tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80897720596660523802024-03-05T11:23:33.077-08:00Mama Without BordersCreating a home with inspiring finds from around the worldMinniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00152305422037094598noreply@blogger.comBlogger182125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089772059666052380.post-76689824680969142802012-06-05T02:29:00.001-07:002023-09-12T20:41:22.023-07:00Summer vacation begins with trip to antique fair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We kicked off our first weekend of summer vacation with a trip to the local antique fair that takes place once a year. I took my mom, the kids and hubby with me this year. Our little group gets bigger every year thanks to great sandwiches, live entertainment, train exhibits and an art show, in addition to the great antiques. </div>
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It was a great start to summer because my list of things to do this summer is suddenly overwhelmingly long. Most of the tasks involve keeping the kiddos busy and happy while they're enjoying a few weeks off from homework, but squeezing in a few hours of creative time for me is equally important to maintaining balance. Going to the antique fair was a great way to squeeze in a little bit of everything for everyone, hopefully setting the stage for what I hope will be a terrific summer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QB8VV987-pinsiNpQQBUST93f53s1feASRb0XMm0Pu6DaSL7RNXb0HHR-GKVVb31CGrQPtc6OKg6VwG14X75nffkpS5opKFKKu-no2OiLfrUUb7NemVVLAy2vJBiaXDAbKfJD9HNubO-/s1600/Antiquefair2012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QB8VV987-pinsiNpQQBUST93f53s1feASRb0XMm0Pu6DaSL7RNXb0HHR-GKVVb31CGrQPtc6OKg6VwG14X75nffkpS5opKFKKu-no2OiLfrUUb7NemVVLAy2vJBiaXDAbKfJD9HNubO-/s16000/Antiquefair2012.jpg" /></a></div>
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I didn't buy much because I'm still trying hard to cut down on the clutter in our home, but I enjoy antique fairs because I love seeing old objects and seeing new ways to use or enjoy them. The chair above caught my eye because I admire the way the owner mixed two very different fabrics, in style, texture and print, to give it a new look. I've yet to re-upholster a big piece of furniture but I'm certain the chair will inspire a future project of mine. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUtlEIaix6XCAtW83A1A-h-zgQZmaHgOSmRYv4_o0UHFumB_gs_lTLBkqU9l8qH64oVHEP6W5vYhiQxfPzSUek2gbhIHfaLnaMmRp5eseiMguxxjtQsrVDKYJgVZkqWNxLqGYVLajMViI/s1600/Antiquefair2012b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUtlEIaix6XCAtW83A1A-h-zgQZmaHgOSmRYv4_o0UHFumB_gs_lTLBkqU9l8qH64oVHEP6W5vYhiQxfPzSUek2gbhIHfaLnaMmRp5eseiMguxxjtQsrVDKYJgVZkqWNxLqGYVLajMViI/s320/Antiquefair2012b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We were fortunate to enjoy weather that was perfect for browsing comfortably as long as we wished, which meant noticing things that I might've passed over had I been in a hurry. Living about an hour from the coast means I often come across seashells while shopping, which I usually ignore but I sure was coveting the little tray below because someone had painstakingly classified each seashell in English and Latin. Nearby was a table full of old tools, which invariably remind me of my dad and how much he loved working with his hands. Honestly, I prefer old tools and other vintage items to something bought brand new because I enjoy imagining the objects' previous lives. How were they used? Who used them? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkm1JoGjrOlFK484YXvhIUDT23wytt6Y6gF9hyphenhypheny15f5-1gHdPMCk_deRtq7RSDJp7xfqG7IU2yBm6ho9xcP46X3qaTGg-SCCTlo8C40fyJhqYg5ZMfcOwglPm8gM6m-K4z9hmY9YEXDW9/s1600/Antiquefair2012a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkm1JoGjrOlFK484YXvhIUDT23wytt6Y6gF9hyphenhypheny15f5-1gHdPMCk_deRtq7RSDJp7xfqG7IU2yBm6ho9xcP46X3qaTGg-SCCTlo8C40fyJhqYg5ZMfcOwglPm8gM6m-K4z9hmY9YEXDW9/s320/Antiquefair2012a.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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My curiosity definitely gets the better of me, but there's another reason I often prefer to buy older items. As I'm sure you've noticed, most stores that sell home goods (including Target and Ross) carry replicas of antique and vintage decorative accessories, like locker baskets. I confess I sometimes consider buying a new item with a fake vintage patina, but I find that the newer products are usually not as well made. For now, at least, I'm sticking to the real thing. <br />
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<a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/?action=view&current=minsig.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/minsig.gif" /></a>Minniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00152305422037094598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089772059666052380.post-68254152135403481352012-05-03T02:06:00.000-07:002012-05-03T02:07:56.620-07:00The perfect getaway home in ParisBonjour mes amis,<br />
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I'm thinking it's about time for a little getaway to Paris. For a completely Parisian experience, how about staying in a wonderful apartment home?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57Tk8VwAOZ6hbLQfUVUbONTYavf1wmK6MC08oxbOCLLsAFq199XMPPqQM_s2RPkzf76mE-VVcHdTWDosPR_kQ1oCPovK6TuM2OroRDagK9soj0Ibq6sfay7otWB-j5Zb_b7U68nXMwrDa/s1600/casamidy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57Tk8VwAOZ6hbLQfUVUbONTYavf1wmK6MC08oxbOCLLsAFq199XMPPqQM_s2RPkzf76mE-VVcHdTWDosPR_kQ1oCPovK6TuM2OroRDagK9soj0Ibq6sfay7otWB-j5Zb_b7U68nXMwrDa/s320/casamidy1.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
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Oh yes, I can certainly see myself lounging on that couch after a long day of wandering the streets of Paris aimlessly. I will tell you what's perfect about <a href="http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p227800#photos" target="_blank">this home</a>, which, as luck would have it, is available for weekly rental. It is obviously beautifully designed, with a great mix of vintage flea market finds and modern designs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZosSCIkd42ZTLaxUkJFyM795h1j5CIfQxNgjWZCBfOQOaIZgT_epEKCf8aYcgLvkjuCn_W37KBm5mxs5ELxo2LkCllokH5mOJfB1w80VTh83dfPxJvuL53sFx6we8OncWGaXbTY2mLdW/s1600/casamidy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZosSCIkd42ZTLaxUkJFyM795h1j5CIfQxNgjWZCBfOQOaIZgT_epEKCf8aYcgLvkjuCn_W37KBm5mxs5ELxo2LkCllokH5mOJfB1w80VTh83dfPxJvuL53sFx6we8OncWGaXbTY2mLdW/s320/casamidy2.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>
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This 1,050-square-foot home carries the artistic touches of the husband and wife team known as <a href="http://casamidy.com/" target="_blank">Casamidy</a>, who I wrote about <a href="http://mamawithoutborders.blogspot.com/2010/02/sensational-mix-french-and-mexican.html" target="_blank">here</a> two years ago. The design duo draws inspiration from their travels around the world. Since that first post on Casamidy, I've been following them on Facebook, enjoying their online photo album. It's a virtual visual feast for those of us who love travel, well-designed interiors and beautifully crafted home furnishings and accessories. Renting this apartment in Paris would allow you the opportunity to enjoy some of Casamidy's designs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiueoQvxvLBAwrDPAahyX0QkwaRqOtkQqLZZAuzyo3Zm9TvGDUWcuM_UDjoDnW_biuo1TvG-MXqKsmNJ3xrzjisqrtgcEvw4LN5w_gHsCNP8Q9J5BZ0FceqjE2-NgTop4JhIrgflRTZAMd9/s1600/casamidy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiueoQvxvLBAwrDPAahyX0QkwaRqOtkQqLZZAuzyo3Zm9TvGDUWcuM_UDjoDnW_biuo1TvG-MXqKsmNJ3xrzjisqrtgcEvw4LN5w_gHsCNP8Q9J5BZ0FceqjE2-NgTop4JhIrgflRTZAMd9/s320/casamidy3.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
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Oh, check out that great terrace. Can't you just see yourself enjoying a glass of wine while taking in the beautiful view? And if all that wasn't enough, the apartment is centrally located, with museums and shops within walking distance. The rates are actually not bad, considering how well-appointed the apartment is and its location.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7WgqLHQBUgVPO05ECetX1jUSLmnrrutFlMVRY086I6wZBrV8Mzv9zTFQJFGpG1WQxmq9mivsCMEx4b8mjexKbX9TrVR0E9VfqZem5JXTu97acnvwFjKFhNm9aaV2yzJHKzn9KoXODux3/s1600/casamidy4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7WgqLHQBUgVPO05ECetX1jUSLmnrrutFlMVRY086I6wZBrV8Mzv9zTFQJFGpG1WQxmq9mivsCMEx4b8mjexKbX9TrVR0E9VfqZem5JXTu97acnvwFjKFhNm9aaV2yzJHKzn9KoXODux3/s320/casamidy4.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
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I know I probably sound like a rental agent, but I couldn't help but dream a little when notice of the rental came across my Facebook news stream today. I thought I would share with you so that you, too, could enjoy some virtual dreaming.<br />
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À bientôt!<br />
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<a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/?action=view&current=minsig.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/minsig.gif" /></a>Minniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00152305422037094598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089772059666052380.post-70900838437331045012012-04-08T15:13:00.001-07:002012-04-08T15:13:59.773-07:00Enjoying the quiet joys of Easter<div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; ">'Twas Easter-Sunday. The full-blossomed trees</span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; ">Filled all the air with fragrance and with joy.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; ">Henry Wadsworth Longfellow</span></span></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFTalG58gezo3_rDyIr0mglicilr9E-0eQRHYDSOEBSjvX4ETpVXLv6x23sTzJgKFgrIgPT-n-8A738YSuFeOtTZCHfXzmNvAqZdX-ZkOxEE5aK6e_WRdjtVzgdEZksp0SdC0SDsUS3Hu/s1600/Easter.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFTalG58gezo3_rDyIr0mglicilr9E-0eQRHYDSOEBSjvX4ETpVXLv6x23sTzJgKFgrIgPT-n-8A738YSuFeOtTZCHfXzmNvAqZdX-ZkOxEE5aK6e_WRdjtVzgdEZksp0SdC0SDsUS3Hu/s400/Easter.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729151139856217298" /></a><br /><div>Dear friends,</div><div><br /></div><div>Wherever you are in the world, I hope you've enjoyed your Sunday. Our family celebrated Easter rather simply this year, with just a small basket of treats for the kiddos and a joyous afternoon mass. For me, Easter means a time of reflection while enjoying some basic pleasures. The feel of the sun on my face. My children's sweet embrace. My husband's warm smile. And then, renewed strength and conviction to start a new week with all its challenges and joys.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hugs, </div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/?action=view&current=minsig.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/minsig.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a>Minniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00152305422037094598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089772059666052380.post-42342470445443783032012-03-29T01:02:00.001-07:002012-03-29T01:03:23.215-07:00Found: A $5 midcentury kid's chairAs you might have guessed, those lovely bentwood chairs were not meant to be mine. Not to worry because I sure didn't spend much time mulling my missed opportunity. I've long learned that the gods of Thrift Shop Finds can be quite capricious, rewarding me often enough to keep me going back but not so much that I expect to leave with goodies each time I visit a thrift store. What would be the fun in that, right?<br /><br />Anyway, I've mentioned before that I am trying to be more focused while shopping in an attempt to cut down on clutter in my home. I've had mixed progress on that front due to my book/magazine addiction, but my list of home projects awaiting my attention has gone down considerably since I am bringing home less stuff. Here is my latest finished project:<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3ek5J4gf70K4Pix7EV1QByMRMXKaw5m3-b8wxtZVnk_tj2r_k-zeHLtBLJVF453KwNukL62Uojq375uBlUtVUVcBEg2-7WzYTC0LzyvOzlt1xWUQ_heKOlVMkbSW2txGYf61rsYBkIXB/s1600/Casalini4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3ek5J4gf70K4Pix7EV1QByMRMXKaw5m3-b8wxtZVnk_tj2r_k-zeHLtBLJVF453KwNukL62Uojq375uBlUtVUVcBEg2-7WzYTC0LzyvOzlt1xWUQ_heKOlVMkbSW2txGYf61rsYBkIXB/s400/Casalini4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722636360084988210" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Something about those curves has long made the vintage Casalino kid's chair appealing, but I never thought I'd be lucky enough to find one for an affordable price even after I stumbled upon a garage sale with a mid-century focus (photo below). Nope, no kid's chair to be seen, but it never hurts to ask. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgLbAaro9AeP05qQzG5_bPKKxjAbuZKVTJSpxXz4kkV0wOJJ_K3EUwY4LBnxpviCsLeVyc1ncoFSW58VAoQkjuTxL-D_RRwDR1KraXOY-WhogHloSzIQcPc3v4nV28-9pYP1UEX6E5xZn/s1600/Casalini6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgLbAaro9AeP05qQzG5_bPKKxjAbuZKVTJSpxXz4kkV0wOJJ_K3EUwY4LBnxpviCsLeVyc1ncoFSW58VAoQkjuTxL-D_RRwDR1KraXOY-WhogHloSzIQcPc3v4nV28-9pYP1UEX6E5xZn/s400/Casalini6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722645175024717746" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>OK, I didn't really ask for a <a href="http://www.casala.com/start/index.php?whereami=Products%2FProductreview%2F_Casalino+Jr.%2F_Casalino+Jr.&language=uk">Casalino</a> kid's chair. I simply asked the seller whether he had anything else he was selling, so we then walked over to the open garage so I could see his other wares. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyrx40n1ZDeseSZ9rMG7Pn_BKjklyo8DbcLy5gZU6AjYEWe9csd5oQVysW8iEOOEClEVRW5ulS_T7yaW9_qBXl8skS1u7YjOpXsswPKAJYkL9_fT_wEA2ay93Oq-eOhT8xhqMxfLdiqMy/s1600/Casalino1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyrx40n1ZDeseSZ9rMG7Pn_BKjklyo8DbcLy5gZU6AjYEWe9csd5oQVysW8iEOOEClEVRW5ulS_T7yaW9_qBXl8skS1u7YjOpXsswPKAJYkL9_fT_wEA2ay93Oq-eOhT8xhqMxfLdiqMy/s400/Casalino1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722636352507691074" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The chair was nearly hidden from view by other furniture but I asked him to pull it out. It was in such sorry shape that I almost didn't even ask the price. Look at what someone had sprayed in black paint on the back:</div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrmMJtA_T8b6a3TooqesK41fMIhAbOzNZcxDToA7ZEH1M2UBspF2JeervALzGcg2xIFwWax-wlPNhnboODOgTIvhTWL35OiavskdLMmu-_asUA2Tb5gO0_pwaiDRa1M4GdVswWVs23i7_/s1600/Casalini2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrmMJtA_T8b6a3TooqesK41fMIhAbOzNZcxDToA7ZEH1M2UBspF2JeervALzGcg2xIFwWax-wlPNhnboODOgTIvhTWL35OiavskdLMmu-_asUA2Tb5gO0_pwaiDRa1M4GdVswWVs23i7_/s400/Casalini2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722636342618077794" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My frown quickly turned to a smile when I heard that the seller wanted only five dollars, such a low price that any doubts about my ability to renew the chair quickly dissipated.</div><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9deNHPwEgVBWLbJKVFh3Khyphenhyphenax5dVOz4cYY-NPAQjSLt-_k3kY1PAR20LE6lwZ1s8o2yKUYJjkbHCVws4Yu-lbvrxIg-yjRPpPYBaPEuDQACkcJuenmeQeomPRgiQ3LiqmTLx25GNjefAW/s1600/Casalini5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 368px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9deNHPwEgVBWLbJKVFh3Khyphenhyphenax5dVOz4cYY-NPAQjSLt-_k3kY1PAR20LE6lwZ1s8o2yKUYJjkbHCVws4Yu-lbvrxIg-yjRPpPYBaPEuDQACkcJuenmeQeomPRgiQ3LiqmTLx25GNjefAW/s400/Casalini5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722636345136264690" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm certainly not an an expert on refinishing furniture but I love the process of transforming a piece. I thought long and hard on how to give this chair a new look, even considered decoupaging it with a mod-print fabric for a unique look. In the end, I simply sanded it to remove paint drips, painted it with primer, then painted it in a color that I thought would go well in several rooms of my house so I could move it around as I wished.<br /><div><br /></div><div>I still think the decoupaging project I had in mind would've worked but I think glossy yellow was the way to go because it shows off the curves perfectly without any distractions. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3229DqBZC35m4OG_XvMEttMdqzrOmp6ihyphenhyphen-MvrVuVeeGRVRbjsL6eSvHSQnsoSskp2eg-MjB1Lh02dzM4McYOr1CyaX6XIKLABFCQaL9WkreuIHg6mb5Qh52cyofwJph6sVeDHgB8QA1/s1600/Casalini3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3229DqBZC35m4OG_XvMEttMdqzrOmp6ihyphenhyphen-MvrVuVeeGRVRbjsL6eSvHSQnsoSskp2eg-MjB1Lh02dzM4McYOr1CyaX6XIKLABFCQaL9WkreuIHg6mb5Qh52cyofwJph6sVeDHgB8QA1/s400/Casalini3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722636348340782114" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>To be honest, I don't know whether my chair is a vintage Casalino since the Netherlands furniture company <a href="http://www.casala.com/">Casala</a> began producing new Casalino Jr. chairs in 2007 using original moulds. My chair was so beat-up that it very well could have been produced in the 70s, but it really doesn't matter to me. </div><div><br /></div><div><div><div>Interestingly, I discovered that Casalino was the only furniture line ever designed by <a href="http://www.casala.com/start/index.php?language=uk&whereami=Products%2FDesigners%2F_Alexander+Begge">Alexander Begge</a>. Upon describing his creations, the German designer said: "I had this image of a wisp of fog, and elaborated on that. It brought so much joy, I was in a glow."</div><div><br /></div></div><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/?action=view&current=minsig.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/minsig.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div></div></div>Minniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00152305422037094598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089772059666052380.post-44330902923259599982012-03-07T02:06:00.002-08:002012-03-07T02:10:59.057-08:00Dangerously infatuated with bentwood chairsSomeone please stop me. I am in danger of doing something involving bentwood chairs that may be hazardous. <div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mQ-x9GJE8ulBb0UOA6GOqOoIq4RY48SB7Jmsrg20D0u3U_mFMpTyn-iDtgBIe8uUr31sBfLruDmOVs3_SZKH6XA7nnfPtI4mQczlPJeklTyhLFyRsw5WeDxgzpgkC1c1-c4nH3kOlcwi/s1600/bentwoodviadesignfilesnet.