tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49504817193387686992024-03-12T22:10:14.647-06:00The House of Normandyadventures of a
penny pinching princessChristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13555905837098121654noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950481719338768699.post-12853658840549075172015-04-15T13:50:00.000-06:002015-04-15T14:40:52.066-06:00Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa - Spring snow storm approved <br />
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For me, the month of April usually signifies warmer weather is on it's way. You don't expect to experience warm sunny 70 degree weather one day and wake up to this.....<br />
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the next. Unless you live in Utah.<br />
All of a sudden it is April 15th and I'm digging through the closet for snow clothes and rifling through the pantry for hot cocoa. I found the snow clothes, but no cocoa. Apparently in my Southern California girl naivete' I thought, "I don't need to buy hot cocoa anymore, it's APRIL!" WRONG!!!<br />
In a few hours I will have four freezing boys home from school wanting something to warm their spring frost bitten bodies. Enter my recipe for Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa. The ingredients aren't anything too exotic, so you should have everything already in your pantry. Cause who wants to make a trip to the grocery store in April through the newly fallen snow to buy hot cocoa? That would be like adding insult to injury.<br />
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<h4>
<b><u>Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa</u></b></h4>
1/4 cup quality cocoa powder<br />
1/2 white sugar<br />
1 cup hot water<br />
*6 cups milk (I use whole or 2%. You can also substitute Soy, Almond, lactose free, etc)<br />
1 tsp pure vanilla extract<br />
1/2 tsp kosher salt (optional)<br />
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<ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin: 0px 0px 26px 40px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: disc;">Combine Cocoa, Sugar, and Hot Water in large pan. Stir, and bring to gentle boil.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: disc;">Transfer mixture to slow cooker, and whisk in milk. Then add vanilla and kosher salt.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: disc;">Stir, cook on high for 2 hours (or low for 4 hours), or until hot.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: disc;">Top it off with whipped cream or marshmallows and ENJOY!! Happy Spring!</li>
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*If you like your cocoa less strong, add 1 or 2 cups more milk.<br />
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Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13555905837098121654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950481719338768699.post-73017445986145575132015-01-22T10:01:00.001-07:002015-01-22T10:06:13.010-07:00Because I Love You Most.... After all the teeth have been brushed and everyone has mad one last potty stop, we say prayers with all the kids, and then usually I sing them song. But, we have one more little bedtime ritual, it all starts when someone says "I Love You MOST!" That statement is answered with: "I Love you MORE!" Then the reply is given, "Love you to the moon and back!" And, finally the ritual is completed with, "I love you till the stars don't shine." Only then will my children, especially my daughter, resign themselves to the idea of falling asleep.<br />
So when I was thinking of a little meaningful Valentine decoration, the first phrase that popped into my head was, "Love you MOST". Soon thereafter a new free printable was born. Just for you for Valentine's Day.<br />
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Just right click on the "Love you MOST" printable and then "save image as" to your computer.<br />
Yours is a little prettier than mine because I gave it a lovely pink border. Happy Valentine's Day!Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13555905837098121654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950481719338768699.post-10666147908758819692014-10-19T20:09:00.000-06:002014-10-30T18:53:52.971-06:00 The Wickedest Halloween Party of them all!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our niece Brittany passed away 2 weeks prior to our family Halloween
party. Because she loved Halloween, we continued with our plans of having
the party and did so in her honor.<br />
This is the beautiful Belle dress she would have worn.<br />
We miss you Brittany; the fairest of them all.<br />
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For year's I have dreamed of dressing up as the wicked Queen from Snow White. Who wants to be the fairest of them all when you can be wicked!? And why not center our whole Halloween party theme around me?......the wicked Queen, that is.<br />
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Our
first stop, the vain queen's <span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Mirror Room</b></u></span></span>(living room)<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;">"Each day the
vain queen </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;">consulted her magic mirror, </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;">"Magic Mirror on the wall, </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;">who is the fairest one of all?"</span></span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simply gather all the mirrors from your house, buy a few extras from dollar tree, and<br />
you will have a room perfect for a vain Evil Queen.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some green colored water, red apples, and a little dry ice and viola.....<br />
bubbling poison apples!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I spy an evil queen and an old hag.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Next on our tour the <span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Spell Room</u></b></span></span>(kitchen)</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b> "Now, make a Wish and take a Bite"</b> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> poison apple brew.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B_6FUq6gHsI/VFJp8wBHMbI/AAAAAAAACSY/A_wtauVunlA/s1600/spellroom4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B_6FUq6gHsI/VFJp8wBHMbI/AAAAAAAACSY/A_wtauVunlA/s1600/spellroom4.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apples, apples, and more apples!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last stop on our tour, the <span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span style="color: #990000;">Enchanted Forest</span></u></b></span> (family room)</span></span></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"> "Take her far into the forest.....<br /> And there, my faithful huntsman, </span></span></span></span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">you will kill her!</span></span><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">And bring back her heart...."</span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XRhFoeNbV4w/VFJM441SeZI/AAAAAAAACQg/hihs85bKWYs/s1600/magic%2Bmirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XRhFoeNbV4w/VFJM441SeZI/AAAAAAAACQg/hihs85bKWYs/s1600/magic%2Bmirror.jpg" height="385" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slave in the Mirror!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nh7Vf6nvhd4/VFJzli9adKI/AAAAAAAACSs/zC3RvyvORFQ/s1600/enchantedforest1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nh7Vf6nvhd4/VFJzli9adKI/AAAAAAAACSs/zC3RvyvORFQ/s1600/enchantedforest1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Instead of cutting out tree silhouettes, as I have done in years past,(remember Breann?)<br />
I decided to tape up some black butcher paper<br />
and then draw my heart out with a fat white paint pen.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-teQaklT3TNk/VFJzoX54ghI/AAAAAAAACTE/ityFvGb3WMA/s1600/enchantedforest5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-teQaklT3TNk/VFJzoX54ghI/AAAAAAAACTE/ityFvGb3WMA/s1600/enchantedforest5.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CU7rLIM3f1g/VFJzn_ZEyVI/AAAAAAAACTA/f00-GELd4Lc/s1600/enchantedforest6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CU7rLIM3f1g/VFJzn_ZEyVI/AAAAAAAACTA/f00-GELd4Lc/s1600/enchantedforest6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eat your heart out evil queen</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Let the parade of costumes begin!</span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L to R: Magic Mirror, Evil Queen, Snow White, Screamer, Steve from Mine Craft ,<br />
Luke Skywalker (from the Degoba system), and a Harry Potter Death Eater.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N7faGNzwRj4/VFJ0etvMz4I/AAAAAAAACTw/fu5n_4moNr4/s1600/famiypic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N7faGNzwRj4/VFJ0etvMz4I/AAAAAAAACTw/fu5n_4moNr4/s1600/famiypic1.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L to R: Walt from Breaking Bad, Cruella Devil, Cute Nerd,<br />
