tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78587357095084540802024-02-20T22:26:54.842-05:00DoodleBudsHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247178635460053773noreply@blogger.comBlogger390125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858735709508454080.post-376382193805395612013-01-28T18:56:00.002-05:002013-01-28T18:56:48.653-05:00Happy Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello friends!<br />
I've been neglecting my blog for quite awhile now. I have plans to change the name and the design and have been playing with a few ideas behind the scenes. BUT, I just realized that I'm almost up to 50,000 visitors, and I thought that was a great milestone, and THEN noticed that I've missed my blog's birthday. Happy Birthday Doodlebuds (soon to be called something else)! Thank you readers who have stuck with me through slim posting this past year!<br />
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P.S. You'll noticed that my header changed...I was playing around with a couple ideas, but seem to get hung up on the name change!<br />
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Cute card from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/98894469/belated-birthday-card-birthday-card-late?ref=sr_gallery_43&ga_search_query=belated+birthday+card&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Long Live Snail Mail</b></span></a> (check her website for many other fun cards!)Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247178635460053773noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858735709508454080.post-8445622547237233872012-11-12T08:37:00.001-05:002012-11-12T08:37:45.442-05:00Why am I so stressed?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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They say with times of trouble come great insight and learning, and I did try to embrace this philosophy (a bit) during our 10 day power outage thanks to Sandy. In some ways I succeeded...remain calm, keep the child cheerful, treat it like an adventure, take showers at the Y, etc, etc, etc. HOWEVER, it was really stressful, and I ended up exploding about 4 minutes after the power finally came on 10 days later. It's hard to try to maintain your normal life/responsibilities when you are coming home to a dark house, worrying about the heat, and food, and everything else. So, I learned I can be calm under pressure...until it all bubbles out after.<br />
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After several days of the power back on, the house is almost back to normal, the trees all over our yard should be removed today, and Jake is feeling much more happy (as we all are). So, here's a little taste of what it was like for those of you who have asked...ABOVE, two huge oak trees fell on our neighbor's roof. Yikes! I was worried they were going to fall on our bedroom, so we slept downstairs the first night. We had just blown up the air mattress when the power went. We brought Jake's old crib mattress down, but he was SCARED and refused to sleep on it. He had to be wedged between my husband and I, so I found myself on the crib mattress at 1:30 a.m. Ouch!<br />
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We told Jake we were only sleeping downstairs to be EXTRA careful, and that the trees really wouldn't fall on the house. As you can see, we have lost all credibility in that department. He woke up in the morning to this view of the backyard, and trees from the other side of the house on our roof.<br />
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This looks terrible, but it was a branchy tree, and I don't think it broke through the roof. The tree guys are here now cutting down the mess, so I'll let you know!<br />
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Unfortunately, the cute chalkboard walls I made Jake last summer were on this fence.<br />
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There were THREE of these huge trees resting on the road near our house. I sped through each one on my way to work in the morning. You know, because trees resting on power lines are totally normal, and safe.<br />
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Thank goodness for superheroes! What would I have done without one? And, I have to say that although my husband did not dress up, he was pretty super during the ordeal as well!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247178635460053773noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858735709508454080.post-22110707290348724822012-10-10T17:43:00.000-04:002012-10-10T17:43:07.660-04:00Halloween Decorating<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Let's just say...it's not going well!<br />
Does anyone have any ideas about how to deal with this problem?Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247178635460053773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858735709508454080.post-44116719479293548852012-10-09T07:00:00.000-04:002012-10-09T07:00:13.258-04:00Some things I'm thinking about<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As Halloween fast approaches, we've been starting to think more and more about Halloween costumes. I would love it if Jake would let me dress him up like a yard gnome, but he's having none of it. Even at age 4, I can see how some costumes just aren't "cool". (But he would look pretty cute, wouldn't he?)<br />
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I marvel that some parents are able to dress their kids up in crazy cute/original costumes. As much as I think this MIGHT be a possibility for us, I'd rather have Jake pick what he wants to be, and it's kind of fun to see what he comes up with. I think he's going to pick something like this:<br />
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Jake thought I could whip up the costume tonight. I thought not. It's probably going to take a little more polar fleece than I already have. </div>
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I've also been thinking/wanting/hoping to finally get our dining room finished. In the last year, I've managed to replace the (horrendous) chairs, and get a great lighting fixture, but it needs to be painted. I've been stalling because I want to replace the art that's currently there, and I think the wall color will depend on what we hang on the wall. We've been toying with framing an enlarged photo, and I recently discovered an online source where you can get your photo printed on watercolor paper...might be cool? I'm thinking something like this:</div>
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The photo would be toned down a bit (I think) because it would be printed on the watercolor paper, and hopefully look a little more like a painting than just a photo. It's of the Amalfi Coast...a lovely trip we took when we got engaged. Perhaps the interesting destination will make up for the fact that it's really not a superb photo. Do you ever have projects that just stall because you can't decide on one element? I'd love to know I'm not the only one! In the above photo I made the walls greige and thought I'd add a few more pops of color on the other walls.<br />
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Oh, guess what? I'm a soccer mom! How cool is that? Doesn't he look handsome in his crazy orange uniform?<br />
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If you need a fun Halloween activity...check out this Halloween playset I designed. It's got lots of punch out pieces that you can set up in any of three fold-out scenes...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ypxAwEuaoN910SkZKFbjXtVrM-CdcKxjhAU7vWoxmfbR-QS4bVWKr-ELFl-N6Epp3PK9Xh3T7t3K1k9HQHi6_v41B2Zq6Cr9z8mDbgPNM-c2Z76Pv4OALsrbf6Rp3hLReBuA0eKEwvQ/s1600/9781441303387_pt01-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ypxAwEuaoN910SkZKFbjXtVrM-CdcKxjhAU7vWoxmfbR-QS4bVWKr-ELFl-N6Epp3PK9Xh3T7t3K1k9HQHi6_v41B2Zq6Cr9z8mDbgPNM-c2Z76Pv4OALsrbf6Rp3hLReBuA0eKEwvQ/s400/9781441303387_pt01-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