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 328px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mQ-x9GJE8ulBb0UOA6GOqOoIq4RY48SB7Jmsrg20D0u3U_mFMpTyn-iDtgBIe8uUr31sBfLruDmOVs3_SZKH6XA7nnfPtI4mQczlPJeklTyhLFyRsw5WeDxgzpgkC1c1-c4nH3kOlcwi/s400/bentwoodviadesignfilesnet.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717062982639731986" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"> <a href="http://thedesignfiles.net/2011/08/melbourne-home-jess-wright-and-family/">Design Files</a></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm sure some of you have been in a similar predicament. There you are shopping for something you need when you suddenly come face to face with something you <i>don't need at all</i>. But you want it. So bad.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHf6b7IO1ZqLiBYXHhow3y_5OC8gRCnKvlMS9Xk0jIpMcgkdI8ISMhMLmqzGFxcH56wX7aWLvTmNeCEMhEz7lrzrkSD4jFpDUYEk3AOkf4znlAuJpc1UkM78_p01DOkWzuALggYUxJQxS/s1600/bentwoodviacratebarrel.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHf6b7IO1ZqLiBYXHhow3y_5OC8gRCnKvlMS9Xk0jIpMcgkdI8ISMhMLmqzGFxcH56wX7aWLvTmNeCEMhEz7lrzrkSD4jFpDUYEk3AOkf4znlAuJpc1UkM78_p01DOkWzuALggYUxJQxS/s400/bentwoodviacratebarrel.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717062981126659634" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Crate and Barrel</span></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>To be honest, I'm not sure exactly what I was looking for at the thrift store yesterday but I can tell you I stopped, stared and even sat on one of the five bentwood bistro chairs I saw there. Each had a price tag of $10. I didn't check for a pedigree because they looked fairly new but I did consider that $50 wasn't a bad price to pay for the five Thonet-style chairs to replace my current dining room chairs, which I've loathed almost the entire time I've had them. They are dark wood, super-heavy and have lots and lots of grooves where the dust likes to settle. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8YHwi4YpprX1rU4FxOCu390UfSCpotFiRWR8hrlEh_ITV_abR7psn8oiW1syhhfVW-ouCbCMRweDR7CJYxjCjNj-YnYPvwx5zJiYJ0pKIWAFYZSWPVnUeGOSe966sO_pkBRWmjywRdge/s1600/bentwoodviaapartmenttherapy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 291px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8YHwi4YpprX1rU4FxOCu390UfSCpotFiRWR8hrlEh_ITV_abR7psn8oiW1syhhfVW-ouCbCMRweDR7CJYxjCjNj-YnYPvwx5zJiYJ0pKIWAFYZSWPVnUeGOSe966sO_pkBRWmjywRdge/s400/bentwoodviaapartmenttherapy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717062978662687970" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/10-beautiful-quotes-our-homes-156153">Apartment Therapy</a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div>A light, modern chair would be a terrific substitute, thank you very much. We bought our dining set shortly after moving into our current house seven years ago and were under pressure to furnish our dining area quickly so we could have a party. A bad move, but I haven't felt an urgent need to correct it because we eat mostly in our kitchen dining nook.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5ZPYpeD6XSOyXreS8COtw5k2wfW1nZvjLfkMezrjdqHGqBc1bJvKVzeNuKyJo4YiHrL4CqWUssTpvsJFJ_eSVa_2c1R6YfSJaR0hq3kOt0a_Rz2LHL9-uRt91cRVg70uBDFW48Aygo6w/s1600/bentwood.viaabsolutelybeautifulthings.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5ZPYpeD6XSOyXreS8COtw5k2wfW1nZvjLfkMezrjdqHGqBc1bJvKVzeNuKyJo4YiHrL4CqWUssTpvsJFJ_eSVa_2c1R6YfSJaR0hq3kOt0a_Rz2LHL9-uRt91cRVg70uBDFW48Aygo6w/s400/bentwood.viaabsolutelybeautifulthings.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717062976639009138" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://absolutelybeautifulthings.blogspot.com/">Absolutely Beautiful Things</a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I thought maybe writing a post on bentwood Thonet chairs would be a cathartic way of saying good-bye to them. Instead, I am plotting what color(s) I'm going to paint them when I bring them home now that I've seen so many cool possibilities.</div><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3iwXfrDWmGWyPrxJcTtUmxNNONz3RkbJOFZ4268VpY4btpmBWJWjbrmqOYu2Jr5v6BpD5iRHI8EIIedFKzN3JwxneOX11WHG84djRurnbpv9t9yQan3PUXg1ttxA-uiSPRK7LCM788ml/s1600/03_bentwood_rect540.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3iwXfrDWmGWyPrxJcTtUmxNNONz3RkbJOFZ4268VpY4btpmBWJWjbrmqOYu2Jr5v6BpD5iRHI8EIIedFKzN3JwxneOX11WHG84djRurnbpv9t9yQan3PUXg1ttxA-uiSPRK7LCM788ml/s400/03_bentwood_rect540.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717062975859106978" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.elledecor.com/">Elle Decor</a></div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div>Somehow, I managed to walk away from the chairs and the store without buying anything but haven't been able to get those chairs out of my mind. I am thinking I may return tomorrow to see whether they are still there. I am thinking I will let the gods of fate decide whether I should buy them or not. I am thinking I should listen to the tiny voice of reason that says hubby may not be pleased.</div><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMGJn10JEd43TJ3-_HQV97NfVZLvQ2RAU7Sx8stm6hyvV0X-9-JxSwVjzAihoOpfzlm91_W_zbk2pDLiNn8cPRVvxYEpPVC8_NGlWwShWD35fTlxPekCJ3TJVY6ur-ITK1DMw_IAiXPeX/s1600/bentwoodviatwolittledickybirdsblog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMGJn10JEd43TJ3-_HQV97NfVZLvQ2RAU7Sx8stm6hyvV0X-9-JxSwVjzAihoOpfzlm91_W_zbk2pDLiNn8cPRVvxYEpPVC8_NGlWwShWD35fTlxPekCJ3TJVY6ur-ITK1DMw_IAiXPeX/s400/bentwoodviatwolittledickybirdsblog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717063513872135906" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.twolittledickybirdsblog.com/2010/09/where-do-you-blog.html">Two Little Dicky Birds</a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I can imagine what hubby would say. "Another painting project? Don't we have enough stuff in the garage?" I am really quite fortunate because hubby gives me carte blanche to decorate however I want and to buy whatever I want so this scenario has never happened but the tiny voice of reason inside my head asks these questions nonetheless. </div><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjCaElQ5jcniPMzPmDKM_wJ1Iem3YRDZOGKqrzaH0fsoli3SeuNWkW579H6Gp7Fw4zt1_yMM_MIFVBhOH9tzo_r91CcEbyVCWvuaEWuhjAQe_QtIDokxbHzsug96wRL9J-YDpYYR0Ztax/s1600/bentwoodviaemmasbloggse.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjCaElQ5jcniPMzPmDKM_wJ1Iem3YRDZOGKqrzaH0fsoli3SeuNWkW579H6Gp7Fw4zt1_yMM_MIFVBhOH9tzo_r91CcEbyVCWvuaEWuhjAQe_QtIDokxbHzsug96wRL9J-YDpYYR0Ztax/s400/bentwoodviaemmasbloggse.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717063508975314786" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://emmas.blogg.se/2011/april/">Emmas Designblogg</a></div><br /><br /></div><div>So what do you say, are five bentwood Thonet knock-offs in good condition for $50 worth the potential trouble and an overly full garage? Or should I finish my current projects and wait for another good and perhaps even better chair bargain to come my way in the future?</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/?action=view&current=minsig.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/minsig.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div>Minniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00152305422037094598noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089772059666052380.post-66245002304500721232012-03-05T00:45:00.001-08:002012-03-05T00:45:38.487-08:00A bright, modern kid's room<div>Not much was on the agenda for us this weekend so I caught up on some housework (not fun but satisfying) and some blog reading (fun and satisfying). I looked at so many beautiful images, but the room below really captured my attention. I thought I would share it with you as we start a new week of decorating and crafting adventures. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDldb_85JPZaHKi0aFvnS3OT0Rm0ext7cowK4Lc8ddd8VUkDdSMIYAWxAN_QqycV-NHwxbQHsWnPE-_W4LV8MwxL3IczW32PCW7d39koYxL7yln5oLTVPWXioxh5CNp2FQGOBDHvkxfGJ/s1600/kidsroom.sothebyintlrealtyviadesignattractor.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDldb_85JPZaHKi0aFvnS3OT0Rm0ext7cowK4Lc8ddd8VUkDdSMIYAWxAN_QqycV-NHwxbQHsWnPE-_W4LV8MwxL3IczW32PCW7d39koYxL7yln5oLTVPWXioxh5CNp2FQGOBDHvkxfGJ/s400/kidsroom.sothebyintlrealtyviadesignattractor.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716166904504805202" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Surprisingly, what I love most about this room that I found via <a href="http://hellolovelyinc.blogspot.com/2012/02/let-there-be-white.html">hello lovely inc</a>. are the white walls, which create a perfect canvas for any color combination. In this case, great big pops of red and green make the room come alive. The colors are not ones I would usually put together, but I ended up doing so recently to satisfy my son's request for more green in his room. I promise to share soon! </div><div><div><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wKMuFtLb9EgFvmUziaC08y6v4YAEMemPbnUalQb8-EDNhjHUUmXrRDamJZ1CgPaexZfaxQ7p6fvAVaXvvOSUOpet2DfSOFPsfvGujCnDFeP27bjU5e2GbtBMbMYeKqdxMlkcRWzEyts6/s1600/kidroom3.sothebyintlrealtyviadesignattractor.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wKMuFtLb9EgFvmUziaC08y6v4YAEMemPbnUalQb8-EDNhjHUUmXrRDamJZ1CgPaexZfaxQ7p6fvAVaXvvOSUOpet2DfSOFPsfvGujCnDFeP27bjU5e2GbtBMbMYeKqdxMlkcRWzEyts6/s400/kidroom3.sothebyintlrealtyviadesignattractor.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716166900415163410" /></a><br /></div><div>That pegboard wall certainly had me agape. Sheer genius and pure style. I wish there was a way to incorporate such a wall into my family room to contain all the kid clutter. </div><div><br /></div><div>The rest of the home, located in Stockholm, is equally breathtaking. Go take a look at it at <a href="http://www2.skeppsholmen.se/?guid=3UEK5UA8SOU1QH0G&typ=CMBoLgh&from=hemnetredirect&view=Description">here</a> at <a href="http://www2.skeppsholmen.se/?guid=3UEK5UA8SOU1QH0G&typ=CMBoLgh&from=hemnetredirect&view=Description">Sotheby International Realty</a>. You won't regret starting your week by looking at such bright and inspiring rooms.<br /><br /><br /></div></div></div>Minniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00152305422037094598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089772059666052380.post-27210002587091957602012-03-02T01:30:00.001-08:002012-03-02T01:30:18.422-08:00Thrifty find: Not just another vintage typewriter<div>The clicking sounds of a typewriter are punctuating my days lately. Yes, I am the proud owner of the lovely typewriter you see in the photo below. At a mere six dollars at a local thrift store, the aqua-colored beauty was just too tempting for me to pass up. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLv3PA5_zIrDrNMg9tZ-MRY2PxszQ3bK9ykFyiqHB1QtbjwazNWVn3sv0jfGl2rC10pBu9F1hH9lWByFdbTKlP5-M09xXFez1u02ddlTOMeHoR_1vX6KVc_quvLi3W0WV0olSf9EnDgA9/s1600/omegatypewriter1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLv3PA5_zIrDrNMg9tZ-MRY2PxszQ3bK9ykFyiqHB1QtbjwazNWVn3sv0jfGl2rC10pBu9F1hH9lWByFdbTKlP5-M09xXFez1u02ddlTOMeHoR_1vX6KVc_quvLi3W0WV0olSf9EnDgA9/s400/omegatypewriter1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715208770530920466" /></a><br /><br /><div>To my credit, I did not wrench it free from the little girl playing with it when I first walked into the store. I waited patiently nearby, browsing the book section, and forced myself to count to five before walking over to the typewriter after she abandoned it. As I examined it, I reminded myself that I already had two other vintage typewriters at home, one a steel blue and the other a creamy white. I really should have put it back on the shelf when I realized the typewriter is far from perfect, with some minor cosmetic flaws marring some key areas. </div><div><br /></div><div>Instead, I took it home. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvsZxlqfe4Nar1XLv_Zit1MpMqchmJoNW6jGkDQ2hVshl3EtwPU6q0wDuszSZkIZl5rwu1wT3vjIW88NKUv2CzGpf1CgbtIsBwPlYx8MUXu5Dj8pd7k6pzMgkbI1sg8i_fC-M-CVHEjm7/s1600/omega2a.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvsZxlqfe4Nar1XLv_Zit1MpMqchmJoNW6jGkDQ2hVshl3EtwPU6q0wDuszSZkIZl5rwu1wT3vjIW88NKUv2CzGpf1CgbtIsBwPlYx8MUXu5Dj8pd7k6pzMgkbI1sg8i_fC-M-CVHEjm7/s400/omega2a.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715208769681561410" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>Once home, I made a terrific discovery. The typewriter has a Spanish keyboard. Imagine my great delight at realizing that I can now use my typewriter to write in my native language with the ever-important ñ and all the á, é, ü, ¿ and ¡ characters that I would need to write a note in Spanish. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, happy days! Further adding to my joy, my daughter has now made the typewriter her newest toy, reminding me of my days as a six-year-old playing secretary as I tapped away furiously at my pretend typewriter. My daughter uses the typewriter to play store and pretends to write letters on it, which is great practice since she will be starting kindergarten in a few months and a firm knowledge of all the letters will be important.<br /><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PdHmOEQRV7XR1RUdynthPU7tN7Q1kZGLYsUYPcF3S-vvdXJQqjMPJChGAE7tfLqNgmBOBNJRE3SASkcCHGliJRTNceFlnxjVcl-5FmBh5Akh88dK4vRm8z0B81Re-Qi8AGwONr_ALVth/s1600/omegatypewriter2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PdHmOEQRV7XR1RUdynthPU7tN7Q1kZGLYsUYPcF3S-vvdXJQqjMPJChGAE7tfLqNgmBOBNJRE3SASkcCHGliJRTNceFlnxjVcl-5FmBh5Akh88dK4vRm8z0B81Re-Qi8AGwONr_ALVth/s400/omegatypewriter2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715208764966348082" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>You will think I'm a dinosaur but I learned how to type on a typewriter and even took a final exam in one of my journalism classes in college on a typewriter.<br /><br />I did some research and found out the typewriter is an Omega 30 Spanish typewriter, which seems to be relatively rare since I found only one listing for it on Ebay for a whopping $300 and none on Etsy. One of the cosmetic flaws I mentioned earlier is that the manufacturer tags are missing, which probably means I can't sell mine for $300. </div><div><br /></div><div>It is just as well because this baby is staying home with us for a while.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9Pg47b9BBP-7FW_CwFABAKtbmjFA6UyaKrQni4VackG6C-gJMugG-etZPL3Q0SXL-JEwpw3Oq1AAbp3qeaUm95Exi5AdY6gtfHhzQy0mAcwtiCA2BK2xkrsdQGYwvkMp8PMrTxIobZpj/s1600/omegatypewriter3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9Pg47b9BBP-7FW_CwFABAKtbmjFA6UyaKrQni4VackG6C-gJMugG-etZPL3Q0SXL-JEwpw3Oq1AAbp3qeaUm95Exi5AdY6gtfHhzQy0mAcwtiCA2BK2xkrsdQGYwvkMp8PMrTxIobZpj/s400/omegatypewriter3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715221832274280866" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As you can see, it does need a new ribbon. In case you can't read the note I typed above, it reads: "I love typewriters. A mis niños también les encanta. (My kids love them, too.)"</div><div><br /></div><div>Now if I could just find a typewriter with a French keyboard. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/?action=view&current=minsig.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/minsig.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div></div>Minniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00152305422037094598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089772059666052380.post-90759122450585245012012-02-16T02:31:00.000-08:002012-02-16T02:31:19.858-08:00My daughter's new creative corner<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDRyQBbtmKltACNOSuqYEGUbtheHecq41wRh3kwIw0VkVi5GDIR02P-htx9rkYuLiPIk93x9jlgk_p0oCTvg8L2ggZwOW7JqFZ_KaAdmu6JLXRaY1Gx712YxiY86hHfnWDuAbvj-Sz3F0/s1600/girldesk.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDRyQBbtmKltACNOSuqYEGUbtheHecq41wRh3kwIw0VkVi5GDIR02P-htx9rkYuLiPIk93x9jlgk_p0oCTvg8L2ggZwOW7JqFZ_KaAdmu6JLXRaY1Gx712YxiY86hHfnWDuAbvj-Sz3F0/s400/girldesk.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654701245972847890" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Even during my absence, I have continued to take photos and mentally compose posts, some of which I'm planning to share with you. Today, I would like to show you a new space my four-year-old daughter and I carved out in her room for her to write, draw and dream.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is here where I can often find her, drawing away. The other day, she and her six-year-old brother took turns sitting at her little desk as they collaborated on a small book they created about a little boy who goes to school. She drew the illustrations and he wrote the story to go with it.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuKzisu9sseBubFh6FSiTbzpruaiA5DwFU8utkosmOYf2bhXzqArJCQkBCAPQN7IUrCB-EDLFty5ua88oe4lNDq1xPxk5gxpzkCjt9mCnt__Ycpoy_uMjjCIaIyDSgZgdRUzu0UjIjvaG/s1600/girldesk1c.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 231px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuKzisu9sseBubFh6FSiTbzpruaiA5DwFU8utkosmOYf2bhXzqArJCQkBCAPQN7IUrCB-EDLFty5ua88oe4lNDq1xPxk5gxpzkCjt9mCnt__Ycpoy_uMjjCIaIyDSgZgdRUzu0UjIjvaG/s400/girldesk1c.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654714595179788370" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQgUBhSS6JV4kYQBuMZEH_ag3nCQkB1BigJxyDzGsC88cRyesl6LZtoNh14F2cP0LaPeqbCAQHh2C4aWN3KOgNGS2VHnyenQIYP7rP3nFrMp5iKOMKwfMSlRs-aYao6ARi_iLpMmP5qfQ/s1600/girldesk1b.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQgUBhSS6JV4kYQBuMZEH_ag3nCQkB1BigJxyDzGsC88cRyesl6LZtoNh14F2cP0LaPeqbCAQHh2C4aWN3KOgNGS2VHnyenQIYP7rP3nFrMp5iKOMKwfMSlRs-aYao6ARi_iLpMmP5qfQ/s400/girldesk1b.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654714590658376626" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>I can honestly say that this lovely corner was my daughter's idea. A few weeks ago, I was all set to rearrange furniture in her room. When I last wrote, I told you that I would be redoing my kids' rooms to reflect the fact that they are older and their interests are changing. Essentially, we are moving away from the toddler stage and into the early school years. Of course, I consulted my kids regarding paint colors, artwork, etc. but thought I knew enough about their tastes and habits to do the major planning on my own. Wrong!