Cute Boy Nerd, and a Cute Pirate</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L to R: Super Girl, Sheldon Cooper (unzipping his brain), Amy Farah Fowler,<br />
Bat Girl, Purple guy, and Zombie Dancer</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L to R: Davy Crockett, Maleficent, and Elsa</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WrGbnc7l7Wc/VFJ0e6EJBEI/AAAAAAAACT0/nQ-dzaxbt6M/s1600/familypic9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WrGbnc7l7Wc/VFJ0e6EJBEI/AAAAAAAACT0/nQ-dzaxbt6M/s1600/familypic9.jpg" height="640" width="480" /> </a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holt from the Ranger's Apprentice book series, or Robin Hood, if you don't know who Holt is.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"> May your Halloween be Wicked good fun!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;">Love, The Crockett Gang. </span></span></div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13555905837098121654noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950481719338768699.post-83358461974440542992014-06-18T19:35:00.000-06:002014-06-19T08:59:50.380-06:00"Before" and "8 years After"<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes it's nice to look back and see how far we have come......We live in a world of before and after pictures. Don't get me wrong, I love a good after shot. But, it's easy to loose a sense of reality and begin to think all "after" pictures happen overnight. When in reality budget, time, and energy constraints ARE the reality.<br />
I, like most people want to make my world more beautiful to live in. A desire to improve upon what I've been given is just who I am. But, there are times when the cost of groceries to feed my kids override the option of spending money on new built ins in the living room. We can't afford to pay a professional landscaper (which is fine I have more fun doing it myself anyway) so bit by bit we put our green thumbs to work. It has taken us 8 years before we could finally stand back and say look what we did/are doing. So while the transformation of our yard didn't happen overnight, like on TV or pinterest. It is an ongoing labor I love! Bring on the before and 8-years-after pictures!</div>
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Before </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uoxEBhjs-q8/U6I7FIAiM5I/AAAAAAAACI4/WLdWbj_0_cY/s1600/DSCN1159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uoxEBhjs-q8/U6I7FIAiM5I/AAAAAAAACI4/WLdWbj_0_cY/s1600/DSCN1159.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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8-years-after </div>
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Before<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gTGZJEFUr9g/U6I7UqBeT_I/AAAAAAAACJY/8nsSFuI4scU/s1600/DSCN1163b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gTGZJEFUr9g/U6I7UqBeT_I/AAAAAAAACJY/8nsSFuI4scU/s1600/DSCN1163b.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That sad tree in the middle of the picture died.</td></tr>
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8-years-after<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0J33LyTptMs/U6I7Y7Y50bI/AAAAAAAACJg/6F3jdpIVRp8/s1600/DSCN1163c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0J33LyTptMs/U6I7Y7Y50bI/AAAAAAAACJg/6F3jdpIVRp8/s1600/DSCN1163c.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a_cQ7IT5rsw/U6I7Q1RA9eI/AAAAAAAACJQ/7WUrc3_CTXQ/s1600/DSCN1162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a_cQ7IT5rsw/U6I7Q1RA9eI/AAAAAAAACJQ/7WUrc3_CTXQ/s1600/DSCN1162.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tan pavers I got for free from a neighbor up the street.</td></tr>
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Before<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Krib1gw66tU/U6I7clNWd5I/AAAAAAAACJo/TfxBEjiJnAM/s1600/DSCN1164a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Krib1gw66tU/U6I7clNWd5I/AAAAAAAACJo/TfxBEjiJnAM/s1600/DSCN1164a.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
8-years-after<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QiqnOHNq22s/U6I7li5Vl_I/AAAAAAAACJ4/XFvBzvZhVWU/s1600/DSCN1164b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QiqnOHNq22s/U6I7li5Vl_I/AAAAAAAACJ4/XFvBzvZhVWU/s1600/DSCN1164b.JPG" height="480" width="640" />Provo</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1LOT9wYIy5M/U6I7iWVBh7I/AAAAAAAACJw/BfOJj6Z2hns/s1600/DSCN1166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1LOT9wYIy5M/U6I7iWVBh7I/AAAAAAAACJw/BfOJj6Z2hns/s1600/DSCN1166.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think I need to plant more hostas around the black planter.<br />
I want them to get big and bushy!</td></tr>
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Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13555905837098121654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950481719338768699.post-941839794048964622014-04-03T10:44:00.000-06:002014-04-03T10:44:20.921-06:00Pretty Pinwheels for EasterWhen I was decorating for Easter I wanted to do something happy and whimsical. I'm feeling a litter burned out on banners so why not...........<br />
PINWHEELS?!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r_YgBNUOjnU/Uz2MoRS1b4I/AAAAAAAACFU/_jhlnOKhzv8/s1600/DSCN1113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r_YgBNUOjnU/Uz2MoRS1b4I/AAAAAAAACFU/_jhlnOKhzv8/s1600/DSCN1113.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
I made a few pinwheels using double sided paper (you could glue 2 pieces of paper back to back too) and stuck them on my mirrors using plasti-tack.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cl-6JL8S0CI/Uz2MuKNufUI/AAAAAAAACFk/gefp_hS9OBc/s1600/pinwheel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cl-6JL8S0CI/Uz2MuKNufUI/AAAAAAAACFk/gefp_hS9OBc/s1600/pinwheel.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
Pinwheels are so easy to make. I used some little flower brads to hold them together.<br />
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Here are some other pictures of my little Easter show case. <br />
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And of course my famous <a href="http://www.houseofnormandy.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-tinsel-tree-for-any-holiday.html" target="_blank">tinsel tree</a> got and egg-cellent make over for Easter!<br />
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<br />Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13555905837098121654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950481719338768699.post-86720990823318293972014-03-24T15:10:00.003-06:002014-03-24T15:14:58.870-06:00Slow Cooker Clotted CreamYou haven't lived unless you have had a proper English tea with scones and clotted cream. But, clotted cream is terribly difficult to find in the states and terribly expensive if you do find it. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Afternoon tea at Kensington Palace Orangery. If you are planning a trip to London I highly recommend it! Clotted cream is that buttery/cream cheese (note:it is neither butter or cream cheese) looking substance on the middle tier in front of the scones.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I recently had a hankering for clotted cream with my scones. I've tried the method where you cook heavy cream on super low in the oven for approx 12 hrs but didn't have the most impressive results. Then I had a light bulb moment....ding! The slow cooker!! Since my oven was on the fritz anyway this seemed to be the perfect method.<br />
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I started with heavy whipping cream-it can be pasteurized but NOT ultra-pasteurized.<br />
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Simply pour the cream into a 4 qt slow cooker. I used my retro 90's chic forest green-family of 4 slow cooker because it was smaller than my modern stainless steel family of 7 slow cooker. Basically it just cooks better in a smaller crock pot.<br />
Turn the slower cooker on low, put the lid on, and walk away for approx. 8 hours.<br />
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When you come back your cream will look like this - all golden and buttery in color with a thick layer of cream at the top and a more watery layer at the bottom. Scoop, the now clotted cream, out with a slotted spoon. You only want the thick top layer.<br />
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I let mine drain in a cheese cloth lined strainer in the frig for a couple hours. Make sure you cover it with plastic wrap too. When you are ready to eat it, beat the clotted cream slightly with an electric mixer - just to get any lumps out.<br />
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It's tea time! Now this is what I remember clotted cream tasting like....success! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister Nicola during our tea at the palace. By the way we highly recommend the peppermint herbal infusion tea.</td></tr>
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Now that you are in a right jolly tea drinking, scone eating mood, here is a link to the recipe for <a href="http://www.elmwoodinn.com/recipes/kensington_palace_scones.html" target="_blank">Kensington Palace Scones</a> too. Cheerio and pink up everyone!<br />
