tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85078035665048748662024-02-07T06:25:24.996-05:00Decorating AddictionBecause Your Decorating Style is Always Changing and ImprovingStephenie from Decorating Addictionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08967777863836506677noreply@blogger.comBlogger205125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507803566504874866.post-50753728757478260692012-12-18T05:30:00.000-05:002012-12-18T05:30:03.814-05:00What's Inside the Advent Boxes?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last week, I shared the advent calendar I made out of a ladder.</div>
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The kids are enjoying opening a box each day.</div>
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As I mentioned, I didn't want to make an advent calendar that was filled with presents. Instead, Jason shared with me a tradition that his mom did when he was a kid. She made an advent calendar with a decoration each day that he would hang on an advent tree.</div>
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Remember the jewelry I bought at Hub's Place? I talked about it in my thrift store haul<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ddOM98Pm7Q"> video.</a> </div>
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I turned the vintage jewelry into miniature ornaments simply by attaching a ribbon to each one. </div>
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We bought a little potted tree for $9 that we will plant. It's the least we can do, since we cut two down every year.</div>
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Each day, the kids take turns hanging a vintage jewelry ornament on our little tree.</div>
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I love how simple it looks.</div>
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In addition to the ornaments, each day there is an activity in one of the advent boxes. I sat down one night with my calendar in hand and wrote out all of the activities to make sure they didn't conflict with our over-scheduled lifestyle. </div>
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So, for example, I wouldn't schedule a "movie night" on an evening Imani has a basketball game or Christmas concert. I jotted all of the activities in my personal planner so I could look ahead and plan whatever I needed around the activities.</div>
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I didn't get too fancy in making the activities. I just wrote them quickly on little slips of paper and tucked them into the boxes. It's fun to see how excited Imani gets each day to see what the activity will be. Noah gets a kick out of hanging the ornaments.</div>
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Here is this year's list of advent activites:</div>
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1. Quinn (Elf on the shelf) returns. Can you find him?<br />
2. Get Christmas tree #1 and decorate it<br />
3. Make a Christmas Craft<br />
4. Have hot cocoa before bed<br />
5. Watch "Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer."<br />
6. Set up the Christmas Village in the sitting room<br />
7. Watch "The Santa Claus"<br />
8. Run the "It's a Wonderful Run" 5k with jingle bells on your sneakers.<br />
9. Visit the tree farm for tree #2 and decorate it.<br />
10. Leave a note in someone's mailbox telling them how much you love their Christmas lights<br />
11.Make room for Santa! Find some toys to donate to the Salvation Army.<br />
12. Read "The Polar Express" before bed<br />
13. Make a treat for the Christmas party<br />
14. Tonight's the night: The Christmas party!! Hang the glitter ornaments in the bay window with pretty ribbon.<br />
15. Go to "Hand of Man" to get your yearly ornament.<br />
16. Movie Night!!! Watch "Elf"<br />
17. Set the table with candles and have a fancy dinner. Play Christmas music during dinner.<br />
18. Write a letter to a friend or family member you won't see at Christmas.<br />
19. Read the Christmas story in Luke Chapter 2.<br />
20. Drive around and see the Christmas lights. Sing Christmas songs!<br />
21. Start your day off right! Have a piece of chocolate after breakfast!<br />
22. Random Act of Kindness Day! Do something nice for a complete stranger.<br />
23. Movie night!<br />
24. Charitable Giving - visit Heifer International<br />
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<br />Stephenie from Decorating Addictionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08967777863836506677noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507803566504874866.post-49089461392416170172012-12-17T05:30:00.000-05:002012-12-17T05:30:01.496-05:00In Honor of Sandy Hook<div align="center">
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I don't watch much television. I usually listen to the news in my car on Satellite Radio but Friday I was listening to Christmas music all day when I drove around for work. I was really excited about our annual Christmas party that we host every year.</div>
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It was at my Christmas party that my friend, Lori told me about the tragedy in Connecticut. I think I was in shock when she told me. </div>
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Over the course of the weekend, I intentionally did not seek out the news - I didn't want to hear about the shooter, see his image or give him any more attention and power than he had already been given. Instead, I absorbed what Lori told me all weekend.</div>
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I cherished the sound of my children's voices when they woke me in the morning.</div>
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I prayed for the victims.</div>
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I sought guidance and understanding in church on Sunday morning.</div>
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Today, in honor of those in Connecticut, I am joining many other bloggers in pausing. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMBQdrYb5Atw6ewiy8TkMywF38s5UEplMUDQZdQkpZVI-5ZcUv0_mAXKK-JUufFQBbzIdWyHS42P_CVa-DBaDhCcZWB-8nR0EA58-b8R1vaqBZJdVyh4CBLT76nrsSwPeMo9BAHnwCGYE/s1600/inhonorofconnecticut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMBQdrYb5Atw6ewiy8TkMywF38s5UEplMUDQZdQkpZVI-5ZcUv0_mAXKK-JUufFQBbzIdWyHS42P_CVa-DBaDhCcZWB-8nR0EA58-b8R1vaqBZJdVyh4CBLT76nrsSwPeMo9BAHnwCGYE/s540/inhonorofconnecticut.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/92/402288BA2A7AA9CB2949DF8CD38845DF.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Stephenie from Decorating Addictionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08967777863836506677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507803566504874866.post-86878321047007619772012-12-12T19:14:00.001-05:002012-12-12T19:35:15.801-05:00An Advent Ladder<div align="center">
I've wanted to make an advent calendar every year since Imani was little.</div>
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I finally made one. </div>
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Imani is almost twelve.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwXCjnoYJP-hfdpg0fossuSpG1Okp2XW4T6M2jwIZk2MH86tKVssZzJ3bjFhEYteuVKN1zOoPpatJlS4LWxyGVajPsdiK5s0ulXMBR4yLsEgKxg2NaSA7VX-LoSM9BuvWlKiN_pfZQCAV/s640/blogger-image--924026938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwXCjnoYJP-hfdpg0fossuSpG1Okp2XW4T6M2jwIZk2MH86tKVssZzJ3bjFhEYteuVKN1zOoPpatJlS4LWxyGVajPsdiK5s0ulXMBR4yLsEgKxg2NaSA7VX-LoSM9BuvWlKiN_pfZQCAV/s640/blogger-image--924026938.jpg" /></a></div>
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Don't judge me -- I just struggled with how to make one, what to put inside etc. etc.</div>
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I mean, they have a ton of advent calendars at Target and TJ Maxx and I've come close to purchasing one on several occasions. </div>
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But I didn't want to fill the calendar with a bunch of presents . . . I think Christmas focuses too much on material objects already.</div>
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And I didn't want to fill it with candy.</div>
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We still have Halloween Candy left over . . . and <strong><em>NOT</em></strong> because nobody's eating it . . but because Imani is the fastest trick or treater I've ever seen.</div>
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I suppose I could fill it with toiletries from Rite Aid, since the Coupon Cowboy has quite a collection in my basement, but I didn't think that would be very fun for Imani.</div>
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Oh and I'm<strike> cheap</strike> "frugal." I didn't want to spend $30 on an Advent calendar.</div>
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So I did some research online and found a lot of really great ideas of what to put inside the advent calendar so it wouldn't be all about gifts. There are many great sites that list advent "activities" in lieu of gifts.</div>
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And remember that jewelry I found at Hub's Place? It made its way into my advent calendar too. I'll share more on that (along with the activities) later.</div>
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In the meantime, do you like my calendar?</div>
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I knew I wanted to incorporate my ladder. We have two ladders in our house that I use simply for decorating. I love them. If I could put a ladder in every room and not have people think I was crazy, I would do it. I once wrote about ways to decorate with ladders <a href="http://decoratingaddict.blogspot.com/2010/05/ladders-arent-just-for-climbing.html">here</a>. Now we could add the advent calendar to that list!</div>
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Anyway, this advent calendar was pretty simple to make, and it only cost me $2.</div>
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I found little white boxes in the wedding section of the dollar store. You get 12 in a package for $1, so I picked up two.</div>
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Then I nicely asked Jason if he'd write all of the numbers on the boxes . . . since I've told you a million times I'm really sloppy and he's a perfectionist.</div>
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I had to nag him a bunch but he finally granted my wish . . . he's never failed me. </div>
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Then, I filled the boxes with the activities and tied each box to my ladder with red and white baker's twine that I had left over from my <a href="http://decoratingaddict.blogspot.com/2012/11/could-it-be-christmas-cards-out-on-time.html">Christmas cards.</a></div>
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That's it. I'm hoping those little boxes hold up for many years so we can carry this tradition well into Noah's childhood without having to re-create the calendar.</div>
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What about you? Do you have an advent calendar? Did you make it and if so, how? What do you put in it? I'd love to hear.</div>
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<br />Stephenie from Decorating Addictionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08967777863836506677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507803566504874866.post-64145291032880123452012-12-11T23:56:00.000-05:002012-12-12T19:16:35.194-05:00Could it be? Christmas Cards out on time?!<br />
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Every year I order my Christmas cards through Shutterfly or some other online company that prints cards.</div>
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But this year, thanks to Pinterest, I was inspired to make my own cards. I found the cutest, simplest Christmas card on Pinterest so I totally copied it.</div>
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I'm happy to say they were finished before Thanksgiving and sent out just a week after (only because I didn't want to send them TOO early). </div>
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I'm so proud of myself. </div>
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I started by taking a million pictures of Imani and Noah one Saturday while Jason was sleeping in (since he gets up with Noah more than I do, he gets Saturdays to sleep in).</div>
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I couldn't catch a photo of both of them smiling. Either Imani was all smiles and Noah looked miserable, or Noah was all smiles and Imani blinked. </div>
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So I settled on a cute photo of the two of them in a tree in our back yard. Imani is smiling and Noah is looking thougtfully into the distance.</div>
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After I took the picture I used my PicFrame app to adjust the color and give it more of a vintage feel. Then, I placed my order right from my iphone on PostalPix.</div>
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The pictures arrived just a few days later.</div>
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I bought some brown cardstock at AC Moore for $4.99 and some red and white baker's twine.<br />
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This stuff wasn't easy to find. It's all over the internet, but for those of you who know me, you know I'm very impatient. So Imani and I spent an entire day going store to store to find it. We finally found it at a local stationary boutique that Imani suggested I try. It wasn't cheap. $18 for the roll (but it will last me a LONG time if I resist the urge to wrap everything up with it. I love it).</div>
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Since the cardstock came in a folded version, and I just wanted mine to be one-sided 5 by 7 inches, I asked Jason to cut all of the cards in half. He's much neater than I am and he's very precise . . . measuring to make sure his cuts are exact. </div>
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I don't like rulers. We don't get along.</div>
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So Jason cut all of the cards so that I could make my Pinterest vision come to life.</div>
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I sat down one Sunday afternoon with a glue stick, a pair of scissors, my photos, my newly loved baker's twine, cardstock and my iphone set to Pandora's classic Christmas station.</div>
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Before I knew it, I'd cranked out a whole bunch of these adorable, hand-made Christmas cards.</div>
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I'm in love with them. </div>
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Stephenie from Decorating Addictionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08967777863836506677noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507803566504874866.post-27343959939835186672012-12-09T23:50:00.000-05:002012-12-10T00:15:01.917-05:00Santa's Back on the Mantel<div style="text-align: center;">
You know I like to change my mantel for the holidays and every year I try to make it a bit different, just using everyday objects around my house.</div>
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But this year, there's one element from last year's mantel that I couldn't leave out:<br />
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Santa!</div>
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You might recall that Jason made me this Pottery Barn knock off last year and I fell in love with it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_b_ScdiHsaG8mgK6kHbB8j2li2-TsOYhDYu4M7HNB8ExtnU_jcilHkWEEOJ-IuN_VOOCGl2n9Er6ljTIpyAjGulqtwO-1pXd7uXIdzDnOqaB8M1Z_6PTR5h15ArVpbO48Ps9C-MFNtWHe/s1600/IMG_1986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_b_ScdiHsaG8mgK6kHbB8j2li2-TsOYhDYu4M7HNB8ExtnU_jcilHkWEEOJ-IuN_VOOCGl2n9Er6ljTIpyAjGulqtwO-1pXd7uXIdzDnOqaB8M1Z_6PTR5h15ArVpbO48Ps9C-MFNtWHe/s640/IMG_1986.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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So he's made his way up there again this year, but all of the other elements have changed. I tried to use objects around my house and I was trying to create a mantel with a vintage feel.</div>
