tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-779750773543897192024-03-18T02:00:52.039-05:00Destination SeabornFor whatever we lose (like a you or a me), it's always ourselve we find in the sea... EE CummingsDestination Seabornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15630428177537764457noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77975077354389719.post-65614034593505551272010-12-20T22:31:00.001-05:002010-12-20T22:38:56.625-05:00Holiday Open House<em><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello everyone...It's been a long time! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life is good. Just busy. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I successfully completed my first two quarters of nursing school. So I'm one-third of the way there. YIPEE!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With six weeks of break from school and two toddlers, my time (and funds) have been limited. Unfortunately I didn't get to do much decorating for the holidays. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please allow me to share with you my open house from last year. <em><strong>Christmas 2009</strong></em>...It was a beauty! </span><br />
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<em><span style="font-size: 130%;">"One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don't clean it up too quickly" ~Andy Rooney</span></em><br />
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Welcome to our Holiday Open House. We've been expecting you, please come in!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzG4Zd-S5MI/AAAAAAAAAQk/CEngwnQ3vX8/s1600-h/IMG_1320.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418314574385571010" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzG4Zd-S5MI/AAAAAAAAAQk/CEngwnQ3vX8/s400/IMG_1320.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzGxDxyntZI/AAAAAAAAAQE/CDmK4LxPOLg/s1600-h/IMG_1307.JPG"></a>Here's the piano decorated with a collection of candlesticks and ornaments.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzG4Znb-yrI/AAAAAAAAAQs/AFtu_rEhlTw/s1600-h/IMG_1322.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418314576926001842" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzG4Znb-yrI/AAAAAAAAAQs/AFtu_rEhlTw/s400/IMG_1322.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
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Can you believe I found this vintage sheet music in my attic? Dating back to the 1890's, this book was given me from my grandmother. It belonged to her mother.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzGxDvXB_lI/AAAAAAAAAP8/lPrAEVzVviE/s1600-h/IMG_1305.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418306504514207314" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzGxDvXB_lI/AAAAAAAAAP8/lPrAEVzVviE/s400/IMG_1305.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzGxDY2VfJI/AAAAAAAAAP0/_d3ePArgykw/s1600-h/IMG_1304.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418306498471492754" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzGxDY2VfJI/AAAAAAAAAP0/_d3ePArgykw/s400/IMG_1304.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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Another attic find, this book of carols from 1970 was also given to me from my grandmother.<br />
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<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzGghbDN3vI/AAAAAAAAANk/9MDjipmFscY/s1600-h/IMG_1221.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418288322760793842" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzGghbDN3vI/AAAAAAAAANk/9MDjipmFscY/s400/IMG_1221.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
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Here's the Christmas tree. I wanted it to feel fun and festive, so it's dressed with lots of red and lime green. What's that? It looks like Santa's already been here and left a little something.<br />
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<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzGvcjCLgvI/AAAAAAAAAPM/jOK9MJe-Jig/s1600-h/IMG_1287.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418304731678999282" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzGvcjCLgvI/AAAAAAAAAPM/jOK9MJe-Jig/s400/IMG_1287.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> </div><br />
I purchased this retro bicycle in 2005 when I found out I was pregnant with our <a href="http://destinationseaborn.blogspot.com/2010/01/remembering.html">first child</a>. Four years later, I'm hopeful this will be the year that one of my children will ride it. </div><div><br />
<div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzGvdkWGugI/AAAAAAAAAPk/QLed50Ab8mc/s1600-h/IMG_1298.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418304749210876418" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzGvdkWGugI/AAAAAAAAAPk/QLed50Ab8mc/s400/IMG_1298.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div></div><div>These are a couple <a href="http://destinationseaborn.blogspot.com/2009/12/ornamental-highlights-of-christmas.html">special ornaments </a>I'd like to share with you. They commemorate our little boys' first Christmas.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzHI-aJu6wI/AAAAAAAAARc/BmtKqWyFvMg/s1600-h/IMG_1148.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418332801201007362" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzHI-aJu6wI/AAAAAAAAARc/BmtKqWyFvMg/s400/IMG_1148.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> </div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzHI93YcyqI/AAAAAAAAARU/pg6Pw2m7Msk/s1600-h/IMG_1147.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418332791867493026" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzHI93YcyqI/AAAAAAAAARU/pg6Pw2m7Msk/s400/IMG_1147.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
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<div></div><div></div><div>Here's a bucket of leftover ornaments. They were just too pretty to put away.<br />
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</div><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzGxDKUPikI/AAAAAAAAAPs/pIsanGNwueg/s1600-h/IMG_1303.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418306494570400322" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzGxDKUPikI/AAAAAAAAAPs/pIsanGNwueg/s400/IMG_1303.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> </div><div></div><div>It's getting a little cool. Let's gather by the fireplace to warm up. </div><div></div><div><br />
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</div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzGvc7qJjJI/AAAAAAAAAPU/WfDroHU2COA/s1600-h/IMG_1288.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418304738289093778" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzGvc7qJjJI/AAAAAAAAAPU/WfDroHU2COA/s400/IMG_1288.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a></div><div>Let me turn on the lights. I'd like you to see my Ballard's inspired mantel.<br />
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<div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzGt4zcs5fI/AAAAAAAAAPE/egAEqSH-IW8/s1600-h/IMG_1284.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418303018098288114" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzGt4zcs5fI/AAAAAAAAAPE/egAEqSH-IW8/s400/IMG_1284.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> </div><div>Remember these <a href="http://destinationseaborn.blogspot.com/2009/12/christmas.html">stockings,</a> I'm so proud of them!<br />
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</div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzGvdJiHl7I/AAAAAAAAAPc/2lKFBBm85io/s1600-h/IMG_1297.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418304742013507506" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzGvdJiHl7I/AAAAAAAAAPc/2lKFBBm85io/s400/IMG_1297.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
And look at these adorable Gift boxes! It's amazing how far a Dollar Tree gift box, some wire-edged ribbon (also found at DT) and a little hot glue goes. </div><div><br />
<div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzGsNyVc69I/AAAAAAAAAOk/VqpWb5iSJHE/s1600-h/IMG_1272.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418301179553442770" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzGsNyVc69I/AAAAAAAAAOk/VqpWb5iSJHE/s400/IMG_1272.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> </div><div>Shh...I think I hear something?!!!!!<br />
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</div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzG6hRcyI6I/AAAAAAAAAQ8/njiVq70izOY/s1600-h/IMG_1344.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418316907485995938" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/SzG6hRcyI6I/AAAAAAAAAQ8/njiVq70izOY/s400/IMG_1344.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> </div><div>It's Baby Santa coming by to wish you and yours a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!</div><div></div><div></div><div>Sincerely, Lisa</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div align="center"><br />
2010 Christmas Tour of Homes at <a href="http://cottageandvine.blogspot.com/2010/12/2010-christmas-tour-of-homes.html">Cottage and Vine</a><br />
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Metamorphosis Monday at <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2009/12/welcome-to-49th-metamorphosis-monday.html">Between Naps on the Porch</a></div><div align="center">DIY Day at <a href="http://asoftplace.net/2009/12/diy-day-3/">A Soft Place to Land</a></div></div></div></div></div></div>Destination Seabornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15630428177537764457noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77975077354389719.post-14059266720372140812010-07-29T23:54:00.002-05:002010-07-30T00:39:59.502-05:00No Writing on the Fireplace Please!!!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Earlier this year I decided it was time to update my fireplace. Through much trial, error and reader feedback, I finally found inspiration. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/TFI61B-RG9I/AAAAAAAAAyI/IoJqpofPfWY/s1600/Blackboard-slate+fireplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/TFI61B-RG9I/AAAAAAAAAyI/IoJqpofPfWY/s320/Blackboard-slate+fireplace.jpg" width="272" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/pacificnw/2004/0523/cover_capitolarch.html">Pacific Northwest</a></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I loved this fireplace for the simplicity and timeless look of the surrounding slate. Imagine my surprise when I read that it was actually a recycled blackboard. A Craigslist search revealed a few sheets of "vintage blackboard"...but at prices I didn't want to pay. </span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">About that time Janell from </span><a href="http://isabellaandmaxrooms.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Isabella and Max Rooms</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> was completing her awesome </span><a href="http://isabellaandmaxrooms.blogspot.com/2010/02/loving-chalkboard-wall.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">chalkboard wall</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> when it occurred to me....</span></div><div align="left"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/TFJEXlmSIjI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/XAQT0rqDPy0/s1600/Chalkboard+wall" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/TFJEXlmSIjI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/XAQT0rqDPy0/s400/Chalkboard+wall" width="273" /></span></a></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If original chalkboards are slate.... </span></em></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And chalkboard paint is made to replicate the look of slate chalkboards....</span></em></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Then why can't I use chalkboard paint to paint my fireplace surround?</em> </span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well Hubby quickly told me why...because <em>it should be fireproof incase we ever want to hook up the gas logs</em>. {Yes, we had to remove the gas logs because they had become the children's favorite toy}. </span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally, the solution came to me as I was watching HGTV....</span></div><div align="left"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/TFJKDBfBiKI/AAAAAAAAAyY/vG1qpw1aA6M/s1600/cement+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="282" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/TFJKDBfBiKI/AAAAAAAAAyY/vG1qpw1aA6M/s400/cement+board.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div align="left"><br />
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</div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cement board {AKA Durock, Wonderboard, Hardibacker} was just what I needed. Fireproof, waterproof, and less than $20 at any Lowes or Home Depot...OH YEAH!</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After reviewing my share of chalkboard paint, I choose the Valspar Chalkboard paint because it guaranteed a "slate-like finish". Exactly what I wanted and at $13 a can, it was still within my budget. </span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/TFJKzEhyAMI/AAAAAAAAAyg/tZHdXmoQrOI/s1600/Valspar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/TFJKzEhyAMI/AAAAAAAAAyg/tZHdXmoQrOI/s400/Valspar.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So after cutting the cement board to size, rolling two coats of chalkboard paint and applying a coat of matte finish polyurethane...here's what we ended up with.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/TFJNPoR6wzI/AAAAAAAAAyo/0mhYfdmHb4s/s1600/IMG_2352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/TFJNPoR6wzI/AAAAAAAAAyo/0mhYfdmHb4s/s400/IMG_2352.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I love it!</span> </span></span></span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take a look at the boring BEFORE:</span></div><div align="left"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/TFJToOb8dYI/AAAAAAAAAzA/imssQDykpEA/s1600/IMG_1494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/TFJToOb8dYI/AAAAAAAAAzA/imssQDykpEA/s400/IMG_1494.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now the awesome and affordable AFTER:</span></div><div align="left"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/TFJNPoR6wzI/AAAAAAAAAyo/0mhYfdmHb4s/s1600/IMG_2352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/TFJNPoR6wzI/AAAAAAAAAyo/0mhYfdmHb4s/s400/IMG_2352.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you can see, the neutral color and simple design of the chalkboard "slate" allow the fireplace's beautiful woodwork take center stage. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">So there you have it, another use for chalkboard paint. Whoever would have known?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">For more great chalkboard inspiration check out <a href="http://www.thestoriesofa2z.com/2010/07/chalkboard-paint-party.html">Beth's Chalkboard Par</a>ty at <a href="http://www.thestoriesofa2z.com/">The Stories from A 2 Z</a>. Enjoy!</span></div><div align="left"><br />
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</div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Sincerely, Lisa</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2010/07/frugal-friday_30.html">Frugal Friday</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://decormamma.blogspot.com/2010/07/frugalicious-friday-giveawaywonderfully_29.html">Frugalicious Friday</a></span></div>Destination Seabornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15630428177537764457noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77975077354389719.post-72942063234400781972010-07-27T23:22:00.001-05:002010-07-27T23:55:33.222-05:00A trip to Holland...March was Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. I started writing this post in April. Overwhelmed with emotion, I stopped. Three months later, I'm ready to finish.<br />
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If you've been reading my blog, then you know our path to parenthood has been filled with <a href="http://destinationseaborn.blogspot.com/2010/01/remembering-angelversary.html">grief</a>. Our first pregnancy ended in loss and our second pregnancy....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S50Uy832yeI/AAAAAAAAAvI/P84RyqmtCf4/s1600-h/holland-tulips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S50Uy832yeI/AAAAAAAAAvI/P84RyqmtCf4/s320/holland-tulips.jpg" vt="true" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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took us to <a href="http://users.erols.com/jmatts/welcome%20to%20holland.html">Holland</a>. <br />
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<br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Twelve weeks into our pregnancy, the technician noticed an abnormality in the ultrasound of our unborn child. She asked me to get dressed, the doctor wanted to see us in her office. </div><br />
Entering the Doctor's office, I recognized that look of disappointment on her face from the last time she had given us bad news. Sure enough, the baby's brain was NOT developing correctly. After double checking her medical books, the doctor suspected our baby had Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum (ACC). <br />
<br />
We were referred to the Prenatal specialists at The Ohio State University Medical Center. <br />
<br />
Following an amniocentesis and a fetal MRI, the only thing that could be confirmed is that we were having a boy and there was no genetic abnormalities. {Praise God for those victories!}<br />
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The next few weeks were spent crying and worrying of what we become of our unborn child affectionately called peanut. {How ironic is it that Max is allergic to peanuts?} After fussing God out a few times and asking him why me, I became angry with him. {I call these moments my season of GETHSEMANE}<br />