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQenJrXoT5qWtn-sM85uvU0aTsrbh-4x5klnAnsWdA6tE0XR94opfFtV6_eTTCE1j-G1KSsl91wNi_AK3jBLHJZL0ra-EFmXDXGui4EDltUDOshaN2MjP3sujI4Ko0XOs01F96F2Ujy2rg/s1600/Daughterdesk.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQenJrXoT5qWtn-sM85uvU0aTsrbh-4x5klnAnsWdA6tE0XR94opfFtV6_eTTCE1j-G1KSsl91wNi_AK3jBLHJZL0ra-EFmXDXGui4EDltUDOshaN2MjP3sujI4Ko0XOs01F96F2Ujy2rg/s400/Daughterdesk.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709650343348869906" /></a><br />On the morning of the big day of moving furniture around, I handed my daughter the book <a href="http://www.paumes.com/book-e/detail-e/STchildrens/STchildrens.html">"Children's Rooms Stockholm"</a> (Jeu de Paume). I was hoping she would find something to inspire a new arrangement in her room and keep her busy as I began taking all the furniture out of her room. Instead, she came running up to me saying, "I like this!" she said, pointing to a picture of a girl's small desk. "Can I have this?"</div><div><br /></div><div>Hmmm, how to explain that I hadn't planned on buying any new furniture? I was momentarily stumped, wondering if The Big Reorganization of My Daughter's Room had hit a snag. Thankfully, I found a simple solution. Some of you may remember reading <a href="http://mamawithoutborders.blogspot.com/2010/02/5-table-transformed.html">here</a> about the small Ikea table/desk that I painted and decoupaged after finding it for five dollars at a thrift store. I originally placed the table in my office as a space for my four-year-old daughter to use when we were both in there, which frankly turned out to be sporadic. Thanks to my daughter's inspired suggestion, this little table has now found a new home in a corner of her room.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhig0WPpeBmGMXiea3MEi_kM0_RYYaTQ_gC4w528hyc6oWzgTkkDQcgLnKRaN-6IGJ7amC9ooUmJDuS8VCZONt_2VcwKgc1tdM0V1HhG-hljl82AJtbQrGHzbTgcj57p-XFvFM4SsN9aFKM/s1600/girldesk5.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 289px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhig0WPpeBmGMXiea3MEi_kM0_RYYaTQ_gC4w528hyc6oWzgTkkDQcgLnKRaN-6IGJ7amC9ooUmJDuS8VCZONt_2VcwKgc1tdM0V1HhG-hljl82AJtbQrGHzbTgcj57p-XFvFM4SsN9aFKM/s400/girldesk5.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654716959314644962" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>After seeing my daughter's new space, my son decided it was time for him to get a new desk. Stay tuned ... </div><div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/?action=view&current=minsig.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/minsig.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div></div></div></div>Minniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00152305422037094598noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089772059666052380.post-76539596111859073062012-02-16T02:26:00.000-08:002012-02-16T02:28:54.200-08:00Back after a long hiatus<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii23Tf9xtTuHgs2RYvnLU4EGEU1T8uglWewsrl2mBwzCCbaLdS1gGmBuiZaFxe-xYPia-x23vfYf8_ZPAoKez66SwWLdw6iah0ZOHsrgRkke91dLnLhfSMMEo-xLjhcHBbhd_wnWyaFpf5/s1600/sondesk.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 337px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii23Tf9xtTuHgs2RYvnLU4EGEU1T8uglWewsrl2mBwzCCbaLdS1gGmBuiZaFxe-xYPia-x23vfYf8_ZPAoKez66SwWLdw6iah0ZOHsrgRkke91dLnLhfSMMEo-xLjhcHBbhd_wnWyaFpf5/s400/sondesk.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709666096752178226" /></a><br /><div>Dear friends,<br /><div><div><br /></div><div>A lot of time has certainly passed since we last met. I've been doing a little of this and a little of that, which adds up to a bunch of little things and a whole lot of time. Mostly, I've been trying to enjoy my kids before school swallows them up and taking steps to return to my first love: journalism. </div><div><br /></div><div>Not a week has gone by that I've meant to post here again, but I've had so many things competing for my time that the blog got so dusty I didn't quite know how to come back. The truth is that I've considered shutting down Mama Without Borders due to lack of time to update it but I somehow have gained a few new followers and my daily readership continues to increase. More importantly, spending time on my blog and many of yours truly has enriched my life in so many ways that I'm reluctant to let it all go just yet.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you to all my loyal readers and blog friends for continuing to peek in from time to time and for keeping me on your blog rolls. I am thankful, as always, for your attentions. I am back today and whenever I can wing it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Hugs,</div></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/?action=view&current=minsig.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/minsig.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div>Minniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00152305422037094598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089772059666052380.post-48088635884548133222011-07-18T01:39:00.000-07:002011-07-18T01:40:35.216-07:00(Over)indulging in my favorite things<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7yK_sVZzPjNclWVGneTH8C2cNqRcP20xoGmia7qpzkpygsZmbu_kERdyh7DR5jEeU3R3hr3msJ_9VPeIll7IVwr68-BaPWudijMU8zfwBWncerISgmw-A0J4272C1P2RLrIbCqhWCZXb/s1600/papiermache8a.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 269px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7yK_sVZzPjNclWVGneTH8C2cNqRcP20xoGmia7qpzkpygsZmbu_kERdyh7DR5jEeU3R3hr3msJ_9VPeIll7IVwr68-BaPWudijMU8zfwBWncerISgmw-A0J4272C1P2RLrIbCqhWCZXb/s400/papiermache8a.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630601189692883586" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.papier-mache.com.au">papier mache</a></span></span></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Unbelievably, the weeks have sped by and I must confess that I've been overindulging in pretty much all my favorite things. Crafting, reading books and magazines, decorating, shopping the thrifts, spending time outdoors. Not much time on the computer as some of you might have noticed. I always forget how much more time I need to devote to the kiddos in the summertime. But I do plan to get busy with my camera this week since I have a few things I'd like to show you. <div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, do meander over to the latest issue of the online Australian magazine <a href="http://www.papier-mache.com.au">papier mache</a>. Their latest edition is devoted to all things deco. It contains many pretty images and much to be inspired by in interviews with creative artists and others. The home shown in the photo above belongs to Barbara Hvidt, a Danish mom and co-founder of a beautiful children's label (<a href="www.softgallery.dk">Soft Gallery</a>). I love the relaxed and stylish look that her living room exudes. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you're indulging in more than a few of your favorite things as well. <div><div><br /></div><div>Hugs,</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/?action=view&current=minsig.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/minsig.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div></div></div>Minniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00152305422037094598noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089772059666052380.post-58989128288217065892011-06-16T01:25:00.000-07:002011-06-16T01:26:38.700-07:00Lucky Kids magazine: Modern kids' rooms<div>With the kids out of school for the summer, updating their rooms before they return to classes is a priority on my list. I figure summer is a perfect time to make some minor changes that will better reflect new hobbies and interests my kids have acquired as they've gotten a bit older.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't plan on making any major changes but I would like to incorporate some minor touches to give the rooms a more modern and cohesive look. I recently happened upon the debut issue of <a href="http://www.luckymag.com/kids">Lucky Kids</a>, <a href="http://www.luckymag.com">Lucky magazine</a>'s first issue for kids. The magazine's spread on kid-friendly decor immediately caught my eye for the stylish yet streamlined rooms they featured.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw72NFS4sBC-LDJbZO6LA-1obMUdWwwOjbteaEWiq6LPePmDvQwUuEdVb6ASkus6petWzhtwpV7fxZlFju0MrCPIry2_VbOn7q_x_YOU2IYnbPvbQ1J0kqbeviPJDSn5qD5IRluYAkmsou/s1600/Lucky+Kids2.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 283px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw72NFS4sBC-LDJbZO6LA-1obMUdWwwOjbteaEWiq6LPePmDvQwUuEdVb6ASkus6petWzhtwpV7fxZlFju0MrCPIry2_VbOn7q_x_YOU2IYnbPvbQ1J0kqbeviPJDSn5qD5IRluYAkmsou/s400/Lucky+Kids2.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618709815305365234" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Serene is the first word that comes to mind when I look at the playroom above, though I would not usually associate playrooms with a sense of serenity. OK, so the room doesn't belong to an actual kid. At least the magazine didn't say it did. I should note that the magazine enlisted the talents of prop stylist <a href="http://www.kendrasmoot.com/">Kendra Smoot</a> to create the playroom with a woodland theme. As a mother of two young kids, I think the look is a realistic one to emulate. The natural yet bright colors just draw me in and the window shades give the room a wonderfully dreamy look. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw72NFS4sBC-LDJbZO6LA-1obMUdWwwOjbteaEWiq6LPePmDvQwUuEdVb6ASkus6petWzhtwpV7fxZlFju0MrCPIry2_VbOn7q_x_YOU2IYnbPvbQ1J0kqbeviPJDSn5qD5IRluYAkmsou/s1600/Lucky+Kids2.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1E45nOIEjsFFL9cJCWdz_yUACnLduHS6rnpAuZ3_vWzvActobaCSy0GLuXCiYAgBQ6VKvU1c2XScOU3ubcBWPU01Mbd5P6xCfmb-i-WFMRtb0dRT-LqvH8Ls1lHHrv76lZtANSM0jaT5z/s1600/Lucky+Kids.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1E45nOIEjsFFL9cJCWdz_yUACnLduHS6rnpAuZ3_vWzvActobaCSy0GLuXCiYAgBQ6VKvU1c2XScOU3ubcBWPU01Mbd5P6xCfmb-i-WFMRtb0dRT-LqvH8Ls1lHHrv76lZtANSM0jaT5z/s400/Lucky+Kids.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618709813491920786" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The room above has some great imaginative features, so it may not be surprising to learn that it belongs to the son of a fashion designer. Among other things, fashion designer <a href="http://www.lelarose.com/">Lela Rose</a> created the colorful quilt on her son's bed out of his favorite childhood T-shirts and used rubber bands to give a new look to a worn Eames chair. The quirky headboard is one I would enjoy having as my own.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1E45nOIEjsFFL9cJCWdz_yUACnLduHS6rnpAuZ3_vWzvActobaCSy0GLuXCiYAgBQ6VKvU1c2XScOU3ubcBWPU01Mbd5P6xCfmb-i-WFMRtb0dRT-LqvH8Ls1lHHrv76lZtANSM0jaT5z/s1600/Lucky+Kids.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZeAL2a6MuZNWvgZnj47cc5rDCqAGqFV4cV6IU9x4bj3kiqXD5Z0-FaVGAJemLaPxJZfRE3YrrYSga_4Bi4Kz-8DQn5vMgKlUW9DUThqd0f7EqdgEhKPYVb72o3r98blCNX8s_11DPSQ4/s1600/Lucky+Kids3.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 389px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZeAL2a6MuZNWvgZnj47cc5rDCqAGqFV4cV6IU9x4bj3kiqXD5Z0-FaVGAJemLaPxJZfRE3YrrYSga_4Bi4Kz-8DQn5vMgKlUW9DUThqd0f7EqdgEhKPYVb72o3r98blCNX8s_11DPSQ4/s400/Lucky+Kids3.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618709809500222258" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Simplicity was the name of the game when it came to designing the nursery above. Architect Elizabeth Roberts told the magazine that the room is a temporary abode for her son until he is old enough to move to a bigger room, a reminder that though we put much thought into our nurseries the time will come soon enough when it's time to make some changes.</div><div><br /></div><div>One thing I'm definitely looking forward to doing in this latest round of changes to my kids' rooms is involving them a bit more in the process since both of them are old enough to voice preference for decor that goes beyond just color as they did in the past. </div><div><br /></div><div>Do you have any decorating projects you would like to complete this summer? I'd love to hear about them. </div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/?action=view&current=minsig.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/minsig.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Images: <a href="http://www.luckymag.com/kids">Lucky Kids</a></i></div>Minniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00152305422037094598noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089772059666052380.post-78751947052930876892011-06-13T00:22:00.000-07:002011-06-13T00:24:00.191-07:00Wishing you a productive weekHello friends,<br /><br />I'm feeling energized and ready to start a new week after a fun and restful weekend. As I write this, my family room is littered with toys and other kid paraphernalia that I chose not to pick up in order to claim this weekend as my own. On Saturday, hubby graciously volunteered to watch the kids while I took a train to downtown Los Angeles to enjoy a few hours with my best friend in the trendy Larchmont area.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4AaU4oK0gHxfnAy0D6fGVEJ0a13-8LFvBDKa-JHy-BevFkCI2hsP73jvBA09GA1OzsuVdzGSWYM9jHS_kkPArcH9BL2IFLVE6WrT508f2kngqMcjs4U3ijEVTPljsvsCNH2Dad0P0GIV/s1600/larchmont.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4AaU4oK0gHxfnAy0D6fGVEJ0a13-8LFvBDKa-JHy-BevFkCI2hsP73jvBA09GA1OzsuVdzGSWYM9jHS_kkPArcH9BL2IFLVE6WrT508f2kngqMcjs4U3ijEVTPljsvsCNH2Dad0P0GIV/s400/larchmont.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617584098350796850" /></a></div><br />She and I browsed through all the cute shops, where I soaked up the styling inspiration. Library, a clothing shop styled with antique and vintage elements was one that particularly caught my eye. Even the train ride home was relaxing since I had a chance to read through the latest issue of Canadian House and Home. <div><br /></div><div>On Sunday, I had planned to pick up the kids' mess but instead was woken up by hubby who urged me to get out of bed so I could catch a few good garage sales he'd spotted near our house. I had a lovely weekend, indeed, thanks to a great hubby who knows all of my favorite things. </div><div><br /></div><div>Come Monday, I will be ready to whip the house back into shape and continue work on a few things, including refurbishing a thrift store find and finishing a piece of writing I began on the train ride to Los Angeles. Did you have a good weekend? Do you have any exciting projects you're working on this week?<br /><div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you have a terrific and productive week.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hugs,</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/?action=view&current=minsig.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/minsig.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div></div>Minniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00152305422037094598noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089772059666052380.post-82612895058524278952011-06-10T00:29:00.000-07:002011-06-10T00:30:02.252-07:00The magical creations of French artist Carolyn QuartermainePaint merges with fabric beautifully in the designs of <a href="http://www.carolynquartermaine.com">Carolyn Quartermaine</a>, an acclaimed French artist whose creations have a magical quality to them.<div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmXGN2mP1-RRqqoOpaR8aPLXnz9eTb8lGUYXxmTFoSlEPGC6eA5kqPNbCfx8DicKNfaYTnXGV7nSdHGQcW2r29_AOqjCw8f7dgmeDCgKv9zlFq5cX4SuBCejPgZ-3hQei-Nab5fcSx8Tx/s1600/CQ1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmXGN2mP1-RRqqoOpaR8aPLXnz9eTb8lGUYXxmTFoSlEPGC6eA5kqPNbCfx8DicKNfaYTnXGV7nSdHGQcW2r29_AOqjCw8f7dgmeDCgKv9zlFq5cX4SuBCejPgZ-3hQei-Nab5fcSx8Tx/s400/CQ1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616486416372553378" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>Her work ranges from <a href="http://www.carolynquartermaine.com/newproducts.html">fabric collections</a> to <a href="http://www.carolynquartermaine.com/styling.html">styling</a> she has done for hotels and other businesses worldwide, garnering accolades that include "designer of the year" from Maison et Objet in 2008. I just discovered her work this week while browsing the beautiful Spanish interiors blog <a href="http://desdemventana.blogspot.com/">desde my ventanta</a>. There I was scrolling through months of blog archives when a photo of Carolyn Quartermaine's textiles made me stop immediately. Even in the midst of dozens of beautiful interiors, Carolyn Quartermaine's work stood out.</div><div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTH2YwV-vpMdQFI-EklcQMjAqiXkCPzXSRzgKgvW3ipMOs89Tp2eAYfx_ObI_iG6k10dISrz2MgkkrG_Kz3LrlhEiOs5jq6Gjox6-gAZEh1126tAQc1YCkKTMOesSOz5tbwFe5wkVz_Oh/s1600/frenchdesigner.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 292px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTH2YwV-vpMdQFI-EklcQMjAqiXkCPzXSRzgKgvW3ipMOs89Tp2eAYfx_ObI_iG6k10dISrz2MgkkrG_Kz3LrlhEiOs5jq6Gjox6-gAZEh1126tAQc1YCkKTMOesSOz5tbwFe5wkVz_Oh/s400/frenchdesigner.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616485271676683842" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I spent a lot of time trying to pick out favorites from the many photos she has on her website but it was a difficult feat. Virtually all of her designs are fresh, fun and modern. Head on over to <a href="http://www.carolynquartermaine.com">her website</a> to see for yourself.<br /><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-lo3Rfwit5ZHwVsbLKWYxVHQqEt7loynXOjGgxs2eJsv6Vmj7lOvOcVPjyHU3VSCUt8bsjhyphenhyphenROlKcz2_pZos4B22Y5DcaP3U_3ttEIp4VqZZp-Q-7k5Nk8IzHuUqdOPtKoEphTPsymLvP/s1600/Quartermaine.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 338px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-lo3Rfwit5ZHwVsbLKWYxVHQqEt7loynXOjGgxs2eJsv6Vmj7lOvOcVPjyHU3VSCUt8bsjhyphenhyphenROlKcz2_pZos4B22Y5DcaP3U_3ttEIp4VqZZp-Q-7k5Nk8IzHuUqdOPtKoEphTPsymLvP/s400/Quartermaine.