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Here's what I came up with:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCQKW_TYiHDiKHCjSviMLSTJvFXzbBtYQtCvCI45L7bEvGV3AFNUie0FffJV_IU5igABfGU_CuJiVMqXNuMydtW2P0Wr5S_jCC42JcuDr1j19tEoEf1A2DPrHOPcXEsmrQu54rcJLssol/s1600/IMG_1999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCQKW_TYiHDiKHCjSviMLSTJvFXzbBtYQtCvCI45L7bEvGV3AFNUie0FffJV_IU5igABfGU_CuJiVMqXNuMydtW2P0Wr5S_jCC42JcuDr1j19tEoEf1A2DPrHOPcXEsmrQu54rcJLssol/s640/IMG_1999.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Once again, I used an old window for the backdrop. </div>
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You'll see a couple of the objects I picked up at the Salvation Army haul.</div>
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My little grapevine reindeer got a makeover with a red ribbon around is neck.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUskx0hL5GgvTaGppCnLJv-rnekj8RV0V-zXvg29tmgpzm0LEEgldLWXQx5ftfW2mq7HPvj7ersID3RIf92CC075E4-2rB-sWQkKg00p_QfJagRctXAA65T9we4-G92He9GFhTniT0RQWY/s1600/IMG_1985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUskx0hL5GgvTaGppCnLJv-rnekj8RV0V-zXvg29tmgpzm0LEEgldLWXQx5ftfW2mq7HPvj7ersID3RIf92CC075E4-2rB-sWQkKg00p_QfJagRctXAA65T9we4-G92He9GFhTniT0RQWY/s640/IMG_1985.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I placed a white pitcher in an old soda crate, filled the pitcher with branches that I spray painted red and filled the box with some pine branches. I added a few pine cones alongside the box.</div>
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I poured some Epsom salt into some old ball jars, added a candle and attached some fake holly to the jars. In case you're wondering, I got the fake holly from the poinsettia bouquet I shared with you in my Salvation Army haul video. If you missed it, you can watch it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ddOM98Pm7Q&feature=g-crec-u">here</a>. I still have a lot of it left so I can embellish my gifts this year.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswkhIdN3iOOOBQgjpThXg46zeLi_fe3E14to1OzHPGE-edWd0UomVU8G5CPcgSWCfBffdXePPeDkvh-KiB-nA5YzYNq0UBSbBoDcmJmm109gsElg4Qp905yem2mQzqWaf3cbLYcsFB9Cq/s1600/IMG_1983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswkhIdN3iOOOBQgjpThXg46zeLi_fe3E14to1OzHPGE-edWd0UomVU8G5CPcgSWCfBffdXePPeDkvh-KiB-nA5YzYNq0UBSbBoDcmJmm109gsElg4Qp905yem2mQzqWaf3cbLYcsFB9Cq/s640/IMG_1983.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Speaking of gifts, I wrapped a couple in simple brown paper packaging that I picked up from the dollar store. I tied ribbon on one and twine on the other and added little embellishments from a big box I have (mostly from the Salvation Army or from gifts I receive each year). I haven't made the tags yet, but these are real gifts. I'm not one for "faking" gifts for decorating. </div>
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I just don't like the thought of wasting the boxes or the wrapping paper so I use real gifts, for real people in my decorating. The challenge is not to forget to give them to the recipients!</div>
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Once the gifts were wrapped, I stacked them on top of an old Coca-Cola box.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHP7FasCyTfQ8A52YKjLdquoq-mjQwTgWXo2kl5OsobrV5EvUT-IY4cxY7kpOfHyd2uaLBvVqeBqdFSd4a7P-URbOWFn9rESDxJryQO9zSBqZ7E_6qhvbHlUZUATeI_HqFKTkui_UYxqY/s1600/IMG_1981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHP7FasCyTfQ8A52YKjLdquoq-mjQwTgWXo2kl5OsobrV5EvUT-IY4cxY7kpOfHyd2uaLBvVqeBqdFSd4a7P-URbOWFn9rESDxJryQO9zSBqZ7E_6qhvbHlUZUATeI_HqFKTkui_UYxqY/s640/IMG_1981.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I also filled a big vintage egg basket with pine cones and placed it on the floor. The Christmas ball tree sits on an old wash bucket. I debated keeping the Christmas ball tree in the display because it is more modern, but it lights up and Noah loves to look at it, so I kept it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmo0cDNrRn-lC2OT0vdirM6uTSA8Om8ofrQsiASBZlae0nEwEQox-6DSXwX_iuUDeuKQkMveZwSnj5nsp4tKuLspq3UN6GfUqOM2TlkYJZlEpJm5HOrVjPtWE7C_5KEk0lqHtJghgG-oB/s1600/IMG_1982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmo0cDNrRn-lC2OT0vdirM6uTSA8Om8ofrQsiASBZlae0nEwEQox-6DSXwX_iuUDeuKQkMveZwSnj5nsp4tKuLspq3UN6GfUqOM2TlkYJZlEpJm5HOrVjPtWE7C_5KEk0lqHtJghgG-oB/s640/IMG_1982.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Finally, our stockings are usually a pewter blue color, but they are very shimmery and sparkly and I just didn't feel like they matched this year's mantel, so I set off to purchase some burlap stockings.</div>
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I was shocked by the prices! I couldn't find one less than $20! So I tried my hand at sewing once again and I guess I did okay because they at least LOOK like stockings.</div>
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I got my material at JoAnn Fabric and I spent less than $15 for all four stockings.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMevI5nggFN1RhmdTQMYBzKI_weBKTKv9rg9jZvk9bpXIyNoi_EbfqYOzMXTFpW0_AauWm6iHnHPavlWUqLW3X8YAZRR5dISf5xJ2e7o6_zfsLb4V6Jt0Uu1UzjuU7__RjUgRx3VNiG_m/s1600/IMG_1994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMevI5nggFN1RhmdTQMYBzKI_weBKTKv9rg9jZvk9bpXIyNoi_EbfqYOzMXTFpW0_AauWm6iHnHPavlWUqLW3X8YAZRR5dISf5xJ2e7o6_zfsLb4V6Jt0Uu1UzjuU7__RjUgRx3VNiG_m/s640/IMG_1994.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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They were a bit plain, so I added some small wooden ornaments that my mom gave me from when I was a kid. I like the little detail and they gave the stockings more of a whimsical feel.</div>
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Each stocking has a unique wooden ornament.</div>
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Finally, on the left side on the floor, there is a little gold tree sitting on top of an old bucket. I also included a little copper pot that I filled with evergreens and tied a red ribbon on the front.</div>
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<br />Stephenie from Decorating Addictionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08967777863836506677noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507803566504874866.post-7561019977745954372012-12-05T23:48:00.000-05:002012-12-05T23:48:13.781-05:00Homemade Gift Ideas<br />
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The Christmas season is in full-swing.</div>
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Have you started making any of your gifts yet?</div>
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I haven't! </div>
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But I sure have spent a good deal of time on Pinterest finding great gifts to make. If I actually got off of Pinterest and started making some of these amazing gifts, I might be in good shape.</div>
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Every year, Imani and I try to make at least a couple of homemade gifts. One year it was Christmas ornaments, one year it was cookie mix in Ball jars, and one year we knitted gifts.</div>
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I also try to make something for Imani each year. I've knitted her fingerless gloves and even made a quilt once (I'm NOT a seamstress . . . AT ALL).</div>
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Making homemade gifts shows the person to whom you're giving that you actually took the time to <em>create</em> something for them. Anyone can slap down a little cash or a credit card at Target and check someone off their list.<br />
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Another reason I love homemade gift giving is because it's quality time spent with my child. We enjoy the time making something for someone else . . . and it teaches generosity far more than purchasing something in the store. <br />
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The problem is, we're all pressed for time . . . so of course I buy gifts in the store just like everyone else, but I do make a point to make at least a few gifts each year. </div>
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Here are some of my favs from the wonderful world of Pinterest.</div>
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Hopefully, I'll get a chance to make at least a couple.<br />
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<strong>Photo Coasters</strong><br />
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People love getting gifts of photos -- whether the photos are of memories you shared together, your kids, their kids, their dog, or an artistic photo, this is sure to be a winner.</div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/210332245068625032/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/239816748876979928_lb9Wx5ir_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://homemade.tipjunkie.com/photo-coasters-tutorial/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">homemade.tipjunkie.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/decoratingaddic/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephenie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<strong>Cinnamon Honey Butter</strong><br />
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Seriously? Who wouldn't want this? I little jar of goodness. Yum.<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/210332245068612118/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="379" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/43487952623230440_DZicUy3m_c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://tidymom.net/2010/cinnamon-honey-butter-gifts-in-a-jar/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">tidymom.net</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/decoratingaddic/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephenie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<strong>DIY Photo Canvas</strong></div>
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Photo canvases are all the rage. You can find companies all over the Internet with various sizes of photo canvas options. I love the idea of trying to make one myself.<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/210332245068743199/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="508" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/105693922476452512_hjr6stXC_c.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2012/11/how-to-make-easy-photo-canvas.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">theshabbycreekcottage.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/decoratingaddic/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephenie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<strong>Photo Board</strong><br />
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If the photo canvas isn't your thing and you'd like something a bit more rustic, try this photo board, using just an inexpensive board from your local hardware store and Modge Podge!<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/210332245068312942/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="415" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/63050463503006317_YZwKgtIr_c.jpg" width="554" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.mommymodelsblog.com/?p=2051" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">mommymodelsblog.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/decoratingaddic/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephenie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<strong>Cute Chalk Board</strong><br />
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This one is a dollar store tray turned chalk board embellished with a ribbon. I LOVE it. I would like it even more if the tray were a vintage tray, but I love it nonetheless. It would make a great hostess gift. <br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/210332245068653295/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="880" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/99149629267186035_dgCHsCwp_c.jpg" width="498" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://pin2fun28.blogspot.com/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">pin2fun28.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/decoratingaddic/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephenie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<strong>Recipes in a Jar</strong></div>
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I had to include this one because it's one of my favorite gifts to receive and to give. Let's face it, everyone is busy. I love having a little jar of yummy where all I have to do is add oil, water and eggs and I have my recipe done. There are so many "food in a jar" variations.<br />
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Quickbread<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/210332245068564708/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/150589181260388117_DideaD2A_c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/2011/11/25-handmade-gifts-under-5.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">the36thavenue.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/decoratingaddic/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephenie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Homemade Hot Cocoa<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/210332245068781175/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="831" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/247557310737820038_Pwjer086_c.jpg" width="554" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.heygorg.com/2011/11/diy-the-perfect-mix-favors.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">heygorg.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/decoratingaddic/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephenie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Granola<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/210332245068564057/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="836" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/116601077823815494_8xyYTcKD_c.jpg" width="554" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://annapolisandcompany.com/2012/10/peanut-butter-honey/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">annapolisandcompany.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/decoratingaddic/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephenie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<strong></strong><strong>Photo Pillows</strong><br />
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Can you tell I like to give photo gifts?<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/210332245068307018/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/261279215851305688_h6mavS5K_c.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://pocketfulwhimsy.blogspot.com/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">pocketfulwhimsy.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/decoratingaddic/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephenie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<strong>Recipe Tea Towels</strong><br />
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Transfer a family recipe to a tea towel.<br />
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Nostalgic. <br />
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Easy. <br />
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Practical.<br />
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LOVE.<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/210332245068175876/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/233624299390570302_whdsRYXv_c.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/2012/07/turn-recipes-into-tea-towels.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">blog.spoonflower.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/decoratingaddic/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephenie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<strong>Ice Cream Sundae Kit</strong><br />