<br />
Whether it was God or not, one day I realized that this child is going to be WHO God created him to be. I can't spend the rest of my life worrying about his abilities and disabilities. Yes, there will be days {like today} that I'm saddened by his limitations but there will be MORE days that I rejoice in the beauty of who he is.<br />
<br />
Following another mri when Max was four months old, it was confirmed that he had ACC. We got the news while we were vacationing in South Carolina. At that very moment we were faced with the choice, to sit around and feel sorry for ourselves or keep going. <br />
<br />
Max turned three in May. Despite his best efforts, he does not walk. In April, we added another specialist to his medical repertoire. A doctor specializing in physical medicine. His most recent diagnosis is Cerebral Palsy. <br />
<br />
But like everytime else, we'll just keep on going...<br />
<br />
Sincerely, LisaDestination Seabornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15630428177537764457noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77975077354389719.post-19532100429689076422010-04-09T16:23:00.003-05:002010-07-30T08:39:42.699-05:00School Daze and Lessons LearnedWell, I made it. Although I've survived my first two weeks of class, It has certainly been a comedy of errors. <br />
<br />
By the end of the first day, I learned the most valuable lesson in self care. <br />
<br />
Too nervous to eat, I skipped breakfast thinking I would have time to grab a snack before lunch. WRONG! When they say clinical is scheduled 7a-1p, that's what they mean. We had {two} two minute potty breaks. Whew!<br />
<br />
After clinical, I have a thirty minute break until my next class. Any smart person would eat lunch, but not me. I was afraid I'd be late to class. So by the time 3pm rolled around, I was done. MIGRAINE!<br />
<br />
The good part...I managed to pick up the kids and was driving home before I vomitted all over myself and the driver's side of the car.<br />
The bad part...c'mon the whole experience was bad. Who really wants to clean this mess. <br />
<br />
The other mishap came on Thursday. As I was trying to determine if I had the actual pen or trainer-pen, I accidently shot myself with Max's epi-pen. Lucky for me it was a through and through shot to my non -dominant thumb. <br />
<br />
The common factor for both events: ANXIETY. <br />
<br />
I approached the second week getting more rest and feeling less stressed. I start each day with a hearty bowl of oatmeal and pack a snack. I not only found the cafeteria, but also a couple lunch buddies from my nursing classes. <br />
<br />
Although, I made a couple mistakes this week (like studying the wrong vocab words for my first Anatomy and Physiology quiz), I'm feeling more confident. <br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Right now my biggest challenge is the amount of time I spend on the computer. Technology plays a huge role in today's education. Most of our assignments, grades and class notes are given via Blackboard (the university's web-based community). By the end of the day, my eyes are strained and my head hurts from staring at a screen. I'm wondering if glasses would help?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S7-XawlBOyI/AAAAAAAAAxw/1Y4JXOzIygM/s1600/glasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S7-XawlBOyI/AAAAAAAAAxw/1Y4JXOzIygM/s400/glasses.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>So there you have it...my first school report. I'm enjoying school. I love learning and I'm thankful for the opportunity I've been given. <br />
<br />
I have three exams next week...so I need to get back to studying. Have a good weekend!<br />
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Sincerely, LisaDestination Seabornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15630428177537764457noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77975077354389719.post-18175780243641664712010-04-03T21:37:00.002-05:002010-04-04T09:37:05.559-05:00New Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Happy Easter! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S7fmlIej1dI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/m2vUyQ1ToVc/s1600/096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S7fmlIej1dI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/m2vUyQ1ToVc/s400/096.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>The great gift of Easter is hope - Christian hope which makes us have that confidence in God, in his ultimate triumph, and in his goodness and love, which nothing can shake.</em> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div align="center"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Knowing how much I love flowers. My neighbor brought me a bouquet of flowers from her church's Easter Celebration {2009}. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">She told me that these flowers were used to cover a lifesize cross. I was delighted that the bouquet contained one of my favorite flowers, the very fragrant hyacinth. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Two days later as I labored in the hospital with my third child, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">the nurse and I talked about our love of gardening. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The nurse tells me a familiar story....her church gathered flowers to cover a lifesize cross. The flowers she donated were lovingly grown and given life by her very hand</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">...purple hyancinths. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">A few hours later and before my Dr.'s arrival, those same set of hands would <em>personally</em> deliver my precious son, Miles. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S7f048PTB-I/AAAAAAAAAxo/1knhvqGEs4o/s1600/098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S7f048PTB-I/AAAAAAAAAxo/1knhvqGEs4o/s400/098.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life</span></em> </span></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>S. D. Gordon</em></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Sincerely, Lisa</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"></div>Destination Seabornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15630428177537764457noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77975077354389719.post-49184777052091872542010-03-26T00:32:00.003-05:002010-03-28T05:45:13.674-05:00On the Move<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">What a week!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">With school starting on Monday, I've been in a hurried frenzy to go, go, go. Hubby was off this past weekend, so we hit the highway three out his four days off. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Saturday was spent looking at <strike>used</strike> new {to us} mini-vans. Wow...can anyone say sticker shock? Yeah, we decided to wait on that one. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S6xF7D_11ZI/AAAAAAAAAxI/1WuQC7Wovxk/s1600/honda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" nt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S6xF7D_11ZI/AAAAAAAAAxI/1WuQC7Wovxk/s400/honda.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I think Max was the most disappointed. He spent the next couple days pointing and <strike>whining</strike> saying "vaan, vaan, vaAN, VAAANN!". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The other two days were spent in "the city" shopping with my mom. While Hubby and Max enjoyed the Columbus International Car Show, Mom, Miles and I hit up the local antique and thrift shops. This time she was footing the bill on our great finds. Isn't it great when you get to spend someone else's money? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">This May, my mom will be moving and she's <strike>hired</strike> asked me to decorate her new apartment home. Yipee!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Her new apartment is literally a blank slate with white walls, white mini blinds and very light carpet. The only color comes from a newly remodeled kitchen of maple cabinetry and black appliances. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Our shared decorating objective: INSERT COLOR and WARMTH. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Here's a couple of pictures from the property's website. </span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S6wwpLhnpLI/AAAAAAAAAwo/m2Lt7u6vPtg/s1600/loft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" nt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S6wwpLhnpLI/AAAAAAAAAwo/m2Lt7u6vPtg/s400/loft.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Her apartment is one level. It does not have the spiral staircase. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">But it does have wonderful nine foot ceilings!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S6ww88E-WsI/AAAAAAAAAww/wAbgX0Ky4p8/s1600/lr+fireplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" nt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S6ww88E-WsI/AAAAAAAAAww/wAbgX0Ky4p8/s400/lr+fireplace.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A gas fireplace to snuggle up to. </span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Our other objective is to furnish her apartment affordably with <strike>used</strike> new-to-her furniture. Describing her current belongings, my mother said she "is tired of looking at it all" and wants a fresh start. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The only items to make the chopping block are either antiques or furnishings to be recycled with new paint, fabric or stain. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Check out this simple wrought iron chandelier we snagged for $36. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S6w-rlX6DwI/AAAAAAAAAxA/OjscuS_sflc/s1600/IMG_1948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" nt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S6w-rlX6DwI/AAAAAAAAAxA/OjscuS_sflc/s400/IMG_1948.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mom was delighted that I picked out something </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">that did not need to be re-wired or painted. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Oops...on the way to the car I did drop a candle cover. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">A few days later, I was back in Columbus to pick up this Craigslist find...a beautiful cherry dresser. </span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S6w3-G5pX9I/AAAAAAAAAw4/TX2CAvUaoiM/s1600/cherry+dresser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" nt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S6w3-G5pX9I/AAAAAAAAAw4/TX2CAvUaoiM/s400/cherry+dresser.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">And at $80, it was perfect and impossible to pass up! </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The seller was so sweet. Although she had several offers, she said it felt right to sell it to my mother (via me) because it was a gift from her own mother more than 40 years ago. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Mom and I picked it up on Wednesday and it's even more lovely in person. I can't wait to give it the Briwax treatment {Thanks </span><a href="http://thedecoratingdiaries.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-favorite-find.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Janet</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> for the great tip!} </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">So tell me...</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">What are your tips for creating a warm and cozy space when painting is not an option? </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Sincerely, Lisa</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://decormamma.blogspot.com/2010/03/frugalicious-friday-giveawayshaklee_25.html">Frugalicious Friday</a> at Finding Fabulous</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2010/03/frugal-friday-linky-party-and-project.html?">Frugal Friday</a> at The Shabby Nest</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Destination Seabornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15630428177537764457noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77975077354389719.post-81855984285341937332010-03-18T00:06:00.005-05:002010-03-18T01:36:53.795-05:00The {Nursing School} Hallway Fashion Report<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The sweet Beth at <a href="http://bethcrabtreehunter.blogspot.com/">The Stories from A to Z</a> is hosting a party</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">...A <a href="http://bethcrabtreehunter.blogspot.com/2010/03/show-me-your-shoes-party.html">Show Me Your Shoes Party </a>to be exact. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I'm disappointed that I'm not showing you my very {un} pedicured feet modeling <strike>four year old</strike> sandals. However, I think you'd rather see </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">the new kicks I'm looking forward to wearing. </span><br />
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</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S6GdGBmvvuI/AAAAAAAAAwI/Aay_VM0oXek/s1600-h/8521-635174-d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S6GdGBmvvuI/AAAAAAAAAwI/Aay_VM0oXek/s200/8521-635174-d.jpg" vt="true" width="200" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Saucony Grid</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">That's right folks. According to Zappos, the Saucony Grid is reportedly the best shoe for nursing school. </span></div><ul><li><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">An all white shell meets the school's dress code</span></div></li>
<li><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Increased support and cushioning allows one to be on their feet hours at at time</span></div></li>
<li><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Attractive styling takes you from the clinic to the classroom with minimal transition</span></div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">So in honor of my soon to start classes, I assembled a list of <strike>necessities</strike> accessories for the stylish nursing student. I call it the {Nursing School} Hallway Fashion Report...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><em>*Bear with me folks, this post lessens the pain of spending so much money on necessary school supplies*</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">A quality stethescope is a must for the potential healthcare provider </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S4mTr6rWd6I/AAAAAAAAArY/HtSfZwnDjkI/s1600-h/steth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S4mTr6rWd6I/AAAAAAAAArY/HtSfZwnDjkI/s400/steth.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Littman Classic II S.E. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Of course every good student needs their own collection of nursing textbooks</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S6Gi6xntLWI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/63H5IK6d_44/s1600-h/91232259_716396f736_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S6Gi6xntLWI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/63H5IK6d_44/s320/91232259_716396f736_o.jpg" vt="true" /></span></a></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Photo courtesy of </span><a href="http://saintmurse.blogspot.com/2006_01_01_archive.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">St. Murse</span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">And a rolling back pack to haul those heavy books {all 50 lbs}</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S4mVYfioIpI/AAAAAAAAAro/AYYJX5IrUfk/s1600-h/51012608-177x150-0-0_High%2BSierra%2BHigh%2BSierra%2BFast%2BForward%2BWheeled%2BBackp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="268" kt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S4mVYfioIpI/AAAAAAAAAro/AYYJX5IrUfk/s320/51012608-177x150-0-0_High%2BSierra%2BHigh%2BSierra%2BFast%2BForward%2BWheeled%2BBackp.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Check vitals in style with this waterproof and scratch resistant watch. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S4mUMUWz83I/AAAAAAAAArg/kPnG8uNcMKM/s1600-h/WOMENS_WENGER_SWISS_MILITARY_STAINLESS_STEEL_DATE_WATCH_70237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" kt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S4mUMUWz83I/AAAAAAAAArg/kPnG8uNcMKM/s320/WOMENS_WENGER_SWISS_MILITARY_STAINLESS_STEEL_DATE_WATCH_70237.jpg" width="248" /></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Don't forget about the all time classic nursing uniform</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S6Grsy5FjfI/AAAAAAAAAwY/-_ULjSr1ijQ/s1600-h/wsu_wssl_00060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S6Grsy5FjfI/AAAAAAAAAwY/-_ULjSr1ijQ/s400/wsu_wssl_00060.jpg" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.digitalforsyth.org/photos/1834">Nursing School Capping and Pinning</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Lucky for me, times have changed. Although, I did wear that style uniform when I was teenage hospital volunteer, my uniform looks a more like this. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S6GuqhMJsuI/AAAAAAAAAwg/tPIbKllEcmQ/s1600-h/uniform.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S6GuqhMJsuI/AAAAAAAAAwg/tPIbKllEcmQ/s320/uniform.gif" vt="true" width="208" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">There it is...The {Nursing School} Hallway Fashion Report. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">School will be starting in ten days. Did I miss anything? </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Sincerely, Lisa</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Destination Seabornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15630428177537764457noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77975077354389719.post-5559470164163806542010-03-13T01:10:00.001-05:002010-03-16T21:10:16.530-05:00Weekly Specials<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Ever see a fabulous designer, recipe or project that you'd like to refer back to and then you can't remember where you saw it? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Not to worry, with my new feature called <em><strong>Weekly Specials,</strong></em> you can just check here<em><strong>.</strong></em> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Weekly Specials will be my record of blogland goodies that I see throughout the week. Instead of bookmarking these goodies, I'll post them here and share the inpiration with you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Let's get started...</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Recipes</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Wanda's </span><a href="http://beneathmyheart.blogspot.com/2010/03/wednesdays-with-wanda_10.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Shamrock Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> from Beneath My Heart</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S5rprEoFj1I/AAAAAAAAAuI/lPvSUMiTzEI/s1600-h/cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S5rprEoFj1I/AAAAAAAAAuI/lPvSUMiTzEI/s400/cookies.jpg" vt="true" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Chef Tony's </span><a href="http://relativelyunique.blogspot.com/2010/03/traditional-focaccia-bread.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Traditional Foccacia Bread</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> from Relatively Unique</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1268439390412"></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S5sU5gIscEI/AAAAAAAAAuY/a02BoeKVEdU/s1600-h/focaccia+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S5sU5gIscEI/AAAAAAAAAuY/a02BoeKVEdU/s400/focaccia+019.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></span></a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Designer's </span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.blulabelbungalow.com/2010/03/tastemaker-tuesday-susan-hornbeak-ortiz.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">BluLabel Bungalow's</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> interview with </span><a href="http://www.shinebysho.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Susan Hornbeak Ortiz</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S5sZPaxG0iI/AAAAAAAAAug/Hs7Q_AL_klM/s1600-h/susanortiz_5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S5sZPaxG0iI/AAAAAAAAAug/Hs7Q_AL_klM/s400/susanortiz_5.png" vt="true" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.houseofturquoise.com/2010/03/waterleaf-interiors.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">House of Turqouise</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> showcase of </span><a href="http://waterleafinteriors.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Waterleaf Interiors</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S5sdP_ppjnI/AAAAAAAAAuo/8m53QMydg-w/s1600-h/waterleaf.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S5sdP_ppjnI/AAAAAAAAAuo/8m53QMydg-w/s400/waterleaf.png" vt="true" width="326" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Projects</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://missmustardseed.blogspot.com/2010/03/boxwood-topiary-tutorial.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Boxwood Topiary Tutorial</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> from Miss Mustard Seed</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S5sfRdk85xI/AAAAAAAAAuw/EOiYQDKBFT0/s1600-h/boxwood" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S5sfRdk85xI/AAAAAAAAAuw/EOiYQDKBFT0/s400/boxwood" vt="true" width="332" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://charishumin.blogspot.com/2010/03/re-upholstery-101-double-cording.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Re-Upholstery 101</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> from Design Intervention</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S5sg0arTytI/AAAAAAAAAu4/BsFnXiftVUA/s1600-h/design+chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S5sg0arTytI/AAAAAAAAAu4/BsFnXiftVUA/s400/design+chair.jpg" vt="true" width="256" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2010/03/webb-design-albans-house.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Family Room Transformation</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> from Cote de Texas </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S5smHFuXOWI/AAAAAAAAAvA/5zU_u1hKUz4/s1600-h/webb+family+rm.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S5smHFuXOWI/AAAAAAAAAvA/5zU_u1hKUz4/s400/webb+family+rm.bmp" vt="true" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">There you have it...This Week's Specials. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">See anything that you like? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Thank you Rene for including my <a href="http://destinationseaborn.blogspot.com/2010/03/light-it-up-its-party-time.html">brass chandelier</a> in your <a href="http://cottageandvine.blogspot.com/2010/03/favorite-things-and-happy-weekend.html">favorite things</a>! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Sincerely , Lisa</span></div>Destination Seabornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15630428177537764457noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77975077354389719.post-42339499721515457802010-03-05T02:17:00.006-05:002010-03-08T22:09:21.805-05:00Light it up, It's Party Time!<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Just got paid, Friday night. </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Party huntin... </span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Each week as Friday draws near I can't help but to start humming this little ditty from the '80s. Around 4pm on Thursday, I get a strong urge to head over to Clossman's {my favorite thrift store}. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Since I've been shopping there, I've discovered quite a few gems that I haven't shared with y'all due to a lack of time. However, this latest one is too good to keep to myself. It also gives me an opportunity to be a PAR-TAY GIRL...woo hoo! </span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">One of my favorite spots in Clossman's is the 2nd floor Second Hand Store. A treasure trove of unique items, the lighting department is always my first stop. It's filled with shelves of old lamps and chandeliers. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">A few weeks ago I spotted a chandelier with potential. However, it wasn't love at first sight. It was dull and dirty. Not exactly what I was looking for. I wanted something with a little more *SHINE*</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Well I found what I was looking for on Ebay. But at $69.95, I just couldn't do it. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S5CgUnszmuI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/xHMLbmJxeKo/s1600-h/5c88_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S5CgUnszmuI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/xHMLbmJxeKo/s400/5c88_12.jpg" width="353" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I have this problem called<em> indecision</em> that prevents me from spending more money on something than I have to. So if I don't like it, I won't feel <em>too</em> bad if it ends up in the attic. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Funny thing, the more I looked at the Ebay light, {which is <em>supposedly</em> fashioned after the Restoration Hardware's <a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/category/category_collections_gallery.jsp?navAction=jump&navCount=4&categoryId=cat160133">Library</a> Chandelier} it reminded me of the dirty little chandelier I spotted at Clossman's. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">As soon as the snow stopped, I headed out to pick up my little find. </span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">BEFORE</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S5CluBYURLI/AAAAAAAAAtY/LcBeYOe1O3I/s1600-h/IMG_1734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S5CluBYURLI/AAAAAAAAAtY/LcBeYOe1O3I/s400/IMG_1734.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">For $9.95, I could NOT get to the cash register fast enough!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The chandelier was disassembled, rewired and got a bath in muriatic acid to remove a peeling clearcoat. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">AFTER</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S5CppGFaLgI/AAAAAAAAAtw/q7DASGNAX4A/s1600-h/IMG_1812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S5CppGFaLgI/AAAAAAAAAtw/q7DASGNAX4A/s400/IMG_1812.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cleaned up in and in it's new home</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">~Our Living Room~</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S5Cqhvdx9DI/AAAAAAAAAt4/i0tdYNhs12M/s1600-h/IMG_1814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S5Cqhvdx9DI/AAAAAAAAAt4/i0tdYNhs12M/s400/IMG_1814.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Doesn't it *SHINE*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I love, love, LOVE this light! I don't think it will be seeing the attic anytime soon. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">At $20 {$10 for the light and $10 for the electrical wire}, it's truly a trash to treasure. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">It's Party Time. Here's where I'll be linking up...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="http://decormamma.blogspot.com/2010/03/frugalicious-friday-giveawayart-prints.html">Frugalicious Friday</a> at Finding Fabulous</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2010/03/frugal-friday-linky-party.html">Frugal Friday</a> at The Shabby Nest</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/03/sns-20-brings-you-jaz-zy-giveaway.html">Saturday Night Special</a> at Funky Junk Interiors</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2010/03/welcome-to-60th-metamorphosis-monday.html">Metamorphosis Monday</a> at Between Naps on the Porch</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="http://asoftplace.net/2010/03/diy-day-with-purple-lemon-designs/?">DIY day</a> at A Soft Place to Land</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Sincerely, Lisa</span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">~Giveaway~</span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Erika from BluLabel Bungalow is celebrating her 100th Follower with a fabulous Custom Mood Board Giveaway. Click <a href="http://www.blulabelbungalow.com/2010/03/blulabel-bungalow-100th-follower.html">here</a> for the details. Good Luck! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Destination Seabornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15630428177537764457noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77975077354389719.post-90626790799786616322010-03-04T01:32:00.003-05:002010-03-04T17:01:59.753-05:00Pieces of Inspiration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">A few weeks back, I picked up these <strike>ugly</strike> awesome MCM chairs for a song. Well, they're still <strike>ugly</strike> unfinished in all their vinyl glory. But I love them just the same. </span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S48u7AKUwrI/AAAAAAAAAsI/9iDognMaYlA/s1600-h/IMG_1520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S48u7AKUwrI/AAAAAAAAAsI/9iDognMaYlA/s400/IMG_1520.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">They've settled nicely in their new home beside the fireplace. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S48wbzdpE2I/AAAAAAAAAsQ/C-v0DShxe2g/s1600/IMG_1563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S48wbzdpE2I/AAAAAAAAAsQ/C-v0DShxe2g/s400/IMG_1563.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This photo was taken before the fireplace drama. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can read about it <a href="http://destinationseaborn.blogspot.com/2010/02/ever-changing-fireplace.html">here</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Please excuse the mess...I'm just keeping it real. {Actually, I didn't feel like "staging" another picture and downloading it}. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S48wbzdpE2I/AAAAAAAAAsQ/C-v0DShxe2g/s1600-h/IMG_1563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span></a></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">~Inspiration Found~</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">As I was preparing the <a href="http://destinationseaborn.blogspot.com/2010/02/spotlight-blulabel-bungalow.html">spotlight </a>for BluLabel Bungalow, I discovered the Atlanta store Pieces, Inc. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">and the talented proprietor Lee Kleinhelter {Thank you </span><a href="http://www.blulabelbungalow.com/2010/01/tastemaker-tuesday-lee-kleinhelter.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Erica</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> for the introduction}. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Oh goodness...I was smitten! </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Well as-is the story of my life {Cristal taste with a Natural light budget}, I can afford NO-THING. But that didn't stop me from gaining lots of inspiration! </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Check out some of the chairs I peeped on the <a href="http://piecesinc.com/">Pieces</a> website. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3jU-SXyaWI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/tV5iXktdcoA/s1600-h/x2abp235617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3jU-SXyaWI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/tV5iXktdcoA/s320/x2abp235617.jpg" /></span></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3jVCA2Y4zI/AAAAAAAAAnY/gptJNpgiQoY/s1600-h/xabp274576_274577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3jVCA2Y4zI/AAAAAAAAAnY/gptJNpgiQoY/s320/xabp274576_274577.jpg" /></span></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3jVGckBPAI/AAAAAAAAAng/dUJ6Zoc4BOc/s1600-h/xabp279756_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3jVGckBPAI/AAAAAAAAAng/dUJ6Zoc4BOc/s320/xabp279756_0.jpg" /></span></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3jVMGe0OsI/AAAAAAAAAno/QJqCdvoSl4I/s1600-h/xabp299558_299559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3jVMGe0OsI/AAAAAAAAAno/QJqCdvoSl4I/s320/xabp299558_299559.jpg" /></span></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3jVQMMScrI/AAAAAAAAAnw/POgmMlobWEo/s1600-h/xabp299625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3jVQMMScrI/AAAAAAAAAnw/POgmMlobWEo/s320/xabp299625.jpg" /></span></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love how these chairs resemble the high backs on my thrift store finds. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm also fond of the upholstery used on these chairs. They're all covered in fresh and affordable {type} fabrics without feeling faddish. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">So what do you think? Have you ever gone out on a limb to buy something that <strong>only you</strong> saw the potential in? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Sincerely, Lisa</span>Destination Seabornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15630428177537764457noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77975077354389719.post-66427192831408579342010-03-03T00:28:00.001-05:002010-03-03T00:33:48.339-05:00Beautiful...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S43k6qywTXI/AAAAAAAAAr4/7NSvUEpIyi8/s1600-h/beautifulbloggeraward_thumb2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S43k6qywTXI/AAAAAAAAAr4/7NSvUEpIyi8/s320/beautifulbloggeraward_thumb2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Today I'm celebrating! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The lovely Rene from </span><a href="http://cottageandvine.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Cottage and Vine</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> awarded me the Beautiful Blogger award. Thanks Rene! </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">It's my responsibility to pass this award to 15 readers. If you've been reading my blog then you know I tend to be indecisive. Therefore I'm passing this award to all my 50 following friends! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, my blog has reached 50 followers. The </span><a href="http://crazycraftyandcreative.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Crazy, Crafty and Creative</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> Brenda was the most recent to follow along. YAY...another reason to celebrate. </span></span><br />
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<div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S43mjk5jLkI/AAAAAAAAAsA/O0UnKcbMnFY/s1600-h/fifty+fantastic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="304" kt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S43mjk5jLkI/AAAAAAAAAsA/O0UnKcbMnFY/s400/fifty+fantastic.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Image from </span><a href="http://www.partypantry.com/index.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Party Pantry</span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">As part of the award process, I'm expected to tell you seven things about myself {something that don't know}. Because I'm also celebrating fifty readers, I'd like to share a few things about my blog as well. </span><br />