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616345464179692754" /></a></div><br /><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>I guarantee you will be smitten. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/?action=view&current=minsig.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/minsig.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div></div></div>Minniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00152305422037094598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089772059666052380.post-10157528614528246962011-06-07T11:48:00.000-07:002011-06-07T11:49:13.074-07:00Antiquing and a new addition to the familyWe kicked off the summer vacation with a trip to an outdoor antique fair, where I feasted my eyes on vintage goodies and other treasures while my kids ate kettle corn and spent time talking with members of a train club. The once yearly event in our community is sponsored by the local heritage preservation society so it was a terrific opportunity for us to learn more about where we live. <div> <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgEsGUOtcPEk2bEpAcGizHnHBImdSAtGqG4CzSiqv4uZxl0yJAYZDHBE-LuBJncJ69kXatb3o6Pi0GS3hAOkZ2GiamB1uoYJl_ft9gBj6LcSDShPDjpWaEB9cNRkPUNrxsYN-FfvEq3tz/s1600/antique6.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 292px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgEsGUOtcPEk2bEpAcGizHnHBImdSAtGqG4CzSiqv4uZxl0yJAYZDHBE-LuBJncJ69kXatb3o6Pi0GS3hAOkZ2GiamB1uoYJl_ft9gBj6LcSDShPDjpWaEB9cNRkPUNrxsYN-FfvEq3tz/s400/antique6.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615517827021365906" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>Of course, I'd be lying if I said I went to the fair for educational purposes. As you probably know, I was scouting for things for my home, especially since prices seemed to be better than many antique shops. A few big pieces caught my eye, including the cheery white bistro set you see in the photo above. I could totally picture myself drinking tea while enjoying one of my beloved design magazines. <div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJh_Z4UByxiH0K4QhRsxzvQnC_R_rTfeRfb4qOk28TLa0QOeSg9H4-KbKD2CBO67qJ_ut-Kc1lMPtMJW-tZkfFk1F5hJbyJy0N_8B3Vln_ICXFJv0KhDq0K4RseAyeNp-BfKydUZEg1O3x/s1600/Antique5.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJh_Z4UByxiH0K4QhRsxzvQnC_R_rTfeRfb4qOk28TLa0QOeSg9H4-KbKD2CBO67qJ_ut-Kc1lMPtMJW-tZkfFk1F5hJbyJy0N_8B3Vln_ICXFJv0KhDq0K4RseAyeNp-BfKydUZEg1O3x/s400/Antique5.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615386437152708610" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The mustard-yellow ottoman was another piece I was coveting for my home, either to be used as a coffee table or as a plush indulgence in my master closet. </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjI7JEB7GSBw-eEl9rjLdX19nmS4q9tsRxHC77kBQtBiLd43kPqX81RGLe3TUZmSfAwdwZWyZOKtVs4ogU11Wm1dc7wqhihuDQpSlQ8JaFuvvh3G7lut2zoq8ZqCAlicv6yncLCmzgBwyb/s1600/Antique4.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjI7JEB7GSBw-eEl9rjLdX19nmS4q9tsRxHC77kBQtBiLd43kPqX81RGLe3TUZmSfAwdwZWyZOKtVs4ogU11Wm1dc7wqhihuDQpSlQ8JaFuvvh3G7lut2zoq8ZqCAlicv6yncLCmzgBwyb/s400/Antique4.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615386088136619938" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My husband commented that many pieces seemed destined more for the junkyard than someone's home. I chuckled, thinking this might have been something I might have said years ago, before I obsessively began perusing design magazines and seeing the decorating possibilities in old utilitarian items. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDks-3Y8U47C1DAB5lCmsHBL-DdMWImhqyzOlHpSTa-Xk4MuSiR6sMbx7aI4Std6J4TIirNvA_pDaGG2g3I6xCBjubhBX9yQXzEV0608P2G_4jFcHuZ8Q8UJfZvvXqz9vx216pVjAVIP2/s1600/Antique3.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDks-3Y8U47C1DAB5lCmsHBL-DdMWImhqyzOlHpSTa-Xk4MuSiR6sMbx7aI4Std6J4TIirNvA_pDaGG2g3I6xCBjubhBX9yQXzEV0608P2G_4jFcHuZ8Q8UJfZvvXqz9vx216pVjAVIP2/s1600/Antique3.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDks-3Y8U47C1DAB5lCmsHBL-DdMWImhqyzOlHpSTa-Xk4MuSiR6sMbx7aI4Std6J4TIirNvA_pDaGG2g3I6xCBjubhBX9yQXzEV0608P2G_4jFcHuZ8Q8UJfZvvXqz9vx216pVjAVIP2/s400/Antique3.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615386078660198754" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDks-3Y8U47C1DAB5lCmsHBL-DdMWImhqyzOlHpSTa-Xk4MuSiR6sMbx7aI4Std6J4TIirNvA_pDaGG2g3I6xCBjubhBX9yQXzEV0608P2G_4jFcHuZ8Q8UJfZvvXqz9vx216pVjAVIP2/s1600/Antique3.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a>My kids were happy to go to the antique fair with the promise that they could choose an inexpensive toy, so they spent much of their time sampling the wares at a big table full of Hot Wheels.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetjWSrSMX5NK11WGWORp6iwFUQML7mZr4lEC9mIGqmfhnGidVTKXPXipkfFtnI2o8VpEW8lXAMy28Mj3LRF6ZboBCNHuE6zpEpaWgop7zItm6b7PUh4YbvTFV2Jphzz79TqU3uT-2ItDp/s1600/Antique2.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetjWSrSMX5NK11WGWORp6iwFUQML7mZr4lEC9mIGqmfhnGidVTKXPXipkfFtnI2o8VpEW8lXAMy28Mj3LRF6ZboBCNHuE6zpEpaWgop7zItm6b7PUh4YbvTFV2Jphzz79TqU3uT-2ItDp/s400/Antique2.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615386073478583810" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div>Surprisingly, I ended up leaving the fair empty-handed. I did like quite a few items at the antique fair, but found that nothing really met my new criteria for shopping. Even a few months ago, I would buy something simply because I liked it and could afford it, with only a vague idea of what I would do with it once I got home. The result has left me with a nice supply of things to sell on Ebay or Craigslist, which was never a goal of mine. Lesson learned. Now, I buy something only if I need it and have a specific place for it in my home. It's a seemingly simple philosophy but one that has taken me years to learn because I enjoy decorating and shopping so much. </div><div><br /></div><div>On my way home, I decided to swing by a thrift store and was amply rewarded when I found a darling little wooden statue. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKk_EOFpdSGdLoKLjH6MuUFVdVKa8VwSjwO751hKFv2hE-7svHvAl7N2Lw1fZORkol2jmcnmFwhwFL9ohG3zMjggkl6fbGTbe_gNc81R-W90HI1kFrdq4LDVNeKTVCBbqv2-ourAnQMcb/s1600/boycollage.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKk_EOFpdSGdLoKLjH6MuUFVdVKa8VwSjwO751hKFv2hE-7svHvAl7N2Lw1fZORkol2jmcnmFwhwFL9ohG3zMjggkl6fbGTbe_gNc81R-W90HI1kFrdq4LDVNeKTVCBbqv2-ourAnQMcb/s400/boycollage.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615386053270207234" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>At 18-inches tall, he is nearly life-size and weighs almost as much as a real boy this size, reminding me of when my son was younger. The little wooden boy now proudly sits in our family room in a spot that has been sitting empty the past few weeks during my latest redecorating frenzy. He was an exceptional find for eight dollars, a bargain I scored thanks to a storewide 50 percent off sale.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finding this little guy was a perfect way to end my day. </div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/?action=view&current=minsig.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/minsig.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div></div></div>Minniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00152305422037094598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089772059666052380.post-32895180416812083512011-05-18T12:17:00.000-07:002011-05-18T12:18:55.736-07:00Magazine files: The ultimate family home<div>Today, I found inspiration in the pages of <a href="http://readymade.com/">ReadyMade</a> magazine. I'm not about to get out my power tools or embark on any hardcore DIY projects, but I do appreciate the magazine's can-do aesthetic, especially when it features a great home belonging to a family in South Africa.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNX_y6TFyVyAZVQJbXiZ2de4nmEVGKuQ0N8aUHdM-h9C9ScWHfjxZ7iWBPeuf5NmoCGDdlTnocnKELu_GDoQ0LuK8GkQ0u1vOu3n3Tg9wSS43nHq9iTspqzeeza-G3tr-kQMQvScufuz22/s1600/ReadyMade2010g.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 264px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNX_y6TFyVyAZVQJbXiZ2de4nmEVGKuQ0N8aUHdM-h9C9ScWHfjxZ7iWBPeuf5NmoCGDdlTnocnKELu_GDoQ0LuK8GkQ0u1vOu3n3Tg9wSS43nHq9iTspqzeeza-G3tr-kQMQvScufuz22/s400/ReadyMade2010g.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606626255259703426" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>Check out the toys crammed in the corner next to the door in the photo above. I love this room for the way all the seemingly disparate items come together in such a well-composed manner. So often, I see interiors magazines featuring family homes showing cute, smiling children but only <i>one</i> toy in the entire photographic spread. Of course, few of us go to interiors magazines to see messy houses strewn with toys but many of us are looking for ideas on ways to incorporate our kids' belongings (all of them, not just one toy) into our decor. <div><br /><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht29lHttxzANo1OwszcVyRSPtPOjni8_jcQSa5OyIalmjaefKBZHFQ4bK7bg_BdFHC3QLdKyLeHp025npMT5eZK_pTo1gUnVsD9rJB1TqA9Gq8Md4s4Zyi45Kc7yo_UCN2Fsr4aQMzaPU2/s1600/ReadyMade2010e.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 163px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht29lHttxzANo1OwszcVyRSPtPOjni8_jcQSa5OyIalmjaefKBZHFQ4bK7bg_BdFHC3QLdKyLeHp025npMT5eZK_pTo1gUnVsD9rJB1TqA9Gq8Md4s4Zyi45Kc7yo_UCN2Fsr4aQMzaPU2/s400/ReadyMade2010e.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606480625029020578" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div>The home belonging to Morné and Kerryn Fischer, shown in the June/July 2010 issue of <a href="http://readymade.com/">ReadyMade</a> magazine, immediately caught my eye because it provides so many great examples of a beautifully decorated family home. Perhaps it's no surprise that the couple works in creative fields. I'm sure Kerryn's expertise as the former South African editor of ELLE Decor came in handy during the remodeling and decorating phases. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5t8NIRvKzh6UMaQ71M4n8e3Mv6tBBS77qvfD05MO8oVt5a93W4VJHu6gSuboBu_UzoMB10kyw90M9KRXfEVCXR5QFBzOmYbxY_wmecgJXU7u6-lwod0ZxsvjNTTIDsbyahiAAkcVtC8Fe/s1600/ReadyMade2010d.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5t8NIRvKzh6UMaQ71M4n8e3Mv6tBBS77qvfD05MO8oVt5a93W4VJHu6gSuboBu_UzoMB10kyw90M9KRXfEVCXR5QFBzOmYbxY_wmecgJXU7u6-lwod0ZxsvjNTTIDsbyahiAAkcVtC8Fe/s400/ReadyMade2010d.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606480454396967282" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>As you may remember, I usually gravitate towards rooms with lots of color, but this home shows us how a simple palette allows an eclectic assortment of belongings to shine. The bright kitchen above looks like a great place to work in while the kids run around (though not near the stove! ... as I tell my children).<br /><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkFBZkeXBwI0480cA4Jq4DjefZctChXFz2XLDLVscjs2kBfdmSZxjRjR62hY8yJ-E9cnC4TH6sW893ESpQsqf3RLGrxg6H8XXUuWWIPl1cj2ev95bTVjeEcogsFuNOhyphenhyphenOhl6LwKBcLxtq/s1600/Readymade2010c.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkFBZkeXBwI0480cA4Jq4DjefZctChXFz2XLDLVscjs2kBfdmSZxjRjR62hY8yJ-E9cnC4TH6sW893ESpQsqf3RLGrxg6H8XXUuWWIPl1cj2ev95bTVjeEcogsFuNOhyphenhyphenOhl6LwKBcLxtq/s400/Readymade2010c.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606480135598468258" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div>Again, the simple elements of the entry above are put together in such a way that it creates a cozy and welcoming entry, someplace where I imagine you could come home and kick your shoes off while perusing the mail. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErZX080SUB0L0BK91JEBQcrlXVLimD4wGbQstAumm_DrSo3OPPoe25skPLPoZxeOevECEUcFwim5foYJobWw7S9Rp7nxNuURlBn84dCXga8rGLy2mfbexGR-msVf_rOeFdx857zdsZSFf/s1600/ReadyMade2010b.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 236px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErZX080SUB0L0BK91JEBQcrlXVLimD4wGbQstAumm_DrSo3OPPoe25skPLPoZxeOevECEUcFwim5foYJobWw7S9Rp7nxNuURlBn84dCXga8rGLy2mfbexGR-msVf_rOeFdx857zdsZSFf/s400/ReadyMade2010b.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606479987831668370" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div>I could really go on and on about how this home had me practically taking out my magnifying glass as I admired everything in it. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2G8jKb_szDFrFLgMYVD4lnsoP24VJ5iqlMSjwokHf7LfZzPSnVYUYUcCBr0NSnJPAaxSIAJld2kCR2f_xXVPqOB4HKuce_hlTRJyysNfWDXcTJz93gPQLfxnicwjaYHl_IxAiw8h2Qf4k/s1600/ReadyMade2010a.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 281px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2G8jKb_szDFrFLgMYVD4lnsoP24VJ5iqlMSjwokHf7LfZzPSnVYUYUcCBr0NSnJPAaxSIAJld2kCR2f_xXVPqOB4HKuce_hlTRJyysNfWDXcTJz93gPQLfxnicwjaYHl_IxAiw8h2Qf4k/s400/ReadyMade2010a.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606479837886772914" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I don't know whether the dark gray walls in the bedroom above had wallpaper on them or simply chalkboard that had been painted over in a pattern. Either way, it gives me a great idea for something new to do with the chalkboard wall in my kitchen. This magazine spread is brimming with so many great ideas for a family home that it's going right at the top of my inspiration file on family homes. </div><div><br /></div><div>Don't you just love it when you come across a home that completely mirrors what you're trying to achieve in your own home? </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/?action=view&current=minsig.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/minsig.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div></div></div>Minniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00152305422037094598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089772059666052380.post-29689641984870486382011-05-10T17:02:00.000-07:002011-05-10T17:03:50.328-07:00Turning a Pottery Barn table runner into a valance<div>Always hard-pressed to turn down a bargain, I recently scooped up two table runners on discount at Pottery Barn and converted them into valances to help brighten my kitchen. </div><div><br /></div>Going from red-tone to white-and-yellow valances has done a great deal to lighten the look in my kitchen. <div><div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFN9UeKFZN2Tmsyy0smZkSylJsHPYJih3UUgv6P4H8T782EMnAXGMfm_EcUJgjaMfNF1BR75pbx9iN9yuCTIRrPmAA6tCrHEa4UJDZ8xhm3Ng350zWDJKKJHVTZwXXUuQxOB55F3b5xJId/s1600/Kitchen2.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 480px; height: 334px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFN9UeKFZN2Tmsyy0smZkSylJsHPYJih3UUgv6P4H8T782EMnAXGMfm_EcUJgjaMfNF1BR75pbx9iN9yuCTIRrPmAA6tCrHEa4UJDZ8xhm3Ng350zWDJKKJHVTZwXXUuQxOB55F3b5xJId/s400/Kitchen2.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604859697380437410" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div>When you have children, you learn to make certain sacrifices in your decor. For me, that meant no white kitchen cabinets. I had always dreamed of having an all-white kitchen flooded with light, but white cabinets seemed like asking for trouble with little ones around to use them as canvas for "artwork."</div><div><br />Though obviously not life-shattering, the decision to choose dark cabinets has come to haunt me in the six years since we first moved into our home. I now realize how other design decisions I made, including brown-tone granite counters and dark distressed hardwood flooring, have all combined to create a somewhat somber kitchen, the total opposite of what I wanted.</div><div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0FtuZw7fF2e0P-OKrpRDyz6V7Ve0Mt3SrvWK_X2IjjdmCtLmGaC220vlkOx52RrUnReRzO4T6BenFlWhFa3jFxdNvHbkWZmhB4BVX1Uy4PanmBsKIfp1iIzor9oZVG_rFp3xtexhDL3p/s1600/KitchenB4.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 295px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0FtuZw7fF2e0P-OKrpRDyz6V7Ve0Mt3SrvWK_X2IjjdmCtLmGaC220vlkOx52RrUnReRzO4T6BenFlWhFa3jFxdNvHbkWZmhB4BVX1Uy4PanmBsKIfp1iIzor9oZVG_rFp3xtexhDL3p/s400/KitchenB4.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605202249205622322" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div>In an attempt to inject lively touches into my kitchen, I then added red. Too much red, as you can see in the photo above. After six years of so much red, I'm ready to mix it up to make the room more interesting. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4b6W9oj0Aiv1R1M9c3zXGMKGhyphenhyphen6u7eABJOFNKnJsjiF9e2PTcflMkKhVgwgDdt7UlVreF41ODETJYTxik24xk2Cv8UNGaYpmop22xQeS-O8deuxDaFNopEJUaxn4vK35v50tzF02C0_h/s1600/Dining+room1.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4b6W9oj0Aiv1R1M9c3zXGMKGhyphenhyphen6u7eABJOFNKnJsjiF9e2PTcflMkKhVgwgDdt7UlVreF41ODETJYTxik24xk2Cv8UNGaYpmop22xQeS-O8deuxDaFNopEJUaxn4vK35v50tzF02C0_h/s400/Dining+room1.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605234320825053554" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I spied white-and-yellow Pottery Barn runners at my local outlet store for $10 each and couldn't pass them up even though I had no specific project in mind and no need for additional table runners (though I did like how it looked in the photo above). I fell in love with the print on the cotton fabric, a reproduction of patterns on fabric embroidered by hand by the Otomi Indians in Mexico (click <a href="http://prostores1.megawebservers.com/jacarandahome_com/Detail.bok?no=1">here</a> to see an example).</div><div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Mi1KczVPrJukJbmd5HucJmXDh-Lodhe-zO1AVxVs5ngjo0OPRv5dtfeXDNiqjVsvTizCb1ouod37-_Uo3QR4qneOhOvSQzIuFGExxgcTfVCZmbPn-mzNwu9RrMtC50ONtTaqz94D2Suh/s1600/Kitchen3.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 480px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Mi1KczVPrJukJbmd5HucJmXDh-Lodhe-zO1AVxVs5ngjo0OPRv5dtfeXDNiqjVsvTizCb1ouod37-_Uo3QR4qneOhOvSQzIuFGExxgcTfVCZmbPn-mzNwu9RrMtC50ONtTaqz94D2Suh/s400/Kitchen3.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604859693425349522" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After bringing them home, I discovered that the runners, measuring 18-by-108-inches, were the perfect length for the two large windows in my kitchen. Because they were lined, the only alteration needed was some simple stitching down the length of each runner, to create an opening for the curtain rod. I was uncertain that my plans were doable, so I called on my mom for sewing help and she whipped up the valances in just a few minutes. Three cheers for moms!