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I once got a gift like this when I was a teacher and I thought it was the cutest idea. I love ice cream . . . and I like to make my ice cream fancy with LOTS of toppings but I hate spending money on all of those toppings. So this gift is right up my alley.<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/210332245067334750/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="441" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/176766354094116420_u4z0xv2p_c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://mixingbowlkids.typepad.com/family_bites/2011/06/diy-ice-cream-sundae-kit.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">mixingbowlkids.typepad.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/decoratingaddic/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephenie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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There are so many wonderful ideas for homemade gifts on Pinterest.<br />
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What are your favorite gifts to make? What are you making this year?<br />
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If you see a homemade gift idea that you think is extra special, post it to Decorating Addiction's Facebook page wall, email it to me or put the link in the comments below. I'd love to see it!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/92/402288BA2A7AA9CB2949DF8CD38845DF.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Stephenie from Decorating Addictionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08967777863836506677noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507803566504874866.post-66419351206110733102012-12-03T21:44:00.000-05:002012-12-03T21:46:10.481-05:00Holding on to Magical Moments<div align="center">
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I've been having Christmas light envy. </div>
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You know - when you drive around town and see everyone's houses all decorated, lights twinkling across their rooftops, beautifully decorated trees peeking out of window panes when you haven't hung a single strand of lights.</div>
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Yeah, I was itching to get at least a strand of lights hung but I've been busy with work and Jason has been training for a little 5K that we're doing this weekend. </div>
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But we set out this weekend with my brother and sister in law to find tree #1 (you might remember that we get two trees each year). As a side note - my brother-in-law is Jason's brother -- who has become another coupon cowboy. My sister-in-law Shannon and I are the lucky ladies who have shelves and shelves of hair care products at our disposal. (Sorry I didn't get a picture of Joe and Shannon and my niece Kendra but I swear they were all there with us!)</div>
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It's a family tradition for us to go out and cut down our trees every year and this year, Noah got to walk the fields right along with us.<br />
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He was fascinated by everything, including this pine branch his Uncle Joe plucked from a tree for him.</div>
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He quickly discovered that he liked the way it smelled.</div>
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After a while of searching, we found just the tree we were looking for: tall but not too fat. We have a tendency to get really bushy trees that take up our whole living room. We tried to avoid that this year. We kept thinking the tree we found might not be tall enough. If you've ever cut a tree down, you know the feeling of thinking all of the trees look small once you're out in the woods.</div>
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But based on how difficult it was for Jason and Joe to get the tree up to the car, we figured it must be bigger than we thought.</div>
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It was certainly tall enough. Jason couldn't even reach the top when he was standing on the ladder and we had to put the tree where the skylights are to give it extra room!</div>
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We made a big pot of chili (a tradition each year) and got to work decorating. Noah needed a little help at first.</div>
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But he quickly caught on, and joined his sister Imani, who is a pro at decorating trees now.</div>
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There's something magical about decorating the tree each year. I wish I could hold the feeling in my heart all year long.</div>
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But the busyness of life goes on . . . Monday comes and I go to work, doing my very best to work my hardest and my perspective changes -- if only for a work day -- what's important shifts to job, bills, errands. </div>
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And only one night after the decorating started and that magical feeling begins to fade, I come home from work and see this.</div>
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And I'm reminded of the magic of the season all over again.</div>
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<br />Stephenie from Decorating Addictionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08967777863836506677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507803566504874866.post-45919157644638797032012-11-29T17:30:00.000-05:002012-11-29T17:54:20.310-05:00Cursing Martha Stewart<br />
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I found an awesome Gingerbread Man Wreath on Pinterest last week and I was determined to try it myself.</div>
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It was created by Martha Stewart. I've always loved Martha, up until now.</div>
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Imani and I prepared the recipe and put it in the refrigerator, as instructed.</div>
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But the consistency of the dough didn't seem right. I was expecting it to be like the gingerbread wreath ornaments we've made in the past . . . but this felt like real cookies.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHr00uCPFJ8dBIy6u2_g46ESD7y0TEygBdMEToI-iYf4YRJrADPiZAW_P8eQyrhH09s-NY-RY5PbSOxesJlh3xn-N-p8AGgG-cu8U7gBgocqZKT5KZFS2ORUQtPwWX4Sbu0QCa7KFbiUr/s1600/Gingerbread+wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHr00uCPFJ8dBIy6u2_g46ESD7y0TEygBdMEToI-iYf4YRJrADPiZAW_P8eQyrhH09s-NY-RY5PbSOxesJlh3xn-N-p8AGgG-cu8U7gBgocqZKT5KZFS2ORUQtPwWX4Sbu0QCa7KFbiUr/s400/Gingerbread+wreath.jpg" width="397" /></a></div>
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Upon a closer look at Martha's recipe, I discovered that her recipe actually used real gingerbread cookie dough, which would mean the wreath wouldn't be that sturdy.</div>
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I was devastated. Her recipe stated at the end that the wreath would last for approximately TWO weeks.</div>
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What? I wanted my wreath to last year after year, just like the gingerbread ornaments Imani and I made several years ago that go up on our tree every year.</div>
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Who would make a wreath with real gingerbread cookie dough? I should have read the recipe more closely before I started making the dough.</div>
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I decided to give it a go anyway, since the dough was all made and in the fridge.</div>
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We rolled out the dough and began cutting our gingerbread men.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiek9GL6o71v8lmBwpKwnkuCg2QIDkjuN246RAQfc7in6ufacpXwpkoMOUF-CY09dSzVwa0-I1ExjPpAaro_NiD777mxQYsm8uY-yW_p1rgePNFLBS32IVOMFqWfhfjwm41HjrgmqP11byE/s1600/gingerbread+wreath+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiek9GL6o71v8lmBwpKwnkuCg2QIDkjuN246RAQfc7in6ufacpXwpkoMOUF-CY09dSzVwa0-I1ExjPpAaro_NiD777mxQYsm8uY-yW_p1rgePNFLBS32IVOMFqWfhfjwm41HjrgmqP11byE/s400/gingerbread+wreath+4.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
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Martha's recipe called for placing the gingerbread men on a piece of parchment paper that you've cut into a circle but since I didn't have parchment paper, I put a bowl in the center of the pan and lined up the feet of all of my gingerbread men.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-k6_wzVzTpnRYolYgO8bbtBhDDNq0zj7zyJ7g4XIQiK7cCtRZ2oKuNE7jbncak8Vl4fcftt5QLZg3-pcXYE-xsl59gxwRaMxftze6c4VoEIIGmVwXW0zAaUjPd7wL6Rhr7XpzzR0cTdm/s1600/gingerbread+wreath+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-k6_wzVzTpnRYolYgO8bbtBhDDNq0zj7zyJ7g4XIQiK7cCtRZ2oKuNE7jbncak8Vl4fcftt5QLZg3-pcXYE-xsl59gxwRaMxftze6c4VoEIIGmVwXW0zAaUjPd7wL6Rhr7XpzzR0cTdm/s400/gingerbread+wreath+5.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
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Do anyone else's pans look all burnt like mine? Keepin' it real. </div>
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I sort of pinched the feet and hands where the gingerbread men overlapped. </div>
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At this point, I just didn't trust Martha or her team. </div>
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I did make one wreath EXACTLY as Martha instructed and it broke apart when I tried to hang it.</div>
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I figured as much. I figured that Martha probably just made her wreath for the photo and it broke within minutes after.</div>
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I wanted to strengthen my wreath, so I gave it a layer of Modge Podge.</div>
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The wreath now looked very shiny. I liked the more natural look, but I didn't want my wreath to break. I could see some of the feet and hands were starting to lift apart so I got out the old hot glue gun and secured them.</div>
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When you apply the Modge Podge, it looks white, but it will dry clear (you can see the white in some areas in the picture below).</div>
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Finally, I strung a ribbon through my wreath and hung it, praying it would not break.</div>
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So far so good. </div>
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My advice to you would be that if you want to make a gingerbread man wreath, use a recipe for gingerbread or cinnamon ornaments. It will be much sturdier and I don't think you'd need to hot glue it or add Modge Podge.</div>
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We'll see how long this wreath lasts. </div>
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I have a feeling these little guys might not be one big family by the time Christmas rolls around.</div>
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<br />Stephenie from Decorating Addictionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08967777863836506677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507803566504874866.post-8465645265104206062012-11-28T06:30:00.000-05:002012-11-28T06:30:02.350-05:00Secrets to Thrifting - 5 Items to Snag<br />
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I mentioned yesterday that I LOVE to go shopping for second hand items to decorate my home.</div>
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I look forward to it like some people look forward to going to the mall.</div>
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I guess what I love most about it is the thrill of finding something unique -- something that everybody else won't have. I mean, anyone can march into Ikea, Pottery Barn or Target and slap their credit card down to buy a new serving bowl or a piece of art to hang on their wall.</div>
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But when I find a cool architectural piece that someone thinks is junk and sells it at their garage sale for $2 I feel giddy inside. When I hang it on my wall and people who come over ask where they can buy it, I feel like I've just gotten the very last pair of size 7 1/2 killer stilettos. </div>
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Not only do I love that I have something unique, but I also love that I have something with a history. I love wondering where the object -- no matter how small -- came from. <br />
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Who were its owners? <br />
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What is its story?</div>
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I feel the same way about my clothes. Yeah, I still shop at "traditional" stores like Gap and Banana Republic, but I treasure the clothes I find at vintage boutiques and the Salvation Army. </div>
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It can be overwhelming the first time you walk into a store, like The Salvation Army -- a rainbow of clothes sorted by color -- a half off color of the day and walls filled with seemingly useless junk.</div>
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One thing that helps is if you KNOW what you're looking for. Sometimes you're on a mission -- like the time I was searching specifically for wool sweaters in creams to make my <a href="http://decoratingaddict.blogspot.com/2011/01/winter-upcycled-wreath-in-7-steps.html">felted wreath</a>.</div>
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But other times, you might just want to browse. </div>
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Either way, there are certain items I always look for when I'm thrifting.</div>
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Here are my top five home-relate items to buy second-hand:</div>
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1. Apothecary Jars<br />
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Source: <a href="http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/242870/list/Vintage-Style--General-Store-Decor" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">houzz.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/ginnier/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Ginnie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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These are great for decorating - you can add fun elements for holidays, seasons etc. You can also use them for storage in your office, bathroom or bedroom.<br />
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2. Mason Jars<br />
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Source: <a href="http://www.bridefinds.com/tag/mason-jar-wedding-ideas/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">bridefinds.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/asjdeka/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Amy</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Mason jars are one of the most useful items I have in my house. I don't think I could ever have enough of them. <br />
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Not only do old mason jars make fabulous vases, but they can also be used to hold silverware for a casual dinner or barbecue. They can be used to store dry goods, like pasta or beans. They can also be used as votive for candles. <br />
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3. Christmas Lights<br />
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Source: <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=white+Christmas+lights&hl=en&client=safari&sa=X&rls=en&biw=1280&bih=680&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=a0uenES7LjOeXM:&imgrefurl=http://blog.hardtofinditems.com/christmas/light-sets/white-wire-lights-light-sets-christmas/white-christmas-lights-a-terrific-twinkle/&docid=N9x0db2QhaN6mM&imgurl=http://blog.hardtofinditems.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/ChristmasWhiteLights.jpg&w=300&h=200&ei=-6ViT4vyMeL30gHm3pG6CA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=419&vpy=128&dur=98&hovh=160&hovw=240&tx=183&ty=82&sig=115258286174413297499&page=1&tbnh=160&tbnw=215&start=0&ndsp=10&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">google.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/dakotarain/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Kati</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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As I mentioned on yesterday's <a href="http://decoratingaddict.blogspot.com/2012/11/thrift-store-haul.html">video</a>, it's inevitable every year . . . no matter how careful we are in storing our Christmas lights . . . at least one strand won't work when we go to decorate our tree. I have repeatedly found Christmas lights in their original packaging for $1-$2. I've never, ever, regretted buying them.<br />