If you want to get one...click <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1441303383/ref=s9_simh_se_p14_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=auto-no-results-center-1&pf_rd_r=334F4ED3E47E45DD9FC4&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_p=1263465782&pf_rd_i=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHaunted-House-Book-Paper-Fold-Out%2Fdp%2F1441303383%2Fref%3Dsr_1_1%3Fie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1349744867%26sr%3D8-1%26keywords%3D9781441303387" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Now that I've finally gotten back to my blog after several months...I hope to keep at it! If you've stuck wtih me for this long haitus...thank you!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247178635460053773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858735709508454080.post-9643315611727835202012-06-20T21:17:00.000-04:002012-06-20T21:17:13.478-04:00Terrarium Centerpiece<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjKor7wV26oMtfo-hI61my43LkTuRntXhS66p7J2QdlgqVyBlBBTb6uaSfNMjCe-S9U-mDyhILbuaAxirljz9CwIcomNQK9oGYV-jvQR5HV77VAgZBib6hlFX9aL23Ez66g8VCfqsMdk/s1600/Terrarium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjKor7wV26oMtfo-hI61my43LkTuRntXhS66p7J2QdlgqVyBlBBTb6uaSfNMjCe-S9U-mDyhILbuaAxirljz9CwIcomNQK9oGYV-jvQR5HV77VAgZBib6hlFX9aL23Ez66g8VCfqsMdk/s400/Terrarium.jpg" width="328" /></a></div>Ever since <a href="http://www.doodlebuds.blogspot.com/2012/04/ready-for-photo-op.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Jake and I visited the New York Botanical Garden in the spring</b></span></a>, I've been thinking about terrariums. They had a great kids activity where volunteers helped kids make their own terrarium using a plastic container. Jake had a great time, and our terrarium is thriving, and getting bigger.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-C-CEw67U-9Usq_pCjZnUKKjaU_kSYQMZzD9yaLxtcny4TU7LkzyvSkF6xO1EBa73gykvlqkQ9FwUncoh4vCSaj0sDjajmkqjIZfLG1P_hYtz-futjCcWTNGHW5PtAhu-d1HnVSVtMg/s1600/ArtistTerrarium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-C-CEw67U-9Usq_pCjZnUKKjaU_kSYQMZzD9yaLxtcny4TU7LkzyvSkF6xO1EBa73gykvlqkQ9FwUncoh4vCSaj0sDjajmkqjIZfLG1P_hYtz-futjCcWTNGHW5PtAhu-d1HnVSVtMg/s400/ArtistTerrarium.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
On display in the kids center they had charming terrariums created by old friends, <a href="http://twigterrariums.com/about" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Michelle Inciarrano</b></span></a> and <a href="http://twigterrariums.com/about" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Katy Maslow</span></a>, owners/creators of <a href="http://twigterrariums.com/about" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Twig Terrariums</b></span></a>. I thought they were so clever, incorporating tiny figures into the plants and displaying them on the walls in these cool containers that lay flat against the wall. They've definitely made terrariums a popular item these days. They've done a great looking book called <b><i><a href="http://twigterrariums.com/our-book" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Tiny World Terrariums, A Step-By-Step Guide to Easily Contained Life</span></a></i></b>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklUePR76X2FTR5UH5TRS0_aqxfwqUN0rxz8WSl8pWb0XVLF1pbvC_feGXJFcMoXIIhN_AvhG4Cxg6cFbk7tCyI-_5cWR0Nc2NbXSv_4YkNfb4v5qa3GBa2EIMfYUhP-sZk8An7rtZjTg/s1600/TinyWorldTerrariumsCover-967x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklUePR76X2FTR5UH5TRS0_aqxfwqUN0rxz8WSl8pWb0XVLF1pbvC_feGXJFcMoXIIhN_AvhG4Cxg6cFbk7tCyI-_5cWR0Nc2NbXSv_4YkNfb4v5qa3GBa2EIMfYUhP-sZk8An7rtZjTg/s320/TinyWorldTerrariumsCover-967x1024.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><br />
Wouldn't you be smitten if someone sent you this little terrarium? (It's available at <a href="http://twigterrariums.com/products-page/readymade-terrariums-nationwide-shipping/gentle-reminder/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Twig Terrarium</b></span></a>). Kudos to the guy that makes the guy in the terrarium look like him!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpWEfQTZG6HZRu_AuFRFVIiSt8MyxQ_Jf-MCpbVtly_ehbvFAU57XtKFfq0x6qZryAgtwsN5H4RROD33-T36U9u48FtKTV7_uwLDWwhi2q1UcP709bjjzemFzQWEggzs7BEb1cg-ANxo/s1600/GentleReminders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpWEfQTZG6HZRu_AuFRFVIiSt8MyxQ_Jf-MCpbVtly_ehbvFAU57XtKFfq0x6qZryAgtwsN5H4RROD33-T36U9u48FtKTV7_uwLDWwhi2q1UcP709bjjzemFzQWEggzs7BEb1cg-ANxo/s400/GentleReminders.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Since our terrarium is such a happy memory for me, I've been thinking it might be fun for us to replant and expand it. Perhaps incorporating some figures of our own, and using it as a centerpiece in our dining room. I'd like to use a large glass container with a lid. Something fancy which might offset the fact that our figures will most likely be several of the Avengers characters. <a href="http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?sku=15885629&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=COaJh6SL3rACFcdlOgodtX06wg" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Something like this</b></span></a>:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4MBNjoSYtunbxlxXt1SwHPSTUMzBG6DPq1KQdLyYDooq2sMxO-FNY-thympSijIlNhwZvrRpyXY5g39iDpR5Y_47jSvNk4NQTGFJZluwEGaQG5lgIAtRH4vcGP00IsbTlNPuNIbPxwA/s1600/8894315885629P.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4MBNjoSYtunbxlxXt1SwHPSTUMzBG6DPq1KQdLyYDooq2sMxO-FNY-thympSijIlNhwZvrRpyXY5g39iDpR5Y_47jSvNk4NQTGFJZluwEGaQG5lgIAtRH4vcGP00IsbTlNPuNIbPxwA/s400/8894315885629P.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=11203175" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><b>I like this shape better</b></span></a>, but I don't think it would work, because the lid needs to be on the top:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBqtWvt7OMDXFR2LRWRAywjMJI8sII2mlh1ZYcr-L6Lr0E6N94QF56PvrNcuLQ4Pn3Tmym61X0JzKtzkP4VkiqSo4E9jJqGZj_23i3LNs9INbq7tH0_LyyNJGqOPiozml-VVhs-VIVuk/s1600/2289111203175P.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBqtWvt7OMDXFR2LRWRAywjMJI8sII2mlh1ZYcr-L6Lr0E6N94QF56PvrNcuLQ4Pn3Tmym61X0JzKtzkP4VkiqSo4E9jJqGZj_23i3LNs9INbq7tH0_LyyNJGqOPiozml-VVhs-VIVuk/s400/2289111203175P.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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I'll also need to look for some tiny Avengers characters...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikovn_eMXPFaYnD-BmhA7CvnnDOb4smOWCVwvwgvyn52maNQbc5_A-vbKkIfooZad42ZSv_rZ8By7S0W6aDFRMs1F3GlLwHYktpPcs-3wZLLsJ95Vlpxe06Ys-amjnDWYKc17kWadeL5M/s1600/lens19435331_1335743399-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikovn_eMXPFaYnD-BmhA7CvnnDOb4smOWCVwvwgvyn52maNQbc5_A-vbKkIfooZad42ZSv_rZ8By7S0W6aDFRMs1F3GlLwHYktpPcs-3wZLLsJ95Vlpxe06Ys-amjnDWYKc17kWadeL5M/s400/lens19435331_1335743399-.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Stay tuned! We'll see what happens with this crazy idea! In the meantime, I'll be furiously watering our outdoor garden, hoping to keep the "elevendy billion" flowers I planted alive!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247178635460053773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858735709508454080.post-11396423714742750152012-06-10T21:23:00.000-04:002012-06-10T21:23:03.428-04:00What summer looks like...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrc9tDGs36fCcFCkPwnFGtXJd6Z05gICI8hqMtOoITJywls7UrjqfTQE1ZegBNu4TPI40UL6NcFeTwTqO9X8Tnc5K3MP9hNtE6LbNy6QDIV5VfozRJ_ORVemYK6ScXh9LJh5PhJZ4lYog/s1600/Summer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrc9tDGs36fCcFCkPwnFGtXJd6Z05gICI8hqMtOoITJywls7UrjqfTQE1ZegBNu4TPI40UL6NcFeTwTqO9X8Tnc5K3MP9hNtE6LbNy6QDIV5VfozRJ_ORVemYK6ScXh9LJh5PhJZ4lYog/s400/Summer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>It's almost time for summer...and I don't quite feel ready! Perhaps it's that most days in NY have been half rainy lately, or perhaps it's been because Jake has been sick for many days (poor little guy), so we've been hunkered down inside for awhile. But, as it's my favorite time of year, I'm attempting to kick start the feeling, and (probably too late in the season), planted about a gajillion flowers in the past week in between Jake's bouts of lying on the couch.<br />
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The above photo is of ME on the left...looking grumpy (and much like Jake when HE'S grumpy), and my (identical) twin sister Martha on the right. I really love some old photos I have of Martha because they show such attitude. She rocks. We were about the same age that Jake is now (4) when the photos were taken. About a million years ago.<br />
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So, where will I be hanging out this summer? Some of my favorite haunts on Cape Cod...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtCmvprMLZRJO83HV9K2lfWORsPPwEIQ9r_MgJQ-pNAt3mCT-lwssKFTIFhtYOwN9pkHtjEuP0aFQ6Ln84i1kOy2bb-_fDXM5_TYYnTha0hMy58aJ2ei-iCyNwBT3mSau1jF_bzjx_u4/s1600/Arnolds.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtCmvprMLZRJO83HV9K2lfWORsPPwEIQ9r_MgJQ-pNAt3mCT-lwssKFTIFhtYOwN9pkHtjEuP0aFQ6Ln84i1kOy2bb-_fDXM5_TYYnTha0hMy58aJ2ei-iCyNwBT3mSau1jF_bzjx_u4/s320/Arnolds.tiff" width="320" /></a></div><br />