</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHt0ekNI5SvrPn_Xu7xhtsKxd-zPYrPJRVZpQbPnmd71ZBVlV6wR6wJea8f_CSBXbt7XVq0M25ki2s_oR7KGWGkdFJuwFCMZSHa6XAl7F4S2QzbB8IreGdovukjLgGT-1-R7yOHf4kQIn/s1600/Kitchen+valance1.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHt0ekNI5SvrPn_Xu7xhtsKxd-zPYrPJRVZpQbPnmd71ZBVlV6wR6wJea8f_CSBXbt7XVq0M25ki2s_oR7KGWGkdFJuwFCMZSHa6XAl7F4S2QzbB8IreGdovukjLgGT-1-R7yOHf4kQIn/s1600/Kitchen+valance1.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 480px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHt0ekNI5SvrPn_Xu7xhtsKxd-zPYrPJRVZpQbPnmd71ZBVlV6wR6wJea8f_CSBXbt7XVq0M25ki2s_oR7KGWGkdFJuwFCMZSHa6XAl7F4S2QzbB8IreGdovukjLgGT-1-R7yOHf4kQIn/s400/Kitchen+valance1.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604859691862475970" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>One day, I will get those white cabinets, but for now I am thrilled with the results of this simple project. I have other easy changes I plan to make, including a new rug, and other small touches. </div><br />By the way, I'm always in awe of what a few simple stitches can accomplish, though I have to confess to usually enlisting my mom for help with this. Here are is a pillow cover she recently sewed for me after finding the embroidered textile at a thrift store. Knowing how much I love folk art, my mom bought the fabric and sewed it into a pillow, complete with a button enclosure on the back. Here it is in my living room:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3akoAt11liFzAbiFtWclmeLS-NilkdYISfraS3W2in9EZ0rB3TJpkqHe8nmOzVrSM6MdrSln1HzjfMHhsMfy_T2iTtAqP5Tklz6vF712zLixaCfAuGlEUJwullC9pxqaEJ-2mIvr9iql/s1600/Livingroom1.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3akoAt11liFzAbiFtWclmeLS-NilkdYISfraS3W2in9EZ0rB3TJpkqHe8nmOzVrSM6MdrSln1HzjfMHhsMfy_T2iTtAqP5Tklz6vF712zLixaCfAuGlEUJwullC9pxqaEJ-2mIvr9iql/s1600/Livingroom1.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 480px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3akoAt11liFzAbiFtWclmeLS-NilkdYISfraS3W2in9EZ0rB3TJpkqHe8nmOzVrSM6MdrSln1HzjfMHhsMfy_T2iTtAqP5Tklz6vF712zLixaCfAuGlEUJwullC9pxqaEJ-2mIvr9iql/s400/Livingroom1.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604859688224803122" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLyk37mHxhWWniZwxOsbZ9uvvzTurj7L1yohB3fxVjCkweMdCwH7JjkTxyLryYsI6I0dCTYB03K46oQTEqDRVYsS6rIqPd0N7l4B3JPZmJZksyZVQff62dMq8X7WFO6Gbjh1aOb12BRaA/s1600/Pillow1.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And up close:</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLyk37mHxhWWniZwxOsbZ9uvvzTurj7L1yohB3fxVjCkweMdCwH7JjkTxyLryYsI6I0dCTYB03K46oQTEqDRVYsS6rIqPd0N7l4B3JPZmJZksyZVQff62dMq8X7WFO6Gbjh1aOb12BRaA/s1600/Pillow1.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 409px; height: 480px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLyk37mHxhWWniZwxOsbZ9uvvzTurj7L1yohB3fxVjCkweMdCwH7JjkTxyLryYsI6I0dCTYB03K46oQTEqDRVYsS6rIqPd0N7l4B3JPZmJZksyZVQff62dMq8X7WFO6Gbjh1aOb12BRaA/s400/Pillow1.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604859680736310338" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Frankly, I prefer simple projects that I (or my mom!) can do in less than an hour. It's about all the free time I have now that I have two little ones, who by the way turned out not to favor walls so much for their writings. OK, only once! </div><div><br /></div><div>Let me know if you have any ideas for my kitchen. I'd love to hear them.</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/?action=view&current=minsig.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/minsig.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div></div></div>Minniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00152305422037094598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089772059666052380.post-77323455560964052522011-05-05T14:49:00.000-07:002011-05-05T14:49:52.248-07:00My Mexican-inspired take on Martha Stewart pom-pom tissue flowersIn honor of the Cinco de Mayo holiday, I'd like to tell you about a project my kids did after attending <a href="http://mamawithoutborders.blogspot.com/2010/02/world-arts-day.html">a piñata-making workshop</a> with a local artisan. Piñatas, usually filled with candy and small toys, are intended for kids to hit with a stick until the piñatas break open and spill the goodies, but I instead decided to hang two tiny piñatas my kids made as decorations for <a href="http://mamawithoutborders.blogspot.com/2009/07/its-got-pink-and-red-writing-room-of-my.html">my home office</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWACBkSeBHYO5u90AAPZwhzds5_Fz4AVlIvHDS8jUnVA9hoWRm5FfvN_tnl10riA96fLI1SDw3P6rXaFJc7tqlAKTZyooPrVelnFmwhMsF0U7CZn6z4Sv8tmaQbpJOx7iLq5MMQ7GsRfEp/s1600/Pi%25C3%25B1ata9.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWACBkSeBHYO5u90AAPZwhzds5_Fz4AVlIvHDS8jUnVA9hoWRm5FfvN_tnl10riA96fLI1SDw3P6rXaFJc7tqlAKTZyooPrVelnFmwhMsF0U7CZn6z4Sv8tmaQbpJOx7iLq5MMQ7GsRfEp/s400/Pi%25C3%25B1ata9.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603308791397414594" /></a></div><br /><div>Like many of you, I enjoy crafting with my kids, even more so when the craft is something we can use to decorate our home. The craft then becomes a reminder of fun time spent together, while also adding more character and beauty to our home.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXp76LUU-YBeOoVstORIMzWF3sdVjISl0RzC3JUwmw6_s52G4QMI55EWqRtk3UvFJSOdA6yCHs036ChHno3gYwvwBkd-8zLt53QgFexFc5apUFosW7BB82sBhRTE52dcwdbUKCLe3glz8/s1600/Pi%25C3%25B1ata7.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXp76LUU-YBeOoVstORIMzWF3sdVjISl0RzC3JUwmw6_s52G4QMI55EWqRtk3UvFJSOdA6yCHs036ChHno3gYwvwBkd-8zLt53QgFexFc5apUFosW7BB82sBhRTE52dcwdbUKCLe3glz8/s1600/Pi%25C3%25B1ata7.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 284px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXp76LUU-YBeOoVstORIMzWF3sdVjISl0RzC3JUwmw6_s52G4QMI55EWqRtk3UvFJSOdA6yCHs036ChHno3gYwvwBkd-8zLt53QgFexFc5apUFosW7BB82sBhRTE52dcwdbUKCLe3glz8/s400/Pi%25C3%25B1ata7.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603308787374121218" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZA1G44fbq4_W1_XZr78l6jC6N0DqT-Y67Or8rEDKR7w4injStwCIWMAj5f8odwIKwfw5-IylZ3UEuCk_WTPf8xOSDWWEtkcRlpH_wp2aqHXgdjdLLxGeEinxZrjRndAAiD22qktQe7Oks/s1600/pi%25C3%25B1ata10.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div>The tiny piñatas, which I'm calling my Mexican-inspired take on the <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/how-to/tissue-paper-pom-poms-how-to">Martha Stewart tissue pom-pom flowers</a>, nicely complement a lantern I bought at Chinatown recently and add a nice pop of color to what is perhaps the blandest corner of <a href="http://mamawithoutborders.blogspot.com/2009/07/its-got-pink-and-red-writing-room-of-my.html">my home office</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>At this point, I should come clean and confess that this project, which is really quite simple, took us several months to complete. We created the newspaper shell soon after going to<a href="http://mamawithoutborders.blogspot.com/2010/02/world-arts-day.html"> the piñata-making workshop in February 2010</a>, decorated the piñata in May 2010 and then I let the piñata sit in my office unhung for a whole year! In a burst of inspiration, I hung them up yesterday. My poor kids didn't remember the little balls were piñatas and instead called them "balloons," but were thrilled that I finally hung up their creations. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's how you can make your own tiny piñata:</div><div><br /></div><div>Step 1: Blow up a balloon. Make a homemade paste using about 1/2 cup of flour mixed with about a cup of water. </div><div><br /></div><div>Step 2: Using a small, thick paintbrush, begin gluing torn strips of paper onto the balloon.</div><div><br /></div><div>Step 3: Cover the balloon completely except for a small hole at the top that will help you hang it or that you can use to fill up the piñata later. To make sure you've pasted enough newspaper to the balloon, hold the balloon up to the light to make sure you can't see the balloon. The more layers, the stronger the piñata will be. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZA1G44fbq4_W1_XZr78l6jC6N0DqT-Y67Or8rEDKR7w4injStwCIWMAj5f8odwIKwfw5-IylZ3UEuCk_WTPf8xOSDWWEtkcRlpH_wp2aqHXgdjdLLxGeEinxZrjRndAAiD22qktQe7Oks/s1600/pi%25C3%25B1ata10.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 143px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZA1G44fbq4_W1_XZr78l6jC6N0DqT-Y67Or8rEDKR7w4injStwCIWMAj5f8odwIKwfw5-IylZ3UEuCk_WTPf8xOSDWWEtkcRlpH_wp2aqHXgdjdLLxGeEinxZrjRndAAiD22qktQe7Oks/s400/pi%25C3%25B1ata10.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603308194918439826" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZA1G44fbq4_W1_XZr78l6jC6N0DqT-Y67Or8rEDKR7w4injStwCIWMAj5f8odwIKwfw5-IylZ3UEuCk_WTPf8xOSDWWEtkcRlpH_wp2aqHXgdjdLLxGeEinxZrjRndAAiD22qktQe7Oks/s1600/pi%25C3%25B1ata10.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a>Step 4: Wait two days or so for the piñata to dry completely. If you are planning to use this for an actual piñata that will be smashed open by kids, you will want to repeat the process of adding more newspaper strips to make it stronger. Otherwise, pop the balloon while holding a piece of it so you can pull it out through the hole. </div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihY1eZehrbkIGn70K5b9mIuejLKLVdRB-B_BRLw0AYlT8VClxFAX64IO4pkqmoUqSAMJWrvGImW90GEYC3Q0CdjmkuyA2WX_0_pnT-WHPB21dyshH1u_kqxVjJwrl4q-L2MMASgFvoQFYd/s1600/Pi%25C3%25B1ata6.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 304px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihY1eZehrbkIGn70K5b9mIuejLKLVdRB-B_BRLw0AYlT8VClxFAX64IO4pkqmoUqSAMJWrvGImW90GEYC3Q0CdjmkuyA2WX_0_pnT-WHPB21dyshH1u_kqxVjJwrl4q-L2MMASgFvoQFYd/s400/Pi%25C3%25B1ata6.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603308195254198834" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihY1eZehrbkIGn70K5b9mIuejLKLVdRB-B_BRLw0AYlT8VClxFAX64IO4pkqmoUqSAMJWrvGImW90GEYC3Q0CdjmkuyA2WX_0_pnT-WHPB21dyshH1u_kqxVjJwrl4q-L2MMASgFvoQFYd/s1600/Pi%25C3%25B1ata6.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a>Step 5: Begin decorating the newspaper ball with tissue paper or any other decor of your choosing. We used tissue paper we had cut up using a circle punch, but the traditional method is to use strips of tissue as I showed you in this post.</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOtBz3aexazjWlEdMG5kgMp_pl1WQqIQCurl-gv1vq4nwXmDG9gQSprBnDs9jdswNa0u0XJZB1qEPlTFck4sEOHhUVmL7gZEXKitpEq3PdqjDOpHRPBVciu_d6Rc_csZYDoE1BwHd6XqN/s1600/Pi%25C3%25B1ata4.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOtBz3aexazjWlEdMG5kgMp_pl1WQqIQCurl-gv1vq4nwXmDG9gQSprBnDs9jdswNa0u0XJZB1qEPlTFck4sEOHhUVmL7gZEXKitpEq3PdqjDOpHRPBVciu_d6Rc_csZYDoE1BwHd6XqN/s400/Pi%25C3%25B1ata4.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603308186701363154" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOTKDVaFZmUEbFtyxxxv9hZiNtJ5CdGgQUMWjGCsORfu0BJLbyA-rTBPG0CA0BG19Bo8YU8HB-ciKHpzxg2v0sB8vYakbFnBA3JMrNXVeT64f0oj94DGN2_lS_YnfeHJ6yLrZbQNrVzAF/s1600/Pi%25C3%25B1ata5.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOTKDVaFZmUEbFtyxxxv9hZiNtJ5CdGgQUMWjGCsORfu0BJLbyA-rTBPG0CA0BG19Bo8YU8HB-ciKHpzxg2v0sB8vYakbFnBA3JMrNXVeT64f0oj94DGN2_lS_YnfeHJ6yLrZbQNrVzAF/s1600/Pi%25C3%25B1ata5.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOTKDVaFZmUEbFtyxxxv9hZiNtJ5CdGgQUMWjGCsORfu0BJLbyA-rTBPG0CA0BG19Bo8YU8HB-ciKHpzxg2v0sB8vYakbFnBA3JMrNXVeT64f0oj94DGN2_lS_YnfeHJ6yLrZbQNrVzAF/s400/Pi%25C3%25B1ata5.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603308182488755154" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOTKDVaFZmUEbFtyxxxv9hZiNtJ5CdGgQUMWjGCsORfu0BJLbyA-rTBPG0CA0BG19Bo8YU8HB-ciKHpzxg2v0sB8vYakbFnBA3JMrNXVeT64f0oj94DGN2_lS_YnfeHJ6yLrZbQNrVzAF/s1600/Pi%25C3%25B1ata5.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a>You may wish to add more tissue paper to completely cover the newspaper, though my kids were satisfied with doing just one layer. Here are the finished piñatas, hanging in back of my desk in <a href="http://mamawithoutborders.blogspot.com/2009/07/its-got-pink-and-red-writing-room-of-my.html">my home office</a>. (Please disregard the messy desk.)</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivb0eh1cPHZiJgHECrX_nNsoLB55rqhEhMPUw7Ng8FHCGTFNTYEhJO_TWtaPz2RwENX4Fyqm3B-xKpeQy3nLdAd-lDIQwHXoEhZYph9tDkGArhDOGBxCyq3RzUcoiFXfieCCakYBn84k7c/s1600/Pi%25C3%25B1ata8.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 304px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivb0eh1cPHZiJgHECrX_nNsoLB55rqhEhMPUw7Ng8FHCGTFNTYEhJO_TWtaPz2RwENX4Fyqm3B-xKpeQy3nLdAd-lDIQwHXoEhZYph9tDkGArhDOGBxCyq3RzUcoiFXfieCCakYBn84k7c/s400/Pi%25C3%25B1ata8.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603308180628845698" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The most time-consuming part is waiting for the newspaper to dry after you've glued it on, but as you can see, the project is simple enough for kids as young as two and four years old, which is how old my kids were when they made these piñatas. It really made me so happy to do this project with my kids since I remember making my own piñatas as a girl though not for Cinco de Mayo. It may surprise you to know that, for all the hype in the United States every May 5, most people in Mexico don't celebrate the holiday at all. You can read a<a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Americas/2011/0505/Cinco-de-Mayo-in-Mexico-hand-stitched-costumes-no-guacamole"> story about this phenomenon</a> that the Christian Science Monitor published today <a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Americas/2011/0505/Cinco-de-Mayo-in-Mexico-hand-stitched-costumes-no-guacamole">here</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Nevertheless, I think making piñatas is a great project for kids any time of the year, either for a party or for decoration. The piñata can be as simple as a tiny ball like the one we made or as elaborate as your imagination wants it to be. </div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/?action=view&current=minsig.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/minsig.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div></div>Minniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00152305422037094598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089772059666052380.post-76029017725993740362011-05-04T00:24:00.000-07:002011-05-04T00:27:49.312-07:00Is it OK to deface books in the name of art ... or to make a wreath?<div style="text-align: left;">Decorating with books is all the rage these days. Every retailer from Pottery Barn to 1stdibs sells old (or made-to-look-old) tomes for people to display in their homes. Crafty types have been busy creating wreaths, paper flowers and other pretty paper wares that are tempting me to do something I was taught never to do: destroy a book.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5t0xry2xls12wZHUAXnRko12LnakOprCvw3OXPE9OWDrKZFKYxKKUrGn1Ov4wRICiEBUJA2fF1jmLadIIssqudTrVuxMwoGz_kd8xnPq8kgKKASJE59m0iRvVOWiiIH-HuCf9L-UvJkB6/s1600/1stdibsbooks.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5t0xry2xls12wZHUAXnRko12LnakOprCvw3OXPE9OWDrKZFKYxKKUrGn1Ov4wRICiEBUJA2fF1jmLadIIssqudTrVuxMwoGz_kd8xnPq8kgKKASJE59m0iRvVOWiiIH-HuCf9L-UvJkB6/s400/1stdibsbooks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602626133988890594" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=493192&cur_tab=">1940s French books for sale by the bundle at 1stdibs </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When it comes to crafting with paper, I'm eager to dig into my piles of pretty paper in search of the right one for the project at hand. But if the project calls for using the pages of a book, I've yet to muster up the courage to tear out pages of a book or even bend them. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Last winter, I set my sights on making a wreath made with the pages of a book after being inspired by tutorials I saw on various blogs. Among my favorites was <a href="http://redberrybarn.blogspot.com/2010/03/paper-wreath-using-little-women.html">a sweet burlap-backed wreath</a> made using the pages of a "Little Women" book (featured on <a href="http://redberrybarn.blogspot.com/2010/03/paper-wreath-using-little-women.html">Redberry Barn blog</a>) and a simple but pretty paper wreath with a detailed video how-to on a post titled, "<a href="http://livingwithlindsay.com/2009/11/librarians-please-avert-your-eyes.html">Librarians, Please Avert Your Eyes</a>" on the <a href="http://livingwithlindsay.com/2009/11/librarians-please-avert-your-eyes.html">Living With Lindsey</a> blog. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I rushed right over to a thrift store, where I took more time picking out a book to rip up than I would usually spend choosing a book to read. I ended up choosing two old romance novels that are now sitting untarnished (and unread) on a bookshelf, largely forgotten until I came across another book-altering (or is it destroying?) project.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizTMKWTZLxP8F3gnGIb5hRvYAOVjTLoI1oLGUIy2k9iYcqMPbXpkQrBurX_PCXgeDfSdSfHbFmx2VBJUrb8gOxaF-ia5rD6pILhYZaeJ8E8RMgup1sKjbeKA4bEuE-d6kWOriegw7azqF/s1600/DIYBookPlanter.AT.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizTMKWTZLxP8F3gnGIb5hRvYAOVjTLoI1oLGUIy2k9iYcqMPbXpkQrBurX_PCXgeDfSdSfHbFmx2VBJUrb8gOxaF-ia5rD6pILhYZaeJ8E8RMgup1sKjbeKA4bEuE-d6kWOriegw7azqF/s400/DIYBookPlanter.AT.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602624169320635714" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/projects/diy-book-planters--145212">Apartment Therapy: How to Make Your Own Book Planter</a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">More than 50 people weighed in on a<a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/projects/diy-book-planters--145212"> post on Apartment Therapy</a> that explained the best way to carve a hole in a book that would serve as a planter. Many commenters lamented the book-cutting but plenty others defended the project as a worthwhile way to repurpose a book that would otherwise remain unread and unused. Being the obsessive type that I am, I began researching or rather Googling "book art" and came across the most wonderful creations.