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<ol><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">My first follower was Jane from the crafty blog </span><a href="http://mamiejanes.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Mamie Jane's</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">. Every new blogger needs someone as kind and supportive as her. Thanks Jane! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I. LOVE. PEPSI!!!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The fabulous Christy from </span><a href="http://beachbrights.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Beach Brights</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> did an awesome spotlight for Destination Seaborn. When I won Christy's <em>Store-It</em> book giveaway in January, I resoluted {is that even a word?} to clean up my act. I'm ashamed to say that the kitchen junk drawer still exists. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I'm a night owl. For seven years, I worked midnight shift in a mental health crisis center. Some habits are hard to break. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The beautiful Michelle from </span><a href="http://alittlefrenchloven.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">A Little French Loven</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> presented me with the Kreative Blogger award. It was my first award. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I. HATE. ONIONS!!!!!!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">During the summer I like to take my top off... </span></li>
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<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">WAIT FOR IT...</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">WAIT FOR IT...</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S43kTEyBYoI/AAAAAAAAArw/u1MajXyipU4/s1600-h/DSCN0494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S43kTEyBYoI/AAAAAAAAArw/u1MajXyipU4/s400/DSCN0494.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wilmington, NC {2006}</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">C'mon, what did you think I was talking about? </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by! Remember I'm passing this award to my Fantastic 50 Followers. I'm looking forward to learning more about you. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">~As a side note~</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Things are moving fast and forward to the first day of Nursing school. I've spent the last two Fridays in CPR training and program orientation. As March 29th draws near, I'll probably be posting less on Destination Seaborn and your individual blogs. I appreciate your understanding and support as I prepare to fulfill a lifelong dream. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Sincerely, Lisa </span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</div>Destination Seabornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15630428177537764457noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77975077354389719.post-27678017261388595102010-02-25T02:30:00.014-05:002010-03-14T17:52:32.999-05:00Basement: Before & After<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you all for the well wishes. After a great night's sleep and a wonderful three hour nap today, we're ALL feeling much better. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since things haven't progressed much around here, I thought I'd take a minute to show you one of my favorite DIY/Before and Afters projects. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is what our basement looked like when we bought Seaborn in June 2005. It was a far cry from the cozy, basement family room that I envisioned. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S4YIWcnpgzI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/tNQSHCHVyhs/s1600-h/DSCN0299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S4YIWcnpgzI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/tNQSHCHVyhs/s400/DSCN0299.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div align="left"><span style="font-size: large;">Here was my initial assessment of the space...</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Disliked</span></strong></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: large;">Wood paneling</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: large;">Concrete floor</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: large;">Tiled walls</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: large;">Exposed water meter and plumbing</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: large;">Old ceiling tiles</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Like</span></strong></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: large;">Fireplace {not pictured}</span></div><div align="left"><br />
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</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Out with the Old</span></div><div align="center">{demolition}</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Shortly after starting the demo process, we realized the former owner mastered the theory of <em>reduce, re-use and recycle</em>. This space was definately his workshop. </span></div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S4YKBfH0bUI/AAAAAAAAAqY/snTcavE2YhU/s1600-h/DSCN0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S4YKBfH0bUI/AAAAAAAAAqY/snTcavE2YhU/s400/DSCN0306.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: large;">Divided into several small spaces, most of the walls were constructed of scrap wood. Interestingly enough, </span><span style="font-size: large;">we found a piece of old wood gutter used to shimmy up the ceiling tile. We also found a couple old tv cabinets re-purposed into wall cabinets. </span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S4YLVOdQpaI/AAAAAAAAAqg/7H2lAOxV6Rk/s1600-h/DSCN0307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S4YLVOdQpaI/AAAAAAAAAqg/7H2lAOxV6Rk/s400/DSCN0307.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">As you can see, all of that resourcefulness amounted to mounds and mounds of nail-ridden debris. OUCH!!!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S4YLmQNeLKI/AAAAAAAAAqo/bDgiVV_0DZ4/s1600-h/DSCN0309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S4YLmQNeLKI/AAAAAAAAAqo/bDgiVV_0DZ4/s400/DSCN0309.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: large;">Within days we rented and filled the largest roll-off dumpster we could find. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In with the New</span></div><div align="center">{construction}</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm sorry I don't have more pictures of the construction process. But let's be honest, the <em>after</em> is all you really want to see. </span></div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S4YUu5kHB9I/AAAAAAAAAqw/zL1AQAUMN9s/s1600-h/DSCN0325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S4YUu5kHB9I/AAAAAAAAAqw/zL1AQAUMN9s/s400/DSCN0325.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center">There's Hubby constructing a wall to put in the same</div><div align="center"> location of the wall we tore down. Oh the irony...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The basement is one of my favorite before and after projects in the house. It has become our guest room, family room, playspace, and home theater. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Yep, home theater. Our home theater is the easiest and best DIY project. It's the scene for many family get togethers. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Knowing how much we love going to the movies, my mom gave us the best Christmas gift ever when she gifted us a digital projector. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">We experienced a little sticker shock when we started pricing projector screens. So Hubby set about to build us an affordable alternative. Wanna see it?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S4YcVPkQnHI/AAAAAAAAAq4/fVAj_Ph4gsc/s1600-h/IMG_1545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S4YcVPkQnHI/AAAAAAAAAq4/fVAj_Ph4gsc/s400/IMG_1545.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The picture quality of the projector is better than this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> It's the photographer's fault this picture is so blurry. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The screen measures 4' H by 8' W. Here's another picture where you can see the prominence of the screen within the room. </span><span style="font-size: large;">The wall has been painted black and the screen now covers the ugly exposed plumbing. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S4YfEbQ4KcI/AAAAAAAAArA/qI4YoRgQzes/s1600-h/IMG_1555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S4YfEbQ4KcI/AAAAAAAAArA/qI4YoRgQzes/s400/IMG_1555.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Affordable velvet curtains found at Ikea flank the movie screen {and hide additional storage}. </span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">We added a couple </span><span style="font-size: large;">sconces {on a dimmer} to give the room a theater-like feel. The ceiling has also been painted black. </span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S4YhbOPIznI/AAAAAAAAArI/Pf92XxOul50/s1600-h/IMG_1547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S4YhbOPIznI/AAAAAAAAArI/Pf92XxOul50/s400/IMG_1547.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">We saved money by doing all the demolition, electric and construction ourselves. Approximate costs are as follows:</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Construction materials $850</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Carpet installation 800</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Movie screen 100</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hope you enjoyed this post as much as I enjoy this space! </span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sincerely, Lisa</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/2010/02/yet-another-pb-hack.html">Transformation Thursday</a> at The Shabby Chic Cottage<br />
<a href="http://lbratina.blogspot.com/2010/02/thrifty-thursday-54-plus-tablescape.html">Thrifty Thursday</a> at Tales from Bloggeritaville</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://decormamma.blogspot.com/2010/02/frugalicious-friday-giveawayone-cheap.html">Frugalicious Friday</a> at Finding Fabulous</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/02/sns-19-brings-you-one-junkin-laundry.html">Saturday Night Special</a> at Funky Junk Interiors</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2010/02/welcome-to-59th-metamorphosis-monday.html">Metamorphosis Monday</a> at Between Naps on the Porch<br />
<a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/03/before-and-after-party-drape-redo.html?">Before and After Party</a> at Thrifty Decor Chick</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://asoftplace.net/2010/03/diy-day-with-my-design-guide/">DIY Day</a> at A Soft Place to Land<br />
<a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2010/03/nifty-thrifty-tuesdays.html?">Nifty Thrifty Tuesday</a> at Coastal Charm</div>Destination Seabornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15630428177537764457noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77975077354389719.post-14204784310959624942010-02-23T19:42:00.001-05:002010-02-23T19:45:06.745-05:00The Oh-So-Popular Pendant Light<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I think two weeks of sick children {actually one sick with bronchiolitis and the other feverish from teething} has caught up with me because I am beat and it's not even 11pm. Most evenings about this time, I'm catching my second wind and starting laundry, cleaning the house and tending to other household matters. But not tonight...I'm exhausted! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">So on with the post {before I fall asleep}...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Within the world of lighting, theres nothing more classic than the pendant light.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">According to </span><a href="http://www.designboom.com/history/p_origin.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Design Boom</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> pendant lamps date back to 2700 BC. It's recorded that the first pendant style light was actually a clay lamp that burned animal fat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Animal fat? Would that be like bacon grease? Whew...thank God times have changed! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">In this month's issue of Country Living, they listed the five most popular pendant lights from leading retailers. They are as follows...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Porter Pendant</strong> {Pottery Barn}</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3tptM49A1I/AAAAAAAAAoI/gMVACtp9W4c/s1600-h/img53m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3tptM49A1I/AAAAAAAAAoI/gMVACtp9W4c/s320/img53m.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">$79/$129</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Marrakesh Melon Pendant</strong> {Ballard Design}</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong></strong><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3tqRv_HgPI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/E3TFAmrv7vk/s1600-h/LC309_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3tqRv_HgPI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/E3TFAmrv7vk/s320/LC309_1.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">$129</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Mercury Glass Pendant</strong> {Shades of Light}</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3tq83YE-2I/AAAAAAAAAoY/0T4dNik5ly8/s1600-h/PE07015ASHINY-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3tq83YE-2I/AAAAAAAAAoY/0T4dNik5ly8/s320/PE07015ASHINY-01.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">$139</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Trey Pendant </strong>{Crate & Barrel}</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3trgQ07qPI/AAAAAAAAAog/E-iEsPocJEk/s1600-h/TreyPendantS10R.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3trgQ07qPI/AAAAAAAAAog/E-iEsPocJEk/s320/TreyPendantS10R.jpeg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">$229</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Outback Warehouse Pendant</strong> {Barnlight Electric}</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3tsFTotqBI/AAAAAAAAAoo/7Zt0NoQJxFQ/s1600-h/product_detailed_image_29838_125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3tsFTotqBI/AAAAAAAAAoo/7Zt0NoQJxFQ/s320/product_detailed_image_29838_125.jpg" /></span></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">$173</span></div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">So there you have it. America's most popular pendant lights. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">What's your favorite? Have any of these lights found their way into your home? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Sincerely, Lisa</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://paulagracedesigns.blogspot.com/2010/02/timeless-tuesday-four.html">Timeless Tuesday</a> at Paula Grace Designs</span></div>Destination Seabornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15630428177537764457noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77975077354389719.post-16569444785131000842010-02-18T03:56:00.003-05:002010-02-18T10:57:02.466-05:00You Say it's Your Birthday, It's My Birthday too...<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Within the past month, my mother has recognized the birthdays of her three <em>adorable</em> children...Lisa{me}, Hope {my sister} and Josh {my brother}. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">However, with children in three seperate states, mom has only been able to celebrate this season of birthdays with me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Will you join me as we gather here at Destination Seaborn for one big party?!!! </span><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Meet Hope</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">{January 14th}</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3zO3EnHfPI/AAAAAAAAAow/nJjAlMYw8tE/s1600-h/n517713269_15500_5926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3zO3EnHfPI/AAAAAAAAAow/nJjAlMYw8tE/s400/n517713269_15500_5926.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Wife. Nurse. Student. </span></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">This is my favorite picture of Hope. That smile really captures her silly personality. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">As a RN, Hope is currently in school to become a Nurse Practioner {Midwifery Specialist}. She and her husband live in Wisconsin with their mini schnauzer, Holly GoLightly. Yes, Hope's a big fan of Audrey Hepburn and Breakfast at Tiffany's. </span><br />