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4. White platters</div>
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I don't mind if the platters are a little chipped - it gives them character. I mainly look to see that the platter is a nice shape with a fairly smooth surface. </div>
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I like to find platters because I like to monogram them using my Silhouette (for myself or for gifts). I also like to put vinyl messages on them for the holidays. Oh, and they are also great for actually serving food! I'm not much of a colored-dish kind of girl - most of my dishes are white. I like to see the colors of the food stand out on the platter.</div>
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5. Interesting Picture Frames</div>
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As you can see, I don't even care if they have the glass. I look past the color too; this one was an ugly gold color when I found it but we spray painted it black at one point and then white. </div>
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I love unique picture frames. We have been collecting frames and painting them white to create a little gallery of black and white photos up our stair case. Maybe some day we will finish it.</div>
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Those are the top five items home-related I look for when I'm thrifting. Of course I find other things too but these are the five things that I'm sure NOT to pass up if I find them. </div>
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What would you add to the list?</div>
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Stephenie from Decorating Addictionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08967777863836506677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507803566504874866.post-12584572472470661272012-11-27T06:30:00.000-05:002012-11-27T06:30:03.535-05:00Thrift Store Haul<div style="text-align: center;">
This weekend I was able to spend some time thrifting for stuff to decorate our house for Christmas. Watch the video to see what I found!</div>
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Have you found anything to decorate for the holidays at thrift stores?</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/92/402288BA2A7AA9CB2949DF8CD38845DF.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Stephenie from Decorating Addictionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08967777863836506677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507803566504874866.post-60757035201398911582012-11-26T06:30:00.000-05:002012-11-27T23:59:31.507-05:00Gangnam Style Delays Christmas Decorating<br />
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Yesterday, I was reading Facebook and I came across a friend who wrote,</div>
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<em>"All Christmas presents bought, wrapped, bagged and tagged. Now it's time to get the tree."</em></div>
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Seriously?! </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I almost puked. </span></div>
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I am wondering if she still has any Facebook friends left.</div>
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Okay, maybe I'm a little jealous.</div>
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I mean, I can still feel the belly ache from that "just a taste" of pumpkin pie.</div>
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My Thanksgiving mantel is still up, we haven't gotten our tree yet and our Christmas lights do not twinkle when I pull in the driveway at night.</div>
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Don't get me wrong: I LOVE the Christmas season and am just as eager as the next person to get my decorating up and my shopping done.</div>
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But there's something nice about taking it slowly ... enjoying each ritual. </div>
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I was feeling really good because I put together this little door decoration:</div>
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I found the ice skates at the Salvation Army over the summer and knew they would find their place in my Christmas decorating this year.</div>
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I wanted to decorate the door with something other than a wreath this year. We are a little nervous that when winter weather really hits, those ice skates might bang against the glass and break it.</div>
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But our door is in serious need of being replaced anyway, so we decided to go ahead and take our chances. If the glass gets broken, we'll just need a new door a bit sooner than we anticipated.</div>
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Maybe you think that's irresponsible. </div>
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At first Jason did.</div>
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But when I came home after a day of thrifting, those skates were merrily hung on my door.</div>
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And Jason had a happy wife. </div>
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I definitely hope the skates don't break the glass. I don't feel like buying a new door, but I sure am happy to see that little decoration when I pull in the driveway.</div>
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I'll be sure to keep you posted.</div>
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The only other Christmas festivities that have taken place in our house is that this little guy arrived with two gifts: one for Imani and Noah.</div>
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Good old Quinn returned from the North Pole with ornaments for Imani and Noah to hang on this year's tree.</div>
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Yes, we are THOSE people who have an Elf on the Shelf. And YES, Imani "knows" but she's a girl who will always believe, which is one of the qualities I love most about her. </div>
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So no, my presents aren't purchased or wrapped (I haven't even started yet),</div>
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my mantel is still set for Thanksgiving</div>
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And we don't have our tree(s).</div>
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I like to think it's because we like to gradually move into the Christmas season, but really it's probably because I sat around all weekend and watched Noah do his favorite dance to his favorite song, "Gangnam Style."</div>
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I love how he stops when the music stops. He nails it every time.<br />
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What about you? Is your decorating done? Are your gifts wrapped?<br />
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<br />Stephenie from Decorating Addictionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08967777863836506677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507803566504874866.post-24074690080699345662012-11-23T13:47:00.001-05:002012-11-23T13:47:31.443-05:00Teaching the Value of Hard Work <div style="text-align: center;">
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I enjoyed seeing my family and I am definitely enjoying a couple of days off from work! It's been pretty intense over the last month, so I am enjoying time to read, knit, craft and just relax with my family!</div>
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A while back I mentioned that we have a new system of how to pay allowance to Imani so I wanted to take the time to share it with all of you. It has been working out well so far and we've been doing it for a few months.</div>
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As I mentioned before, we used to just give Imani $20 every month. She was only expected to help out as needed, make her bed and sweep the stairs. We came to realize that this method wasn't really working out so well. Half of the time, her bed wasn't made and the stairs were rarely swept. Nonetheless, she had her little hand extended every 1st day of the month in expectation of her $20. </div>
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So we decided we would start to pay her weekly, rather than monthly, and we would give her a list of a bunch of things around the house that need to be done regularly. </div>
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We keep a big bottle of marbles and each marble is worth 25 cents. Each time Imani does something off of the list, she gets a marble (or two, depending on the chore).</div>
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Sometimes, Imani thinks of other things she would like to do (like vacuum my car or brush Maggie or clean Noah's room) and she will ask if she can get a marble for it.</div>
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She keeps all of her marbles for the week in a different jar. On Sunday, we count up how much we owe her and we pay her for her work. She is expected to save 10 percent and donate 10 percent (anywhere she'd like - sometimes it goes to Church, sometimes to the library, sometimes to the SPCA . . . wherever she feels like giving).</div>
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When we first rolled this out, Imani was on a mission: She cleaned the whole house and practically filled her jar with marbles. Jason and I got nervous that we'd be handing over half of our bank account to Imani.</div>
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But over time her enthusiasm has leveled out. During the week, when homework, basketball and practicing her violin take up a lot of her time, she doesn't do as much to earn marbles.</div>
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We've noticed that on the weekends, she will often pick up a broom instead of the iPad. It's been great.</div>
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Another cool thing about this is that if we ask Imani to help us with something and she doesn't, or if she misbehaves, talks back etc, we will tell her she needs to take a marble out of her jar. Yes, we "charge" her in a way. </div>
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We expect that she will still contribute in a meaningful and positive way in the house: that she doesn't ONLY help for marbles -- so if we ask for help or tell her to do something (like pick up her room), she is expected to do it without complaint and without earning a marble. </div>
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There is one chore that is expected every day and she doesn't get a marble for it. She must make her bed. If she doesn't make her bed, she has to take a marble out of her jar. The exception is if OUR bed isn't made . . . then we can't charge her. She loves to see if our bed is made so it sort of keeps us all accountable.</div>
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There have also been times when I see her do something incredibly generous or kind and I want her to know I recognized it -- so I'll tell her later, "I really liked how you were generous with your friend when she came over today. I'd like to give you an extra marble in your jar." </div>
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She loves when that happens.</div>
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Don't get me wrong; on more than one occasion Imani has grumbled, "Can we go back to the old way for allowance?! I hate this way." She hates it because she actually has to <strong><em>DO </em></strong>something to get the money. </div>
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But she loves getting paid weekly. </div>
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She loves seeing the marbles accumulate in the jar, </div>
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and she loves being in control of being paid more.</div>
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She's been really motivated because she is saving up for a Macbook. She also told me last week that this year, she wants to buy me and Jason a present for Christmas with her own money, so she's been setting some of her money aside for that. </div>
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I'm really proud of her.</div>
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Some of the things she can do to make money are:</div>
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Sweep the stairs - 25cents</div>
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Empty the bathroom garbage cans - 25 cents</div>
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Vacuum the house - 50 cents</div>
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Pick up Maggie's dog doo doo in the yard - 50 cents (we know we're making out on this one . . . but she must know it too because she never does it!!)</div>
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Dust - 25cents</div>
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Put in a load of laundry - 25 cents</div>
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Load the dishwasher - 25 cents</div>
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That's just a snapshot of a few of the chores. She can always ask if there is something else she'd like to do. </div>
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We believe it's important for Imani to have money of her own so she understands how to save, how to make smart purchases and the value of hard work.</div>
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So far, this system has worked well for us!</div>
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I'd love to hear how all of you pay allowance (or why you don't pay allowance) to your children.</div>
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Have a great weekend. "See" you Monday (I promise :-) </div>
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Stephenie from Decorating Addictionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08967777863836506677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507803566504874866.post-39739067243361912202012-11-22T06:30:00.000-05:002012-11-22T06:30:01.848-05:00Home-Related Thanks<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Thanksgiving!! </div>
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First off, thank you to all of my dedicated readers who continue to read my home endeavors, despite the fact that I am inconsistent. </div>
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I appreciate each and every one of you.</div>
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I hope you all have a warm, relaxing holiday filled with delicious food and loving family and friends.</div>
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I made a little video for you!</div>
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Enjoy!!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/tBPEo4rkTdM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/92/402288BA2A7AA9CB2949DF8CD38845DF.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Stephenie from Decorating Addictionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08967777863836506677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507803566504874866.post-26132871021336142712012-11-21T06:30:00.000-05:002012-11-21T06:30:01.605-05:00A Christmas Forest<br />
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Over the weekend, Imani and I decided to start creating some Christmas decorations.</div>