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQBLpm_qnL8VQsJthhlSrFOpofTTY920f6rHmOho23CAy6WtlQXC7uBdls87UypC6Tyqqnj-Jug3B1ZZ1ODj7c2_zoTLZCB9ZAIBt11aDOrd6Ge8p05ruGKjcThlXfG2UV5QtgZS6Yh6B/s1600/bookart.novelines.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 359px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQBLpm_qnL8VQsJthhlSrFOpofTTY920f6rHmOho23CAy6WtlQXC7uBdls87UypC6Tyqqnj-Jug3B1ZZ1ODj7c2_zoTLZCB9ZAIBt11aDOrd6Ge8p05ruGKjcThlXfG2UV5QtgZS6Yh6B/s400/bookart.novelines.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602625083493853730" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://novellines.wordpress.com/2010/10/26/book-art/">Novel Lines</a> </div></div><div><br /></div><div>I suddenly found myself wavering on the whole issue of keeping books intact. Mesmerized, I scrolled through the portfolio pages of London <a href="http://www.sublackwell.co.uk/">artist Su Blackwell</a> and read through <a href="http://www.sublackwell.co.uk/blog/">her blog</a>, where she just posted a video detailing the creative process behind a sculpture she created using pages from a book. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/22848409?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vimeo.com/22848409">Paper sculpture</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user4078909">Su Blackwell</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p><br /></div><div> </div><div>Her work is beautiful and evocative, and I further admired her creations upon reading on <a href="http://www.sublackwell.co.uk/profile/">her website</a> that she reads at least once or twice the book she is using to create her sculptures. Is it OK then to cut up a book in the name of art? And, if so, who is to say that the most beautiful wreath out there is not comparable to an intricate paper sculpture? </div><div><br /></div><div>Certainly not me. For now, I've decided to leave the romance novels untouched, but I'm not getting rid of them just yet. And it's not because I'm ever planning to read them. </div><div><br /><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/?action=view&current=minsig.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/minsig.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div></div>Minniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00152305422037094598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089772059666052380.post-71625091790354987582011-04-28T16:44:00.000-07:002011-04-29T09:04:19.802-07:00My first estate saleI had to resist the urge to put an exclamation mark at the end of the title on this post. First of all, I was so excited that I actually got to go to an estate sale, something I'd read about only on other blogs while salivating over other people's thrifty finds. Then, finding so many lovely things at my first estate sale made it almost impossible for me to contain my excitement.<br /><br /><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LT8zSxwb0GxxgJakh9Xk4xoskGP4CoEVSXnTV7Hhd6iCg_Hjd8PpPiPz9k67Ha3CygrtvL2b_C2az6Cnr0nAPB5z29U07b9i4C2vcQKnH3ud_J-Z705euZBEsn2sL5c3Ds1HJWvfx4li/s1600/Estate+sale.blog3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LT8zSxwb0GxxgJakh9Xk4xoskGP4CoEVSXnTV7Hhd6iCg_Hjd8PpPiPz9k67Ha3CygrtvL2b_C2az6Cnr0nAPB5z29U07b9i4C2vcQKnH3ud_J-Z705euZBEsn2sL5c3Ds1HJWvfx4li/s400/Estate+sale.blog3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600754994319120674" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Most estate sales in my area are typically held on weekends, when I'm usually out on family outings, but the stars finally aligned and I found myself sans kids early one Sunday morning. Off I went to an estate sale that I'd read about in my local Craigslist. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The home was small and the main rooms had been cleaned out almost entirely by other bargain hunters on the previous two days of the estate sale. Undaunted, I began inspecting <i>every</i> nook and cranny. I was amply rewarded when I found dozens of crochet hangers in a closet, even more so when the seller promised to give me "a good deal" if I took a bunch of them. I collected 30 of them and practically hugged everyone around me when I was told the price would be three dollars for all of them. (OK, I am again resisting the urge to put an exclamation mark after this last sentence.) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3a3Jlfjf4Lt9y5KmYYCqViTQEt2XNcRC7xv2r3bZuves3NJwKmoN4ycoAaTMALrVcM7eOIpxooP3MGAIKKNKSBiq1azIc3oMELy4wLzdAun0PntQzB-02MgKObTSul9iCyelyR9RqFkI7/s1600/Estate+sale15.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3a3Jlfjf4Lt9y5KmYYCqViTQEt2XNcRC7xv2r3bZuves3NJwKmoN4ycoAaTMALrVcM7eOIpxooP3MGAIKKNKSBiq1azIc3oMELy4wLzdAun0PntQzB-02MgKObTSul9iCyelyR9RqFkI7/s400/Estate+sale15.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600754993136266930" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div>Even at thrift stores, these "granny chic" crochet hangers usually go for at least a dollar each. I don't crochet so I have no idea how long it would take to make one of these, but I do appreciate the thought and care that went into creating these, especially with those adorable pom poms. <div><br /></div><div>This brings me to my next point, which is that I first had to get past the uncomfortable feeling I had rummaging through the belongings of someone who had only recently been alive to enjoy them. I finally reasoned with myself that I would love for my things to continue to be appreciated after I've passed on and my kids have had their pick. Also, I do believe that even the smallest utilitarian item can find a new home, thus preventing further adding to our landfills.<div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuCaufhUSUs4F-Tap_VgJ5EkduHUjeklDYIUxR5VWCA0Zxj0DP4tByROEYWjVVObJQ1BEhw4iixgzh77K8ULCAnNUoeZNOXUXlkKL3j4136ygUl1TGViuUY1YON4kS9Uhsk19vs_gNhyB/s1600/Estate+sale17.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuCaufhUSUs4F-Tap_VgJ5EkduHUjeklDYIUxR5VWCA0Zxj0DP4tByROEYWjVVObJQ1BEhw4iixgzh77K8ULCAnNUoeZNOXUXlkKL3j4136ygUl1TGViuUY1YON4kS9Uhsk19vs_gNhyB/s400/Estate+sale17.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600753687042878178" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> I might have mentioned before that I have a fondness for vintage office supplies so I had fun picking out a few items for my office. I fell for those small gummed labels shown above and have been using them to label files and other things around my home. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4306Z-J7m0n51RhDobmzDI_QTxX9ibk2hH1t8ZCt9B-RlRrD9cXH8CENlY9LdIWKsnqsNFGkUHZKCzzlillcoEKmiXnwUeIh6HdrmUjKsabciVVm4S-uC1kHkWbHe9WxPKxB_T1tO7b-o/s1600/Estate+sale.blog4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4306Z-J7m0n51RhDobmzDI_QTxX9ibk2hH1t8ZCt9B-RlRrD9cXH8CENlY9LdIWKsnqsNFGkUHZKCzzlillcoEKmiXnwUeIh6HdrmUjKsabciVVm4S-uC1kHkWbHe9WxPKxB_T1tO7b-o/s400/Estate+sale.blog4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600753679467502338" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I also found a Pyrex lab glass and an unlabeled little box full of envelopes, each containing one or two dozen silver little letters. I can think of so many uses for these uniquely shaped letters, which came with a small bottle of adhesive. By the way, the striped black-and-white paper you see in the photos is part of a large roll of vintage gift wrapping paper, one of a handful I bought. </div><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbEpRARr4s5uXlt9CQrB0Dlj-ZnPCAXKdK7mtMT1zPBo9bH7Mh2fXwr_-XnySg88r9tDEKzRYtvawAY0Cn_4bDXmffiCDZ97aeWNi3t6CMWTMwU7Jons39Mg3312PSzV_Mxg3WhaG31MA/s1600/Estate+sale.blog1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbEpRARr4s5uXlt9CQrB0Dlj-ZnPCAXKdK7mtMT1zPBo9bH7Mh2fXwr_-XnySg88r9tDEKzRYtvawAY0Cn_4bDXmffiCDZ97aeWNi3t6CMWTMwU7Jons39Mg3312PSzV_Mxg3WhaG31MA/s400/Estate+sale.blog1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600754222140177442" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div>I also picked out a roll decorated with blue birds and bird cages. Both of these were quite hefty rolls and I do have projects in mind for them. As you can see, I also added to my dictionary collection and found a few other odds and ends. The wheeled magazine rack you see below was was part of the Craigslist ad, which prompted me to pick this particular estate sale. I had low expectations of finding it on the third (and 50 percent off) day of the sale, but I did and was able to take it home for $17.50. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjtXwe3Jdo7anJkY8OWtTNUAnNi7mx8MI4m4LTbkkIT0WgfPJV4EYBP8YOY0m5Zb8ZIGlR9Jo1PuF35hl7gBnsxUiGID2NNbzbHdjuDiGBuqNRJgDH_Et-Ig-6uHMH35wORfVPm-_YGLd/s1600/Estate+sale16.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjtXwe3Jdo7anJkY8OWtTNUAnNi7mx8MI4m4LTbkkIT0WgfPJV4EYBP8YOY0m5Zb8ZIGlR9Jo1PuF35hl7gBnsxUiGID2NNbzbHdjuDiGBuqNRJgDH_Et-Ig-6uHMH35wORfVPm-_YGLd/s400/Estate+sale16.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600753672264454674" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In all, I spent about $30 for all the things I've shown you here and a few others. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have been thrifting far less and found that an estate sale offers a more focused way of thrift and vintage shopping since most estate sellers offer preview photos of the goods they are selling.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGOOvR5JJCa9Xj4Kf40esJ-D5ZffluDahLaxoNXkB1Le4amUiZe12JDG-2Htq6ZyhHs8xbhewzj78yqKjd1U09Q_EVFb-SqeMBYfsxySiUP9pTg9vMjEsrbl7z0tvTTpBInhE7A3OeBNT/s1600/Estate+sale.blog2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGOOvR5JJCa9Xj4Kf40esJ-D5ZffluDahLaxoNXkB1Le4amUiZe12JDG-2Htq6ZyhHs8xbhewzj78yqKjd1U09Q_EVFb-SqeMBYfsxySiUP9pTg9vMjEsrbl7z0tvTTpBInhE7A3OeBNT/s1600/Estate+sale.blog2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGOOvR5JJCa9Xj4Kf40esJ-D5ZffluDahLaxoNXkB1Le4amUiZe12JDG-2Htq6ZyhHs8xbhewzj78yqKjd1U09Q_EVFb-SqeMBYfsxySiUP9pTg9vMjEsrbl7z0tvTTpBInhE7A3OeBNT/s400/Estate+sale.blog2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600753670246579602" /></a></div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGOOvR5JJCa9Xj4Kf40esJ-D5ZffluDahLaxoNXkB1Le4amUiZe12JDG-2Htq6ZyhHs8xbhewzj78yqKjd1U09Q_EVFb-SqeMBYfsxySiUP9pTg9vMjEsrbl7z0tvTTpBInhE7A3OeBNT/s1600/Estate+sale.blog2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Have you been to an estate sale? I do love the randomness of thrift stores but was so happy to finally hit an estate sale, one where I found so many things that I love. </div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/?action=view&current=minsig.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/minsig.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div></div></div>Minniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00152305422037094598noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089772059666052380.post-57630405297254052762011-04-25T11:36:00.000-07:002011-04-25T11:37:43.846-07:00Anthropologie: Daily inspiration for Earth-friendly decorThis time of the year, I always get inspired reading all the wonderful blog posts about Earth-friendly decorating ideas, but my favorite all-time source for innovative home accessories using recycled materials is Anthropologie.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAQ5IoO4F673o8-L9IPIebgm7HjXRtj3KNhBUmqSYnNQRApxiD9W8NvEx-sFZIsfULKQgok4S4VAIVaSWT1ZmrFWQ_8u8QCLKNbEPhZWwf_AVSuhjZEDsgV08vIX7GlAVb3cyiqglTJzn/s1600/anthro2011.6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 304px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAQ5IoO4F673o8-L9IPIebgm7HjXRtj3KNhBUmqSYnNQRApxiD9W8NvEx-sFZIsfULKQgok4S4VAIVaSWT1ZmrFWQ_8u8QCLKNbEPhZWwf_AVSuhjZEDsgV08vIX7GlAVb3cyiqglTJzn/s400/anthro2011.6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598555773071220498" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Cozy yet eclectic, the interiors styling at Anthropologie always amazes me with its creativity and resourcefulness. The styling combines all the elements I love about modern decorating, with vintage, rustic, handmade, colorful and other seemingly disparate items all forming appealing vignettes throughout the store.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xuSce_jupWcA1mPfHxyj7hJ29VOIGZ9ewuA-PTpxwDHkn6C16EAL3y1ZqLg7lOHZ7wB3Z9-_wJDAcilCLIE3bAif3YI8SdnDZ1bBYcjCTQsTbRD8pYJt2RGMYsWq8axe15Ry8-PL_HBg/s1600/Anthropologie+-+Spring+2011.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 304px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xuSce_jupWcA1mPfHxyj7hJ29VOIGZ9ewuA-PTpxwDHkn6C16EAL3y1ZqLg7lOHZ7wB3Z9-_wJDAcilCLIE3bAif3YI8SdnDZ1bBYcjCTQsTbRD8pYJt2RGMYsWq8axe15Ry8-PL_HBg/s400/Anthropologie+-+Spring+2011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598555764819021954" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Take a look at the bedroom above. The silvery brown of the reclaimed wood perfectly juxtaposes with the wild mix of colors on the bedspread and bench at the end of the bed. The zigzag design on the wood nicely complements the colors, but the true artistry is revealed upon closer inspection. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyzLZx60AM1IGOTcQPo_uYG0XNqjk6sTbdNheJerrIcMUSdLfFSPGyR3ulymnNiHRyMecomvLknIriERQcjO1DfGReAydkzy8QYvfsAuqX3neqjc74hsm9-4yrBLZnOMuX1wUM99d6_X0/s1600/Anthro2011.5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 247px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyzLZx60AM1IGOTcQPo_uYG0XNqjk6sTbdNheJerrIcMUSdLfFSPGyR3ulymnNiHRyMecomvLknIriERQcjO1DfGReAydkzy8QYvfsAuqX3neqjc74hsm9-4yrBLZnOMuX1wUM99d6_X0/s400/Anthro2011.5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598555758350577154" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyzLZx60AM1IGOTcQPo_uYG0XNqjk6sTbdNheJerrIcMUSdLfFSPGyR3ulymnNiHRyMecomvLknIriERQcjO1DfGReAydkzy8QYvfsAuqX3neqjc74hsm9-4yrBLZnOMuX1wUM99d6_X0/s1600/Anthro2011.5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a>The colorful design on the reclaimed wood is composed of strips of fabric stretched out on the wood using nails. Simple ingenuity at its best, and a modern take on <a href="http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2010/04/how-to_70s_string_art.html">string art popular in the 70s</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Ljbc3tLcy-34JsBO9PJ4oNOP_bU3DP3zTtsQR297M2MUgDJnosWgUyTuc_1VJ7vuNlXsghymb8Do58ON5SsCWgXN9NIAb6A2X7ft7zhR_kIJ4uXvgFBiYY4Md2FruCIZukpzj1NhONXS/s1600/anthro2011.2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Ljbc3tLcy-34JsBO9PJ4oNOP_bU3DP3zTtsQR297M2MUgDJnosWgUyTuc_1VJ7vuNlXsghymb8Do58ON5SsCWgXN9NIAb6A2X7ft7zhR_kIJ4uXvgFBiYY4Md2FruCIZukpzj1NhONXS/s400/anthro2011.2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598555754347485010" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The display shown above immediately caught my interest because I've been obsessed with paper flowers recently. I had been thinking of creating paper flowers to put in a vase or even to make a wreath, but never thought of putting them on a wall. And yet, why not? I stood a while in front of the paper flower display, imagining it on a wall in a children's room or even in a space used not just by children. It would definitely add a touch of whimsy to an entry, a hallway or even a family room. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhShc7t133DdBH3u19IDzvjuvKWhDaQMfcSeZOimuZ0Jfvl52w7zfeLCvgC-WFeE9KSdhAfmi2ncCD7V5yOl_aI-WRn_xi0Hh1RgnlIRN-oNUkG81HTzUpSCoht_FVQeJEewZERXkGiH7a/s1600/anthro2011.3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhShc7t133DdBH3u19IDzvjuvKWhDaQMfcSeZOimuZ0Jfvl52w7zfeLCvgC-WFeE9KSdhAfmi2ncCD7V5yOl_aI-WRn_xi0Hh1RgnlIRN-oNUkG81HTzUpSCoht_FVQeJEewZERXkGiH7a/s1600/anthro2011.3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 304px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhShc7t133DdBH3u19IDzvjuvKWhDaQMfcSeZOimuZ0Jfvl52w7zfeLCvgC-WFeE9KSdhAfmi2ncCD7V5yOl_aI-WRn_xi0Hh1RgnlIRN-oNUkG81HTzUpSCoht_FVQeJEewZERXkGiH7a/s400/anthro2011.3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598555746572012130" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhShc7t133DdBH3u19IDzvjuvKWhDaQMfcSeZOimuZ0Jfvl52w7zfeLCvgC-WFeE9KSdhAfmi2ncCD7V5yOl_aI-WRn_xi0Hh1RgnlIRN-oNUkG81HTzUpSCoht_FVQeJEewZERXkGiH7a/s1600/anthro2011.3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a>Up close, it looks like something that anybody could create using materials already on hand. I would say the true genius of the styling folks over at Anthropologie is how they often use the simplest materials to create such breathtaking displays. </div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-_jCU36gCEVqXhsPTfEE-pO3HqjW3uLDSHQS2MKnNiZvRx3ZS3W3hIe8IPQ48zueiuKWqRDr73c6Y6kGBbkBkN7izxVD6TUJ5RTmCdQ6d461XWv-WtlzKZ2yKOa6b2fNx9eb9lKIboA9/s1600/anthro2011.4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 304px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-_jCU36gCEVqXhsPTfEE-pO3HqjW3uLDSHQS2MKnNiZvRx3ZS3W3hIe8IPQ48zueiuKWqRDr73c6Y6kGBbkBkN7izxVD6TUJ5RTmCdQ6d461XWv-WtlzKZ2yKOa6b2fNx9eb9lKIboA9/s400/anthro2011.4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598554857171642418" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The ball shown above is part of the stores' 2011 Earth Day displays showcasing artwork created using corks. Click on this <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.10150218830911416.347953.107418161415">Anthropologie Facebook link</a> to see more photos and read more about how the stores will help recycle the corks used in the displays so they can be used as flooring, paper pulp and other products. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKvk3mcsy8wBQ4OdnQqF1K4isDmW6k77mVlHYOTpR6HOzJy0wCAzWsN722fBdfXHt4H13kENYCEx4Zz5DnFoUFZ7bcC3gyBoFU37-D1DqOq-wKNo5kLwYtEUrIPFnvnDT53iDBzhuEmWk/s1600/anthro2010.8.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 304px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKvk3mcsy8wBQ4OdnQqF1K4isDmW6k77mVlHYOTpR6HOzJy0wCAzWsN722fBdfXHt4H13kENYCEx4Zz5DnFoUFZ7bcC3gyBoFU37-D1DqOq-wKNo5kLwYtEUrIPFnvnDT53iDBzhuEmWk/s400/anthro2010.8.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598554856847287170" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What I love about Anthropologie is that their Earth-friendly style goes well beyond the month of April. I can step into an Anthropologie store anytime to find displays created using recycled or vintage materials. Most of their props such as tables, vintage locker baskets and other items are for sale, though usually at prices beyond my reach. Many of you already know, of course, that thrift stores, Ebay and Craigslist offer a treasure trove of similar items for far less; it just takes a little searching. