.</div>
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But we could do more. And, of course spend more. My plan would be to remove the mirror and cover that section of the wall with glass tile, vanity to ceiling. Then hang a smaller mirror from the tile. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbxkrsSx21fbMcI2HJJrWlUoVOyflPfIf8gLpqxWmPZ-KCiA5KM_Uv66GlGl28TroHEb7MP5SeejVjXy4UfJJujZeD1fh28-4PAzY7iMZNHsY5WEL_Bm5Xsxr3fLxB8j-zVYP8s89YtyO/s1600/option+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbxkrsSx21fbMcI2HJJrWlUoVOyflPfIf8gLpqxWmPZ-KCiA5KM_Uv66GlGl28TroHEb7MP5SeejVjXy4UfJJujZeD1fh28-4PAzY7iMZNHsY5WEL_Bm5Xsxr3fLxB8j-zVYP8s89YtyO/s400/option+2.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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Pretty amazing, right?!?! The mirror I have pictured is from Target (you can find it <a href="http://www.target.com/p/threshold-starburst-mirror/-/A-14137991#prodSlot=large_1_3">here</a>). I have no idea if the size would work but I am running rough numbers here people so cut me a break :) It is $40. The tile I chose is from Home Depot (<a href="http://www.homedepot.com/Blues/Flooring-Tile-Tile-Glass-Tile/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbo1xZ1z13o7aZ12kx/R-202633837/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051#.UPHFJCfAeSo">here</a>) and $6.95 per square foot. Our space is about 18 sq ft so that adds up to $125. Of course that does not include grout and install materials. I also have to keep in mind that there will probably be some expense to removing the current mirror because who knows what will be hiding behind. So lets estimate that this design will be about $250 more. So...well...hmmmm. What to do, what to do? </div>
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Well, the answer is <i>we don't know</i>. The plan is to keep moving forward and think about it along the way. So I will keep you posted but in the mean time I would <i>love </i>your feedback. So comment, email, post on FB and let us know what to do!</div>
Jill Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567164893547322153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2833654290929715711.post-64237546427197871082013-01-11T12:03:00.000-06:002013-01-11T12:03:03.511-06:00Help It Is Snowing Outside...Again!It is January 11th. (Happy Birthday MOM!) It is Winter. Are you going stir crazy yet? Yeah yeah...all your California friends have no idea what I am talking about. Well the rest of you do and are saying <i>heck yeah </i>right now. My Friday gift to you are more indoor ideas for you and the kiddos all found on <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> and guaranteed to buy you a little bit of sanity. Just click on the link below each pic for all the details.<div>
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<img alt="Rainy days....fishing for magnetic letters in the bath tub -- great activity for winter days. This site has SO many fun things for kids to do!!"" height="400" src="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/257831147386617340_ZFoF9kIK_c.jpg" width="267" /></div>
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<a href="http://pigtailsandtutus.blogspot.com/2011/09/fishing-for-letters.html">Fishing for Letters!</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.learning4kids.net/2012/07/01/alphabet-match/">Alphabet Match</a></div>
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<img alt="Cute Idea: YEARLY INTERVIEWS 1. What is your name? 2. How old are you? 3. What is your mom’s name? 4. What does your mom do during the day? 5. What is your dad’s name? 6. What does your dad do during the day? 7. What is your favorite color? 8. What is your favorite thing to eat? (what don’t you like to eat?) 9. Who are your friends? 10. What is your favorite song? Can you sing it for me? 11. What is your sister’s name? (this is fun because they don’t always say the name correctly- for example..." src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/28569778855791618_c4bvhyJF_c.jpg" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.howdoesshe.com/fun-family-tradition-for-new-years-eve/">Yearly Interview</a></div>
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<img alt="Make cardboard cars for your children and have an indoor drive in movie! - Something to do with all the leftover shipping boxes from christmas" src="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/287386019942065267_r7qRViD2_c.jpg" /></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/233765036880078849/">Drive In Movie!</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thestay-at-home-momsurvivalguide.com/p/preschool-activities.html">Practice Your Letters</a></div>
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<img alt="Great way to make "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom!" come to life. Let them do the letters while you tell the story. - Re-pinned by #PediaStaff. Visit http://ht.ly/63sNt for all our pediatric therapy pins" height="400" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/204913851764851553_rOx5yuaw_c.jpg" width="287" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.iheartcraftythings.com/search?updated-max=2011-06-08T15%3A40%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=10">Chicka Chicka Boom Boom</a></div>
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And all of these links lead you to great sites with lots more ideas! So don't let the cold get you down. And if you do decide to venture outside remember you can flip anything upside-down!</div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/233765036880078854/">source</a></div>
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Jill Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567164893547322153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2833654290929715711.post-68091224964739679812013-01-09T12:48:00.001-06:002013-01-29T20:37:57.348-06:00Van DeusenedThe votes were <a href="http://www.missiondecorate.com/2013/01/let-em-loose.html">cast</a> and the winner was <i>Van Deusen Blue </i>by Benjamin Moore. So the wallpaper came down.<br />
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The primer went up (well at least on the parts that were formerly covered by wallpaper).<br />
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And Mr. Van Deusen made his first appearance.<br />
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(eeeek, sorry for the fuzzy pic!)<br />