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I have a whole list on Pinterest of things I want to make this year</div>
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to give as gifts</div>
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to decorate. . . </div>
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We started with a simple project of making little Chistmas trees.</div>
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These were super easy. We found thin cardboard boxes like cereal boxes, stove top stuffing boxes (love that stuff) and other pieces of cardboard that would bend easily.</div>
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Next, we made them into cones in various heights.</div>
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I almost forgot to take a picture of them! Excuse the poor quality - some of these were taken at night with only an iPhone!</div>
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We gathered up a variety of objects to decorate our trees such as ribbon, feathers, yarn, buttons and even lentils!</div>
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Next, we pulled out Imani's favorite tool: the hot glue gun.</div>
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We began gluing the ribbon and feathers onto the cones.</div>
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Imani carefully wrapped hers with gold ribbon.</div>
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We worked late into the night and finished seven trees to create a little forest.</div>
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They turned out super cute.</div>
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Here is one with all white buttons.</div>
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Here is one wrapped in gold ribbon with a piece of shimmery ribbon wrapped over that.</div>
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Here is one with with pieces of shimmery wrapping paper cut and curled. It's a bit sloppy because it was one of the last trees we made and I was utterly exhausted.</div>
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Here is a one wrapped in fuzzy yarn.</div>
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And another one wrapped in thick, cream colored yard with some glam wrapped around it.</div>
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Here is the tree we rolled in lentils and then spray painted gold.</div>
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And here is the crazy feather tree . . . with a crazy dog in the mix.</div>
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Maggie wasn't the only crazy one. Imani was so tired, she was getting silly and kept pretending the trees were fangs.</div>
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And we both decided they could double up as new-year's hats!</div>
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Seriously, we had a great time making these. I'm not sure where I'll put them yet, but you can bet you'll find them mixed in this year's holiday decor. The best part was, they were free!</div>
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Stephenie from Decorating Addictionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08967777863836506677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507803566504874866.post-84071662772362362572012-11-19T22:57:00.000-05:002012-11-19T22:57:56.782-05:00Thankful to Have a Thanksgiving Mantel<br />
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I knew what my Thanksgiving mantel would look like months ago. I am a Pinterest addict, as I mentioned before. I was inspired when I came across this photo on Pinterest and I knew I was going to hijack this idea with the old brown beer bottles.</div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/286400857522579850/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="396" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/286400857522579850_RVk9buIl_c.jpg" width="528" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.whipperberry.com/search?updated-max=2010-11-22T03%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=20" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">whipperberry.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/hang10crafts/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Shanon</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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I just thought it was the most adorable Fall mantel. </div>
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One Sunday afternoon in the middle of a rain storm, Jason and I decided it would be a good idea to schlep around an OUTSIDE flea market. We were only there for less than ten minutes because we quickly realized how foolish it was to drag our one year old around in a downpour.</div>
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But in those ten minutes, I found exactly what I was looking for: a big box of old brown beer bottles. I only needed six bottles to pull off the look I found on Pinterest. The woman who was selling them was just trying to unload her stuff so she cut me a deal: an enormous box of a variety of bottles for $5. </div>
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So this weekend, I pulled out those old bottles, cleaned them off and printed out the word "Thankful" on my Silhouette. </div>
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After I put the letters on the bottles, I put a wheat stalk in each bottle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXmBIKkI0ChKr8UiQPN3HLX_UGAaS1AI-Cu5rnBE6z5ntneGytXUOz4HL3Gu59JpboPxLaYc0k7fygFPTbg2lX4V7xIOcn0TU4cMDqyIIuV_Wb4MFIKxQVpIdIABoVhKCem7obBuBtP3Q/s640/blogger-image-2020029238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXmBIKkI0ChKr8UiQPN3HLX_UGAaS1AI-Cu5rnBE6z5ntneGytXUOz4HL3Gu59JpboPxLaYc0k7fygFPTbg2lX4V7xIOcn0TU4cMDqyIIuV_Wb4MFIKxQVpIdIABoVhKCem7obBuBtP3Q/s640/blogger-image-2020029238.jpg" /></a></div>
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I filled a basket with pinecones and placed it on some world atlas books that were left in our house when we bought it. </div>
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On the other side of the mantel, I used the pumpkin Jason made me for Halloween and put some gourds up there with it to hide the plate we placed beneath it in case it begins to rot </div>
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<strong>SIDENOTE:</strong></div>
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(As lovers of all things Fall, we keep pumpkins as long as we possibly can in our house. Once, when I first met Jason, he bought me an enormous pumpkin and placed it in my living room. This thing was gigantic - I don't think I could have even moved it if I tried. I developed a sort of attachment to it because I loved that he bought me a pumpkin! A lot of guys buy their girlfriends flowers or jewelry but this guy bought me a PUMPKIN and I loved every bit of it. </div>
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Needless to say, the pumpkin became a permanent decoration in my house . . . well into Spring, until one day Jason picked it up to discover a thick goo leaking out of it! Ew. That's gross . . . so now we keep plates underneath just in case we keep the pumpkin longer than we should!)</div>
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You wonder why I'm not consistent with blogging? Maybe because I tell a million stories and my posts always ramble on . .. I just can't help it.</div>
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Anyway, so I placed a pumpkin and some gourds on the left hand side of the mantel. </div>
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You might remember, this pumpkin that Jason painted for me for Halloween this year. I just turned that "31" around to the back so no one would see it. You can also see the plate that is underneath it in case it decides to leak goo.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHr0YexpUO1suzXoz7-5dVTtEfptIblR73ZNsNfgzJwi9m4FgyVVCWwAfutjSnHYgIDiC3sUMX1JXGOH2L3I2zgP0g4WdUwHuME1wrLUEOoYmRccazEkdN_Mhg-ogwQ-rrGzuSYw5dj2Uc/s640/blogger-image-471475601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHr0YexpUO1suzXoz7-5dVTtEfptIblR73ZNsNfgzJwi9m4FgyVVCWwAfutjSnHYgIDiC3sUMX1JXGOH2L3I2zgP0g4WdUwHuME1wrLUEOoYmRccazEkdN_Mhg-ogwQ-rrGzuSYw5dj2Uc/s640/blogger-image-471475601.jpg" /></a></div>
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I put an old window behind everything for a backdrop and there you have it, my Thanksgiving mantel.</div>
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Do you think it's HGTV worthy? Am I famous yet?</div>
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Stephenie from Decorating Addictionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08967777863836506677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507803566504874866.post-72052700290203932262012-11-19T06:30:00.000-05:002012-11-19T06:30:04.375-05:00Butternut Squash Pumpkin Soup Yummo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I got a little talkin' to from my sister last week on how she thinks I should blog more.</div>
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I don't know if I've ever shared how much I look up to my sister with you before but if I haven't, I should have.</div>
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Here's the most recent photo I have of Dee, me and Noah. I'll have to get some pictures of me and Dee when she's up for Thanksgiving in just a few short days (I can't wait). For the record, we're not always all fancied up when we see each other. </div>
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We're usually all scummed out in our sweatpants lounging around, which is why we never let anyone take our pictures.</div>
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In this picture, we were going to a wedding.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd202TEyuo_b490Jnm488cbpumTCduurU_d5HgXgR6QcEYDIIL7__SqqXm5UgjoH6EXhVKnJ0r1cGp9cdCQxdPOvOfN8n1zEFnZeMhnqWXrNzm1csNa_evS_CZIDMsuVPiwNmYnnrn_sCJ/s1600/Deestephnoah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd202TEyuo_b490Jnm488cbpumTCduurU_d5HgXgR6QcEYDIIL7__SqqXm5UgjoH6EXhVKnJ0r1cGp9cdCQxdPOvOfN8n1zEFnZeMhnqWXrNzm1csNa_evS_CZIDMsuVPiwNmYnnrn_sCJ/s400/Deestephnoah.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
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My sister Dee (some say Deej but no one who knows her well calls her by her birth-given name, Diane) is four years older than me; she is my only sibling.</div>
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My whole life she's been right about just about everything.</div>
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From the boys I used to date whom she said were dorks (they were)</div>
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to the black lacquer furniture I used to decorate my first apartment that she told me had to go </div>
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to how my fashion follows hers five years later . . . </div>
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So when Dee tells me to do something, I listen.</div>
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So last week she said I should blog more - even if it's about something small, like a recipe.</div>
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I could get into all of the excuses on why I don't blog more frequently </div>
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like how I have two kids who suck up a lot of my time</div>
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or how I have a stay at home husband who needs a break from all of the home-related stuff</div>
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or how my company went through a round of job cuts last week and I was stressed out (I kept my job)</div>
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or how my computer is ancient and makes blogging a giant pain in the tush.</div>
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But the truth is, I LOVE to write </div>
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I love to blog</div>
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and I love to share my life with all of you</div>
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(and I hate when my sister proves me wrong).</div>
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Oh and this little blog was just featured on HGTV's website! </div>
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Yup, you read that right. My winter mantel was featured last week. If you head over to HGTV (<span style="font-size: xx-small;">But don't leave this web page until you see what I've got for you)</span> and click on their winter mantels, my mantel was on slide 16. </div>
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Imani wants to know if that means I'm famous . . . </div>
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Anyway, I decided to ease back into this blog thing by giving you a little recipe for Thanksgiving.</div>
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But first, I need to let you know we didn't dress up this year for Halloween!! Can you believe it? It's the first year we haven't dressed up in a long time.</div>
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Imani choose to be Darth Vader this year simply so that she could dress her little brother as Yoda. I think it was the first time EVER that I purchased costumes and didn't make them myself.</div>
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Although I was a little sad about these costumes, I gotta say, those moms who drive to Tarjay and swipe their credit cards to get their kid's costumes are onto something good. This was the easiest Halloween 'evah! </div>
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Imani had fun as Darth Vader and Noah did make a cute little Yoda.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pcXk60alS24z5h0FNSbkaK1ctoCVqy6tz-SA8S-yqD8YRjTVA776QvXjxw98c6f9ZEk7AP3EkwrhZGU2hxofs1JyOo8AzLucCZRxi15amwaiqMFsBQE2a4tnOZ3q4ii5RWTmzJgFx9-i/s1600/darthvader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pcXk60alS24z5h0FNSbkaK1ctoCVqy6tz-SA8S-yqD8YRjTVA776QvXjxw98c6f9ZEk7AP3EkwrhZGU2hxofs1JyOo8AzLucCZRxi15amwaiqMFsBQE2a4tnOZ3q4ii5RWTmzJgFx9-i/s400/darthvader.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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And now onto that recipe. This weekend, I made one of my favorite things to make, SOUP.</div>
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I love soup so much - I could live on it. My family . . . not so much. They all like to have more of a "main course" so I usually end up serving it before dinner.</div>
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I love soup so much that my sister Dee bought me and Jason a Cuisinart Soup maker for Christmas last year.</div>
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I'm not really into kitchen gadgets but that soup cooker is one of the best things going.</div>
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It heats up so you can sautee in it before adding other ingredients. Once all of the ingredients are added, you can turn on the blender portion of the machine and blend everything together to make soup. Then you just set the timer for how long you want it to cook. </div>
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It's a little piece of amazing.</div>
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Here it is if you want to get it for some soup lover like me for Christmas. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgfaql7YFASb-S_Ao_0nff6e9GkiIvN2l9yOvIDb7EhMJigKgsSOu6zBsgeC0TbwIuaMOTJ9VTR22YC3dSa04w0nN_t5Ed-th68EhnB8ilnM0nu5GDK9tZZ8c6qjWIa6AVFg93pX34Jwj/s1600/cuisinart2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgfaql7YFASb-S_Ao_0nff6e9GkiIvN2l9yOvIDb7EhMJigKgsSOu6zBsgeC0TbwIuaMOTJ9VTR22YC3dSa04w0nN_t5Ed-th68EhnB8ilnM0nu5GDK9tZZ8c6qjWIa6AVFg93pX34Jwj/s320/cuisinart2.jpg" width="162" /></a></div>
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It's a bit pricey though - listed as $270 online. I found one on Amazon for $122.36 if you are interested click <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-SBC-1000-Blend---Cook-Maker/dp/B004VS31LC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353296275&sr=8-1&keywords=cuisinart+soup+blender">here</a>.</div>