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVy1JAw3CD4hKn69X0l1z7p_wOXjXuMWmkFH1ODJtYCiQ5FElNXje-b_NsMgU8XnK9Z9RRMBJ_WHagNd_n4cn24kxsSe4LAsdMCVwUImCOTEuv1zn0uMUqHtTKkQQncilvnNDaqMZsDrhh/s1600/anthro2010.10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 304px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVy1JAw3CD4hKn69X0l1z7p_wOXjXuMWmkFH1ODJtYCiQ5FElNXje-b_NsMgU8XnK9Z9RRMBJ_WHagNd_n4cn24kxsSe4LAsdMCVwUImCOTEuv1zn0uMUqHtTKkQQncilvnNDaqMZsDrhh/s400/anthro2010.10.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598554841568448146" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm always tempted to replicate some of the Anthro projects I see in my own home, but it's far more satisfying to take the inspiration and add my own twist to make them my own if I can. It definitely helps that my nearest Anthro store is less than 10 minutes away, with a few others within an hour's driving distance, so I am often browsing the displays and sale racks. </div><div><br /></div><div>Do you have a favorite store you like to browse for inspiration?</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/?action=view&current=minsig.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/minsig.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div>Minniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00152305422037094598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089772059666052380.post-23558885456869773052011-04-21T17:32:00.000-07:002011-04-21T17:34:03.085-07:00Making room for the things that matter<div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_bDxiwh3MKYMzy7l7T-zx_iZtegM1HvjoOZ4MvTc3g3OoXE06eZ6VgNSzQMiBteC0b-Cn2ADgnu0QmGKdSVMIC_Q7nP-anQWTKZggDJyN56Hntax-BCRDRmCkVF2HQW6FBWsri7MoVUF/s1600/Family+room1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_bDxiwh3MKYMzy7l7T-zx_iZtegM1HvjoOZ4MvTc3g3OoXE06eZ6VgNSzQMiBteC0b-Cn2ADgnu0QmGKdSVMIC_Q7nP-anQWTKZggDJyN56Hntax-BCRDRmCkVF2HQW6FBWsri7MoVUF/s400/Family+room1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598177546782748002" /></a></div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Casual; color:#ffc149;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Casual; color: rgb(255, 193, 73); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A few of my favorite things</span></span></p><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Dear friends,</div><div><br /></div><div>I am so humbled that many of you have continued to come here to read my posts over the past few months, likely wondering when and if I would ever blog again. Your kind comments and concerned e-mails have brightened my days and encouraged me to find a way to return. Today, I'm here to say that yes, I am ready to give this blog another go now that I've had some time to rethink my focus and to gain new energy.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJ67bJ8sEeN-FDn5AoVIDGnMbvnsXxgQxQnnteM8vYFxRmJ4BBwyXC6aGXcoAmT1u4thXckR2n5v8soR-BDDEWskRFq4EPM6xufeST3B6zxh7wNE6dzilZnq__i-JHfJYrRVPGRtHlXFS/s1600/Family+room9.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJ67bJ8sEeN-FDn5AoVIDGnMbvnsXxgQxQnnteM8vYFxRmJ4BBwyXC6aGXcoAmT1u4thXckR2n5v8soR-BDDEWskRFq4EPM6xufeST3B6zxh7wNE6dzilZnq__i-JHfJYrRVPGRtHlXFS/s400/Family+room9.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598111045611785010" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYKrjATQQITqSZacnmmaFFO0QuFIhu0qd08e3jI9DSlhhb8sXu-5LT5d4wrosZHc-Xe6gs5HKvwPtJs4t1DurvoW6EwrLDOrXkaCH_28eB68Bo4g6-IC-MiBOPm11q80r6o-OQXrJ8sOM/s1600/Family+room20.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYKrjATQQITqSZacnmmaFFO0QuFIhu0qd08e3jI9DSlhhb8sXu-5LT5d4wrosZHc-Xe6gs5HKvwPtJs4t1DurvoW6EwrLDOrXkaCH_28eB68Bo4g6-IC-MiBOPm11q80r6o-OQXrJ8sOM/s1600/Family+room20.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYKrjATQQITqSZacnmmaFFO0QuFIhu0qd08e3jI9DSlhhb8sXu-5LT5d4wrosZHc-Xe6gs5HKvwPtJs4t1DurvoW6EwrLDOrXkaCH_28eB68Bo4g6-IC-MiBOPm11q80r6o-OQXrJ8sOM/s400/Family+room20.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598164372543097714" /></a></div></div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Casual; color:#ffc149;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Casual; color: rgb(255, 193, 73); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A new reading nook since there’s always time for books in our home</span></span></p></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Since I last wrote, I've spent much time pondering over what is truly important in my life. With the start of a new year, I found myself at a crossroads, questioning whether I was on the right path toward achieving my personal and professional goals. I finally faced up to the difficult reality that an overflow of clutter at home and in my life was slowing me down. I scrutinized everything, including my beloved thrifting and blogging. I found that thrifting, as rewarding and enjoyable as it is for me, was creating more work for me in the long run since I was spending an inordinate amount of time cleaning, repairing or repurposing items I was buying.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9Sb4ZM_o04kqSwBU-MA40QfKLxyqq_Aeqwmh26mYnaxzhdSuYszJUnK2idjP_A_ey0lJkQvpsN2bPAvPhNHfvSBshrfMYubQAhFDBHcACPk7BYqx8MBx14-ThGKx4wyaycOlMlTqmjQz/s1600/Family+room5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQJ2DfXZqxaUP6a3o_TgfYtfcn6Q9-rsfmu0tgECVbmt2aHAj7Xdau4Dz5lV2czSHvw6gq-xNvgLXTapUZ2YR1WG-QpLXlAXeT96CUeNdqrRUqq5AT7370uK44cNO_f9oDJdc1RxZzjcP/s1600/Family+room4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQJ2DfXZqxaUP6a3o_TgfYtfcn6Q9-rsfmu0tgECVbmt2aHAj7Xdau4Dz5lV2czSHvw6gq-xNvgLXTapUZ2YR1WG-QpLXlAXeT96CUeNdqrRUqq5AT7370uK44cNO_f9oDJdc1RxZzjcP/s400/Family+room4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598197605593065858" /></a></div><div><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Casual; color: rgb(255, 193, 73); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Casual; color: rgb(255, 193, 73); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Taking stock of what’s important meant taking a look at the big picture ...</span> </span></p></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And blogging? I wrestled hard with myself over this one. As many bloggers know, blogging is time-consuming work. I am a professional writer and, frankly, I'm used to getting paid for my writing. My knee-jerk reaction was to eliminate my blog altogether, preferably with a proper good-bye note. But, friends, I could not do that. I love blogging too much, especially all the connections I've made with so many of you all over the world. I finally came to the realization that my blog is rewarding to me in ways that go beyond dollars and cents. Aren't these always the best things in life? </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Casual; color: rgb(255, 193, 73); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">... to be able to make small changes and go from this:</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Casual; min-height: 16.0pxcolor:#ffc149;"><br /><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MLCn-UftSqzRXj_5rUNGPuF-C6IPazSF4I0sLhJ_KHImGc40cqcVULdCZ-WlvLBSpLdZOwGZ6OibKBYeblfAVWMaOG0ZUFY9KNHcwZ5_HtLrIZC6N1G9iDS5Sfxw2cWhzsu5Jd3ibeuq/s1600/Family+room11.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MLCn-UftSqzRXj_5rUNGPuF-C6IPazSF4I0sLhJ_KHImGc40cqcVULdCZ-WlvLBSpLdZOwGZ6OibKBYeblfAVWMaOG0ZUFY9KNHcwZ5_HtLrIZC6N1G9iDS5Sfxw2cWhzsu5Jd3ibeuq/s400/Family+room11.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598167382291892098" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13.3333px;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Casual; color: rgb(255, 193, 73); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Casual; color: rgb(255, 193, 73); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Casual; color: rgb(255, 193, 73); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">to this:</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Casual; color: rgb(255, 193, 73); min-height: 16px; "><br /><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "></span></p></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BgNICxydOPZyMZLke6OkDFdpkHmKviUnM4vKwGJW8GJIyF0UyIfK8prIPjcbOSig05CiU39V4jiwPpqGNIaAGSL2sHnKcmLc7o_yY5aD1GO6LMfPjyTA1LZY61CIlhka4goaXCkqQwQr/s1600/Family+room2.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BgNICxydOPZyMZLke6OkDFdpkHmKviUnM4vKwGJW8GJIyF0UyIfK8prIPjcbOSig05CiU39V4jiwPpqGNIaAGSL2sHnKcmLc7o_yY5aD1GO6LMfPjyTA1LZY61CIlhka4goaXCkqQwQr/s400/Family+room2.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598168779847440290" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13.3333px;"><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Casual; color: rgb(255, 193, 73); min-height: 16px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Casual; color: rgb(255, 193, 73); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lBbxk8iwbCj_wlj7_IfndbzlYXzERjJX14Aq9ZIIR71okHFy8m58aC5LvOFsg6v_ZPyL_2__ij6IjSRNm5qGxr3uE89z6Ej3q7P-nufs1nlhHkSu0ygdcLdrZwo2k_ShPrUyCXB5oor-/s400/Family+room22.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598173088187471250" /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Casual; color: rgb(255, 193, 73); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">though a few things stayed the sa</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">me</span></p></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Over the past few months, I've made many changes in my home and in my life, mostly small ones, that I will write about in the weeks to come. Added up, these changes have created room for the things that truly matter. The simple and not-so-simple: An impromptu baking session with my kids. Thrifting, less frequently but far more focused. Writing that feeds my family and my soul.</div><div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XkTM3kWJW8JRxgqWcQRd1_wd5RqiwyvqjIQSMAB4LFw3WnKQXP95aV4iAi-WqU5J8bxhBm9AqycwRIxeYIe46NINTE_CKDcERQybKXcK3uiMDaARemlCTiotwSGk6TectkXYTCvy9Fmk/s1600/Family+room13.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 121px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XkTM3kWJW8JRxgqWcQRd1_wd5RqiwyvqjIQSMAB4LFw3WnKQXP95aV4iAi-WqU5J8bxhBm9AqycwRIxeYIe46NINTE_CKDcERQybKXcK3uiMDaARemlCTiotwSGk6TectkXYTCvy9Fmk/s400/Family+room13.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598180134753610898" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uEcbB8zEACgGOnOZJQkgqAnhMomSg-I9fgj_Kht7QNI43dQTQlTx6rIDZjh2XYL6CAOzOrpvWPNboUZri_aKQYHdw08nTQZWEBCIJ-XMvOw8hidhOqCrhtAr05cJCMYsD2RHpCUXecDH/s1600/Family+room7.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uEcbB8zEACgGOnOZJQkgqAnhMomSg-I9fgj_Kht7QNI43dQTQlTx6rIDZjh2XYL6CAOzOrpvWPNboUZri_aKQYHdw08nTQZWEBCIJ-XMvOw8hidhOqCrhtAr05cJCMYsD2RHpCUXecDH/s1600/Family+room7.blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uEcbB8zEACgGOnOZJQkgqAnhMomSg-I9fgj_Kht7QNI43dQTQlTx6rIDZjh2XYL6CAOzOrpvWPNboUZri_aKQYHdw08nTQZWEBCIJ-XMvOw8hidhOqCrhtAr05cJCMYsD2RHpCUXecDH/s400/Family+room7.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598180133211831634" /></a></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13.3333px;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Casual; color: rgb(255, 193, 73); "><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Casual; color: rgb(255, 193, 73); "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">With my priorities (and home) in order, I hope to avoid rushing through the important things in life. </span></span></p></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you for helping me along in my journey. I'll be by soon to visit all my blog friends. It feels good to be back. </div><div><br /></div><div>Hugs,</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/?action=view&current=minsig.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/minsig.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div></div>Minniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00152305422037094598noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089772059666052380.post-54371154288572346552010-12-31T23:59:00.000-08:002010-12-31T23:59:01.437-08:00A New Year: Cherishing the Simple ThingsAt the start of each new year, I usually like to jot down a long list of goals for the coming year, complete with timelines and tips for keeping myself in check. Truthfully, it is always a bit ambitious. OK, a lot, as I see now from previous lists (ie. my list from many years ago included learning Latin (!!!). This year, I am keeping my list a lot shorter and realistic, but with one main difference. In the coming year, I actually want to do less and enjoy it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDNbt7DfO5jZXLz3AeGagsWkATWJBluXgueSOO0NNi_z3CvCC9tpr7otwWHGQ0tUOta2Ci6WvZD8kkivEBpAFr5mj4Ykt_w-tf9jensxTYFNDQdjoKwfMYOMCJ9G49jVWMkmDQ9WzeLbn/s1600/simple+living1.blog.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 304px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDNbt7DfO5jZXLz3AeGagsWkATWJBluXgueSOO0NNi_z3CvCC9tpr7otwWHGQ0tUOta2Ci6WvZD8kkivEBpAFr5mj4Ykt_w-tf9jensxTYFNDQdjoKwfMYOMCJ9G49jVWMkmDQ9WzeLbn/s400/simple+living1.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557039110152038386" /></a></div><div><br />The photo you see above is of my kids during our walk home from school each weekday. Each and every time, my daughter walks with her arms outstretched, as she skips, runs or even dances down the street, feeling the fresh air and noticing the subtle changes in the seasons here in Southern California.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYTzZncrQsuIfgtyRNYD6ltB2u4tpQz9-JNov0eYvdFLgvHjy6ex84TiZM7ydlGc0SYJ7rZA__Py8Cwt84B1y4BrvpLvmZFjkWLEpT0vS7sBSA6w2sEfNoE2Wxalg_uYHvKA33CKpfvzV/s1600/simple+living2.blog.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 304px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYTzZncrQsuIfgtyRNYD6ltB2u4tpQz9-JNov0eYvdFLgvHjy6ex84TiZM7ydlGc0SYJ7rZA__Py8Cwt84B1y4BrvpLvmZFjkWLEpT0vS7sBSA6w2sEfNoE2Wxalg_uYHvKA33CKpfvzV/s400/simple+living2.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557038872991655602" /></a></div><br />She always finds a memento to take home with her. A flower, a leaf or even a twig. Even if she just picks a weed, I never tell her not to take it home. I figure that if she has found beauty in that piece of nature, who am I to tell her otherwise?</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsj9qgEgHQQ26peDkOOYyaoPjCxEjWUUUKQw_Wxz0Mg0eYtVleLQEjtZRNs1hmXHza-1kK9uDngJAtPie4WDwf8uAn_B7nxyfoGZN10ZfEWn_jtYUN-gtt7aGfjYIUAbV_w-bUBtEI1vKL/s1600/simple+living3.blog.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 304px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsj9qgEgHQQ26peDkOOYyaoPjCxEjWUUUKQw_Wxz0Mg0eYtVleLQEjtZRNs1hmXHza-1kK9uDngJAtPie4WDwf8uAn_B7nxyfoGZN10ZfEWn_jtYUN-gtt7aGfjYIUAbV_w-bUBtEI1vKL/s400/simple+living3.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557038872248811266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">She is always thrilled with whatever she finds. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwptTjmnQCg6Opn2RcDmHTtp7JIDoxtWfdeH3ubnzoc2kjZEsez6iqPnqiNAO1GeMmQI2bHeRpaR3Uo-jSBfOAF0JDSZ1HqvyBt6E16amGaZJV-U5o1tM5Eg7PcZq_cIUt2BrYeeJURgaX/s1600/simple+living4.blog.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 305px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwptTjmnQCg6Opn2RcDmHTtp7JIDoxtWfdeH3ubnzoc2kjZEsez6iqPnqiNAO1GeMmQI2bHeRpaR3Uo-jSBfOAF0JDSZ1HqvyBt6E16amGaZJV-U5o1tM5Eg7PcZq_cIUt2BrYeeJURgaX/s400/simple+living4.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557038869226736770" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">It really makes my heart sing to see her be so content with such simple things. </div></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58JQeYYoSZ9UD3yHHmXm7uCY0F0NWCdQ_9bZNZtG4onlYhPxZ2onPrEjoV-22aKLb_nsbOyiYR22PmQwr5p1Z_YQ8Q9JCf9-bzIdwB4BDLDP2g27BP5D27YPZV8omEdrHJtIoTq3lj_mb/s1600/simple+living5.blog.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 304px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58JQeYYoSZ9UD3yHHmXm7uCY0F0NWCdQ_9bZNZtG4onlYhPxZ2onPrEjoV-22aKLb_nsbOyiYR22PmQwr5p1Z_YQ8Q9JCf9-bzIdwB4BDLDP2g27BP5D27YPZV8omEdrHJtIoTq3lj_mb/s400/simple+living5.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557038862349733586" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">These photos are my reminder to do as my daughter does each day on this short walk. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbpdPp_hTCrBOKZozLZZqrSANnIVdHzDQU7rwd5_CxwQtSj6OoSAvrVr7Uho_I-D6oxl0zcShiD_E1VuZGNDmDVEZ3uGHXyryJSzXKWFVs2e5b_qYj9sw76z0q_39SS3EGbAw6xPJf140/s1600/simple+living6.blog.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbpdPp_hTCrBOKZozLZZqrSANnIVdHzDQU7rwd5_CxwQtSj6OoSAvrVr7Uho_I-D6oxl0zcShiD_E1VuZGNDmDVEZ3uGHXyryJSzXKWFVs2e5b_qYj9sw76z0q_39SS3EGbAw6xPJf140/s400/simple+living6.blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557038862971710242" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>To find joy in the everyday, simple things. To slow down and enjoy the process of whatever we are doing, not just the end product. And, most importantly, to cherish the time when we're not doing much of anything at all. </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy New Year, my friends. Please know that I appreciate each visit and especially each comment you make on my blog. Here's to a happy and healthy 2011 for all of you. </div><div><br /></div><div>Hugs,</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/?action=view&current=minsig.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/minsig.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div>Minniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00152305422037094598noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089772059666052380.post-7811628714199520922010-12-30T12:06:00.000-08:002010-12-30T12:09:00.356-08:00Thrift find: vintage sewing goodiesIt is so true that some of the best thrift store finds require digging through a lot of junk. This was the case with my latest discovery at a thrift store, where I had to paw through several dozen clear (and grimy) plastic baggies hanging on a large wall at a warehouse-size thrift store. I'm happy to say that I think my four dollars were well spent, with a wide range of vintage sewing goodies to show for my efforts. <div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1r6oob6Qit3HnoMbWPmNaISb52bPGyHN07Cf9MnYC6y6537ZcwCkeEYbzYtVo4KNwqtZLf5QYRwk_WTRy9sW8yydx9vIcK7gq3HUht54Gt7hl_s3XWNJzZwFKJ_PTQqmYP9LPxWBs5Yo/s1600/Sewingsupplies1210.