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<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Meet Joshua</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">{February 18th}</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3zk2RAv2iI/AAAAAAAAApQ/YvwH-D3Azd0/s1600-h/5600_109128576819_594721819_2657529_3648316_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3zk2RAv2iI/AAAAAAAAApQ/YvwH-D3Azd0/s400/5600_109128576819_594721819_2657529_3648316_n.jpg" width="282" /></span></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Soldier</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">{He's the tallest to the right}</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">This is my favorite picture of "Uncle Mikey" {Max calls him that because Hope's husband is also named Joshua}. I had to search far and wide for this photo. Joshua doesn't like the attention that comes with wearing his uniform. He's so bashful...NOT!</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Come April, Joshua will be finishing up a four year contract with the US Army. During that time he was stationed in Germany for two years and did a tour in Iraq. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">The Birthday Bunch</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">{my birthday was February 6th}</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3zqP1cpp0I/AAAAAAAAApY/wSCMjCnWGHA/s1600-h/IMG_0869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3zqP1cpp0I/AAAAAAAAApY/wSCMjCnWGHA/s320/IMG_0869.JPG" /></span></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Hope. Joshua. Lisa. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Will you join me in singing Happy Birthday...</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">"Oh happy birthday to you. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Oh happy birthday to you. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">May you feel Jesus near </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Everyday of the year</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Oh happy birthday to you </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Oh happy birthday to you</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">And the best year you've ever had!" </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Now what birthday is complete without a cake? I thought we could share the cake that mom brought me from Mrs. Goodmans...mmm! </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3z07g3EhdI/AAAAAAAAApo/a6BpCaxWLCU/s1600-h/IMG_1705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3z07g3EhdI/AAAAAAAAApo/a6BpCaxWLCU/s320/IMG_1705.JPG" /></span></a></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Time to make a wish...</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3z-GpzOMiI/AAAAAAAAAqA/NhrLHvmzREw/s1600-h/Birthday+Candles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3z-GpzOMiI/AAAAAAAAAqA/NhrLHvmzREw/s400/Birthday+Candles.jpg" width="337" /></span></a></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Belated Birthday Hope!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Birthday Josh! </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Thanks for joining in the celebration! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Wishing you a great day, Lisa</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Destination Seabornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15630428177537764457noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77975077354389719.post-2046254129040865202010-02-14T10:00:00.003-05:002010-02-16T00:16:54.965-05:00Ever-Changing Fireplace<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">*This post has been edited to include an update*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-small;"> I just didn't want to write another post about the FP...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-small;">no more than you want to read another one. </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">What's more difficult...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>1)</strong> Making a decorating mistake and talking about it on my blog <em>OR</em> <strong> </strong></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>2)</strong> Telling Hubby</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Well, the hard part is over with, so let me tell you all about it. </span><br />
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<div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://destinationseaborn.blogspot.com/2010/01/no-turning-back-now.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You remember the fireplace?</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Of course you do, I've only shown it a dozen times.</span> </span></span></div><div align="center"><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">the BEFORE</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3eNUPSj6YI/AAAAAAAAAl4/cU6nVdXe2Yo/s1600-h/IMG_1530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3eNUPSj6YI/AAAAAAAAAl4/cU6nVdXe2Yo/s320/IMG_1530.JPG" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">the AFTER</span> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3eMrUJrCSI/AAAAAAAAAlw/F1PZacD3mCI/s1600-h/IMG_1665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3eMrUJrCSI/AAAAAAAAAlw/F1PZacD3mCI/s320/IMG_1665.JPG" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Now THE AFTER is <strong>the problem</strong>. <em> </em>Paired with the mantle, the new tile looked TOO traditional for my taste. I didn't like it. I tried to live with it but I couldn't. </span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>The solution</strong>; remove the tiles before the mastic completely dried. </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3eQSCVn7kI/AAAAAAAAAmI/HNDeLOoNwz8/s1600-h/IMG_1668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3eQSCVn7kI/AAAAAAAAAmI/HNDeLOoNwz8/s320/IMG_1668.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I used a putty knife to remove the tiles and mastic. </span></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Here's the AFTER {after the after}</span></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3eN9u4ZaiI/AAAAAAAAAmA/OxpZ3jUj-5I/s1600-h/IMG_1676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3eN9u4ZaiI/AAAAAAAAAmA/OxpZ3jUj-5I/s320/IMG_1676.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The wall tiles had been up a few days longer than the floor tiles. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Therefore the mastic was more difficult to remove. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Because it will be covered up,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I didn't worry about restoring the surface to it's original finish. </span><br />
<br />
</div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And there it is...the {sad} current state of my fireplace.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>My design goal was to modernize the look of this fireplace.</strong> {I failed to achieve the goal on my first attempt}</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I want a fireplace surround that contrasts the lacquered and traditional feel of the wooden mantel. We love the natural beauty of this mantel and how it matches the rest of the trim in the room, so we don't want to paint it. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here are some options I'm considering. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Cast iron...</strong></span><br />
<div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3ekQDyshSI/AAAAAAAAAmg/9740DaG0LBg/s1600-h/mrmrs-pyke-1024x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3ekQDyshSI/AAAAAAAAAmg/9740DaG0LBg/s320/mrmrs-pyke-1024x1024.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.victorianfireplaces.com/blog/2009/06/large-adam-pine-mantel-with-mirror/">Victorian Fireplaces</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Metal look tile...</span></strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3ejX1TALWI/AAAAAAAAAmY/CAPfEO8nuAk/s1600-h/IMG_0408-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3ejX1TALWI/AAAAAAAAAmY/CAPfEO8nuAk/s320/IMG_0408-1.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://isabellaandmaxrooms.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Isabella and Max Rooms</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Concrete...</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3epZY3vh3I/AAAAAAAAAmo/m10h9RoNiyA/s1600-h/gray-sleek-buddy-rhodes-concrete-products_679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3epZY3vh3I/AAAAAAAAAmo/m10h9RoNiyA/s320/gray-sleek-buddy-rhodes-concrete-products_679.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Concrete Network</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3epgIL87SI/AAAAAAAAAmw/DoCzZqONUm4/s1600-h/fireplace-austin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3epgIL87SI/AAAAAAAAAmw/DoCzZqONUm4/s320/fireplace-austin.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ancient Art Concrete</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3er2zkDTSI/AAAAAAAAAm4/pDTrFEkg-KM/s1600-h/concrete-fireplace-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3er2zkDTSI/AAAAAAAAAm4/pDTrFEkg-KM/s320/concrete-fireplace-28.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">True Form Concrete</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I'm honesty leaning toward the concrete. I like the neutral gray color and the seamless look. </span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">But like a home decor frugalista, I'm wondering if I could re-create the look of concrete for less. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Let's say I did a smooth stucco finish over the bricks and then painted it with a faux concrete finish. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">*UPDATE*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">We experimented by painting the bricks {flat black}. Although I don't like it...I'm one step closer to finding a solution. Here's what I learned: </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">I like the dark color {not black, but maybe gray}</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">I don't like the grout lines. I would definately prefer a seamless look OR as minimal breaks as possible. </span></div></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3ipFR3e2CI/AAAAAAAAAnA/feYRMAbBAQQ/s1600-h/IMG_1772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3ipFR3e2CI/AAAAAAAAAnA/feYRMAbBAQQ/s320/IMG_1772.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">So what do you think? Any fireplace makeovers out there? I'm open to constructive feedback and suggestions. </span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Oh yes! The good news...we bought a sofa for our living room. I'll have show and tell later this week. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Have a great week! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Sincerely, Lisa </span><br />
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<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/02/sns-17-brings-you-happy-valentines-day.html">Saturday Night Special</a> at Funky Junk Interiors</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2010/02/welcome-to-57th-metamorphosis-monday.html">Metamorphosis Monday</a> at Between Naps on the Porch</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><a href="http://asoftplace.net/2010/02/diy-day-with-stella-dot/">DIY Day</a> at A Soft Place to Land</span></div>Destination Seabornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15630428177537764457noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77975077354389719.post-51307195020385217502010-02-12T02:04:00.006-05:002010-02-12T02:22:50.998-05:00Spotlight: BluLabel Bungalow<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last weekend, while everyone was {seemingly} off to Blissdom, I did some blog surfing. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And I found the REAL party! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3Lt0z0A1jI/AAAAAAAAAjw/TTkZTYI2uDQ/s1600-h/1100pxblulabel.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" kt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3Lt0z0A1jI/AAAAAAAAAjw/TTkZTYI2uDQ/s400/1100pxblulabel.png" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's happening at <a href="http://www.blulabelbungalow.com/">BluLabel Bungalow</a></span></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Meet the lovely bloghost, Erika</span></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3OqNBxLXpI/AAAAAAAAAkI/PjMz-PM3a0Q/s1600-h/Headshot_1+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3OqNBxLXpI/AAAAAAAAAkI/PjMz-PM3a0Q/s320/Headshot_1+-+Copy.jpg" width="204" /></a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wife. Mother. Designer. Blogger.</span> </div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">As the creative mind behind BluLabel Bungalow, Erika has created a blog that rivals any interior design magazine. Without the expensive subscription fee, it's even better. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Like an issue of House Beautiful or Elle Decor, BluLabel Bungalow has the basic elements to a good decorating magazine. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><strong>Regular Features</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><em>Tastemaker Tuesday </em>showcases the talent of high-end designers. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blulabelbungalow.com/2009/11/tastemaker-tuesday-david-jimenez.html">David Jimenez</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3TsynAEXII/AAAAAAAAAlg/oaJa3psRVYA/s1600-h/Jimenez_3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="383" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3TsynAEXII/AAAAAAAAAlg/oaJa3psRVYA/s400/Jimenez_3.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What a colorful room and tablecape! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blulabelbungalow.com/2010/01/tastemaker-tuesday-lee-kleinhelter.html">Lee Kleinhelter</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3TsLAih8YI/AAAAAAAAAlY/BLCY5Ids-SQ/s1600-h/Pieces_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3TsLAih8YI/AAAAAAAAAlY/BLCY5Ids-SQ/s400/Pieces_4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I love the notes on her photos! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Practical Design Tips and Advice</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Erika's Color Forecast and Decor Series {Fall 2009} features a series of designer style story boards inspired by <a href="http://www.blulabelbungalow.com/2009/08/part-i-fall-2009-color-forecast-decor.html">Pantone's </a>color report. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></div><br />
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</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3TdS6MnXsI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/TjAfsSbPUbA/s1600-h/ColorForecast.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3TdS6MnXsI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/TjAfsSbPUbA/s320/ColorForecast.png" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></span></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">She also has great tips for </span><a href="http://www.blulabelbungalow.com/2009/08/7-steps-to-styling-your-bookcase-like.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">styling your bookcase</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">, </span><a href="http://www.blulabelbungalow.com/2009/10/beginners-guide-to-mixing-patterns.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">mixing patterns</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">, and </span><a href="http://www.blulabelbungalow.com/2009/11/never-put-off-having-party-because-you.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">budget friendly tablesetting</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span> </span></span></div><div align="left"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><strong>Loads of Inspiration</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Mood Boards</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span></em><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3TludSQ5zI/AAAAAAAAAkg/t25IzQJvh2w/s1600-h/Beckham_Living.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3TludSQ5zI/AAAAAAAAAkg/t25IzQJvh2w/s320/Beckham_Living.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Check out this awesome <a href="http://www.blulabelbungalow.com/2009/07/fashion-friday-beckham-inspired-living.html">Beckham-inspired</a> bachelor pad </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Great <em>Before and After</em> projects</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3TnvcwnOXI/AAAAAAAAAkw/uN27Q-pnlIg/s1600-h/CounselingOffice_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3TnvcwnOXI/AAAAAAAAAkw/uN27Q-pnlIg/s320/CounselingOffice_1.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3ToYgFncHI/AAAAAAAAAlA/_awe351Z-pA/s1600-h/CounselingOffice_3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3ToYgFncHI/AAAAAAAAAlA/_awe351Z-pA/s320/CounselingOffice_3.png" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.blulabelbungalow.com/2010/01/maries-office-makeover.html">Office Makeover </a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">{Designer-inspired} Thrifty Finds</span></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3TpEc-1ZwI/AAAAAAAAAlI/t0yBN08X0o8/s1600-h/LampInspiration_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3TpEc-1ZwI/AAAAAAAAAlI/t0yBN08X0o8/s320/LampInspiration_2.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Knock-off <a href="http://www.blulabelbungalow.com/2010/01/junk-in-trunk.html">thrift store</a> lamp</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Now, if you're still not convinced of BluLabel Bungalow's <em>fantabulous-ness</em>, just ask Eddie Ross...s</span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">he's on his blog roll! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Please stop by and introduce yourself to Erika. I'm sure she'd be happy to meet you! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Happy Friday! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Sincerely, Lisa</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">*All photos featured today were courtesy of <a href="http://www.blulabelbungalow.com/">BluLabel Bungalow</a>* </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Destination Seabornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15630428177537764457noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77975077354389719.post-73117031440782147292010-02-09T00:44:00.011-05:002010-02-09T12:50:50.051-05:00Destination: Paradise<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you've been taking. ~Earl Wilson</span></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">About this time of year, I grow tired of winter</span> </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S24wEImo0QI/AAAAAAAAAhI/HKf7tUiZKTs/s1600-h/bildeCAUG53M2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" kt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S24wEImo0QI/AAAAAAAAAhI/HKf7tUiZKTs/s400/bildeCAUG53M2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Trevor Jones, TR</span></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And wish I was cruising</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3DbJWoOFOI/AAAAAAAAAhg/XTGU9pHn3UU/s1600-h/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3DbJWoOFOI/AAAAAAAAAhg/XTGU9pHn3UU/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Norweigan Majesty</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">To warm weather</span> </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3DcBXKiq5I/AAAAAAAAAhw/55UnwVtCPXk/s1600-h/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3DcBXKiq5I/AAAAAAAAAhw/55UnwVtCPXk/s400/013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And blue waters</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3DdQqoMhvI/AAAAAAAAAh4/iag_gCpkCL8/s1600-h/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3DdQqoMhvI/AAAAAAAAAh4/iag_gCpkCL8/s400/051.