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(I am not receiving anything for this post - this is truly just a gadget I love!)</div>
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I only wish it were bigger because I like to make BIG pots of soup.</div>
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Anyway - on to the recipe.</div>
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Since it's Fall, I've been trying to eat as much squash as possible. I love it and both of my children hate it. While most moms might be upset that their kids don't like a vegetable, I'm secretly happy because that means more squash for me.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">shhh. . . don't tell them because I'm forever ACTING like I want them to eat it.</span></div>
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Naturally, since I love squash and I love soup, I figured I'd experiment with a butternut squash soup recipe.</div>
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This one's a keeper. </div>
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First off, it's super healthy because there isn't any cream in this soup.</div>
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It has a rich Fall flavor of butternut squash with a hint of pumpkin.</div>
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<strong>Butternut Squash Pumpkin Yummo</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSv2JXftEYInwp2wZ_mLtIN7r1Sq20H6-lFNCFum8TlwV0J3qI0CVvv4n3DOVpJGnykGVjh4Z8hMAMSx95vbAKpQG2JLR-DLxZs62HBl2mBjIeUjg4AxdPMotAtPU6K3X8_ebpnoA8ny7D/s640/blogger-image-496737475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSv2JXftEYInwp2wZ_mLtIN7r1Sq20H6-lFNCFum8TlwV0J3qI0CVvv4n3DOVpJGnykGVjh4Z8hMAMSx95vbAKpQG2JLR-DLxZs62HBl2mBjIeUjg4AxdPMotAtPU6K3X8_ebpnoA8ny7D/s640/blogger-image-496737475.jpg" /></a></div>
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1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into one inch cubes (I started with a 2-3 pound squash)</div>
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2 tablespoons of butter</div>
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1 medium onion, chopped</div>
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1 clove of garlic - chopped</div>
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4 cups of chicken stock</div>
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1/4 cup pumpkin puree</div>
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1/8 teaspoon nutmeg</div>
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salt and pepper to taste</div>
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Directions:</div>
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1. Heat butter in a large pot</div>
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2. Sautee onions until translucent</div>
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3. Add the chopped garlic and sautee for a minute more</div>
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4. Add the squash cubes and chicken stock</div>
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5. Bring to a boil</div>
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6. When squash becomes soft, dump into a blender</div>
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7. Add pumpkin puree, nutmeg and salt and pepper</div>
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8. Puree soup </div>
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9. Serve with a large salad and warm bread (the bread in the picture is homemade . . . I am OBSESSED with <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/5-minute-artisan-bread-325571">this recipe</a> for homemade bread. It's super EASY and delicious. I discovered it a few weeks ago. No need to knead this bread - you make the dough on the weekends, throw it in the fridge and make fresh bread in less than five minutes whenever you want it over the course of the next TWO weeks. )</div>
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I told you it was easy.</div>
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Apparently, there are additional books out on different versions of this bread. You can bet those books are going on my Christmas list.</div>
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If you try the soup, let me know what you think. I was thinking it might be good to put applesauce in it too!</div>
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Stephenie from Decorating Addictionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08967777863836506677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507803566504874866.post-88091018909795089222012-10-21T21:36:00.000-04:002012-10-21T21:36:15.206-04:00Yikes! My House is Spooked<div style="text-align: center;">
Last week, I pulled in the driveway when I came home from work and was totally freaked out by what hung in my doorway.</div>
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Jason finished spooking up the house for our favorite season. </div>
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These guys have been up for about a week but they still scare me when I'm cooking in the kitchen and I look out the window or when I'm pulling in the driveway.</div>
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Noah is fascinated by them.<br />
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This year, J didn't go crazy with the cobwebs like last year.</div>
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Instead, he kept it fairly simple. I think my favorite Halloween decoration is this skeleton that Jason placed on a candle holder. It's so simple and I love it.</div>
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He also strategically placed these Halloween masks on our bookshelves and again, I had to do a double-take a couple of times! </div>
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If you're opposed to gore, you wouldn't like Jason's decorating. I generally keep things pretty mild, but Jason really gets into the season and he doesn't hold back on the spook factor.<br />
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If Martha Stewart can pull it off, why can't we?</div>
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Of course our whole house isn't gruesome. </div>
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We still have our spooky tree with adorable Halloween decorations we found a few years ago at Pier One Imports.</div>
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The werewolf stayed in the same spot as last year, peeking out from behind a ladder. </div>
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Our bay window is spooked with oversized spiders, tombstones, and a knife stabbed into a plant.</div>
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The house is all set for Halloween. Now we just need to get our costumes!<br />
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Stephenie from Decorating Addictionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08967777863836506677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507803566504874866.post-8873902906987738142012-10-10T19:50:00.000-04:002012-10-21T21:35:24.355-04:00Halloween mantel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's that time of year again! Our favorite holiday season is in full swing - </div>
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Halloween!</div>
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Aisles at stores are packed with all kinds of creepy Halloween decorations and costumes (and candy, of course)!</div>
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We're gearing up for the season by doing our annual decorating. I always love when I pull out the Halloween bins and discover new decorations because I always shop at the end of the season, when everything is 75% off. </div>
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I usually forget about what I purchased until I start to decorate the following year, like these little spider candle votives that we got at Big Lots last year for 90% off.</div>
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It's a good thing because I've been trying to scale back on making purchases of any kind of "stuff" lately. I'm telling you that reading that <em>Garbology</em> book really impacted me as a consumer.<br />
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Anyway, I decided this year I was going to create a black and white mantel. It all started because I pulled out the witch silhouette Jason made a few years ago. I used to frame her above the mantel with a black picture frame, but you might remember that we spray-painted that frame an off-white when we created Noah's nursery?</div>
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Well Noah moved upstairs to our room and we took his nursery downstairs (did I even post about that bedroom switcheroo move? I can't remember).</div>
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So the off-white frame hasn't really been in use. So I pulled it out and put the witch in the center and a black and white themed Halloween mantel was born.</div>
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I searched around our house for anything I could find that was black, white or cream and started pulling a spooky mantel together.</div>
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I moved our bird cage filled with cream candles and placed that on the mantel. I might need to add some plastic spiders on the candles or something to spook it up a bit.</div>
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I also had this old, beat up ironstone plate, so I printed out a spider web using my Silhouette machine and created a little Halloween plate.</div>
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I tossed some plastic skulls in an apothecary jar and added them to the display.</div>
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We had this black and white sign that my mom bought for us a few years ago for a Halloween party we had for Imani and it fit perfectly with the theme this year.</div>
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I added one of my Halloween trees, along with an oversized bat.</div>
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And of course I kept my homemade chalk board, but changed it to read "Trick or Treat." </div>
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I also had some black candlesticks and a black cheese-plate pedestal so I added a white skull (that lights up at night) and some cream colored candles.</div>
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I really want a white pumpkin with an "A" monogram to sit on the pedestal instead of the skull, but I have to get Mr. Coupon Cowboy to sit down and paint one for me. I think I've told you that I am not an artist<br />
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nor am I neat<br />
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so I stay away from paint and paint brushes.<br />
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I just come up with the ideas and my husband makes them a reality. I feel bad he gets suckered into crafts when his degree is in fine arts.<br />
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I haven't had the time to convince him I need a white monogrammed pumpkin yet. He's healing up from his dental implant surgery, which actually went very well in case you were wondering.</div>
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But he did create an awesome pumpkin for me as a surprise when I came home from work a few weeks ago. It's the only item in my display that isn't black or white.</div>
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I had shown Jason a picture in a magazine of a pumpkin painted with a super cool "31" on it. The next thing I knew, this baby was sitting on my table when I came home.</div>
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Those grave stones were also purchased at Big Lots last year for 90% off. I"m loving them placed around the bottom of the mantel. <br />
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And there you have it. Here's the mantel all pulled together.</div>
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And here you can see the whole fireplace, with Jason's masterpiece pumpkin to add a touch of orange.</div>
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Happy Halloween! </div>
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We'll be bringing you more Halloween decorating ideas soon, but if you just can't wait, you can check out some of our past ideas <a href="http://decoratingaddict.blogspot.com/2010/10/spooktacular-decorating-part-i.html">here</a>, <a href="http://decoratingaddict.blogspot.com/2011/10/living-in-draculas-dungeon.html">here</a> and <a href="http://decoratingaddict.blogspot.com/2010/10/spooktacular-decorating-part-ii.html">here</a>.</div>
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And if you want to see some of our crazy costumes, click <a href="http://decoratingaddict.blogspot.com/2010/10/transforming-ourselves.html">here</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://homestoriesatoz.com/?p=8574" target="_blank" title="Fall Party"><img alt="Halloween Mantels" src="http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad2/bethcrabtree/halloweenmantelbutton.png" style="border: currentColor;" /></a></div>
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Stephenie from Decorating Addictionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08967777863836506677noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507803566504874866.post-4845982810770502202012-10-06T22:34:00.002-04:002012-10-06T22:37:34.621-04:00Charting Chores<div style="text-align: center;">
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I think my kid is spoiled. Not spoiled in the sense that she's ungrateful or rude, but spoiled because I haven't given her any real responsibilities on a regular basis.</div>
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I mean she's been getting $20 allowance every month just 'because.' She's supposed to sweep the stairs . . . You know- the stairs I so geniusly had Jason paint black a few years ago? You can read about it <a href="http://decoratingaddict.blogspot.com/2010/03/we-decided-to-do-it.html">here</a>.</div>
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On a side note, do NOT paint your stairs black if<br />
A.) You like to hide dust<br />
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B.) You have forced-air heat <br />
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C.) You have children<br />
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D.) You have pets<br />
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E.) You want to stay sane.</div>
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If you ignore these rules and go ahead and paint your stairs black, do not think your 11-year old will sweep them.</div>
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Even if you're paying her $20 per month to do so.</div>
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So it was Imani's job to sweep the stairs every day and she'd get $20 in return every month. I will say that she is expected to give 10% to a charity of her choice every month and she has to deposit 10% in her bank account.</div>
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The problem was, even though Imani rarely did her expected task, she had her beautiful little brown hand stretched out to me each month for the cash. </div>
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Somewhere along the way . . . (probably when Imani was in diapers and I was a young, single mom reading every child-rearing book possible to assure myself that I wouldn't mess up my child) . . . I read some financial advisor's advice to NEVER link allowance to chores.</div>
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Clearly I didn't listen. In fact, not only did I link sweeping the stairs with allowance, but I was paying even when the job wasn't done consistently.</div>