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<br />Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13555905837098121654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950481719338768699.post-51212143799200164992014-03-07T10:11:00.001-07:002014-03-07T10:12:03.307-07:00DIY with a little Swedish Inspiration Here is a cheery post curtsey of my sister’s blog Meet Me In.....<br />
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A fabulous way to add to color to a room on a budget. To read the full post with pictures click the link below:<br />
<a href="http://meet-me-in.blogspot.com/2014/03/budget-big-art-thank-you-sweden.html">Meet Me In . . .</a><br />
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AFTER</div>
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Nicola Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08324279837902959635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950481719338768699.post-63897610860666101082014-02-20T09:10:00.000-07:002014-02-20T09:11:51.209-07:00A California Wedding in Black and White I run a small businessmen from home FLEUR by CHRISTY doing holiday decor, events, and floral. I was recently organizing photos on the family computer and came across some fun shots from a wedding I did over the summer in my home state of California. If done right, the color scheme of black and white can be very glamorous and sophisticated. I hope I achieved that feel with these floral arrangements.<br />
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I mad tons of satin flowers, not only for the cake but for the broach bridal bouquet.<br />
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It was the first broach bouquet I have ever made.....it was heavy but it looked beautiful with the brides dress!<br />
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The bridesmaids had simple bouquets of white hydrangea with curls of bear grass. Apparently I was a dummy and didn't take any pictures of the boutonnieres or mother's corsages...oops! <br />
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So many centerpieces! I ended up doing these fun A-symmetrical arrangements with calla lilies, hydrangeas, bear grass, and black mums<br />
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This was my favorite arrangement of the whole event, the buffet table arrangement. It all started with the perfect vase my sister happen to have on hand. Then I found these awesome black calla lilies and super bear grass at the flower mart.<br />
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Those black calla lilies were AMAZING! They weren't cheap, but for one dramatic arrangement they were worth it!</div>
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Maybe this post will bring a little glamour and bling to your dreary February day.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13555905837098121654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950481719338768699.post-66084876480965195512014-01-29T12:15:00.001-07:002014-01-29T13:34:48.674-07:00A Sweet Heart Valentine's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I don't do much decorating for Valentine's day, but what I do do, I do all for sweet hearts - my kids. (btw my kids would be laughing hysterically right now at the fact I typed "do do") This year I had a good old fashion free fun decorating by re-purposing a Christmas tinsel tree and making good use of my husband's Xerox printing connections. Actually, it wasn't totally free, I spent $1 on paper doilies at Dollar Tree.<br />
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I'm loving my Sweet Heart Tinsel Tree! <a href="http://houseofnormandy.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-tinsel-tree-for-any-holiday.html" target="_blank">Here is a link on how to make your own</a> </div>
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I re-purposed these homemade clay cookie hearts into ornaments for the tree. <a href="http://houseofnormandy.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-tinsel-tree-for-any-holiday.html" target="_blank">Here's a how to for those as well</a><br />
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My little dish hutch always gets a holiday make over. I like throwing some blue into my valentine decorations for a touch of the unexpected. Red and pink can get so boring on their own.</div>
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Paper rosettes (like the one hanging on the chalk board) are fun and easy to make. This one was made with left over scrapbook paper, a flattened pink cupcake liner, and a glittered blue heart.</div>
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I love my little Valentine boy and girl from, where else? <a href="https://www.facebook.com/barbaracheatleys" target="_blank">Barbara Cheatleys.</a><br />
You could easily make these by mod podging a vintage valentine card to a piece of chip board, then glittering it with chunky clear glitter.<br />
Like the cute vintage valentine cards below.<br />
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Just right click on the images and save them to your computer.<br />
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I had my husband print the images for me on is fancy Xerox equipment. But you could print them at home or at your friendly neighborhood printing place. Then I cut them out with my scallop edge scissors and clothes pinned them to a length of ribbon, along with some pink paper heart doilies. You know the kind you can buy at Dollar tree? Easiest banner EVER!!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sad picture of my snowy barren back yard, a little depressing.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Have you noticed that above my sliding glass door is my official "Banner Hanging Place"?</td></tr>
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Have a happy Valentine's day "SWEET HEARTS"!<br />
<br />Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13555905837098121654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950481719338768699.post-60678617531767205392014-01-23T14:20:00.000-07:002014-01-24T14:22:25.455-07:00A Vintage Tinsel Tree for Any Holiday <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Sweet Heart Valentine Tinsel Tree</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Twelve Days of Christmas Tinsel Tree</td></tr>
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During the Christmas holidays my sisters found the most adorable mini tinsel Christmas trees by Department 56. That tree sighting, of course, got my wheels turning. How could I make a tinsel tree of my very own? <br />
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Enter Martha Stewart and her <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/287196/tabletop-tinsel-tree" target="_blank">Table Top Tinsel Tree Project</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">*warning....I did find Miss Martha's instructions on how to make the tree a little confusing. I will try to supplement with information I discovered the best I can.</td></tr>
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I began with a pot which I filled with floral foam, then filled in the cracked with spray insulation foam (the kind you can buy in a spray can at Lowes or Home Depot for about $3) and inserted a wooden dowel. My dowel stood 20" above the rim of my pot. By the way, you are going to want to use a nice heavy pot or fill the bottom with rocks. You don't want your tree tipping over once its ornament time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my favorite part of this picture is the empty bowl of cereal. Just keeping it real folks.</td></tr>
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Now, I didn't want to do my tree green like Martha's. I wanted a vintage looking silver tinsel tree. You can find a huge package of silver tinsel pipe cleaners at the crafts store for $5. After I had bent the wires, the tinsel wrapped portion of the wires measured 2 3/4" , 3 1/2", 4 1/2", 5 1/2", and 6 1/2" in length. Martha's measurements may be a little different on her tree.<br />
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My rows of branches were about 4 1/2" apart.<br />
I chose to wrap my tree trunk with tinsel instead. Just get your glue gun ready and wrap, wrap, wrap.<br />
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I was quite pleased with my tree but it looked just a little too new. So, before I could proclaim "IT IS FINISHED!" I gave it a light dusting of metallic gold spray paint and..... TA-DA!<br />
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<br />Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13555905837098121654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950481719338768699.post-28567364096268303432013-12-12T17:39:00.000-07:002013-12-13T14:09:11.966-07:002013 Christmas House TourI'm not fond of the years when Thanksgiving falls late in the month of November. For instance this year.....I feel like I just barely got all of Christmas up only to take it down in 13 days. In order to savour my hard work I thought a Christmas house tour post was in order. I also used it as motivation to get the house clean.<br />