There's <a href="http://arnoldsrestaurant.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Arnolds</b></span></a>, on Rt. 6 in Eastham. Really the best fried clams, and clam chowder ever. But, the sprinkles on the soft chocolate cones are lacking, so I suggest you head up to...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TxM7JDjBnjrX66d5o-5-b4yGiADGTeowWFdfoP9bg7OFM3T-VEcbJ20a_FLLumocIuo-4-eVLk74DsChqebZ0cyUrkhEvbi6nQYaCHG-zPHYk4IBYh08TXlNVRw26MZLQjGBABB5-YQ/s1600/pier_slide7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TxM7JDjBnjrX66d5o-5-b4yGiADGTeowWFdfoP9bg7OFM3T-VEcbJ20a_FLLumocIuo-4-eVLk74DsChqebZ0cyUrkhEvbi6nQYaCHG-zPHYk4IBYh08TXlNVRw26MZLQjGBABB5-YQ/s1600/pier_slide7.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdB8OkGZRwZMnIguZR74w6pvffhovBBm1INGUZTE8lM5VXLuEhpbwzvpI1fK_Qmq370jeYDc1tWcekr7Sb9JV82tUr8GVQBNz6Mkrp4vSU58zfIOGLg9WAQNQv55DPxi49QkQzGIU8aZo/s1600/Chocolate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdB8OkGZRwZMnIguZR74w6pvffhovBBm1INGUZTE8lM5VXLuEhpbwzvpI1fK_Qmq370jeYDc1tWcekr7Sb9JV82tUr8GVQBNz6Mkrp4vSU58zfIOGLg9WAQNQv55DPxi49QkQzGIU8aZo/s400/Chocolate.jpg" width="197" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://macsseafood.com/restaurants/macs-on-the-pier/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Mac's on the Pier</b></span></a>. You'll probably want to have 2 ice cream cones, because they're just that good. Jake chose hard chocolate but that's because he's little and doesn't know any better. He'll learn.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Mac's Shack</b></span> is really good too...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklOlNknhOKfjR0ePdMoEciTVVRrVBMAXWSoEe_1pwZ0Vo6738kfjO41AgG06Imbx3IErbr8SmLuOgArhnI8q-zOAHuibGpVC9eZ2sj0JcwBE_JY5gGxIoBL5R4rdDWi-xn1BrBQ_l9zE/s1600/Mac's.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklOlNknhOKfjR0ePdMoEciTVVRrVBMAXWSoEe_1pwZ0Vo6738kfjO41AgG06Imbx3IErbr8SmLuOgArhnI8q-zOAHuibGpVC9eZ2sj0JcwBE_JY5gGxIoBL5R4rdDWi-xn1BrBQ_l9zE/s400/Mac's.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The idea of all these great treats is definitely helping the summer mood! Now, I'll have to sign off and have some sugary juice...Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247178635460053773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858735709508454080.post-10949736840999007532012-05-24T22:01:00.001-04:002012-05-24T22:04:47.584-04:00I have to go feed my pet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zCJ0cvkvBB6Xt51vQ2Jho-FAg9X7FpXWX-Ou6mk3-WFTM-oXbksWXh__WR-P0BvFoL7EGCLaqRId5-6OR64Qya_2x5OXpidL2Fnx0-1eOqC0-GblsvR-gCYl1lIPypIuyn4DVofkSM4/s1600/hww01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zCJ0cvkvBB6Xt51vQ2Jho-FAg9X7FpXWX-Ou6mk3-WFTM-oXbksWXh__WR-P0BvFoL7EGCLaqRId5-6OR64Qya_2x5OXpidL2Fnx0-1eOqC0-GblsvR-gCYl1lIPypIuyn4DVofkSM4/s320/hww01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After spending 2 days at the <a href="http://www.nationalstationeryshow.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">National Stationery Show</span></a> and <a href="http://www.surtex.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Surtex</span></a> last week, I have to say I'm overwhelmed by the talent there. I go every year to buy art for the company I work for to put on journals, notecards, and you name it. I typically spend most of my time there at the Surtex Show, and after half a day, I'm typically overwhelmed, and am already forgetting half of what I've purchased! We ended up getting lots of great stuff, and meeting new and old artist friends.<br />
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One of the things that really caught my eye this year were these crazy, adorable walking pet balloons. I didn't have time to get one for Jake, but this is the type of pet I could really see us having! It was fun seeing people at the show walking around with these happy balloons. I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot more of this trend, and I know I'll be looking for one for the next addition to our family!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4etTz-phYxEu2RHf14P5xlvuC56UbT8_5Yvx2S6SOTcApp85AIA2F6tTuzpy3Bz6K2jq8K6z_fzkqlIEiecaq-m10rrdn0AuwpmJWEUH4YQBZROHAshnqf3y9SmtorrF8dfTPy7WuzY/s1600/hww05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4etTz-phYxEu2RHf14P5xlvuC56UbT8_5Yvx2S6SOTcApp85AIA2F6tTuzpy3Bz6K2jq8K6z_fzkqlIEiecaq-m10rrdn0AuwpmJWEUH4YQBZROHAshnqf3y9SmtorrF8dfTPy7WuzY/s320/hww05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cj_DPQ91qUUkAPsb6Gk-0M5IVFxJGFj6sHoqkxBWa8KmtQ1LPLs30a51IU8WSyv6PqIALoEaclsaA79dEcjuvlrI433Yda8ZNCy7nHU3aAOweqHVTu4rxZNs6ysmAfaXk-MR7Gc0rK8/s1600/hww08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cj_DPQ91qUUkAPsb6Gk-0M5IVFxJGFj6sHoqkxBWa8KmtQ1LPLs30a51IU8WSyv6PqIALoEaclsaA79dEcjuvlrI433Yda8ZNCy7nHU3aAOweqHVTu4rxZNs6ysmAfaXk-MR7Gc0rK8/s320/hww08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247178635460053773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858735709508454080.post-31625033929755897402012-05-12T22:31:00.002-04:002012-05-12T22:35:02.987-04:00Happy Mother's Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIdjgzHaE3eqn9oR86JRiYsPPcnyb494NdZ0xteBz5nm_5EQADS4W913FEiPgBkSjhd0Wx_Z0LG4SnXLE2UKuj9RasQdVsAJDn-HHxBOug8MWhO0_ljp3ny8TlGm2laEggutOKLJlC2Q/s1600/HappyMother'sDay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIdjgzHaE3eqn9oR86JRiYsPPcnyb494NdZ0xteBz5nm_5EQADS4W913FEiPgBkSjhd0Wx_Z0LG4SnXLE2UKuj9RasQdVsAJDn-HHxBOug8MWhO0_ljp3ny8TlGm2laEggutOKLJlC2Q/s400/HappyMother'sDay.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>We happened to be killing some time in Target today while I got a new tire put on my car. How is it that it's very hard to leave Target w/o spending $100? I find it to be one of the most expensive stores I shop in. Had we browsed through J. Crew for instance, I might have left with one shirt for $75...quite a bargain in comparison. But, then we wouldn't have had a new Hulk costume, light bulbs, Avenger books, and a wireless computer adapter (that doesn't work).<br />
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What about you, would you have bought the Hulk costume?<br />
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Happy Mom's Day everyone...and esp to mine!<br />
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P.S. That lovely font? I just got it (but not at Target). It's on sale at <a href="http://www.myfonts.com/fonts/emily-lime/bergamot/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">MyFonts.com</span></a>!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247178635460053773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858735709508454080.post-76875528350865163032012-04-04T21:12:00.001-04:002012-04-04T21:16:19.940-04:00Ready for a photo op?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nybg.org/exhibitions/2012/orchid-show/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWcd_WnbUFmY8rZArTUw6IvqpjeWEthydbMQpzGRIG5LJW1m-0eiAPN0Y1SuMsHHY-4zv2ZH5aZYQ3JZOmKImmKtRDAp2slgTfUU2voZkSR1IFGxmGXC2MGQSzuV4ElEtxx9OnxFpwZg/s400/DSC02498.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I've been wanting to go to the <a href="http://www.nybg.org/exhibitions/2012/orchid-show/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Orchid Show at the Bronx Botanical Gardens</span></a> for several weeks now. The photos and<a href="http://web.stagram.com/tag/orchidshow/" target="_blank"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Instagrams</span></a> that people have posted on line are great, and make it very tempting. Today, I seized the opportunity, and took Jake for our weekly "Jake and Mommy Day". I felt it was a bit of a stretch to keep him interested in a flower show for too long, so I turned it into an adventure.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6_X9Qq3uo8GaTY0zN645Wdrk6Ifjt0idyo5wwFTLEW1hLyjpT_1QCYD0ddDUVkXisqbWZrA-a3CjBVrq3ztZXNpbWhy4xTBcGs6JObd43hqShdBkZvFJpaKe6u5fZCX1UCQ_zdOXrOg/s1600/DSC02481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6_X9Qq3uo8GaTY0zN645Wdrk6Ifjt0idyo5wwFTLEW1hLyjpT_1QCYD0ddDUVkXisqbWZrA-a3CjBVrq3ztZXNpbWhy4xTBcGs6JObd43hqShdBkZvFJpaKe6u5fZCX1UCQ_zdOXrOg/s400/DSC02481.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I reminded him that Peter Parker (aka Spiderman) was a photographer for <i>The Daily Bugle</i>, and we stopped to get a cheap (pink) digital camera from the drugstore for him to use on our "photography adventure". The little camera was perfect (except it's a piece of junk, and I can't get the photos off it). He was so proud of it, and it kept him interested for the entire day. I handed it to him at one point and asked if he wanted to play with it, and he said, "Mom, you don't play with it, it's not a toy!" I guess that message sunk in!