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He is a dark and sultry kind of guy. A little bit of a shock at the moment. But once his lady friend Ms. Wainscoting joins the ensemble I think it will all come together...<i>oh my goodness I hope! </i>Jill Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567164893547322153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2833654290929715711.post-62228561873298286272013-01-07T12:42:00.000-06:002013-01-29T20:37:32.535-06:00How To Remove A Wallpaper BorderBefore you decide to put up wallpaper in your home I beg you to first spend one hour trying to take wallpaper down. I'm pretty sure you will quickly run away from the wallpaper idea screaming. Cause uh...it sucks! But the good news is you do not have to buy any fancy chemicals or machines to remove wallpaper. You probably have all you need around the house or can rent what you need. Just follow these steps and your wallpaper border will be down in no time. <br />
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<i>HA</i>, that is funny cause it is not really quick unless you get lucky and the wallpaper was not installed well. Cross your fingers. Cause it is a pain and can take a while, but it will come down...eventually.<br />
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Let's call <b>Step 1 <i>Getting Lucky</i></b>. If you get extremely lucky then all you will need is a hair dryer. Apply the heat to the wall and the adhesive will loosen and you can peal off the paper. I was not this lucky. <br />
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How about <i style="font-weight: bold;">A Little Chemistry </i>for <b>Step 2</b>. Mix water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the border and use a plastic (not metal) scrapper to remove the wallpaper. The vinegar solution will make your room smell for a day or two. If this freaks you out, try warm water with no vinegar. <br />
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<b>Step 3: </b><i><b>Soak It! </b> </i>If spraying on the vinegar doesn't work grab a sponge and soak it. Or use soap and warm water. You may have to perforate the paper so the water can get behind it. If you don't want to buy a perforation tool use a push pin to poke holes in the paper. <br />
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<i><b>Facial Time</b></i>. The final option, is steam. Give your wall a facial. You will need a steam wallpaper stripper to get this done. Hop online and find a place to rent one. Or use something you have at home! Do you have a clothes steamer? I used my Shark floor cleaner! Mine has the removable body and with the attachments it worked great. <br />
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I am still working on getting the bathroom wallpaper border down, but as soon as I finish it up (and get feeling back in my fingers) I will give you the update. <i>And get to painting.</i>Jill Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567164893547322153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2833654290929715711.post-69852125598037675482013-01-04T11:55:00.001-06:002013-01-06T09:30:49.611-06:00Freezer Slow Cooking For MeI am not a resolutions girl but of course there are things I want to improve on in the new year. And one of those things is being more organized to cook for my family. But the thing is that I work every night of the week except Friday. I don't work late, usually just till 6:30 or 7, but just late enough to make cooking a good dinner tricky. Which is one reason why my slow cooker has become such a good friend of mine. <br />
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I often hear about / read about those uber-organized people who spend one day a month slicing, dicing and putting together <i>all </i>their meals for the month. They pop them in the freezer and most of the work is done. I also hear it is great way to maximize ingredients and save money. Brilliant, right?!?! Well, I thought I would try it out on a smaller scale. </div>
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So I tracked down 5 recipes for make ahead freezer slow cooker chicken meals. I decided I would start out with all chicken recipes because I know they have a great deal on boneless chicken breasts at Costco and honestly it was simpler to start with one protein.</div>
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I just finished putting together 6 meals (I did one twice) and it took me exactly 48 minutes and 6 seconds including clean-up. Yup, I timed myself! </div>
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I ended up making some adjustments to the original recipes I found because I find that without enough spice, slow cooker meals can turn out bland. They are all in my freezer right now waiting to be eaten. So let me share the recipes with you but let me also say I haven't eaten them yet. So I promise to report back as they are eaten. And I would love for you to do the same!</div>
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The first three recipes are from <a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/09/slow-cooker-freezer-meals-make-8-meals.html">Six Sisters Stuff</a> plus some of my own additions<br />
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<b>Maple Dijon Glazed Chicken</b><br />
Place all of the following ingredients in a gallon-sized freezer bag. Mix together and zip the bag closed. When ready to eat, remove from the freezer and thaw in the fridge for 24 hours. Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. Sprinkle with fresh dried rosemary for serving.<br />
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1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts<br />
1 cup dijon mustard<br />
1/2 cup maple syrup<br />
2 tbl red wine vinegar<br />
1 (16 oz) bag of frozen broccoli<br />
salt & pepper<br />
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<b>Chicken Broccoli Alfredo</b><br />
Place all of the following ingredients in a gallon-sized freezer bag. Mix together and zip the bag closed. When ready to eat, remove from the freezer and thaw in the fridge for 24 hours. Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. Serve with cooked fettuccine noodles and rolls.<br />
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1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts<br />
1 (16 oz) bag of frozen broccoli<br />
2 (16 oz) jars of light Alfredo sauce<br />
1 (4 oz) can sliced mushrooms, drained - I did not use the mushrooms since my husband is afraid of them<br />
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<b>Cilantro Lime Chicken with corn & black beans</b><br />