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nassau, Bahamas</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sailing away</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3DgXhoPkII/AAAAAAAAAiQ/sMYXx1JuuTM/s1600-h/109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3DgXhoPkII/AAAAAAAAAiQ/sMYXx1JuuTM/s400/109.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://stylecrave.com/2009-05-22/luxury-yachts-the-10-most-expensive-yachts-in-the-world/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Le Grande Bleu</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> is one of the world's largest yachts. We spotted it in Nassau (Dec "08)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To Paradise</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3Dh-45e99I/AAAAAAAAAig/caS2jp-DPz4/s1600-h/068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3Dh-45e99I/AAAAAAAAAig/caS2jp-DPz4/s400/068.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Paradise Island, Bahamas</span></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Splashing around</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3DjZnQRyNI/AAAAAAAAAio/5XJV40vLmWQ/s1600-h/091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3DjZnQRyNI/AAAAAAAAAio/5XJV40vLmWQ/s400/091.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Atlantis Resort, Bahamas</span></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Doing the beach crawl</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3Dm4VDxDaI/AAAAAAAAAjA/Gfz82OA5U6Q/s1600-h/086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3Dm4VDxDaI/AAAAAAAAAjA/Gfz82OA5U6Q/s400/086.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Max on Atlantis Beach</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3DlMbCifyI/AAAAAAAAAi4/uRUPXBVyFg4/s1600-h/078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3DlMbCifyI/AAAAAAAAAi4/uRUPXBVyFg4/s400/078.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{Atlantis Beach} Paradise Island, Bahamas</span></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Or simply enjoying the scenery</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3DqU-NlIfI/AAAAAAAAAjY/a6fJNod3dGk/s1600-h/073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S3DqU-NlIfI/AAAAAAAAAjY/a6fJNod3dGk/s400/073.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{Leap of Faith} Atlantis Resort</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So until then...I'll dream of summer and savor the sweet memories of vacation. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Where is your favorite warm weather destination? I'd like to know.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sincerely, Lisa </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div align="center"><a href="http://paulagracedesigns.blogspot.com/2010/02/timeless-tuesday-two.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Timeless Tuesday</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> at Paula Grace Designs</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div>Destination Seabornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15630428177537764457noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77975077354389719.post-53724477155505361202010-02-04T00:07:00.018-05:002010-02-09T12:06:39.777-05:00Aspire to Inspire {Father's Love}<span style="font-size: 130%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you to the following ladies who participated in my first <em><a href="http://destinationseaborn.blogspot.com/2010/01/i-truly-believe-that-we-are-all.html">Aspire to Inspire</a></em>. I appreciate you all taking the time to link up.<br />
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Paula from </span><a href="http://www.paulagracedesigns.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Paula Grace Designs </span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Traci from </span><a href="http://beneathmyheart.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Beneath My Heart</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">DeeDee from </span><a href="http://ddzine.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">DDzine</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Audry from </span><a href="http://attownsquare.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">At Town Square</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Aspire to Inspire {Fatherly Love}</strong><br />
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A while ago, a friend sent me a link to this </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xwCG0Ey2Mg"><span style="font-size: large;">video</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. Thanks Louise!<br />
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In case you don't watch it, <em>which I highly encourage you to do so</em>, I'll summarize. It's the remarkable story of Patrick Henry Hughes. Born without eyes and a medical condition that prevents him from straightening his arms and legs, Patrick has succeeded his "disability" to become an amazing virtuoso pianist, vocalist and trumpeteer.<br />
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As if Patrick HENRY"S story is not enough inspiration, you meet his father, Patrick JOHN.<br />
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Spoken in true humility, Patrick JOHN says </span><a href="http://www.marching.com/news/patrick-hughes-band-award/"><span style="font-size: large;">this</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> "I'm just a parent of a young man that wanted to be in band". Patrick JOHN works midnight shift just so he can attend his son's every class and band practice. Acting as his son's eyes and legs, Patrick JOHN tirelessly maneuvers his son's wheelchair through the formations of the 220 member Marching Band at the University of Louisville.<br />
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How amazing is that! A true testimony of the love a father has for his child.<br />
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As I thought about this story I was momentarily saddened that my father and I are estranged. But then I remembered I have a Heavenly Father that loves me just as much as Patrick JOHN loves his son and has sacrificed so much <strong>more</strong> for me.<br />
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Here's a letter I received from my Heavenly Father reminding me of how much he <strong>loves </strong>me:</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2p7Fall6eI/AAAAAAAAAgo/n0ntbIROjGA/s1600/ist2_2835909-antique-feather-quill-inkwell-and-letter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434291233342482914" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2p7Fall6eI/AAAAAAAAAgo/n0ntbIROjGA/s400/ist2_2835909-antique-feather-quill-inkwell-and-letter.jpg" style="display: block; height: 380px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 253px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<div></div><div align="center"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.wearethatfamily.com/2010/02/he-saidshe-said-4.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Works for Me Wednesday </span></a><span style="font-size: large;">at We are That Family</span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>My Dearest Child, </em></span><br />
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</span><span style="font-size: large;"><em>You may not know me, but I know everything about you (Ps 139.1)<br />
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I know when you sit down and when you rise up (Ps 139.2)<br />
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I am familiar with all your ways. (Ps 139.3)<br />
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Even the very hairs on your head are numbered (Matthew 10.29-30)<br />
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For you were made in my image (Genesis 1.27)<br />
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In me you live and move and have your being. For you are my offspring (Acts 17.28)<br />
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I knew you even before you were conceived (Jeremiah 1.4-5)<br />
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I chose you when I planned creation (Eph. 1.11-12)<br />
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You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book (Ps 139.15-16)<br />
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I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live (Acts 17.26)<br />
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You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps 139.14)<br />
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I knit you together in your mother's womb (Ps 139. 13)<br />
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And brought you forth on the day you were born (Ps 71.6)<br />
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I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me ( John 8.41-44)<br />
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I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love ( I John 4.16)<br />
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And it is my desire to lavish my love on you (I John 3.1)<br />
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Simply because you are my child and I am your father (I John 3.7)<br />
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I offer you more than your earthly father ever could (Matthew 7.11)<br />
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For I am the perfect Father (Matthew 5.48)<br />
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Every good gift you receive comes from my hand (James 1.17)<br />
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For I am your provider and I meet your needs (Matthew 6.31)<br />
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My plan for your future has always been filled with hope (Jeremiah 29.11)<br />
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Because I love you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31.3)<br />
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My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore (Ps. 139.17-18) </em><br />
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<em></em></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2qLeFkFp2I/AAAAAAAAAg4/QsG-_FyFCxM/s1600-h/ist2_4185661-father-and-son-footprint-in-sand.jpg"><em><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434309249381803874" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2qLeFkFp2I/AAAAAAAAAg4/QsG-_FyFCxM/s400/ist2_4185661-father-and-son-footprint-in-sand.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 380px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 253px;" /></span></em></a><em><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>And I rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3.17)<br />
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I will never stop doing good to you (Jeremiah 32.40)<br />
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For you are my treasured possession (Ex. 19.5)<br />
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I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul (Jeremiah 32.41)<br />
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And I want to show you great and marvelous things (Jeremiah 33.3)<br />
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For if you seek me with all your heart, you will find me (Deuteronomy 4.29)<br />
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So, delight in me and I will give yo the desires of your heart (Ps. 37.4)<br />
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For it is I who gave you those desires (Phil. 2.13)<br />
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I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine (Eph. 3.20)<br />
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For I am your greatest encourager (2 Thess. 2.16-17)<br />
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I am also the Father who comforts who in all your troubles (2 Corinthians 1.3-4)<br />
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When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you (Ps 34.18)<br />
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As a shephered carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart (Isaiah 40.11)<br />
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One day I will wipe away every tear form your eyes. And I will take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth (Revelation 21.3-4) </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2qNILvLlJI/AAAAAAAAAhA/-h6Zr9-TSg8/s1600-h/Gift-Box-Wrapping-White-HTOURS1206-de.jpg"><em><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434311072105075858" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2qNILvLlJI/AAAAAAAAAhA/-h6Zr9-TSg8/s400/Gift-Box-Wrapping-White-HTOURS1206-de.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 313px;" /></span></em></a><em><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you ( I John 4.10)<br />
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I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love (Romans 8.31-32)<br />
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If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me (I John 2.23)<br />
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And nothing will ever seperate you from my love again (Romans 8.38-39)<br />
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When it's time for you to come home and I'll throw the biggest party Heaven has ever seen (Luke 15.7)<br />
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I have always been your Father, and will always be your Father (Eph. 3.14-15)<br />
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My question is...Will you be my child? (John 1.12-13)<br />
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I am waiting for you (Luke 15.11-32)</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Love Dad, </em><br />
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<em>Your Heavenly Father</em><br />
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This weekend, as I celebrate my birthday, I know I've already received the greatest gift. <br />
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Sincerely, Lisa</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span>Destination Seabornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15630428177537764457noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77975077354389719.post-17291870003019681042010-02-01T12:00:00.015-05:002010-03-14T18:11:38.597-05:00DIY Bathroom {Demolition & Assessment}<div align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">It appears my transition to the updated version of blogger has caused some formatting issues. Please be patient until I can get this issue resolved.</span> </span><br />
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After a year long break, work is resuming in our bathroom. I thought this would be a great time to bring you up to speed on that project. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">****I interrupt this post to tell you that the redesign of our <a href="http://destinationseaborn.blogspot.com/2010/01/living-room-update.html">living room </a>is taking a short <em>sabbitical. </em><strong>Sabbatical</strong>-a period of time Lisa takes to <strong>research and decide </strong>on<strong> </strong>decorating/ design plans before moving forward. And now back to the regularly scheduled programming***</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You remember this from the <a href="http://destinationseaborn.blogspot.com/2009/11/before-tour.html">before</a> tour?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2XdmGZ05zI/AAAAAAAAAfA/Mw_eSun1Pnc/s1600-h/DSCN0239.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432992172116076338" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2XdmGZ05zI/AAAAAAAAAfA/Mw_eSun1Pnc/s400/DSCN0239.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Believe it or not, Hubby and I were delighted by the original state of this bathroom. For us, <strong>original</strong> meant <strong>no hackjob renovations </strong>to work around.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Within weeks of closing on Seaborn, we rented the largest roll-off dumpster and began a full-on house renovation.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This bathroom was high on our to-do list. So take a closer look...I don't want you to miss any of the details:<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2XtugkOzEI/AAAAAAAAAf4/NaUeOJHHZBc/s1600-h/DSCN0265.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433009908764036162" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2XtugkOzEI/AAAAAAAAAf4/NaUeOJHHZBc/s400/DSCN0265.JPG" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dated vanity and faucets</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2XtIzI3NrI/AAAAAAAAAfw/5W4wfVyAVbk/s1600-h/DSCN0263.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433009260914489010" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2XtIzI3NrI/AAAAAAAAAfw/5W4wfVyAVbk/s400/DSCN0263.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stenciled vanity, laundry chute and linen cabinet<br />