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSDcMujAOTD1D_IpBfZSjrCgdRFpUjA-Al18r-eJaXsRYkQSYqIBbG27jdQ1I7Jnuvt7eK3T1YoN1IuXNDKAd8JSVKRoHM4vkZ4Ferhfbz92gXzsMkW7Sa6LdiULp8hxFmU-jaTmuznE/s1600/DSC02493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSDcMujAOTD1D_IpBfZSjrCgdRFpUjA-Al18r-eJaXsRYkQSYqIBbG27jdQ1I7Jnuvt7eK3T1YoN1IuXNDKAd8JSVKRoHM4vkZ4Ferhfbz92gXzsMkW7Sa6LdiULp8hxFmU-jaTmuznE/s400/DSC02493.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The show was designed by French botanist and artist <a href="http://www.verticalgardenpatrickblanc.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Patrick Blanc</span></a>. The orchids, displayed in different climates are turned into amazing vertical gardens throughout the Conservatory. I played with various settings on the camera, trying to create some artsy shots. The subject matter was inspiring. You can also visit the show for the <a href="http://www.nybg.org/exhibitions/2012/orchid-show/evenings.php" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Orchid Evenings</span></a> (with signature cocktail). It would be a great date spot...(trés romantic!) How do you think my artsy shots came out?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFAgC159U3vRkVIJPAdjqFB8Y4wDnLFSIoprFHoWVQkBOg31a5R4Hf_GuQoYH3TCUNVH-IkUJcykUcaG64t7HTsYYccr59aTfDxqYpteiJY1rb6aGJVH5UXkyUfmgPer_wox-dSMwytw/s1600/IMG_5889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFAgC159U3vRkVIJPAdjqFB8Y4wDnLFSIoprFHoWVQkBOg31a5R4Hf_GuQoYH3TCUNVH-IkUJcykUcaG64t7HTsYYccr59aTfDxqYpteiJY1rb6aGJVH5UXkyUfmgPer_wox-dSMwytw/s400/IMG_5889.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY74z_rEU40W4NwkK-w2H_E_Z7JlVH6uEa6kQ2M2ZaKGpjuPSbb5sk5haJCNLbmE4y7EI-tcugJSi0iGKps0fIgmq3-8e5lUQgCAWdpyUjwVieTn7GOJEwVvzlqdQz4Uya25e6nk6csF4/s1600/IMG_5894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY74z_rEU40W4NwkK-w2H_E_Z7JlVH6uEa6kQ2M2ZaKGpjuPSbb5sk5haJCNLbmE4y7EI-tcugJSi0iGKps0fIgmq3-8e5lUQgCAWdpyUjwVieTn7GOJEwVvzlqdQz4Uya25e6nk6csF4/s400/IMG_5894.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgj6dU-x9-93QHgXhnNPZy7HJeUlJnd8S6JEhBt31Xtt9iI2Diwp3FJPNFkNXJgV_a8tky0oSHLugM5zRlmwaOW7Bm22DpjYrPWaXfDX7qpwMS5EMXJmQs3z6Cc-KVzmeT7LhXAq9bdsA/s1600/IMG_5897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgj6dU-x9-93QHgXhnNPZy7HJeUlJnd8S6JEhBt31Xtt9iI2Diwp3FJPNFkNXJgV_a8tky0oSHLugM5zRlmwaOW7Bm22DpjYrPWaXfDX7qpwMS5EMXJmQs3z6Cc-KVzmeT7LhXAq9bdsA/s400/IMG_5897.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">My sidekick was a trooper (or maybe I'm the sidekick?)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMTd-cbT9P-yQQsbfoMjZXdG9k6hP_dxuQd2u8A_SYF8YgVfQnAqenUGtmT5tIb6uTCwlLzLpcRwH1Z1W1SKJpDP-tSXl1KVgd5kIWoKIsuyyeqotkCm581ML9HBDJdZP_BLeTNJ08Mw/s1600/DSC02472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMTd-cbT9P-yQQsbfoMjZXdG9k6hP_dxuQd2u8A_SYF8YgVfQnAqenUGtmT5tIb6uTCwlLzLpcRwH1Z1W1SKJpDP-tSXl1KVgd5kIWoKIsuyyeqotkCm581ML9HBDJdZP_BLeTNJ08Mw/s400/DSC02472.JPG" width="232" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">After touring the Orchid Show, we made terrariums at the Children's Garden which was also really cool. Jake was getting a bit tired by that point, so I knew we had to make a quick get away. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6fb7uZx6GP2MotYhk5NUZKVLsCfP5wfL_R60oKdtcvXkt4fp631BlTxPN23o3ZfX8xhyphenhyphenFwHAKeIgsLAls_OuKuY1pEFBB0WPA35s74vIFT3kgn_A4zyBntFEtWze7GlXmYPPIZtEIjE/s1600/DSC02524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6fb7uZx6GP2MotYhk5NUZKVLsCfP5wfL_R60oKdtcvXkt4fp631BlTxPN23o3ZfX8xhyphenhyphenFwHAKeIgsLAls_OuKuY1pEFBB0WPA35s74vIFT3kgn_A4zyBntFEtWze7GlXmYPPIZtEIjE/s400/DSC02524.JPG" width="296" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's exhausting being a super hero w/ a dual identity. On the way back to the car though, he still kept wanting to take more photos. He's say, "Mom! Stop! Photo op!" Such fun!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctGX9xDkDUispUqu0Yy63ylImOCGoxXCvXFZwoqIkg76OBJy6Rm9ATGxUf8pyQONj9z1K4_aEj_LJDa-9DjzmG9s386sKmBnayOjbRgphaV5DMEY5m2LrcK42uBcOp0WsskQJmF2swOA/s1600/IMG_5906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctGX9xDkDUispUqu0Yy63ylImOCGoxXCvXFZwoqIkg76OBJy6Rm9ATGxUf8pyQONj9z1K4_aEj_LJDa-9DjzmG9s386sKmBnayOjbRgphaV5DMEY5m2LrcK42uBcOp0WsskQJmF2swOA/s400/IMG_5906.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsIs-cfHtYsX1-t8ONNOYIPRkgqbCLFa_CZQW2yWGAu7yjwUIlLl8VGWcrf0uajARcusP0Pn70BVz2mYs6a4nEdmaNlQ3sFJ2VKqh4BbPJN_yfpjqVDjtqE7kd4O3GdMzh2FnmLm7Up4/s1600/IMG_5923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsIs-cfHtYsX1-t8ONNOYIPRkgqbCLFa_CZQW2yWGAu7yjwUIlLl8VGWcrf0uajARcusP0Pn70BVz2mYs6a4nEdmaNlQ3sFJ2VKqh4BbPJN_yfpjqVDjtqE7kd4O3GdMzh2FnmLm7Up4/s400/IMG_5923.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIppgISUWwrLLBiQpB_IdwKc5Bztf1xRJjMmH3k8WoYwg4CAgos5A7B3P6zS9uyFTHZzhVpsvPUyYazsjPrr38QmXLBcnrnW_r83RGKmBOTpZSNXS43tyBkcA5WaNjdqKFliz56WBDSVo/s1600/IMG_5917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIppgISUWwrLLBiQpB_IdwKc5Bztf1xRJjMmH3k8WoYwg4CAgos5A7B3P6zS9uyFTHZzhVpsvPUyYazsjPrr38QmXLBcnrnW_r83RGKmBOTpZSNXS43tyBkcA5WaNjdqKFliz56WBDSVo/s400/IMG_5917.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">If you happen to go for the Orchid Evenings event...please tell me how it was, and have a "signature cocktail" for me!</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247178635460053773noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858735709508454080.post-12432580925650489062012-04-02T22:30:00.000-04:002012-04-02T22:30:42.455-04:00Super Heros Unite<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEbJwS8QfqjrnqfNOonXatCpa47F91XK8SXteise5GIAcV0Uq_nyY3ahAQT4iRVizFU5BNgewwmh9_wEnDz7Z4GyzsS_g7cUAVI-KoNHn2lRxKfThz9MwF0n6qPffwxCUsSx7b6_sBw0/s1600/JakeSuperHero-HZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEbJwS8QfqjrnqfNOonXatCpa47F91XK8SXteise5GIAcV0Uq_nyY3ahAQT4iRVizFU5BNgewwmh9_wEnDz7Z4GyzsS_g7cUAVI-KoNHn2lRxKfThz9MwF0n6qPffwxCUsSx7b6_sBw0/s400/JakeSuperHero-HZ.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(design © Heather Zschock)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqzVMND7dDjCzFNdvSvxuQyWAPk5MMQLIe7pafGyQuX3i9eBVOZiSZ3up-so1KB5YS99ib33qSsfOM6lngdaOERnYJUDXfy5uUsQ2Q5pSiYnCnvxt-_a8LiHdpB9LzD44X91MLfaTo7R4/s1600/Happy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqzVMND7dDjCzFNdvSvxuQyWAPk5MMQLIe7pafGyQuX3i9eBVOZiSZ3up-so1KB5YS99ib33qSsfOM6lngdaOERnYJUDXfy5uUsQ2Q5pSiYnCnvxt-_a8LiHdpB9LzD44X91MLfaTo7R4/s400/Happy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
As always, we've had a busy several weeks with lots of birthday fun, lots of work, and not enough time. Thus, this blog has not been updated quite as much as I would like. For one thing, I think it needs an overhaul, and I'm starting to gather a few ideas of things I'd like to do. Like most of my larger projects (like our guest bedroom, and basement), it seems that things take about 6 months to come together if I'm truly honest with my time constraints! I also have a tendency to play with Jake at any given moment. Redesign blog, or play with Jake? Clean out basement, or play with Jake? Hmmmm...which would you decide? (He is pretty cute, isn't he?)<br />