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<span style="color: #93c47d;"><u>The Living Room</u></span><br />
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I grew up with a tree filled with non matching yet coordinating sentimental ornaments and that is the exact feel I wanted for our living room tree. It has a color scheme of blue and green with lots of mercury glass, but all the ornaments have a story. Most are blown glass ornaments. The kids buy a new one to hang on the tree every year. Oh, the memories that tree holds.<br />
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From the ground up....I love my tree skirt. I made it last year out of felt. I used a pattern Martha Stewart had on her website, then modified it to make a 3 tier tree skirt.<br />
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On the tree we have everything from ballerina's and dinosaurs....</div>
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.....to soldiers and stars.<br />
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a view to the tippy top.</div>
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My German glass glitter trees....love HOME GOODS!<br />
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Miss Meg always sneaks away to visit the baby Jesus. She LOVES baby Jesus - and this pictures sums up the true meaning of Christmas!<br />
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I can't forget the night time money shot.</div>
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<u><span style="color: #93c47d;">The Kitchen</span></u><br />
The kitchen is all candy, sugar, and Santa Clause. <br />
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most of the candy I found at Dollar-tree. The cute little blue present on the right is a gift box I transformed with paint and glitter from where else......Dollar-tree.<br />
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My new Putz inspired house cost a whole $3. You can buy the plain paper mache' boxes at Hobby Lobby (don't forget to use a 40% off coupon) then just let your creativity go wild.<br />
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A couple years ago my twins came home from school with these adorable dyed coffee filter snow flakes. I mod podged them onto square art canvas' then painted a little border. The twins love it when I hang them up every year.</div>
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Here comes Santa Clause! </div>
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<u><span style="color: #93c47d;">The Family Room</span></u><br />
The Family Room is where we bring in a little Christmas funk and color (a little Disney-esc if you will) It's also where we put up our fresh table top candy tree.<br />
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The real and slightly flocked candy tree. It's covered in sugar and spice and everything nice.</div>
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This year I combined regular multi-color lights with the big round bulb LED strand. </div>
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We made these ice cream cone ornaments years ago by gluing Christmas balls to real sugar cones, then drizzle white or chocolate color paint on top. While the paint is still wet, sprinkle the cones with real sprinkles. Lastly, after it is all dry, spray it thoroughly with a sealer. </div>
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The little shadow box on the left was made by cutting a hole in the lid of a shoe box. Then covering the shoe box with scrapbook paper and glitter. The picture inside is a 60 cent print from the Costco online art gallery. I also attached and old wind up music box on the inside that plays sleigh ride.</div>
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Once again the night time money shot. <br />
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I love colored lights!!!!!<br />
My Halls are officially decked.....Merry Christmas!!!!Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13555905837098121654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950481719338768699.post-70727110677465833372013-11-20T13:27:00.001-07:002013-11-20T17:16:30.346-07:002013 Christmas from Heaven - the Candy Bomber Christmas tree.<br />
For the past 3 years I have been hired on to design and decorate the 12 foot Christmas tree for Deseret Book Store's downtown Salt Lake City location. Deseret Book gives me a theme and some color guidelines around July, then I get to work. This years task was a little more exciting because they asked for not one, but two trees to be decorated - The Down Town and University Village store in Orem.<br />
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The theme for the 2013 Christmas tree? <a href="http://deseretbook.com/Christmas-Heaven-Tom-Brokaw/i/5108410" target="_blank">Christmas From Heaven based on the true story of the Candy Bomber.</a><br />
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I had the privilege to attend the Mormon Tabernacle Choirs Christmas concert in 2012 when Tom Brokaw retold the amazing true story of the Candy Bomber. I was brought to tears (seriously the ugly cry) when the <a href="http://www.lds.org/church/events/temple-square-events" target="_blank">LDS Conference Center</a> began to rumble with the sounds of a C-54 air plane and witnessed real parachutes beginning to descend upon the crowd from up above.<br />
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Then when Tom Brokaw invited the real life Candy Bomber on the stage it was an amazing exclamation point to all the Christmas magic.<br />
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As you can imagine I was THRILLED with the idea of the 2013 Christmas tree taking on the theme of this true story - The Candy Bomber. The wheels in my heads began spinning and my fingers were itching to get to work.<br />
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<u>1st - the Parachutes</u><br />
25 of them to be exact. Five for the top of each tree and then 15 more for the Downtown Store to use for their display of the Children's book.<br />
I began by cutting muslin into 18" circles, dipped the cut fabric into fabric stiffener mixed with glitter, then draped them over balloons to dry. After the parachutes were dry, I popped the balloons, trimmed any frayed edges of the fabric, and then sewed on the parachute strings<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I blew up the balloons into three different sizes to give the parachutes the effect of being in different stages of falling.</td></tr>
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<u>2nd - Circa 1948 Hershey's Bars</u><br />
I used foam core board (cut in the size of and actual candy bar) and wrapped them in foil wrapping paper.<br />
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Did you know the <a href="http://www.hersheyarchives.org/exhibits/default.aspx?ExhibitId=20&ExhibitSectionId=44" target="_blank">Hershey's website has an archive section with all their chocolate bar wrappers from over the years</a>? Well they do.....so I printed off the appropriate wrapper for 1948, had them printed in color by my favorite handsome xerox worker (my husband), and gave those pretend chocolate bars their finishing touch. They turned out great! My kids were fooled. They kept begging to eat one :).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A finished parachutes with a faux Hershey's bar.</td></tr>
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<u>3rd - The key ornament to tie everything together</u> <br />
Every year there is a key ornament that helps anyone viewing the tree to "connect the dots", if you will. This year it was a week before the trees where due to make their debuts and I had yet to come up with "that" ornament.<br />
We had candy, parachutes, large tin air planes, Hershey bars etc. but there wasn't anything to finish telling the story until......<br />
When I saw the children's book for the first time, I was particularly touched by a picture of a thank you note one of the German children had actually written to the Candy Bomber. I remember being impressed by the art work the little girl had included with the note and the sweetness of the words of the note.<br />
Below is a picture of the actual note.<br />
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That was it! I needed an ornament that was made using that note.<br />
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I found some REAL photos taken by the military of the Candy Bomber event, paired them with the note and.....<br />
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VOILA!<br />
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Are you ready to see the Candy Bomber Christmas trees? Hold on tight cause here we goooooooo!<br />
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44 Bows tied,</div>
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30 hand made floral candy picks,</div>
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21 glittered card ornaments, 25 parachutes, 40 vintage Hershey bars and......</div>