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</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2XtIzI3NrI/AAAAAAAAAfw/5W4wfVyAVbk/s1600-h/DSCN0263.JPG"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2Xqy1d2qkI/AAAAAAAAAfY/qTo2fpMb5KY/s1600-h/DSCN0261.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433006684559026754" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2Xqy1d2qkI/AAAAAAAAAfY/qTo2fpMb5KY/s400/DSCN0261.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433008424655587730" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2XsYH1NCZI/AAAAAAAAAfo/Q8bx4PA_vsk/s400/DSCN0264.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Pink and blue wall tile</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2XvRvKd2wI/AAAAAAAAAgA/3QNpRwkf3bk/s1600-h/DSCN0259.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433011613489552130" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2XvRvKd2wI/AAAAAAAAAgA/3QNpRwkf3bk/s400/DSCN0259.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> Mosaic Floor Tile</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">After gutting the bathroom, it functioned as a janitorial closet for two years. When work resumed last February (2009), we remembered why we had stopped.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hiding behind the wall was a BIG secret. The toilet's cast iron vent stack had corroded. For a cost of $1500, the plumber was more than eager to replace it.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lucky for me, Hubby is a jack of all trades and my Jeff-dad {ex step-dad} is a professional contractor. The only obstacle was the 120 miles between our homes.<br />
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Once we found a time that worked for both guys, it took two loongg days of <strong>filthy</strong> work to replace the vent pipe and re-plumb the entire bathroom. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2YkIsATiGI/AAAAAAAAAgY/9TM_Jv_kWOQ/s1600-h/049.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433069732139075682" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2YkIsATiGI/AAAAAAAAAgY/9TM_Jv_kWOQ/s400/049.JPG" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> Newly installed PVC vent pipe</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2YjEMW4v5I/AAAAAAAAAgQ/jaYx34gZh0c/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433068555412750226" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2YjEMW4v5I/AAAAAAAAAgQ/jaYx34gZh0c/s400/047.JPG" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; display: block; height: 400px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2YjEMW4v5I/AAAAAAAAAgQ/jaYx34gZh0c/s1600-h/047.JPG"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2YiWQW3LUI/AAAAAAAAAgI/T81yHwKK-Dk/s1600-h/051.JPG"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Once Hubby installed new greenboard around the bathtub and backerboard on the floor and walls, we finally had a blank slate to begin construction. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2YiWQW3LUI/AAAAAAAAAgI/T81yHwKK-Dk/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433067766212406594" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2YiWQW3LUI/AAAAAAAAAgI/T81yHwKK-Dk/s400/051.JPG" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; display: block; height: 400px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The total cost to replace the vent stack AND install new plumbing was about $200... well below the plumber's quote of $1500. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>ASSESSMENT</strong> </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As a DIY decorator, I try to assess every element of the space {floor, trim, walls, window treatments, lighting, furniture and accessories} before moving forward with a design plan. Here is my assessment of this bathroom. </div></div><ol style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I liked the mosaic floor tile. However, the original tile needed replaced due to it's poor condition. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I didn't like the pink and blue tiles, but I liked the shape and size of the 4x4 wall tiles.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I liked the frosted window glass for increased privacy. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I liked the idea of sconces flanking the mirrored medicine chest. Did not like that the sconces were the only source of general lighting. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I didn't like the dated vanity and toilet. However, I loved the cast iron tub with period styling. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I loved the style of cross handle faucets that were originally on the tub. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Hubby hated that there was no real shower; only the hand-held jobby in the low clearance bathtub. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Liked the built in features (shower bar, toilet paper holder, and laundry chute). </div></div></li>
</ol><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So there you have it, the demolition and assessment of our bathroom and a preview of what's to come. I hope you'll come back to see the updated pictures. I think you'll like it! </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Check out the links below for more creative ideas!</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Sincerely, Lisa</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2010/01/welcome-to-55th-metamorphosis-monday.html">Metamorphosis Monday</a> at Between Naps on the Porch</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://asoftplace.net/2010/02/diy-day-with-the-rusted-chain/">DIY Day </a>at A Soft Place to Land</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/2010/02/transformation-thursday-guest-post.html">Transformation Thursday </a>at The Shabby Chic Cottage</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/02/sns-16-brings-you-rusted-chain-glamour.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FKCcu+%28Funky+Junk+Interiors%29&utm_content=Google+Reader?">Saturday Night Special</a> at Funky Junk Interiors</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></a></a></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Destination Seabornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15630428177537764457noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77975077354389719.post-89828926546360587462010-01-28T00:35:00.006-05:002010-02-16T22:04:57.242-05:00Indecisions<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 180%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 180%;">"Once I make up my mind, I'm full of indecision." ~Oscar Levant<br />
<span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Someone recently told me that I am indecisive. Seeking input from Hubby, I said to him "</span><em><span style="font-family: arial;">I don't know. What do you think? Do you think I'm indecisive?" </span></em></span><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;">Hubby responded by saying "<em>Let's get this straight. You can't decide if you're indecisive, so you're asking me to tell you if you are.</em> "</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;">"<em>Yes</em>" I laughed and got his point. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;">About this same time, I took a decorating style quiz on the beautiful and inspiring </span><a href="http://www.boulevardinteriordesign.com/"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;">Boulevard Interior Design</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;"> blog</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;">. Well it appears I <em>consistently</em> answered Transitional style with a bit of Glam.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><em>"Transitional", </em>I thought, "<em>Is this another way of saying, you <strong>consistently</strong> can't make up your mind</em>". </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;">Just when I was beginning to think the decorating world had an <em>in-between</em> category for finicky people like me who have a hard time committing to a particular style, I found the definition for Transitional Style: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><em>"</em>A marriage of traditional and contemporary furniture, finishes, material and fabrics equating to a classic timeless design. Furniture lines are simple yet sophisticated featuring either straight lines or rounded profiles. Fabric can range from graphic patterns on overstuffed sofas to textured chenilles on sleek wood frames." </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;">This picture confirmed that my style is indeed, <strong>transitional</strong>. </span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2ESIVAa_yI/AAAAAAAAAdw/AK3j8F36Zyw/s1600-h/transitional_furniture_lg.jpg"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431642559872696098" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2ESIVAa_yI/AAAAAAAAAdw/AK3j8F36Zyw/s400/transitional_furniture_lg.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;"><br />
Be still my heart...this room is so beautiful! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;">The reasons I love this room are the same elements </span><a href="http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/transitional-style/index.html"><span style="font-size: 130%;">HGTV</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"> identify as being Transitionally styled: </span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;">Neutral color pallette with accents of dark brown</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;">Minimal accessories</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;">Interesting fabrics like chenille, corduroy, leather and cotton add depth to neutral room</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;">Mix of straight and curved lines balance masculine and feminine</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;">A few more pictures from my <em>inspiration folder</em> got me thinking Kristin hit the nail on the head. </span><br />
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<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2EYUIoXQhI/AAAAAAAAAd4/tMVkVLqkeD4/s1600-h/sarah+house+living+rm.jpg"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431649359778759186" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2EYUIoXQhI/AAAAAAAAAd4/tMVkVLqkeD4/s400/sarah+house+living+rm.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 302px;" /></span></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;"><br />
</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2Ea1HiWWLI/AAAAAAAAAeI/OWSlB-jR26g/s1600-h/image1.jpg"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431652125444036786" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S2Ea1HiWWLI/AAAAAAAAAeI/OWSlB-jR26g/s400/image1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 302px;" /></span></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"> (Photos from </span><a href="http://www.sarahrichardsondesign.com/"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Sarah Richardson</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;">)</span></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Based on the use of masculine, dark woods and light, feminine fabrics with a touch <em>bling, </em>I'm thinking these two rooms by Sarah Richardson could quality as being transitional. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;">However I'm not sure, what do you think? {wink, wink}</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;">Sincerely, Lisa</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;"><strong>Bling</strong>-any shiny or flashy accessory</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;"></span>Destination Seabornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15630428177537764457noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77975077354389719.post-90346576476384934522010-01-27T01:00:00.002-05:002010-02-05T23:18:11.588-05:00Stories that {Aspire to Inspire}<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 130%;"><em></em></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 130%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 130%;"><em>I truly believe that we are all surrounded by inspiration. It's in the untold stories of loved ones, uncaptioned photos and the unseen works of artists.</em> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 130%;">That thought was the inspiration for my first MckLinky...</span><br />
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<div align="left"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 130%;"><strong>Aspire to Inspire. </strong></span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 130%;">A place to share the stories behind the people, beliefs, art or words that inspire you. </span></div><br />
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<div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 130%;">As I prepared to write this post, I thought about all the things that inspire me and what I would like to share with you. Although, I made list after list of potential items, I kept coming back to the same topic; storytelling. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 130%;">I wanted to tell you why storytelling is so important...</span></div><div align="left"></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 130%;">Storytelling has been a long-time tradition in the African community. It basically served as a way of passing along traditions and beliefs from one generation to another. </span><br />
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<div align="left"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 130%;">Although storytelling may have been mastered by the African and African-american community, it's practiced everywhere. By everyone. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 130%;"></span></div><br />
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<div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 130%;">If you've been reading my blog, you know I love to tell stories. It's how I make sense of life. But what you may not know, is how much I love to hear stories. This also helps me make sense of life and keep things in perspective. It's probably why I became a counselor. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 130%;"></span></div><br />
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<div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 130%;">Following the loss of our baby, the stories of others became a source of encouragement and inspiration to me. The website Journey of Hearts was a lifeline. I was especially found of the article, <em>The Importance of Telling (and Listening) to the Story</em>. Author Kirstin Dyer summarizes the benefits of storytelling as: </span></div><ul><li><br />
<div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 130%;">Inspires and provides hope during dark times</span></div></li>
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<div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 130%;">Life changes and losses are assimilated into a person's life story by the telling of their story </span></div></li>
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<div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 130%;">Translates memories into concrete manner that can help preserve tradition and cultures</span></div></li>
</ul><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 130%;">As a new blogger, I've been encouraged by reading all your blogs. Endless stories of hope and resiliency. Lessons ranging from how to paint to blog etiquette. Tender memories of loved ones lost along the away and new challenges ahead....none of these words have fallen on deaf ears. I appreciate you all sharing those moments with me and your fellow bloggers. <span style="font-size: 180%;">Your openness and vulnerability has encouraged me</span> beyond words. </span></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 130%;">So now I'm preparing for a new chapter in my life. On March 29, I'll be starting nursing school, which is one step closer to pursuing my dream...of moving to the ocean. </span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 180%;"></span></div><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S1_Q0tQEgPI/AAAAAAAAAdo/xJgkbRVG8Ug/s1600-h/703808_f520.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431289279550882034" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S1_Q0tQEgPI/AAAAAAAAAdo/xJgkbRVG8Ug/s400/703808_f520.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 130%;">Thank you all for listening to my story (over the past few months) and more importantly being part of my story. The words you leave here will continue to inspire me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 130%;">As the date draws near, I have alot of work to be done with organizing childcare, orientation, Dr appts, ordering uniforms, etc. Although, my time will be limited, I'll keep you posted on our decorating projects, but I apologize in advance if I don't get around to visiting you all. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 130%;">So please Link up those inspiring posts now, while I have time to read them...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sincerely, Lisa</span></span><br />
<script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=15338" type="text/javascript">
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"></span>Destination Seabornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15630428177537764457noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77975077354389719.post-5441273506658402632010-01-25T23:45:00.003-05:002010-02-14T00:37:54.813-05:00Fireplace Makeover<span style="font-size: 130%;"></span><em></em><br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">No turning back now. The work on our living room has officially began! We started with a simple project...re-tiling the fireplace.<br />