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In March, Jake turned 4, and we celebrated with a really fun Super Hero party. I had a few indoor games like "Pin the Badge on the Super Hero" planned, but I really didn't have enough to keep 11 kids reasonably happy and under control for an hour and a halaf. FORTUNATELY the weather cooperated with us. If it had been a rainy day, I would have been in big trouble!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_ZlmEat1iu33KFlMP7J5ChiZTK2YYxNFtLDtIcqcM9KC28gm3cMlsq-IruDtQthKPOwehzr25bxruoILXroPWy00CMl1e9ttAjrxssDPv4eZmUCKmt9Y45jzeDWqMdMzcP9GaDsKOso/s1600/PinThe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_ZlmEat1iu33KFlMP7J5ChiZTK2YYxNFtLDtIcqcM9KC28gm3cMlsq-IruDtQthKPOwehzr25bxruoILXroPWy00CMl1e9ttAjrxssDPv4eZmUCKmt9Y45jzeDWqMdMzcP9GaDsKOso/s400/PinThe.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(design © Heather Zschock)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></div>The highlight was a visit from Spiderman himself (who wishes to be anonymous). When the children arrived, we gave them bags with capes I had made, masks that my sister graciously made, with stickers to decorate. (I made 12 capes!??! What was I thinking!?!?) When that activity was winding down, Mr. Anonymous snuck upstairs and put on his Spiderman costume (doesn't every man own one?). I announced that a "bad guy" had taken the goody bags...which may have scared a few of the kids (oops!), and then I asked them to all call for help from Spiderman. They obliged, and out popped Spiderman! Who also scared them, until we told them who he really was (can you guess?).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiG-YK39afh8zVg5NiUGv74b8aj_tAJv6rBnQKb-Jip2yay7B5_uONFmQT0pNddIjiBSIYNXZcGWvMfqDyjxxVDNwx-4JCQ8eyJDcQIYAcizwxvINq8-ImX-VEQXuDZf05oCYYSmsiPNc/s1600/Clue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiG-YK39afh8zVg5NiUGv74b8aj_tAJv6rBnQKb-Jip2yay7B5_uONFmQT0pNddIjiBSIYNXZcGWvMfqDyjxxVDNwx-4JCQ8eyJDcQIYAcizwxvINq8-ImX-VEQXuDZf05oCYYSmsiPNc/s400/Clue.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Spiderman led the little super heroes on a "clue finding mission" around a nature preserve by our house. We had set up clues and goody bags with "power rings", "heat ray vision" glasses, etc. At each stop, Spidey would pass out the goodies and announce that his "spider senses were tingling", and it was off to the next stop!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtMv5VoA1uZgro6Q6scnyO8YJiV-bbDeV6aEm8ca8jBI7lnmF8Pf73IkIkFcE-Mr4bIabDRsayv1JFShKvvYKqDi8A51CmB8n1tYe8sahukj3XK3xaRKZbaDhfxSlgGiDy71EKJOvye4/s1600/Spidey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtMv5VoA1uZgro6Q6scnyO8YJiV-bbDeV6aEm8ca8jBI7lnmF8Pf73IkIkFcE-Mr4bIabDRsayv1JFShKvvYKqDi8A51CmB8n1tYe8sahukj3XK3xaRKZbaDhfxSlgGiDy71EKJOvye4/s400/Spidey.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
They all had fun, and I think this will be a memorable party for him...which for me, is the most important! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGNoPpr7Ivh5IWzGE0wmh1PE9lRW1yjSc749wuLMCJD3HNUIfeIT5UYOlBrJiCGW5WJqghOycggl0ioagb3gqA7FV1yqUjZZxjh-8T-UiCr5TOsSLFvU6UIIlFBBA408CcXlnChrdogM/s1600/SuperHero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGNoPpr7Ivh5IWzGE0wmh1PE9lRW1yjSc749wuLMCJD3HNUIfeIT5UYOlBrJiCGW5WJqghOycggl0ioagb3gqA7FV1yqUjZZxjh-8T-UiCr5TOsSLFvU6UIIlFBBA408CcXlnChrdogM/s400/SuperHero.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247178635460053773noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858735709508454080.post-70541500798822851002012-02-15T07:09:00.000-05:002012-02-15T07:09:00.139-05:00Yes, we'd like more sugar please<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsx0lH2haOpl11b5ie18mqKSY-eWI4NLlUzy0p3fqW5_j68_x01TJPCG0nQyBrDAAsyxsOvvv4eU4gnpyL28v23rWJZQ8UN13ol46utpS-FvR-CJa83YSF_r-od5UqunfFracg-jO_3Y/s1600/il_570xN.258051933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsx0lH2haOpl11b5ie18mqKSY-eWI4NLlUzy0p3fqW5_j68_x01TJPCG0nQyBrDAAsyxsOvvv4eU4gnpyL28v23rWJZQ8UN13ol46utpS-FvR-CJa83YSF_r-od5UqunfFracg-jO_3Y/s400/il_570xN.258051933.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEwUsB7D8HLuKHza2bGSeytPC1oYOvYi1V_qD3sRFYzQ88eogEKS08_zyAjHEeOWUTv2LBpk8RUmep1PbaZ5qR-JZOmSxKCzLKeXBGGFLcaMFECLjit65MrcEPiPjpYxh8LjQsIjkc7Y/s1600/il_570xN.141898815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEwUsB7D8HLuKHza2bGSeytPC1oYOvYi1V_qD3sRFYzQ88eogEKS08_zyAjHEeOWUTv2LBpk8RUmep1PbaZ5qR-JZOmSxKCzLKeXBGGFLcaMFECLjit65MrcEPiPjpYxh8LjQsIjkc7Y/s400/il_570xN.141898815.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cd_YJAx0u4_GCnGdAdCaY1RID5KL1k4oxEqzcbA4JQPB2JQA6zjjS4gZUNxOMjTU4OmK4PQtVtgt4UUgUGte34NKgIvGkahymUkt6fNxq1eusUfdU7IV9hGKc58Kuv3u2A06yEMBfqE/s1600/il_570xN.229651978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cd_YJAx0u4_GCnGdAdCaY1RID5KL1k4oxEqzcbA4JQPB2JQA6zjjS4gZUNxOMjTU4OmK4PQtVtgt4UUgUGte34NKgIvGkahymUkt6fNxq1eusUfdU7IV9hGKc58Kuv3u2A06yEMBfqE/s400/il_570xN.229651978.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As a parent, does it ever drive you nuts that someone is always passing out candy and some form of sugar to your kids? After a much sugar-filled few days, I'm beginning to really resent the tasty stuff. Do I really want a very visible box of TEN CHOCOLATES from someone's birthday to come home with us from pre-school so I can listen to a fuss fest half way home about why we're not eating the whole thing? Or that I really don't think Jake needs the frosted donut AND the munchkins at the same time? Or that I can't get through the check-out line without him grabbing half the goodies (and let me tell you, if anything rips open in the struggle, we're not buying it, it's the store's fault!) Or why I don't want the bag full of candy as a goody bag after LOTS of treats at the party.</div><br />
Honestly, I love candy, and think it's one of the best things about being an adult because you can have it whenever you want. BUT, there is also some common sense that comes with all that adulthood, and I can actually stop after a certain point.<br />
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Am I being an uptight mom, or do you resent all the sugar offerings a little too?<br />
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It you want to order these tempting prints, stop by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/78067236/cotton-candy-print-aceo-size-miss-puff?ref=sr_gallery_10&sref=&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=candy+print&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">boopsiedaisy</span>.</a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247178635460053773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858735709508454080.post-60408452552395956202012-02-14T06:22:00.002-05:002012-02-13T20:24:32.962-05:00It's kind of corny...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8x-QvDL97dXZ8nszXd1ar0Muf5DfxC56PI86BVJIR3TWNmMhSjA5iI13X8dcNlC_kCQKaNcbKpxVLqMk72k0qy4yzYhthnutJVz1hDWLK7UQxiNtcKLs9Tvw3CE1XMYeCw5vSpycVIg/s1600/PopcornValentine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8x-QvDL97dXZ8nszXd1ar0Muf5DfxC56PI86BVJIR3TWNmMhSjA5iI13X8dcNlC_kCQKaNcbKpxVLqMk72k0qy4yzYhthnutJVz1hDWLK7UQxiNtcKLs9Tvw3CE1XMYeCw5vSpycVIg/s400/PopcornValentine.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>No major plans around here, but we made these tasty treats for Jake's buddies. Isn't it fun how excited kids get about holidays? Happy Valentine's Day! Hope it's a good one!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247178635460053773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858735709508454080.post-46398295490961835212012-02-12T22:03:00.001-05:002012-02-12T22:04:59.063-05:00Just let me sleep<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuLQ8qIy3g2wHbe3B7FzWTp8kicXj9u9U4euMyF_1mkphG68MIghyphenhyphenP1YrGAevXkvUryjyOCXhmiToU1yGrHPXvr6cZ0wp1jpG-mAYr-ndY9MQTmSTIHjMvZVHGLzycel5PI-8r1U0jCU/s1600/il_570xN.305379121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuLQ8qIy3g2wHbe3B7FzWTp8kicXj9u9U4euMyF_1mkphG68MIghyphenhyphenP1YrGAevXkvUryjyOCXhmiToU1yGrHPXvr6cZ0wp1jpG-mAYr-ndY9MQTmSTIHjMvZVHGLzycel5PI-8r1U0jCU/s400/il_570xN.305379121.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>I came across <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/91217503/let-her-sleep-8x10-print"target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">this print by Yellow Button Studio</span></a> on Etsy while looking for something else. So true, right? A co-worker of mine who also has young children and I always commiserate about why it's so hard to get a good night's sleep when there's always something, or someone, or some bad dream waking us up. And how children have the tendency to diagonally take over the bed. I also read an article recently about how it's not normal to be tired all the time. Really?Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247178635460053773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858735709508454080.post-385222557741803162012-02-09T21:44:00.000-05:002012-02-09T21:44:36.324-05:00Ka Pow!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmNKPlMawXqSlQBSMu8kjjfMmBJezwyRWfCiNHqsBc6veBtIbwka4OeXrpy43CHioQYFBLtryk5mLR9tJCQL_MaTU5OPTQ51R35LfxrJ4W6RpLXP_vHbBICwDnC47DfznK_VefuYacOY/s1600/il_fullxfull.304711005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmNKPlMawXqSlQBSMu8kjjfMmBJezwyRWfCiNHqsBc6veBtIbwka4OeXrpy43CHioQYFBLtryk5mLR9tJCQL_MaTU5OPTQ51R35LfxrJ4W6RpLXP_vHbBICwDnC47DfznK_VefuYacOY/s640/il_fullxfull.304711005.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>As both my super heroes have gone to bed early (my husband because he had knee surgery today, and Jake actually WANTED to go to bed), I've had a few moments to begin thinking about Jake's upcoming birthday party. I was searching for some ideas on-line, and found these funny (large) centerpieces. For some reason, I just think they're kind of hysterical. I've told Jake that the party is going to be a generic super hero party (I'm sure he knows what generic means!) because I don't want it to get too out of hand since the super hero thing can really go either way. I might be nuts.<br />