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2 TREES!</div>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13555905837098121654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950481719338768699.post-57125208741108751652013-10-29T11:18:00.001-06:002013-10-29T11:18:30.923-06:00Halloween Parties Past - Part 32012 - Crockett Family Halloween Greatest Hits<br />
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2012 was the year to revive decorations from years past, and to dust off our favorite old costumes - It was the year of Crockett Halloween Party Greatest Hits<br />
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The Living Room was transformed into the<br />
<u>A Classic Halloween Witch Room.</u><br />
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Can't forget a game or two for the kiddos. Especially one that will keep them busy while you get all the food out.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0oHXh-idydk/Um_E2Fz8GiI/AAAAAAAABto/ye2maOEy-fA/s1600/%252712+games.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0oHXh-idydk/Um_E2Fz8GiI/AAAAAAAABto/ye2maOEy-fA/s640/%252712+games.jpg" width="398" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lucky winner took the giant container of "pumpkin poop" home.</td></tr>
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<u>The Creepy Spells Kitchen</u> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qv_6orOMRQE/Um_E7xD2LVI/AAAAAAAABt4/B_fGmRyVvvI/s1600/%252712+kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="338" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qv_6orOMRQE/Um_E7xD2LVI/AAAAAAAABt4/B_fGmRyVvvI/s640/%252712+kitchen.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the containers are filled with everything from black beans and sea salt,<br />
to tea bags and Spanish moss.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iyIhMk-akB4/Um_FHyeuDZI/AAAAAAAABvQ/u3X4FChqBDc/s1600/%252712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iyIhMk-akB4/Um_FHyeuDZI/AAAAAAAABvQ/u3X4FChqBDc/s640/%252712.jpg" width="484" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cut up some cheese cloth, dip it in some tea, then hang it on the light fixture of your choice. Perfect to hang a hidden sound activated dropping spider, wa, ha, ha!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W13vN6niFm4/Um_FI9xamoI/AAAAAAAABvY/pCwIFAy8HjU/s1600/%252712+food+spread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="484" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W13vN6niFm4/Um_FI9xamoI/AAAAAAAABvY/pCwIFAy8HjU/s640/%252712+food+spread.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We served all our favorite foods from parties past.</td></tr>
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<u>The Haunted Mansion Room</u></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dh7KtKXChnQ/Um_E8-xnV1I/AAAAAAAABuI/GmftXK9GKfA/s1600/%252712+portrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dh7KtKXChnQ/Um_E8-xnV1I/AAAAAAAABuI/GmftXK9GKfA/s400/%252712+portrait.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">who could forget this lovely lady from our earlier Haunted Mansion tour?</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8uo7wqDTxbE/Um_E9xqw91I/AAAAAAAABuQ/dPZBLoMlVRU/s1600/%252712+silhouette+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8uo7wqDTxbE/Um_E9xqw91I/AAAAAAAABuQ/dPZBLoMlVRU/s640/%252712+silhouette+wall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BW_mrg2huL0/Um_FIl_qufI/AAAAAAAABvU/7uegITCEHLc/s1600/%252712+fireplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BW_mrg2huL0/Um_FIl_qufI/AAAAAAAABvU/7uegITCEHLc/s640/%252712+fireplace.jpg" width="484" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love using black to tulle to decorate with for Halloween! In this room I paired it with lavender organza I had in storage from Rob and I's wedding reception.<br />
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<u>A Parade of Past Costumes</u></div>
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Who better to attend a Crockett Halloween party than Davy Crockett....uhh, with his wife Captain Jack Sparrow? </div>
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Rob and I reprized our much loved couples costume </div>
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as Mary Poppins and Burt.</div>
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Thus concludes our Halloween Parties Past Memorial Posts....</div>
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Happy Haunting Everyone!</div>
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Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13555905837098121654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950481719338768699.post-2907798016062793442013-10-22T21:33:00.001-06:002013-10-24T07:14:56.393-06:00Halloween Parties Past - Part 22012 - A Visit to Disneyland's Haunted Mansion<br />
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In 2012 My brother and sister in-law had planned to take their kids on a trip down to Disneyland, to enjoy the magic kingdom's Halloween festivities. When my brother in-law suddenly lost his job they made the tough decision to cancel their much anticipated trip and use the extra money to help sustain them through this rough time. As you might expect, their kids were very disappointed. They understood the reason, but still, very disappointed. My heart ached for their kids; they didn't whine or complain about it and perhaps that's why my heart hurt for them so badly.<br />
I grew up in Southern California, and for that matter Disneyland. My father was employed there, and so for us it was normal to meet my father at work, then play at "the park" (Disneyland) for a couple hours after ward. One year our family was featured on the cover of the 30th Birthday issue of Disneyland magazine.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tueDOM5m8dM/UmSd_uP5gNI/AAAAAAAABp0/4E-SPcr6QeI/s1600/323_27102016748_9335_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tueDOM5m8dM/UmSd_uP5gNI/AAAAAAAABp0/4E-SPcr6QeI/s640/323_27102016748_9335_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm the kids on the far left with the mushroom haircut and bad posture. I remember that day.....the park was closed to the public and we were the ONLY ones there. My baby sister, Melissa was too little to be in the picture so for part of the photo shoot Minnie Mouse sat with her in the shade and fanned her.</td></tr>
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The 2012 Crockett Family Halloween party was the perfect opportunity to put my knowledge and love for the magic kingdom to good use. If my nieces and nephew couldn't go to Disneyland, maybe I could bring a part of Disneyland to them. In particular the Haunted Mansion. I immediately put my imaginary imagineer hat on and got to work - getting ready for Grimm Grinning Ghosts to come out and socialize is a serious task.<br />
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Without further adieu, "Welcome foolish mortals to the Haunted Mansion..." Kindly enter and proceed to the dead center of the room. "We have 999 happy haunts, but there's always room for one more. Any volunteers?"<br />
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The Grand Haunted Mansion Entrance. </div>
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The Lord and Lady of the Mansion, Master Robert and Lady Christy</div>
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My biggest undertaking? Singing busts.....you know the famous singing heads from the ride? So I gathered oatmeal cans from my neighbors, several cans of spray insulation foam, poster board, paper mache supplies, and plaster. My brother tracked down a video of the exact Barber shop busts from the ride, to project via a projector....thank you ebay. And, here they are....<br />
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You can't have a proper haunted mansion without a stretching portrait. And, this portrait happens to be my favorite one from the ride. It was time to get out my paints and brushes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cbVNCaAspnE/Umc26pXFgbI/AAAAAAAABq8/JyLgvRyQskY/s1600/%252711+portrait1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cbVNCaAspnE/Umc26pXFgbI/AAAAAAAABq8/JyLgvRyQskY/s400/%252711+portrait1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you look closely, on the table there is a framed needlepoint from the ride which reads "Tomb Sweet Tomb".</td></tr>
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"is this room actually stretching or is it just your imagination?"<br />
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We had to have more than one creepy portrait.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bvua0Qkz2Io/Umc4b9huDII/AAAAAAAABrc/kjrXPfGBjyI/s1600/%252711+3ladies+protrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bvua0Qkz2Io/Umc4b9huDII/AAAAAAAABrc/kjrXPfGBjyI/s640/%252711+3ladies+protrait.jpg" width="502" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Through out the ride at Disneyland there are hidden Mickey's. Can, you find one of ours in the portrait?</td></tr>
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I transformed this painting (that normally hangs in the house) with an overlay of vellum, then sketched on the vellum with charcoal to make the three ladies less pretty and more creepy.<br />