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So Jason and I decided something had to change. As much as we love that sweet little Imani with those big brown peepers, every month we were teaching her that she didn't have to work for money.</div>
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So we're revamping allowance . . . I'll post more about that later. </div>
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And we've decided that there are certain chores that are non-negotiable. They need to get done every day by all of us (without pay).</div>
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There are mainly three things that we decided to split up: Combing Maggie (and brushing her teeth), Setting the table (with drinks), and cleaning up the table (which includes putting everything away and loading the dish washer).</div>
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As you know, I love Pinterest. I found the cutest idea on there to rotate these chores so that no one gets stuck doing the same chore each night.</div>
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I bought printable magnetic sheets that look like this<br />
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I printed a picture of each of us on the magnetic sheets and cut them out so they looked like this.</div>
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Then, I made a chart listing each of the three chores. I put our pictures under each of the three jobs and they just get moved over to the next column when you finish your chore.<br />
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We've been doing this for about two weeks and so far, it's working out great!</div>
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How is Ms. Imani making money, you wonder? Stay tuned . . . I've got all the details for you (and she loves it, and so do we!)</div>
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Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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Stephenie from Decorating Addictionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08967777863836506677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507803566504874866.post-63810126481160127042012-10-02T22:28:00.000-04:002012-10-02T22:28:21.633-04:00InstAddiction<div style="text-align: center;">
Lately, I've been liking Instagram much more than Facebook. Have you joined yet? It's so much fun to see everyone's photos. Some people use Instagram as a way to preserve memories and share photos of their families while others use it to capture artistic shots of everyday objects.</div>
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I enjoy it so much, and it doesn't take up as much time as Facebook.</div>
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Last month, I attempted to participate in <a href="http://fatmumslim.com.au/">FatMumSlim'</a>s photo a day challenge. Have you heard of it?</div>
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There is a topic each day and you take a picture to go along with the theme and use the hashtag #fmsphotoaday.</div>
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It's pretty cool to look back and see the month in review. Although I missed a few days, I wanted to share my month's photos with you. I'm joining in again this month if you'd like to join too!</div>
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If you follow me on Instagram, sometimes I add a little explanation. If you'd like to read any of them, you can click on the pictures at the bottom right of my blog and it will take you directly to my Instagram page. There are a lot of other great photos there too that don't go along with FatMumSlim's challenge -- just random shots of my life.</div>
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September 1 was "You, Now" and I missed that day.</div>
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September 2 was: "Father"</div>
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I joined on September 3, and the topic was "Distance." I didn't know how to add text to my photos at this point in the game:</div>
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September 4 - "In My Mailbox." I missed this day too!</div>
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September 24: "3 Things" - I missed this day.</div>
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If you'd like to join in this month, here are the October topics. It's not too late! Grab that smart phone and start shooting! You can share on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or all three; just use #fmsphotoaday as your hashtag! </div>
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Have fun!</div>
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Stephenie from Decorating Addictionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08967777863836506677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507803566504874866.post-28351008896036955422012-09-26T07:00:00.000-04:002012-09-26T07:00:10.981-04:00Our latest collection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do you remember a couple of years ago when Jason was obsessed with old, rusty cans?</div>
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He got the nickname "The Can Man" for a while.</div>
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You can read about his can collecting adventures <a href="http://decoratingaddict.blogspot.com/2010/03/can-man.html">here</a>.</div>
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Thankfully, that collection has halted. The cans are still placed strategically around the house and I'd still like to get rid of them.</div>
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But Jason found a new object to collect.</div>
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We were walking around an antique store called <a href="http://foundinithaca.com/">"Found"</a> here in Ithaca about a month ago and this little guy caught Jason's eye through the glass showcase.</div>
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I had a gift certificate for my birthday from my mother-in-law and I kept wandering around the store looking at vintage jewelry to buy but Jason had his eye on that fish.</div>
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I finally decided on a cake plate . . . it just happened that the cost of the cake plate wouldn't use up all of the gift certificate, so I decided I'd get the fish bottle opener for Jason.</div>
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Jason loves the bottle opener, especially since our old bottle opener is a little junky thing that probably came from the dollar store.</div>
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Right before Jason's birthday, I went on Etsy to see if I could find some more bottle openers, since J mentioned that it would be cool to have a collection. I couldn't believe the selection!</div>
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I remembered reading in Martha Stewart or somewhere that usually collectors pick a common theme for their collection.</div>
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So antique plate collectors will often pick plates with only gold edging, or only blue plates, or only plates from a certain time period . . . you get the idea.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(For the can man, it was any can with lots of rust.)</span></div>
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So I had some choices.</div>
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I could buy only fish bottle openers.</div>
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Or only animal bottle openers.</div>
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In the end, I decided to go with bronze or gold bottle openers.</div>
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I found this darling little dog bottle opener.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_J-h2_kNobGa2IA7Ko9qoca2dolBfIr7idoPpRkdbF1N3usDYLZeK8Zo7XSVSSLV2kaiKjIW__g3nPmyjTcG0JeF-fLAGGqaVSGhixHH3ajQmKxcM7Ia9exya99JnAoQkUpLjQ5sEkenD/s640/blogger-image--880502265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_J-h2_kNobGa2IA7Ko9qoca2dolBfIr7idoPpRkdbF1N3usDYLZeK8Zo7XSVSSLV2kaiKjIW__g3nPmyjTcG0JeF-fLAGGqaVSGhixHH3ajQmKxcM7Ia9exya99JnAoQkUpLjQ5sEkenD/s640/blogger-image--880502265.jpg" /></a></div>
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And this horse bottle opener.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAPvh4K_mx1vUZqkLE_L4-tAPlCtoYqnZY_m4SGRD-WP5bScrVIR9rvyQjHCOAD_VmGzXYYDevOFjAzfEyiz3w6tcnfrwDS3wbyXxTFm9xqjXn-2LEGNf0bCPRcrUMyFtzp2hXZ-Ebtg_/s640/blogger-image-344498779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAPvh4K_mx1vUZqkLE_L4-tAPlCtoYqnZY_m4SGRD-WP5bScrVIR9rvyQjHCOAD_VmGzXYYDevOFjAzfEyiz3w6tcnfrwDS3wbyXxTFm9xqjXn-2LEGNf0bCPRcrUMyFtzp2hXZ-Ebtg_/s640/blogger-image-344498779.jpg" /></a></div>
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So now we have the beginning of a collection (the fish remains Jason's favorite). Aren't they cute?!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOySCj1f71zyf1pPKVBxG6ENlsOJEymmkmwc7ddqVNK32SpDKzDIroytydM7oLFtbU4lWaIWIOd6eCSfeB8tsG314JbgBtJ7tiGTt3VmZ6DeqMWldm_SmZ-2iqfLv09noOxTTGCbi9lkRo/s1600/bottleopeners.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOySCj1f71zyf1pPKVBxG6ENlsOJEymmkmwc7ddqVNK32SpDKzDIroytydM7oLFtbU4lWaIWIOd6eCSfeB8tsG314JbgBtJ7tiGTt3VmZ6DeqMWldm_SmZ-2iqfLv09noOxTTGCbi9lkRo/s640/bottleopeners.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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And I'm no longer embarrassed when someone needs a bottle opener at my house. Now we just need to figure out how to display them!</div>
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/92/402288BA2A7AA9CB2949DF8CD38845DF.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" />Stephenie from Decorating Addictionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08967777863836506677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507803566504874866.post-39714501261894648682012-09-25T07:00:00.000-04:002012-09-25T07:00:05.167-04:00Simple Fall Mantel<div style="text-align: center;">
Every year in September I am tempted to decorate the mantel for Halloween because it's my favorite season, but I always make myself wait until October.</div>
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So after I took down the <a href="http://decoratingaddict.blogspot.com/2012/09/first-day-of-school-mantel.html">'Back to school mantel,</a>' I created a mantel to celebrate Fall. It will only be up for a couple of weeks before I put up the Halloween mantel for the month of October, but I figured I'd share it with you before I change it. It's pretty simple</div>
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I have my monogrammed platter, that I have managed not to break for several years now! You can read about it <a href="http://decoratingaddict.blogspot.com/2010/04/shattered.html">here</a>.</div>
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I have a collection of old bottles, so I gathered a couple in brown and one in red and added them to the mantel.</div>
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I have my mirror turned into a chalk board, along with some cat tails and some stalks of wheat that Imani found a few years ago. I also placed some Fall colored candles on the mantel and threw in some pine cones for texture.</div>
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To the left is a big round vase filled with a money plant my friend Brittney gave me many years ago. It's one of my favorite gifts in my house.</div>
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/92/402288BA2A7AA9CB2949DF8CD38845DF.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" />Stephenie from Decorating Addictionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08967777863836506677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507803566504874866.post-55685921978103045962012-09-24T07:00:00.000-04:002012-09-24T07:00:06.737-04:00Pink Fall Tablescape<div style="text-align: center;">
Who says Fall has to have oranges and yellows?</div>
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This year I set out to create a Fall tablescape that used pink rather than orange only because I bought a bunch of beautiful snapdragons at my local farmer's market for just $5.</div>
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As you know, after reading <em>Garbology</em> and having my <a href="http://www.decoratingaddict.blogspot.com/2012/09/a-green-awakening.html">"Green Awakening</a><em>,"</em> I'm trying not to contribute to the cycle of consumption and waste. I was going to head to the Salvation Army to get some things to pull together a Fall tablescape, but I figured I'd see if I could do it without purchasing anything.</div>
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So I headed out to my yard and gathered some things that indicate Fall.</div>
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I added some cat tails and some of the 'weeds' from the tops of our tall grasses to the snapdragons. I also wrapped a piece of burlap and some brown paper ribbon around the vase to add texture.</div>
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I used a piece of burlap as a table runner.</div>
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I also gathered up some acorns and stuck them inside the twine I wrapped around the napkins.<br />
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I ripped some brown packaging paper and wrote names on for place cards. </div>
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I wanted to keep it simple (and cheap!)<br />
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Finally, I collected some of these prickly thistle-like stems (if someone knows the real name of these weeds, please inform me!) and put them in two old beer bottles. Be extra careful if you decide to use these for decorating because they are full of prickers.</div>
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Seriously, they could be used as a weapon if anyone broke into our home while we were eating dinner. </div>
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I'm happy with what I came up with.</div>
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And there you have it -an easy, inexpensive, and pink Fall tablescape. If I can do it, you can too!</div>
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Partying With</div>
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<a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/fall-table-decorating-ideas-link-party/" title="The Lettered Cottage"><img alt="The Lettered Cottage" src="http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj29/LaylaPalmer/Linky%20Buttons/Fall_Link_Party_Layla-1.jpg" style="border: currentColor;" /></a></div>
Stephenie from Decorating Addictionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08967777863836506677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507803566504874866.post-74744358105388135112012-09-22T15:19:00.000-04:002012-09-22T15:19:18.530-04:00Welcome Fall<br />
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I can't believe today is the first day of Fall. The older I get, the faster time goes by!</div>
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Fall is one of my favorite seasons - especially here in the Fingerlakes of Upstate New York.</div>
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What's not to love?</div>
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Beautiful Fall colors<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/210332245068313578/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="602" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/156570524514864134_UmbSYWE8_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://shannoneileenblog.typepad.com/happiness-is/colors/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">shannoneileenblog.typepad.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/decoratingaddic/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephenie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Walks in the cool air with leaves crunching beneath your feet</div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/210332245068313591/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/111886371962019665_TsbaeHk8_c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://thecolorsofmymind.tumblr.com/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">thecolorsofmymind.tumblr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/decoratingaddic/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephenie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Picking Apples</div>