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If you DO want a specific superhero for YOUR party, you can get one of these funny centerpieces at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/86208922/super-hero-heroes-heros-superman-batman"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Play Patterns</span>.</a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247178635460053773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858735709508454080.post-8230034848232936262012-02-06T07:00:00.000-05:002012-02-06T07:00:10.567-05:00Dinos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjCpHiaK_Z8yCfPksBvApauRdA0BmhgQHsZa3MiJhsd6Zft6lkMLcX8NMuwdXq27TaQxC4XvoHcE8K9datyi3rh6kE4uLSu9mELSyJICHyHs4sxh0YWr4LiWM3QSF1AmnnTIO0YrQ-98/s1600/DinosaurLearntoDrawBook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjCpHiaK_Z8yCfPksBvApauRdA0BmhgQHsZa3MiJhsd6Zft6lkMLcX8NMuwdXq27TaQxC4XvoHcE8K9datyi3rh6kE4uLSu9mELSyJICHyHs4sxh0YWr4LiWM3QSF1AmnnTIO0YrQ-98/s400/DinosaurLearntoDrawBook.jpg" width="372" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been working on a couple of dinosaur kid's activity books lately. They're really fun, and I'm looking forward to the day Jake starts to take interest in dinosaurs. (Of course, he'll probably have me making him a dinosaur costume!) I remember being VERY into dinosaurs when I was in kindergarten. The first book (above) will be a learn-to-draw dinosaur activity book with step-by-step instructions. The illustrations are by <a href="http://doodlebuds.blogspot.com/2009/04/authorartist-series-keri-barbas.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Keri Barbas Steckler</span></a>. It's funny, I've worked with her for over 12 years, and because we lived in different cities and only talked on the phone, we became good friends before we'd ever met in person. Has that ever happened to you? Kindred spirits, I guess?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The other project I'm working on is a create-your-own papercraft toy dinosaur activity book. I'm working with illustrator, and paper engineer <a href="http://marybethcryan.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Mary Beth Cryan</span></a>, and I have to say, she's been amazing. I'm thrilled with each new dinosaur she sends me. It's like opening a present every couple weeks! The book will feature 24 dinosaurs to punch out, and then assemble. Here's a sneak peek:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNYHumoThyphenhyphenmU_7zbt4zmFiDpmDciwhr18E9w7gaE1Pvy1Vep0QW3UcTVqQ3UdpLGdmrZ8RAny1xIuQo6RYSVUsO20o27DaCaaSmIzd7bWVpEiBSyGKwk6L9E08guuDE-otKYMFbFG-xo/s1600/Stegasaurus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNYHumoThyphenhyphenmU_7zbt4zmFiDpmDciwhr18E9w7gaE1Pvy1Vep0QW3UcTVqQ3UdpLGdmrZ8RAny1xIuQo6RYSVUsO20o27DaCaaSmIzd7bWVpEiBSyGKwk6L9E08guuDE-otKYMFbFG-xo/s400/Stegasaurus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCU5GAJKvBVpNakoAXzeo9vkZCC5Zitj6j4lD6J55avTUJis1VVV3OTAlmQ2vM8uWZZ8cfJfoM20xehCS5cjEJWUMuYDWTCX85XCSnI-d9ZySL2XJ4eAG9RN4ZKgL8jPpZa9xNWHNEpho/s1600/DSC02166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCU5GAJKvBVpNakoAXzeo9vkZCC5Zitj6j4lD6J55avTUJis1VVV3OTAlmQ2vM8uWZZ8cfJfoM20xehCS5cjEJWUMuYDWTCX85XCSnI-d9ZySL2XJ4eAG9RN4ZKgL8jPpZa9xNWHNEpho/s400/DSC02166.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a good week!</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247178635460053773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858735709508454080.post-91461055170568484212012-02-03T14:38:00.000-05:002012-02-03T14:38:37.160-05:00Oh gosh!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2ai_nS__pS6piV1KTYHnPRakXrjh3d5fBsQUYXz0g16OqGDN9MMoIF5egiAisbppINN58kIFYTl9pWoNmflHStt0E84IA2yO6sONjmVmllr8S6VQn7pGmGzxR9sSAQyU_5J0NQiX070/s1600/EyeBoyFabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2ai_nS__pS6piV1KTYHnPRakXrjh3d5fBsQUYXz0g16OqGDN9MMoIF5egiAisbppINN58kIFYTl9pWoNmflHStt0E84IA2yO6sONjmVmllr8S6VQn7pGmGzxR9sSAQyU_5J0NQiX070/s400/EyeBoyFabric.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Guess what arrived in the mail today? These are the components to make Jake's Eye Boy costume! I've hidden the box, or I'll have to begin making it the second he walks in the door. Unfortunately, there are no directions as this is uncharted super hero territory, but one thing I know is, the costume is going to be very warm! I'm really not sure polar fleece was the way to go.<br />
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Wish me luck!<br />
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For those of you who are reading for the first time..<a href="http://doodlebuds.blogspot.com/2012/01/eye-boy-to-rescue.html">.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">meet Eye Boy</span></a>!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247178635460053773noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858735709508454080.post-11566618726654261092012-01-30T20:16:00.000-05:002012-01-30T20:16:33.539-05:00Eye Boy to the Rescue!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi050__gF08Q-DaPyUKJ1bG-FST-0wot-h6SX5-wsIWiNeO0sKiNh8IT8kNXXjCEdaZbjbNlnAOuJpkdd6_Gf7ZX2b3is654ACnDq-PDht1Srs5uzyMMpPDq-t0lkF_cFE_17uy2H2fKM4/s1600/EyeBoy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi050__gF08Q-DaPyUKJ1bG-FST-0wot-h6SX5-wsIWiNeO0sKiNh8IT8kNXXjCEdaZbjbNlnAOuJpkdd6_Gf7ZX2b3is654ACnDq-PDht1Srs5uzyMMpPDq-t0lkF_cFE_17uy2H2fKM4/s400/EyeBoy.jpg" width="325" /></a></div>Jake has come up with a new super hero...EYE BOY! He has created a whole story/world around this character, and now it's up to me, Super Mom, to create the perfect EYE BOY costume. What a challenge!<br />
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I had him describe the costume to me, and drew it for his approval. He's quite exacting. Really, I'm not sure how I'm going to make this, but I thought polar fleece would be the best bet, so I ordered all the pieces tonight, and will wing it once it comes. I think the fact that it won't be shiny is a little disappointing to him, but I persuaded him that a cozy super hero costume will be more comfortable to catch bad guys.<br />
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He has concocted a whole cast of bad guys. There's Horrible Head (who does really horrible things), Ugly Head (who does really terrible things), Christmas Tree Head (who steals all the Christmas decorations)...and these are just a few!<br />
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Stay tuned for future episodes of...EYE BOY!<br />
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P.S. Didn't Superman's aunt create his costume on Lois & Clark? Perhaps I really DO have the next super hero!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247178635460053773noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858735709508454080.post-43234280214921760822012-01-27T08:09:00.000-05:002012-01-27T08:09:58.536-05:00You're invited<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJeMVudVu_KJwlTViLVPWa_ygSSU4wJnGGmHY3vtjNfZKFP47ElXZFS-7hrhBjyPsO05tx695hbHuB0yIIanDFGzubWAwImcZV6LOLmxer6w_0HGpgG8qLUccflXXXXFS-fuZa2iYT-8/s1600/SleepingBags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJeMVudVu_KJwlTViLVPWa_ygSSU4wJnGGmHY3vtjNfZKFP47ElXZFS-7hrhBjyPsO05tx695hbHuB0yIIanDFGzubWAwImcZV6LOLmxer6w_0HGpgG8qLUccflXXXXFS-fuZa2iYT-8/s400/SleepingBags.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Jake told me the other day he wanted to have a sleepover party. (He will be 4 in March). Mom! We'll have muffins! And popcorn! And mom! We'll decorate! With balloons! I can just see myself approaching the other mom's at his preschool..."You don't really know me, but my son is in your son/daughter's class, and we're having a sleepover party..."<br />