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We had a Bayou themed Buffet: Monte Cristo Sandwich's (Disneylands very own recipe), Beignets, Shrimp with cocktail sauce, and Deviled eggs. Oh, and we can't forget the crickets....real ones, sour cream and onion flavor, courtesy of our corner gas station.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My brother and sister in-law are good sports. Since he had recently lost his job they came as homeless people.</td></tr>
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This concludes our tour. </div>
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"Hurry back. Hurry back....be sure to bring your death certificate"</div>
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When each guest left the party, they left with their very own death certificate. Print one of your very own at <a href="http://www.doombuggies.com/media_death_certificate.php" target="_blank">doombuggies.com</a></div>
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<br />Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13555905837098121654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950481719338768699.post-78598794279200456722013-10-19T20:03:00.001-06:002013-10-20T22:20:38.143-06:00Halloween Parties Past - Part 1Sadly, but this year will be the void of the Crockett annual Halloween party. I'm going through slight withdrawals that I'm not in the midst of a party planning frenzy. But, sometime we need to admit our limits and edit our lives accordingly. Hopefully I will make up for it with a 2014 Haunted Halloween Bash, and yes, the wheels are already turning in my head for said event 12 months from now.<br />
But for this year I decided it is the perfect opportunity to remember highlights from Halloween Parties Past.<br />
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2008(the first year) - Classic Halloween<br />
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There weren't many photos from our first party, it was a spur of the moment idea we had.....a way for everyone to parade in their costumes for Grammy and Grandpa. We did catch this classic picture of 3 little monsters<br />
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2009 - Welcome to Sleepy Hollow<br />
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This year probably stands out the most in everyone’s memory. Grandpa (the pro family story teller) retold the classic tale of Sleepy Hollow.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleopatra and Marc Athony make a visit to the Hollow</td></tr>
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The walls of the family room were covered with silhouettes of spooky Sleepy Hollow trees - which my pregnant (at the time) friend Breann painstakingly helped me cut out.<br />
As we sat in the "haunted forest" and the classic story of Sleepy Hollow drew to a close, we began to hear the thundering gallop of a horse over the sound system. Before we knew it the headless horsemen appeared in the backyard through the window. Wa-ha-ha! Pretty sure some of the kids might need therapy as a result of that event......totally WORTH IT!!!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shane Hardy the Best Headless Horseman that's ever spooked a party!</td></tr>
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The rest of the evening consisted of Twister, Bubblegum blowing contest, and the (now) traditional chugging contest.<br />
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Next post: 2011 - A Visit to the Haunted Mansion<br />
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13555905837098121654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950481719338768699.post-22432955294975320842013-10-19T09:47:00.001-06:002013-10-19T10:24:40.525-06:00Trick or Treaters Silhouette BannerHere is a quick and easy Halloween craft for ya. You can make it as fancy or as simple as you would like. I chose the simple route.<br />
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What you need:<br />
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<li>a printer</li>
<li>pages from an old book or other scrapbook paper of your choice</li>
<li>bias tape or other ribbon</li>
<li>the silhouette file from my blog (see bottom of post)</li>
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If you have chosen old book pages to print on, you will need to glue or tape them to an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper, make sure to trim any excess. This will make sure your pages are the right size for printing the graphic, and to insure they are heavy enough to make it through your printer without getting chewed up into a ball.<br />
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Simply print the graphic and cut them out along the lines. Then sew the bias tape (I had black bias tape on hand) or ribbon of your choice across the top. You could glue it instead, I chose to sew it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/177367178/Trick-or-Treat-or-s-Banner" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Trick or Treat or s Banner on Scribd">Trick or Treat or s Banner</a></div>
<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="undefined" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_28165" scrolling="no" src="//www.scribd.com/embeds/177367178/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13555905837098121654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950481719338768699.post-61252914204930150462013-10-02T17:26:00.002-06:002013-10-03T16:19:11.520-06:00Conjuring Up $3 Witch HatIt's that time of year again.....time to hall out the orange and black plastic bins and spook the halls. If you are anything like me, it doesn't matter how much your Halloween bins bulge with freakish delights, you still have to make a new craft to add to your collection.<br />
This afternoon I picked up a black sheet of poster board, a couple sheets of scrapbook paper, plugged in my glue gun and conjured up a $3 witch hat.<br />
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First I cut the pieces out to make the hat out of black poster board. I wish I had a template for ya....if you go on pinterest there should be a couple DIY's to help you figure it out. Next I covered the pieces of the hat (prior to assembling) with scrapbook paper using a good old glue stick. Then is was time to assemble the hat and give it some pizazz. I found the cutest polka dot crepe paper at Hobby Lobby that I used for the trim.....polka dots make me happy. It's even fun to just say "polka dot" :) The little froggy graphic is from, where else - <a href="http://thegraphicsfairy.com/cute-vintage-frog-image/" target="_blank">The Graphics Fairy</a>. Everything else is just extra trims and ribbons I had hanging around my craft room. I think it's rather cute :)<br />
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Now I call that 3 bucks well spent!Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13555905837098121654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950481719338768699.post-57392018955638160082013-09-09T13:15:00.001-06:002013-09-09T13:15:38.453-06:00Faux Planked WallSo, I apologize for falling off the blogging grid for a while, life got in the way. But, I am back with a long over due post explaining how I did the planked wall in my newly spruced up half bath/laundry room.<br />
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I knew I wanted a little architectural detail on the "mudroom" wall in the bathroom. Oh, sure I had grand ideas of the possible changes I could make to the wall if my financial resources were boundless. But I needed an idea that was inexpensive. I liked the idea of a planked wall, but after pricing out the lumber to do it I knew I could find a more economical option.<br />
Enter this blog post I came across <a href="http://www.takethesidestreet.com/2012/06/diy-masonite-faux-paneled-wall.html?m=1" target="_blank">DIY masonite faux paneled wall</a> . This lovely lady figured out the whole thing for me. Thus freeing up my brain to figure out more important things, like how spaghetti sauce got splattered up on my cathedral kitchen ceiling......<br />
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Anyway......So I headed over to Lowes and had them cut a sheet of Hard board panelling ( aprox. $9, located near the bead board panelling) into 6" wide lengths. They are so nice at Lowes and I love how they don't have a limit on the number of cuts they will do for you. Then I went home and got to work.<br />
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Here are a few added tips for you.<br />
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#1 Paint the wall behind the planks before - It's a real bear to paint in between the planks once they're up. Save yourself the headache and do it before.<br />
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#2 Do sand and prime the planks - once again before you nail them up sand and prime them first. They will look that much more polished. Don't follow my bad example.<br />
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#3 Find the studs - locate and mark the studs on the wall so you can nail the planks to something with more grab than just drywall.<br />