Place all of the following ingredients in a gallon-sized freezer bag. Mix together and zip the bag closed. When ready to eat, remove from the freezer and thaw in the fridge for 24 hours. <b>Add half a cup chicken broth and ingredients to slow cooker.</b> Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. Serve over rice with tortillas, sour cream and salsa.<br />
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1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts<br />
Juice from 2 limes<br />
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped<br />
1 can green chilies<br />
1 (16 oz) bag frozen corn<br />
1 can black beans rinsed<br />
2 minced cloves of garlic<br />
1/2 red onion, chopped<br />
1 tsp cumin<br />
1 tsp chipotle pepper<br />
slat & pepper<br />
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The next recipe is from <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/">Martha Stewart</a><br />
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<b>Coconut Chicken Curry</b><br />
Place all of the following ingredients in a gallon-sized freezer bag. Mix together and zip the bag closed. When ready to eat, remove from the freezer and thaw in the fridge for 24 hours. <b>Add one can of coconut milk to the slow cooker and contents of the bag.</b> Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. Top with chopped cashews and cilantro to serve.<br />
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1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts<br />
chopped butternut squash<br />
1 chopped onion<br />
3 cloves minced garlic<br />
1 oz fresh ginger<br />
2 tbl curry powder<br />
1 tsp ground coriander<br />
1 tsp ground cumin<br />
salt<br />
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The final recipe is just my thrown together<b> bbq chicken</b> and there isn't much of a recipe but it is great served over rice or as a sandwich. Just combine chicken breasts, 1 sliced onion, 1 sliced green pepper, 2 cloves minced garlic, bbq sauce, teriyaki sauce, splash of liquid smoke and salt & pepper in a zip lock freezer bag. And just as recommended above, when ready to eat, remove from the freezer and thaw in the fridge for 24 hours. Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.<br />
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So here is to hoping all my meals turn out yummy and that this new plan helps me to cook more for the fam. And I would <i>love </i>to try out your favorite freeze ahead meals. So share them in the comments or email me directly at missiondecorate@gmail.com! Happy eating!<br />
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<i>Update - Since I wrote this we ate the Coconut Curry Chicken...YUM! But next time I will add more curry about an hour before it is done cooking. </i></div>
Jill Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567164893547322153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2833654290929715711.post-3514308342892208512013-01-02T07:45:00.000-06:002013-01-02T07:45:21.475-06:00Let Em LooseIt can be a dangerous proposition to let your friends loose with a pen on your walls but we figured...eh why not. So that is exactly what we did! It did have a purpose, at least at the beginning.<br />
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As you know we have been gradually putting together a plan for our main floor bath but we have been kinda stuck on the paint color. So we figured why not ask our friends and since the walls will be painted over anyways, why not let them have some fun with it.<br />
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So we provided the pen, gave them the three color options<br />
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and let them vote at our New Years Eve party. And let's say things got interesting...<br />
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But in addition to the awesome graffiti (which we totally love), people did vote. And the winner?<br />
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<i><b>Van Deusen Blue</b> </i>by Benjamin Moore. And I will honestly admit that is <i>my </i>favorite too. Good selection friends. I knew I could count on you!<br />
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Now who wants to come over and do the painting? Jill Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567164893547322153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2833654290929715711.post-74396215601592329592013-01-01T08:55:00.002-06:002013-01-01T08:55:54.540-06:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><i>HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Jill Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567164893547322153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2833654290929715711.post-38904635385386954412012-12-30T12:04:00.000-06:002012-12-30T12:04:50.499-06:00Cheers to a New YearAre you ready for a new year? As Ms. Oprah Winfrey so wisely said...<br />
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<i>Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.</i><br />
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And maybe 2013 will allow us the opportunity to get a few more things right! <br />
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We are kicking off the new year with our second annual Family New Years Bash. As we did last year, our friends are invited over with their kiddos for a potluck style dinner. Then 2 babysitters arrive for movie time with the kids, giving the older people some old people time. We do our NYE countdown at 9pm and then it is time for the little party goers to go to bed.<br />
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So with the party just hours away we have been doing a little decorating. The mantel got a simple New Years makeover with lights and sparkles.<br />
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The front table is filled with noise makers, beads and a little home made craft.<br />
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With some black card stock, popsicle sticks and scissors I turned this into a very sophisticated affair. <br />
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We are also super excited for our home-made photo booth!<br />
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Our guests can pick their photo accessories from our bin of fun, which includes hats, glasses, wigs, and even a blow up dinosaur. <br />
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There are definitely going to be some good black-mail opportunities! <br />
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Well, I hope you all have a wonderful New Years. Stay safe, have fun and dream big cause 2013 is gonna be a good one!Jill Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14567164893547322153noreply@blogger.com0