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I think we'll wait a couple years...the <a href="http://doodlebuds.blogspot.com/2012/01/how-charming.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">super hero party</span></a> is still the top contender in my mind. I brought it up with him last night, and he seems to have forgotten about the sleepover idea (thank goodness!)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Sleeping bag from <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/boys-safari-sleeping-bags/?pkey=e%7Csleeping%2Bbags%7C8%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C2&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-Top_Marketing_Rule-_-"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Pottery Barn Kids</span></a>)</span></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247178635460053773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858735709508454080.post-46721812180158473532012-01-25T08:39:00.000-05:002012-01-25T08:39:05.749-05:00Let's get organizedLately I've been an organizing queen. At the beginning of the year (conveniently corresponding with New Year's resolutions) I began to feel the house was imploding on me...thus began my mission. I've been straightening out every drawer, shelf, and closet I can get my hands on in the free time I have, and it feels GOOD!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1TxqGDVK4laxuz2cVgrSvvjCi9hD2xub8ER2VrVxOBQ4hsFIHbzvEzrfnuutxt6BPMAydMuhmoGjQDdxyH9l0lpFpdotBDe-f00atIiJVgDeQ__1ucS28wzC9KpGOlERU89UjU72_2sw/s1600/hero-projectlife-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1TxqGDVK4laxuz2cVgrSvvjCi9hD2xub8ER2VrVxOBQ4hsFIHbzvEzrfnuutxt6BPMAydMuhmoGjQDdxyH9l0lpFpdotBDe-f00atIiJVgDeQ__1ucS28wzC9KpGOlERU89UjU72_2sw/s400/hero-projectlife-1.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
In the middle of this flurry, I've been toying with the idea of what to do with several boxes of old photos I have. They're organized, but later on, the names and places will be unknown to Jake if he ever decides to look through them. I came across this photo album/scrapbook concept by <a href="http://www.beckyhiggins.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Becky Higgins</span></a> that looks pretty tempting. The photo page inserts come with sections to include cute cards that you can write details about the photos. Seems easy, and like a great, complete package that would actually be fun to put together.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfKObOIgPwCU7A7yhtD-A76Jn7AP6O1Qhyhq3e9tzhxcPfdtrecAQ177BYVwt8YKMSZShrWe0jAGtr22gnR_vcL_zRL4-tBi-0BTADfrs-90jjncNzHyhtf3PDqcTRzVhtcsriPJYQhM/s1600/masthead-products.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfKObOIgPwCU7A7yhtD-A76Jn7AP6O1Qhyhq3e9tzhxcPfdtrecAQ177BYVwt8YKMSZShrWe0jAGtr22gnR_vcL_zRL4-tBi-0BTADfrs-90jjncNzHyhtf3PDqcTRzVhtcsriPJYQhM/s400/masthead-products.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Although the binders she has are really cute, they're not my taste for long term. I'd prefer a more classic look, either covered in cloth, or leather. These binders from the new <a href="http://www.staples.com/sbd/cre/products/martha-stewart-home-office/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Martha Stewart line for Avery</span></a> are really nice, and perhaps would be the same size? Anyway, must get the house together before I tackle this one!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihI3kYOziRVKmbb-i1kzYBt_Vzd3ntOg7Qw5AJd6_r9k2Pzqg8PVsGTD_zkj4h2FOviM-0YSP_w8PeyT6sZ6mo-jArXHlBgkJaFTUCGCZ-PZp-ds5DF_XMqHPkgBps-x7q182Wcqf7gY/s1600/prod_binders.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihI3kYOziRVKmbb-i1kzYBt_Vzd3ntOg7Qw5AJd6_r9k2Pzqg8PVsGTD_zkj4h2FOviM-0YSP_w8PeyT6sZ6mo-jArXHlBgkJaFTUCGCZ-PZp-ds5DF_XMqHPkgBps-x7q182Wcqf7gY/s1600/prod_binders.png" /></a></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247178635460053773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858735709508454080.post-90285232157930237412012-01-16T22:34:00.000-05:002012-01-16T22:34:44.659-05:00How charming!I've been toying around with some party ideas for Jake's upcoming birthday. I'd like to keep the party small, manageable, and preferably at home. Usually when I search for party ideas, I find decorating ideas. That I can come up with, but mild panic sets in when I try to think what to actually DO with all the little ones and keep them happy and somewhat chaos free for a couple of hours. If I could have the party outside, it would be great, but his birthday is in early March, so the weather is iffy at best.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-L32XpAKkz_9re7vB0FPrvYtfeEMluknhjPc07j3AsL0Jzb2WKAXDVR-R82E74O7fRoNfunTdhshj3lx9SmOqat8H9WpAnqYFkFIKio9b484LNHCI15tf8TwIQ9SR3pLM6ZfUsrHC20/s1600/superinto.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-L32XpAKkz_9re7vB0FPrvYtfeEMluknhjPc07j3AsL0Jzb2WKAXDVR-R82E74O7fRoNfunTdhshj3lx9SmOqat8H9WpAnqYFkFIKio9b484LNHCI15tf8TwIQ9SR3pLM6ZfUsrHC20/s400/superinto.png" width="306" /></a></div><br />
During my searches, I came across this great little company called <a href="http://onecharmingparty.com/shop/main/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">One Charming Party</span></a>. Conveniently, they have a themed "Super Hero Party" which is right up our alley. They provide you with party ideas, activities, 3-D invites, super hero certificates, and a guide to all the party supplies for $25. I'll need to do a little more thinking about our party, but I'm definitely intrigued by this kit!<br />
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I also came across this pretty awesome Super Hero party ideas via <a href="http://www.hostessblog.com/2011/02/vintage-pop-art-superhero-birthday-party/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Hostess with the Mostess</span></a>. Don't you love the idea of the kids popping out of a phone booth in their costumes?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgberBxSm67InEALm9e4D7HYbckW7QyZa9ZHic9ea0r6ZgDPssNc0bhTwi24EHLaa4NnjMpoBCps_hK63UM_pQD8gctv-DC9xTkzvf1k5k9hAPOfE2S_xft46TnONR6tvTNQ9Ggy0KZHuw/s1600/superhero_birthdayparty_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgberBxSm67InEALm9e4D7HYbckW7QyZa9ZHic9ea0r6ZgDPssNc0bhTwi24EHLaa4NnjMpoBCps_hK63UM_pQD8gctv-DC9xTkzvf1k5k9hAPOfE2S_xft46TnONR6tvTNQ9Ggy0KZHuw/s400/superhero_birthdayparty_1.jpg" width="381" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXgSBjulJ8OvG9ldj5DvjtM1N3vUyKqiLeM-CAwQB54-RGaiU10GVuRwjo_FE7PYeT7xKhge9SIlI65J_-zEht8joak27V7ifIASlYl9Iy9Zt5N_l4G1evHkrxUEIU_3Z51n-aP0JETI/s1600/superhero_birthdayparty_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXgSBjulJ8OvG9ldj5DvjtM1N3vUyKqiLeM-CAwQB54-RGaiU10GVuRwjo_FE7PYeT7xKhge9SIlI65J_-zEht8joak27V7ifIASlYl9Iy9Zt5N_l4G1evHkrxUEIU_3Z51n-aP0JETI/s400/superhero_birthdayparty_10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>If you want to see more ideas I've found, visit this <a href="http://pinterest.com/doodlebuds/jake-s-party/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">pintrest board</span></a> I created...Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247178635460053773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858735709508454080.post-56721528664333998602012-01-14T11:43:00.000-05:002012-01-14T11:43:03.260-05:00Chores are Fun?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYhGP3pP36Kq6kpnh6AG0XukHKA61cMP4Wh0vyhdF9ipLoLpOKdgHltXNh5oTHV6DpcY_wcwKQfDHdcCGM1d90lLsqTjh2tynT7DFi6wuRUqGei1-itmDX2rP9uqliLPO17DnxXHEO9o/s1600/ChoreChart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYhGP3pP36Kq6kpnh6AG0XukHKA61cMP4Wh0vyhdF9ipLoLpOKdgHltXNh5oTHV6DpcY_wcwKQfDHdcCGM1d90lLsqTjh2tynT7DFi6wuRUqGei1-itmDX2rP9uqliLPO17DnxXHEO9o/s400/ChoreChart.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>Last night, after we read a book about Fozzie Bear learning to do chores, Jake decided we should make a chore chart for him today. This morning, he remembered his plan, and dragged me to the computer so we could whip this up. He came up with all the chores himself. Now he's running around the house, earning stickers. Could it be this easy? We'll see how long this lasts!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247178635460053773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858735709508454080.post-88091040650879450342012-01-08T21:38:00.000-05:002012-01-08T21:38:54.071-05:00Time to cut bait<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrWdV5o0pVpPLBdqYp5cRaDBX2uwnHbY7ISf5eHkawxv8iOChgrHJVVzQan7W5MqA3nBd-PxqFIg8LIJLGPsN9KnSiBQMCUh7NlcJ2U2nfGweDnL9e14VRmUjfZuHEgFc9DLD-5LkXeU/s1600/il_570xN.189911396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrWdV5o0pVpPLBdqYp5cRaDBX2uwnHbY7ISf5eHkawxv8iOChgrHJVVzQan7W5MqA3nBd-PxqFIg8LIJLGPsN9KnSiBQMCUh7NlcJ2U2nfGweDnL9e14VRmUjfZuHEgFc9DLD-5LkXeU/s400/il_570xN.189911396.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Print by <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/60936824/colorful-fish-print?ref=sr_gallery_22&sref=&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=fish+print&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">Dekanimal via Etsy</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">)</span></div><br />