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#4 Glue it and screw it - or in this case glue it and nail it. Be sure to apply some liquid nails specifically for panelling to each plank in addition to nailing them up.<br />
This will ensure that you won't have any bowing or gaps.<br />
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#5 Popsicle stick spacers - I wanted a little bit of a separation between each plank. So, I went in the backyard and picked up all the Popsicle sticks my children neglected to throw away once they were done eating their Popsicles and voila, free spacers.<br />
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In total the wall cost me around $20.....not bad eh?<br />
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Ahh, my clutter is so much prettier now.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13555905837098121654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950481719338768699.post-80292082647463704812013-07-20T08:52:00.000-06:002013-07-20T08:52:28.830-06:00Making Room for WinstonIn approximately 3 more weeks I will be an Auntie once more. My sister, Melissa is expecting her third little bundle of joy......baby Winston will be joining the family and the Nursery is ready and waiting for him. Here is a itty bitty photo tour of his, soon to be, new digs.<br />
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Thanks for sharing sis!Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13555905837098121654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950481719338768699.post-66353103913716764002013-07-18T10:19:00.003-06:002013-07-18T10:22:02.766-06:00Pumpkin TrellisNothing gets me in the Autumnal spirit like picking sugar pumpkins (the pumpkins for pie making) from my garden......fresh pumpkin pie, soup, bread, cookies, and don't forget decorating :) .<br />
In years past the pumpkin vines have gotten so wild that it's like walking through a mine field to get from one end of the garden to the other.<br />
This year I thought I'd try to grow my pumpkins up rather than out. And that is what inspired my little Mother/Son (thought I we could begin working on my son's Wood Working Merit Badge for Scouts) building project, a pumpkin trellis.<br />
The pumpkin plant seems to love it so far, though you do need to guide them in their growth initially.<br />
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I used 1x2 for the entire trellis<br />
Here is the link to instructions I found online: <a href="http://athomeinthenorthwestblog.com/2012/04/garden-trellis-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Garden Trellis Tutorial</a><br />
I liked this plan because it has the ability to lay flat for storage in non gardening months.<br />
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Total Cost to build : $6<br />
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I think it looks rather cute and my scout apprentice still has all ten fingers :)Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13555905837098121654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950481719338768699.post-2226095930732806912013-07-15T11:34:00.002-06:002013-07-15T11:34:52.328-06:00Deep Thoughts in the Bathroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I was redoing the half bath I knew I wanted some sort of gallery wall collection to wrap the corner were the toilet sits. What to frame in that collection - I hadn't a clue.<br />
One day while sitting at the computer I came across a file full of all my favorite quotes and sayings. It hit me.....rather than spreading those quotes throughout the house why not make a quote wall? No need for magazines while your using the "facilities" just read the wall.<br />
Five of the large frames I already had on hand. For all the other frames and mats I hit a nearby Dollar Tree store. Lucky for me we have, what I like to call, a Dollar Tree Mega store in the nearby city of Orem. There are oodles of frames and mats to choose from. It is my all a dollar happy place.<br />
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Next the quotes....I wanted some to be inspiring but what's life without a little laughter?<br />
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So I have everthing from...<br />
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.....for all you Back to the Future fan, like my husband.<br />
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On the adjacent wall I included an autographed program from a play my husband recently did and for a little inspiration......<br />
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Are you ready? Here comes my favorite part....<br />
Because the wall of frames behind the toilet is reflected in the mirror above the sink. Nicola and I had the cheeky idea of printing one quote in mirror image.....you know so you can only read it when your looking in the mirror. Our quote of choice is a favorite from one of the best movies EVER...While You Were Sleeping. Can you decipher what it says?<br />
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We thought it was the perfect quote to read whilst sitting upon the throne :) If you couldn't crack the code come on by and sit a spell in the loo. But Nicola says to B.Y.O.A. (Bring Your Own Air freshener).<br />
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<br />Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13555905837098121654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950481719338768699.post-141634389614288182013-07-14T16:48:00.000-06:002013-09-09T13:21:41.909-06:00Half Bath/Laundry Room FaceliftTwo months ago I was sitting in my half bath, uhh, "contemplating life" when I looked around and thought, "Blech! Surely we can do better than this". It is the designated bathroom for guests after all and it was high time it be elevated to guest bathroom status. <br />
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BORING!! To be fair this was after I had started ripping things off the walls.<br />
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Because our half bath also serves as a pretend mudroom I was going to have to put on my organizational thinking cap to solve some of this clutter. <br />
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Here comes the money shot.....are you ready?<br />
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The gorgeous view into the laundry room, no wonder I hate to do laundry.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Design Concept: Eclectic Men's club feel with Industrial touches</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Since my sister Nicola had recently moved in with us she became my pretty and talented apprentice.</span></span><br />
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First step: Paint <br />
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We had the adventurous idea of navy blue. Before we knew it we were home from Lowes with about 50 paint chips in hand. We narrowed all the chips down to one and began painting a sample on the wall (as seen on the right wall in the photo) After living with the giant swatch on the wall for a couple days we came to the conclusion that it looked cheap and wee bit bright.<br />
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So we returned to our pile of paint chips in search of a blue with a little more grey and found the perfect color, Valspar Sapphire (seen on the left wall in the photo) Ahh, much better.<br />
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Second step.....ah heck let's just cut to the chase with the "after" photos. I'll fill you in on all the details of the project in another post.<br />
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Behold, my new view into my half bath and laundry room.<br />
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Because most of us have our deepest thoughts on the throne, I thought what a perfect place to display my favorite thoughts. Some are inspiring, some funny, and a couple to make you go hmmm. <a href="http://www.houseofnormandy.blogspot.com/2013/07/deep-thoughts-in-bathroom.html" target="_blank">Deep Thoughts in the Bathroom</a><br />
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The pretend mudroom wall reborn....<br />
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I kept the wall file holders for the kiddos school and homework information but tucked them behind the door. Then rehung the coat hooks farther apart and higher (to use some vertical space). Last it was off to Ikea for some baskets to contain the shoes that, in the past, seemed to spread all over the bathroom like weeds. By the way the awesome horizontal plank wall cost only 20 buckaroos. <a href="http://houseofnormandy.blogspot.com/2013/09/faux-planked-wall.html" target="_blank">Faux Planked Wall</a><br />
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I love my fancy mod podged gold tissue box. Two pieces of scrapbook paper + one unfinished wood tissue box (from hobby lobby) + mod podge = one hot lookin tissue box! </div>
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Now this laundry room I can do some serious washing in. I added a new wood counter top hoping to avoid a pile of clutter on the dryer.</div>