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1r6oob6Qit3HnoMbWPmNaISb52bPGyHN07Cf9MnYC6y6537ZcwCkeEYbzYtVo4KNwqtZLf5QYRwk_WTRy9sW8yydx9vIcK7gq3HUht54Gt7hl_s3XWNJzZwFKJ_PTQqmYP9LPxWBs5Yo/s400/Sewingsupplies1210.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555917842701110786" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>There is something about seeing colorful threads on wooden spools that sets my heart aflutter. The dozen wooden spools might have been reason enough for me to shell out four dollars, but I found enough sewing goodies in that plastic baggie to fill an entire sewing case. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknmqpaRC3onQ0h8rCsoQmPBCgSRCfVVkCGWUBifufr2a_doe4BQmzBpkRKv5YL8vWwFsgadlHBzd9mrVwgE08TgM8fVREr4rADnUFCqz2q2y-8UC3KDuMS_1aUx7Dz1eO5G2IpLSGw4Ym/s1600/sewingsuppliesblog1210a.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknmqpaRC3onQ0h8rCsoQmPBCgSRCfVVkCGWUBifufr2a_doe4BQmzBpkRKv5YL8vWwFsgadlHBzd9mrVwgE08TgM8fVREr4rADnUFCqz2q2y-8UC3KDuMS_1aUx7Dz1eO5G2IpLSGw4Ym/s400/sewingsuppliesblog1210a.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556232915485248114" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I found several packets of bias tape, buttons, zippers, needles, and many other sewing notions, many of them still unopened. As I laid out everything on my floor, I had fun imagining the woman who used and collected all the sewing goodies that were in front of me. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFhXqloMSz01J_wMG5IAs0OXEiW5-zSfkQSrNO4LNFYUIPtNoNetSMexSqOekSlAyF_NEk5gl-TezIrHDlggHe7YQnHHC5APCFamxi_OyTP5mqgadKNefbx_nMkCeGWyRldGo8Q0Xkefz/s1600/sewingsuppliesblog1210b.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFhXqloMSz01J_wMG5IAs0OXEiW5-zSfkQSrNO4LNFYUIPtNoNetSMexSqOekSlAyF_NEk5gl-TezIrHDlggHe7YQnHHC5APCFamxi_OyTP5mqgadKNefbx_nMkCeGWyRldGo8Q0Xkefz/s400/sewingsuppliesblog1210b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556233816759374050" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Did she sew for fun? Or because she needed to do so? It reminded me of the days when so many more people sewed as a matter of necessity. Undoubtedly, some also enjoyed the sheer pleasure of creating something. This is definitely the attraction for me, imagining the multitude of possibilities that come with acquiring so many different sewing goodies. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOa7_R_uuQwYVlLLHmIyR4BVuXcUsvh7gB0AFCzd1jf0jc5XS15p3o4trfKiOgsPKF3jFDWUCQeFUJybqhsl_nsWHRqFylICNXJWKQ_X8X7bL8AvBQDunhvJaDqb-rAE557odYlD_KQv3c/s1600/Sewingsuppliesblog1210.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOa7_R_uuQwYVlLLHmIyR4BVuXcUsvh7gB0AFCzd1jf0jc5XS15p3o4trfKiOgsPKF3jFDWUCQeFUJybqhsl_nsWHRqFylICNXJWKQ_X8X7bL8AvBQDunhvJaDqb-rAE557odYlD_KQv3c/s400/Sewingsuppliesblog1210.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555916865413632738" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Some of you may remember I wrote <a href="http://mamawithoutborders.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-30-vintage-find-start-of-adventure.html">here</a> about acquiring a vintage sewing machine. Honestly, I can't believe it's been almost a year since I boldly announced on this blog that I was taking up sewing after I found that machine at a thrift shop. I'd planned an update with a full photo post showcasing my first creation, but, sadly, there has been no first creation yet. It took me a few months of working with my mom, an accomplished seamstress, to figure out solutions to some mechanical problems with the machine. My mom has given me a couple lessons, but I need to set aside some time to figure out my new machine. My main problem seems to be with figuring out how to keep the machine properly threaded. Seems simple enough, but I'm completely confused with so many loops on my vintage machine. Each time I sit down to sew, I sew for a minute or two, then somehow manage to get the thread undone or tangle it all up. Then, I have to wait for my mom to visit again, which she does once or twice a month, to get started again. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ToQDT7hENN5UBtQPIC7NXFpImOwkHz9sMVeLVlX4A6904bBJNZaNPX4lTt_mqL-0vdhNnIgPwxex5ZqVC99hlyQ6HMMaJxZqllJ7vIAFtXuO4o7qLqAGOxk7tt9LQ_-pk9RLGe2A47UP/s1600/sewingsuppliesblog1210c.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ToQDT7hENN5UBtQPIC7NXFpImOwkHz9sMVeLVlX4A6904bBJNZaNPX4lTt_mqL-0vdhNnIgPwxex5ZqVC99hlyQ6HMMaJxZqllJ7vIAFtXuO4o7qLqAGOxk7tt9LQ_-pk9RLGe2A47UP/s400/sewingsuppliesblog1210c.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556234980099167666" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>When I told my mom I was frustrated about all this, she told me about her days taking sewing classes and the years she spent practicing her craft. I recall vividly when I was growing up how my mom used to create clothes, drapes and so many other things for us out of her machine, the many hours my sister and I would spend at the fabric store with her looking through boxes of patterns and fabrics, and listening to the comforting whirring sounds of my mom's machine while she worked. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGiUgqAlcEAguYo36qWzUEU0buvdUcBR9Vfx5UTic60TvLFTDmoYFOkAlcTf2uFIFS4jVxWRsoqNUv74ElAsqkBZmvJQl95-77RTFW0YPHhNLx8lBWsjLM-Eg3J2znVw1F3hJN_tNihOY/s1600/Sewing1210blog.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGiUgqAlcEAguYo36qWzUEU0buvdUcBR9Vfx5UTic60TvLFTDmoYFOkAlcTf2uFIFS4jVxWRsoqNUv74ElAsqkBZmvJQl95-77RTFW0YPHhNLx8lBWsjLM-Eg3J2znVw1F3hJN_tNihOY/s400/Sewing1210blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555915692071061842" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div>Patience and dedication seem to be the name of the game when it comes to sewing. For starters, I vow to be a little more patient in trying to figure out the threading mechanism, perhaps practice threading the machine until I know it by heart. Soon, I hope to have a simple finished pillow to show you for my sewing efforts. </div><div><br /></div><div><div><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/?action=view&current=minsig.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/minsig.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div></div></div>Minniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00152305422037094598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089772059666052380.post-71902489807349647942010-12-25T00:23:00.000-08:002010-12-25T00:24:06.613-08:00Dear Santa ...<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmLem0FSxoO9vZpruuutBPlq6VJ1nmfJ7fkU6u2kVMM9Kc5lHx3PVFIohy-DFtDJA1WiE5SyL2NJ4ZaDMiWqZ9oMNeOWvVH68LCywrCOqCLt95tJKwzygJTHfKXwM7pkUJI59pML-xI_K/s1600/Letter+to+Santa.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmLem0FSxoO9vZpruuutBPlq6VJ1nmfJ7fkU6u2kVMM9Kc5lHx3PVFIohy-DFtDJA1WiE5SyL2NJ4ZaDMiWqZ9oMNeOWvVH68LCywrCOqCLt95tJKwzygJTHfKXwM7pkUJI59pML-xI_K/s400/Letter+to+Santa.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553803903266560082" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Letter to Santa from my daughter</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div>Dear Santa, </div><div><br /></div><div>I wish that all the wonderful people who read my blog get all that they want for Christmas. I am blessed to have already a "castle" to call my own, but I would love it if my daughter could have her own to play with and if my son could have a Hot Wheels race set.</div><div><br /></div><div>My kids and I have left you a plate of cookies and a glass of milk by the chimney. </div><div><br /></div><div>Love, </div><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/?action=view&current=minsig.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/minsig.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a>Minniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00152305422037094598noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8089772059666052380.post-87654079899339827032010-12-18T02:03:00.000-08:002010-12-18T02:03:25.648-08:00Our Christmas decorations: vintage, thrifted + new<div>Hello friends,</div><div><br /></div><div>With less than a week to go before Christmas, I hope you haven't yet had your fill of Christmas interior shots. Decking out my home in all sorts of trinkets at this time of the year is something I've always enjoyed. Even when I was single and living alone, I would lug a tree up to my second floor condo, so it's perhaps no surprise to those who know me that I go a little crazy with the Christmas decor now that I have kids. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMIvEITichr6Ly3tPCOdcNehj8_T31HFVV14S9g5e63YudzX0LvakbpWCHEQUXmArQ2JjaS3uEBahkGXC-Mp7ceniN4PT-nAeudPNGPl8vr9QdD5FV_PvbB1a6hVqdaUsLQucEXaquKhok/s1600/Christmashome5.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMIvEITichr6Ly3tPCOdcNehj8_T31HFVV14S9g5e63YudzX0LvakbpWCHEQUXmArQ2JjaS3uEBahkGXC-Mp7ceniN4PT-nAeudPNGPl8vr9QdD5FV_PvbB1a6hVqdaUsLQucEXaquKhok/s400/Christmashome5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551569769480389490" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The one thing that has changed is that I now rely heavily on vintage and thrifted items mixed with my newer items to create a unique look. I've bought dozens of new ornaments for years, but it gives me special pleasure to be able to add some ornaments with a little more character and patina that usually comes with buying vintage and thrifted.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUDwV2aD0cXWHX7Ee6ET4kJz2jdbNZNdjxre-snSdxja5yI3zxx7QJ8WvGW9aFu9TvPDuw86BwYxm7kr88qxdirPDCXK2L8BNYjM5UXlcffB3GQaFC1RN_0yrDwY9hCtoSvc9W0OVyJRc/s1600/Christmashome4.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUDwV2aD0cXWHX7Ee6ET4kJz2jdbNZNdjxre-snSdxja5yI3zxx7QJ8WvGW9aFu9TvPDuw86BwYxm7kr88qxdirPDCXK2L8BNYjM5UXlcffB3GQaFC1RN_0yrDwY9hCtoSvc9W0OVyJRc/s400/Christmashome4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551564554544862578" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I recall being so excited last year when I chanced upon vintage crocheted ornaments at the thrift store, thinking fondly about the person who took the time to crochet around an ornament. You can see one of those crocheted ornaments on our tree in the top photo above of our living room (look closely on the lower right corner).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVS9BVPimrtlNWRp20VHVwVW87rhfXyqcz4Wgc8AG17eTuhFKdqKIFidfIIK8MnUn3fZTbKKyg_b6rs0o3biQDI3x9Na5Bo-8PpAa3n1Z_UB5ZiF0mUyt05cEmK_CA5Hb9undlAFNqJVQ/s1600/Christmashome6.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVS9BVPimrtlNWRp20VHVwVW87rhfXyqcz4Wgc8AG17eTuhFKdqKIFidfIIK8MnUn3fZTbKKyg_b6rs0o3biQDI3x9Na5Bo-8PpAa3n1Z_UB5ZiF0mUyt05cEmK_CA5Hb9undlAFNqJVQ/s400/Christmashome6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551569764321133858" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Our tree and <a href="http://mamawithoutborders.blogspot.com/2009/12/christmas-village-with-touch-of-vintage.html">the vintage-inspired Christmas village</a> that I wrote about last year are now mainstays of our holiday decor, but I have fun putting together new vignettes with many of our ornaments. In the tablescape below, I used a Santa that my mom gave me a few years ago, a thrifted Restoration Hardware vase to house a couple of tree branches I salvaged from the ground while getting our Christmas tree, a tiny thrifted birdcage, and a rummage sale find of vintage red books that I bought for 25 cents each.</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdkRONBwsYTdz3O-Oa4pjDm_Maxaso6UuX4C8iCHcUShVd5Ht79r8DEvCJ6LbeZwZntuGgYrh8fCthOgK5EeHnw1-3BXrkxX2Kg1nPehobzefjnsAd4ax1gInfWmTIIiokIdP1wHWkD3_/s1600/Christmashome7.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdkRONBwsYTdz3O-Oa4pjDm_Maxaso6UuX4C8iCHcUShVd5Ht79r8DEvCJ6LbeZwZntuGgYrh8fCthOgK5EeHnw1-3BXrkxX2Kg1nPehobzefjnsAd4ax1gInfWmTIIiokIdP1wHWkD3_/s400/Christmashome7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551569763635517458" /></a></div><br />I don't recall whether I've shown you our chalkboard wall before, but it ended up forming the perfect backdrop for a little vignette I created on a red shelf with Anthropologie ornaments, a thrifted Pyrex glass, and twigs collected during our family nature outings during the summer. </div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qb5ma3CK7zaiAsVnI8SYqCzuu9GFYkMRSVVQGLftGsaBVB_qftDU2BwpOOqfZ3TK0yoXAQeDmnWDxj8tPEiFNpc9mCjRe6Lum_GRKM6tJrLwBA6fmgjeXYZCvlILlCk-kzRflkrVVuf-/s1600/Christmashome8.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 315px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qb5ma3CK7zaiAsVnI8SYqCzuu9GFYkMRSVVQGLftGsaBVB_qftDU2BwpOOqfZ3TK0yoXAQeDmnWDxj8tPEiFNpc9mCjRe6Lum_GRKM6tJrLwBA6fmgjeXYZCvlILlCk-kzRflkrVVuf-/s400/Christmashome8.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551572444537915906" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The character ornaments are, of course, for my kids since this wall is in their play kitchen area. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawCMtAliQMhepY9GR6CGSqSbe7XwuJcvIC0JZpk04aOASTEUw_T9t5FD4qBtAyMxjfDtJ9rZY9LJjFuMVml6R6o3vwIfrDrYXxcOmR5MKwqB0-qyng4u54pvr0VGku_R3tA8K5tD5eVGq/s1600/Christmashome11.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawCMtAliQMhepY9GR6CGSqSbe7XwuJcvIC0JZpk04aOASTEUw_T9t5FD4qBtAyMxjfDtJ9rZY9LJjFuMVml6R6o3vwIfrDrYXxcOmR5MKwqB0-qyng4u54pvr0VGku_R3tA8K5tD5eVGq/s400/Christmashome11.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551576779687542162" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have a special fondness for miniatures so I was thankful that this wall became an excuse to indulge my inner child. The black chalkboard allows the colorful objects to stand out more and forms a nice focal point.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitug1U2JdNPcXltZnZx-cdMfgsY16iSL5gw8wjcBI3loXobKKtzdkjdgwSqzbT5ok3XW2tWOAhKeNOyCa_rfkBwEMrVn6q-QxgLvZ5E5yYwnVIXHx852vhvgFvT4sdfIrUK8zdEPWtt3d/s1600/Christmashome9.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitug1U2JdNPcXltZnZx-cdMfgsY16iSL5gw8wjcBI3loXobKKtzdkjdgwSqzbT5ok3XW2tWOAhKeNOyCa_rfkBwEMrVn6q-QxgLvZ5E5yYwnVIXHx852vhvgFvT4sdfIrUK8zdEPWtt3d/s400/Christmashome9.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551572442885393474" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My mom always has poinsettias at this time of the year so I decided to get one this year to continue the tradition. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5Tex5RKOU11xuwQ9Gwb_HAaCvHwVySdoJ6lrCHX5IDKqkFJOZeFn6LtdXYmw7tblzTh25qJAqT7Ur8SN1d-O7fNAZfSm6S8wQCRCY117rzbyseOwmgtTk1yyfowpJ5jewNhPyLYt9c-Z/s1600/Christmashome12.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5Tex5RKOU11xuwQ9Gwb_HAaCvHwVySdoJ6lrCHX5IDKqkFJOZeFn6LtdXYmw7tblzTh25qJAqT7Ur8SN1d-O7fNAZfSm6S8wQCRCY117rzbyseOwmgtTk1yyfowpJ5jewNhPyLYt9c-Z/s400/Christmashome12.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551580396459529586" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Here is where I perhaps start to go a little overboard with the holiday decor because I also add a few Christmas touches in our bedrooms. My son's room gets a toy Santa, who was quite appropriately visited by all the family members in my daughter's dollhouse. The toy dolls had the opportunity to tell Santa what they want for Christmas, while his snowman helper took notes. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5Tex5RKOU11xuwQ9Gwb_HAaCvHwVySdoJ6lrCHX5IDKqkFJOZeFn6LtdXYmw7tblzTh25qJAqT7Ur8SN1d-O7fNAZfSm6S8wQCRCY117rzbyseOwmgtTk1yyfowpJ5jewNhPyLYt9c-Z/s1600/Christmashome12.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIO14nFPZCxtNearqS4-mtBa4xN7N28of3yqtqLQZmtymZESv9eDJ1X4XcM4orNT07RzRHxTYAZiNvIJm8IeOo5H7OfIaHAsA0XKabB5Eau9buW0mMi0rY64X-fZBmXSdxc-Ruo5Ro_s2O/s1600/Christmas13.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIO14nFPZCxtNearqS4-mtBa4xN7N28of3yqtqLQZmtymZESv9eDJ1X4XcM4orNT07RzRHxTYAZiNvIJm8IeOo5H7OfIaHAsA0XKabB5Eau9buW0mMi0rY64X-fZBmXSdxc-Ruo5Ro_s2O/s400/Christmas13.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551580396826048818" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My beloved pink vintage ornaments go into my office and my daughter's room. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIO14nFPZCxtNearqS4-mtBa4xN7N28of3yqtqLQZmtymZESv9eDJ1X4XcM4orNT07RzRHxTYAZiNvIJm8IeOo5H7OfIaHAsA0XKabB5Eau9buW0mMi0rY64X-fZBmXSdxc-Ruo5Ro_s2O/s1600/Christmas13.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCnkBGXMV0adIl940zyBG1aCcX0ZX2kZnPAs8bzuX5rJ6a2qAXrgg6KsFe24YZ3vrOxJhL2ZaTFQM7tkMHOwqv3hJqbqwlY6VzGug7GVNmAF0xfLMXvQHZPEo9ZOaZYvHt-_lY0TpUSg0a/s1600/Christmashome14.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCnkBGXMV0adIl940zyBG1aCcX0ZX2kZnPAs8bzuX5rJ6a2qAXrgg6KsFe24YZ3vrOxJhL2ZaTFQM7tkMHOwqv3hJqbqwlY6VzGug7GVNmAF0xfLMXvQHZPEo9ZOaZYvHt-_lY0TpUSg0a/s400/Christmashome14.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551580394035816370" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">There is more that I could show you, including our collection of snowglobes, but I fear being labeled the crazy Christmas lady! Like most everyone, I do so enjoy everything about this season and having children is a great opportunity not only to continue old traditions but also to start new ones. We have spent the past week crafting, drinking hot chocolate and practicing our favorite Christmas carols.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What do you have in the works in these last few days before Christmas? Do you prefer to spend time at home indulging in holiday activities, or do you prefer the hustle and bustle of last-minute shopping and holiday carousing? Perhaps a little bit of both? Whatever you're doing, I hope you're enjoying much time with loved ones while enjoying holiday activities that make this season so memorable.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Warmly,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/?action=view&current=minsig.gif" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://s643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/?action=view&current=minsig.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu160/elliequent/minsig.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div></div></div>Minniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00152305422037094598noreply@blogger.com9