I've been slowly, but surely trying to beautify our guest bedroom. I fell in love with <a href="http://caitlinwilsontextiles.com/?p=product&sku=1002&d=1&pre=p!category|c!fabric|patt!|s!|fabric!"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Caitlin Wilson's new line of textiles</span></a>, and used the "Mustard Fleur Chinoise" fabric to make roman shades which are almost complete.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2acV6PaW2tNBj1vp9RaLMKq8L2rxOSLlCAvRCNKm8hzQM7W_biW8Nb8mxI5tUm3hltLhQwfrkdswDd2wgU-hsMU5WBPPfJ3v1bjDR0iyArfSFhCDbsFcPPRpzGjnqP8jXHEQOv70raZg/s1600/1002.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2acV6PaW2tNBj1vp9RaLMKq8L2rxOSLlCAvRCNKm8hzQM7W_biW8Nb8mxI5tUm3hltLhQwfrkdswDd2wgU-hsMU5WBPPfJ3v1bjDR0iyArfSFhCDbsFcPPRpzGjnqP8jXHEQOv70raZg/s400/1002.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I wanted to use this color palette as a base to paint the room. The room has been daunting to tackle because it has yellow trim on the doors, windows, closets...ugh. And yellow beadboard. I'm really not a fan of colored trim. It's just a total pain in the neck.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERIMHVndypWRvhlhXlkw4zPXlA5WV6K_BMMmoaj2t8kkgucBgC5Rezl8R0q41XbF2X1yrx9rurpbpVnRiXhs8opsf18yh37kZypZt-mfip3XvsIk_DQ-wibulL9pYEUks0SzySbRN8U4/s1600/GB1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERIMHVndypWRvhlhXlkw4zPXlA5WV6K_BMMmoaj2t8kkgucBgC5Rezl8R0q41XbF2X1yrx9rurpbpVnRiXhs8opsf18yh37kZypZt-mfip3XvsIk_DQ-wibulL9pYEUks0SzySbRN8U4/s400/GB1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYXL3TrVhcIITBf3U6Z_9pEy4Lbe6DKmjDoGID0mUNZmOpls57eCaivf7hkPqFBUsOzfXHipWb3k7bpngZz6c7jHYTpTAmuWzFvotUjAulNEVuenZtewRLIHV88XHMlGueFus4AEoxkc/s1600/GB2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYXL3TrVhcIITBf3U6Z_9pEy4Lbe6DKmjDoGID0mUNZmOpls57eCaivf7hkPqFBUsOzfXHipWb3k7bpngZz6c7jHYTpTAmuWzFvotUjAulNEVuenZtewRLIHV88XHMlGueFus4AEoxkc/s400/GB2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQL3yonOYcMxJawsiYMuvd9kUuXW82mVdLURyAmUNzPgUoaFjk1gnIXwqz7GxlI_9_fEDFJ-l5-1Wva4NFvur32WMk-qvfA1GnESHkH34ygYi40IXS8vuFdTajY6VGKA8AoMTNEOtlJk/s1600/GB3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQL3yonOYcMxJawsiYMuvd9kUuXW82mVdLURyAmUNzPgUoaFjk1gnIXwqz7GxlI_9_fEDFJ-l5-1Wva4NFvur32WMk-qvfA1GnESHkH34ygYi40IXS8vuFdTajY6VGKA8AoMTNEOtlJk/s400/GB3.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><br />
I settled on a paint colors; Palladium Blue by Benjamin Moore for the top half, and White Dove by Benjamin Moore for the beadboard and trim. I had some unexpected free time over New Year's weekend and started to slowly paint the beadboard, and work my way around the room. I've been working on it here and there throughout the week. After taping up one of the windows to paint, I realized that with my limited time, completing this job was not going to happen anytime soon. So, I gave in and called our handyman. He'll come later this week, and it will be a relief to then be able to just install the roman shades I've made, and work on the fun part of decorating the room.<br />
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Now, who's going to be our first guest?Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247178635460053773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858735709508454080.post-84943882330537044092012-01-04T09:02:00.000-05:002012-01-04T09:02:25.519-05:00Happy New Year!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYrGpgVkkkOTSHOoSPZPnooHcUN_hyphenhyphentnDImBpTbpUdFjEYLJpdeCe739kD9TCKIP-wI5KVZNd94Equ1yqFLfayfjvUL8_P0adx92TgoCqrwHoAjIzTItSMmbf32WINdk2WvjnIsF4vEw/s1600/Diary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYrGpgVkkkOTSHOoSPZPnooHcUN_hyphenhyphentnDImBpTbpUdFjEYLJpdeCe739kD9TCKIP-wI5KVZNd94Equ1yqFLfayfjvUL8_P0adx92TgoCqrwHoAjIzTItSMmbf32WINdk2WvjnIsF4vEw/s400/Diary.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Happy New Year everyone! I haven't come up with any life altering resolutions this year, but I would like to try to write in Jake's diary more frequently. I messed up Jake's baby book when I started it way back when, and gave up pretty quickly. Instead, I started a diary for him, thinking I could always go back and enter the facts at a later date. In the beginning, I would record when he ate, slept, when, how much, how tall, how heavy, etc. But as he grew, so did our adventures, and the entries became more detailed. Now I jot down the fun things we've done, and the cute things he says, etc. I just ordered Jake's diary for the new year. I don't get to it every day...and I wish I could and would, but I've got a lot of his life recorded, and I'm grateful that I have. I think someday he's going to love looking back on his early years (or at least his wife will!). I also record mom advice for future years and keep little mementos throughout the year. What prevents me from writing sometimes is actually a LACK of space. When I get going, I find I have a lot to say. This year, after much searching, I ordered this <a href="http://www.jennibick.com/cavallini-2012-daily-planner-fuchsia.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Cavallini daily planner from Jenni Bick Bookbinding</span></a>. I splurged, and got his name embossed on the front, and I let him chose the color, so of course, it will be pink this year!<br />
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So, how about you? Any great resolutions this year? If you need some inspiration, check out <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><a href="http://www.marcandangel.com/2011/12/25/30-challenges-for-30-days-of-growth/" style="color: #b45f06;">Marc and Angel Hack Life</a></span>. Or, if you'd like an inspiring love story, read about <a href="http://www.ablogaboutlove.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Mara and Danny's adventures</span></a>...you'll probably read the whole thing. And, if you'd like to declutter your life, take on the <a href="http://zenhabits.net/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Clutterfat Challenge</span></a> and see what happens!<br />
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Best wishes for a Happy New Year!<br />
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</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247178635460053773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858735709508454080.post-68155703473201778322011-12-24T11:43:00.000-05:002011-12-24T11:43:39.578-05:00Merry Christmas to all!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bA4G5C4BDdtnzMvC0VjKIp3G3h0QhkLUfY8CbAPoVwVDxjGku-ytVuNwx6W8vwf8IjDBnxZSVv-Gn9YfNrprSAMAb8tAiDeRLQZxgDL7zghbI13JAVxgpdp-Rf_WC2tAmvzN1kNpPeY/s1600/MerryXmas%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bA4G5C4BDdtnzMvC0VjKIp3G3h0QhkLUfY8CbAPoVwVDxjGku-ytVuNwx6W8vwf8IjDBnxZSVv-Gn9YfNrprSAMAb8tAiDeRLQZxgDL7zghbI13JAVxgpdp-Rf_WC2tAmvzN1kNpPeY/s400/MerryXmas%2521.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Best wishes for a happy, healthy, and FUN holiday filled with lots of love!</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247178635460053773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7858735709508454080.post-31498405340524918092011-12-23T10:15:00.000-05:002011-12-23T10:15:52.716-05:00Nighttime Fairies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSS6A6ILHk4bctrBSP54q1BaIuEoO9o3KO_EAWuHLgTVEM2OngqaYFQKFCRBoyeRAe8bcFoAyXumRthjeq9G4FXoqfA8xpxZqJuLtwIwFtxfPIQ__ESdPwKMPoECjJ9T7YYnYS3fOek9w/s1600/6-garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSS6A6ILHk4bctrBSP54q1BaIuEoO9o3KO_EAWuHLgTVEM2OngqaYFQKFCRBoyeRAe8bcFoAyXumRthjeq9G4FXoqfA8xpxZqJuLtwIwFtxfPIQ__ESdPwKMPoECjJ9T7YYnYS3fOek9w/s400/6-garden.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I've been working on a "shadow" book for the last couple weeks. Are you familiar with "shadow books"? You shine a flashlight through the acetate window in the book, and the image appears on the wall or ceiling as you read the story. My sister, created the adorable illustrations, and I can't help but seeing the resemblance between this fairy, and my cousin's daughter Kendall...can you? I wonder if it was a coincidence. I keep forgetting to ask her, but maybe she'll let us know when she reads my blog!<br />
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I had fun writing the text for the book...about the magic fairies scatter in the night while you're sleeping. It was great to see my words come to life as my sister illustrated it. I'll post an image of the cover soon. It just went into production yesterday, so should be out early next summer!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17247178635460053773noreply@blogger.com0