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After painting the laundry room I stood back an thought, "It needs something....". Thus the black window casing was born.</div>
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Let's be honest I would rather be thinking of London and Paris while I'm folding clothes.</div>
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The cabinets and hanging rod aren't knew (put those in about 3 years ago) but don't they look pretty with the blue wall? </div>
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I should just rename this bucket the Crayon and Lego bucket.....every laundry room needs one!<br />
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This is what is called an industrial touch :) and I made it all by myself. Go me, go me :)<br />
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Voila, the finished half bath and laundry room. Stay tuned for further posts about the details of the space.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13555905837098121654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950481719338768699.post-62290788442204690612013-06-15T14:12:00.002-06:002013-06-15T14:12:39.408-06:00Painted PlatesA couple months ago I saw Anthropologie had these adorable doily dessert plates on their website (24 bucks each) and I was instantly inspired.<br />
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So, I headed off to my local thrift store (D.I.) and picked up one clear glass plate for $1. A couple weeks earlier I had scored a free cheapo ugly doily from a yard sale but, sometimes you can find them at the dollar store too. I took the doily and wrapped it around the back side of the plate.<br />
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I pulled the doily a little tight, wrapped the excess around to the front of the plate, and secured it with tape.</div>
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Next I laid the plate face down and misted it with the color spray paint of my choice (Krylon-Catalina Mist). It took several light coats. When the plate had dried I removed the doily and....panicked! It looked horrible.......I decided it wasn't quite finished. I once again turned the plate face down (this time minus the doily) and sprayed it with a layer of white spray paint. Are you dying with anticipation to see the final result?</div>
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Yeah, it isn't exactly like the Athropologie version but I love it! It almost has a watery ikat feel to it. And, since all the paint is on the back side you can still eat off it! I don't know how well it washes ....it's so purdy. </div>
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After the plate I couldn't help my self, and I made over a .75 cent bowl from the thrift store as well. This time solid apple green spray paint with a layer of Catalina blue to finish it off (once again on the back side....food approved). </div>
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You could make a whole set! Next....there going up on the wall......</div>
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Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13555905837098121654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950481719338768699.post-84432319504777088262013-05-23T19:38:00.001-06:002013-05-23T20:28:19.095-06:00PerspecitveLife is all about perspective....right?<br />
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This afternoon the 4 boys were playing with friends. My two year old daughter, by some miracle of heaven, was actually taking a nap in her bed (lately she thinks she is too old for naps). I had a few minutes of alone time.....ahhhhh.<br />
So I grabbed my garden clippers and imagined I was a lady of a stately manor in the English countryside with nothing better to do than cut a bouquet of blooming flowers from my garden.<br />
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Such a beautiful little bouquet of snowball blossoms.....let me stand back and admire them....<br />
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They look perfect on my tidy newly dusted little tea cart next to pictures of my loving children. Now, I think I'll grab a spot of tea, sit next to the sunny window, and contemplate how perfect my life is......<br />
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or appears to be.<br />
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Oh, wait.....<br />
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I forgot there was a load of laundry to fold. I should give the maid a stern talking to about letting such things linger in my sight....wait, I am the maid.<br />
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Shoot there's that darn shipping box I need to throw away. And the mop.....can't forget to mop before the Lord of the manor (my husband) gets home from his business trip.<br />
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But before I mop I should probably move those throw pillows....you know the ones my daughter decided to "throw" on the floor.<br />
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Oh, no! Call the inspector....somebody seems to have bled severely on my rug!<br />
Turns out it was just evidence that my son dropped his ketchup covered hotdog on the floor.....in a "no food zone" I might add. Tisk, tisk.<br />
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Remember when I said, life is all about perspective? I need to remember this...<br />
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to get through the daily grind of.....<br />
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......that. Cause there can be beauty even in the most chaotic life. You just have to focus on it with the right "perspective" :)<br />
<br />Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13555905837098121654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950481719338768699.post-35437549498606058632013-05-21T18:40:00.001-06:002013-05-21T19:45:05.937-06:00The Bearded Iris' are Ready for Their Close UpI'm the kind of girl that loves to play in the dirt. I can't remember people names, but I can recall paint colors and plant names at the drop of a hat. I also move plants around like they are pieces of furniture....it used to drive my husband nuts, now he just grins and says "looks good". I don't profess to be a professional gardener. I learn as I go and love to try new things, like most of you. But gardening is one of my first loves.<br />
A few years ago my mom gave me my first Bearded Iris plant for my birthday. Since then I have divided it three times and now I have Iris' scattered through out my backyard. Iris' do need to be divided every 3 years. A crowded Iris is a crabby Iris and they won't bloom if overcrowded<br />
*Tip: once you have divided and transplanted and Iris it takes one full year in its new home before it will bloom.....usually.<br />
After a transition year my Iris' are ready for their close up.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DpG1ZJAfPB4/UZwRdRnfnvI/AAAAAAAABeo/Q3HjO-DSWaI/s1600/DSCN0412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="622" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DpG1ZJAfPB4/UZwRdRnfnvI/AAAAAAAABeo/Q3HjO-DSWaI/s640/DSCN0412.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the Blue Stuccoto variety of Bearded Iris. You can see my little Snowball bush<br />
peaking through in the background. That little bush has grown from a transplanted<br />
starter off our original Snow ball bush in the front yard. But that is a different<br />
post for another time.</td></tr>
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This year I also found this awesome recipe, via pinterest, for homemade Bearded Iris fertilizer:<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #674ea7;">Bearded Iris Fertilizer</span></u></b><br />
2 tbsp. molasses <br />
3 cups water <br />
Large pitcher <br />
1 tsp. powdered seaweed ( I found dried seaweed on the Asian aisle and chopped it in the food processor)<br />
1 tbsp. Epsom salts <br />
Large watering can or empty gallon milk jug<br />
1 gallon water<br />
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Step 1: <br />
Pour 2 tbsp. of molasses, and 3 cups of water in a large pitcher. Stir until combined.<br />
Step 2: <br />
Add 1 tsp. of powdered seaweed, and 1 tbsp.
of Epsom salts to your large pitcher. Stir until combined.<br />
Step 3: <br />
Transfer your concentrated homemade bearded iris fertilizer to a large watering can.<br />
Step 4: <br />
Add a gallon of water to the concentrated homemade bearded iris fertilizer and mix one final time.<br />
Step 5: <br />
Pour the fertilizer over in the soil around the bearded irises. Do
this at night when the sun goes down so your bearded iris plants don't
get sunburn.<br />
<b>Tips:</b> <br />
Repeat using the homemade fertilizer once each spring, when leaves begin to emerge on the plant.<br />
<br />
You can add 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar only if your soil turns out to be
alkaline. You will have to perform a soil test before you ad this to the
homemade fertilizer.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13555905837098121654noreply@blogger.com0