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To refresh your memory here's the BEFORE...<br />
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<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S15dilTFBUI/AAAAAAAAAdg/M_CrwZA-G5s/s1600-h/IMG_1495.JPG"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430881049364464962" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S15dilTFBUI/AAAAAAAAAdg/M_CrwZA-G5s/s400/IMG_1495.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"> <em>Although the brick and tile were in excellent condition, I didn't like how the beautiful wood mantel gets lost amidst the red masonry. </em></span></div><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span><br />
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<div align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span><br />
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<div align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Hubby started by laying out the pattern for the wall tile.<br />
</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430877856033300802" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S15aotNmYUI/AAAAAAAAAdY/rBNvkr2oJ5w/s400/IMG_1629.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /> </span><br />
<div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em>Y<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">ou can see his little helper assisting him line up the tile. </span></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"></span></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"></span></span></em><em><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"></span></span></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"></span></span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"></span></span></div><div align="center"></div><em><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></em><br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Once everything is laid out, the tile is ready to set. </span></div><div align="left"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S15aIYeJtYI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/5vfLV1A-XLs/s1600-h/IMG_1625.JPG"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430877300709766530" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S15aIYeJtYI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/5vfLV1A-XLs/s400/IMG_1625.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
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<br />
Out comes the tile mastic, trowel, spacers, and wet saw for cutting.</span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S15ZJdBpoaI/AAAAAAAAAdI/AY5ivTHo__4/s1600-h/IMG_1630.JPG"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430876219600642466" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S15ZJdBpoaI/AAAAAAAAAdI/AY5ivTHo__4/s400/IMG_1630.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><em>Thankfully we had all these items on hand. The total cost of the project was a very affordable, $80. </em></span></div><em></em><br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><br />
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<div align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Tiles are NOW set. The fireplace interior received a coat of <strong>high heat</strong> spray paint....</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S15VD6UVyMI/AAAAAAAAAco/EerLLE5l4Zw/s1600-h/IMG_1651.JPG"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430871726337935554" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S15VD6UVyMI/AAAAAAAAAco/EerLLE5l4Zw/s400/IMG_1651.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
This is a <em>first look</em> photo. We still have to grout, but choosing a grout color is a BIG decision. There are so many choices that Hubby and I are at a temporary impasse. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;">I have to be honest, I'm still <strong>freaking out</strong>...<em>you know the feeling you get when you change something and then you wonder if you made the right decision????</em></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Don't forget you still have time to link up to my inspirational party, Aspire to Inspire; it's this Wednesday January 27th. Click </span><a href="http://destinationseaborn.blogspot.com/2010/01/inspiration-arousal-of-mind-to-special.html"><span style="font-size: 130%;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"> for more information. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Thanks for stopping. Check out the links below for more great ideas! </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Sincerely, Lisa </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Metamorphosis Monday at <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2010/01/welcome-to-54th-metamorphosis-monday.html">Between Naps on the Porch</a></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%;">DIY day at <a href="http://asoftplace.net/2010/01/diy-day-with-kelleigh-ratzlaff-designs/">A Soft Place to Land</a></span></div><br />
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</div></div>Destination Seabornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15630428177537764457noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77975077354389719.post-63255616737483641002010-01-22T10:30:00.001-05:002010-01-22T22:34:41.106-05:00Spotlight: Alchemy<div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S1pqGnQOKhI/AAAAAAAAAcM/MtUlILm6-t0/s1600-h/alchemy1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 188px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429768962597333522" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S1pqGnQOKhI/AAAAAAAAAcM/MtUlILm6-t0/s400/alchemy1.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">If you haven't dropped by this new blog, you're missing out on a creative group of gals. Check out these awesome projects: </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Industrial Candleholder<br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S1pppOrjNGI/AAAAAAAAAcE/0QLDEa9w5Xg/s1600-h/a+Industrial+candlestick.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429768457784865890" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S1pppOrjNGI/AAAAAAAAAcE/0QLDEa9w5Xg/s400/a+Industrial+candlestick.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Shipboard Planking Wainscoting<br /></span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S1ppZcRqkyI/AAAAAAAAAb8/ewtPNDD2KWU/s1600-h/Shipboard+Planking+part+23.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429768186556486434" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S1ppZcRqkyI/AAAAAAAAAb8/ewtPNDD2KWU/s400/Shipboard+Planking+part+23.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Now hurry along to </span><a href="http://alchemyjunk.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;">Alchemy Junk </span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">before you miss the tutorial on this </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">{knock-off} Pottery Barn clock. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">You still have time to prepare for my FIRST MckLinky party. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Aspire to Inpire</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Wednesday January 27th, 2010</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Click </span><a href="http://destinationseaborn.blogspot.com/2010/01/inspiration-arousal-of-mind-to-special.html"><span style="font-size:130%;">here</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> for more details. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Sincerely, Lisa</span></div>Destination Seabornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15630428177537764457noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77975077354389719.post-11574485413268904722010-01-20T01:22:00.006-05:002010-02-05T23:17:46.626-05:00Aspire to Inspire<strong></strong><br />
<strong>INSPIRATION-arousal of the mind to special activity or creativity. </strong><br />
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That's the definition of what blogging has become to me. I've spent most of my life wanting to help and inspire people to live better, happier lives. Along the way, I've spent alot of money, probably too much money on education. Yet since I've started blogging, I've learned more about myself and others than any school could ever teach me.<br />
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I've learned that I, like most people want to be inspired and in return, want to inspire others. Just think about it;<br />
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<ul><li><a href="http://absolutelybeautifulthings.blogspot.com/">Absolutely Beautiful Things </a>is a lovely and very popular decorating blog about nothing more than "the beautiful things I find which inspire me". </li>
<li><a href="http://www.theletteredcottage.net/">The Lettered Cottage </a>and <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/">Young House Love </a>are two awesome DIY blogs with everyday couples tackling projects historically presented by Bob Vila-type handymen. </li>
</ul>I could go on and on listing blogs that we go to for our daily dose of inspiration. <br />
So what do we do with all that inspiration? We do things that we never thought we could do. <br />
Don't believe me? Just check out Monday's at <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/">Between Naps on the Porch</a> and Tuesday's at <a href="http://asoftplace.net/">A Soft Place to Land</a>. They're filled with SAHM teaching themselves how to operate nail guns, compound miter saws, etc. All in an effort to make a beautiful home and life for their families while working within their budgets and utilizing resources readily available to them. <br />
Although, I haven't attempted to use any tools, blogging has inspired me to do something more. Explore my creative side. Write, open up, reach out to others. Believe it or not, I hate to write. I love to talk, but I HATE to write. But since I've started blogging, I've become more comfortable and confident with my writing skills. <br />
So with that said, let me get to my point. This winter, I've found myself increasingly saddened by personal memories of loss, the crisis in Haiti and the hurts of fellow bloggers. <br />
Yet for every sad moment, there'a a dozen more happy ones...you just have to look to find them. I can't tell you how much reading your blogs and celebrating life's smallest victories with you has lifted my spirits and reminded me of the resiliency of human nature. I look forward to your creativity. Some days it's the escape I need from the harsh realities of life. The smallest reminder that "this too shall pass". <br />
So this is what I'd like to do. I want to host a MckLinky party called Aspire to Inspire. <br />
The purpose of this party is to share your favorite music, quote, book, picture, or object in hopes that it will encourage someone else. Most days, we are surrounded by inspiration. Stories that are unheard by others, photos that are uncaptioned. Pieces of art that are unseen. All items taken for granted by us and possibly something that could possibly encourage or lift the spirit of others. <br />
To get you thinking, I'm just going to give you a list of things that inspire me. I won't elaborate, that's the purpose of the MckLinky party. But at least this will give you something to think about. <br />
<ol><li>The movie <em>Rudy </em></li>
<li>Easter Holiday</li>
<li>Broken angel statue </li>
</ol>As you type up your post, try to answer these questions<br />
<ul><li>How/why does this inspire me?</li>
<li>How/why do I hope to inspire someone else by sharing this? </li>
</ul>Okay, lets shoot for next <strong>Wednesday January 27th</strong> to have our first <strong>Aspire to Inspire</strong> <strong>Party</strong>. Maybe by that time I'll figure out how to host a MckLinky party and make a cute little button. If you have any ideas or suggestions please leave me a comment or send me an email. Thank you!<br />
Sincerely, Lisa <br />
<div align="center">Works for Me Wednesday at <a href="http://www.wearethatfamily.com/2010/01/wfmw-lego-necklace.html">We Are That Family</a></div>Destination Seabornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15630428177537764457noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77975077354389719.post-16360787695503128112010-01-19T00:01:00.005-05:002010-02-05T23:17:06.288-05:00A Light Bulb Moment<em><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></em><br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><em>To me, lighting really sets the mood for a room. A 40 watt bulb in a cheap lamp is the same as a 40 watt bulb in an expensive one. ~Edward Walker</em><br />
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<div align="center"><div><div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;">With the purchase of Seaborn, Hubby and I inherited several boxes of glass jars. While some were nothing more than old spaghetti and pickle jars, the boxes revealed a few antique Atlas, Mason and Ball canning jars. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;">A few weeks ago I was looking to be inspired for a kitchen light fixture when I came across the most interesting pendant light. It was made from an old preserving jar.</span></div></div></div><br />
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</div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S1VClmI0eOI/AAAAAAAAAYM/7l_jRfouTjI/s1600-h/jar+lamp.jpg"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428318139525134562" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S1VClmI0eOI/AAAAAAAAAYM/7l_jRfouTjI/s400/jar+lamp.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 301px;" /></span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-size: 78%;"> Image from </span><a href="http://www.whatpossessedme.com/"><span style="font-size: 78%;">What Possessed Me</span></a><span style="font-size: 78%;">?</span><br />
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Intrigued by this idea, I found a couple places that sell mason jar pendant lights. </span><a href="http://www.napastyle.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=3958&parentCategoryId=519&categoryId=654&subCategoryId=654"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Napa Style </span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;">and </span><a href="http://www.reclaimedlighting.com/"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Reclaimed Lighting</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"> . But at $199 PER pendant, I didn't like them <em><strong>that </strong></em>much<em><strong>. </strong></em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S1VCuIjEyYI/AAAAAAAAAYU/vxNX5epTrWo/s1600-h/Napa+Style+1.jpg"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428318286201014658" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S1VCuIjEyYI/AAAAAAAAAYU/vxNX5epTrWo/s400/Napa+Style+1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 278px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 335px;" /> </span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-size: 78%;"><br />
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</span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S1VC1l7hJoI/AAAAAAAAAYc/-Mi8L0cEMmE/s1600-h/Napa+style+2.jpg"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428318414347249282" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S1VC1l7hJoI/AAAAAAAAAYc/-Mi8L0cEMmE/s400/Napa+style+2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 332px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
</span><br />
<div align="center"></div><br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;">A little more research revealed a DIY version from the awesome blog </span><a href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2008/06/diy-project-whitneys-mason-jar-lights.html"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Design Sponge</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;">. <em>Finally, </em>I thought, <em>a use</em> <em>for</em> <em>those jars in my basement! </em></span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S1VC9oIMnzI/AAAAAAAAAYk/0o8GidH6SEI/s1600-h/design+sponge+jars.jpg"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428318552376254258" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S1VC9oIMnzI/AAAAAAAAAYk/0o8GidH6SEI/s400/design+sponge+jars.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 395px;" /></span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
Well, I thought I knew what I wanted until I saw this picture of </span><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/how-to/mason-jar-pendant-lamps-053890"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Anthropologie's version </span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;">on the Apartment Therapy </span><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/"><span style="font-size: 130%;">website</span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;">. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S1VDQD5htPI/AAAAAAAAAY0/rt4-cniXVjI/s1600-h/masongjarsanthroclose.jpg"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428318869068559602" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S1VDQD5htPI/AAAAAAAAAY0/rt4-cniXVjI/s400/masongjarsanthroclose.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S1VDIx6HzAI/AAAAAAAAAYs/qpD1qpXMfq0/s1600-h/masonjarsanthro.jpg"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428318743980133378" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1J8E4WUpM9w/S1VDIx6HzAI/AAAAAAAAAYs/qpD1qpXMfq0/s400/masonjarsanthro.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 288px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></span></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
So until I gather that many jars, this goes in the idea file. Just wanted to share the inspiration with you! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;">Sincerely, Lisa</span></div>Destination Seabornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15630428177537764457noreply@blogger.com7