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Hot Apple Cider<br />
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Source: <a href="http://www.bravoalphaevents.com/category/fall-is-here-hot-apple-cider-recipe/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">bravoalphaevents.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/decoratingaddic/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephenie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://prettyorganizedpalace.blogspot.com/2009/09/fall-craft-ideas.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">prettyorganizedpalace.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/teresaann/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Teresa</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2012/07/best-apple-pie-youll-ever-have-with.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">joannagoddard.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/decoratingaddic/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephenie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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All things Halloween - dressing up, decorating, and candy!</div>
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You can see some of other costumes <a href="http://decoratingaddict.blogspot.com/2010/10/transforming-ourselves.html">here</a> . . . and some of our other Halloween decorating ideas <a href="http://decoratingaddict.blogspot.com/2010/10/spooktacular-decorating-part-i.html">here</a>, <a href="http://decoratingaddict.blogspot.com/2010/10/spooktacular-decorating-part-ii.html">here</a> and <a href="http://decoratingaddict.blogspot.com/2011/10/living-in-draculas-dungeon.html">here</a>..</div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.tricksyknitter.com/pages/posts/cabled-cowl-on-the-needles-277.php" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">tricksyknitter.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/xshihtzumax/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Donna</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Crockpot meals</div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/beef_bean_chile_verde.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">eatingwell.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/alnelson0/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Andrea</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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What's your favorite thing about Fall? To bring in the season, this week I'll be sharing my Fall tablescape (no orange or yellow!), my Fall mantel and hopefully my Halloween mantel! Be sure to stop back and see how we celebrate our favorite season.</div>
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/92/402288BA2A7AA9CB2949DF8CD38845DF.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" />Stephenie from Decorating Addictionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08967777863836506677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507803566504874866.post-61985583569079563922012-09-19T20:07:00.000-04:002012-09-19T20:07:24.917-04:00How to Save Mementos<div style="text-align: center;">
Now that summer has come to an end, you probably find yourself with a whole lot of memories of summer vacations, picnics and family gatherings.</div>
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With those memories often comes 'stuff' you collect in an attempt to preserve those memories - to hold onto a piece of them forever so that you won't forget.</div>
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The part of me that still has <a href="http://www.decoratingaddict.blogspot.com/2012/09/a-green-awakening.html">Bea Johnson from "Garbology</a>" whispering in my ear tells me to tell you to stop collecting stuff because it will only clutter your life and will probably just end up in a landfill at some point.</div>
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But another part of me - a bigger part of me - a part of me I am struggling to change- identifies with keeping every ticket stub and every seashell because each one conjures up a feeling I don't want to ever forget.</div>
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So what can you do with all of these mementos?</div>
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Of course there's always scrapbooking, but I've told you a thousand and one times that I'm not neat. Jason would have to be the one to make all those cuts and glue everything to the pages in straight lines. </div>
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But there are some other ways to preserve memories. Keeping mementos in jars is one that I really like (although I've never actually done it).</div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.paleandinteresting.com/pages/look-book-spring10-7" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">paleandinteresting.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/decoratingaddic/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephenie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Of course that savvy couple John and Sherry over at <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/">Young House Love</a> have done it:</div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2010/07/wedding-week-iii-love-the-perfect-accessory/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">younghouselove.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/decoratingaddic/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephenie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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I like this one because of the uniformity of all of the jars:</div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">Uploaded by user</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/decoratingaddic/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephenie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Maybe your objects don't fit nicely into a little jar. How about a memory tree? Here, family mementos are preserved on little tree.</div>
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Source: <a href="http://bluemossgirls.blogspot.com/2011/02/twigs.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">bluemossgirls.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/decoratingaddic/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephenie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Or maybe you have a bunch of things that trigger memories, but you don't want them on display? You might consider a memory box. You could have one for each memory, or one big box that houses a bunch of mementos.</div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;"></a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/wajeeda/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Wajeeda</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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And what about storing mementos that aren't necessarily from vacations, but are daily items like child's artwork? There are a million different ideas on Pinterest and all over blog land on the best ways to manage the pounds and pounds of artwork that comes home, but here are a few of the displays I like best.</div>
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Creating a wall to serve as a "gallery" looks nice and will certainly honor your little artist</div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/104849497545257874/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="680" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/104849497545257874_mX624DsI_c.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZhlLaD9hR-SHQ4QcribN5CHk-78LKXThBFS8DBDwh-5Rt2vvJZlI27WHjZU7AhFDn25okW8SS62jR8wMtTgYuBV7rsqxFUNSbvtLZQA4Cm6BA73dB2lu42j3uyRvfJEtqj1hRN2uxstU/s1600/line+and+clips.jpg" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">4.bp.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/ambersidak/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Amber</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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This chalk board is fun because you can change the art whenever you want and draw whimsical frames around the piece.</div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/210332245066585932/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/276267758360991640_HKSV7EQF_c.jpg" width="299" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.artful-adventures.co.uk/2011/02/25/chalkboard-gallery/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">artful-adventures.co.uk</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/decoratingaddic/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephenie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Keep it simple with a series of clip boards</div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/210332245066523516/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="357" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/216454325809981099_ORhjSEYc_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://craftytexasgirls.blogspot.com/2011/05/display-your-kids-art.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">craftytexasgirls.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/decoratingaddic/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephenie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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I love these white frames with all of the colorful kid's artwork displayed.
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Source: <a href="http://bromeliadliving.blogspot.com/2011/01/diy-art-with-kids-drawings.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">bromeliadliving.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/decoratingaddic/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephenie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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And what about greeting cards, notes and other little mementos?</div>
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Here is a nice little booklet was created to keep a couple's wedding cards. The details are beautiful (see the little cross at the top of the ring? Love it!)</div>
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Source: <a href="http://somethingturquoise.com/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">somethingturquoise.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/decoratingaddic/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephenie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Here an old shutter is re-purposed to display cards.</div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/210332245066585912/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/142496775679252341_xu73xZ9r_c.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.bhg.com/decorating/storage/projects/daily-mail-organizing-center/?page=4" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">bhg.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/decoratingaddic/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephenie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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I like this simple envelope idea to store kid's notes.</div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/210332245066585943/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="437" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/169799848420181951_k7ykVeWj_c.jpg" width="554" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.stephmodo.com/2011/04/easy-way-to-preserve-your-childs.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">stephmodo.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/decoratingaddic/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephenie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Simply place the notes inside, put a sticker on the front and date it.</div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/210332245066585907/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="387" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/147844800236750177_I6PjZ6iy_c.jpg" width="554" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-vC3dSZ4cUP_CKuVXL0WUGadh881UgYBZKGnVm2oXmIuA-oYyNZOdhC5tqR488oD-EgNQR1MOeW3kw-d-c8IwpdKuuXvpKVcJk6mHuFHQCrFPsxKwN9hMez8RtQPowNRQxU7-C80SM0/s1600/+preservingmementos2" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">1.bp.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/decoratingaddic/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Stephenie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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What do we do?</div>
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Well, we are big fans of real photos, so I try to get them printed regularly and put them in photo albums. </div>
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You might recall that our seating arrangements at our wedding turned into a book of personalized messages from each of our guests. You can read about it <a href="http://decoratingaddict.blogspot.com/p/two-addicts-become-one.html">here</a>.</div>
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The cover is a picture of us and inside there is a photo of each guest and the message they wrote to us on the back.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOS5hGctEFMgaLFkyCtcNxKNlip1WB7fiSXRqquURg4ZoNPSElDq0HCepdSOVRrxc7lXR7nC86Aq-hvgaGf5j4z9sTPrx8wIHHS2dIfwM1QpDQeejP8zyxe9KQiR3OVhAH0R9pTG6grY_8/s1600/memorybook.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOS5hGctEFMgaLFkyCtcNxKNlip1WB7fiSXRqquURg4ZoNPSElDq0HCepdSOVRrxc7lXR7nC86Aq-hvgaGf5j4z9sTPrx8wIHHS2dIfwM1QpDQeejP8zyxe9KQiR3OVhAH0R9pTG6grY_8/s400/memorybook.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And for all of Imani's awards, ribbons, etc, I keep them in a 3-ring binder with clear sleeves. It's nothing earth shattering or particularly beautiful but it's a place where everything is stored in one spot for her to look back one day and take with her if she wants.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPzvtRYKy1p67C-uRMUq9rzk8Ag8QztdVxwTUIAnSD5ViAzUAKaBCdCzYMqB2bIq9nxxQ2eeUmoh6kE5CVJXQKqqXm-FdP2B6-NHHFTS3hyphenhyphen9Rqo1NTmLlegLTVouHb3bb8pqnfj8o4Sl-/s1600/imaniaward.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPzvtRYKy1p67C-uRMUq9rzk8Ag8QztdVxwTUIAnSD5ViAzUAKaBCdCzYMqB2bIq9nxxQ2eeUmoh6kE5CVJXQKqqXm-FdP2B6-NHHFTS3hyphenhyphen9Rqo1NTmLlegLTVouHb3bb8pqnfj8o4Sl-/s400/imaniaward.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuc5_qYqBGVFz0TMJsAurbEbCJX9MsYDwI53l5wcVLKBFm21klq7WdfqsXZ-59iAMalvXdtYUfyVmxd_EfdsAnXsWe9pQ3o-xMOA-nUtasY6iw7qTD6ys8odQ4l7A-w9_MG7SkfLY9stwC/s1600/imaniithacajournal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuc5_qYqBGVFz0TMJsAurbEbCJX9MsYDwI53l5wcVLKBFm21klq7WdfqsXZ-59iAMalvXdtYUfyVmxd_EfdsAnXsWe9pQ3o-xMOA-nUtasY6iw7qTD6ys8odQ4l7A-w9_MG7SkfLY9stwC/s400/imaniithacajournal.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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As for children's art? We used to keep every piece but that got overwhelming quickly. So we have a couple of storage bins and we choose our favorite pieces and display them on the side of the refrigerator when they first come home. After that, they are stored in the bin in the basement. Some pieces of artwork have been turned into magnets, others have been turned into Christmas ornaments.</div>
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We also have decorative boxes - one houses mementos from Imani's infancy (like baby shoes, a frilly dress, etc) and one houses mementos from our wedding. </div>
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What about you? What's your favorite way to store mementos?</div>
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Stephenie from Decorating Addictionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08967777863836506677noreply@blogger.com1